apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I seriously want to go home now and throw away all the junk I don't use.

I got it to work by going to "see all pics at once," then clicking on the first, then starting the slideshow from there.

Very thought-provoking place - thanks for sharing, Laura!

Wow, that is so lovely. I want to go home and arrange my closet by color now!

Hi Laura, Nice space. I'm also interested in having cut-outs made in a wall in my new apt. Not as big as the one that opens your kitchen to the living space, but the higher-up, clerestory windows. Are the upper cut-outs filled in with glass? My new condo has huge, east & south exposures in the living area, with a 10-1/2 foot high wall separating it from the bedroom, which only has 1 window. I'd love for more light to reach the bedroom via cut-outs in the upper part of the wall; and a non-opening "transom" above the door. Are you willing to share your contractor's name & contact info? I think that's a simple-enough request that I can avoid hiring a designer or architect, right? Thanks!

This is inspiring me to purge and organize. I'm a single gal who recently bought a 1700 sq. ft. house in Texas and I'm still having a hard time finding a place for all my stuff. I'm convinced now I can never get married or enter into any kind of half-way functional relationship because there's not room in the house for another person (much less my hypothetical husband/boyfriend/cohabiting partner a la Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins' things).

I really don't know how you New Yorkers do it. Where do you put your ski gear that you use once every 7 years? Where do you put that liberty print dress you haven't worn since 1987 or your collection of "skinny" clothes that will surely be out of style before you lose that 20 pounds? Where does your vast collection of Precious Moments figurines that your Nana gave you for every birthday and major holiday in a 15 year time span go?!

kudos on creating a minimalist theme with the materials you have used!!!! i like the idea here.

i think the key to minimalism is to splurge on those items few items that are key. granted, you may not have the money to do this now, but item by item, i would save up and replace most items in the apartment with their high-end equivalent (i.e., replacing the chinese lantern with a great simple pendant lamp shade; purchasing a nice low chest of drawers instead of having exposed cardboard storage boxes; buying a streamlined sofa to replace the slipcovered sofa).

just my humble opinion. again, the theme has been executed beautifully with the materials used.

well, srw. I have to say... most of these house tours are people who live alone. I'd like to see more of the house tours of couples who are both packrats (and broke!) like my boyfriend and I...

The slideshow should work now. We apologize for the momentary technical glitch.

while I admire her ideals (ie. we don't need that much stuff in our lives) this place seems a little depressing to me in its austerity and STRICT color scheme. Especially the kitchen with the one lonely chair. I know she probably brings in the one from the desk when she has company, but still. I don't see any sense of humor in the place somehow.

I admire the restraint but sorry, you lost me at "Kitchen - not much cooking happens here."

i think she's done a wonderful job -- even her medicine cabinet is like a work of art.

i do agree with saya, though. i'd like to see an honest house tour of a couple or family where the legos end up in the fridge and there are piles of clothes on the bedroom floor.

hey, come to my place, AT! :)

Gorgeous, envious. Also: I know this wasn't the purpose of this house tour... but Laura, if you're reading this, I'd love to know the name of the artist for the artwork hanging above your sofa!

I suddenly feel like I own too much stuff. Please tell me she has a large storage container full of items from the rest of her life? Or books that she can't throw away?

I agree the lighting works to help warm things up--but not quite enough. I think this is a classic example of what Maxwell calls a "cold" person in his book.

It doesn't need more "stuff" Just a few small touches of colour is all that's needed. But then, though I don't own ski equipment I use only once every seven years (rent it if you ski that infrequently!) I am a warm person, so that may be why this is just too austere for me.

I love the magnetic spice holders used for stuff in the medicine cabinet.

Laura,

I really enjoyed seeing your home. You've got a minimalist/luxury thing going on. I remember staying in Monastaries in Italy and noting how calming they were - I think because they we so clean and uncluttered. I love the little pine branch in your bathroom. It is simple, humble and welcoming (and it is all the decoration that is needed to make that space charming).

Thanks again for opening your home to us!

Happy Holidays,
:) Vanessa

srw,
I think the answer to your question is......the garbage

Pardon my French.


"F*CKING AMAZING!!!!!"
simple, clean, beautiful, unpretentiously chic with everything an everyday joe can afford. Genius. Wow.

I'm worried that the lighting isn't safe: it's cool-looking, but winding an electrical cord around a metal hook seems like a fire hazard a few years down the road....

fabulous closet organization! her closet/personal style is really reflective of her space and vice versa. to some it might feel cold - it does have a cool colour palette. but i think if that is what calms you or what you feel comfortable in than so be it! it's beautiful to look at to me. i love the use of evergreen branches.

Laura-

I love you space! It's clean and earthy and simple. If only my closet could look like yours. Well I am off to buy padded hangers and boxes :-)
Oh, and one question, where's your TV? I'm starting to believe that everyone in New York lives without one. Sorry folks, but I live for CSI.

X- Julia

minimal yet warm. very nice. interesting that you were able to do a major reno--the cutouts-- in a rental! lovely.

It's very very beautiful, but I found myself thinking of something I overheard at the Muji store opening weekend, a couple discussing the bright red coasters for sale: "Look, it's a color! How did that sneak past them?"

Does PBTeen still have those clear storage boxes?

I really do not find this 'minimalist' or austere at all, rather is is a nice clean apartment filled with personal touches and pieces of beauty.

I find it refreshing to see an apartment this looks lived in (with the exception of the kitchen) but without all the useless clutter that infects far too many small places. As for color, just because it doesn't look like a Clown 's suitcase doesn't mean there isn't color. In fact the palette allows the beauty of the colors to shine through all the more.

thanks everyone for thier comments!! to answer a few questions:
Bklyn Choclatina - unfortunately i do not have a name to give you. i had it done when i was working at the interior design firm and paid a guy who worked for the contractor we used on the side ($200)... the top cutouts were there before i moved in and they are filled with a sheet of clear plexi glass. sorry!!

jeffnyc - i absolutely agree on the idea of splurging on those key items. since i didnt know how long i would be here (bldg was just sold - i'm getting the boot), and working with a limited budget i chose to splurge on the smaller pieces; marble accessories, saarinen table, ect. that i knew i wouldnt have a problem fitting into another space. i do happen to love the paper lanterns!! no matter the cost :)

anokha - the artist's name is michael schall (michaelschall.com) we worked together a long time ago. he's not only a talented artist he's a great guy!!

barbara - the lighting is totally safe :) the cord doesn't get hot and the hook that comes with the light set was a painted metal hook that i didnt like. i like the industrial utilitarian look of the hook pictured.

juliaL - i dont have a tv!!! my old one broke (after 20 long good years) and i didnt want to shell for a new one as i am moving soon. i just watch tv on my computer. the major stations have most of thier shows online...believe me i couldn't live without seeing 'lost'

i realize this decor is not for everyone and i do appreciate all the comments - even the no sense of humor one ;). your home should be a place that you love and is true to what you think it should be and not adding things because you are 'supposed to have it' (including color). that is one thing i like about this site - it's about individual expression and doing what is right for you. i love looking at the house tours to see the wide difference in how people live with their things, their use of color and their creative stretchings of limited budgets.
THNKS Jill and AT!!!

Thanks for responding to the comments, Laura.

I totally agree with your sentiments. My personal style tends towards a little more color, but I am saving all of these pictures as inspiration for my decluttering/redecorating for '08. The sense of calm and serenity of the apartment is exactly what I am aiming for.

It's funny - I can see the appeal, it's very lovely. But I'm far too depressive in temperament to have a house that's that quiet and serene. I need lots of color and energy in a space to make me feel alive and awake - strong color, things to look at, things to play with. And my kitchen is the most used part of my house. I suspect that people who are more inclined towards nervousness need more soothing, empty spaces. Viva la difference and all that.

Thanks for responding, Laura! Will check out his website :)

Thanks for responding Laura! Have a happy holiday.

Wow, 7.5 years. You have certainly made this one beautiful. I think you just solved my solution to the umbrellas. I never thought to use hooks on the wall like that, I may even put them under my jackets by the front door, one less piece of clutter on the floor in the front. I also love the shearling "pads" you created for the chairs. I think my stylish yet not-so-comfortable desk chair could benefit from that tip. Thanks for sharing and best of luck in your new home!

This apartment, as minimal as the design may be, is filled with SO much inspiration. While it's not exactly my style, there's definitely a lot of ideas here that spark my imagination. This house tour makes me want my own little cozy one bedroom! And I'm so jealous of all that brick! :)

I am full of admiration for how tidy and spare the apartment is. But all those brown clothes in the closet make me sad. Thank goodness for the one green coat.

Laura, you are very gracious.

I hope you are as happy in your next apartment as you were in this one. When I grow up and want to be quiet and serene, I know where to look for inspiration.

Laura, thanks for replying to comments!!!

I find this apartment beautiful in its own way and VERY inspirational. I'm completely torn though -- although i like the look of it, i can't even fantasize about being able to achieve this myself (and not just because its hard to get rid of all that "stuff"). I'm really really stuck on the closet: I can't imagine having my entire apt brown as well as my entire wardrobe (although it sure would make it easier to get dressed in the morning if everything automatically matched). If i can't resign myself to a monochromatic wardrobe, then i pretty much have to double the clothes to get things that match, and already the elusive goal of Laura's beautiful closet is smashed. :( Sad!

I also don't think i could EVER cover up my windows with giant curtains to get some storage space. Just love natural light way too much.

That said, i think there are a lot of fabulous ideas that i can take away from this tour -- which is now bookmarked for future reference!

mh330 - i am on the first floor of a brownstone across the street from a park so i wanted/needed privacy for the bedrm. and i purposely chose the curtains i used because they actually let in a lot of light!! i don't even use the overhead during the day. adding the storage was a second thought.

as for the brown... i know! i love brown but many shades of it keeps the apt from looking too flat - notice my wood pieces don't match. i must admit though, i tried to change out the LR curtains before the shoot but couldnt find what i wanted, and dint want to spend any more $$ so close to the end of my lease. with the brown carpet it does seem too much and a little matchy... oh well!

as for my wardrobe (this is what happens when you open the closet door...) nothing hanging is brown?! it's mostly cream, grays, taupe and black. very little (chocolate) brown. i guess that doesn't help my case any... but i prefer the design, fit, texture and fabric over bright colors and patterns. and (small pet peave) nothing 'matches' but it all 'goes' together - mostly

thanks!!

Your home is lovely. I really like the magnetic "pill box" idea for the medicine cabinet.

i really appreciate the lovely, organized closet cos my pride & joy is my new rehabed closet--elfa shelving system, shoe organizers, hooks, etc... love it!

yah. i kinda love this apartment.
it's the other end of the spectrum from me (whimsical and colorful) but it speaks volumes to me.

i'm mostly impressed with the solid but subtle sense of style. everything is well-thought out and in line with her unwavering style. i even love the shoes.

From the main image on the site, I wasn't going to check out the rest because it didn't quite inspire me. But after reading the first couple of comments, I decided to take a look. I'm so glad I did. You've done some really wonderful things with your space and you have a ton of unique ideas: location of umbrella hooks, carpeting in closets, magnetic pill holders, evergreen branches clustered in vases. All super!

This site promotes creativity of all types. While I realize I couldn't live in a place this austere, I am so happy to have seen it. There is nothing to prevent you from taking some of these ideas and adapting them to your more colorful spaces. Are we so limited that we can only see things that fit into our preconceived notions of a perfect apt or our own personal life? Come on!

Isn't it conventional decorating wisdom that one should decorate one's home in colors one likes? And that one way of determining which colors one should choose is to look at one's wardrobe? Perhaps after the chaos of work and New York City streets, a radiant color palette is not what Laura needs? Her relative lack of clutter suggests so.

What I don't understand is that if Laura prefers to remove unnecessary items, why purchase an uncomfortable chair (Bertoia) for her office and then have to purchase something else to place over it, to make it more comfortable? And if she is on a budget, why is the kitchen unused?

That said, it's a nice apartment doesn't necessarily indicate a "cold" person as has been suggested.

the set of bertoia's were originally used for the kitchen table and then i set up my little office and didnt want to buy a new one, hence the one lonely chair in the kitchen. as a dining chair is not's bad but as a task chair i have found it's not terribly comfy so a quick trip to ikea for the sheepskin with an existing throw pillow underneath solved the comfort problem... so comfy infact one of my cats has claimed the chair as her own!! eventually i will purchse an eames management chair... in white of course :)

i think that davidasposted summed up my design aesthetic perfectly in his first paragraph... THNKS

inspiring in so many ways... thanks for sharing...

srw and saya...I'm going to sic the "Clean House" crew on you!

Actually I love just about everything in this apartment. Well except the kitchen floor maybe ;-) I love the warm natural colour palette; I always thought whites and browns look great together.

Oh, and I adore your shoes :-)

thanks for the medicine cabinet shot -- truly inspiring. love the brown and green wooden beads!

Laura, I hope you'll read this and be kind to tell me how in the world you made that desk? Its exactly what I'm looking for.

olya... i just emailed you the info!! hope it helps

olya - your email's not working... sorry for the long post everyone:

the desk was really easy to make, i had all the wood pre-cut at my local hardware store. the dimensions can be adjusted according to your needs/demands of your space, i wanted a bookcase to house my printer so i worked around its dimensions.

here are my measurements:
top piece: 24" x 48" x 3/4"thick
bookcase assembled is 20"w x 14"d (14 1/4" with back panel) x 28"h
consists of the following pieces:
two side pieces: 14" x 27 1/4" x 3/4"
two shelves: 18 1/2" x 14" x 3/4"
top piece: 14" x 20" x 3/4
back piece: 22" x 20" x 1/4" (plywood)

i simply used wood glue to hold the pieces in place to make screwing in all together (drill starter holes) easier as it was just me building it.
the metal poles are left over pieces of electrical piping i bought for the wall to wall curtain rods (super cheap) and cut to 28" - also purchsed at hardware store

another note: i made the bookshelf 4" narrower than the top piece so i can push the top against the wall and have the bookcase 3 1/2" from the wall. that is the perfect hiding spot for the power strip.

i hope this helps!!

hey laura!
e-mail worked - thank you so much for taking the time to get this to me :-)

i think i'll undertake this as a christmas project. i am so frustrated with having the cpu to kick at and look at all the time.

definately let me know how it goes!!
you can email me at lauracatt@gmail.com

hope you have a nice holiday...

Hi Laura:
Your home is extraordinary in it's edited restraint, while adhering to a budget. I can't believe you lived in it for 7.5 years without accruing extraneous stuff! Very impressive. I love your bedroom curtain wall, and also the way you made ugly rental finishes (like the bathroom kitchen floors) insignificant in the larger scheme of your vision. And this is from a person who will not allow the color brown into her home!
cheers,
K

What a bummer you have to move now! Hopefully you can recreate the look in this apartment in your next place.

Like some of the others, you've inspired me to go home and purge some stuff today. Although your style is a bit different than mine (I'm a bit of a slob with eclectic taste, which tends to mean clutter! everywhere!) you've given me some great ideas and I'm definitely bookmarking this house tour. I love the soft color palette and the resulting warmth it casts.

Thanks for sharing your home!

Very inspirational, thanks so much! I aspire to your level of organization. I am currently purging my home, room my room. I am also purging furniture, and replacing it with furniture that offers much more storage than I currently enjoy.

Hopefully before too long I will also only have things I love, and organized, easy to use closets. My main closet has been particularly difficult to navigate lately. I loved seeing yours and thinking about what to do with mine.

i wish everyone who has been inspired to 'purge' and organize best wishes!!
as i know it can be a grueling process, here's some advise: think of your home in sections or specific categories instead of as a whole and start there; tackling one closet or part of a room at a time, or tackling one type of thing at a time like all books, all music, kitchen utencils... many clients find this to be a bit less intimidating. also keep in mind that there is someone out there who would love and/or benefit from something you have and don't particularly love or have a need for. try the 'free' listings under craigslist and/or freecycle.org to clear things and still feel good about it. good luck!!

I don't understand New Yorkers and people who don't cook mostly at home. How can you afford to eat out all the time and how can you stand it?

Laura - where did you get the beautiful round rattan (?) storage containers in your clothes closet. Would love to get them myself. Congrats on a beautiful living space. E

ellenville, bought them years ago i think from hold everything. they are pandan boxes:

http://www.organize.com/roundpandanset.html

you could also try bed bath & beyond, homegoods, gracious home...

Thanks so much Laura! Ellen

I love the way you've hung your paper lanterns. I'd like to do the same thing, but I find the cords sold at Pearl River, Urban Outfitters, etc. to be too thick to loop directly onto a hook, as you've done. Can you tell me where you got the wire (it looks thin?) and where is your on/off switch?
Thanks for sharing!

the paper lanterns are from pearl river mart but i bought the cords from pier 1. i didn't use the ceiling hook that came with the cord, i used two ss screw eyes bought from my local hardware store. i actually had them cut it a bit so the cord can pass through it. you could be smarter than me and just buy a large ceiling hook saving you the trouble of having it cut.

so you know what it looks like:
http://doitbest.com/Screw hook and eyes-National Mfg.-model-N118422-doitbest-sku-223047.dib

the second screw eye is placed in the corner of the room closest to the outlet and is hidden by the curtains. the cord isn't long enough to reach the outlet so i have it attached to an extension cord that i leave unplugged in the living rm until i want to use it. in the bedrm there's a wall switch that's connected to an outlet which is nice.

i hope this helps :)

That's very helpful, thanks!

Hello--Can you please tell me where the plexi cover for the stove came from? Or any suggestions on where to find one similar? It's genius. Thanks!

Laura! This is truly a WONDERFUL, RELAXING space great job! I perticulary love the use of texture and form with minimal color! Thanks for sharing!!

emilybirch: the plexi came from my local hardware store. they have clear and white in stock an sell them by the sheet (not sure exactly what size) that can be cut to your specific dimensions.

i had this one made for cocktail parties - i use that space as the bar area. it looked good so i left it there permanently. there's no hazard - i had coned shut off the gas a long time ago because the stove was constantly leaking gas.

i think a butcher block would be another great idea to create more counter space over a stove. this is a much cheaper option, i think it was like $15.
thanks!!

Great Space!!
Do you by any chance have a floor plan?

no i don't, but let me know if this helps:
the apt is the first floor of a brownstone and is a rectangle with four squares in it, the first square is the back of the building and the fourth is the front (hence the only two rooms with windows).

the first square is the living room, the second square is the kitchen, the third square is the hallway to the bedroom which includes a closet (for off season clothes), then the bathroom, then the second hall closet (coats). at the end of the hall is the fourth square, the bedroom.

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