apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Someday, AT needs to post a Photograph Your Apartment Like a Professional tutorial. My own Good Question photos had horrible, horrible lighting -- the North Carolina trailer people had lighting that didn't do their place justice -- and the lighting in this entry is making the photos impossible to figure out on my monitor.

Glimmers of color and cleverness poke through (definitely some elements that I like) -- but I'm going to abstain because I can't see it clearly enough to be sure what's going on in the sitting area.

The color choices of this entry are lively. Also, the fireplace area and balcony are very inviting.

Finally - someone at AT who's lived in their studio longer than I've been in mine!!! I'll be at 20 this June.

But you do have 220 square feet more.

I wonder if all of these should be on one main "contest" page...? It feels like the ones on the nyc page always garner more overall votes and comments than the ones on the LA page.

It could be the photographs, but this feels very crowded to me.

Um, I have that eiffel tower poster. Go ikea!

Many of the leading figures on the NY side don't even visit over here *sob*!

STOP YELLING AT ME!!!

okay - now that I've got that off my chest.

I agree with Wende - I'm having trouble getting a sense of this place from the photos.

It seems very cramped - do you need a bed and a futon? I would have one or the other. I love the fireplace though

I do find myself going to the main contest page to make sure I see all of the entries, but it is a little confusing.

Sorry more of us East-coasters aren't speaking up. Must be the jetlag.

Forget the Tower poster, I want the Eiffel Tower lamp!

Next Stop:eBay!

wow, lots of eiffel towers.

did i read that right? you've lived over your parents' garage for 23 years?

i'm speechless on just so many levels.

This is one that most reminds me of the book, "Tokyo: A Certain Style." Lots of stuff crammed in here, which may not follow a particular style philosophy, but I can glean some personality from the arrangement and collection of things and the choices made in decorating. The fireplace corner is cozy and fun. Fantastic bedspread. Other than that, the most impressive thing is, of course, that the entire space was built from scratch, DIY. Not many entries can say that.

I love the tile in the bathroom and the European feel I get fromt the first picture with the candles and tight feeling!

It does seem somewhat cramped and it seems that it would be hard to have company come over with such a cramped space

First to "nonameplease". Sorry it's odd that I still live above my parent's garage, but my mother is 84 with Alzheimers and I enjoy being with her daily and helping with her caretaking. Don't be so quick to judge others!
The Effel Tower lamp is from Target for those who were curious.
The comforter is Ralph Lauren Home from Ross and purchased for 20 bucks!
Please people, keep the personal jabs to yourselves, and thanks to the rest of you for showing a little decorum!
Filbert

You tell 'em Filbert! Though I don't think the comments ae intended to be mean-spirited. I know from experience that putting your personal space out there for everyone to see is way more nerve-racking than you think, so Kudos to you.

My favorite thing about this place is the long horizontal windows. What a cool idea. I bet you have a lot of light during the day.

Filbert,

Kudos to you! Alzheimer's is such a difficult disease (my grandfather had it) that I think it's wonderful that you are helping your mother. Not everyone can do that, even if they want to.

I'm impressed that you literally designed the space. And even the past winner of this contest (and all the amazing past finalists) got negative comments, guaranteed, so don't stress about it.

East coaster here.

I agree with Wende in that it's so hard to photograph small spaces! And, those people who have awesome photos have a leg up in so many ways.

I love seeing inside peoples' places, and I'm too chicken to share (for obvious reasons), so I am happy for those who do...

Filbert the space by your fireplace is so inviting. And, kudos for staying near your mom...Anyway, I think it's a sad statement on our culture when staying near your family is frowned upon, either stated or implied!

filbert, please accept my apology. i shouldn't have been so quick to judge; it's just so rare in this country. i do sympathize very much with what you're going through since i've had personal experience with that horrific disease. best of luck to you.

FILBERT REPLIES: I have a bed and a futon for two reasons. Beds are more comfortable for nightly sleeping, and the futon serves as a "guestroom" for my many out of town guests. Who wouldn't want a free bed only a 10 minute walk from our famous zoo?
Also, it's possible to have up to 6 dinner guests for a sit down dinner on my balcony. And here in San Diego I am able to enjoy the outdoors 365 days a year! On warm summer evenings I am able to turn my TV out towards the balcony and enjoy a good movie on DVD too. Life is good here in San Diego...
Filbert

This place is incredible. The 450 Sq/Feet the living area layout works well and is very inviting and comfortable. The kitchen area is very efficient; the living space is adequate for single person. The additional 90 Sq/Ft outdoor patio area is great for entertaining and makes this place truly exceptional.

Hi to all,
a really "great" small and cool place! Believe me, I have seen it!
Hello Filbert, greatings from Germany :-)
Tilo

Filbert,

Congrats. I wish more people realized that San Diego is quite a bit more expensive than New York when adjusted for median salary v. median housing cost. Most of my friends here live in dumps, not in La Jolla palaces. And good for you on taking care of the 'rents. I'm doing the same.

Tom

Filbert,

I have always thought that we italians had the best taste for fashion, furniture and food in the world .... but it's not like that!!!! ... your beautiful warm and rational studio simply destroyed my conviction, eh eh :-)
Congratulations!

Willie

Filbert,

It's great idea to convert a garage to studio. This place is incredible.

Wende, I'm with you on the problematic photos. I'm having trouble figuring it out.

My first thought was "Damn, with a futon in front of the fireplace like that who needs a tv?!" That's a nice spot there. I really like the long window over the bed and it looks like there's an interesting window in the kitchen as well. As a person who's dining room is outside in the garden and not entirely useable in the winter, I love that you can sit outside and watch a movie or have dinner with lots of friends. You've designed a great space!