apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This is beautiful space patrick!(and I'm really drawn to that zebra chair for some reason...)

All the colors and textures are so relaxing but not boring...it's so gorgeous and organized. I can't believe it's a rental!

I'm curious though- how did you come about matching the animal prints with those various textures/colors? (It's different but it works so well...) Have you just always liked that mix, or were you inspired by something?

For some reason my "super cool" vote wouldn't register -- I kept getting a 404 error message.

Annnnyway, WOW! Thank god you posted your pictures now because if I'd seen this apartment earlier I wouldn't have had the guts to submit my humble apartment photos. Your place is amazing and grown up and sophisticated but still comfy. Really tasteful. wow. Mine is trash...if mine gets posted just look away. Look away. I'm not worthy. You're the only Patrick in my book (apologies to my brother, but this bumps even him...)

Wow too. I love it. I love the stripes in the bathroom (where did you get all the striped items?) I love your story of redemption and also being able to see where your storage is - the shelving (did you put that closet area in?), the metal boxes - a row of same units is so soothing to the eye. This is a very inspirational space.

For some reason, the first time I went through the slide show, the "before" pictures weren't showing, but now they are. I'm even more impressed - a makeover!

so that is how you design a bathroom around those black & white checkerboard floors that are so daunting, yet everywhere in new york city. i would have never thought to put the b & w stripes with that floor, it is perfect together.

rr, i know how you feel, this is the design sense i hope to achieve someday in my own apartment.

patrick, this is really beautiful. i love it because it is polished, consistent, and very clean--yet still tells me so much about you. it is masculine, sophisticated, very urban, yet peaceful all at once. i feel like you could spend time telling me about each and every item in your apartment, why it is there, and why you love it, and that is why i like this space so much.

I'm very impressed. Congrats on a Beautiful space.

i love this, patrick! really well done! i think what is so successful about this space is the deliberate-ness (is that a word?) of every aspect, in the sense that everything is justified both by design and function. Often, this leads to a sort of bare minimalism (that I actually do like) but you've created something that is warm and full, while still being clean and modern. I don't think we've seen that yet in this contest! It's a really difficult thing to achieve! Fabulous!!!

wow, wow, wow patrick. i wondered where you had gone, but now i see why we have not seen your comments on the board. fantastic!

Wowzers!

I can't stop gawping at your bed curtains.

Patrick, thanks so much for sharing your story and your home. I really appreciate seeing this because I love reading your comments and now I have even more faith in them! As we are embarking on setting up our new home (and thanks for the help you've provided already) I really feel like I can use what you've done as a guide. Not necessarily in the same style, but in the sense of having clean and elegant lines and still feeling comfortable and homey. My only question is, where is your computer/desk/workspace? Did I miss it? Oh, and where do you eat?

whatever it was that got you from where you were, to where you are now, god bless!

I am so impressed. And you did this all by yourself? It is stunning. Maybe there is hope for me yet. But where did you hide all the stuffed toys after you redecorated?

wow. this space is a brilliant mix of texture and shapes. as a plant killer i will definetly be stealing your greenery ideas! as well the photography of the space is amazing. did you design and photograph this yourself, or was this proffesional?! oh and one more thing - is that a picture of you?!

Great place - I like the use of varied, but complementary textures. It is definitely well put together, and retains a very masculine look.

I will see that some photos made it seem a tad gloomy, but with the windows and the white in the living room, it probably doesn't have that effect in person.

Love it. A wonderful balance between the stimulating and the relaxing...

PS-- is there a story about the crystal balls?

Patrick. An outstanding job. Don't know if I'll ever be able to make the transition like you did. You have a great looking sideboard. Clean lines and wonderful. Can you tell me where you got it from?

Brilliant. Proof that there is a way to marry a clean, modern style with warmth and comfort, not to mention a masculinity I often find missing from design published in the major shelter mags. What a difference great photographs make a in my responses to the apartment too. Nice job. I love the chocolate walls in the dressing area, the mixed animal prints (in moderation, thank you), and the spare but elegant window treatments. I am also very impressed with your use of small dashes of color . . . the green of the plants, and the way the red coral pops against the dark brown wood of and the green of the grass on the bedside table. Definitely a winner.

Wow!

Patrick - you have done the home team proud. Ok so there really is no home team but you know what I mean ;o)

As I watched the slideshow a big grin spread across my face. There are so many aspects that make your apartment look so great and look like it functions so well. Others have mentioned your use of color and texture and it is truly impressive. It is really this that I am most impressed with because I am really a minimalist in terms of form and color (who knew?) and have problems coming up with color combinations that work well but you have done an amazing job on that front.

Kudos to you for creating such an amazing space, putting your money where your mouth is (or commenting fingers are) and really showing us all how it should be done.

When apartment shopping I saw a couple of open houses in the complex that it looks like this is, and I think that if the architects that originally designed those spaces saw what Patrick has done with his, they would probably scream, "Finally! Somebody who understands what we had always hoped these apartments would do!"

Other than that, I can only re-affirm some of the previous comments people have said -- clean-lined, yet engagingly warm and sexy. VERY neat trick, deliciously pulled off.

****swoon****
(batting eyelashes)

love it! BTW, what is the maker & name of the purply-brown paint?

Ugh. I just have to gripe about the one person who voted "no way, José" WHY? You had a pet zebra? The glass balls remind you of your fortune-teller mama who beat you? You prefer a place with neon beer signs? You live in a yurt and fear square rooms? What!? Tell me!

LMAO rr...you have managed to make me laugh out loud rather loudly =D....but I also agree- I'm curious about that one person. People who vote no always seem to not state their reason(s)...

Patrick (the other one), I'm practically speechless. Your apartment is truly stunning -- and very inspiring. But I'm not really surprised, based on reading your comments for many months.

Where did you get the metal storage boxes?

At long last, we get to see Patrick's place... And, boy, was it worth the wait. It gets my Super cool vote. The space has an understated sophistication with a nice masculine feel. There was obviously a lot of thought that went into the layering of textures and colors. I've given my highest vote to a couple of other spaces, but honestly this is my favorite. Of all the spaces, this is the one I would be most comfortable living in. Well done, Patrick!

PS... This is a rental?!?

ps. I have another quick question! How long did it take to transform from the clutter you had before, to this?

Wow! A studio rental worthy of a photo shoot in any magazine! All I can do is echo the awe expressed above and say that this apartment makes me want to curl up on that perfect leather chair with a Manhattan (and a coaster) to exchange bitchy gossip about fabulous people. Thank you for showing the before struggle with clutter, the dark underbelly of the the visual richness and cohesive asthetic you achieved. The lotus emerges from the mud!

"...a space so overwhelmed with clutter I was embarrassed to let in building maintenance.This isn’t a story about built-ins or clever construction, as much as it is of salvation and redemption."

This speaks volumns to me. I'm so close to my own salvation so I know what you're talking about.

Everyone above has pretty much already said it all. Amazing work. Really.

Very nice, sophisticated and urbane. Great layout for a corner window floorplan. Thanks for being brave and honest to share your before pictures

I looked at the slide show before seeing whose apartment this was, and when I saw Patrick's (too) name, I instantly said aloud "Wow, he really does know what he is talking about when he comments on other issues!" I feel as if I know him and want to congratulate him on such a beautiful, serene and composed place.

It has my vote as #1.

Well done, Patrick.

Patrick,
Great job with comfort, colors and warmth.

Other Patrick . . . you know how much I love brown paint! I need to send you some pictures of my bedroom. I only wish I could control my clutter as well as you.

This is my "best in show." Congratulations.

Wow! Just wow!

Seriously, P(TOO), fabulous place.

awe, love, envy, jealousy, remorse...Patrick your apt conjures up such emotion within me that...that...that all I can say is...and winner ladies and gentlemen is....!
It's just sooo darn beautiful. I just want to move right on in!
Question for ya...the shelving unit housing your garments...is that an Ikea unit or is it from another source? I'm curious.

I love it--but then I'm not surprised, judging from (the other) Patrick's contributions to the comments in this site. I am in a big meeting here all day, but as soon as I can, I'm checking out the slide show in detail. In my opinion, this is the clear winner so far.

I am very jealous of what you were able to do. Absolutely amazing.

Please reveal the various plants used. I see grass and bamboo but they were so tastefully arranged and placed.

My favorite entry, hands down. Kudos for having the guts to post "before" pics. It makes the finished apartment even more amazing. I especially love the way the brown walls bring out the warmth of the parquet (I have the same flooring).

Oh. My. Goodness. I'm ashamed to say my apartment resembles your "before" pictures, but it does. Granted, I just moved, but ... wow! Fantastic job, beautiful home, P(tOO).

You place sooo makes me want to withdraw my submission!!! It is amazing! You've inspired me to do a mini-makeover.

I echo everyone else's sentiments (except whomever voted No Way Jose)... and I'm in love with the brown paint color. If you don't mind, would you post what it is?

I'm new to NYC and never really understood how to make a studio apartment work and not feel like a hotel room. Plus, I wasn't sure how to handle an exposed bed. You did a phenomenal job - many congrats.

Wait a minute, is this apt going to show up on Queer Eye?

This is it. Two thumbs way up.
Here is a nicely conceived studio apartment. Patrick's merit is to understand it and use his flair & personal esthetic to make the place look sophisticated, serene, masculine and sexy. That "feel" is what I was talking about when asking for help and directions on AT 2-3 months ago.
The place looks fabulous. Ready for my photo shoot fabulous. Which bring to mind questions of practicality.
Where do you eat, work, play.
Where do you put your laptop/notebook.
Where do you process/keep your mail.
Do you really reach for that water bottle in the middle of the night?
I assume the mess in the before pictures was not shoved in a closet. How did you go about it?
Despite all these questions, this entry should win this contest hand down.

Wonderful! I'm curious about the bed, though. I assume that it's positioned pretty close to the entrance to the apartment. Do those curtains close for privacy?

Wow. I'm overwhelmed by the comments. Thanks for your generosity. This has been quite a day, to say the least. A few answers to the many great questions...

Miya— I actually think animal prints act as neutrals to some degree, so I think they are easier to incorporate than it would seem. And I’ve always loved really graphic black & white anything, for the punch it gives. I’ve also always liked a “tailored look”, so menswear-inspired fabrics sort of fell into place. And finally, I have long been a fan of the story of Aida (the story, the opera, the musical), and worked on an Aida-inspired project once where the contrast of the regal Egyptian and the tribal Nubian created this really interesting juxtaposition. It’s actually been a real jumping off point for me over the years. (The framed item on the bedside table is actually a CD signed by the original Broadway cast, btw).

Pixie— The striped shower curtain came from Bloomingdale’s. Can’t remember where the rug came from! I was lucky to find a studio in this building with two closets, so the only thing I added was the dark wood gridded shelving, which is actually a free-standing piece.

Faith— The bed curtains are Pottery Barn’s Everyday Suede panels, ceiling mounted on “hospital track” from Curtainfair.com.

Michele— I work on a laptop (Mac Powerbook G4) when at home, and finally went wireless (more on that later) so it follows me around the apartment (on the sofa or pulling up a zebra chair to the sofa tables). I usually eat at the coffee table, but the plan (now that it is finally company-ready) is to pivot the two Parsons sofa tables into a square table to seat four when I have company. I’m not (yet) a big dinner party guy, but hopefully that will change. There is also a pass-through to the kitchen where I have two barstools.

Cynthia— Shame and embarrassment were GREAT motivators! This contest was actually the biggest catalyst.

Jimkk— Did I do this by myself? Hardly! I did do my own designing (and shopping!!), but had lots of moral (and other) support from some significant others (one in particular!). I really don’t think you can dig out of a hole like I was in all by yourself. As for the stuffed animals, they are in the wall unit, the second canvas bin in from the left!!

Billi— I was extremely lucky to have photographic help from my talented friend and interiors photographer Jody Kivort for the bulk of the shots. I tried my best to match his talent with some detail shots and the kitchen and bath shots. As for the picture in the hallway, to quote Tootsie… “Which answer will get me the audition?” No, it is not me! It is actually a photo taken by Christopher Makos, a contemporary and chronicler (?) of Andy Warhol. I purchased this one from Homer, and was lucky enough to buy another similar “young tough” portrait from the artist himself. It’s on the wall immediately inside the front door but not visible in any shots.

Will continue with more answers shortly. I am having an OUTRAGEOUS amount of fun with this, so thanks all for the opportunity (or for just humoring me!).

Lisa— I collected those quartz crystal spheres over many trips to a wonderful outdoor flea market outside Lambertville, PA. There is a regular exhibitor there named Marc Fleischman who has an amazing assortment of rocks and minerals, fossils and other natural wonders. To me, each of those spheres is a perfect Fall or Summer weekend. The leather bowl came from Speigal catalog.

AD— The sideboard came is "vintage" Crate & Barrel from a few seasons back.


Curtis— That, to me, is quite a compliment… to have an interior “work” because it suits the space. Thanks so much.

Me— The brown paint is Pratt & Lambert “Loam”… #2015. It has an amazing range of colors in it. Looked at A LOT of chips before committing!

Me (tfo)— Metal storage boxes came from Pottery Barn.

Miya— I’ve been dabbling at undoing my cluttered chaos for a few years (literally), but really got serious in the last 3-6 months.

Chris— Clutter is a SERIOUS adversary! But the closer I got to what you see now, the easier it became to maintain.

PAS— The shelving unit is the “Rolly” from the Terrence Conran Shop. Since I purchased it, both IKEA and Bo Concept have come out with very similar units. West Elm has a smaller unit but the same concept.

JR Rice— Most of “the plants” (you are VERY kind!) are dried “snake grass” (horsetail?) from Pier One. About $12 a bunch. Vases are from the Bosphorus line from Pottery Barn. The other grassy stuff is actually faux (horrors!) papyrus, some from Bloomingdale’s (on sale!) some from Pottery Barn (on sale!).

Marisa— In addition to the brown Pratt & Lambert “Loam”, the kitchen wall is painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Night Horizon” (2134-10). It is a REALLY crazy gorgeous green gray that doesn’t photograph so well.

Chucky— Some of that “before” mess ended up in the front closet, but only after a MAJOR sort/recycle/shred and re-box-fest (many, MANY weekends!). I’m gearing up to turn that closet into a built-in office. Mail is a problem always, so if I am not ready to deal with it, I simply don’t bring it in to the apartment. I have created a system for dealing with various types of mail that seems to be working, but “paper clutter” is still my biggest challenge. As far as other “life clutter”, a VERY wise man once sold me on the virtues of a “landing strip”… the console in the entry is actually a desk with a drawer where I stow keys, Metro card, etc. Beneath it is a Mitchell Gold storage ottoman that holds out-of-season clothes and bedding. As another example of the hidden storage I rely heavily upon, the small plastic table-thing in the bathroom is actually where I stash cleaning products.

Maria— The bedside curtains are stationary, but they give a real sense of enclosure when I’m in bed. It is actually the bedside table that works hardest to visually separate bed from entry.

Thanks again all for the interest and questions and such amazing response.

So patrick, what are the positives and negatives of rentals in your opinion?

How long have you been there and how long do you plan to stay?

I'm not from or in the US, so I'm unfamiliar with whats normally allowed in a rental and usual length of stay for you guys.

Thanks,
Dave

I recall many months ago...during the bedroom contest. Someone made some snide(perhaps kidding) comment to patrick ...to the effect of..show us yours. Patrick then said he was waiting for the entire apartment contest.

I see it was worth the wait.

I am throughly impressed.

It has so many clean lines , but not at the expensive of charactor.

Is that a silver Tizio I spy?
I had no idea they came in silver...

I am blown AWAY! This has got to be the most stunning use of space I've seen in a long time. Simply brilliant and you should be proud of your home and all the mental ambition it took to get it to this point. You have the kind of place I'd love to paint pieces for. WINNER HANDS DOWN!

me of me inc. - it was Paul's place we wanted to see.

i've got a massive apartment crush on you, patrick. your home is beautiful.

ohhhh, and you mentioned lambertville, "to me, each of those spheres is a perfect fall or summer weekend". i SO get this, it's a very special place. it's my dream to renovate an old barn on the river in new hope someday.

you've really created something special here.

anyone else want to start an, "i *heart& patrick" fan club?

Patrick, I now understand your comments on my flower posts. The one thing that hit me was your clustered arrangements in different areas of your apartments. It feels like ikebana. Very successful arrangements. I think this might be the key to your space. I once had a professor who constantly reminded us to 'reward the viewer for looking closely'. He was talking about illustration, but I think that can be true of everything in life. The textures you chose are rich, the combination of shapes and objects are very nice and thoughtful, and not in an expected way. It was very rewarding to look at your apartment space. I sometimes feel that people have a pressure to fill their space and it is reflected in the lack of meaning behind a painting or knicknack left on a counter. Somehow I get the feeling that your arrangements really do speak to your mood and truly express who you are. They are like still lives arranged by an artist. You also are very lucky to have such brilliant sunlight.

By the way, does bamboo really last that long in that form? I always think it looks nice, but am wary of its longevity. And the wheat grass. Do you have to trim it?

oops...sorry

they both start with P...
I blame dyslexia

So umm then where's paul's place?

none the less ..I really like the place.
you could never tell it was only 485


I will also plead guilty to eating at the coffee table more often than I should.

Ah, Lambertville. Good place. I'm from Princeton, and we had our honeymoon near New Hope.

Many years later, I'm trying to achieve the calm and cohesiveness you have here (only with a family, dogs, and a lot more clutter...)

The bed looks a little bigger than a twin, perhaps a full. Certainly it doesn't look like a queen. Moving the bed near the door may have been dictated by the decorating agenda here but its not something many folks would do--one word--privacy.

I think the collections and choices of materials are too twee. the photo shown is great. Sorry I couldn't give this more than 'contender'

Can you say Gay Kitsch? How many dark oblesks juxtaposed to wheat grass with nondescript, oh so tasteful, b&w photos can one apartment handle?? just this many... oh, but your textures are so engaging. please. B-o-r-i-n-g. Check your personality at the door, this is For Anyone. Its worse than a west elm photoshoot, and more predictable then a home store in the west village. dark colors and some money doesn't equate to taste. yes, i m a hater, especially when so many people love this blase bore.

I think you meant o-b-e-l-i-s-k-s.

I've been on the mean side with commentary in the past, but never truly mean-spirited with my criticism... Jim, you need to cool out... The guy plainly transformed his entire life with this overhaul of his space, and he did it beautifully. That was bad juju, what you said.

No Patrick (TOO) he meant to say L-O-S-E-R!!!

Patrick(too),
Too, too gorgeous! beautiful and harmonious and restful. and the B/W bathroom is very cool. I have to know--what is that sphere with the moss on it? is it real or fake? Did you actually use a swatch system when you were picking out your furniture, or did you gather them up afterwards? It all works beautifully, and the parts are as nice as the whole. Congratulations!

Listen, I think that everyone is entitled to an opinion - but should keep it polite. That was valid, but extremely mean. As for it looking as if it was out of a catalog, I think that is a high compliment. Catalogs are a collaboration, a whole team of designers and stylists put these shoots together to make us wish that we lived in these spaces. Patrick did that all by himself. As for the arrangements, I liked them. In a small space, it is nice to be rewarded for looking closely. Patrick did something very successfully, which is provide areas for the viewer to explore and rest. That is truly what makes us travel through the space and feel as if his apartment is vast. And jucging from his previous comments, I would say that he spent much time and thought collecting objects.

The fact that Mr. Pennyloafer had such strong comments is a good sign. THAT is true jealousy talking!

I also think that Patrick has provided himself with a wonderful foundation in his apartment. Everyone needs a good solid place to build their style upon. Looking at the 'before' photos, I am amazed that he was so successful. most people buy so much junk before they have anything cohesive to build upon. If this is the first stage after those 'before' photos, I cannot wait to see this apartment again in a few years. I bet when Patrick goes out shopping for additional items he will have NO problem finding wonderful things to complement such a great base.

Now I understand his postings on my flower postings - he has a great eye for the details. His still life arrangements are put together like ikebana, which, by the way, I reccommend for anyone to try if they like to relax with flowers.

Well, I guess out of the 50 or so doting fans you're bound to have a few devil's advocates. I think they're in the jealousy phase I spoke of earlier, Patrick! They'll come to in the morning! ;)

Jim. Paul's and Matt's comments hit the nail on the head. You didn't like the place, fine. But, really, there's no need for the venom. It isn't clever. It isn't "cute". And it isn't very appropriate for this forum. It's just plain mean... It's an apartment, not an affront to you or your personal taste.

Whoa. Such negativity from "Jim" and without any constructive criticism is uncalled for. Everyone doesn't have the same opinion on decor but those comments border on homophobic. "Jim" what do you consider "cool"?

my comments were meant to incite, and while i don't personally have anything against patrick, and i'm sorry to anyone so sensitive as to confuse that, i can surely take his taste to task. its a smack down for the very reason, that everyone on here is lavishing praise, on what i see as a fairly boring design job, with extremely conventional vocab. yet the praise communicates some coup... i just don't see it. while a catalog may be to some folks a worthy goal, i for one do not want, desire, or think living in a west elm ad sheet is any better than living in a Staten Island group home. Personality, taste, and panache DOES not sell furniture. I stand by that comparison. as for the objects chosen. like a catalog again, they are vaguely male, with no mark of personality, eccentricity, or specified style. very Sellable. the focus in the slide show on fabrics is a passive aggressive snob job in my book. look at the rest in the contest... its trying to say, look at my attention to detail, i must know something about design. which is the biggest reason i don't have to criticize with grace, because of A. the lavish praise and B. the underhanded signs of "professionalism". if you present yourself as Division One, you'll get played by Division One heat.

oh, thanks for the spelling correction. no hard feelings folks, this is all good fun.

Jim, no one got confused. You simply came off as rude. As simple as that.

Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion but what has developed on this site is a community of regulars who understand that when someone shows us something as personal as their home then we show a little restraint when it comes to our opinions. We focus on the positives and if we don't like something we say something constructive or don't even bother.

This is indeed all in fun and I think your mistake is either that you do not know what constitutes a fun way to make a point or how typed words cannot properly convey mood, tone, irony etc in the way that you seemingly intended. As such the responses were not overly sensitive - they were appropriate.

Having said all that, I can see your POV but I don't agree that Patrick's place is a good example of what you are talking about.

So which one of the apts shown so far match your taste better?

You could have found a wittier, constructive way to get your point across... I've been pretty critical in the past.

I'm not feeling the "fun."

Whatever. Let's continue looking at objects, interiors, and scavenger... got to glance at my other favorite blogs before I get back to work...

Good luck to the contestants.

Like I said in my "soapbox" post last week, this contest (and site), as I understand it, is meant for novices like me *and* professionals *and* everyone in between. Regardless of where P(too) falls on that spectrum, he shouldn't be maligned for so-called "underhanded" professionalism (whatever that means.)

Something tells me that P(too) comes home at night, opens the door to his apartment, and smiles. Just because it all looks well put-together doesn't mean it lacks personality. It just means that Patrick is good at putting together things that he likes. Which, incidentally, is the whole point of this contest, and what a lot of us wish we could achieve.

FWIW, I also don't think his apartment is kitschy. Or that the black and white photo is nondescript. I thought they were both interesting and cool.

I'm also torn about even dignifying Jim's post with a response, but I'm saddened by the fact that he brought this forum to a new low. Slurs aren't "Division One heat"; they're offensive and inappropriate *in any context*. Plain and simple.

As for the swatches, it's nice to be able to see things close-up. I appreciated the close-ups; I thought they were cool, and not snobby.

By the way, in my experience, usually when someone calls someone else a "snob", they're intimidated/jealous.

Of course, P(too) responded with his usual humor and class. Maybe we feel like we "know" him and that's another reason we all jumped in with our "conventional" (gasp! are we *pedestrian* too?) praise.

And why he has 341 total votes, most of them super-cool. The numbers speak volumes here.

Thanks, Patrick, for all of your comments on the site and for showing us your apartment. I was waiting for this one, and I was *really* impressed when it finally got posted.

Unfortunately, when you combine The Internet and Anonymity, some otherwise nice, rational people turn into total d-bags.
While not to my personal tastes, this apartment is really lovely and so well done. I like it better than some of the other front-runners for two big reasons-
1) It looks like a real person might actually live there, like you could toss your keys on the table and they wouldn't disappear in a puff of smoke, if that makes any sense. It's well-designed and everything, but not stifling in its perfection.
2) Its transformation is really representative of what this website is all about (IMHO). Taking control of your space, trying to part with things you maybe love but which are holding you back, and making your life and personal space more simple, serene, and beautiful.
Way to go, P(too).

I guess every thread has its mean-spirited detractors lately. I, for one, did not love one of the the most favored kitchens, but I respected the effort put into it, and I tried to be tactful. While I might not have wanted that kitchen for myself, many people loved it--and that alone says something, whether I want it to or not. I just don't see the point of draining all the joy out of the results of someone's hard work.

As for Patrick's apartment being kitschy--well, in my opinion, that's totally off-base. I love it. (If Jim's post was a character in a movie, it would be the equivalent of Thora Birch in Ghostworld. I suggest to Jim that he rent the movie if he doesn't know it.)

Holy Cow! Texture and detail, that's what I like about this apartment. Everywhere you look, there's something that invites exploration.

These photos make me want to rip everything out of my little one-bedroom rental and realize my ideas, and gives me more ideas as well. I too have a major clutter problem, and Patrick's apartment transformation is true motivational inspiration.

I'll bet Patrick's home has inspired more than a few people to make their living spaces beautiful.

Let us keep in mind...

Not only is this an amazing transformation...but it's also still under 500sq ft.!

The before pictures just speaks leaps and bounds for the drastic change this place has undertaken.

Consider my mind ..blown.

Jimkk-- An amendment to the “did I do it myself?” answer… re-- shopping. I most definitely have a partner in crime in my shopping excursions! He was also (among other thinsg) the one who got me Airport, which let me digitize all my CDs, and has provided tremendous understanding of what I was trying to do, and what it would take to get me there.

Dave B-- As far as this rental goes, the positives were… a “non-box” floorplan… high ceilings (for some reason, higher on this floor than others)… it’s a corner unit… the neighborhood... two closets. The negatives… it is the first studio I’ve lived in, so my first exposure to “one-room living”… there was a pretty weird box-like thing in the ceiling over where the bed is... and the floorplan, while non-box-like, verged on “bowling alley”. I’ve been here about four years, and no definite plans about how much longer I’ll stay (but no rush to leave). The other challenge with rentals is of course balancing customization with getting the security deposit back! Everything I’ve done (changed light fixtures, closet and cabinet knobs, painted) I plan to reverse when I leave.

Me of me-- Yes, a silver (chrome?) Tizio (Micro). Got it direct from Artemide, which seemed to offer the most decent price. There is also a really cool titanium finish but not sure that one comes in Micro.

Matt-- Met Flower Matt!! An honor! As a graphic designer, one of my favorite expressions has always been “reward the viewer for their continued attention”. So cool you used that quote. The horsetail/bamboo stuff is actually dried when you get it. It is fragile but doesn’t fade. And, hoping I don’t lose favor for excess faux-ing, but the wheat grass in the bathroom is faux. No light penetrates that far back!! But I like the green.

JonathanYup-- The bed is a Full, and separated from the door by the curtain, the table, and the closet. Since I don’t face the door when I’m in it, I pretty much forget it’s there at bedtime. Actually, the weird plumbing enclosure in the ceiling over where the bed is made the placement sort of a no-brainer, as it created sort of a niche/canopy. This spot also shields the bed from feeling like its in full view of the windows.

Martha-- The “moss ball” is from Macy’s. Just saw identical ones at Homer on the UES, but guessing there they may be a TAD more $$! Regarding the “swatches,” I actually shot the various textures from the items themselves. Since some of the textures don’t “read” in the larger photos, but I think they are really important to the feel of the apartment, I wanted to figure out some way to show them.

Oh, and for the record, if I was shooting for “Gay Kitsch”, you SOOOOOOOO would have known it. ;)

Sexy, if a bit over styled.

I'm new to Apartment Therapy and have become quite addicted since I stumbled on this contest 2 weeks ago. Now, I find myself checking in 5 times a day, hoping to see the new entires and to read new posts.
Patrick (too), you deserve to win this contest not just because your apartment looks so wonderfully put together, esp. with that limited space, but for two other reasons...
1. Anyone who is able to transform that gigantic mess into what your apt. looks like now deserves a big prize.
2. For the way you so cooly (and with such a great sense of humour) handled Sour Jim's comments.
Good luck and I'm rooting for you!!

Re Sour Jim...

We always want to know what the "No Way" people are thinking, so I guess we literally asked for his comments. They're not as sour as they could be. Comparing your house to a catalogue layout is a backhanded compliment and the least of your worries...

I still believe the reactions to Jim's boorish and obnoxious comments have been too civilized. AT is a place where amateurs, semi-pro and maybe real pro gather to exchange ideas, get advice and share their interest in Apartment living. We do not necessarily share the same style and views and but are intelligent enough to understand the other’s taste and comment accordingly.

I really like Pat(too)’s place. I will not want to duplicate it for myself because my views and objectives differ. But looking at the space, the before and after pictures it shows how serious and knowledgeable he is about interior design and can be an inspiration to others.

That Jim has a problem with Pat(too)'s esthetic is not a reason for that rude, homophobic rant. Jim has a better, different way? Show it. Post pics of your place and expose your design philosophy. Throwing a grenade under the cover of anonymity only make you a coward, a jealous, inept coward... until you prove otherwise…

Now Patrick, how long did it take you and much did you spend on this transformation? Also where did you get that headboard?

Peace
Chucky

I'm happy to hear you didn't do the swatch-fest method. I know I could never be that systematic, so I'm glad to know you could achieve such great results without it.

As for the snob job--we all know that Patrick knows something about design, since we know he is a...omigod...designer. I'm a designer myself, and I think the swatches are a great way to communicate detail on the web that would otherwise be lost in lo-rez photographs. I can understand Jim's attempt to be provocative, but all this reminds me of grad school crits in the '80s when too-late neo-expressionist wannabes would criticise people for drawing too well. Jim, are you going to show us yours? Or why not just send a photo of a space you really like so we'd know where you're coming from.

Fiona, you are so wrong about Thora Birch's character in "Ghostworld"! I love her. However, you're right about everything else.

Well, I love Thora Birch and the movie. Her character in Ghostworld had some issues with pretentiousness and bitterness. That's all I'm saying. ;)

the immense talent of patrick strikes again. BTW I love your obelisks!

If this is what redemption looks like, I'm changing my ways! What a clean-up job. You probably couldn't move for a week.

Absolutely lovely, Patrick.

as the aforementioned "partner in crime", i have to make a quick appearance.

first - you guys are great! i wish style-impaired nerds like me had a community like this, supporting and praising us when we write really good parsing scripts.

(can you tell patrick had to teach me that there are more than 5 colors? and that there are shades of brown?? who knew?)

second - one thing that helped the decluttering is that patrick didn't throw anything out, unless it was totally useless or way past the end of its life. virtually everything found second homes through housing works or ebay. while that added a bit of time (and face it, was harder to do), i think it helped with peace of mind. and now other people have some cool stuff! if separation anxiety from your stuff is holding you back, go with this adoption approach. it works.

finally - a free manhattan for sorrel for a capital idea! and i'm pretty sure who we're going to gossip about... =)

Really like this. It's masculine with style. Inspirational, as my rental is quite a dump at times and it is good to see what can be done without having to resort to shopping at IKEA.

I like the leather reading chair in the sun by the window. Like the aegyptian statue [reminded me of my travels to Luxor, Cairo - name dropping I know], the candles, all good.

Like the clothes cupboard and, I guess as I am originally from Johannesburg, the animal prints are cool. Tasteful really, you've no idea how kitch it can come across unless you've toured post-colonial guest houses in Africa.

Not crazy about the kitchen cupboards, but I do like the metal boxes. I have two in storage in South Africa, more than a metre in length. Hail from India...

What sound system do you have and where did you put it? I noticed a TV.

Russ-- Kitchen cabinets were a given, since this is a rental. But I did change out the knobs. They were white round enamel before!! The color of the cabinet woul dnot have been my first choice either, but they do go all the way to the ceiling on one side, and could have been much worse!

The sound system plan is slightly unresolved, as I just transfered all my CDs to iTunes. The plan is for wireless music, but for now I listen to Sirius via my TV when the music mood strikes.

And I only have one IKEA piece of furniture!! A great mirror-fronted cabinet between kitchen and living room on a small sliver of wall. Just didn't make it into any of the shots.

will you marry me? the most fantastic thing I've seen in a long time.

Russ-- ps-- Very jealous of your Egyptian travels.

Patrick. Yeah, I'm planning to go wireless too, as soon as I can afford a new iBook, but I've also dumped everything onto iTunes.

Heading to the Sinai end June. My cuz's 50th and she's rented a beduin village!!! The power of the English Pound!

WOW! Thsi is a *beautiful* place. You've managed, in a very small space, to make a consistant, beautiful work of art that looks comfortable to live in.

The use of textures and lines, the ability to work with the place as it was (instead of fighting against it as so many do), the serenity of this place -- I'm very impressed!

Definitely THE winner!

oh my god! you make me feel like it CAN be done! you're a winner! and an inspiration! I love you!

Wow. While not necessarily my taste, your place is beautiful. What a fantastic job. You should definitely win and even if you don't, I think most of us would agree that you have anyway. The transformation from the clutter to what you have now is something that you should really be proud of.

While the place reflects a lot of careful thought with regards to the overall functional and emotional aesthetic of the place, overall, the feel comes across as too "pottery barn" meets "ralph lauren", i.e. it seems sterile and overly commercial. The only striking features are the zebra-print/b&w objects all over the place, and I can't say I like that motif either. It doesn't really fit in with the overall aesthetic and it's either used too sparingly or used in a room where it just doesn't fit in. The one cow pillow was nice though. I think an alternative cow-print chair definitely should replace the zebra chair in the living room. That chair is just ugly.

Definitely warm-up the room with some color. It's just too monochromatic. Pick a color, any color, don't overdo it, but you need some color. You could get some accessory object or a lamp even, but a nice photograph or framed poster always looks classy. Personally, I love old movie posters because they're such great conversational pieces. As is, the place feels very wooden, and you wouldn't (haha) want that to reflect your personality, right?

Outstanding! WOW! Yea! I have someone to vote for. It is not my taste or style, but it does not matter because it is beautiful. Congratulations.

Patrick's space is visually approachable and coyly comfy in a college-guy-dorm-sleep-over kind of way. While I can't personally imagine my self in this kind of space, I have imagined Patrick coming home late from work from his smart job, a bag of brie and Bordeaux and kicking back on his leopard skin with style and panache. The visual trickery speaks volumes to one's sense of place, space and roots. This home is down home. It's a friendly outstretched small hand in an otherwise cluttered and oversized world of celebrity cribs. It’s refreshing that it’s not condo, not house and not for sale. It’s take me home and throw open the doors. Who needs a guest bedroom? Home is where the heart is. Knock knock, Patrick’s home!
Dr. Rhonda D.Wolf, Kendall, Florida.

I have to say that I keep coming back to look at this one over and over and I just can't get enough. I have this fear that I'll come back to look someday and this contest will have been taken down, because it will have been over for too long.

Am I the only one who would gladly buy an interactive DVD of the entire set of entries of this contest once it's over, so I could be assured of always being able to look at this stuff, just in case they took these images down?

Meanwhile, I also have to say ... I thought that I used to pend a lot of time and effort on MY rentals back when I rented! You really take the cake.

Hey Patrick! Truly amazing!!! I just want to walk in, get comfy, and appreciate the serenity. I loved that it looks grown up, yet comfortable; clean, but not sterile; fun, but not cutesy. The transformation is incredible. As a fellow packrat and junk paper magnet, I'm impressed. I loved the adoption idea for those former 'treasures' because it does make it easier to part with them if you know they're going to a good home. I think you've missed (or at least should have greater opportunity to apply) your calling!! But remember, you and Mike can always come help those of us with new spaces!!

Kelvin--"Wooden"? 'splain yourself, Lucy. While you obviously don't share Patrick's aesthetics, I think you are way off on your assesment of the place. Every design choice looks to be intentional and reflects a lot of thought. There's a lot of personality here. Maybe it's just now yours... What does "overly commercial" mean anyway?

Patrick--I just noticed the Hudson chair when I revisited the slideshow. So. Very. Jealous.

Kelvin-- That one cow pillow you love? Pottery Barn.

Congrats! Finally a space worthy of the title URBAN CHIC!

I would like to make the same patch of grass that Patrick has in the bathroom. Is it potting soil and grass seeds?