apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

...and I thought I had a super small 1bedroom in rent-contrilled Santa Monica. Both apartments make great use of space. I love this contest!

I adore this apartment! I love the light, the windows, the clean - but not sterile - design.

I can't believe two people live in it, though! I think that that must be a little challenging. Also, is there a bathroom anywhere on the premises? I would like to see a better picture of the loft, to see where it is in the layout. (Over the kitchen? Is it included in the square footage?)

Lovery.

I'm guessing the ladder's to a sleeping loft? I also love the bowling alley space, which is crying out for some nicely framed art. Envy all the windows, and feel your pain on the tiny kitchen.

Would keep an eye toward continuing to successfully employ sharp bursts of color. The blue computer screen and red X particularly stand out in one photo. I would have like to see a couple more of these touches, but I also liked the more silvertone image of the console table/dresser(?) with the metal lamp. Either way, I think you're cognizant of not falling into the b/w trap, which is all too easy to do especially when you're starting out.

Great place - very creative use of the art in such tight quarters. I agree that the long brick hallway is calling for something on those walls. Not too much, because the brick itself looks good, but something to make an impression and welcome when you first walk in.

I. Love. That. Hallway. What a dramatic way to enter your apartment! Too bad it's so tiny. Kind of anti-climactic.

BUT you have nice style, and the light you get from those windows opens things up. The Chinese lanterns must give off a beautiful soft light as well.

I also really love that 85 drawer cabinet thingy. In a place as small as this, you need to find ways to store as much as possible and have it look good too...not easy to do, but that seems to work great.

I'm assuming you're not allowed to hang pictures on those walls since they're all leaning...too bad.

I'd also like to get a better view of the sleeping area, but I imagine it might be hard to get a picture of it unless you stood on the desk or something.

Most importantly, tho, this place looks like you could actually feel good about entertaining friends.

Brandon... can I move in? This is absolutely beautiful! LOVE THAT HALLWAY.

So far, these apartments are beautiful, but you call 350 usable square feet small? You bunch of amateurs. I'm waiting for a 200 usable square feet space that's stunning.

Very nice style, and everything's beautifully chosen. Not entirely to my taste because the place seems "fragile", or at least not welcoming of the mess of normal life.

theres no space to walk around and it looks too busy and uncomfortable...the open windows are annoying...wheres ur draps

Brandon, love it. Wonder where you got the enormous photo of NYC? (And I like the leaning-art-against-the-wall look. . .) Would really like to see photos of the loft, etc.

neways i wasnt finished...your competitors Chloe and Eric's funky studio is much cuter...i hope your taking notes and learning something from them....your use of space is horrible...does it look like you can walk around...and that hallway...its so narrow..it would make me closeterphobic...very uninviting...and wuts with the ladder...if im really tired and drunk i dunt think id liek to climb up a skinny ladder i might fall off and crack my head....acuatlly i dont think i would like climb ladders any time of the day...its not liek im 5 years old...with those bunk beds...your place is dangerous and inconvinient....lastly...i dont sense any style or creativity in your place...i just get the feeling that you went to IKEA nd copied and bought some display room...theres no feeling or warmth to your place...its bare and empty...at least you can put some picutres in the hallway entrance...something that means something...not just sumthing random that was on sale at IKEA...please...your fellow competitors acutally made decorations themselves...do you see how they have stuff animals and personal things...it creates value and personality.....a place thats liveable. i hope you learned something

Goodness.

Learned something?!
Like "don't drink and post", perhaps?

suck it up...bitter people

bare and empty? My first thought was that it was perhaps a little cluttered in the first photo, but the second photo really did it for me. Thank god, there are no stuffed animals. They god they didn't go for "cute". I hate cute. It is quite "warm" and very livable.

Yeah, WE'RE bitter. That's it.

Great apartment. Despite what supposedly unbitter people have to say. Where did you get the armoire/dresser in black, next to the desk?

Great use of space, Brandon. You've given the place a great atmosphere and really made it your own (well, yours and your roommate's). I like the vibe. And not that I need to tell you this, but ignore rambling bitter obnoxious stuffed-animal-loving people who can't spell.

When a post is as vicious and obnoxious as Diana's, AT regulars should completely ignore it. Otherwise we validate the stupidity of the lurker.

Brandon, I do like your place. I dig its vibe. It shows style, personality and an excellent use of space. I like the dramatic effect of the recess light in your entry hallway.

Love it. I agree with Doug's comment regarding the fantastic hallway. When budget allows, take full advantage of it to showcase some art. (art with a lower-case "a"... Get creative and go with your gut.) Good job on the first place out of college.

Nice place. Good light. It seems very pleasant to spend time in. And it is functional, space to work, party and sleep.

As far as Ikea comment goes, well, few pieces that you have are very high profile Ikea items, easily recognizable, so I guess it is first thing that we Ikea shoppers notice.

I really like the use of the space- lots of seating and such which makes it feel very inviting. I would come and crash in a comfortable place like that.

Personally, I like the bare windows..why cover up the nice window frames or make the room feel a little smaller? You have a lot of dark elements in the room and the bare windows help to alleviate the "crampiness" (not a word =P) of it all. I am totally envious of your entryway/hallway too. It's gorgeous, and the lighting is perfect. I agree with someone above, it's screaming gallery art.

Wish I could see more photos! This living space is so cool.

Ah! Let me clarify...wish I could see (from the window side to the) loft side...I'd like to see what it looks like looking at the kitchen/loft space. =)

I actually agree with Brandon's choice to keep that entry hall art-free.

Nice Hockneyesque assemblage photo.

Nicely done. I really like what you did with your kitchen and that metal desk is a really nice desk.

i'm surprised no one has suggested removing one of the coffee tables.
long tall sheers, from ceiling to floor, on the angled windows might be good, and patterened, more colorful pillows.
does anyone else get a claustrophobic feeling from art layered behind so many small chairs?
but overall, smart place!

I think they made a great use of space, and I was very impressed. I also would love to see the sleeping space. I personally could not live without some window covering, but if someone can--these are great windows to leave uncovered.
And who cares if they used Ikea? Realistically, most people are on a budget and trying to do the most they can with the least money--especially when you are young and living in a studio.

PS - I did laugh at the "drink and post" comment.

I agree this seems like a very inviting space to entertain and love the dramatic entry way. Torn between leaving the drama to the brick wall or hanging some kind of art piece(s). I am not a fan of lofts though in a small place may be a necessity. Like the light from the uncovered windows but also question the need for something for a little privacy at times.

And how did you make that cool picture of your place with the 4-5 pictures glued together? So cool!

My guess would be PhotoShop.

So lovely and warm, and it really reflects your personalities. I love how if you look closely, you've obviously decorated on a budget, yet still made it look great and unique. Pretty inspirational. The only thing I don't love is the kitchen. I think it'd benefit from some cabinet doors to clean up the look of the space (even though it's quite neat, it's just visually messy, you know?). Still my favorite so far.

Some advice to new readers on AT (well, besides not drinking-and-bitterly-posting, and learning to spell) is to lurk for a while, read old threads, before posting -- you'll see that the AT addicts offer criticism in a constructive tone. There's enough nastiness out there in the world without contributing to it.

After looking at that black knobbed piece again, I think it may be an IKEA wardrobe whose front has been painted black and knobs added, rather than a piece w/ a million tiny drawers. Interesting and creative.

I agree that one fewer coffee table would help open the space. Also, I frequently toy with the idea of curtaining off the kitchen cabinets in my own tiny studio, and am wondering if that might be a good option here, particularly considering the lack of cabinet doors.

I see that some people are voting "No ways"....but some have not explained why. I'm curious to see what some people find is the negative of this beautiful apt. Please post =)

(and please use constructive criticism!...because these people are opening their homes, their privacy, to us...please respect it) =)

What an impressive use of such limited space. Dig the open windows and the plethora of places to sit and relax. But, you are missing two very important pieces that could successfully tie everything together beautifully. A trampoline and a life-size cut out of Bee Arthur.

Touche!

I have to say I look at the expansive use of space like this in conjunction with the style and I am blown away. I have not seen a lion's den like this since Otter of the legendary Animal House. I have no doubt there have been a few unsuspecting ladies with a certain "moral casualness" who have walked into this bear trap of love and have been seduced by the chic furniture and windex tinted martinis. I love you for living this life and keeping the scene alive. Quagmire of "Family guy" is obviously the resident and has a special name for the windex-tinted martini, Roofie Colada. Thank you brandon quagmire. You are an inspiration to everyone who wants to hook up in a confined area not much bigger than a bombshelter. I live in an apartment twice your size and now I am motivated to do stuff like vacuum and throw away the used provalacatives. I am a new man. Quagmire....You kick ass.

This is prit-T cool Brandon. It gives me a calm feeling, and yet, looks like people really live here. You have squeezed many functions into a very small area. Personally, I like the windows unfettered. Very light and airy space, even with all the furniture. Plus, unlike diana, I love to climb latters and sleep in high places. Great job!

What impresses me the most is that there is so much "stuff" - you can tell that people live here and use things - but the apartment still looks put together.

This is what eludes me... making all of my stuff look organized without having to hide it. I agree that improvements can be made, if the owners choose, but I think this is the best example of a well put together home.

Great job. Want to come over and figure out my clutter?

I will say, hands down, that this is my favorite so far, and that even includes the professionals. It looks like a wonderful place to actually live. That being said, its my favorite because it is exactly to my taste, so I am biased against the overly clean and modern and the lacey.

I love it.

Hi i have to say i love it.. do you know if theres anymore apt opened in your building? i think i want to move in!! haha great job.

stumbled upon this site and am madly in love! i agree with keeping the halway unobsrtucted, i think adding art would crowd it and take away from its drama.

I'm not sure what everyone else has written...but I thought I would put in my two cents about Brandon's "Chic Shoebox!" I have seen it myself and it is quite the place! Brandon has great taste--and Brandon did an excellent job on the decore!! (He is an architect). A lot of windows to any apartment is going to make it wonderful! It is very small but a great place!!!

Now that most of the entries are in, and I'm looking at this again, I'm almost MORE impressed than I ever was, and that isn't even to take anything away from the others.

This is just a gorgeous use of space, and it must make the inhabitants not only proud of themselves, but luxuriating in it must make them feel like a million bucks, and having such a lovely place to vist must make their guests extra glad they know them.