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Corey, Gustavo & Kyle's Reclaimed Modern Renovation
House Call

(We're trying out some of the best applicants from our New York Blogger Search — this House Call comes from applicant Andrea Coulter.)

Name: Corey Schneider, Gustavo Ramirez, and Kyle Leiker
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC

It’s hard to believe this minimalist beauty drenched with light was once part of a turn-of-the century sewing factory. Recently graduated from architecture school, Corey, Kyle, and Gus moved into this expansive loft, where the only interior walls were the ones that enclosed the bathroom. After a month of do-it-yourself diligence, and less than $2000 in materials, the three friends transformed this 1000 square foot industrial space into a chic and proper domicile...

 
 

The bedrooms are quaintly small, but such adequate attention is given to the use of space and organization that they work beautifully. Beds are lofted by the structure of the room, and each bedroom has a built in floor-to-11 foot ceiling cubic shelving unit. This leaves ample room for the expansive living room and kitchen. The self-made kitchen storage is supported by steel framing and sheathed in translucent plastic. Construction details are revealed to serve as a formal decorative element.

Extreme detail and superb craftsmanship is shown throughout, even down to the touch sensor light switch. This low cost, high style apartment is an extraordinary example of what can be accomplished with a little resourcefulness and a lot of ingenuity.

(Images: Andrea Coulter)

We've had amazing response to our Apartment Therapy House Tour Submission Form. While we will work with homeowners of our favorite homes to feature full tours, we will also share the best as House Calls — short, quick tours of readers' homes. Submit your home here.

Tags

House Tours, DIY, loft, House Call, Brooklyn, minimalism, Bushwick

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Comments (37)

That kind of minimalism takes a tremendous amount of discipline. I respect it, but it's likely not something I can attain...

posted by ponytailed_informant on July 20th 2009 at 8:22pm
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to each his own, but I find that extreme minimalism comes off as cold, sterile, and uninviting...that wasn't meant to come off as an insult--Im just really not a fan of it.

posted by abc123 on July 20th 2009 at 8:34pm
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To me, it looks unfinished. But if they're happy with it, okay.

posted by AustinSarah on July 20th 2009 at 8:54pm
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Maybe its just me but I can't grasp what has happened with the pics I see but it sounds like they are happy and that's what counts.

posted by sassydo on July 20th 2009 at 8:57pm
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need more pics! :)

posted by flobeau on July 20th 2009 at 9:00pm
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Sorry, not so chic to me. It just looks cold and uninviting (just not my taste - not meaning to sound mean). But, to each his own! If you like it, and feel comfortable in the space, then enjoy!

posted by ginghamcherry on July 20th 2009 at 9:53pm
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i like what they've done, esp. how they've retained the industrial elements but made the space more livable. but i agree that more pics are needed to show all the work they've done, esp. since the comment talks so much about their bedrooms & how the beds were constructed.

posted by timmy jr. on July 20th 2009 at 10:15pm
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I'm suddenly reminded of the AbFab episode in which Edina and Patsy visit some minimalists, and can't find a place to put their bottle of wine without ruining the interior.

posted by Blandwagon on July 20th 2009 at 10:54pm
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@flobeau I guess they're going for "minimal" amounts of photos, too.

posted by BruinToo on July 21st 2009 at 12:43am
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Love the glimpse of the kitchen. 1000 sq ft! Yes, more pics would be good. The glimpses are promising though.

posted by lolax on July 21st 2009 at 1:06am
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This is not extreme minimalism.

posted by charlenemcbride on July 21st 2009 at 6:48am
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I like what I see in the photos, but why mention bedrooms if they're not pictured? This doesn't really seem like a house call to me, just some detail shots.

posted by visualingual on July 21st 2009 at 7:34am
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In all honesty, if this is a taste of the spaces that interest the potential blogger, than I'm afraid that we are in for some boring posts. Sorry. But I think that the last thing this blog needs is overly minimal, austere sensibilities boring it up and making it, frankly, a site to see the ordinary.

I will say that I am a fan of the grainy photography, just not the space itself. And obviously, to each their own! (What do I know anyway...)

posted by dfwz on July 21st 2009 at 10:51am
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I do wish the photos gave a better sense of space. Although this minimalism is not for me, I appreciate what they were able to do with a blank canvas and so little money, so kudos there and also for a concise and informative description from Andrea.

posted by michpc on July 21st 2009 at 11:02am
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Nice space, but it looks unfinished. I am contrasting this to the Japanese place that was featured a few days ago. The latter was almost as bare and plain, but felt more inviting and livable.

I definitely prefer minimalism when it is enlivened by warm textures, living plants and artwork. I admire the discipline on display in this space, but find the overall vibe to be way too stark.

posted by slowdown on July 21st 2009 at 11:41am
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I'd love to see more of this, but the photos don't give a good feel of the layout.

posted by Max on July 21st 2009 at 11:54am
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yawn.

posted by btfabt on July 21st 2009 at 12:49pm
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I like it! Looks soothing.

(Also -- are the people whining about the lack of photos missing the " short, quick tours of readers' homes" part?)

posted by Arlette on July 21st 2009 at 1:13pm
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Lovely article. I really like the tint of the flooring in the main room. And the black finish of the kitchen cabinetry. Great writing, keep up the good work!

posted by Mac Harris on July 21st 2009 at 2:32pm
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Please do a complete tour of this utterly fascinating place! Would love to see more. I think the critics of minimalism would be satiated if they could see more of that lovely sofa, and the fine fabrics of your curtains. Well done.

posted by peggy on July 21st 2009 at 2:33pm
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I want to see more and I am absolutely confused with the floor plan versus the photos. It makes no sense. The photos do not show enough either. :(

posted by msjessiemeghan on July 21st 2009 at 4:00pm
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This is a great house call! I would love to see a full tour. It's especially impressive considering the budget, and that there is harmonious space for three separate adults.

I think that last picture is from inside a bedroom, showing "a built in floor-to-11 foot ceiling cubic shelving unit" and how the "beds are lofted by the structure of the room".

posted by lemonadefish on July 21st 2009 at 4:40pm
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I like the fact that this is a reclaimed space and a minimal amount of money was spent to renovate it. More people should be so resourseful.

I like the minimal approach, "stuff" is not needed to make a place feel homey; just makes it look cluttered. This isn't Grannies place, this is a pad for 3 young men. It's perfect for entertaining and easily cleaned.

I think this space could inspire more people to downsize the clutter.

posted by bball05 on July 21st 2009 at 5:57pm
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Clean, crisp, and neat - both article and apartment. I do share a similar sentiment with slowdown's comment:

"I definitely prefer minimalism when it is enlivened by warm textures, living plants and artwork. I admire the discipline on display in this space..."

The use of space and materials (under $2,000!) is very impressive.

posted by warmsweater on July 21st 2009 at 6:25pm
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That a very well written article!! I love the minimalist interior and I appreciate a piece that reflects accessible (and affordable) design tips to young professionals new to the work force.

This interior shows a great foundation for a jumping off point in any decorating direction.

love it!!!!!

posted by chickpeachickadee on July 21st 2009 at 7:00pm
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Dunno...to my ear, the writing sounds a bit stiff, "quaintly small," "beds are lofted," and "adequate attention." I would prefer someone who didn't sound so forced.

posted by Fio on July 21st 2009 at 8:13pm
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The space has a clean look without feeling like a museum, and achieves the lofted bed, exposed dishes, random table look without seeming like a college dorm room. It's inspiring to hear the designers achieved this on such a small budget.

A good example of a minimalist space with a touch of coziness.

its a well written piece, and I love the photos.

posted by unicorn_sandwich on July 21st 2009 at 11:06pm
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My favorite house call!!

This sleek minimalist pad feels balanced and comfy because of the warm neutral palette the abundance of natural light.

A brilliant write-up complimented by lovely photos--
I would love to see more from this blogger!

posted by punchmunch on July 22nd 2009 at 2:55am
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BruinToo, you are funny! :)

posted by flobeau on July 22nd 2009 at 4:22am
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who are all these people writing in & claiming this is a brilliant write up?

posted by timmy jr. on July 22nd 2009 at 10:58am
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clean and crisp, nice.

posted by drinkor2eachnite on July 22nd 2009 at 12:22pm
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Reminds me of a dorm.

posted by kelleyk on July 25th 2009 at 4:29pm
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@timmyjr: Probably friends of the applicants. I've noticed this happening with some of the other house calls too. It's pretty obvious to spot them. I can't decide exactly how lame this makes them seem.

posted by slowdown on July 25th 2009 at 10:45pm
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who makes that dining table?

posted by digitalism on July 26th 2009 at 8:36am
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So soothing and lovely. I would never be disciplined enough to live this way, but I would love to attempt it!

posted by LittleLovables on July 27th 2009 at 8:34pm
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Disciplined.That's what i see when i look at this space. Not really something i can understand for the space you live in. where is the joy?
Even my office has more joy then this space.

posted by gigi80302 on July 28th 2009 at 11:26pm
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I'm very impressed by the limited budget used to turn this apartment into the clean/chic place that it has become. Though the lines and architecture are a little modern/trendy for my taste, I appreciate the detailed write-up that allowed me to create a visual, other than from the photo demonstrated. Great work on everyone's part!

posted by Alittlebitofthis on July 29th 2009 at 1:06pm
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