apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Gorgeous - Some art on the walls could draw in colour. Perhaps a colourful table runner across the dining table too in whatever your chosen colour scheme is....

Where did you get your curtains? They are fantastic!

Love your place, love your furniture! I would die to have your place. I'm working on making my own equivelant through The Cure.

One easy place would be to put a printed paper (perhaps a larger, single piece, like the kind used for wrapping from a specialty store) or fabric under the glass in your coffee table, or even a color picture of something like flowers or a sculpture blown up and "framed" by the wood under the glass. This could be a place to start, or it could be an addition, once you pick out your color scheme.

The great thing about your furnishing is how easily you'll be able to change the color scheme. And I love the curtains too.

The table and/or the cradenza/dresser to the left of the table are crying out for a sculptural piece in a bold color, could even be a vase that may or may not have flowers in it.

Also, behind the table, go big with whatever art you put there. Or rasterbate a picture (blow up a picture and piece together the prints that are on 8.5 x 11 paper). Depends on your style. And/or paint that wall in an intense color.

There are the obvious places for area rugs, like where you've shopped, but I also like http://www.csnrugs.com/Nourison-Rugs-C8042T3.html for contemporary rugs, they have reasonable prices and some of the best selection I've seen so far. (One tip...apparently the no tax and no shipping is always on their site, the date just changes, as I've been keeping my eye on one rug until I can afford it, and the date keeps getting pushed back; it's just a sales tactic.)

A coworker asked me about this week when I was showing her my style tray for my living room was, "What's going to be your "pop" color?" The colors I've picked out are basic, and there are about 4 for the room, so I felt like that was enough because I am pretty much a 1-3 color at a time person...but it's growing on me as I think about it.

Say you do a deep red and an olive green for most of your accents in multiple textures and intensities, then you pull in a surprise of bright orange (just a suggestion) along the way in just a couple of smaller places, it adds another dimension.

In any case, great place and good luck!

Pillows, vases, runner, plants, throw blanket, rug. Pick one big wall art and draw the colors for the accents out of it. I vote deep blue.

You have a great start ... nice pieces so far (is that the Petrie sofa and chair?). With a light sofa, I like to see the wall color go darker than the sofa ...you have interesting shapes to the rooms ... perhaps play up the architecture. For example, paint that wall in the back (behind the dining room table) that is recessed. I don't think I'd paint all the walls, though ... you need some accent, and the architecture will get lost.

Also, I agree ... whereas the drapes aren't my cup of tea, I think they're kinda cool ... almost 3D in the design.

Looks like a great space with quality furnishings.

I think that hot pink and orange are verging on passe (I know because I have rooms painted in both colours and now it seems like they're everywhere). Green and teal are also being done a lot. I would consider lemon or plum accents if you want to be more fashion-forward. Rather than decorating around a rug, I would recommend finding a beautiful, large, colourful, original painting for your dining area - your space could use some personalization. Then add colour (rug, throw, vases, curtains, backsplash) to coordinate with the painting. Some accents from nature (twig/plant/flowers) would be good too.

I know you didn't ask about this but I would try to make your sliding doors the living room focal point rather than the TV/media stuff - maybe split some of that up too.

Have fun - this is the best part!

I love the idea of the red and muted green. When looking at your accessories, lighting, etc I think you should incorporate some texture. Metal, glass, stone, wood...it will really add some depth and life to your already lovey room.

since you have nice basics, i would use art, one very large canvas on the long wall, and pillows and decoratives. besides color texture can add visual interest in your rooms, as well as lighting. the curtains in the photo are a first step, look into sculpture, it doesn't have to be expensive art ,or one antique or vintage piece of furniture in a contemporary room like yours will work. perhaps a noguchi paper floor lamp would work as well. speaking of lighting, some interesting table lamps, and wood furniture would also spice up your space. for example; a teak end table next to the sofa with a ceramic base table lamp.finally live plants would also be a great addition; a large potted palm tree, and potted orchids.

lose the imitation furniture....bad eames knock-off...put it on craigslist and buy the real one.

come on people....

only cause i'm a ditigal dork:

that didnt work out so well, check this

http://www.eyemaze.net/blog/color.jpg

Since you can really use any accent colors in your space, think about the colors you like to wear! I think your wardrobe is a great starting point for inspiration.
Beautiful space and great foundation to work with! Have fun!

nice work, ggirl. did you use photoshop? i'm tryign to play with color in my own space and would love tips on how to colorize effectively like this.

ggirl, i was just photoshopping some curtains into a friends space when i looked at this entry. you are a digital dork!

Dear Cat,

Such a beautiful wallspace is in real need of some creative art work. Your stylistically simple furniture would complement a busy collage art piece on the wall. Check out some of the art actions at Parsons or other art schools around the city, they are affordable, and help emerging artists.

Go out to Union Sq, East Village, browse around Williamsburg, I don't doubt you will find a piece or two to help you with your goal.

Wow, I can't believe my question got posted so fast!

Thanks to Maxwell and everyone for your comments and suggestions!

As for the chair, that has been in my family since before I was born, and it means a lot to me, whether it is a knock-off or not :(

The curtains have also been in my family's home since my parents got engaged, and they have lived in 3 different countries, so they have even more of a sentimental value to me than anything else in the room.

I love the idea of purples and lemon. And I am definitely on the lookout for some great wall art. I like the idea of a side table with a lamp next to the sofa too.

There are actually loads of plants, but out of sight. The diagonal wall in the back with the floating shelves is actually a triangle, so the wall opposite it has a hige window, and the whole windowsill is filled with plants of different colors and shapes. The exposure is Northern, so in order to get enough light in that room, the plants have to be right next to the windows.

And, ggirl - that is so cool! Can you do other colors too? Maybe just the back wall, as others have suggested? I don't think I have the energy or time to paint the whole place any time soon.

Lots of great ideas, so thanks so much!
Keep 'em coming!

Cat

Not everyone can afford to drop 3K on an Eames original, maxie. Pity your humility doesn't match your checking account.

I wouldn't trade it for the original even if someone paid me to. I LOVE this chair because of the memories associated with it, and I think it's pretty too. And to top it off, it is the most comfortable chair I have ever sat in. I am not a bit concerned that maxie doesn't like it.

I like the furniture. Where could I find something like that? I am not as much in the know as others are here so please hold the bashing! ;-)

Just curious, but if this is where you started (serious neutrals, but really well done) why are you desperate for color? I think it stands on its own in many ways already, and just needs a finishing layer of texture (to me) more than buckets of reds or oranges or pinks.

I think a few jolts of strong colors in things like pillows or a rug or even accent walls would not really work here... I think you'd end up looking like a Bo Concept store, or a Chiasso catalog, a bit (and not in a good way).

I agree with clairepetrol about getting color (if still desperate for color) from art, but letting that be almost your sole source of color. (possible exception: the backsplash, and even for that I'd rather see a semi-neutral small glass tile mosaic, or even bands of black and white...)

Or make you bathroom your home's color statement.

I do think the curtains, while REALLY great, are really creating a problem with how to introduce color or art... another reason why I say don't fight what your instincts seem to be already.

If you still want color from paint, I think a muddy (in a good way) color like slate blue, and taupes, ivories and chocolates will give you some color interest without bringing down the level of sophistication you already have going.

And the only plants I'd put in here would be *severely* architectural, if any at all.

I know you asked for "Color", so apologies for the divergent advice/opinion!!

i love the curtains. they're wonderful!

what about a light blue for the walls? see PICKUP TRUCK blue from Benjamin Moore -- and then you could accent with some bright white pieces to keep it really fresh.

Another place I'd look for inspiration is in tribal elements and fabrics (kuba cloth, for example, or Eastern kilims).

I think you might find that a more organic, roughened "next layer" (including cowskin, flokatis, Mongolian Lamb etc) might give you what you feel lacking without going too polychromatic.

i agree with patrick...if you don't do color, adding texture would be lovely also. I saw a neat thing online where one of those HGTV-type designers did a wall in corrugated cardboard. it looked great. is this a rental, though?

in that case, you just need 2 pieces of spectacular artwork (above the heater near the glass doors, and on the long wall by the dining table. A bigger, more sculptural/interesting swag/pendant lamp over the dining table would also do wonders. On top of that, i'd go light on the gewgaws/accessories...maybe two bolster pillows on the ends of your couch in a color.

my two cents! good luck.

Cat,
You and I have matching rooms. I too have the Petrie sofa the exact same Plycraft chair (sans ottoman, unfortunately). I agree with you on the comfort factor of the chair...dimensionally superior to the Eames recliner, although if I found 3K lying in the street, I might be tempted to buy that new Eames Anniversary Edition with a rosewood shell! Lovely! I perked up the color in the room with a deep red area rug, and red pillows of different patterns. I also have various brightly colored Cuban movie posters on the wall. They don't match the red rug, but they are so bright and happy, and they hold meaning and memories. I think it's best that things aren't too matchy-matchy. You are off to a great start!

Cat: Great job so far. Where did you get your tv stand?

Wow!!! Great place, great start. You could do almost anything with this space. My suggestion is orange. Wish you were here in Cleveland, because I saw the coolest Italian orange glass vases at the Salvation Army. A couple large orange vases, a large orange painting and a couple orange pillows and you're done. And I think orange would work really well with those curtains. Don't do too much though, because you have a great minimal clean look going. Whatever pop you choose, keep it simple and uniform. Please post your end result.

I'd love to do a painting for you.

Um, the easiest place to start is you need some plants. They'll bring texture and life into the apartment. Cheap, too.

I think with your range of neutrals, you can pick any color that speaks to you, but start with some real living plants to match the pattern in the curtians.

I am in LOVE with your drapes.

Sorry I accidentally posted twice...wasn't trying to be rude, I swear! :)

I think I would do this. I suggest this beautiful Hazel wool rug from www.vivionline.com for the living room area. Some big colorful paintings, photograph or printing, for instance www.Magda-gallery.com has an Icon Tada limited edition of large silkscreen on paper, I would put it over the dinning set. Get some glaze ceramic base lamp in a color of your preference for one side of the sofa or even over the sideboard in the dinning area also it would be good to hang a mirror to add muvement and reflect light. Also go to Jocelynwarner.com she has great lampshades that you could maybe hang over the dinning table. And is never a bad idea to get some big sculpture, if you can. p.s I love your cutains too. :o)

I think your place looks wonderful. Very sculptural and clean. I love the curtains and the chair. I almost think you need to take a photo or swatch of the curtains with you when you shop. I most love the idea of a great piece of art in the dining room or "the other Patrick's" idea for a muted "muddy" accent wall color. It sounds like you are already pleased with the plum idea. I see a lot of sophistication in that. Anyway, you're off to a beautiful start!

Jane and furnitureseeker, The coffee and dining tables are ikea; the sofa and armchair are c&b, the recliner is an ancient family piece, and the wall unit is from the door store.

Patrick (the other one) – I think you’re spot on with your comments. Thanks for all the ideas. What do you think about a shaggy rug, like the Zia from C&B?

Peggy, I love orange. But I am not sure I will still love it in a year or two. I know, I’m fickle!

And thanks for all the compliments on my curtains!

I guess my first job now is to find some great paintings!!

Jamie ... off topic, but ... THANK YOU! I have pickup truck blue on an accent wall in my house ... I was trying so hard to remember the name so I could buy more ... and you just said it!

I think it's fabulous the way it is.

I think its great too, Cat. i like the chair.

seriously - maxie and all like you, why oh why do you feel the need to be so rude? keep it to yourself.

I would add black pillows in cowhide, and something large for the dining wall, and something pretty on dining table.

ggirl, please share how you did that, i am spending too much money on foamcore and quarts of paint.

i definitely agree with patrick (the other one) on this. texture is what's needed here more than color: sculptures, rug, plants, photographs in neutrals rather than in colors. but i think, if i were you, having just moved in, i'd let most of those things accumulate -- as they will do soon enough.

Cat--
I love the nubby, textural rugs like that, definitely (Zia, Celeste, Pebbles, or even Kira in the Lapis color, if truly as slate-y as depicted online.)

Where are you located? NYC? Would love to go on a shopping spree with you to finish up if you aren't patient enough to follow abby's (true) advice!!

You should also check out Candace Olsen's book. I think she has great ways of introducing (interesting, grown-up) color into mostly-neutral environments, and always ends up with a luxe, layered, warm look.

As far as art, an interesting, very modern take on some sort of floral could work well with your curtains. Trying to track down a painting I saw of large abstracted tulips. I'll keep looking.

Just make sure whatever you introduce next, keep it of a large enough scale so it doesn't just look like blips on the radar and diminish from your clean-lined minimal vibe.

Thanks for the offer, patrick! I am actually in NJ and a full time grad student, so trips into the city are unfortunately few and far between.

And thanks again to everyone for all your incredible advice!

I have spent the whole evening looking for all these things online... I really must go do some work now!

I think this place looks great the way it is. I had an apartment furnished almost entirely in neutrals with emtpy white walls -- mainly because I couldn't afford any art -- and the color came from the shifting hues of the sun as it moved through the sky during the day. Morning was its own purplish color, afternoon was bright and white, and evening turned golden and faded into an orangey magenta as the sun set. I never thought about how different light is at different times of the day until I watched the walls change in that peaceful quiet place.

If you look at the walls in Cat's apartment, they're not really blank -- the patterns of light and shadow are quite appealing, like a Vermeer painting.

I also think neutral, minimal spaces focus attention on the activities and people in a room, rather than the room itself. Woody Allen's great film "Interiors" is full of shots of actors in front of empty white white walls, in big empty rooms. It's a metaphor for their emotional isolation, but the cinematography is beautiful nonetheless, and there is nothing competing with the characters as they tell their stories.

Robert--

You do beautiful work! Great site, too.

Thanks for your comments, Robert. I know the photos don't show it well, but the wall color isn't actually pure white. They are painted "Pale Oak" from Benjamin Moore, and they have a lot of interesting undertones that I just can't put my finger on. The room looks totally different as the day progresses.

The problem is that I do most of my entertaining in the evening, so that effect is lost a bit.

And by the way, I second patrick's comment - really great looking work, Robert!

Cat--
I'd happily cross the river for a consultation!!

Some great pieces. I would just add one really, really nice area rug under the coffee/couch area. Make it one with bold, rich colors, any style really from kilim to a modern geometric. Let that be the one big splash of color. Get real wool, no polys, feels the best on bare feet. It doesn't have to be bright colors either but something that looks very rich and luxurious. Maybe a shag. Now about that entertainment center ...

I so agree w/P(too) and Robin. There's no need to change the palette. If the room needs anything, it's texture. The coffee and dining tables are a bit bare. Books or sculptural pieces or something on those tables would make the room a shade less austere. Wende bought an amazingly flourescent and sculptural succulent: you might try something like that.

Cat,
I've been enjoying reading the comments about your place. Truly a testiment to what a great job you have done. Wish we could go shopping together.

It's okay if you don't like orange. Remember, you don't have to buy anything with the hopes that you will love it in a year. Do you like it now? Believe me your taste will change. That's why you don't want a lot. You have such good bones in your place that you buy a few accessories in a specific color, then if in a year you want something else, you change out your accessories. With the wonderful foundation you've laid out you can do almost anything.

And you don't even have to spend a lot of money. You like the plum idea? Then buy a large canvas at a local craft store, paint in plum and hang or prop it in the dining room. Live with it for a while and decide if you really like it. That's what I did in my place to try to decide if I liked a certain color because I just couldn't paint the wall everytime my mood changed.

Please post whatever you do! Thanks for sharing.

Patrick -
I just saw your apartment!!! WOW.
I am absolutely in awe of what you did!
If, when I'm done, my place looks one tenth as great as yours, I will consider it a great success!

Fiona - I tried to find the page with Angela's orange crush, and it isn't working. Do you have a working link for it by any chance?

ebrown and JC, thanks for the ideas. I am going shopping on Sunday and will keep an eye out for some different textures and shapes. I think I am going to have to get that shaggy rug after all! yay!

Thanks peggy, I definitely will do! I like the canvas idea too. Might just have to stop by the craft store on my way home from work today...

Coming late to the party, I agree with Robert -- you have some great neutrals at work, coordinated in a way that looks purposeful, rather than bland.

I'd consider -- just consider! -- letting books, plants, and accessories/art that are meaningful to you provide the notes of color against a neutral backdrop. If you entertain in the evening, focus on lighting rather than color.

Cat, I swear I was looking at your apartment, thinking "What would P2 (Patrick, the other one) do?" because your apartment seems so in keeping with his style. (He won a past smallest, coolest apartment contest) I love olive green and red, but I can see more of a chocolate brown or other, more severe accent color going on. I also agree with P2's ideas about texture, and would also suggest checking out a Kelly Hoppen book. She is queen of neutrals and textures. I love your curtains, too, and think you have great basics for your furniture.

One more thing! For your backsplash, maybe look at Angela's Orange Crush. She painted plexiglass orange and bolted it to the wall--looked great, if you need an infusion of color, but I also think neutralish mosaic tiles (even glass ones for tonality) could be amazing.

I think you need to change the positions of your light in order to an ambient feeling that you can add to your room along with the great pieces you already have.

As for color - it is up to you torun wild with purple,cobalt blue combination - One big canvas or use all the colors that you really like. Throw a paint party and ask the kids to come and paint. You will have a great art without paying the price

corrections - Line one - READ For instead of 'in order to an'

cat (and fiona!)--

Thanks!

But don't let my love of "stuff" dissuade you from a path more clean and minimal! I am in awe of all things minimal of late, and really itching to jettison about 70% of my stuff.

And don't let the ardent DIYers dissuade you from looking for actual/professional art... it is a community worth exploring, and supporting, if you are able. And in NYC, a HUGE range of prices and styles awaits. Plus, you really only need one statement piece, given your (enviable) open plan.

And one piece of rug advice... get as big as you can afford/fit. Too-small rugs are (imho) a common mistake that ends up cheapening the look of even an expensive piece.

Keep us posted!

Wende - I think you're right.
I am going to see if I can find some cool looking low-light-tolerant plants. And I will move some of my colorful and fun books in from my office too.

I think I might also choose one or two colorful pillows and throws for the sofa, just to make it a bit more comfortable, especially for the upcoming winter months.

Kumon, how would you recommend changing the lighting positions, without making the place seem cluttered? I wish I could put overhead lighting in, but the ceiling is solid concrete and all attempts to drill into it have failed miserably.

Parick - Anything you want to jettison... feel free to toss my way!
Also, How big a rug do you think would be appropriate for this space? Or better yet, how small a rug do you think would still be good?

cat - I really like your place so far. Your mostly neutral palette is similar to mine, a look that I find very relaxing. I agree with what several other posters have said - a rug and a few accessories will go a long way to pull everything together.

I live in a Northern facing loft so I get light all day long but it is indirect light. I have Zero plant skills, but my snake plants (aka Mother-in-law's tongue) have done very well in the low-light and have survived my black thumb.
As for rug size, I would go at least as long as the couch and then wide enough so that it goes past the edge of your chair but stops short of your entertainment unit.
Have fun decorating. There was so much interest in this post it would be fun to see what you come up with when you are done!
Erin T

Thanks, Erin. I will check out snake plants this weekend. And thanks also for the rug suggestion! I will be measuring tonight, so I know my minimum size.

Cat

I agree...great furniture. It does seem as though the walls are crying out for some deep, rich color - perhaps just a great hot orange hue behind the dining table. Go with the rule of three: 60% the primary color, 30% for your secondary color, and 10% for accents. You've got a great neutral palette so whatever you put on the walls - be sure to mimic it with some great funky furry or leather pillows on that sofa. A great big contemporary painting wouldn't hurt either - but pain is much less expensive! But hey...this is just my opinion.
Jocelyn Hutt, Editor, HomePortfolio.com

I'd move the three-part lamp to the opposite corner of the couch if possible. Or if there is a corner table there already, leave the three-part lamp as is,and add a lamp to the side table. Then maybe an accent lamp on the console (I think that's what it is back there) in the dining area. My favorite lighting source on the budget end these days is CB2, but quality lighting will be with you forever, so buy the best you can afford from places like Artemide or ylighting even if it means waiting.

I'm also a fan of art lights and canned up-lights/wall washers for layers of light when overhead can lights are not an option.

I think Erin T is right on about the rug measurement.

I also think glass pieces (simple in shape, large in scale, even clear) would add another great layer without detracting from what you've got going.

And THANK YOU for *not* staggering the two floating shelves! A huge pet peeve of mine!!! :)

And ps, looking at your pics again, I really like the relationship of the dining chairs (in shape and color) to the lounge chair.