apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#9 - Nathaniel & Keith's Blue Period

Name: Nathaniel & Keith
Location: West Midtown, New York, NY
Type: We own a two-bedroom apartment.

Why I use color:

We use color because:
1) It's kinda fun.
2) It helps define transitions from one area of the apartment to the next.
3) We are inspired by the furniture pieces we buy.

10-5-nath2.jpg

10-5-nath3.jpg

2 Good color tips:

1) Use varied shades in the same family.

2) Experiment with juxtaposing the same color in
different finishes (e.g. flat, glossy).

10-5-nath4.jpg


Favorite type and brand of paint:

Favorites: Flat/Sherwin Williams

10-5-nath5.jpg

Comments (71)

WOW! This space is just amazing! I think this entry is a WINNER!

posted by TJ2 on 2007-10-05 15:05:45
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Quite nice.

posted by Joan A. on 2007-10-05 15:12:14
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i never thought about using the same color but a different finish. brilliant!

posted by SD913 on 2007-10-05 15:12:29
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Absolutely gorgeous. I agree, we have ourselves a winner.

p.s. Love the bathtub right out there in plain view!

posted by JR in Sweden on 2007-10-05 15:12:52
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what's it like having the bathtub out like that in the middle of the floor? does that ever get weird or soggy?

posted by SD913 on 2007-10-05 15:13:58
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It's very very nicely done. It all flows together. One question, it's hard to tell from the photos, but is that a bathtub in the middle of the room????

posted by BB on 2007-10-05 15:15:14
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Really, really nice.

The colors are subtle but so profound in their effect.

I've made mistakes before trying to identify colors with my computer monitor but I'll say that the blue tones that you used are so soothing.

posted by art on 2007-10-05 15:16:50
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Terrific! Could you tell me the style name and brand of your bathroom counter? That would look good in my kitchen . . .

posted by melissagbl on 2007-10-05 15:17:27
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What an incredibly beautiful home. Are you architects?

Love the blue ceiling and green alcove. Great art as well. Not a fan of the tub in the middle of the room, but hey this a color contest and your use of color is discriminating and superb.

In the first pic - the coral-rust-like color rectangle - is that a canvas?

Hope to see you in the finals, would love to see more of your home.

posted by peggy on 2007-10-05 15:21:08
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What's the fine print on this contest? This entry looks too professional...like they hired an interior designer.

posted by colormyworld on 2007-10-05 15:22:47
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I love this... particularly the third photo. This is a great example of subtle, yet powerful color. The slatey blue and orange are breathtaking!

Fantastic!

posted by shani-o on 2007-10-05 15:23:35
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the way you use color is amazing. It all flows together in an entirely natural way, yet there must have been considerable care in choosing the colors, and the accessories.

posted by josie on 2007-10-05 15:25:11
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Fantastic! I, too, would love the details on your bath vanity and counter surface.

The winner in my book.

posted by Kathryn on 2007-10-05 15:27:28
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this is super awesome. love the architecture of it too.

posted by vitamin design milk on 2007-10-05 15:35:07
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This is the first use of muted color I've seen in this contest that I really, really liked. Insta-finalist vote from me, too.

Bath looks awfully chilly, though.

posted by cmcinnyc on 2007-10-05 15:38:32
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You've got color!!! This is a stylish apartment. Love it.

posted by NYS on 2007-10-05 15:49:22
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An excellent entry.

posted by Lady J on 2007-10-05 15:52:27
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LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted by bombie on 2007-10-05 15:57:55
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its really beautiful, but it doesnt quite look like anyone lives there....except for the overnight bag on the floor there are no personal items!

posted by lemonyc on 2007-10-05 16:11:02
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this contest is getting hot which each new post... and my heart goes out to other contestants cause this looks like ainner to me as well.

G'Luck

posted by New York Muhtari on 2007-10-05 16:15:32
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I've always tended toward neutral colors for their calming effect. But I love this space - it's fun, sophisticated, and, at the same time, calming. I'm probably going to steal a few ideas for my own space.

And thank you for your restrained use (or non-use in this case) of the exclamation point in your narrative.

David

posted by david on 2007-10-05 16:18:29
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That second photo... how the light color is on the right-hand wall, and the dark color is on the ceiling... very smart. Usually it's the other way around, but this was is so much better! That, and the green inset bookcase, really make this great.

posted by 2nd DC Christine on 2007-10-05 16:19:33
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super nice except for the tub in the bedroom - it's crass.

posted by snot on 2007-10-05 16:21:45
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Love this place! I yearn for a Papa Bear chair...

Your bar and stools are also amazing - who made them? And the painting next to the bar is gorgeous... can you share something about the subject and artist?

posted by monika1 on 2007-10-05 16:26:22
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This isn't my style, and I wouldn't pick those colors, but they're combined so harmoniously that I really like everything. The colors enhance the space without overwhelming it, and tie all the rooms together even as they define each room. It's just great.

I'd have a hard time with a bathtub in the living room, though, especially on top of a hardwood floor. What made you decide to place it there?

posted by sprite on 2007-10-05 16:28:41
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hahaha! Why is it crass to have a bathtub in the bedroom? Impractical maybe but why crass? I think most of us get naked in the bedroom pretty much daily, what's naked plus water?

This place is so cool and unusual. It is very designed and precise but it's also unexpected and fun.

posted by mgn on 2007-10-05 16:29:49
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I can see how this could get an "Insta Finalist" based on architecture and overall style. But for color? I think the colors used are attractive, but yet the whole thing just feels a bit austere to me. Maybe it's because I'm hoping to see "the boldest and most colorful home in the world" and this just isn't it. Just my opinion.

Still a cool place though.

posted by BSmeltz on 2007-10-05 16:30:45
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This reminds me why I always prefer the budget spaces better. I just feel like anyone can walk into Waterworks and put a bathroom together. But to see a creative, inspired space on a budget shows true talent, in my opinion.

posted by Lorie09 on 2007-10-05 16:43:49
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I'm fairly certain the bath is not in the living room as others have posted. Looks to me like the bath is in the bedroom, right at the entrance to the bathroom. Great way of transitioning the space and blurring the lines between spaces. As for the color, love it.

posted by petro on 2007-10-05 16:52:21
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Maybe I don't get it. The only color combination I really like is in the third photo with the red stained furniture and the greens of the painting.

posted by paisley_honeybee on 2007-10-05 16:59:34
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...and I don't see "boldest and colorful" here, which is what this contest is all about. If this was a contest for sophisticated style and soft, muted colors, this would win.

posted by colormyworld on 2007-10-05 17:03:57
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re: whatizthat: It's a bold use of color, not a use of bold color. As color combined, I think it totally works throughout. IMHO too many of these entries look like bold color slapped on just for the sake of being bold. Yes, this does look very professional, but what's wrong with that if it works.

posted by BB on 2007-10-05 17:47:49
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stunning, of course. my question is: why bother entering a contest where the highest prize amount is $2500 in gift certificates, when your bathtub alone must have been a fortune? you should submit this to AD, not AT!

posted by MI2cents on 2007-10-05 18:04:08
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I agree MI2. I think this place is phenomenal, but gives other entries an unfair advantage because the obvious financial advantage. I seriously doubt the owner of this apartment needs a $2500 gift certificate. Or at lest not nearly as much as some of the other entries.

posted by kellylc on 2007-10-05 18:12:37
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The use of color blows me away. High marks.

That said, the house is a little too austere and perfect for my taste.

posted by quercus on 2007-10-05 18:23:58
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re: BB: Ok, where's the bold use of color?
I see safe, subtle use of color. I see elegant interior design. But I'm not seeing anything that resembles bold in any way that you care to phrase it. And by the way, the bathtub is in the bathroom; which is located off their bedroom. That's not the living room (Sprite). That's their bedroom. See? The red bed cover. Hey BB!, there's your use of bold color!

And I totaly agree with MI2cents. Why would two guys (I SAID GUYS) living in West Midtown NY, in what looks like a million dollar "2-bedroom apartment", be entering this contest? Things that make you go hmmmmm...

posted by colormyworld on 2007-10-05 18:27:42
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um, because the contest is open to anyone? and they want to show off their space? and they have a shot at winning?

posted by mmadden on 2007-10-05 18:40:57
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So very very cool!

posted by KathinCO on 2007-10-05 19:06:37
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ummadden...ya' that's the problem with thse so-called contests open to anyone. No disclaimers. Matching money's no object with design on a dime budget. No contest. You can't compete against the Nathaniel & Keith's of the interior design world.

posted by colormyworld on 2007-10-05 19:20:04
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whatizthat-
yeah, and I'm not. *shrug*

If there was a Smallest Cheapest (or Youngest Poorest) contest we'd probably kick ass, though!

Just relax and enjoy the entries, ok? Or keep raging, if it makes you happy.

posted by shenanigans! on 2007-10-05 21:34:46
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"yeah and I'm not. shrug?" I don't follow you. Please explain.

posted by colormyworld on 2007-10-05 21:49:36
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i'm not competing against the keiths and nathaniels of the design world.

posted by shenanigans! on 2007-10-05 22:17:47
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I love it!! The colors are fantastic!! Not really fond with the bathroom, but everything else is so nice!

posted by DreamyMoore on 2007-10-05 22:44:06
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THE BEST ONE. Colorful. Understated.

posted by RJD on 2007-10-06 01:20:21
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I love the contrast of the blue and orange (?) in the first picture... can we get paint color information? :)

posted by Anokha on 2007-10-06 01:27:14
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I've got it now: anyone working at the desk can chat with the person in the tub. Cool.

The difference in saturation of the photographs showing the two views of the upper floor is quite interesting to me. That is the same curtain in both photos. Crazy. How much better would some of these places look (and our own in our Cure photos) if we took such care with our lighting or our photo manipulation programs?

Anyway, neither here nor there, this is a bold use of colour...if only because they painted their ceiling and juxtaposed complementary colours on that staircase wall. This is brilliant. Would love a house tour--cause there's gotta be schtuff somewhere! (Maybe in the cabinets).

posted by Alana in Canada on 2007-10-06 03:08:19
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hee hee, that first picture kinda resembles one of my photos...which will hopefully be posted soon.

fabulous place. that fourth pic is seriously ooh la la. LOVE the painting! it's quite tragic when nice property in nice neighborhoods are designed poorly. yours is seriously magazine worthy.

i think people enter not so much to win, but to share their space with people. the gift certificate is a nice incentive but i really doubt it's the motivation behind this entry. thanks for submitting it- it's really inspiring!

posted by greengelato on 2007-10-06 03:17:09
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This is lovely.

posted by Stacy Marie on 2007-10-06 09:48:40
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What a knowing sense of color you have, Nathaniel and Keith. It's not among my palette of colors, but partly because I could never pull it off. Love the green bookcase insert--a perfect stroke!

posted by Aulaire on 2007-10-06 13:07:52
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This is a very nice home, esp given that it is in Manhattan. Regardless of whether this entree wins or not, I hope at.com creates a virtual house tour gallery for it.

posted by Thomas on 2007-10-06 13:47:12
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how did commentator "whatiztat" morph into commentator "colormyworld"? i'm so confused.

also, seconding the request for a full house tour. i'm not totally understanding the layout of this place, and i'd just like to see more!

posted by shenanigans! on 2007-10-06 14:35:47
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Color me moody! In such a good way. Love, love love it! This shows exactly how you can make those little pops of color even more powerful when you contrast them with a rich background color (as opposed to a white background). And these folks obviously know how to use a camera.

And for those griping: I'd say painting your entire house varying shades of slate blue is a pretty bold move. Bold doesnt have to mean gaudy.

posted by Modfan on 2007-10-06 16:22:55
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Amazing how vicious comments can get over something as SUBJECTIVE as personal taste. Raking the owners of the apartment over the coals for their apartment looking too 'done'? Or being too rich to get a gift certificate? Seriously people - channel that vitriol elsewhere and question why you feel the need to dump your negativity on others.

It's not diffiicult to say you dislike something without being personal and vindictive.

posted by onephatcow on 2007-10-06 16:52:04
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Btw, I meant 'entry' and not 'entree' in my original post.

[insert tasty pun]

posted by Thomas on 2007-10-06 21:28:35
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Awesome space!

posted by maglyb on 2007-10-06 23:08:15
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It's obvious that a lot of time, effort, and money were put into this apartment. I like the orange stripe in the first picture very much, and the barstools are beautiful. Otherwise, nothing is bold or interesting to me. It's all kind of cold and sad. It looks like a movie set, not a happy home.

posted by NashvilleJen on 2007-10-07 11:07:21
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god, all that space! *sniff sniff*. i covet.

posted by *heather leaf* on 2007-10-07 13:24:29
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I'm so jealous it hurts! Love the color palette and the well-picked pieces you have. Great taste.

posted by InTheDetails on 2007-10-07 15:36:22
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This one's my favorite so far. It's carefully curated but doesn't feel cold to me, and the color choices seem bold but at the same time very, I don't know, adult. Until now, I hadn't seen a home manage to use blue, orange, green, yellow, and red all at once and yet avoid a romper room effect.

posted by Shannon on 2007-10-07 17:45:48
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just not my thing, sorry.

posted by godsfool on 2007-10-08 05:17:46
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Fairly judicious use of color, but the shades chosen are so pleasing together.

posted by greer on 2007-10-08 07:31:20
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Has anyone else noticed the face in the bathroom that has been created by the marble finish reflecting in the mirror? freaky....

posted by barrettnet on 2007-10-08 07:56:03
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I noticed that too, barrettnet! I also thought it looked a little scary!

posted by cat on 2007-10-08 09:57:16
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What greengelato said about why people enter these "contests"--to share their space, not win. (I had a great time entering the bedroom contest eons ago, because of the interesting comments--none of which were insulting.)

posted by Aulaire on 2007-10-08 11:32:28
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This is absolutely stunning. I adore accent brick wall interiors. Your style is amazing and simplistic, yet very eye-catching and fulfilling. Also, I like the bathtub being in a different location, as long as there is at least a shower in the bathroom! I love this entry.

posted by islek on 2007-10-08 13:11:54
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This has got to win something. The use of color is the MOST creative. And the architecture they've added...the curved staircase wall, the floating bathroom cabinets...I'm in awe. And is that a tub in the middle of the room? Amazing.

posted by st@cy on 2007-10-11 23:40:03
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shut...up...

the tub in the master (guessing?) is off the chaaaaain.....

posted by fran0356 on 2007-10-18 01:02:04
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I love this place. Very bold use of color without exhuding a childish vibe. Nice toned down versions of otherwise punchy colors. I love your barstools. The tub in the living room is exceedingly strange. While interesting, it doesn't seem very functional.

posted by whitespike on 2007-10-23 17:40:02
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Good lord people....so many snarks here come off as petty and small...."looks professionally done....why do they want to enter....blah....blah....blah..."

Guys...your space is stunning, and I'm not one to throw compliments around too easily.

Good luck....and draw me a bubble bath!

posted by hdtex on 2007-10-31 19:52:32
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It looks wonderful, but there is something about the space that looks too staged ... like it's a model for a condo project.

posted by Kenneth on 2007-11-01 11:18:08
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All ye churlish step aside........ where did that stunning tub come from, pray tell? I have to know.

Fantastic space all around.

posted by feygray on 2007-11-15 21:44:39
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