Designer: Lisa Zador
Location: West Village, Manhattan
Size: 400 square foot, two-bedroom
Years Lived In:: 20
Lisa has grown into the person she is today — over the past 20 years — in the same apartment. While it started out as a cramped share amongst college friends, replete with milk crates and plywood desks, it started to mature when Lisa took over the lease.
Once Lisa's name stood alone on the doorbell, she had transformed this apartment into an artist studio, a bastion of things past, and her home. In addition to inheriting a lot of furniture from her parents, she scoured eBay and thrift shops to acquire accessories that would remind her of her childhood and the home in which she grew up.
Lisa loves animals. She paints them for a living and she has them as pets. She's even developed a relationship with a select group of the neighborhood's pigeons and squirrels that know they can always visit Lisa's fire escape to hang out and partake in a good meal.
Living in the same apartment for over two decades, with a tendency to collect, can be a challenge in a small apartment! Lisa knows she has to do the occasional sweep and to try her best to let go of some stuff. It's not easy, but she keeps at it. In the meantime, she loves that guests feel inspired to "come over, put their feet up and smoke a cigar" in her Dickensian living room.
Apartment Therapy Survey
Style: Well the kitchen definitely has a 1950's feel which I find very cheery. I have put mostly needlepoints on the walls (that I design and execute) that give it a nice old fashioned look. The living room on the other hand is more like something you would find in a Dickens novel or a Sherlock Holmes story, lots of velvet, fringe, paintings and old clocks.
Inspiration: I think I have tried to re-create the cozy and inviting feel of my family house when I was growing up. Lots of pillows and lamps to create an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. I also love collecting vintage things such as clocks and cameras. Many of these show up in my paintings which helps me justify buying more.
Favorite Element: It is most likely my antique secretary desk which once belonged to my Grandfather. He seemed very stern to us as children so his desk was full of mystery and strictly off limits. I was always fascinated by all the little drawers and nooks which are now filled with old ink bottles and fountain pens.
Biggest Challenge: Space. I've accumulated a lot of treasures over the years and am rapidly running out of space to put them. I also don't have much closet space. The one real closet is in the studio so I have to be cautious when dressing not to be too near the fresh oil paint! I built two lofts in the hallway to store paintings and Christmas decorations which helps.
What Friends Say: I think they would say that my home is welcoming and comfortable. It always feels good to see someone kick off their shoes and stretch out on the couch (usually with my dog Bingo on their lap). I take that as a compliment.
Biggest Embarrassment: That would probably be my shelves full of old video tapes! I know I should just throw them all out but I haven't been able to bring myself to actually do it. At least I finally got rid of all my old cassette tapes...
Proudest DIY: Building the custom bookcase to fit in the alcove next to the fireplace. My father was still alive when I built it and talked me through a lot of it over the phone. It is still standing after many years which makes me proud.
Biggest Indulgence: My Dutailier rocking chair/glider. I love rocking chairs and at one point actually had three in this little apartment. I had always wanted a glider but generally found them to be so overly padded and poorly designed. I spent a long time searching for one that had a vintage feel with sleek, simple lines.
Best Advice: Your home is an extension of your self. It should show your personality and not necessarily adhere to a strict style.
Dream Source: I would go to Renovation Hardware for a new sofa or day bed. Their furniture is so solid and classic.
Resources:
LIVING ROOM
- • Dutailier (rocking chair)
• Jennifer Convertibles (couch)
BEDROOM
- • Vintage bed frame.
• The dresser I believe came from The Land of Nod. A baby dresser was all that fit in that space.
Thanks Lisa!
Images: Jill Slater
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This house made me smile - so personal, so true! - but my red pen is just itching to correct all the imperfections in the text...
How sweet! Full of personality and warmth. Very charming.
REALLY nice artwork, Lisa, and so refreshing to see something this personal and NOT mid-century modern. Great job organizing all that ....I wouldn't be able to breathe in the midst of so much stuff for long, but it sure does look like a cozy place to visit. I'd put my feet up !
The amount of collections and the way they are displayed is very charming. There are too many things for my own aesthetic but I can’t help being impressed by the way her personality shines through in her abode.
Believe it or not, she has my dream kitchen.
Same here, too much stuff for me but I'm glad AT gives voice to the whole spectrum, from clinical minimalism (IMO!) to Uber-collectibles.
AND yes, that's MY dream kitchen too! So jealous. I tried unsuccessfully for years to find furnishings like that and finally, when some Ikea cabinet doors were being closed out & on sale @ 75% off, changed my whole direction. We'll see how that goes! It's a challenge to combine their sleekness with my funky hand-built-in-the-depression architecture.
A true new yorker, lovely, thanks!
I love the teddy bear paintings. :)
I'd love to see a floor plan, because I don't know how 2 bedrooms fits in 400 square feet. Eeek!
Lisa has lots of things, however, there is a sense of order to all of them, which keeps the place from feeling overwhelming. Instead, it's charming and personal. I could see enjoying cooking in that kitchen, which looks huge by New York City standards, and has loads of character. I can also understand why guests would feel right at home -- it's a place that makes one want to get comfy and stay awhile.
mjs7640, I agree! Love the kitchen! And that teapot collection is is lovely too. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
Also my dream kitchen!! I have never seen a place so full of stuff that was so stylish at the same time. It is just amazing, really. I would also really love to have a floorplan of this place.
I found this tour incredibly INTERESTING. And that's a true, sincere compliment--chock full of life, art, books, and memories. I would feel so comfortable in your home--you just know each piece has a story!
And from one dog lover to another, Lisa, your portraits are so wonderful! I'm not sure I'd be able to afford an original Lisa Zabor, so I'll have to peruse Etsy for sure. :)
Love that kitchen (wish there were more photos of it!) and it's great to see artwork all over the walls. I hate blank walls that are barren of art and Lisa's made great use of all her wall space. Nice teapot & clock collections too. I'm a collector myself so I appreciate the organized clutter.
I love her artwork! Does she have a website?
Nevermind, found the link!
That kitchen is fantastic! So big! I can see why she kept this place, it's got great bones.
As an architectural designer, I'm always itching the see the floor plans of these rooms... 400 feet, 2 bedrooms... curious as to how this lays out - and a hallway - all not really 'readable' from the photos...
But that's a small commentary.
Love this house, intensely personal, focus on individuality and not 'design' per se. Very nice.
know im out-of-point, but that squirrel-painted from the first photo - TOO. CUTE. TOO CUTE !
SO charming. SO sweet. SO romantic. I especially love the kitchen. :)
I believed Mr. Peanut was real when he waved at people from the Peanut store in the 60's.
I love his portrait and the squirrels, and any animals wearing clothes. My kitchen is the same green and we have many things that are the same. Thanks for the tour. Really fun to see.
Thanks to everyone for their wonderful and kind comments. I will draw up a floor plan for you who were asking about it and post it on my blog by tomorrow: www.curiousportraits.wordpress.com
That top squirrel portrait makes my toes curl with delight.
I would definitely love to visit and check out all her interesting items. Too much going on for my taste but interesting nonetheless.
very sweet home. I love to see people's collections. Everything is so evocative and charming in your home. Lovely art too. Thank you.
is this really a 400 sq foot 2 bedroom? that kitchen alone is huge. but a very lovely apartment. i hate places that look stylish but are rather impersonal. this, on the other hand, is bubbling over with personality. every piece in here from furniture to art to color is saying something about the owner. i love it.
Love, love, love it!!!!! The kitchen, as many have pointed out, is splendid, featuring my favorite deco colour combination of pale green and deep red. I love the way that her charming paintings capture so precisely the aesthetic of her home (or vice versa).
It's hard to believe this is 400 sq ft and two bedrooms. The kitchen alone looks like more than 100 sq ft. I would love to see a floor plan. But I agree, it's a fabulous apartment.
I think I'm just not a collectible type of gal. All that stuff around just stresses me out.
But as an animal lover, I loved all your paintings.
Fantastic apartment! Digging all the animal portraits and loving your 50s style kitchen! This home has tons of personality, more house tours like this AT!
loved the portraits and over all feel, and - yes - the kitchen! a bit too much stuff for me, but it is a charming space
Ok its been a long hard day and quickly looking through some of the house tours and all brave and appreciate the tours but this is the anti Marshall's-TJmaxx interiors which I find so refreshing that I want to meet this woman.
Its just crazy and wonderful.
It reminds me of a book I own-
Sit!: The Dog Portraits of Thierry Poncelet
I love that this apartment deals with books as lifeblood rather than art statements. Looking forward to the floor plan - I've been wishing I could fit an upright piano somewhere into my 390 square feet.
This whole place is so loved and so lovely.
The animal portraits are lovely. This is one of my favourite tours - a beautiful home.
wonderful paintings, quite campy and at the same time what a draftsman (or should i say draftswoman) you are! i love seeing the homes of people who collect! some times posts on AT can seem too overly stylized and to be honest a bit forced. what a refreshing thing to see the walls covered in art, with no corner left unturned.
So lovely. It is a home that has been lived in, rather than styled. Nothing self-conscious or overplanned. Instead it just envelops you.
The kitchen is to die for. And I love the paintings. Especially the squirrels!
I recognize those dog portraits from The Well Bred Dog book! So nice to see the artist in residence. By the way, it's a delightful book!
Love it, especially the squirrel portraits! You have arranged everything so artfully right down to the last little detail. That's not an easy thing to do, especially when space is so limited.
ps - my sister got one of those vinyl-nosed teddy bears on the occasion of her birth in 1959. It was her favorite toy for many years, even after a dog chewed the nose up.
Not my style at all, but I can't help but love this one. Nice diversion from the over staged o.c.d. no one really lives that way tours. Thank you for sharing.
This is my kind of apartment. I love this one -- it feels real, in a very good way.
I am literally going to have nightmares tonight. The idea of living in 400sqft for 20 years?! I need a paper bag to breath into. Kudos for your unique style but I could never live with that much stuff in that little space.
You look really gorgeous, Lisa, and I'm loving that you put so much care and love into your place. This satyle, amount of dust-catchers, and clutter is anethema to me. Stuffed animals lined up? Collections of clocks & teapots...Arrgh! But I'm feeling the care here and dreaming of a larger space for you!
totally not my style, but i appreciate and love this all the same. you can see all the years of care, creativity and life that have gone into this place- it's so alive, and with so many details! i want to go hang out with lisa! :)
I can see why this style would be appealing to some, but the interior feels far too dark and there are far too many animal faces staring/smiling/smirking/pondering in my direction for me to feel comfortable and not a little creeped out.
I like the way her collections are organized, though. Lots of stuff to fit into small spaces!
This apartment felt as familiar as my grandmother's house (and with many of the same pieces that Granny had) when I walked into it and into a cherished friendship with Lisa over 20 years ago. Of course, there are a few more items now. Climbing those three flights above the most fabulous street in town is still a thrill, because every time I walk into this place, I look around and see what's new or what has been moved before the tea has even finished brewing. Old or new, the stuff looks like it has always been here, because it's so lovingly chosen and placed. And yes, the stories behind it never cease to delight. The smells of linseed oil and well-seasoned cast iron cookware instantly calm me. I've often wished the rest of the world could get a glimpse of the surroundings that influence her work and see where that genius finds inspiration. Lisa, thank you for all the years of gracious hospitality and a place to truly call home in the city. That you have supported yourself as an artist in the toughest town in the world and maintained the same home for over 20 years is testament to your mettle. I love you dearly!
I love this apartment. It is one of those spaces that tell a neverending story about it's owner. I love a space where you can't see it all in one visit. This space is filled with it's owners life. I have always lived in small downtown apartments filled with traditional furniture pieces that I use in unconventional ways. Some of my pieces have been with me for thrity years. A space filled with the you love is a joy and comfort.
Your apartment is adorable. I love your kitchen. Also love the paintings of the squirrels. So cute! Also love that you have huge windows. Thanks for sharing.
Yay, personal style. Fun, warm, perfect setting for an evening of wine and talk. Artists always create the best nests.
You should totally donate your video tapes to an artist and allow them to knit with them! I think that would be a perfect way to allow them to move on and you would appreciate the future use.
New Yawker? I feel like I just walked onto the set of "Amelie" Dispite the quisessentail American object, the feeling is so Parisian
LOVE this house tour, but i'm insane about the pet portraits! after visiting your website, lisa, i plan to look at your books, and to contact u re custom portraits...
How cool that you've lived there for 20 years. That is just cool.