apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


House Tour: Modern Duplex
NYT 2.17.08

2-21-duplex-modern-1.jpg

Looking at the light-filled pictures of Aaron Kristen's duplex apartment in the far West Village, one wouldn't immediately guess that a majority of the 2,400 square feet is below grade. The apartment Aaron shares with his two children uses a variety of mixed light sources to give the recently-renovated modern space plenty of light...

2-21-duplex-modern-2.jpg

2-21-duplex-modern-3.jpg

2-21-duplex-modern-4.jpg
The hand-painted wallpaper in Mr. Kristen's bedroom is by Carly Margolis.

2-21-duplex-modern-5.jpg

By using a mix of floor lamps, under-shelf and ledge lights and ceiling lamps. The light bounces around the space. Mr. Kristen recently changed career paths and designed the space himself. He believes that "improving your life often means improving where and how you live" and we couldn't agree more! We're fans of the walnut tread, open stairway and the hints of bright colors throughout the space. The full article: Turning Minuses Into Pluses with slideshow.

(Pics: Kate Glicksberg)

Tags

Blogging..., lighting, inspiration, real estate, House Tours, babies & children, The New York Times, architect, Hans Wegner, Carly Margolis, duplex

Related Links

Share

Comments (15)

I like the light fixture in the home office -- I could use something like that in my kitchen.

With that many lights, I hope that he's using CFLs!

posted by ami on 2008-02-21 10:39:35
view ami's profile

Although the apartment is beautifully designed, one wonders about the long-term psychological effects of living in a mostly artificially lit environment (not to mention the electric bill).

posted by nazrd on 2008-02-21 10:50:50
view nazrd's profile

Ohhhhh... you can tell that light's not natural!

But it's a brilliant lighting design on its own.

posted by wende in phoenix on 2008-02-21 11:15:47
view wende in phoenix's profile

windowless or no, it's fabulous. but i'm a little worried, too, about not being able to open a window.

posted by ung on 2008-02-21 11:40:19
view ung's profile

As a fellow subterranean dweller, I have to speak up for basement apartments. I love mine--cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, and the neighbor's dogs can bark to their heart's content--I won't hear them. Of course, our current space has some windows to let in natural light (we're only halfway below ground) but when we buy a home, we'll be looking specifically for a place with a pleasant finished basement living space.

posted by Molly Margarita on 2008-02-21 12:22:51
view Molly Margarita's profile

Is there a way to source the chairs by the stairwell?

thanks!

posted by judie on 2008-02-21 13:14:13
view judie's profile

Wow.

posted by Enrique on 2008-02-21 18:25:22
view Enrique's profile

The apartment looks great but in the photo with people the lighting looks harsh.

posted by Michael on 2008-02-21 19:01:27
view Michael's profile

To ami:
Arena Suspension (dimmable flourescent)
by Delta Light www.deltalight.com
available from The Lighting Center 212 888 8388

To judie:
Hans Wegner PP19 Teddy Bear Chair
from PP Møbler, Copenhagen www.pp.dk
covered in Kravet Teddy Mohair

posted by aaronkirsten on 2008-02-21 19:57:19
view aaronkirsten's profile

Really well-done and original! Great balance throughout. Always good to see great design that also looks authentically lived-in. The nice thing about artificial lighting is that you can control it 100%.

posted by lightspeed on 2008-02-21 21:27:13
view lightspeed's profile

I don't think anyone would be fooled into thinking this is natural light. BUT - Aaron has done a wonderful job varying the light sources, as well as with the overall design. Cute kids, too.

posted by greer on 2008-02-21 22:03:35
view greer's profile

I love your place...thanks for sharing.
Can you tell me where you got your dining table?
Thanks!

posted by new@design on 2008-02-21 22:08:53
view new@design's profile

I love how the placement of the bright rectangular pieces of art mimic windows. Brilliant.

posted by kitjule on 2008-02-21 23:52:49
view kitjule's profile

I love everything!...except for the bedroom walpaper, this place is lovely!!

posted by orangejuce on 2008-02-22 12:17:43
view orangejuce's profile

P.S. You know what a future classic piece is, but not many people dare say it because is tres cheap... the Ikea locker cabinet. Like it or not, that piece will go down in history right along the Eames' and Saarinens. I see it in the cheapest furnished homes and some of the most expensive homes. It has mass appeal.

posted by orangejuce on 2008-02-22 12:23:17
view orangejuce's profile
Buy Text Ads