oh my god .. its too heavy and cluttered .. just looking at the picture i have a feeling of suffocation !

I love to see when people really know their style well!

You've done a wonderful job at putting this together making comfy, personal living spaces and using every square inch of your home to your advantage.

Lorin,

I love your home. A very nice departure from so much MCM. It's nice to see warm and interesting traditional. Regarding your 'embarrassing' radiator facade, I actually made a skirted cover for my radiator, for next to nothing. While the style is very different than yours, I think it could be adapted for your home with more tailoring and an appropriately luxurious fabric:

http://onegrandhome.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/quick-radiator-cover/

AT has been applying feathers to my tickle place today.

I love that you completely own this space. Your fingerprints are evident throughout. Good for you.

Lorin definitely knows her style and was able to make it work. Even though it isn't a style I'd use in my home, I'd like to visit - there's a lot of personality in the space and it makes me happy to look at it. Hard to believe this is only 600 sq ft.

I dont know why the word "luxuriate" makes me smile ...but it does lol...

this home is cluttered but has SO much personality...I dig it :)

Wow Lorin, you have really done a wonderful job on your gorgeous home. Congrats!

My heart leapt with excitement when I saw that beautiful narrow fridge... I've been searching for a nice small fridge to complement our kitchen remodel but we only have about 21 inches of space for it. My heart then broke when I read that it was $4,000. Ohhhh dammmmn.

I'm flabbergasted - It's like a wee English Country house!
There are so many thoughtful and interesting details - I love it!

LOVE it. I'm no mid-century minimalist.

It's not my style, but I admire the clear-eyed vision behind this and all the careful, detailed work that went into making it happen. Brava!

Love it. Enough said.

Too busy and "stuffed with stuff" for my taste, but obviously this is an apartment filled with love and memories. I love how the personal style is boldly reflected and that the space is used to its fullest potential (I heart the fridge, too!).

Personally, to cut down on the chaos, I would opt for closed-front cabinets (as opposed to glass) to streamline the little kitchen and hang the pots/pans in order of size to give a sense of purpose.

what clever ways you found to hide your storage! i especially like the hidden closet in the library, apparently covered with the spines of books. it makes me think of secret passages:)

I AM a mod-century minimalist and I still love this! A ton of taste in such a tiny space.

wow. wow wow wow. this is obviously a well-loved home and the care you've shown it comes through quite clearly :)

Like other posters, this isn't my personal style either, but I absolutely love it--it really comes together and looks so much fun and cozy. You have a real knack for finding items that fit with this style. Beautiful.

I think bepsf nailed it with the "wee english country house" - it's so warm and cozy, I'm super impressed that you pulled off this look with only 600 sq ft. And all that artwork - wow!

I like it, but all I can think about is all the dust

Simply echoing many other comments. Wouldn't be my first choice for style. AT ALL!!!!! That said, WELL DONE! WELL DONE! WELL DONE! Your sense of your own style really comes through and gives this place a very comfortable feel. I too find it hard to believe it's only 600 sq feet! Very lovely.

I love it all..except for the taxidermy..creepy..

Wow! Not my personal taste, but such great use of space and the WIC is to die for! I am flirting with the idea of buying a smallish (650sq) apt fixer upper right now and you make me believe it's possible to do it!

the last "enter house tour" link- just above the A.T survey section- links to a different house tour, specifically, to: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/house-tours/maxime-house-tour-093390

This is why I love AT. I don't want to always see what would be close to my style or what I can easily pull together but to see homes like this.

This has been thoughtfully and very well decorated not easy to pull off. That is one jewel of a kitchen sink and backsplash tile.

*Blush* Okay, I officially have a crush on this studio. I keep looking at the pictures again and again. Had I not met my husband, this would be almost ideal for me.

I love your place. Love all the luxurious fabrics! You should be very proud of such a well put together space. But please tell me more about the hidden bookcase closet! How did you make it look like books? I see they're 3D and not that books wallpaper.

Absolutely lovely and completely charming. I can only imagine that you rush home at the end of your day just to walk in the door and smile. Love it!

Thanks for all the lovely compliments.

You can learn MORE about the apartment by visiting:

www.w9thstudio.com

Currently, it's for sale. So if you know anyone who'd be interested...

Oh, and Limeliteshines,
You're absolutely right-- Every time I walk in at the end of the day, I take one look and smile. All my tensions fade away... It's really a refuge.

Although it is quite possible I would promptly die if I had to live there, I love how much style this apartment has! Lorin obviously put a ton of hard work into making this her home, and it shows.

just add rainy day..a snow day..a fall NY day..ahhh heaven.

... This is what I want in my apartment! The style, the feel, the colors. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.

Classic. No matter your style preference this is a well-appointed, luxurious and beautifully designed space. The color palette is right on.

Not my style, either, but charming and well-designed. I think the books are too much for the small space, though.

So much books!!! I've never seen that amount of books in a small studio, and I think you did a wonderful job displaying them. 95% of me absolutely loves this place, the other 5% is buried under the clutter feel I am getting at the same time. Still, I think you did a wonderful job overall.

Awesome. I LOVE your backsplash tiles, especially. The only thing I can't get behind is the fake books in the library. And the taxidermy, but, well, it fits in so well with everything else it's a little hard to argue with, so I just hope those were antique finds and not animals specifically killed to add to the ambience.

Really, really great. And the taxidermy IS creepy, but in a good way.
Please more info on the trompe l'oil nook of books.

small space, big, big style.

Beautiful Job. That fridge should be marketed. Never outgrew my childhood fantasy of living in a castle. netflixed "The Ruling Class" last night and have been enjoying old "Avengers" for the fun sets and cars. More is more!

The False-Books Closet

I went to a church book sale and specifically selected amusing titles (okay, the most "amusing" I could get at 25 cents a piece)-- about 100-150 books.

Took a heavy-duty utility knife and carefully, painstakingly cut, 1/4 inch from the spine, into the cover of the book, all the way through every single page, through the back cover of the book, until all that was left was the spine with 1/4 inch of "pages".

Then I glued the spine down if it was loose, to the "back" of the pages. (The key is get books that are still "tight". Amazing how it all holds together).

Once all the spines were all cut, I arranged how I wanted them to look on the shelves, by color, thickness (width), and height. I made "shelves" on the doors of the closet with panel molding that matched the rest of the library. Painted the "shelves" (molding) and back of the shelves (doors) red.

Using Liquid Nails, I squirted a bead on the back of each spine and pressed them into place, setting them pretty firmly close together. Really VERY easy. The Liquid Nails REALLY holds. That's basically it.

Took the most time to cut all the spines. My hand would start to hurt and I'd have to quite. I think I made myself do ten a day. I'd advise one to be extremely careful when cutting. Use a SHARP blade (I think I changed blades EVERY day). Lay down a cutting surface (thick cardboard, a piece of wood, or tight, flat commercial carpet). Put your weight on the book with your left foot, book spine to the right, and cut with right hand along a thick, metal, straight edge. I use a steel graphic arts ruler 30" long, 2" wide and about 3/32" thick. You have to keep running the blade along the straightedge until it cuts through. Possibly, 50 times to get through a 300-400 page book.

This is NOT a project for the impatient. But then I could say the same thing about the entire apartment. For more info, see the website!

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have given me hope.

I just found out that I will be downsizing. Majorly. I'm a stuff-loving girl, and many of the sparse and modern studios featured on AT just make me feel sad! This gives me a brighter outlook- I can do this!

Kate,
You can find this fridge through Northland Corporation. They started out making refrigeration for ocean liners, yachts, fitted aircraft, etc...

There are a lot of custom options, and it's a built-in, so you have to custom fit it into your kitchen scheme. They own Marvel now, the world-class wine cooler company. I *think* you can even get it with half fridge/half freezer, half beverage/wine cooler... lots of different configs.

Also, amazingly, I think their prices may have come down a bit, whether because of economy, or their means of manufacture. They were actually available through the EXPO Design stores (Home Depot's high end franchise) for a while. Not sure if they still are... Check them out.

This is absolutely lovely--a perfect idea for me. I have a one-bedroom for the first time (was a studio gal for years), and, although I adore the amount of space, I'm not so fond of my inability to decorate it attractively (cozily; luxuriously). This house tour gives me the greatest ideas.

Love the mirror that pops out from behind a picture!

So often when people have vast vintage collections, their places tip over into looking like a shop.

Well done you for avoiding this pitfall. Loads and loads of stuff, but it still looks like a home.

I love it x 100000.

Delightful and truly "loverly" ... you are talented. Enjoyed this very much.

Re: the utterly fabulous book wall...I think cutting the books would have been SO much easier with a saw! A coping saw comes to mind because the blade is narrow and thin, but a hack saw or flush cut saw would probably work, too. Or a table saw and 10 minutes would do them all. Definitley worth all your painstaking effort though.

RE: NOT having it look like a shop

I learned from the best: Brideshead Revisited (the original TV masterpiece, of course). And I get refresher courses every time I screen Gosford Park. Well, okay. I did live part-time in London for a few years...

RE: Using a saw on the book spines

Tried and failed. Think lots of fuzzies, frays, and ragged edges. I tried the finest-toothed blades. Saw-toothed blades and paper don't seem to mix. (And since most of the old book covers are "linen", you've got cross-threads, i.e. no grain. Think about it.) Wanted to cry after ruining 3 books. But you're free to give it a go...

This place rules my life. When can I move in?

Absolutely divine apartment. You did a marvelous job. Kudos to you. I bet it breaks your heart to have to sell it. Such a wonderful home. I love that your "book shelf" closet is a complete DIY project. For any of you thinking of doing this, try your local print shop. They have large cutting machines designed to cut very thick stacks of paper cleanly. For a few dollars, and less than 20 minutes, they can cut all your books.

Lorin, awesome place. You should be very proud.

What fun! So many of the apartments on here though beautiful, I find to be (dare I say it?) very same-y and this is a refreshing change.

p.s. And as a Londoner, I can tell you you've hit the nail on the head capturing the style of a trad Knightsbridge/Chelsea flat. (..though your kitchen is far too beautiful and well designed compared to those in most of the London flats I've lived in!)

Just another reader who LOVES this apartment. What a great job. Notable that you have li9ved there for 9 years. An apartment olike this does not get decorated quickly. Great job.

The mock bookshelf is the greatest thing I've ever seen. When I saw it closed I thought, "Geez, those books sure are crammed in there." Then to discover it's a false bookshelf and actually storage made my week! I love the English style. Perfect expression of who the owner is!

I'm more into MCM but I love this place. It makes me feel snuggly. The only drawback that I can see is that it's definitely not conducive to male company. I think most men would be terrified of that place. But otherwise I think it's absolutely fantastic and I hope you plan on selling it furnished because I don't think anyone else in the world could create the same vibe on their own, even with the basic design/features already in place.

I really admire Lorin's creativity and style - but I would go crazy living in a place with this much going on! Good for her though - this apartment obviously succeeds in what it is trying to do.

$519K $768/month for maintenance? Thank God I no longer want to live in New York!

I'm really loving the amount of art fit into such a small space! What a nice collection.
But, I admit I had to take a deep breath when I saw the prints in the bathroom. I'm assuming, as someone with a decent sized art collection, that you know the perils of hanging works on paper in that space! So, maybe they weren't valuable to begin with...(because they certainly won't be after years of bathroom moisture).
Anyway, that issue aside, what a great house tour...so much fun.

What a delightful, elegant, thoughtful and cheeky home! When people mention clutter, I am confused. There is no clutter at all in this space. Clutter equals chaos, the inability to make decisions and an overwhelming amount of books, clothing, papers, etc. This home is the opposite of cluttered, it is highly designed to be efficient and space conscious with a place for each item. Every corner is loved and certainly not neglected. Well done, Lorin, and good luck with the sale!
Cheers,
Jeni
www.cluttercowgirl.com

This is the first HT that I've been though every picture. I usually just look at the thumbnails but I LOVE AND ADORE your space. You did an amazing job!

RE: "... not conducive to male company. I think most men would be terrified of that place."

Actually, men are CRAZY about it. Every male human that has ever been here, remarks on and on about how they love it. They esp. find the color scheme appealing.

RE: Clutter

Check out my website for more photos. I don't know how to explain, but when you are IN the space, it does not feel cluttered at all. It is a technique that I call "the fitted room." Very organic, as though it's the very structure with the texture and the detail. UNLIKE so many "decorated" apartments I see that look like a room with furniture strewn about in symmetrical "arrangements" with the addition of styled vignettes (like in a department store), my space, in the room, it's actually very clean and clear, and the "things" are all serving a purpose more or less.

What I personally dislike are minimalist rooms where if you leave your purse on the table, it throws the whole decor off balance and makes the room look a mess!

I dunno. Check out my website

P.S. All the engravings in the bathroom are 17th century! (The intermittent humidity hasn't hurt them at all. In fact some of my paintings have suffered from dryness.)

Lorin,

You're killing me! 17th-century? As a specialist in 17th-century prints (I kid you not), I'm going to gently plead with you to think of another space to place them in your sure-to-be-wonderful home when you sell the apt. Even if you don't see evidence of damage now...the best place for prints of any sort is away from bathrooms and direct sunlight, in a room with more stable heat and humidity control.

Ok, off my soapbox now...Good luck with the sale!

Not my style, but great to see a different one in AT. Lots of very delicate, interesting ideas and elements. Well done.

Lorin, I LOVE your beautiful home!!! Well done!!!

this is gorgeous. wow. well done!

Lorin you've got a lot of moxie showing your closet!! haha props for that and an awinspiring space!

Lorin, why on earth are you moving? I realize it may be for a job, or more space, etc, but I can't imagine you wanting to leave after doing such a fabulous job perfecting the space.

I love it, I have many pieces that I haven't known what to do with because they're more of that style and my taste has become far more eclectic, but now I know... create a little haven in my office/guestroom! Lovely space, kudos to Lorin.

What a thoughtfully constructed home. The customization is really well done.

not my style at all. way overcrowded and just way tooo much stuff.

i'm in love with this space. it's dreamy. Lorin, call me before you ever sell this. it's the perfect writer's wonderland. and special kudos on the fridge, backsplash tiles, hidden closet and walk-in paradise. if u had an english garden awaiting on the rooftop or on a terrace it might the perfect residence. ugh.

WOW!!!!! I have been inspired. What a great apartment! Thanks for sharing all your great ideas.

'say ye amen to charitie'...and to Lorin's apartment! A purist and such skill. I want one.

Gorgeous! Lorin, your use of space is brilliant! I absolutely love your taste in design... absolutely perfect.

charming. i can't put my finger on it but for some reason it seems retro 80's. crazy??? adorable none the less.

Yummy. Each photo made my heart beat harder and harder in my chest! This is me all day long. The care and placement of all the pieces are wonderful. I would have loved this in my single days.
Regarding the radiator facade. I only spyed the radiator in one picture. I was curious if you considered purchasing a beautiful wrought iron scroll piece to sit in front of it so your eye is only attracted by the iron piece making the radiator disappear in the background?
I agree with J-girl about how this not being cluttered at all.

Very lovely! Lots of charm and character. I wish I lived in NY, I would buy it!

You've got the London look "bang on." The apartment's compactness, rich color, and hidden cabinets all reminded me of Sir John Soane's house museum on Lincoln's Inn Fields in London.

Fabulous! Would love to see a floor plan showing furniture placement though.

I absolutely LOVE this apartment. It is so well put together and thought out, every part of it flows perfectly. I think it's so inspirational, especially since it's a studio!

Wow, now this is an apartment of a true New Yorker! I cannot believe Lorin fit everything in there! It's like Mary Poppins meets Emma Burns. Nice work!

Hi Lorin,

Thanks for sharing your home--it's a delight to see how you've bloomed where you were planted and made this space wholly yours.

I don't find it cluttered at all--I find it cozy and comforting, which is something I rarely say about minimalist designs (which I also enjoy, for different reasons).

Anyway, this comment is about your design and use of space, not just about my likes, quirks, etc. And I want to say, you've made a beautiful home--and I can't wait to see your new one! (Won't it be nice to have all your furniture back?)

Take care,

I.

How do you keep a space this full looking clean?

Where did you get your small kitchen table?
I have been searching all month for a table like that!

Hey all,
I'll answer more of your questions later, but if you watch my website, I'll be posting a morphed (of virtual/reality) rendering of the apartment "empty" and perhaps a floor plan with current furniture placement. Right now I'm off to see "September Issue" about our friends at Vogue...

More to come over the weekend!
Thanks to all for your thoughtful compliments.

Lorin

Hi Lorin
I have been a reader of Apartment Therapy for over a year and your House Tour is the first to have me register to comment. It is BEAUTIFUL. This is the look I am striving to create in my own home. Where I have achieved the look I feel so warm, happy and comforted. Where I haven't I plan to use your ideas for inspiration. Best of luck with your sale. Some special person will be led to your door who will truly appreciate all that you have done.

FINALLY some warm, gorgeous, brimming with whimsy and tradition eye candy that isn't mid-century modern!

It's a jewel box of a HOME!

Brillant!

WOW. I'd live there in a heartbeat!

This is the first house tour where I really have absolutely loved it. This is just gorgeous. And to think I have more space in my apartment than this - I really can't see how given the way that you have artfully arranged each space and fit so much in! I love all the mismatched paintings and more rustic elements and how they are complimented with such beautiful elegant elements so that it feels refined but not stuffy. My only qualm is that though I absolutely love the way you've decorated, I feel like AT is geared toward people looking to decorate on a budget, and this is not that. Plus, I find it hard to believe that this was your typical white box apartment when you moved in given the gorgeous ceiling moldings, wood floors, layout, and view - not to mention location! But this is definitely great in terms of small space solutions and has so many great ideas nonetheless. I am definitely bookmarking this and will come back to it for inspiration as I try to decorate my own place. One day... :) Thanks for sharing!

I have to agree with many of the comments: this is not how I would ever decorate my own space but I love it! I love the shot of your kitchen. So much "stuff" but instead of looking bad and cluttered it looks very cozy.

Yes this is gorgeous!!
(What a coincidence, my only qualm is also what livc above was the first reader to comment on: uhm, this is rather too expensive for what I'd expect.)
It reminded me of the Cardiff Castle which is said to be "medieval in the way victorians would imagine medieval"; it's obvious that it's not in London but somehow it's more real than real. And so close to perfect.

Amazing! This looks like a rich, full blown house rather than 400 square feet. If it wasn't revealed about the size, I would have thought this was a lovely English cottage. This is a very refreshing change from what is usually shown on AT...and the talent and cleverness of how everything was placed, also the hidden closets, is jaw dropping. It's a very 'snug as a bug in a rug' cozy place!

Lorin doesn't seem to be decorating as a 20 something starting out with nothing. This apartment appears to be decorated with collections lovingly gathered over the years and displayed to their fullest. It is true their are some very expensive items included but that doesn't mean the same look and feel can't be achieved on a budget or with hand-me-downs or thrift finds. Go with what you love. There are a number of moderate Home Stores that can help at budget prices especially in the big cities like New York. The sources are out there, it is Lorin's talent that can't be bought.

A really lovely space.

Also it is great to see AT return to truly small jewel like spaces.

To the folks complaining that this look is "too expensive..."

I'll have you know that when it comes to decorating, I am simply cost-efficient and discriminating (read: I'm CHEAP). My style has evolved out of years of studying what I found attractive. The "English Manor" look is more about careful acquisition and thoughtful integration.

Nearly everything in this apartment I found at a flea market, sale, or the dust bin!

For example (and I shouldn't tell you this...) the large brass-grilled front china cabinet I got at the Salvation Army in Alexandria, VA for $500, the elegant French lady's writing desk I found at a country auction for $215, and the floral-print chair, I recovered after finding it on the curb. The Louis XVI-style bedside chest I got at Goodwill for $50. I painted and "antiqued" it, got a marble top cut for it and lined the drawers with wall-paper remnants. The shagreen 30's-deco-looking dresser in the closet, a friend gave me when he moved. It was an Asian teak Campaign-style nightmare. I covered it with celadon shagreen-textured paper, replaced the cheezy hardware with Pearl Crafts Center wood handles, painted the edges and handles an eggshell-finish ivory. The tartan shelves by the front door I got out of the trash. I painted them black, covered them with Ralph Lauren tartan wallpaper, and accented the edges with one of those "liquid gold" pens. It's my favourite piece.

If you had read the above post (8/26/09 3:42) where I explain how I made the "false-books closet doors", you could deduce that it was more about the labor than the money. The cost of that project: under $200. Including the "doors."

If you're renovating, I assume you have some budget set aside (unless you have an "uncle" willing to do the work for free). So if you're careful and clever, you can get materials that have an expensive look, depending on your choices and application:

For my kitchen backsplash tiles, I hand lettered them with porcelain paint on common white subway tiles then baked them in my oven according to instructions. Cost: under $50.

I made the "antique shell" bathroom mirror frame with a single piece of Home Depot lattice, a bag of shells, and a glue-gun. I then rubbed a custom-blended grey-brown stain over the whole thing. Cost: under $35.

The walls throughout the apartment I painted with... wait for it... paint! The kitchen walls are ragged (hard to tell from the photos) to look like parchment paper, the living area is two colors (one "flat", one "eggshell") in alternating 8" wide "stripes", and the bathroom walls are glazed with Ben Moore's glazing compound tinted with raw umber.

I could publish an entire magazine about all the ways I saved money doing this apartment. The reality is, that it does take a lot of creative thinking and a good eye. But then that's why you're reading sites like this one-- to get ideas and to learn.

And yes. This was an utterly, UNremarkable, white box of a "unit" when I moved in. Not so much as a window sill! (I trimmed out the entire window myself). The broken pediment over-door I cut out with a power jigsaw and glued to the wall with Liquid Nails. The crown moldings are either from Home depot (kitchen and library), or Focal Point (bathroom and living area) and are polyurethane and quite reasonably priced. I put them all up myself.

Decorating on a budget is not for the lazy, nor faint of heart. So quit grumbling, roll up your sleeves, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Oh, and buy a caulking gun. They're cheap and loads of fun.

My website is w9thstudio_dot_com

Did I mention I sewed my own kitchen curtains out of a Quadrille showroom hanging sample? ; )

TIP: Buy rings you have to sew on by hand. Anything with a clip or a hook will NEVER look rich.

...Speechless...

Lorin
As I said before - Classic! I went to your web site and enjoyed every bit of it. Your post on 8/30 really makes the point - where there is a will there is a way.

I really appreciate smart style and good taste and you win the gold star for both.

Thank you for a marvelous tour and for sharing a wealth of DIY tips.

@ medusa 12120,

You are obviously a person of refinement and good taste. When will we see YOUR abode on Apartment Therapy?

Dorothy, you are hilarious! What can you expect from a person named medusa? Ugly words from an ugly name! I think this house is gorgeous! And so many great ideas. And I want that carpet. It looks like printed or woven round designs and spots on the cream background? Have been looking forever for something like that. SO beautiful. More like this please. Wish there were more sources.

Oh my, I can't take my eyes off of your photos. This is my style 100000%. I don't think I've ever seen anything this lovely. I have said, many times, books are the soul of a home. But your home has so much more than that. Every item and picture, brings music to the soul. If I lived here, and lived another 100 years, I would never change anything. Oh, and I love your mounted pheasant too. Makes me think of a Ralph Lauren (sp?) room, which style I am in love with also. You have done an awesome job with this space, and I hope to see what you do in your new home.

Lorin you are awesome!! Thanks so much for the DIY insight. I love your home. After going to your website & seeing the building & great neighborhood, I don't think I could ever leave.

I would love to see more apts like this on AT. There are too many modern/minimalist home tours & not enough like this one.

this may be one of the most inspirational studios on AT this year and, judging from the comments, a lot more people want to feel organized like this while they live like this, with books, photos, art, clothes (where's the bike, though? doesn't everyone have a bike in their LR?), and tax returns. those minimalist units on AT more likely are the lie & the occupants have life somewhere (else)!

the space works b/c the occupant has good design sense, mostly in scale & furniture placement, also pieces used or built-in, colour, texture. the owner invested in the right things, like a usable kitchen, functional built-ins, pocket storage in the right places, a tv armoire that goes to the living area & the bed, and the latter does not seem to dominate. the areas of use are logical. it is adaptable to mcm or deco furniture if that is more to taste, and the things that are irritating (some say the art) are those most easily changed.

it s/b an AT requirement to include a floorplan, as done above.

it was great to be let behind the curtain and learn that oz was made from curb catches, thrifting, arts & crafts supplies (have got to explore Liquid Nails), and inventiveness. that took guts b/c the illusion is what sells.

lots of resources were posted, but no contractor reference. did the owner build the kitchen & library herself? very nice.

Okay, FINALLY, I managed to find some old pix of my upstairs neighbor's apt (which was very similar to mine before renovation). I'm afraid the one's of my unit's "before" are long-lost. Anyway, I posted some photos of the apartment nearly-empty along with a couple of drawings of the library built-ins which should give a good idea of what it all looked like. Keep in mind, I built a walk-in closet, AND changed the hall/foyer closet to 2/3 the size, but double-tiered, and the entrance to it on the side.

Being new to the city at the time, I went through two horrible, insane, crooked contractors before finding my Zen guy. I used a separate, specialty cabinet-craft woodworking shop to do the built-ins but had to supervise that every tiny step of the way.

The old adage is true. It's HARD to find good help!

So if you're dying to know what I started with, check out the Layout section of my website and click on the little picture icon to see the "Vacant Unit" photos.

w9thstudio.com

OMG! I love this fabulous display of freedom!
Wish I could just take your kitchen. I'm in a rental and I'm going to use quite a few of your ideas, thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks again to everybody for all your thoughtful comments and most generous compliments.

@ tlong94, I am not renting. I own the apartment and it is FOR SALE.

Believe it or not, I'm ready for my next "blank slate" and look forward to creating another "masterpiece." (to go with my new career... but that's another story).

So for more info about my apartment see: www.w9thstudio.com

And thanks again everybody!

Lorin

You have absolutely achieved the style that you wanted, well done. Can I ask you where did you get the white coffee table?
The storage in the toilet is very clever.

Lorin,

I absolutely love your apartment. I love all things luxurious, and although this isn't exactly my taste, I still think it is beautiful and well layed out.

Are you an interior designer? The place looks professionally designed. I noticed so many details went into play here, and the rooms seem to flow really well.

Just perfect!

In the middle of a nyc studio renovation, unfortunately with a nightmare of a contractor...but still hoping it will turn out...

can you tell me make and size of kitchen sink?

It reminds me of the comfort and joy I felt when I saw the house Kate Winslet's character lived in. Cozy and welcoming. Interesting smalls, brilliant textiles and good books. What more could you ask for?

Enjoy.

Ooops...in the movie "Holiday" with Cameron Diaz...

I don't know if I commented on the original post but if not, I'd just like to say it is fabulous, Lorin. I would love it if I could make my 1970's house (with huge windows) look like this!

A jewel box. What else can I say? Thanks for putting this on our view list.. Heart this.

I simply can't stop re-viewing this house tour... I have never been so in love... and have never looked around my own home with such eagerness to implement so many wonderful ideas!

Very well done. I like the fox and the Pheasant. The colors used are wise choices. Wish I could see the floors better.
Love the bathroom floor, very classic.
The studio appears to have enough lighting.

Thank you for sharing your jewel box of a studio.
I've notice others mentioning that your home is for sale,
is this true? Would you mind posting the link to the listing?
Thank You,
CJ

I normally do not like an ultra old world/traditional style, but this space is done superbly - it really sets a great mood. Just looking at the space makes me want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea......

Hi Lorin,

I can't tell you how much I love your apartment. I discovered this site a few months ago and I keep coming back to look at what you have done to get ideas. I too have a small 400 foot studio and am doing some redecorating. I love the European style and the sense of comfort it brings. I think your apartment is amazing.

Sophiesmom1

Tastefully done, what room is the bed in.....I guess thats the bed in the first photo.

I truly love this! You made this place yours and that's what I love about it; it is clearly someone's personalized nest, and a beautiful one at that. The custom made false bookshelf closet doors are great and that you did them yourself, even better!

Wow. Beautiful and curious. I don't even know that I could live in a space like this, but I'm so drawn to the detail and to the finesse with which all the elements were combined.

Ditto to paintitbright's comment... my first thought was that this place reminded me of Sir John Soane's house/museum. And creating a space reminiscent of that is an incredible feat!

I want this apartment! It's a countryside getaway in the middle of NYC. I love love love the style and all the hidden compartments! Let me know when you sell it ;)

This is the most amazing small appartment I have ever seen.