apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Looks like a fun place to hang out!

I think this room would look better if professionally photographed. I'm unsure about how the blue integrates into the colour scheme? Maybe some grey would give the eye a break?

Oh dear -- back in the day I passed out in more than a few bars that looked kinda like this.

Amy, I'm curious why you posted this particular room, when it sounds like you had several other options (red bedroom, yellow livingroom, green office).

I too am reminded of teenage days in rathskellers. not something that needs re-visiting.

I'd much rather see pix of the other rooms.

HIDEOUS, and where is the Karaoke machine?

Yeuch. Its like a frathouse basement after Cinquo de Mayo. I see Margaritas and drunk women....

Very interesting..however I do not see them as fall colors. The space does feel very entertaining though..

on a side note..can anyone that submitted pics to this contest tell me if they received any type of confirmation stating that their pics were reeived. I submitted photos but did not get any type of confirmation- just curious....

I was going to say something uncomplimentary but now I feel sorry for the owner since so many others have spoken the truth.

Well, that's a change from green.

I'd love it if submitters would volunteer why they chose the colors they chose -- what mood they were aiming to convey, what features they were attempting to hide or highlight, etc. I suspect the mood people dislike is exactly what Amy was trying to achieve...

Reminds me of a bar hangout (kewl) but I personally think it's a bit too dark since your limited to natural light. But again whatever makes you happy.

Actually, under low-lighting (I think I spy tea-candle holders along the wall, and maybe the glass-blocks that are used in the bar are dimly lit)), this place may look pretty cool in the dark cocktail loungey kind of way.

But, with flash-photography, the colors are a little scary and the room doesn't represent very well.

This place looks fun! It would be better if there was a professional level photograph but it looks like a great place to rock out with your friends! I'm sure it was a great new year party!

I like the bold colors. I think all that black is the problem. It gives the room kind of an '80s feel and it's especially oppressive going halfway up the walls in this low-ceilinged room. OK, I'm not big on the fringe, either. Love the Elvis picture, though.

Drunken woman = an interesting choice for a focal point. Let's just say my eye definitely knows where to rest. Too funny.

I would like to know about the decorations: were they just put up for the party or are they always up? I'm talking about the red fringe and paper lanterns.

An observation about this contest in general: I've noticed that several entrants have said that the pictures they submitted weren't necessarily recent, nor taken specifically for the purpose of this contest, and I find that kind of odd.

Hey, folks, relax! Clearly Amy's not taking herself or her basement too seriously--love that picture of The King--so play nice, already.

I'd say, these colors are definitely bold, and no doubt, they convey
a sense of what the space is used for...The royal blue cools off the red and black combo, the trippy silver surface of the bar is a lot of fun, and you can tell from the second picture that such a party-hearty decorating theme works on people. (I'll have one of whatever she's having!)

Another entry that ain't straight outta
West Elm, and that's fine with me.

I want to hang out with that crazy girl!

Sorry, another room with colors.

I think the point of the contest is the use of color as integrated in design, not just color in and of itself.

I want to see this place at night in low lighting after I've had a few beam and diet cokes... I bet it'd a smash! :)

Angie, If the contestants cant stand the heat, dont enter the contest.

Fun, fun, fun!

And hey, Amy? My color-loving sister? Let's hang - we're like, neighbors (I'm in Souderton)!

"Well, that's a change from green."

Wende - you really crack me up sometimes.

That black velvet couch is actually kind of sexy. It deserves a more boudoir-ish wall color, like burgundy or dark purple.

very Trading Spaces

I think Maxwell would have something to say about color families here. I get the loungy style, but I don't feel the colors working well together.

that is a whole lotta ugly
what happend to this site
used to have cool stuff
now it is all ugly suburban
shite

Wow. That's really not what'd I consider "therapy." While appreciate the enthusiasm behind it, the black +red+blue+yellow is kind of a nightmarishly dark.

I would suggest using a white as a background color, if so make bright primary colors are going to be used. Or maybe just going for an all-red, flop-house kind of look. Now that could be fun.

These bold color choices make the space, and the owner, look like the worst kind of trash.

i agree about the black--there's just way too much of it. also the red and the blue compete rather than complement.

with the mismatched coffee table and the light blue sofa (or whatever that is in one corner), it just looks sort of cheap.

joe--

I don't think it's the "Fall colors" contest...
It is the Color contest that happens in Fall... so

I've heard a lot of bitchy comments on AT, but nothing really comes close to Joan's. Wow.

Joan's comment isn't bitchy it is disgraceful and it should be removed.

I agree with ocgrl. I didn't think the point of AT and the contests was to be hurtful. There's a way to say anything with humor, or to say nothing at all, or just give an impersonal opinion based on the contest rules.

Oh, dear. There's that other Joan again. That's why I've switched to using Joan A.

wow. This person has the worst taste ever! This has got to be a joke. No one lives like this. Perhaps, they took a pic of their local dive bar for kicks?

yowzas. were these photos taken in '87?

is there a mirrored "cocaine table" someplace in this room?
is "All Out of Love" by Air Supply played on a loop whenever they're entertaining?

COME ON!

Were anyone to ask me, I'd suggest closing comments on entries and just having a vote.

Wendy,
I understand that thought. However, then we would miss out on the additional comments and information that we usually get from the contestants. That's what I enjoy the most.

I have to think that some of the entries don't show very well from the photos, but would be a blast in person.

Flash's are just too harsh.

wow thanks for the feedback everybody! well everybody except joan that is. it's easy to slam somebody while hiding behind your computer screen...

to be honest, i didn't realize how seriously this contest was taken and now i wish i would've entered better pics. there's some stiff competition!

to answer a couple questions/comments:

- that royal blue is actually a deep purple.
- the look i was going for was a cheesy lounge kinda feel so wende in phoenix, you were right on!
-yes i could have entered pics on the rest of my house but this is a better conversation piece....evident by all the comments!
-the light blue sofa is actually teal
-the fringe is not normally there - that was decoration for the chinese new year theme

thanks again everyone for all the comments..good and bad. this room is a work in progress so i'll definitely consider some of your suggestions.

Maybe it's just a little too cheesy. I like bold color, but these just seem to clash in a very unpleasant way. I can see how you pulled them from the Andy Warhol print, but I think they need to be refined a bit or just used differently altogether to be more effective.

Black + brights is a tough combo, because it's easy to slip into bordello territory.

I'd probably do the black parts of the walls in white and add a patterned area rug under the seating area. A really, really insane one with either red or royal purple and white in it.

Amy, you do have some color nugs, that's for sure. I bet your parties are fun.

Amy,
Thanks for letting us visit and for responding to all the comments with such grace. Your cheerful response was classy.

Oops...
Didn't mean to make it seem as if Amy was cheering for herself.

It's just that I was so impressed with her calm and friendly response to the hail of bullets that as I was typing my post, I had her name in my head and accidentally typed Amy's name into the window for the poster's name.

Wow, I am just stunned by Joan's comments. And Joan, if this is the worst kind of trash you've ever encountered, you have led a charmed life.

Hey, I slammed Joan and MY comment disappeared!!

this right here is exactly why i'm anti-flash these days.

had this been shot in natural light (even in naturally low light), it would have been virtually perfect. i think the use of color in a purposefully dimmed space (a basement party lounge, for instance) can be extremely challenging. it's something i discovered while art directing a short film that took place in a bar. when i took photos for my portfolio with the flash on, everything looked dingy and garish and awful. when i let the lighting setup (however dim) do the work, the photographs were exactly what you'd want a dark smokey lounge to look like.

I can get that the look aimed for was loungey, but it ended up a bit tawdry/cheap looking in my opinion. There's just something of a cheesy, over-the-top, trying-too-hard look that makes me agree with whoever posted that it was very "Trading Spaces".

Joan, before you use any superlatives with respect to trash, spend a few hours with P2.

Who are you anyway, Joan? New to this delightful site? You seem horrible. You'll be in good company around here.

i think it's hilarious that a maestro, or maistresse of cheese, or fromage (for all you west elmers) in allentown, PA, has hutzed all these hipsters.
amy, you are the man. rock on. thank you.

maitress, sorry.

Looking on the positive side. I would imagine that the "finished" in this finished basement was done long ago. I would also imagine that the owner did a vast improvement over the way the room looked at purchase, without a huge investment. The drop-ceiling, unfinished support beams, no windows are what they are. Removing the Chinese New Year pictures and better pictures, might have improved my first impression. The velvet sofa (and is there another velvet sofa on the side in the first picture) remind me of frat houses that I've been in long ago, sans stains. But the room is clean, uncluttered and party-proofed. Maybe the owner was going for a campy-collegiate-suburbia look?

it's awesome that you care about your home and it works for you. too bad the general public is so snobby about decor,as if it were up to me you'd be the winner.

Wow! This is very welll thought out. I think Amy has a real sense of proportion and has really done a lot with the light (or lack there of) in this room.

I imagine she used reflective surfaces on purpose to create more light and more color around the room while sticking with the darker hues.

It is hard to really to work with your light in a such a dark space and I think keeping the ceiling and floor light has really helped.

I think the people that mock this entry simply are not looking at the color rather they are reminded of being shunned from a frat party in college (because of the basement bar location, not the decor) and are taking it out on Amy.

Seriously well done.

Amy!

This looks totally fun to me and, based on your stated goals for this room, I think your color choices are well-considered and -executed.

Not sure what's up with the grouch-fest here (I mean, if you don't like the site, go somplace where you'll be happier!), but I think a lot of us non-grouches have sensibilities that are flexible enough to be able to understand your intent and to extrapolate from the refreshingly honest photography.

I think I actually know how I'd feel in this room. While it's true that there might have been a more "flattering" way to photograph the room—and obviously folks want to put their best foot forward with these sorts of things—super careful framing and lighting can seem a little...selective. After all, this isn't the fall photography contest. At least with Amy's pics, I feel like I'm responding to the mood of the room, not the mood of the photograph. And, Amy, I like it!

I applaud Amy's enthusiasm and honesty and her obvious appreciation for fun and humor.

Cheers!

Hello Everybody!!!

This is not a contest about whether or not a room is tacky or if the photo is of the highest quality. The contest page says -

Criteria

Readers and judges will evaluate each submission to find the boldest, coolest, most colorful room along with all the tips and resources we need to get color ourselves.

By these criteria, I definitely think Amy should be a finalist. Her room is very bold, cool and colorful! You go girl!

This room is so much fun - it's the perfect atmosphere for people to get together and have a drunken good time. We all look forward to coming to Amy's - she's an awesome hostess and has a beautifully unique home.

It was nice reading (almost) everyone else's helpful comments, you all seem to know your stuff about decorating.

Amy, you rock. VOTE FOR AMY! (Does Joan know Andrea? I think they'd get along...)

Obviously, no one here has been to Graceland. Elvis would love this.

Lorne

Let me start my saying that I am an Interior Designer and have been to this room in person. These pictures (as often is the case) do not do the actual colors or the space justice. It is designed to be a party room and to feel like an acutal bar or restaurant. When you are there, it is always a party and the colors definitely are upbeat, not dark and you can't help but having fun. The red and purple walls are colorful and the black is not at all overwhelming, its hard to explain but it just works. It is a shame that so many of you have such narrow minded taste, not everyones house needs to look like Pottery Barn catalog!!! Painting like this takes guts and personality. I wouldn't want this for my house but I know Amy and this completely fits her personality. Rock on!

Sara

it's as if you were trying to make it sound like you are designer or something so that no one could question your reactions.

it's not true.

I agree with Pam. You actually have to be in this room to appreciate the colors. The black is definitely not overpowering and no there are no "cocaine tables" anywhere!! Amy's basement rocks! I think she did an awesome job on it. I've seen the basement before it was remodeled, it was horrifying. There was a fake fireplace, need I say more!!!! Great job Amy.

C'mon, Patrick (the other one), give it to me! You know you want to.

This is an awesome party room, and a great atmosphere. The colors compliment each other very well, and it goes with the rest of her fun, relaxed home. It's just too bad that people aren't able to see it in person, as I think that they would change their minds and belly up to the bar for one of AmyÂ’s awesome drinks. We love it Amy, and we'll go to your 'cocaine lounge' anytime!
-Sarah

actually, I agree with Joan. This apt does look like trash. I thought it was a joke at first, but now I undertand that someone really does live like this. YIKES!!

Maybe Joan & Mrs. S should enter the contest since they have so much to say about other rooms. I'm curious to know what makes this entry trashy? That's a pretty bold statement to make with no explanation.

This particular room isn't my taste. I like more subtle tones. I applaud Amy though for having the guts to go wild with this room. It is a party room after all and probably a great one at that judging by the comments made by a couple of her friends.

Thanks for sharing Amy! Would love to see the rest of the house in future contests. Good luck!

ha ha. that's funny. yes this is very trading spaces. it's not my taste but maybe the judges will like it. good luck amy!

i like the colors on your wall...maybe you can incorporate these colors with accents, i.e, pillows, etc..

PARTY AT AMY'S - Everyone's invited.. then you can all see the rest of her house and truly appreciate her color choices.

Keep flying, baby... you're awesome.

Looks like every bar I've been to in the last 10 years.

This room looks like it should have 70s style porn music playing in the background, BOW CHICA WOW WOW!!!!!

This room is not my style at all, but it instantly made me smile because it looks like the owner really had fun with it. Kudos, Amy, for being bold and going all out with your theme!

Right now I rather look at this room than most of the others here. At least this one is different!

I'm glad to see some positivity around here! Thanks for the nice comments everyone. And thanks especially to my friends and family: Pam, Carrie, Bill, Leslie and Sarah for sticking up for me. You guys are the best! I'll mix some extra love into your drinks at our next party.

Amy

PS Elizabeth, to answer your question... I'm not sure what material the other sofa is in the picture but it's not velvet. It's some sort of synthetic. Made by Kohler in the 1950's. It's a very cool sofa and one of my favorite pieces of mid century modern furniture.

This room truly is the coolest room ever. It's fun and retro. Some of you guys don't think out of the box at all.

I have partied at Amy's plenty of times also, and the colors mesh very well and No! the black is not overwhelming. The atmosphere created in this room makes you want to have a good time.

Better late than never...Keep creating Amy!
Aniko

so you found a bunch of crap in the alley, and then let a monkey throw it wherever he liked? I hope that wall was painted purple to cover the blood stains of the people whoÂ’s heads exploded the second they stepped foot in your basement.

It just looked like the owner was having fun and pride by submitting her own home! I couldn't submit mine because it's always in a state of disarray (read: a mess).

Good contest spirit!

i really just dont get this picture and this room! it hurts my eyes to look at it!