apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Definitely add color! There's plenty of ways to do it if you don't want to paint, including lampshades and throws and flowers. Consider painting those little nightstands. And add something to the back of the muphy bed so that it's not just a blank space when not in use. Maybe get a large canvas from an art supply store and go to town with a Rothko-like series of color blocks? Ikea even has some large-formate pictures on canvas that can be cut to size and remounted. As long as it's securely attached on all four corners, it should stay on while you're opening and closing the bed.

Also, in the kitchen you should try to paint the backsplash a bright color. I'm thinking maybe turquoise blue, and then you could fill in that blank shelving area with colored glass pieces in blues and greens.

Same goes for the desk area-- paint the background a bright color, get a bright colored pad for the chair or even paint it. Hang some artwork behind the desk space so it looks like part of the room even when open. Add a bulletin board or chalkboard squares to the back of the door for notes or postcards or other items. And add more brightly colored pillows/throws to the bed!

Finally, in the bathroom i'd just go to town with old hollywood glamor. Could you tape off and paint squares in the area above the bathtub so it looks like molding? And if you can, I would replace the mirror with something bigger (maybe framed with an ornate wooden frame painted silver?) And change the light fixture if possible.

But it looks like such a cute little place! Congrats!

wow- cant believe its that small and did I spy an exercise machine in there- wow- I bow to an organization skill far superior to my own!!

you could add color, but I almost like it the way it is.

just as a thought maybe you could try those decorative stick on wall trees or smth like that on the doors of the murphy bed.

Wallpaper behind that murphy bed; it's screaming for color! You have a good foundation; so go out on a limb with some accessories!

Wow, what a beautiful space! With no knowledge of your style, I can only speculate and give ideas about how I would proceed. So here goes:

1) Color
I love love love the white. And the white floors (painted wood?). I would not paint. But I would introduce a very limited palette of favorite colors via furnishings and art. And I would use the same palette throughout the space. How about the colors of the stone in your bathroom? That might be a good place to start.

Anna Spiro is an Australian designer whose specialty is white rooms with pops of color (often cobalt blue and pink). Check out her blog:

http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/

Even if you don't share her traditional style, you can get good ideas from her. She has a great eye:

2) Clean lines
I would also keep things very simple and graphic. The space is so clean lined and gallery-like... you don't want to clutter it up with lots of tchotchkes. Think of every item going into the space as art. Think fewer items... but every one REALLY counts.

3) Style
My personal choice would be to go more modern in this space. But I would inject something old, too, for interest. Ideally, something a little weathered/battered to add some patina.

Can't wait to see the finished space!

Whatever you do, don't add color!!!

Honestly, the whiteness of it is wonderful and soothing. I would add more textures and tones. Inseat of the big love seat, can you get a small mini-sectional could fit in the corner.

I love the way that you've opened up the space and have added those sleek built-ins, recessed lighting and wallbed - Congrats!

I think that this is a great start - but I'd continue the theme and go for the etherial effect your background has and start eliminating color: Try going for the all-white effect with 2-3 bold wood pieces and some B&W photography on the walls framed very simply in white or black - the remainder wants to be all white/linen/ecru with polished chrome metal trim.

Also: Get rid of the excercise machine, and do something with that bathroom mirror, shelf and light: it's too low, horizontal, thin and cheap looking: It wants to be vertical, sparkly, thick and glamorous.

I like the main room. I think you need to add color to the kitchen and inside your computer closet (for some reason that was the only area I found a bit depressing).

There are days when I think living in a space this size would be ideal.

Hope you had fun in the snow!

I'd suggest go all black and white, with gold accents for lighting and switchplates, frames on art and mirror, etc. Then a pop or two of whatever color you fancy. Classic and sleek.

It looks like you've already begun a disciplined approach to your apt...I would formally make a decision about the color palette that you are going to use. Don't "just" add color.

I kinda like the whiteness, too. I tend to like an austere aesthetic, myself. So maybe you just want to go black (or is it dk brown?) and white. Consequently the rattan chair looks out of place. If you can't replace - just spray paint it.

Usually I don't like so much white, but I think it works here. However, I think the solution would be to add texture. There are so many glossy surfaces, you might want to add some organic textures -- something fluffy, etc.

Another vote for keeping the white as a backdrop. It helps make it feel floaty and much larger than it is. Other than that, I have a feeling your instincts are going to be better than mine, considering the great direction you've already started in.

I think the white is nice but would add color in vignettes so as to differentiate the "bedroom" back of the murphy bed wall, kitchen, work area, bathroom. You could do this with paint, fabric, new duvet, or art. And, this might sound strange, but I might even try a mirror on the wall behind the computer so you don't feel like you're sitting in the corner there. The only other thing I thought of is I know I have seen hinged/folding tables that can go on the outside of murphy beds and a table looks like it is currently missing in the space. And finally, maybe a screen to hide the bike(?) as everything else is so beautifully austere.

I love, love, LOVE the white! Especially the white painted floorboards!

I would try and introduce more seating, texture and art.

Since it is a small space, keep only truly comfortable, flexible pieces (the peacock straw chair is not really very comfortable!)

For some reason, I see a beautiful Jacobsen Egg Chair in leather... either this chocolate leather and suede one, or a vintage leather:

http://www.casasugar.com/994470

or a vintage cognac coloured leather:

http://www.baxterandliebchen.1stdibs.com/itemdetails.php?id=241073

On the walls, I think it would be lovely to have a couple of very small traditional landscape paintings (or little landscape vignettes), in a somewhat impressionistic style, framed in antique ornate gold frames. Very minimal, but very rich.

The problem with adding any extra seating in the space is the murphy bed; it seems like a great space-saver, but precludes having a sofa and table, and ties up a large portion of what little wall space you have.


The most ideal solution would be to set up a comfortable sofabed as a dining nook, with a small oval table and a couple of chairs. You could thus have a nice eating, reading, entertaining, relaxing and sleeping area.

Supposedly, there are some sofa beds which are actually comfortable!

Here is one possibility (they have many models):
http://www.milanobedding.co.uk/sofa_sofabeds/sofa_sofabed_models/jaco_sofa_bed.htm

These are supposedly the best in the U.S. (to the trade only) -- style 158 or 151 would be nice:

http://www.averyboardman.com/sofas.html#

For the bathroom, I would try to create a standing shower area by tiling the walls, and hanging a curtain (or installing a glass partition).

The kitchen would be gorgeous with natural wood cabinets in a matte oiled finish. Since it is such a small space, it might be attainable to create jewel-like fine cabinetry in the kitchen (I am thinking of a miniature version of http://www.hansenliving.com/home/ -- with open shelves or uppers in your case).

Lovely, lovely space!

Forgot to add:

The dining table should be antique, probably a gateleg table to provide you with maximum flexibility (and so that it doesn't overtake your space), although a smaller-scale pedestal table (think antique mahogany) would be very nice too.

Dining chairs (probably just 2) should be Donghia's Anziano -- they stack!
http://www.donghia.com/furniture/upholstery-seating/anziano_chair.php

The sofa could be covered in a natural or white linen or linen union cloth.

Mostly, you would have lovely natural materials and textures -- wood, leather, linen -- when not white. Actual colours, although minimal (the 2 small paintings, perhaps a couple of Murano glasses or some pottery), would actually have a much greater impact due to the white and natural background.

(okay, I'm dreaming here :-) but this is what I see in your place when I close my eyes...!)

Oh I agree with everyone above.

1. Lovely, wonderful, calming space.

2. You need some serious colour. Suggestions:
- tiling/painting the backsplash in the kitchen
- painting a feature wall (a single wall) in a room
- Adding colourful pillows or lights
- Making the curtains patterened/colourful
- Keeping a lot of it neutral with splashes of colour.

3. The bathroom looks great
I'd suggest changing the mirror/section to have something like a mirrored medicine box or vanity..

And having accessories that pull the bathroom together like a trio of glass canisters with metal tops to store your cotton balls, Q-tips, etc.

4. Above your bed
Make a headboard out of a painting, or paint the section and stencil in a pattern with a lighter, matching colour of paint...

Put up a padded headboard..

5. Kitchen cabinets
Could use a face lift with recessed lighting, a bit of personality with brightly coloured cabinets, or a dark wood Ikea look.

Looks great so far.

Fabulously Broke in the City

"Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver."

I agree about previous posters that keeping the palette pretty neutral would be beautiful, and I love the idea of mounting a canvas on the back of the bed and making a large Rothko-esque painting there. You could also stretch a beautiful piece of fabric or tapestry there.

I personally think you should keep the palette to white, cream, fawn, gray/steel/silver, and dark brown. Then you can work in the pillow, throw, dark round table, and bathroom tile you already have. I'd pick up some paint swatch cards within that range as a starting point.

Bedroom area: I'd paint the alcove a warm pale gray. Again, the paint can be really subtle, not really pops of color...but a pale warm gray could soften it up a little, make the space look addressed, and would look really classy. I'd get rid of the dark blue rug that's near the bed...am I seeing that right?), and keep the floor light.

Office area: I've seen galvanized metal squares with magnets that would look great above your little desk area. The weathered silver would fit in the palette, but would add a little texture. You could also paint the whole wall behind your computer and the shelves above with a magnetic paint. Definitely invest in some pretty, matching organizers for your papers, etc. in there...again in a fawn or white.

Kitchen area: I agree that painting the backsplash would be great. You already have the silver of the sink and the golden brown of the counters...so I'd pick a neutral that works with those...and brushed silver accessories would be great in there.

Bathroom: I think definitely changing the mirror and light in there is huge. Wood accessories in the bathroom would be beautiful.

I'd also maybe invest in a nicer chair and lose the wicker one whenever you could afford it. Something simple, sturdy, with clean, beautiful lines would be great.

I think a combo. of organic modern and 1930's glamour would really suit the place.

Definitely post "after" photos!

I think what you've done so far is great and you've given me ideas for my own small space.
The white palette is wonderful.

I like the white as well. For small changes with impact, I'd start with new throw pillows. The ones on the couch are cute, but don't say much there. You need a real punch of color there, IMHO.

I'd leave the main area white, but think about painting the bathroom. It doesn't look like you get natural light there and the white looks harsh. A beautiful grey pulled from the tile would be nice. So would a larger framed mirror and more attractive light fixture.

Finally, there's a post today about using patterned paper inside cabinets. You might want to consider something like that in your desk area--a colorful graphic pattern on a white field would look great.

Your place is really neat. I love the wall of cabinets!

I like the white and I agree on adding texture and a touch of color . this room from apartment therapy just grabbed me I think you can utilize the wall paper behind and on the bottom of the Murphy bed and the texture and bit of color.http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/color-combo-black-white-and-055938
and for extra seating check out these unique folding chairs
http://weburbanist.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/awesome-japanese-folding-chair-design.jpg

I'm sure you'll do great and you're bound to get a lot of interesting ideas on this site.

Personally, I'm a big fan of flat white paint with interesting wood accent pieces and lots of art and books. If it were my home I'd probably replace some or all of the large cupboard doors with artists canvasses, or add paintable panels to the front of them and create a mural.

I'd also add something to the space behind the murphy bed - wallpaper or paint might be a problem if that space is actually part of the furniture or if you'd like to be able to change it easilyy. Perhaps consider applying the finish to a piece of masonite, or some other thin, relatively lightweight rigid surface that you have cut to fit the space and then attach ito the wall with velcro tape.

Good luck, and congratulations on your home.

I think it would be great to keep everything either white, or add just a few textures like glass, or chrome, nickel, aluminum and things like that and IF you must use wood accents, be very careful!

Because at first glance, that wicker chair makes it look like you just moved into a white painted landlord space with one piece of your old furniture.

But if you get some Kartell lamps like Jane used in her Bloomingdales window, and make sure you do some really interesting things with lighting so that the white seems magical.

And I love the idea of doing something on that back Murphy bed wall that coordinates with bedding. Different, new bedding with some color and pattern -- BUT that actually has some white IN the pattern.

Great start!

Now review all these suggestions and take it slow.

If you choose to stay with all white, add some texture.

Shoot for a more comfortable solution than the peacock chair.

If you add color, start with something subtle and portable: a throw or a pillow or two. Also, you can add color inside the closed areas such as the office area. You don't look at this all the time, and if you decide you have gone in the wrong direction it is easily changed.

You'll find what makes you happy and gives you a sense of a haven in your home.

You could add some colour with accessories.
I would definately advise to add softness to the room (blankets, cushions, etc) with soft textures like fake fur in a creamy white or light brown, felt and to choose accessories in an organic form or an odd shape.

Here are some thoughts for your bathroom --

As others have said, make it glamourous. You are half-way there with the marble tiling and the orchids.

Lighting would make a HUGE difference -- here is a UK article on bathroom lighting (love the lighting in the picture they show).

http://www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk/expert/kitchenbathroom/CREATE_A_BATHROOM_SANCTUARY_WITH_THE_RIGHT_LIGHTING_article_121450.html

Pearlescent paint
http://www.valtti.co.uk/the-range/effects/

and some glass shelves (perhaps ones which illuminate) could finish off the space. To add extra glamour, consider trying to find an inexpensive oriental-style rug in shades of peach for the floor -- nothing precious because of the humidity, and put it on an airy rubber underlay. Something along these lines (but cheaper):

http://www.rugman.com/AreaRugs/Kashmar-AreaRug-1700120644.html

And for the living room, how about this as a DIY project?
http://www.ochre.net/en/display.product.php?productID=a02

Learning to silver leaf is fun, and it would create a nice textural effect.

Oh -- and last but not least, here is a great sofa -- the Geoffrey Queen Sleeper (easy enough to have made bespoke)

http://www.montauksofa.com/

The mirror light shown at the end of the article would look nice in your space as a replacement for the old bar light, and the towel holder lights look really cool.

For glamour, a Venetian mirror would be stunning, like the top picture here:
http://designshrine.net/2008/03/17/venetian-mirrors/

I have thought about the bath it's tiny so just a neoclassical tromp o'leil painting an urn or window. I like the tile you have.

great - nice and simple - window treatments. Any suggestions on where i can find some in nyc?

you need art

Color or no color--up to you, really. I've found that all white in person in anything but a southern exposure feels chilly, but if you've got south light...well, lucky you! You could even do art monochromatically--some photos done in sepia tones, for instance.

I'd buy/build in a sofa parallel to the window...it would have to skinny enough so the bed would clear and remove the side/bedside table with the lamp. A built-in with storage below and some big rectangular pillows could be efficient. If you use the bike, maybe try to find a screen to cover it?) And facing the couch on the opposite wall from the bed, put a chair/ottoman diagonally into the room. (You could always use the chair you have, but it feels a little insubstantial at the moment. Then get a nice light-weight coffee table that can be moved away when you lower the bed. Maybe a bench or two ottomans for additional seating.

A skinny table along the wall to the right of the front door will provide a landing strip and another place to add personality. Maybe a mirror above it? with art opposite? Or maybe there's no room--couldn't quite tell. Even a floating shelf would be handy.

I think you may find that having more furniture gives you a cozier feel...and if you don't do color, do interesting textures like velvet, leather, wool.

Headboard would be comfy, and you can add some lighting if there's room when the bed is up so you don't need a side table.

Have fun!!