apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Cynthia sent in a good question: "I bought this little blue round-back chair for $45 the other day, and I've already started sanding it in hopes of giving it a complete makeover. This picture definitely makes the chair look better than it does in real life.

Any ideas? I'm especially torn as to whether I should stain the wood or paint it?"

The judges have spoken - their pick for the smallest, coolest home in the world...

We LIKE the Treasure Hunt and try and go to all of them, but alas, we'll be in NYC this weekend at ICFF, so you'll have to let us know how it is this time around...

For second place, the judges shifted to the west coast...to LA... and the winner is...

A quick snap sneak peek at something new from Amy Butler- a tabletop collection.
This photo was taken by Nan, who works with Amy, at the Mikasa showroom in NY...

Some virtual shopping by the AT community as requested by Shannon: "Hi I sent you my pic via my phone - Its my headboard. I like to find some night stands that go nice with it. Nothing too matchy, but fits in with this style...

Moving from Chicago to the east....NYC....the third place finisher for 2008 is...

Last night there was a big round of applause in Room and Board, as the fourth place winner was announced...and she was there to hear it...from Chicago...it's...

Wright Auction House is holding the Important Design auction, Session 1, Sunday, May 18 at noon. We've checked out the lots and chose a interesting piece from each decade, starting in the 40's, right up through today...Jump below for our picks:

Pam sent in a good question: "Hi, we need to rehab our bathroom. We're not looking to move anything around, meaning the locations for the tub, toilet and wash basin will stay where they are, but we are going to try to squeeze in a stand alone shower in one corner of the bathroom and so there will be some...

Enter Here: Contest Page & Entries

Name: Rachel
Location: St. Louis
Size & Type: 632 sf apartment
Original Entry: Click Here

Who was your favorite entry and why?

My favorite other Small, Cool entry is Family of Four's "Two Bedroom" Studio. I really like this entry because at first glance the space seems very simple... but then you realize there is storage hidden everywhere... It reminds me of London Urchin's Jewelry Box from last year. One day I would love to live in a space where all the storage is so aesthetically pleasing.

Sam writes: "Okay so this is my first apartment...Its smallish a one bedroom in Buena Park Chicago.
I at first thought I wanted to go modern, but now am looking at how fun shabby chic can be. So Ive already decided on a couch but it is quite boxy and a bit mod looking, do you think it would look okay to mix in shabby chic antiqueish arm chairs?

Would it look strange and forced/far too random and unalike?

In Andersonville, a vintage Danish Modern walnut cabinet/side table with caned panel doors, dated 1960. Jump below for links to this and other good finds:

Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in our Shopping Guide.

• Treasure Hunt
  
• Merchandise Mart Sample Sale
  
• Up to 75% off
  
• May 17 & 18, $10 admission
  
• Merchandise Mart, 7th Floor

• Milwaukeee International Art Fair
  
• Friday, May 16 5-9, Saturday, May 17, noon - 9
  
• Polish Falcons Beer Hall
  
• 801 E. Clarke, Milwaukee

Today's entries brings us to a grand total of 18 finalists so far. Tomorrow is it! We'll post the "final finalists" and announce the winners at our party in Chicago.

Local Chicago designers, Alicia and Robert of Unison, sent us a little preview of the pieces they'll be launching at ICFF, which will be available in early July...

Alison sent in a good question: "Not sure if you can help me out on this or not, but my husband and I are doing a mounted credenza similar to the one in Andreas' Greektown Loft. What I'm trying to figure out is if he put anything on top to cover the screws and make it a continuous surface (we're mounting three cabinets side by side).

Last weekend in NYC, the mashup was Bklyn Designs and AT Presents. This Thursday in Chicago, it will be AT Presents meets Small Cool. In addition to announcing and then drinking a toast to all our winners (and finalists...and entrants...and voters!) of Small Cool 2008, we'll be selling and signing our newest book...

Enter Here: Contest Page & Entries

Name: Suzi
Location: Columbus, OH
Size & Type: 557 sf studio
Original Entry: Click Here

Who was your favorite entry and why?

I envy a lot of the international spaces because of the architecture...great bones on which to further great design. The entry that keeps charging my batteries is Luca's. The ingenuity to create a workable space with such SF constraint is really stimulating. The place is disciplined to say the least. (Of that I lack.) This tied with my adoration of Stephanie in Chicago. Anyone who creates a goddess shrine in the closet is obviously devoted to details. Without formally knowing her, I am sure we would be fast friends; her personality is so delightfully reflected in her choices. Draw of the 2 extremes.

Lum is an online gallery of high end vintage lamps. Even a quick look through their inventory will most likely turn up a lamp or two (or a dozen!) that you'd be happy...

Today's Finalist entry count is up to 13 - nearly halfway to our goal of posting them all before announcing the winners later this week.