apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Wow...this is gorgeous! You say it still feels huge...well it LOOKS huge! I love everything about it, especially the bathroom. Very minimal but cozy. You have my Super Cool vote =)

how about some details on your furniture...what is that table?

your apartment is gorgeous!

Lovely apartment. Also the photos are really well done. I love the one with the calla lily.

There is no way that anyone actually lives here. It seems so sterile. I love the design of it but I would have liked to have seen some of their "real life" stuff in there...not just what you would show a magazine.

There aren't any photos of the bed area. Since they'd used some pocket doors they should have done so also for their dressing-room/office area.

Very nice.

truly beautiful, wish i could move in tomorrow. i love everything about it!

i'm now completely confused about square footage--if this is 420sf, my apartment must be 250 at most! yet i was told by the super/management/etc. it was 500. it is much smaller than this.

Very nice! A clear advantage here in apparently having ownership and the ability to do a complete renovation. I had the impression the earlier entries were rentals. But a very nice use or 450 sq. ft., but would like to see the bedroom beyond the floor plan. Kitchen seems a little small though and given a choice I'd not put the bathroom and the kitchen so close to each other.

heheh, very clever. The architects loving the place that is. It pre-empts the kind of criticism that brooke so elegantly crystallized above by either acting as a knowing nod to the expected criticism or by giving notice that architects are a unique bunch and have better taste than joe public ;o)

Just kidding - seriously. That last line did bring a smile to my face though.

I do like this place a lot and after seeing the comments on Brandon's place I can clearly see where my tastes and a lot of others differ. Which is good because as most will know I am interested in undersanding those differences.

There is so much to like about this place from the overall light and airy, yet clearly defined look, to layout (bathroom opening to the kitchen notwithstanding - but I have seen this a lot in small NYC apts), to the details such as the clean wood panel on the kitchen ceiling, the shared recessed light box (or is it simply translucent glass that is letting natural light into the bathroom?), the little fold out desk for the powerbook (a wireless mouse would be nice but the apple on eats through batteries in no time) and even the wood strip flooring going counter the normal direction.

Oh and everyone by now knows how much I love white lacquered cabinets (again I'm guessing they're lacquered) in the kitchen and those long bar handles.

This could be a winner for me.

Be still my beating heart. Would love to see some photos of the bedroom. Love the office/dressing room, which must feel luxurious for such a size apartment.

bb, read what a few of were saying about broker BS numbers here
www.apartmenttherapy.com/main/archives/002466.html

I'm guessing that as architects, Jen and Roy have given the real, liveable sq ft number. Very different from the broker numbers we are all used to.

The 35k was well-spent. Clever lightbox effect from bathroom to dining area. Overall apartment is tastefully done, in my opinion. Big ups for keeping the clutter to minimum (something that has always been a big challenge for me).

P.S. for all the Ikea-haters. I do believe the white lacquered (upper) kitchen cabinets are from Ikea, and they work beautifully in the space. (I have the same--or very similar--ones and know that they are well-made and a great value for the money.)

it's great. can you come over and do my place??? it's more than twice as big and you guys have performed real magic.

I hope two architects can make a nice space out of 420 sf. What if they were minimalists?

Truly lovely. I'd move in in a minute.

Wish we could see the bedroom, though.

But, but, but . . . where's all their STUFF???

Wow I am very impressed - because it definitely appears larger than 420 from the images.

Great idea with the making the little office nook - although I would have liked to see how much room you have in the bed area

Too bad we can't see the before-and-afters! Very nice.

Ok... plainly a gorgeous submission... This outshines anything I've seen... The bar was raised by the other three or four submissions we've seen, but now the bar is way up there.

Thanks to everyone for sharing.

I realize the rules have been written, and we still have a lot of submissions to review, but I want to protest practicing architects being in the contest... They have an unfair advantage... Not only in terms of the design of the space, but in knowing the best way to photograph it. In fact, I'd say this apartment has already been professionally photographed.

I would not like to see this be the precedent for future AT contests that feature only architectural submissions. If it becomes a sereries of professional architectural competitions, I fear you'll discourage a significant portion of your fans, Maxwell.

However, This is also a great opportunity for people to see why they might want to consider hiring an architect in the future... This couple obviously knew how to maximize beauty and functionality on a budget.

I realize I'm just an observer, and not a judge (wow, first panel of judges on an AT contest? Does a tally of observer's votes count in any way at all??? I hope so!)... I do have to point out that the rules required a submission of more than 7 photos, yes? If your're going to allow professionals into the contest, I'd hope you're going to accept their submissions to the exact letter of the contest rules and consider this submission less than complete. I do appreciate the floor plan, but I don't think that was in the rules... so they only submitted 6 pics... Am I right about this? I'm only going by memory.

I'm saying a prayer that a layman or lay-couple will out-do these guys.

DING DING DING! We have a winner! Thanks for including the floorplan.

BUT...
1. Why no bedroom shots?
2. What's up with the Morticia Addams dead sticks in a vase? (Love the Calla Lilies)

This contest is so good.

re. judges-- "It will be the extremely delicate task of this small group to watch your voting patterns over the next few weeks and decide which 5 apartments have enough ju-ju to go to the finals" Sounds like the votes matter.

re. kitchen ceiling-- what is it made of? is it painted to be shiny?

re. the stuff-- I love this apartment; it's great, but it's a good question-- where's the "stuff"? does anyone really live in houses that look like this? I always wish my apartment could look so pulled together, but I have "stuff" that I would miss if it weren't there (books that don't all match, but that I read or love, etc.)

Holy Christopher, this place is a knockout! I agree, however, that only renters should be allowed to compete here, but are we sure they aren't renters? I can't imagine pouring so much money into renovating a rental, but you never know...

I'm also assuming all their stuff is in the bedroom since they won't show that to us.

According to the rules "The apartment may be owned, rented, or even sublet. It can be designed by a professional or a weekend hobbyist." I for one want to see them all. As I stated earlier there is some advantage to being able to do a complete renovation. And clearly renters may not be allowed to or want to pour the same type of money into a total renovation, but it doesn't mean they can't have good or innovative ideas.

Dan, regarding the bedroom, I have to laugh since my thought was the same. All their stuff is crammed in the bedroom which they didn't show in the photos. ;)

How plain and boring. Looks clinical and uncomfortable.

I think this place wins my vote for smallest coolest *professionally-done* apartment. I agree with other posts above that there should be separate categories for pros and laymen. also perhaps for owned and rented. Which of these categories you fall into has a major effect on what you can do with your apartment. While I love many elements of this space (especially the bathroom and the extra cabinet/counter space around the dining area), i expect that 2 architecture degrees and $35K can produce results like this. To me, it's more interesting to see what budget-constrained renters come up with.

And I too would love to see if they've got piles of extra stuff hiding in the closet and bedroom.

This place is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous -

This is an outstanding apartment.
However, I am sceptical about the stated square footage. I printed out the plan because it is fabulous--and at a bear-minimum I think this place is 544 square feet (32 ft x 12 feet for main room with kitchen and bath plus 8 x 8 closet and 8 x 12 bedroom).
Judges, get out your tape measures for this one!!!

Not enough photos... The pitch doesn't get detailed enough either... Is an incomplete submittal grounds for disqualification even it the space is beautiful?

lovely! this place is my dream. and i would like to second, and third, and fourth that i would love to see what the bedroom looks like. this is really inspiring and i love the bathroom.

i agree with you bai, this has my vote for smallest coolest *professionally done* and owned. it would be really nice to see a category for rentals/laymen. (funny word, i like it)

even if they are architects, they must have done their apartment on their own time. if they had a hired architrect/designer, that person would have made it their full-time job to do this apartment. so, kudos to roy and jen for doing this on their own!

also, as a designer, i can say that designing something for a client is an entirely different thing than doing it for yourself. it's much much more difficult to do it for yourself. truly truly. i think that since our votes do count (especially in the final smackdown) it is up to us to take all aspects into consideration when we vote - budget, size, professional input, etc..

i think this apartment is gorgeous. i hope hop hope the bedroom isn't full of stuff and that it is just as clean as the rest of the place! i think it's entirely possible that these minimalists are actually TRUE minimalists!

I'm going straight home and throwing out everything but the cat!

Trust me, if any of these doubters had dated my boyfriend in college, you'd know that some people just manage to be spic-n-span even if they have no space. I will never be one of those people, but they do exist.

I think the apartment is great, and the main reason I think so is that they actually seem to have enough storage. For managing to create storage, I think they should win, out of the entries so far.

I have to say that I do pull a little for owner vs. rental divisions (because you can't make alterations as a renter) but I don't think being a professional is an unfair advantage. I mean, do rich people have an unfair advantage because they can hire a professional? Do rich people without a designer but with good taste have an advantage because they can afford stuff that's nicer than I can? Where do you draw the line?

Like I said, I would hate for AT contests to become so full of professional design submissions that laymen get squeezed out... I'd hate to see it become a forum for professional design competitions. I personally think AT could become a very different type of blog if that's what develops...

These professionals did an amazing job... Their photos are great... Is this contest just a photo op for them? Are they essentially advertising their services? If so, how does a layman compete?

High drama on the last day of the first week of his contest... April promises to be something very special. I think I'm actually going to accomplish some spring cleaning so I can enter the contest as well.

Anyway, I still say their submission should be disqualified for being incomplete. All or nothing, take no prisoners... follow the rules or you're out. But I'm not Maxwell...

I've seen the bedroom, and there is even less clutter in there than in the living room. They're in the process of selling the apartment, and held an open house a month or two ago, which is how I came to see it.

The apartment's definitely very well done. They even managed to squeeze a washer/dryer into one of those stainless steel cabinets you see below the counter in the kitchen. They also hide things well, like a computer printer in a cabinet under the TV.

As for the size, it's pretty small. The bedroom doesn't fit much more than the bed. I don't think there'd be room for clutter in there. The kitchen's also tiny, though they were creative in creating additional counter space.

I took a closer look at the floor plan (last slide) included and there is a large walk-in closet with the small cubby/desk inside it. If you look at the main photo of the dining table and kitchen on the right you see two doors. One is the entrance and the other leads into the closet/dressing space. That's where all the clutter must have gone. ;)

Love the place. I don't mind having architects enter these contests and anyone who objects can reflect that in their vote. I like seeing the range of possibilities and I have a feeling we'll see some great stuff from the non architects out there. This submission gets points for full disclosure. They're architects and invested $35K. For the novices out there, this provides a sense of scale. I would like to see a photo of the bedroom as well. Is it too late?

So now that we know how high the bar's been raised, I hope that you potential submitters out there with your funky/artsy little love-nests aren't too intimidated to submit, cause I for one want to see more apartments that are actually within my means.

I also want to see more that are waaaay out of my means, for that matter.

Hm....I guess I really just want to see more pictures of people's tiny NY apartments. ;D

Everything's exquisite to the point of suffocation. I love the photos, but I can't picture myself (or anyone) there. Still, despite the overwhelming stink of zen, I love the storage solutions and the light seems to like everything in the place.

love it, the best so far imho.
love what certain curves can do--
the two green stools and office nook.

Beautiful, beautiful. One complaint -- needs more pictures! No sense of bedroom OR kitchen. If they're so good at storing stuff, show us some of those creative solutions.

What a great contest. I, too, am feeling inspired to throw everything out.

I agree with everyone - please, please submit more pictures - this is absolutely stunning! I wish I could live in a place that looks like this apartment. What a fabulous use of space. This is inspiring me to do some ruthless spring cleaning!

Don't get me wrong...I think this place is amazing.

However...the area which retains the bed has a pocket door...thus isn't this a one bedroom and not a studio?

A great renovation, a feeling of light and space is pure luxury in new york.

me of me inc. - what difference does it make if it is a 1 bedroom or a studio. And to all the other cry babies, who cares if it's owned or rented, done by an architect or a waitress. The official rules are...

The apartment must be no more than 500 square feet...
...and it must be in New York City (that includes all five boroughs.)
There are no other restrictions. The apartment may be owned, rented, or even sublet. It can be designed by a professional or a weekend hobbyist.

If you don't like it, start you own damn blog and make your own rules.

I'm sorry...for some reason I had the mindset as though it was "the smallest coolest studio"

Perhaps in some part due to the stigmata that comes with sub 500sq ft places/ perhaps due to the fact all the entries to date have been studios.

So...ignore my post above...and the top portion of this one too.

In that case I'm going to hop the bandwagon and ask for more photos as this is an entire apartment...bedroom? closet?(I would love to see the closet)

I love, love, love the look of this place. I mean, how could you not? That beign said, it leaves me with many questions, and an inferiority complex. I must be doing something wrong, becasue no matter how much I pare down, I still have many books, cd's, CORDS and gadgets all over the place. This place is so beautiful, but is it practical/liveable? I see the computer in the nook, but James says the computer printer is in a cabinet under the t.v. (where IS the t.v. by the way?) Does that work well? I guess I want to know the secret of how you live in this place and still keep it like this. More power to you!

I LOVE this place! It is so serene, so clean, so gorgeous and so...empty. I too ask, where's your stuff? I'm sure these owners have elegant storage and I hanker to have images of this bequeathed on some of us junk-meisters. I also don't doubt that they are minimalists, which I can only aspire to and never attain because I love some of my stuff (or at least am in a quandry about whether to part with it.)

And in only 420 sf - bravo!

I think the sure sign of a great space is that we want to see more and more of it.

Regarding the issue of architects vs. not, please look back at the winners of the kitchen contest and tell me, were they architects? No (although they did hire architects). I say, bring on the architect-designed spaces so we can gush and admire and be inspired! But, I don't think there needs to architect involvement to have a great space and there are plenty of people out there who are creative, ingenious problem solvers, and take good pix too.

who is your contractor? they look pretty great and reasonable.

One of the things that these guys got right first was that huge storage space. If you don't want to live with your stuff out in the open, you either have to get rid of it or hide it. They have a room big enough to also have the laptop and table. Most nyc apartments just have those tiny tiny closets, so we have to leave the rest of the stuff out in the open or buy those huge armoires from IKEA.

What strikes me about all these apartments is that none of them says "Welcome Home" to me. I'm sure all those who live there are happy but looking at the pics of this flat I keep expecting to see an iKEA salesperson step into view and adjust a vase "just so". I know that when I come home I wanna plop myself down and feel good and as nice as this is it does not do that for me.

Keep the entries comin' y'all!

The fact that you're both professionals shows in this very cleverly done apartment. I'm extremely impressed by the layout and the detail; for example the kitchen ceiling, wraparound countertop and bathroom window. The flat is contemporary but not at all cold or souless. I wouldn't be surprised if you get work through showing this on AT, but I am glad you did - I shall be nicking a few ideas from you !

WOW -- this is one of the coolest apartments of any size I've seen. Very well done!

wow another IKEA...

This is the most eloquant argument for minimalism I've seen in a while. What might seem cold or boring in a larger space works perfectly here. And, far from thinking that including a floor plan instead of a photo is cheating, it is my favorite part. Obviously, all their stuff is in the closet, which is a reasonable place to keep it ( and kudos to the architects for having the foresight to make it so big). The use of kitchen base cabinets wrapping around the bathroom, into the dining area where they can work as a kind of sideboard/prep area is inspiring. This entry is full of the clever innovations I was hoping to see in this contest.

Just a little plea, feel free to ignore it, let's not get so hung up on having a level playing field. The point is that everyone does the best they can with what they have in terms of skills, money and the frightening realities of NY real estate.

When I first saw the pics, I agreed with those who thought their stuff must be hidden somewhere, but every time I look at the pictures again, I spot another brillian storage solution. If I'm not mistaken, the windows are not actually recessed - there are cabinets integrated into the wall of windows. I'm so impressed.

Kudos for smart storage, and if everything really is shoved into a closet, don't tell us. I'd rather imagine a world where everything has a place - out of sight, but still accessible.

I just noticed the window storage myself...(thanks to Marisa for pointing it out)

I was impressed before...now..almost speachless.
The drapes hide the storage so well and so I see why one of the door was perhaps purposly left open a smidge.

Seemless storage soulutions...isn't this what we all aspire to have?

Also the window in the bathroom really works well.
Though I wonder how having to cross the kitchen to enter the bathoom works out when entertaining? (I'm not knocking it)

I would have almost left this apartment till last.
I imagine it's going to be hard to compete/ major intimidation factor.

I just noticed the window storage myself...(thanks to Marisa for pointing it out)

I was impressed before...now..almost speachless.
The drapes hide the storage so well and so I see why one of the door was perhaps purposly left open a smidge.

Seemless storage soulutions...isn't this what we all aspire to have?

Also the window in the bathroom really works well.
Though I wonder how having to cross the kitchen to enter the bathoom works out when entertaining? (I'm not knocking it)

I would have almost left this apartment till last.
I imagine it's going to be hard to compete/ major intimidation factor.

If you listen closly...ahh yes there it is..the collective jaw drop of the AT community

Hate to throw cold water on the idea of the window storage area, but I'm not convinced based on photos. Remember this is an old NY brownstone, most of them originally had built in shutters that folded into the window frame like that. It may be storage but we can't really tell from what we've been told or shown.

Good point. Now that I look again, it may not be storage... but it's a darned good idea anyway!

I think the doors are too small to be shutters

Plus with the position of the handles...

I could be wrong. However I do like the way they match the walls.

But it is NOT a studio

kk, I'm not sure I understand your point. According to the rules, "The apartment must be no more than 500 square feet". It doesn't need to be a "studio".

In my building the apartments are about 350 sq. ft. each, but were originally "one bedroom" units before the last remodel. Jen and Roy's 420 sq ft. of space is well used here, but is still small.

This is a lovely apartment indeed. I liked it a lot. But just as an FYI, this apartment was for sale by owners at $399k in January. When I showed up at the open house, there was a line out the door and down the staircase of the walkup. The building looked in pretty bad shape from the outside, and stairs where so old/broken/tilted that you could slip and break your neck.

I remember perfectly because the owners/architects ran out of flyers (color pictures/details) so one (he) had to run to kinko's to get more and I waited around because I wanted to get a copy of the sheet with the pictures.

If it didn't sell (which is my guess, unless the people posting it to the competition are just the new buyers and stealing all the credit) then it's because the building didn't look so good...

I bid on an apartment in January and will not be moving in till the end of this month. It's quite a long process. If this was for sale, it probably sold, and these may be pics from pre-packing.

I think this is beautiful. I disagree with the people who think it looks like no one could really live there because there isn't "stuff" everywhere. It is a matter of editing what you own, and I find it much more comfortable to live in a place like that. The photos have given me some great ideas!

This is absolutely, postively beautiful!! Congratulations!!

This has the EXACT same footprint as one of my first NYC apartments, on w. 90th St. (even down to the location of bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances and their relation to the front door). My girlfriend and I spent many an hour wondering if two people could inhabit it, and we decided not.

This is a brilliant, brilliant use of that space! You solved what for use was the unsolvable - how to not walk in and see the bed... and not have the bed shoved up against the front windows... and still have reasonable closet/storgae. My fave so far.

Oh, and, if anyone's still reading this- those are indeed fold-in shutters recessed by the windows, unless the owners did some hollowing out.

oh, and -

those who know more please feel free to correct the following...

I believe lot sizes on most upper west side blocks are 20 X 100 ft. Buildings run between 20 X 50 to 20X80, depending.

This is a standard cut-up of such a building, with the origninal single-family dwelling carved into a front and rear unit per floor. My guess, judging from ceiling height and those lovely windows, is that this is a front unit, parlor floor, or maybe one above.

Therefore, 420 sf sounds pretty right. It's basically a 20 X 18 cube, and the kitchen-bathroom push the square footage up to 420.

this is my favorite so far (4/15). it is the best of use of space. the rooms have good porportions and relate well to each other. all the furniture, accessories are well selected to work with each other and the space. the whole apt is unified in decor and finish, thus feels much bigger than it is and has serene and restful quality to it. some of the other entries try to fit in too much into their spaces (whether an add'l bedroom or too much stuff)-- i think it's better to accept your limits and make it work and keep to the maxim 'less is more' with small spaces. i would have liked to seen a photo of the bedroom.

Big thank you for including the floorplan! The space planning is impeccable. And I love the "lightbox" effect in the bathroom.

Too much white... reminds me of medical facilities.

Great apartment. Does anyone know where to find the wee laptop desk?

So most people seem to like this place a lot. Though it's not my favorite, I can see why people like it, and the good photography certainly helps. I love the narrow bathroom window and the counter that wraps around the bathroom and then up the wall along that window, very stylish. The materials used definitely work well together; this place didn't grow into its present state, but was carefully planned. The dressing/storage area is pretty substantial for this place, and face it, you can never have enough storage, so that's very good. More positive criticism can be found in most of the other postings.

On the other side.
That little computer desk might look clever, however who works on a clean desk w/ only a computer? There's hardly room for a cup of coffee and a breakfast plate, let alone magazines, books, binders, papers and whatever else you'll find on the average desk. Also, being claustrofobic, I might freak out in that closet after a while. If you really only use your laptop while working, why not use the big dining table that's already there, where there's natural daylight and so?
The bathroom looks very sleek, but the tiling is too much for this room, especially taken up all the way to the ceiling (and unfortunately ending in a 'broken' row of tiles, which would be far less noticeable in places that are not so well though out).
In general the layout of the furniture seems to work fine, but it can hardly be called brilliant; at some point you're simply limited by the small space. There's a couch and some additional seating at the windows, a table w/ four chairs near the kitchen, that's about it, not much more you can do there, not much different from a lot of other places. As for color, the white on the walls is a missed opportunity in my opinion. The high ceilings and nice window arrangement can be 'set to work' in a more elegant environment w/ darker colors.
As for the overall minimalist decor, I'm just not a big fan of it. I can see that it works as a relaxing retreat from busy NYC life, but there's not much space for surprise or any kind of 'layering' when looking at the slideshow. There's not enough going on to keep it interesting (which might just be what the owners were looking for, sick of daily emotional stimulae... who knows).

In short, it's well thought out and executed, and no doubt it's a winner in the 'minimalist' category, while it still has room for improvement.

Definitely a very cool and chic apartment but of course with the ability to spend $35,000 on renovations alone it also shouldn't be too hard to do - Granted that there are also those with the cash but no taste. I guess my point is that when choosing the winner for this contest, I would vote for the one who achieved the same level of cool and chic without having deep pockets to gut walls and get new floors.
P.S. Would love to see a photo of bedroom as well.

Too professional and cold. Steril and uninteresting.

This is seriously beautiful. A good point is made about professionals needing a separate category. But exactly who is a professional? ONLY architects? Or architecture students? Full-time interior decorators? Interior designers? Interior design students in a cool dorm; or studio apartment but no money? Engineers? Full-time artists with mega-money? Full-time artists with no money? People with art degrees whose actual jobs pay them decently? People with art degrees whose day job is in construction? There are so many ways that one could say, "Hey! That's not fair!" I think that, in the end, all they're looking for is the coolest, smallest apartment, whatever it takes to achieve it.

That said, this apartment seems be pretty dang close to it.

nice but you need more pics. good job on the cherner(-esque?) chairs.

WOW! Beautiful clean lines -- great use of color -- great use of textures and shapes! This one is totally in my top 5.

Very nice work! Definitely a winner!

This place has got to win hands down. Kind of unfair to be professionals though. Just the subtle lighting design alone makes it impossible for others to compete.

I really like the gauzy blue curtains and the green plaid fabric on the seats by the window. That first picture is so soothing.

Why wasn't this in the final five? It is my hands down favorite and from the sound of it, the favorite of many other readers.

perfect apartment.
I would like to come into contact with these two ingenious architects to work on a design for my small one bedroom london apartment. Is this possible?

Do you and your husband do similar work for pay? We are looking to convert a galley kitchen into an open layout using IKEa cabinetry as well as some other wall-moving work in a new CP North 3BR apartment.