apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Small Cool 2009: Patrick's Extraordinary Nature
Little Division #30

thumbs up

Who Lives Here: Two: My partner Jade and I (and our two kitties).
Location: Los Angeles, California
Size: 715 square feet

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home? What I really love about my home is the mod vibe I feel when I'm relaxing in my living room. It's not quite mid-century and it's not quite modern but it feels just right, especially with filled with friends klatching and sipping on cool cocktails.

Give Patrick a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!
 
 

What was one of the biggest challenges you faced in furnishing your small home? The biggest challenge I faced was creating something unique in a space that looked like every other plain jane apartment in LA. Using bold, contrasting colors with paint, wallpaper and furnishings and replacing some of the lighting with vintage fixtures I was able to disguise much of the ordinary nature of the apartment. I primarily sourced from vintage shops, family heirlooms, my travels and of course, necessary evil Ikea.


Give Patrick a THUMBS UP if you think this home belongs in the finals!
Thumbs Up Voting is only activated for 48 Hours — so don't delay!

room-board-banner09.jpg

Do you have a Small Cool Home? Enter Here by April 13th!

Comments (56)

i can't vote for this apt, Says thumbs up is closed but this is first i've seen of this place...

posted by Bridget212323 on April 14th 2009 at 3:13pm
view Bridget212323's profile

I'm having the same problem as Bridget212323.

posted by palindrome on April 14th 2009 at 3:15pm
view palindrome's profile

Gorgeous! I want to see more pics!

posted by jjibin on April 14th 2009 at 3:17pm
view jjibin's profile

I was able to thumbs-up it...

The colorways throughout the apartment make me so happy!

posted by FiatLex on April 14th 2009 at 3:28pm
view FiatLex's profile

i really love this. that green patterned rug in your living room is awesome. i love your vintage stuff.

posted by TNstyliegal on April 14th 2009 at 3:28pm
view TNstyliegal's profile

I think it's gorgeous!

posted by Nevis on April 14th 2009 at 3:33pm
view Nevis's profile

Where did you purchase this rug - and...what did they (or would you) call this pattern? I LOVE it. I've actually been looking around for a rug with this pattern...smaller...and perhaps in orange or brown. Hrm. I'd love to know where you got it. What a cute place!

posted by sistergray on April 14th 2009 at 3:34pm
view sistergray's profile

This is so much fun, lively, each room has a great style of things going on. Love this!

posted by LoriSF on April 14th 2009 at 3:37pm
view LoriSF's profile

Luckily I was able to give you a thumbs up. I love the kitchen.

posted by baileyb on April 14th 2009 at 3:48pm
view baileyb's profile

Sistergray, I'm not sure where Patrick's rug is from, but that pattern is often referred to as "Moroccan window".

posted by FiatLex on April 14th 2009 at 3:51pm
view FiatLex's profile

J'adore!

posted by Carder on April 14th 2009 at 3:56pm
view Carder's profile

LOVE the living room chairs, the color combo with the rest of the space is fabulous. WOW!

posted by Miss Jess on April 14th 2009 at 4:00pm
view Miss Jess's profile

It is SO not me but I like it. I gave you a thumbs up.

posted by FilthyMcNasty on April 14th 2009 at 4:01pm
view FilthyMcNasty's profile

Awesome! Definite thumbs up!

posted by suzy8track on April 14th 2009 at 4:15pm
view suzy8track's profile

This place is insane and great.

posted by Jordan Jennings on April 14th 2009 at 4:15pm
view Jordan Jennings's profile

way to go! your place is comfortable and guest-friendly. very stimultating without being cluttered or "staged". each piece is well appointed and interesting. congratulations and thanks for sharing!!

posted by attic on April 14th 2009 at 4:23pm
view attic's profile

Fabu!

With the exception of a couple of IKEA pieces - This could be a "What Decade Is This From?" post.

posted by bepsf on April 14th 2009 at 4:25pm
view bepsf's profile

i love the patterned rug too! please share where you scored it!

posted by sugarfish on April 14th 2009 at 4:30pm
view sugarfish's profile

This is a great space. What's the story behind the painting of the cat in uniform (which I now need)?

posted by Mlle Kate on April 14th 2009 at 4:30pm
view Mlle Kate's profile

hands down this is my absolute favorite space. love, love, love it.

posted by pedalpowered on April 14th 2009 at 4:35pm
view pedalpowered's profile

Kudos on your kitchen! The wallpaper and orange accents are just smashing.

posted by h144 on April 14th 2009 at 4:48pm
view h144's profile

it looks like the set of one of those early Columbo's episodes... this is a compliment :) full thumb up!

posted by plch on April 14th 2009 at 4:56pm
view plch's profile

I LOVE the green in the bedroom paired with the charcoal walls.

posted by Krissy B on April 14th 2009 at 5:27pm
view Krissy B's profile

I love your bold use of color in the living room especially and the stripes! Definite sense of humor to your place and looks inviting.

posted by Elizabeth II on April 14th 2009 at 5:32pm
view Elizabeth II's profile

This looks like Jonathan Adler designed it. And I mean that in the best way possible, so I hope you take it that way.

posted by Curtis on April 14th 2009 at 5:41pm
view Curtis's profile

Such strange and wonderful color combinations. I'd never think of them but I love them!

posted by Elizcrtv on April 14th 2009 at 6:05pm
view Elizcrtv's profile

Love your place!! The colour splashes, texture and pattern makes the place feels so warm! Esp love that cat artwork.. it's hilarious!

posted by HotforDesign on April 14th 2009 at 7:14pm
view HotforDesign's profile

Great place! Love the colors and I especially like the photo of your kitchen that seems to frame the lovely wallpaper with the red framed art...and the pretty cat is nice too... :)

posted by junklover on April 14th 2009 at 7:15pm
view junklover's profile

I almost think this apartment should be in another contest just devoted to clever and original decorating ideas. There's not too much "small cool" in the way of storage or usage of the space but WOW is there a lot of personality here. And I barely noticed the standard-issue apartment carpeting until I looked closer!

posted by sally305 on April 14th 2009 at 7:22pm
view sally305's profile

colorful and cozy.

posted by beanorama on April 14th 2009 at 9:10pm
view beanorama's profile

Can anyone tell me who did the cat portrait?

posted by rebeldress on April 14th 2009 at 11:05pm
view rebeldress's profile

This is one looks quite unique.

posted by hrhprincessfiona on April 15th 2009 at 7:01am
view hrhprincessfiona's profile

Thanks, Fiatlex. I'll google it. (:

posted by sistergray on April 15th 2009 at 10:59am
view sistergray's profile

So much here to love . . . the green accents in the living room and bedroom, the striped wall, the cat portrait, the wallpaper in the kitchen. Win!

posted by mary pat on April 15th 2009 at 11:31am
view mary pat's profile

Oooo, lovely! Love how this space just sings with personality and with wit and humor too.

I am, however, jealous of you having a fireplace and I don't and I just love how you managed to take this standard issue rental and elevated it to something magical and fun.

Love the color combinations and their execution here for you didn't go overboard like some people can when trying to use fun colors like kelly green with brown.

Nicely done in that vintage sort of way.

posted by ciddyguy on April 15th 2009 at 12:01pm
view ciddyguy's profile

LOVE! Fabulous use of color, texture, pattern. Bravo!

posted by limone34 on April 15th 2009 at 3:22pm
view limone34's profile

Thank you so much everyone for the very kind feedback!

The pattern on the rug is typically called arabesque and the rug itself is from the rug company. Best rug store EVER! Their prices aren't for the faint-of-heart but I've seen similar rugs in orange and brown at West Elm.

The cat painting is a vintage find, not signed so I have no idea who the artists is but I could not resist it. So cheeky!

Thanks Curtis! I take it as a total compliment - I only have love for JA.

posted by patrickediger on April 15th 2009 at 4:09pm
view patrickediger's profile

Extremely well designed with particular attention to all the right details! Way to go Patrick...

posted by wandr1 on April 15th 2009 at 4:48pm
view wandr1's profile

Tre chic... fantastique!

posted by cathyco on April 15th 2009 at 4:48pm
view cathyco's profile

Patrick - you have been influenced by the works of Florence Broadhurst - love the horses stampede cushions and wallpaper drop in the kitchen - thumbs up!!

posted by davidl123 on April 15th 2009 at 5:15pm
view davidl123's profile

Love it! You're amazingly talented and should totally win this contest!

posted by tothegatec8 on April 15th 2009 at 6:27pm
view tothegatec8's profile

This is great! I voted because of the colors. Also I was a big fan of the cat portrait.. Great job guys!

posted by AliXGonzalez on April 15th 2009 at 6:46pm
view AliXGonzalez's profile

Amazing! Looks way better in person :-D

posted by jedinerd on April 15th 2009 at 9:01pm
view jedinerd's profile

WOW! What a change a year makes. It looks absolutely fantastic Patrick. Wish we could see it in person. Great job

posted by thequeenandme on April 15th 2009 at 9:29pm
view thequeenandme's profile

This actually really groovy.

I think AT would be doing you a huge favour by changing the thumbnail photo, though. I wasn't going to click to check out your space because you really can't see the style in that photo.

posted by petethecat on April 15th 2009 at 10:21pm
view petethecat's profile

The wallpaper in your kitchen made me smile! So pretty!!!

posted by missjelisa on April 16th 2009 at 2:37am
view missjelisa's profile

THUMBS UP - Very LA… very FUN!! You just cannot help but SMILE, seeing this! Thanks!

posted by BlueAholic on April 16th 2009 at 6:01am
view BlueAholic's profile

Really fabulous Patrick, I knew your place would be inspired,
lovely, the decadent green is very striking ,
thanks for sharing,
L

posted by neobaroque2 on April 16th 2009 at 10:48am
view neobaroque2's profile

Hey Cousin,
You've got my vote. Want you to come on back and fix me up again so my place can look as good as yours! We always knew you had style!
Ali

posted by AliOma on April 16th 2009 at 2:19pm
view AliOma's profile

Patrick: Really nice work. Everything looks sharp and inviting.

posted by MOONMULLINS on April 16th 2009 at 5:43pm
view MOONMULLINS's profile

finger's crossed

posted by cathyco on April 21st 2009 at 3:39pm
view cathyco's profile

What a no brainer! love it :)

posted by AashKosh on April 21st 2009 at 6:09pm
view AashKosh's profile

love the feel of this place. You did a great job with the contrasting colors.

posted by chicagirl on April 23rd 2009 at 9:32pm
view chicagirl's profile

Carpet just belongs in bedrooms! Love your space, good luck!

posted by donnar on April 24th 2009 at 12:51pm
view donnar's profile

Not my style, however it´s a great space! A place for cool cocktails and Sinatra music.
The bedroom is amazing, incredible colors and textures. And the kitchen wall too. Good luck!

posted by Gaby_S on April 25th 2009 at 9:01pm
view Gaby_S's profile

Love this. Your styling and many of your furnishings made me stop and wonder -- wait, is this 1969 or 2009? Thank you for sharing a creative home that looks assembled over time and with thought and personality. Too many homes on AT appear to sport furniture and decor purchased online in a single evening. Yours was refreshingly tantalizing.

Oh, and I have your cat's twin.

posted by Metheuse on May 25th 2009 at 11:59pm
view Metheuse's profile