apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love the "simple" living room - what's happening with that rug - does it have words on it?!! Where'd it come from?

Thanks for sharing.

This is a tough house call to appreciate: since they've just moved in it's under-decorated and the focus seems to be on function rather than aesthetics. The house will come alive with a few more dashes of personality- and I think the same goes for the writing. This writer reported well on the contents of this house - but I wish they had infused the facts with a bit more humor and wit (which seems to be the mantra of most AT bloggers).

I really like it besides all the frosted glass in the kitchen. There's no way I could ever keep my cupboards that neat.

I really like the bed -- any source info on it?

That fireplace is stunning!

the source info for the bed is in the post!

I agree that it's pleasant, but seems unfinished and somewhat lacking in terms of personality. There was something very first apartment about a few of the pictures. But it's also totally understandable since they did a lot of renovation and just moved in. I'm sure the place will look even better once they have a chance to decorate a little more.

Like your space. Just a casual observation....replace that white island, with a wood piece, vintage would be a good contrast. The kitchen is crying out to be warmed up a bit. I know you just moved in, so maybe that is on your list. The stools also would be cool with an industrial architects, wood/steel conbination.

good luck, thanks for sharing

great use of space. Seems like the apartment is modern but lived in...I like that you see that a child actually lives there:)

I appreciate the writer getting to the point right away without the fluff.

Great review on what seems to be a very real NY apartment and not made up just for this site.

You should do a series on just moved in and follow ups in 6 months after they've received all our suggestions.

I love the fireplace. For once, thank goodness for a contractor stepping in.

Looks like a dorm. Joyless and dull.

What a great space, and wonderful description. In both the apartment and the blog writing, there is a nice mix of new and easily found, and extra sought-after pieces. From Ikea to the Tansu and fireplace, this is a true reflection of NY living, where savvy families can mix the simple with the elegant. The apartment is crisp, yet playful and personalized. Good job!

This home is airy and "clean" and just perfect for a young family with children. The kids will give it all the character this beautifully renovated space needs. I, too, am glad the contractor saved the day and convinced the owners to keep the fireplace mantle. Great description!

I think "Modern Comfy" is a good description. I think it shows some great examples of what Ikea was meant to be: good taste/low price. I can only imagine the young couple has already splurged everything they have into the money pit of gutting and rehab. I like that they do have some quality items like the Wegner chair and the bed. It upgrades the Ikea.

Since this is written by a "trial applicant", I would comment on the writing that I found it very clear and concise, like the apartment itself, which is nice, given the limited space. I would be curious to see how she would describe something "over the top" if she had the chance.

I'll be honest -- I'm still waiting for an applicant who can use an apostrophe correctly.

Candidly, the apartment is nice and balanced. It has a functional style, well managed space, and an uncluttered appreciation of the obvious. I believe that sometimes, less is more.

I really appreciate that, unlike so many articles that I read, someone obviously lives there and isn't made of cash. This is particularly true right now during this recession. It's a place where people live, spend time together, raise a child, plan and hope for the future.

It is only thanks to the author that I can formulate an opinion, and glean ideas for myself regarding how to approach design in my own small spaces.

I appreciate the photography, particularly because the pictures give me a sense for the dimensions, lines, and constraints affecting their choices for furniture, placement and intent. I particularly appreciate that the pictures, taken from said angles, demonstrate the natural flow of the apartment, use of ambient lighting, and how the organization of the room and patterns of fabrics do nothing to take away from my observer-focus line.

The descriptions, proferred without industry jargon (thank you) give me the opportunity to share in the experience of owning this apartment, such as the decision to allow the contractor to revitalize the fireplace, which implies the choice to use a contractor vs. a do-it-yourself project, implied budget, financial means of the owners, "those" budget/money talks at the kitchen table on a Saturday morning, on and on... Thanks for sharing the experience.

I don't know what the "Trial Applicant" bit is all about- I sort of stumbled on this by accident, but I really appreciate this article. I will come back to this website and I hope (expect) to see alot more from the author. Cheers.

I love the way this apartment's design fits the needs of the peope who live in it. That, to me, is so important -- and that this " unforced " design is light, airy and comfortable -- while not scarificing style. The apartment reflects the owners' personal taste in a very natural way. I love Sparrow's take on style -- and really like this post.

It shows us how it is not about spending a fortune, but rather maximizing even a smaller budget to achieve personal and very effective, and in the end, much more personal results!

wow - that fireplace almost got ripped out, hey?!?! that is a good contractor those folks have.

btw: i agree with the above comment about apostrophes. hard not to wince sometimes

It's also quite fun -- and easy -- to play "spot which comments were made by the applicant's friends". Invariably, when you click on their profile, they've joined AT the same day/the day before.

Perhaps I need to get out more .. !

I love the pictures! Cool pad.

Love the pics ... Like the angle and light in the living room. Interesting description about the fireplace!

nice spaces!

kewl pad; really nice write-up... feels like I was there.

I'll be honest -- I'm still waiting for an applicant who can use an apostrophe correctly.

And commas.

I just was reading the post again - only a fifteen foot wide living room? Ours is 15 ft long and 11 ft wide.

Commending previous comments in regards to the applicants grammar and over all flow of the writing. More patience in composing the thoughts prior to submitting the review would be a beneficial approach.
The apartment has the presence of a rental for a traveling family,Though present ,it would benefit from a few more elements of real life.

I like how this space functions for the purpose it is intended for. The owners have made the small rooms work for a young family with children, they have saved the interesting elements of the space, such as the fireplace, and one can imagine how the space can grow and evolve with them.

Nice place I like your low bed