apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Has anyone ever purchased furniture at an auctionhouse's "estate" or "arcade" sales?
Christie's is having an arcade sale (aka, estate sales and wealthy people redecorating) next week, with the preview this weekend. I'm wondering if the furniture actually hits the estimated auction prices -- especially in summer, when I think-hope the crowd would be smaller. Any input?
(check out the goods online: christies dot com)

I loved looking around the apartments and I didn't miss 'before and after' shots at all. I think it would feel less harried if they spotlighted 3 places instead of 4. It was a lot to digest. I like that they showed the whole layout but the pulsing orange behind the twirling schematic felt like a scene from a high-tech heist film. Slow down, yo! My apartment is going to be on a future show and seeing how fast the segments are it cracks me up that the crew was at my apartment for TEN HOURS for what will be my perhaps 7 minutes of fame.

So I only liked one of the houses last night! The first one was super cute and I loved how she used slipcovers to change the looks of the room. The black+white+red was pretty damn cool looking too.

The New York one was cute too (I loved the vertical LACK shelving in the living room... white shelves on blue walls) but that desk/changing table was not custom made. I just bought it from Hold Everything in espresso two weeks ago. It's called the Carroll Desk.

Maxwell was so adorable last night! I think I have a crush on Gita from Thread Collective. Am I imbalanced for crushing on talking heads from HGTV?

I liked it, however the 1/2 hour spot just wasn't long enough and I agree that it seemed rushed. Good show none-the-less. Wasn't to fond of the house boat, loved the backyard with the plantings that concealed the parking spots, very clever.

i really liked the show! i like the first apartment best, but i thought they were all worthy of showcasing, just not my personal style. really loved the second, ecologically friendly place -- just can't imagine living there. i also liked the bookshelves in the ny place, but was alarmed at the lack of seating in that room. i think that's why the first place was my favorite -- plenty of seating. but the commentary seemed to make a big deal of multi-functional pieces, which seemed warranted only some of the time. using a coffee table as a dining room table didn't seem particularly functional or ingenious. nor does a pullout a bedroom make...

but in terms of the format, loved the 3-d to 2-d layout, loved the comments, not crazy about the host... he could have been more enthusiastic... but i didn't miss a "before and after" kind of segment at all. great show -- congrats!

I agree that the show goes too quickly and would have preferred to see only 2 or 3 apartments. I would also like to see more about measurements and placing. For example, the houseboat lady had a TV strategically placed. How did she do that? What are the optimal distances?

Furniture placement is so difficult in small spaces--at least it is for me. How to get more seating into a small living room? How does one create a sense of privacy for one's workspace? How does one place lighting? Etc., etc., etc.

I hope that the show's creators do slow it down-- it's too much too fast and not enough detail.

_________

I saw the Trailor show on MTV. When one distills the actual re-do from all else, it's a pretty good idea, and I saw how I might place furniture in a teeny room. But, as in SSBS, more detail is needed.

I liked the show a lot. It did seem a bit rushed, but I don't mind if it means not dwelling on places I like less, such as the houseboat. I was disappointed that I've seen #2 and #3 in magazines in the fairly recent past. It wasn't more interesting to see these on screen, unlike on Dwell, which is equally interesting to see on screen as well as in the mag, even though they cover the same places.

It was also really great to see Maxwell on screen again in something new! I agree that he is adorable.

I didn't love the show but did find a lot to like about it. House Tour is my favorite feature on AT. And this show felt very much like that. So, I enjoyed looking at the 4 very different spaces and seeing how each person/couple resolved all of their design issues (spatial and otherwise). Shows like this demystify the whole design process for novices, which is really cool.

And it's great that the focus was on the owners, more than the host. It made each segment feel more personal.

But I didn't like the format of having the eye-candy host present the show and 3 talking heads commenting on the space. I would have rather seen Maxwell or one of the other heads hosting a segment or two since their comments were much thoughtful and went beyond "I like what you've done here" or "That's an interesting place for a pot rack." Come on! I could do that.

The host didn't engage the homeowners in any kind of interesting or informative conversation to elaborate on the space. I tend to not watch design shows that aren't fronted by or at least include a design expert in the mix with the homeowners. I mean, why should we have to listen to the (probably scripted) comments of a pretty Communications major or hunky out-of-work actor who obviously does not relate to the subject? [Of course, I'm making a huge assumption here. Host Martin Amado may very well have a design background, but it sure wasn't evident in this first episode. He seems more suited for a telenovela than as a TV presenter.]

But I guess that's my beef with many of the design shows on HGTV and other networks--the use of the goodlooking host and other conventions of reality infotainment to dumb-down the subject and make it more palatable to the masses. Guess what, the masses aren't as dumb as these networks and producers would assume. These days, the "masses" are much more savvy.

Bottom line--the show was dull and lacked a true critical edge (asside from the talking heads). I may watch it when if it's on (or if someone from the AT community is on), but I wouldn't consider it to be a "destination television show". It isn't nearly as engaging as it could be. Great Concept, Lackluster Execution.

Maxwell. You should just pitch Apartment Therapy as a show to one of the networks. The format is pretty much already templated out on the site--House Tours, Hot or Not, product features, design trends, and, most importantly, the threads. The show could be shot in the fast-paced style of the Rough Guide travel show from several years back, but with much more of interactive feel with the viewers (via the threads--or TV's interpretation of that aspect). Just a thought. It only makes sense since this site is much more informative than half of the pap currently on the air.

I liked the show, but I found that it felt like it was going too fast because there were 4 apartments/houses and a lot of time was taken up by switching focus from the space to an expert commentator. I would rather have one host talking and pointing out ideas to make a space look good, and I'd like to see the space when he talks about it. Maybe if they don't want to get rid of the expert commentators, they could show the space and have a small window with the expert talking in it. I just want to look at the rooms more! I'd also love to hear more from the homeowners about why they did things or how they got their ideas. There was some of that, but not enough.

I agree about the talking heads format and types of commentary not working that well - I thought it was kind of "Queer Eye"-ish, where they make the little "expert" tips.

I agree and disagree with the previous comments. Unlike others, however, I enjoyed the creativity of the houseboat owner and her ability to create usable spaces in unexpected areas. My question is this: When, as in the first segment for example, the homeowner rolls up the rug at the change of seasons, where does she store it? HGTV used to have a program called "This Small Space," which I felt was a bit more practical.

I really liked the show but am glad I have Tivo so I could save it and will be able to watch it again to see what I missed the first time.

Hope they're going to show MGR's apartment, and especially the cool bedroom.

Talking heads format was kind of odd. And hard to read the small print titles underneath their names. But did like the way that the host didn't identify himself.

Would be better to show three homes than four. "Homes Across America" profiles three, and the extra time is good on the rare occasions that they do have a very cool home on that show.

On another note, MGR's book shows up on Amazon but doesn't come out until next year. . . Am impatient.

I liked the houseboat...if you go for that kind of thing, which I don't.

The show was kind of a let down after all the anticipation they built up with it. I was like "woah, slow down," too. While I felt like they needed to slow down, I also felt like the detailing of certain aspects was tedious--the pulling out of the sofa bed...wow, original! A sofabed! I mean, I get that things can be multi-purpose, but I didn't need to see a sofa bed in action!

Enrique - but can you really imagine, in this day and age, being able to turn AT into a tv show w/o stripping it of the very qualities that make it a great site? (i mean a tv show that any of the networks would actually even consider.) i have horrible visions of them trying to inject "pizzazz" & emotional scenes & gushing, perky hosts & an annoyingly bouncy upbeat soundtrack &--ugh.

It lived up to my expectations, mainly because I generally knew what to expect from the pilot which I think was an hour long.

This show was kinda the right speed for me because I am so used to the ideas and processes involved in a lot of the design and construction of remodels etc. (having obsessivley researched it before and after my own bathroom remodel, new construction purchase etc) that I actually fast forwarded some segments (house boat) to get to the next home or the end (can't remember if the house boat was the last one).

The 3D plans are a great feature that I loved from the pilot and really helps see things spatially and see the flow. If anyone is interested in doing this kind of thing themselves they should download a free trial copy of sketchup from www.sketchup.com and you will find that this is the most intuitively easy to use piece of software ever! I managed to do a 3d plan of my apt within minutes.

Loved the modern ecological house. The extension of indoor sapce to outdoor space (or vice versa) is classic post war modernism and is one of my favorite elements of this style. This home achieved that in a smaller way without the huge glass walls and continual flow of floors from indoors to ourdoors but with more subtle elements so the spirit was kept alive. Also liked the idea of the criss cross tire paths in the garden but it did negatively impact the recreational use.

First home had a great layout and the owner did a great job in furnishing a rental. I agree with others though that the show concretated on some odd features such as the fold out bed and I also think that the changing of "scenery" would get tiresome after a couple of goes.

I admire the couple with the baby for editing down so much that they can live comfortably in 350 sqft. I think the husband did a great job on the bed.

The talking heads worked well, lending an authoritative tone to the proceedings but I get the impression that at least one of them did not hear the owners talking. The baby couple talked about the under bed storage being used for off season stuff and the architect talking head went on a bit about imagining waking up every morning, pulling out that drawer, rummaging through your stuff to find your socks or something. All of which the couple obviously don't do if it is sued for off season storage. In which case, I think Maxwell and the Readymade guy did a great job in making their comments fit in so well with the owners' aims.

BTW, I called out Maxwell being a cutie first!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/002217.html

I haven't watched the entire show yet and will withhold any final judgement. I recorded it on my cablebox, since I got home late and only took a quick fast forward thru parts before bedtime. My first impressions agree with most of the previous comments here. A little too fast paced at times, and too many homes in a half hour time frame. Maxwell came off very articulate and to the point considering what he'd posted here earlier about how it was taped. Like the floorplans. Hopefully it will improve with future episodes and more Maxwell.

I was fortunate enough to see the show last night. It's how I found the site! Interesting and informative!

Sooj. To answer your question... Yes, I think it's possible. I referred to the BBC-produced Rough Guide TV program as an example of a concept (alternative travel tips for hipsters) whose spirit has been transferred over nicely from one media to another (print to TV). An AT show would probably need to be developed outside of the standard US-based talent pool of producers used by HGTV. Have you ever noticed how much better shows like the British-produced "City Gardener" are than shows like "I Want That!", "Kitchen Trends", or "Designer Finals"?

Design TV, in general, needs a good kick in the ass. The appeal and approach has gotten a little too pedestrian and gimmicky for my tastes. "Trading Spaces" has jumped the shark so many times it doesn't even resemble its inspiration "Changing Rooms". ("Let's give the designers a budget of $10,000, a bickering couple on the verge of divorce, a Scottish castle, and see what they can do! Catch the final reveal-LIVE!") "Extreme Home Makeover" is not about the design, it's about pathos, redemption and manufactured-for-TV emotions. "Design Rivals"? Bleh, so contrived. Does everything have to be a challenge, a set-up or contest? When did design shows stop being about design? When did shows about style stop having any?

In a climate like this, an AT-concepted, magazine-style show would be a welcome change from... "Will Misty be able to paint that accent wall with only 65 cents left in her budget and 12 minutes before her husband arrives from his fishing trip?"

Design TV producers--No. Thank. You. We deserve better than this. Come on, give us something we can work with! Teach us something. And dump the crazysexycool host/hostess and replace them with someone who can speak knowledgeably (or at least passionately) about the subject. And, hello, "final reveal" does not equal "money shot". Reinvent the formula. Because the formula is tired.

I LOVED Rough Guide!

My only complaints about SSBS...

I wish "fast video cuts" did not equal "cool TV". Nary a slow pan around a room in any of the segments. They should call it "Think Fast."

I loved that they showed the floorplans, but could have done without the throbbing orange background for each.

Maxwell came across great, as we expected.

I used to love Homes Across America (when Joe Ruggiero hosted) and Chris Casson Madden's old show, since they spent a long time showing the rooms and their details. The only reason I don't love Homes Across America anymore is that they have seriously veered into trophy home territory. Older versions seemed to show more interior designer work and architect's own homes. Now it's mostly rich empty nesters and happy happy contractors...

And I do like the *work* of Designer Guys...
Candace still rules!

Yeah, Candace Olson's work always impresses me. And her show is both watchable and good at dispensing design tips. Plus, Candace is a real designer and not just a presenter. The show focuses as much on the process as the result, which I like.

But if Divine Design were produced in the US (and not Canada)... the presenter would be someone like Lisa Rinna or Christopher "Peter Brady" Knight, the designer would either be relegated to the background or an over-the-top caricature (insert stereotype du jour here) who would mug for the camera, the electrician would be sexy and of vaguely Latin descent with a slight accent, and the carpenter would be a grunting, macho bo-hunk in a sleeveless shirt--because that's what the focus groups and market research dictated. (Oh wait, isn't that basically "Trading Spaces"? Or is it "While You Were Out"? "Design on a Dime" maybe?)

Well, to "second" some motions on here, altready:
Yes, a tad too fast-paced; yes, Maxwell, rocks, but not enough of him -- why not have HIM host? He's plenty appealing AND he's smart -- I wasn't crazy about the host, who looked uncomfortable. But the talking-heads format was not terrible.

And yes, maybe 3 homes instead of 4. But I think that, while they're at it, on the floor-plan thing...Instead of going just from 2-D to 3-D, add another piece of it that shows the STUFF as part of the floor plan in one of those little stages of it.

And I kind of DO like the idea of apartment therapy as a show, although it would probably be less free-wheeling, which might not be as fun.

And I did kind of love that Modern house; it had that a slightly different twist on a use of corrugated fiberglas that I had mentioned on here a while back, so I found that fun.

Enrique - unfortunately, i'm not familiar w/ "Rough Guide" or most of the other shows you mentioned, whether british or US. i wish i were though, b/c i'd be interested in seeing how the british & american approaches differ. anyway, i couldn't agree more w/ your posts above about hgtv-type design shows. i don't get hgtv myself, but i've seen enough of those types of shows at other people's houses to recognize this: "Will Misty be able to paint that accent wall with only 65 cents left in her budget and 12 minutes before her husband arrives from his fishing trip?" LOL. that description, plus the "throbbing orange background" and "fast video cuts" that p(too) mentioned, are dead-on. bleh indeed.

p.s. although i still wish i had hgtv, so i could see what everyone's talking about w/ maxwell & SSBS--so frustrating! i saw that one picture of maxwell on "sex tips from interior designers", but i'm curious to see him "in action"!

OK folks, make sure you have no conflicts on your Tivos and DVRs for the 8/18/05 airing of SSBS. This will be the moment you have all been waiting for when Marlon's green pad is revealed in all its glory:

http://specialsections.nypost.com/news/nypost/nyphome/20050806/p39_s1.htm

http://specialsections.nypost.com/news/nypost/nyphome/20050806/img/a_2_p39.jpg

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/002652.html

Some interesting tidbits:
All Marlon keeps in his fridge are Twinkies and Cristal.
With no need for food storage he can use his kitchen cabinets to store everything else leaving the rest of the apt remarkably clutter free.

And, for the record, Paul and I made up in person. It was a beatiful thing.

The full page
http://specialsections.nypost.com/news/nypost/nyphome/20050806/p39.asp

My two cents agrees. TOo fast for me. Luckily I recorded it so I could stop rewind, pause at look at different aspects fo the rooms. Maybe that's what they figure people do now days.

Agree the designers comments on the differnt spaces are good.

I think the floor plans are a MUCH needed addition, at least for me. I can never figure out the layout otherwise. I also like it when floor plans are included on "house tours" on AT. Also my favorite part of AT, BTW.

This si a show I will def. record qand watch, along with Mission Organization, Clean Sweep, and Designer Remix.

Enrique, good thing I wasn't drinking anything when I read your descriptions of the design shows. Very funny!

I also really do enjoy Candance Olson's show and so far Kenneth Brown on reDesign (except when there are too many cutsey kids). They're designers and articulate hosts. And not bad on the eyes either.

I just watched the show and generally agree with most of the suggestions which have been made. Slow it down to three segments not four and let the talking head experts appear in each room. I'd really love them to walk us through and point out each innovation worth noting like Leigh Keno on FIND!.

For me-

I know your query about the christie's' house sale got lost but you got me thinking! i've never been but i went to the viewing today and it seemed like they have a lot of nice stuff and the reserves sound *very* reasonable (although there is a 20% additional charge that goes to Christie's). plus there is no reserve!

I spoke with two employees there who said that a range of people attend including a ton of dealers who presumably buy and then double the price at their gallery. I would love a review from someone who's actually gone to the auction though and bid on something. I'm a neophyte and may go and not bid just to get my feet wet. auctions are scary...

Ewww, ewww, and double ewww on that horrible little "eco-friendly" house. Such a pretentious couple. It killed me how the woman, with a sweeping gesture, boasts "Here's our living area"... gimme a break, it was a chair!! I used to work for architects, I know how tiresome they can be when they think they are clever. Yes, this table leg references the angle of the roof, aren't we wonderful to think of it? My hubby & I thought that house was just so cold and devoid of charm. I did like the first little apartment, but the show was not as fun as I thought it would be.

I didn't like the "eco-friendly" house either. That fluorescent tube-lined room looked like a huge tanning bed. Yuck. And the large picture window next to the bathtub to get them closer to "nature"--um, yeah. You mean that narrow walkway that leads to the mini version of the pampas (a.k.a. the garage)?

Love the walking feet ! My husband even stopped to watched them patter across the screen..I think our apt might be a good human interest story/intersting small space layout for the show -and we're in NYC/on the LES for that added spark..anyone know how to volunteer? Maxwell?