apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

...Anne has a realistic but fake turtle sitting in her kitchen sink. And she likes to use large Le Crouset pots as bookends. Her bedroom walls are powder pink, and some of her picture frames hold no art. Even her cat is eccentric. It has a unique tailless breed!

Over time, Anne has devoted her attention to various corners of the apartment. Right now, the focus in the bedroom, but her most recent upgrade are the built-in bookshelves that scream reading nook.

The floors creak as the sun pours in from a a rear garden. Anne's home is warm, soothing, and able to laugh at itself.

Anne's Survey:

Style: The Collyer Sister's Conundrum

Inspiration: The American Museum of Natural History

Favorite Element: I love the colors.

Biggest Challenge: All the angles, abutments, alcoves, slopes, steps, corners, soffits and sills. It's hard to tell where one room ends and another begins

What Friends Say: "Is that real?" It scared the crap out of me!" (When they see the stuffed cat on the toilet.)

Biggest Embarrassment: The holes in the parquet section of the floor. Those are treacherous and trashy. Oh, and my TV and stereo are totally 20th century, but not in a good way.

Proudest DIY: I did a fine job on the bedroom molding. And I gold leafed the kitchen island. That took months but was a triumph! It glows now.

Biggest Indulgence: Decorating whilst unemployed!

Best Advice: Edit yourself (someone should tell me this). Once you get a few themes going--like animals, body parts and landscapes--build on them. It's fun. More editing advice: throw things away! And, if you don't have a lot of space, invest only in vital kitchenware! Accept that you don't have room for a Whirlipop and a breadmaker!

Dream Source: The National Arts Club