apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Love the colors, especially the red. Love the cat. Was she chosen because she matches? Livable and well-defined spaces. I do think the art over the couch shouls be lowered.

I like the wall colors and even some of the Ikea furniture. I just feel like there is a long way to go in terms of decluttering-perhaps with the acquisition of larger furniture pieces in the future. I also liked the shower curtain.

There's too much IKEA.

Something happens to an apartment. At first you just have one little IKEA accessory, and it fits in. There you get more. There's comes a tipping point where the apartment slides into the IKEA showcase zone.

Usually it's the couch.

It happened to me, and it's happened here.

IKEA is a weed. Hack it back.

"A" for effort, but much too knick-knacky for my taste. I think I just prefer a more streamlined look.

Love, love the colors. I like a lot of the touches here but this is an apartment I think I would like more in person actually. It seems a bit too cluttered in photos.

I think that this apartment isn't cluttered at all. Cilla and Ant have surrounded themselves with the things they love or appeal to them (I believe) and they've placed them well. I've noticed people often comment on the fact that an apartment appears cluttered and should be streamlined and I think that notion should be left to the mags and those who are trying to prove something. In fact, those knick knacks and books are some of the elements wherein each apartment dwellers little utopia is created. Ease up y'all! Even though we all want a fab pad, we want a sanctuary, as well, from the hustle and bustle of this rapido city we live in! I say enjoy your STUF!! (just clean it up) ;)

Thanks for the comments.

Ebrown, Thanks for pointing that out, you're right!

We do have a clutter problem, especially with a ton of books and only two closets for the whole apartment. It is difficult because I refuse to get rid of some items, like the books and magazines...but then I feel the need for space.

Seating is a problem because there isn't much of it in the living room. We plan on making or buying a bench to put in front of the window which would double as storage space.

All of the entries thus far have been very inspiring, especially on how people make a tiny space seem so open.

I'm getting a bit sick of the living room color and was thinking of a medium brown or just adding one centered vertical stripe of beige.

I enjoy the advice so please keep it coming!!

btw, what is the red paint color?

No Bronx Cheer from me. This place is lovely. I can understand growing tired of the red walls, but I think they are brilliant. Besides, will you trade in the kitty for one that compliments the brown? Like a big orange cat?

Hello,

Nice to see a fellow Parkchester AT reader. I thought I would be the only one... In our area, it is so hard to shop for furniture. The only quality choice really is the ABC warehouse where you have to drop a ton of money. Even a CL purchase from the city is hard to haul back here unless you pay a mover who is willing to come out here. I think this apartment is inspiring for our area. The construction of this area's apartments also is generally not that great, either, when compared to what I have seen in Manhattan. Believe me, I live in one that could use a little charm. To overhaul the apartment and give it an ounce of the 'Pre-war charm' that is a standard in so many Manhattan apartments would cost a fortune.

So just for having made a Parkchester area apartment into something cozy and inviting, I say congratulations! I hope more positive, inventive people move out here and take pride in their little slice of the Bronx.

I do agree with the storage comments. If you have some money saved, you could definitely find a local carpenter who would make something beautiful for you (built-in shelves, a nice bench/credenza) at a fraction of what people in Manhattan pay. That is one of the perks for living out here!

ebrown, it's chinese dragon from Behr, I love their website!

Thanks Lori, actually we have a new kitten that's chocolate brown with blue eyes...doesn't it sound like a nice color scheme? lol

Pas, that's we I'm trying to do...create a cozy space with items that bring memories and smiles. The problem is we're not being efficient or thrifty about it.

Does anyone have any tips on how to declutter since you've seen what I'm working with? It'll be very much appreciated!

I love the shower curtain with the bathroom floor.

I like the IRT subway-style bathroom tiling.

SHOW THE BROWN KITTY!!!!

I am troubled by the reocurrence of the world maps taped to the wall as "art" (see Samantha's entry as well as this one)... what gives?

Maps as art, a sign of a world traveler or wanna-be world traveler. I totally relate. I do not have one (yet), but really want to get one to put up somewhere where I can see it daily, to keep me sane and let me dream and plan, while I am staying in one place.

I really love the colors, especially the red (which is so hard to get right, and this is the first non-Chinese lacquer color I've seen work). Very cozy and homey, and I'm so glad you have books! As for the map--heck, 99% of Americans (including me, unfortunately) have no sense of geography, so we all need all the maps we can get! Seriously, though, I always see maps as curiosity about the world and about traveling, though I agree a "nice" map in a frame is best. That one looked fine, though.

After seeing all the 300sq footers This looks like a mansion. I like the color also. Even though it is only 500ft there still seams room to be eclectic.

Thanks Matt! Living in an old building (1927) definitely has it's disadvantages, but we make do with what we have. I would hate to spend money on a built-in when we only rent the place. I haven't been to ABC carpeting in The Bronx yet. You're right about furniture store options up here...yuck.

I have the map as a constant reminder to get out and see the world. I have little markers of where I've been (not many). I do plan on getting it framed once we get the money to do so.

I never had any intention on winning this contest. I entered more for your comments so thank you all. You comments on clutter has thrown me into a tail spin. As I look around now, I see it!

P.S. Here are pictures of the kitty...
http(colon)//latinaslounge.com/images/foxy1.JPG
http(colon)//latinaslounge.com/images/foxy2.JPG
http(colon)//latinaslounge.com/images/foxy3.JPG
http(colon)//latinaslounge.com/images/foxy4.JPG

The site isn't letting me vote, which is frustrating.

Anyway, I like the color, and I think if you were getting tired of the intensity of it, but basically still liked it, you might think about just sponging a glaze over it - half-and-half clear latex glaze and either a lighter color or a darker color (you mentioned brown or beige), which might do something very interesting. If you have any of the red paint left over, you might make a sample on some poster board or illustration board and experiment first.

As far as clutter goes, with a color that strong, every single thing stands out in front of it, so if there are a LOT of things in front of it, it LOOKS like a lot! There are huge chunks of the place that make it very clear that you have a good eye.

I like the stuff you have in the bathroom. You say you have other projects on the horizon, so maybe you'll want to try the Ralph Lauren linen technique on the walls. They have some clean, yet warm colors that would complement your subway tiles and yet accent that tropical feeling of your basket shelves and beachy photos.

Yeah, if you were looking for suggestions, you've come to the right place!

three cheers for the orange (i see how it could make u mental tho) and white, your layout and the lighting.
some of the best lighting we've seen.

Curtis,
you can't vote because maybe the browser you're using is old.
i haven't voted once, because my Explorer is 5 years old, needs updating, and i've had that problem with similar features on another site.

I can't believe we made the first cut. I doubt we'll go any further, but thank you! I'm really flattered! This has inspired me to really make some needed upgrades/changes. =)

Beautiful apartment. You have used your small space efficiently. I love how you have divided the living room into having a corner section for your computer. Clutter is fine unless it gets out of hand and the stuff you own is all over the place and dusty.

I also enjoy your kitchen feel. Very ethnic - like mama's cozina!

I honestly enjoy the red on the walls, but maybe a purple would also look good. The brown with a tan strip sounds like a great idea though - but wouldn't that clash with your room? The room would like great as a green if you decide to change the living room color. Just a thought!

Cilla, I just wanted to say I appreciate how human and warm your space is. Since you're looking for complements for your red, may I suggest pinks and yellows? Sounds hideous, I know, but our office is painted salsa red, and we love mexican design so have used several pink/yellow pieces in metals and papier mache. You certainly don't want to overdo, but you would be surprised at how lovely touches of those colors look.

Anyway, love your place, love your cats (holy god, you should to post foxy to kittenwars.com -- she's a cuteness nuke), and good for you for making it as far as you did!

I used to live at 1946 E. Tremont in a 2 bedroom with the same floor plan. Wonderful place

Replace ikea klippan couch to something a little better-even an ikea karlanda. the klippan is too low, cheap, with ugly wrinkly cover.

get rid of some obvious ikea things-like those light brown four small mirrors.

get rid of all the small excessive shelving. not every corner needs a little shelf. leave a little open space. try having some big shelving and store things there. take down small shelves.
maybe try to take down ikea under the kitchen cabinet shelves, or brown corner shelves, or knick knacks in hallway.

try groupings of larger pictures and art instead of smaller pictures and girly candles.

should be very nice. and is nice, looks like you did a lot of work. stay out of ikea.

why not check out www.parkchester.info

a website for all in Parkchester.

Peace.

by the way, in reference to www.parkchester.info,

you can share your photos with other Parkchesterites. Just click on "new topic"

http://www.parkchester.info/forum_topics.asp?FID=52

We don't live in Parkchester...just outside of it.