apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Beautiful.

well done. feels much bigger than 400sq/ft. For a place without much natural light, it sure feels light and breezy! I love the kitchen. I'm assuming there is some undercounter refridgeration going on?

Lovely space. Great use of storage . . definitely some tips I can use in my own house.

and of course . . . beeeautiful dog!!!!!!!

well done, especially with so very little space. can you tell me where you purchased the pair of chairs? thanks.

And a big dog too! This is truly incredible--I am saving this for inspiration. I echo amazonikon - feels so much bigger than 400 and the lighting is so well done. Fabulous!

very nice

another great use of Expedit!

Gorgeous place. Love how you added so much storage (Expedit unit, desk with all those drawers, hydraulic lift for underbed storage, etc..) in such a streamlined and elegant manner.

What a beautiful dog!

This is a heck of a silk purse from what I'm betting was a sow's ear of an original apartment. The kitchen is perfect. Every appliance (including w/d!) and still clean lined and full of storage. The red chairs are fantastic too.

Whoa. This is inspiring. I'm planning to go all-white in my kitchen, which gets almost zero natural light. Jay, may I ask what shade of white you chose for the floors, and how it's working out? Also, are you liking your LG washer/dryer? Oh! And what types of plants did you pick for your low-light space?

Dreamy pad, really. Dreamy.

BRAVO! Amazing use of space. A successful blend of contemporary and classic items. This doesn't feel claustrophobic at all for such a small space. Very well done!

love the final touch of your dog's pic!:) He's adorable!!

Great utilization of space and esp love your red wok desk - gives the space a nice punch of colour.

Excellent.
Great choices. The bathroom is lovely. And that kitchen! What a showstopper.

Great inspiration!

I have a one-bedroom apartment which I recently converted into a studio so I can use my bedroom as a home office for my growing business. I was planning on getting a daybed from West Elm to make the bed fit into the 'living room' a little more naturally, but now I may have to go with that Expedit storage since the bed is situation right next to the door like yours. Thanks for the idea!!!!!!

love that bathroom tile

cool place .. looks nothing like 400sq feet ....

I am blown away. Not only is this beautiful but you have a washer/dryer, ice maker and dishwasher in a 400sqft apt. And a big beautiful dog. Wow

Perfection! You are the one with the great eye Jay.

Wow! Gorgeous, not too cluttered, but not too sparse either. I especially loved your pair of red leather armchairs, which have that exquisitely well-loved vintage patina. As a former Chelsea resident who also has a husky, I have a question: how do you manage to keep your white floors clean in the wake of neighborhood dog-walks? I used to get crazy pawprints all over my wood floor, and it wasn't even painted...

Wow great job. It's not quite often I can fall in love with a studio apartment but I would gladly give up my spacious 1 bedroom for this gem.

Can I ask where that coffee table is from? Also in love with the pair of chairs.

The layout is absolutely BRILLIANT. My own aesthetic is quite different (girly), but if I were moving into a studio, I'd copy your layout 100 percent. It's so well thought-out.

Is that a working fireplace?

I love the painting over the fireplace! Who is it by? Lovely apartment!

What a great sense of style! I love the artwork, the decor, everything about it. And that husky is STUNNING! Such a beautiful dog!

love the tile in the bathroom. and what a gorgeous dog! what's its name?

What an inspiring set of photos. I know I will return to them over and over again. A gem.

Any chance of seeing the 'before' pics? I would love that!

Great job -- thoughtfully planned, beautifully executed.
Theo is gorgeous.
I second the request for the "before" pics.
Also...wondering about the mirror in the kitchen... If it's currently made, could you provide a source? Thanks.

Perfection!

Quite nice indeed. Like how you executed the small rectangular space to create a sleeping area, a living area, an eating area and a fully equipped kitchen in 400SqFt!

You indeed did the right thing by opening up the kitchen to the living area to create one large room from a visual POV.

I love that desk with its bright red interior. Love how it pops against the black of its exterior.

Those armchairs are wonderful, patina and all and I love how they are sort of a cordovan color. Very nice and I love their shape and how all the colors seem to pop against the crisp white walls.

I may have to bookmark this for inspiration.

This is so unique and lovely. It feels and looks so large for the square footage. Excellent choice of decor and placement.

Heavens. Where to start. The divider in the foyer is dead on, the gutsy decision to paint the brick was smart, the color scheme is delightful and the only thing better than the lovely kitchen is that pink stripe in the middle of the doggie's nose. If you offered me the dog or the apartment, I'd have a very hard time deciding, that's how sweet and mushy that dog's nose is. Congrats not only on a swell pad, but on a heaveny pooch.

What a great space! What an awesome incorporation of your row of appliances. Just to add on, I just got the same LG washer/ dryer combo and love it. The luxury of in-unit laundry compensates for the longer cycles.

(PS- I love the typo about the peninsula: 72 feet!!!)

Hey, Jay. You rocked it. This is just great.

Really beautiful space! It's certainly calculated, but it doesn't look sterile at all. It seems light and fresh for a place without a lot of natural light.

Well done!

Wow, this is fantastic! You've definitely motivated me to keep working on my own apartment. What a great inspiration for those of us in small apartments.

Hey, great space! That bathroom - I die. Beautiful.

Jason: move out. I'm moving in. Don't worry about the dog; I'm an experienced hand with huskies.

Just kidding.

I want to express my all-out appreciation for this apartment. Never has so much been done to my liking in 400 square feet.

Kitchen appliances: great taste; serious envy.

Weathered leather chairs: too cool.

Ship's cabin organization: no one has done it better.

I also wanted to point out one low cost but high style note: Jason used a transparent shower curtain liner in his bathroom. It's cheap, it doesn't block the light, it cuts down on showering claustrophobia, and you can see all of the beautiful tile work.

Blue ribbon work. Way to go.

I made one mistake in my remarks. This apartment is owned by Jay, not Jason.

But Jay shops at Jayson's Home and Garden. To great effect.

I love it. Beautiful dog, too.

Very well done, love your desk.

This is a really lovely space! Smart and elegant! As a lady, i would really like to see the closet space and the dressing area mentioned in the description. Any chance?? :)

Whoops! I meant "Being a lady"... excuse my grammar.... :P

Amazing apartment. Best use of the EXPEDIT ever.

Fabulous! The best small apt I've seen.

Fab Fab Fab!!!!

Really, really nice. And I know how hard it is to photograph small apartments - so if it looks this nice in photos, it's even better in person. I'm taking notes...

yowsa! smart, stylish, & gorgeous. it looks very easy to live in.

Man, why do people in small, SMALL, city apartments own big dogs? That dog should be running in a yard, or pulling a sled in Palin country, not moping in a tiny urban cell.
Seems selfish. You seem to be presenting the dog like it's a prize piece of furniture.

scoobydubious-

the quality of a dog's life isn't measured according to the square footage of the apartment it sleeps in or the yard where it spends its days. i rescued my husky from a hellish life chained up in a farmer's yard where he was starved and forced to live through 3 freezing Canadian winters outdoors. i give him daily runs, nourishing food, vet attention when he needs it, daily companionship because i work from home, and yes, a small living space in an urban environment. like the dog pictured here, he seems perfectly happy. if you've ever been to nyc you'll know that the dogs there are among the most fawned-over, and the most well taken care of. i think your sanctimony is better reserved for those who actually abuse and neglect their pets.

Don't know if you'll see this comment at this late stage but - what a lovely home you have! My studio is about the same size, but is layed out no where near as nicely as yours. I am so envious.

I really love the way you've given your self an entry way and storage. I also love how you've managed to situation your television inobtrusively, and that it can be viewed from the sofa or bed. My television is such a problem in my place!

I also adore the painting over the mantel. Great job!

Brilliant all the way around!

groovypumpkin-

wow, there is an irrelevant dumb strawman comparison: it's better than "a hellish life chained up in a farmer's yard where he was starved and forced to live through 3 freezing Canadian winters outdoors".

It's also pretty awesome that you can read doggie minds from just a photo. Yes, being able to trot six feet back and forth in his cell, devoid of natural light, is probably a dream come true for a Husky.

Thanks for all the nice comments about my apartment, I really appreciate it. I must give props to my friend and photo stylist/designer extraordinaire Jillian Browder, who helped me make the place look especially purty for the pictures.

I’ll attempt to answer your questions here – let me know if I missed yours.

- A friend found the chairs either on the street or at the flea market, I forget which. I think I paid him $300 for the pair. They’re in desperate need of recovering, but I do like the worn look and the color so I haven’t been in a rush to recover them.

- Honestly, I’m not positive on the floor color but I used Janothane Heavy Duty Polyurethane Enamel, made especially for floors. Not sure if it’s still available but if you go to Janovic/Benjamin Moore and ask about this paint they can recommend the right alternative. If I had to do it over again, I’d probably put another coat or two of sealer on the floors.

- As far as plants go, not much lasts in here more than a couple of months. Jade and mother-in-law’s tongue do pretty well.

- I do really like the LG washer/dryer. Just don’t be in a hurry for clean clothes – it can take a long time (like, several hours), mainly to cool the clothes once they’re dry.

- I’d say I manage to keep the floors semi-clean most of the time, not clean clean. As anal as I tend to be about cleanliness, I’ve had to let go a bit mainly because I have an active dog. I find myself following him around with a damp cloth when we come in from walks and/or wiping his feet out in the hall, but now that the floors have settled I’m learning to like the pseudo ‘shabby chic’ look they’ve achieved vs. the pristine white I’d originally envisioned.

- A friend gave me the coffee table years ago – a street find, I believe. You can find similar ones on ebay.

- I found the kitchen-wall mirror at Grove on Hudson Street.

- The fireplace works, but I don’t use it often because it tends to get a little smoky. I probably need to have the chimney cleaned...For now I’m OK with the white ceramic logs.

- The painting over the fireplace is “Shadows” by Alex Guerrero. I found it at Nest Interiors.

- Working on the ‘before’ pics...

- Rob, if you have enough space, you might consider both the daybed and the Expedit shelves/storage. I didn’t have enough room lengthwise or I might have considered a daybed or a more elaborate storage bed, but I’m happy with the basic bed I have.

- Scoobydubious, I understand your concern about big dogs in small spaces. Trust me, Theo gets a lot of exercise, is outside on walks and at the dog park several times a day, and is a very happy dog. Like groovypumpkin pointed out, a dog’s quality of life isn’t measured by the size of his home. Sadly, there are dogs who live in huge homes that are stuck alone in the yard all day and who have little or no interaction with other dogs and people. I think in many ways, city dogs are the luckiest dogs.

Jay, that was such a gracious way of telling the hater to cram it. My dogs were always big and went with me everywhere, even though my apts have always been small. They got more exercise than many suburban dogs. They came to the country on weekends, and they had a fabulous life because I loved them and cared for them. They didn't notice one bit that it wasn't a 3000 sq foot loft.

Thanks for the notes on your resources. You seem like you worked really hard and you deserve this fantabulous home :)

Love, love, love your home Jay!!!
About having a big dog in a city (Hoboken) apartment, I planned to leave my beloved golden retriever in Florida with my ex-husband believing that he was better in the suburbs. The ex changed his mind at the last minute and I brought my (our) dog with me to my new much smaller apartment. I found that she was extremely happy in the city with it's parks and dog runs and long walks on the sidewalks. She liked to be with me, not at home, and I could take her out when I walked around town to do my shopping and errands. She could even sit by me (on the other side of the fence often but still next to me) while I dined outside in the towns many restaurants with outdoor seating. (Most would bring her water without my asking.) Her inside home was much smaller but her outside world was a lot bigger than before.

Jay is working on "before" pics! yay!
Thanks ever so.

Of course, I also have to thank Sabra Krock, whose amazing photos more than do justice to my little place!

Just wonderful! Wonder if anyone is ever going to tell just what the budget area is. Want to save up to do something like this but how much?

I used to have one of those no-vent compact washing/dryer in one unit things. It was nice to have a washer in the apartment but it could be a headache. I found myself air drying most of my clothes because they would take 2 hours in the dryer and still come out damp (and STEAMING hot). I felt it was too hard on my clothes to have them in there for so long. It's better then nothing thou.

bravo!!! what a stylish and livable space! i especially love the smartly positioned dog food bowls in the kitchen nook. i was thinking same for our kitchen since i hate having crunchy bits embedded in my feet :-P

This without a doubt the most fantastic apartment I have seen in many a moon. Everythingis beautiful, the dog especially. And if he doesn't look happy in his present surroundings ----just take a look at his beautiful face. Bravo

This reminds me of a very upscale version of my apartment. It's almost the same layout. I even have my bed arranged with Expedit as the headboard/room divider JUST like that. (and I thought I was being creative...)
Anyway, his looks 50 times better than mine. Great job! My faves are the kitchen backsplash tile and the bathroom tile color. The bathroom looks so much bigger with that clear shower curtain. Love it!
In regards to the dog, he is beautiful and I'm sure he is prefectly fine just where he is.

P.S. I have the same LG washer/dryer thing and it is the most amazing thing ever.

Amazing space and one I'll mark for inspiration. I can't believe it's only 400 square feet. I totally plan to steal the wine rack/shelves/bar idea for a similarly sized nook in my kitchen.

I know I'm late on posting but I hope you'll share the material you used for the kitchen counters, which are sleek yet understated.

The counters are called Concorida:
http://www.stonesource.com/stone.php?id=953

Sorry, that should be Concordia.

also, where did you get the very nice black & red desk? Williams Sonoma home is listed as the resource; however, when I check the site, I can't find it. is it no longer available? again, a great space, brilliantly executed!

This is one of the best house tours ever -- next to London Urchin's pad (did we ever see her bathroom?)!!

Great, great space!

Yeah, and don't rush to reupholster those chairs -- they are perfection as-is with the worn leather.

Gorgeous!

I'm late in the game for comments, but agree with all the positive comments said before.

Such a great use of space and defining of function! And great eclectic style. And the eye just travels across your place giving a great sensation of space and layering. Looks spacious and cozy at the same time. A great inspiration!

Also appreciate the comments about the L/G combo washer/dryer from you and others. I was thinking of getting it myself.

A wonderful space looks like it works great for you and your dog!

just fab! brilliant use of space!

I was having a rather sh*tty night and your place brightened my spirit. It's awesome.

Every piece in this place just looks like it is meant to be, everything seems to flow so seemlessly. I really admire people who have this visionary designing quality. Not everyone has it. The dog is also stunning.

Your chairs are perfectly wabi-sabi.

I think I need to find a way to afford that w/d combination. Life is so much better without having to lug clothes to a laundromat!

p.s. Love this place! Where does the dog sleep?

By far this is the best decorated small space I've seen and I've seen a lot but this one - wow! It inspired me.

i love details and use of color in your apartment. where did you purchase the linens, (white/ blue stripe on edge)? i've been looking for similar ones but can't seem to find them!

beautiful home you have created!

Love the post!! Such a fabulous blog!

I also like this one...
www.highglossblue.blogspot.com

love love love it...and your dog!!!

This is really beautiful. But the poor dog has to live in this apartment too. He´s too big and need to live in a house.

Wow! This is one of the best small spaces I've ever seen. Lotsa style, storage, sophistication, and serenity. So thoughtfully considered and beautifully executed. You and Theo truly have a beautiful home.

Jay, really lovely. Your beautiful apartment has inspired me to make some similar changes in my own apartment. Two suggestions came to mind as I viewed the tour: a mirror and undershelf would enhance your entryway and add more light. And, a daybed custom-built to fit your space would somewhat hide the bed and give you more easily accessible storage. Perhaps there isn't enough space to do that. Well, anyway you have done a truly superb job in the design and decoration of your apartment!

I am super impressed with what you've done in this space. Isn't there some contest you could enter? It looks very accommodating. You could probably rent it out for overnights for $250/night when you're out of town. (If you took the dog with you, of course).

Simply beautiful.

I recognized the brilliant execution of the Ikea Expedit shelving immediately (having just assembled and installed four in my own art studio). This adaptation is genius: display, divider wall and storage, all in one.

Really love your space and your dog. Impressed that you keep the place so clean with a dog like that. I have a rescued husky myself and the shedding is unbelievable. In fact, a couple years back we found a birds' nest just outside the house, about 90% of which was made from his white hair. :-) Softest nest I've ever seen. At least all that hair has has some redeeming value. I definitely recommend brushing them outside. :-)

Amazing use of space. Congratulations, well done!

very witty and beautiful arranged, but I must say your dog eclipses the flat, he is more beautiful ;)

Jay - where did you get that gorgeous tree sculpture thing? I love it!

Jay: Selfish one for you...Where did you find the aluminum shelves in the bathroom? Chelsea resident here as well, and I've been looking for five years. Hopefully you'll return to the board and enlighten us all :) Great space, I think the whitewash does a number for overall airiness. Something I wish I'd considered before going with trendy gray.

You're right, emal, Theo's much better looking than my apartment. kelly, I found the tree sculpture at Nest Interiors on 9th Avenue in Chelsea. It's by a local Chelsea artist.

Centrd, I feel for you with the dog hair situation. We had huskies growing up and my mom used their fur to make yarn, which she turned into blankets and sweaters, believe it or not.

blubrry, I found those shelves years ago at a home store in SoHo that's no longer there, unfortunately. Kept them through the remodel, obviously. Did a quick search on stainless steel shelf - try comforthouse.com or amazon.

amazing use of space. love it soo much! every nook!

Love seeing great uses of small spaces!!

http://smallspaceresources.blogspot.com

This is an amazing renovation, and the dog is beautiful :)

know I'm repeating ohiomom87...but it is an amazing renovation, and the dog is beautiful.

we're in the middle of a contractor nightmare... studio on UWS,trying to make it work out...

could you tell me make and size of kitchen sink?

Joyia, glad you like the apartment, thanks. I'm sorry to hear you're having a rough time with your contractor. Seems like it's never easy.

The sink is an Elkay Lustertone ELU2115. I really like it - just the right width and depth, and I'm glad I chose it over a bar sink, which I almost went with.

Good luck with your renovation!

scoobydubious
perhaps u woke up in a bad mood when u made that unnecessary comment to Jay & to groovypumpkin. I have had siberian huskies for the past 21 years & it is obvious you haven't. Huskies love 2 go running, but they equally love their lounge time. Anyone who has huskies knows that a balance between exercise and rest is their preference. I have 800 sq feet with 2 huskies, a chow-shepherd mix that i rescued and a miniature pinscher. They love me to walk them & they love to lounge. Groovy pumpkin is a good soul to have rescused his dog. Rescue is a lot of work especially if the dog has been in a very bad situation; my dog was starved and beat & he is the best dog now. Until u know what you're talking about i suggest u give yourself a good dose of shut the hell up.

Jay,
Loved looking at pics of your beautiful apartment and dog. I was particularly interested in the kitchen because, as it happens, I am doing a kitchen remodel in my apartment and I've picked pretty much identical cabinets and counters to yours, and I am also contemplating that exact same Bertazzoni oven (I'm not copying you, honestly, it's pure coincidence!). I don't know if yours is the 24" or the 30" size, but I'm going with a 24" for my small kitchen and there aren't a huge number of choices in that size. I was curious how you like the Bertazzoni, I've read some mixed reviews online.
Thanks!

The space is elegant-cozy and I would love to live there, if Theo came with the space :) Amazing use of space.

Trackbike - I have the 24" Bertazzoni (I *wish* I had space for the 30", no such luck) and love it. You're right, not a lot of good 24" options out there but it came recommended by Gringer (where I suggest you go if you're in NYC area), as did one from American Range - http://www.americanrange.com/residential/24residential.html. I'm very happy with it - great gas control on the stove and though the oven took a bit of getting used to (kinda strange start procedure) it works great.