apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Oooh, I like it. Where'd you get those barstools? Also, I thought you meant that you ripped your dog's claws out upon first reading. Glad to see you meant the flooring ;) It's beautiful, I think it's an instant finalist!

I am soooo loving those concrete floors! I love that even on a tight budget you managed to add so much style and texture!

One question (what or who) is that leaning against your counter?? Would love to see a clearer picture of the guy/gal!

love: the concrete floors, the bed nook, the open-ness...

not a fan of: the area rug sticking out of the back of the couch, the Zebra on the wall (it looks like the zoo exploded and the skin landed there all haphazardly. and believe me, i am not a skin-hater...i just think it would look better on the floor, or centered on a wall...), the material on the couch seems weird. and what in the world is that statue next to the dining area!?

the decor in general isnt my thing, but i dont entirely hate it. definitely seems like a "dude" space...

What a great use of space. Really gorgeous. LOVE the windows. I do agree that the odd corner of rug behind the couch needs to go... but all in all, gorgeous.

How exactly did you do your floors? Would love step by step instructions including the dying process. You did a great job.

You did a great jog again! A walkin office/home in that space. Wow!

Zebra on the wall this time... huh. ;)

zebra on the wall - yes, looking very 'exploded zoo'.
not a fan of that - or the rug behind the couch.

those are minor and easily altered - overall I'm still REALLY impressed - nice job! love the bed nook!

agree with goodnight dean, but looks fun to visit

Thanks for the comments so far. I always love to hear other peoples views on things, helps me step out of my own shoes once in a while.

Bluestar - the bar chairs are old Robin Day Polo Chairs I got off CL for a steal.

The Statue and Zebra hide were brought back from Africa by my grandparents in the 1950's. The statue has a really cool history behind it but more importantly it reminds me of gramps and all his great adventures. I placed it in front of the kitchen area as to divert my clients eyes away from the fact that there is a cooking space just feet away from where we are taking a meeting. They remember the crazy statue and not the microwave ;)

And to the Zebra Hide - its on the wall because its old. When it was on the floor, it was my dogs favorite place to lay, roll around, stretch etc... and he was wearing it down way too fast. Yes, I agree that it needs to be straighted and centered better. I temporarly moved its backend down when we were installing the curtains, and forgot to move it back before we returned the ladder we rented. But is on my to do list for sure.

The rug behind the couch usually doesn't stick out. The sofa is 4 modular pieces that I slide around when I have meetings, and I just didnt get it back in the right place for the pics. I should have "staged" things better!

The concrete floors were very easy and cost under $300 to do everything. When I pulled up the floor, they had used the wrong kind of adhesive that just didnt scrape up - thus the use of the grinder. After that, you just apply the stain, wait 24 hours, mop up with baking soda 3 times and then seal. If you are interested in more details on the staining process email me.

The 2 planters and the tall cart of reeds are all on wheels and I move them around depending on how I am using the space.

Keep the comments and ideas flowing! Thanks!

Nice job...Are you sure it's 640 square feet? It feels roomy. It's too bad you're at street level--a pad like that calls for nice penthouse-type views. I bet a you get a ton of people walking by during baseball games if you're downtown (I live in Downtown San Diego but on a second floor unit).

I'd put the Zebra on the floor and lose the white square.

OMG.. thats a REAL zebra? Ewwwwwwwww!

Great use of space! This is one of the few entries that I feel you could actually entertain more than 4 or 5 people comfortably in. And finally a place that isn't all mid-century modern furniture. The place feels big - you devoted most of the space to the living area and didnt waste a lot of space with a bedroom area. Wish I could do that in my place. I also like the storage boxes you put above the kitchen cabinets. Also, what are the things hanging on the wall by the w/d, storage cubbies? Damn, and you work out of there too?

Not a fan of the zebra skin but I do think the history behind it is really neat. I also love what you did with the bed! I would love to sleep there, it looks so cozy... just like the forts I used to build when I was a little kid :)

aside from the tiger on the wall, I really love this space

I would love more details on the floors, but don't know how to e-mail you. Is there an e-mail address? thanks

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I think we have a winner !

Out of all the entries thus far, yours is where I would choose to call home!

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suzygirl - sorry, I thought our names linked to our email addresses. My email is urbanlofts@gmail.com if you want some advice or steps on staining concrete.

Meltendo - were are near Little Italy and dont get much baseball traffic. Yes, I would love it if my studio was purched up at the top with views. But then it would cost 4 times more and I couldn't run my planning business out of it!

Urbanwannabe - the "things" on the wall at the front are little organizers. I hung six of them, they are a great place to organize mail and work stuff when I walk in the door.

Gorgeous! I think the history of the statue/skin is interesting. I mean, the zebra's been dead for 50 years, so what can you really do about it other than make the most of it?

I am sort of astonished by how little closet space there is, though. Are you a total minimalist or do you store stuff in a storage space? I'm always looking for inspiration, since I seem to have so much "stuff" even though I constantly pare it down.

I like. It has a great feel to it. I also noticed the lack of closet space.

Fiona - when we moved in there was only the one closet by the front door. To maximize space, I installed a floor to ceiling closet system from Ikea in the bedroom nook between the column and the wall. It was cheap but very effective. The system allows for two double hung racks for clothes with a two drawer cabinet suspended in the middle. I also took scrap wood from the countless construction sites surrounding me and built floor to ceiling shelves in the front closet and also on top of the w/d.

Instead of just using a normal dining table, we opted for an island with tons of storage below, not just for kitchen stuff but for lots of things. I put a big piece of glass on top of it that can be swiveled around when we want to seat four, or just hung over the edge when its just the two of us. The space under a dining table would have just been wasted space. I also put five bix storage boxes on top of the kitchen cabinets that hold tons of stuff that we only occasionaly use.

We also have three big shelving units that have doors on them, this allows us to stack as much in them as we can, without having to worry about what it looks like once the doors are shut.

My only advice is to look to maximize your current storage areas. Can you add shelves on top or below? Also, use organizational systems as they will allow you double the storage in the same amount of space.

This place is very inspiring! My partner and I have been considering a move to a live/work situation, but I've been hesitant to give up my "home" space. I think you've managed to do both very well, here. I agree with urbanwannabe's comments on entertaining, too. You give me hope that it is indeed possible to do everything in one space. :)

My only question is about the (what appears to be) single workstation. Do you both work out of the space? If you don't work together, does one person have to leave the apartment every time there's a meeting? Or hide in the bed nook? Please don't think I'm being critical! I'm just curious about how living in this space works.

Overall, it feels cool and soothing. Calming, really. The palate is dark (which I like), but that doesn't make the place seem busy or dirty. Beautiful, beautiful...

BEAUTIFUL!!!! In fact, I know and have been in love with your space for a while. I work in downtown San Diego right around the corner from you and have passed your loft often.

Each time I have passed I have only gotten a peekaboo glimpse of the space inside. The interior is just as amazing as I had imagined. Next time I pass by I will feel more intimate with it's owners.

I see your dog in the window regularly and have often wondered how exquisite his life was.

FANTASTIC JOB!!!

Come on, no pics of the doggie? :) Great studio though, it really looks like you maximized the area you have. I like your explination for the kitchen island / eating area. Now I want to do that in my apartment. kudos!

Beca - There are actually two workstations. Either side of the work area has a matching red chair, its own bookcase and two herman miller scooter tables. For anyone looking for a great versitle table, find a used scooter table and replace the top with something that matches your place. They adjust in height, are easy to move around and are super stable. I use them for my keyboards, laptops, as side and drink tables and can even lower them and use them to eat at the sofa if we are feeling lazy. Keep an eye out for them on Ebay I scored mine for less than $45 each. But I digress...

As to the live/work situation, I highly recommend it to anyone. No commute, no paying double rent and I wont even get into the social, fiscal and ecological benefits. My S/O works a regular 9 to 5 so timing for meetings has never been an issue before. I am a huge advocate for live / work spaces, and with a few modifiactions any space can pull double duty. If you can find a space that works for you, go for it!

1271 - stop by and say hi sometime. The door is usually open!

Wow, what a great job! Your space looks wonderful, but I have to agree with some of the other people about the zebra skin on the wall. I would prefer to see an animal print area rug on the floor. The kitchen looks a little cold, but some color would help that. I agree that you can get some really good buys online on ebay and other furniture sites. All in all I thought your space was lovely. I think you have a winner!

What is that zebra skin doing on the wall

Great space. I love the big circular seating. Really conducive for conversations.

I like the idea of a counter vs. a dining room table but I just like my table too much to get rid of it!

And you have a plant in there!

(I am assuming that polishing the concrete floors creates alot of dust? I have concrete floors that need to be sealed again and I'm worried about the mess...).

Sorry to chime in so late - but that animal on our wall is gross. The picture actually scared me. It looks like something flew against a wall and got smashed.

Your place is way too gorgeous to have something dead on your wall (or floors for that matter). Take it down, get rid of it. I know, it's got sentimental value - it's from your grandfather. But it is not your grandfather and you have wonderful memories of him.

Your place is stunningly beautiful otherwise. If I can't convince you to take it down on g.p. then think about your business. When we have business associates in our home we have to exhibit the utmost in respect and sensitivity. Believe me you have had business people who have found it gross and just have been too kind to say so.

The floors are absolutely gorgeous, proving you are incredibly talented and creative. You can find something much more fitting for your wall.

I LIKE the zebra on the wall. Good originality and also more practical than walking on it. It's timelessly hip and a great artifact that should be cherished.

Sorry, folks, he amongst you who has not one leather shoe or belt in his closet, can cast the first stone.

would you like to sin
with elinor glyn
on a zebra skin?

or would you prefer
to err with her
on some other fur?

for that reason, zebra skin on the floor. great flat.

COOL BABY!!

Who did you use for concrete? I just used www.srmconcrete.com