apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

It's nice. Great job. I personally would never have an optional bed in a space this small, but that's just me. It just seems like you'd need all the living area you can get. However, whatever works for you.

Minimal and clean, but home-y. The whole place feels like New York too. My favorite so far.

Seems like you have a real thing for duvet covers?

this is my favorite by far. i LOVE that partition wall. definitely bookmarking this for inspiration.

finally! a space that knows itself, reflects self-criticism and editing on the part of its creators, and didn't require bank financing. *this* is what small apartment living worthy of being shared looks like.

HLS, I think everything in this town requires bank financing--or someone who can do it themselves--in order to get enough storage space. If you aren't buying a place that needs to be redone, you are usually paying significantly more upfront--what's the difference?

beautiful! Thanks for including the "before" pictures - it really helps to get a sense of the space. I really love what you've done, creating the second bedroom with underfloor storage was very clever, and the partition gives just enough privacy and still lets light flow through the apartment. The greenery there is a great touch too. Since nothing is perfect, I do have a few suggestions... I think it could be very cool if you painted the fin wall and the platform ceiling below the loft a contrasting color - it might reflect the mondrian-esque quality of the windows. I first thought that you should get some blinds, but that would shrink the place. If you painted instead, it mighy just tie it together and seem more deliberate. And I might see a bathroom renovation in your future too-something that reflects the clean attennuation of that partition wall. Finally, in terms of furniture... While I get that storage is an issue in such a small space, that armoire really looms, doesn't it? Maybe it could be switched with the low dresser in the bedroom? Anyhow, this is a great place. Very clean and orderly and clever, not to mention attractive and stylish!

I don't see the square footage in any of the info provided - what is it?

I think the partition is very well executed and the use of mirrors is quite clever. However, I question the wisdom of using the partition in such a small space. While it might hide the bed, it looks like it's a tight squeeze between the partition and the couch and not a space I'd like to negotiate late at night or after a few drinks. Also, it would be nice if a there was an "after" picture taken from the entryway to help us get a sense of the length/layout of the furnished apartment.

Very cool use of space with the partition for the bedroom. I'm guessing the main reason for the armoire is to hide the TV which most people would want in front of the couch, not the bed. It does take up a lot of room, but I like it better than seeing the TV sitting out. I also think the loft as a guest room is a cool idea. It's rare that a studio would have room for a guest, so that's a bonus, plus it can be used as an extra get-away area. Kudos!

fiona, the notion that one has to go into debt--either before or after the closing--to love and use her space depresses me. good design is, to my mind at least, more democratic than that. it's about problem solving with elegance and economy of all kinds, not about property ownership (which your post seems to presuppose) or renovation. apologies if that sounds marxist. i just thought christina and stephen deserved accolade for their ability to work with what they've got and to find do-able, aesthetic solutions that can inspire even those of us who don't have the luxury of spending big.

HLS, I guess you are just more optimistic than I am! I have never lived anyplace in NYC that would not have benefited from some reconstruction to be much more usable. I guess I assumed property ownership because I figured they wouldn't be able to do so much if they rented. In my mind, you have to invest in some way, even if it's in storage space, redoing closets, or knocking down walls. Outside NYC, it's not usually that way, but here, it is.

fiona, not only have i never *lived* in a new york apartment that couldn't benefit from reconstruction, i've never *seen* one that wouldn't be improved by losing a wall here or there! but sometimes it just isn't possible (because you rent, because your nesting budget comes from your food budget), and in those thousands of cases, there still have to be options.

(and as for christina and stephen, their before pics would indicate the loft preceded them. looks like all they did was build a free-standing wall--a totally lease-friendly choice.)

Love it all, especially the privacy wall. The loft is a nice bonus space. Tastefully done.

I really like this space. I totally agree about the loft - I am only 5 feet tall, and would still have a problem with a 39" bedroom ceiling. Can't imagine how normal height people might feel... If it was my place, I would probably build a library up there. ;->

One thing I wondered, though - maybe I am just missing it - but can you see this 5" raised storage area anywhere in the pictures?

But I am loving this apartment. I think it parallels a lot of my personal design preferences, which helps, but I have to say the little lights over the bar, the stools, the mix of wood and metal, seemingly very functional kitchen - they are all just great. I simply love the mirrors. All of them. Can you guys tell us where you bought the one over the dresser, in particular?

Anyway... gush over.

Okay, gotcha, HLS. For some reason, I thought they constructed the loft. I think all the apartments are running together in my head!
Yes, good points. I know that I would tear down multiple walls in my current (rental) apartment if I could, but it is not to be.

Hi all... I just wanted to thank everyone for their encouraging posts. I see a few issues that need clarification, and I thought you might want some background on our place.

Christina, my beautiful wife, is a grad student at NYU. I am a private investigator who specializes in insurance fraud defense work (no cheating wives thank you). We RENT our apartment ($2100) and have lived there 1 year as of this Friday April 15. We lived in Fort Greene Brooklyn before this in a HUGE garden level apartment in a brownstone on Washington Park. Some of the furniture (armoire, bed frame and green chair) are carry-overs, but most was placed into storage to conserve space. The armoire was custom from that guy at the Chelsea flea market, and my wife said it must stay. I enjoy the design challenge, and think that it seems to work where it is.

I did construct that free-floating platform over the hot summer. It was about $200 in material, and 2 days of sweat labor. The plexi was purchased on Canal Street, and does a remarkable job at providing privacy without restricting light. I considered framing it with wood, but I remembered that I am just renting the space for about 3 years. I installed blackout vinyl shades on the windows. The apartment came with pathetic metal blinds that were useless in keeping the Giant K out of our faces. The roller shades must do their job well because no one noticed them.

Overall, our apartment is a product of obsession, compulsion, and love. Thank you again for everyone who has shared their comments.

More photos

www.oneastor.com/apt

p.s.

Mirror in bedroom... Home Cheapo ($195!!!)
In fact, all of the lights are home cheapo or Design Expo specials. The bar lights were $59, the tracks above the couch and mirror were less than $100 each. I also changed out every light in the place (Bathroom, halls, kitchen) as well as put dimmers and updated sockets. As long as you can gain access to the fuse box, you should be able to do this with no major hassles. Switch plates were replaced all around as well. Our super loves us because we just do everything ourselves and still add a case of beer to the cause every few months.

I just noticed again where the square footage is for each of the entries. As others have mentioned, I'm having trouble seeing how Jen and Roy's Minimalist Reno, at 420 sq ft, could be smaller than some of the others, like this one, at 450 sq ft, since this looks so much smaller than Jen & Roy's. Jen and Roy must be magicians with the camera.

the bedding and the mirrors make the space seem very sumptuous

I find this one of the least exciting apartments we've seen. I don't understand what people like so much. It's fine but nothing special.

hi i love what you did to sucha sm space. and i love the lil alcove. Are there any opening in your apt? its so sweet. all the best

Great apt. I agree w/ one poster that it doesn't WOW you the same as Jen and Roy's Minimalist Reno, but I think its a realistic, cozy home. Great job!!!

Don't think my comments migrated over from the miscue site the other day -

This apartment is wonderful - the neatness of it is so soothing and peaceful.

I don't know why so many others equate messiness with coziness or comfort.

sorry - it's a clever use of space, but i don't love this entry. i don't like the backerboard and plexi construction to divide the space - it looks too DIY....

I love your metal barstool with the back. I will be moving into my first place with a breakfast bar and am having a really hard time figuring out where to get non-tacky bar chairs. Tips? Thanks!

I like this place. It's difficult to use existing furniture in a temporary rental without it looking like a storage unit with a bed in it. I love the luxury of a second "bedroom", but I agree with Faith that given the opportunity, I'd probably make it a library.

Andrea, you wanted non-tacky bar chairs? These are the nicest I've ever found, and they're custom height and stain.

www.greenteadesign.com/reproductions/kitchen/barstools.html

cookie-cutter-ish, not a great use of space (two beds??, the cluttered and cramped living area) that somehow manages to be minimal and cluttered all at once. I liked individual elements A LOT (especially the bedroom), but overall it didin't work. Color palette didn't really work, either.

Superb!! This couple should give lessons on how to best showcase minimal space. Cleanliness is next to godliness!!!! Hooray!!

This apartment is more about home and not the size of space, why would someone want 20 foot ceilings and be wasteful? or would you want the first impression to be comfortable and clean AND THAT IT IS Christina & Stephen you have added warmth and practicle use of space, the mirrors are great they are just another way of showing a reflection of yourselves, the loft is great I would spend many hours up there listening to great Jazz and enjoying maybe a litle wine and cheese. Great Job on the divider you have shown all how to have privacy without spending a fortune. I give this apartment the BEST so far, waiting for an invite if possible Thanks for sharing your great living space with all, you are truly tallented GREAT JOB

Beautiful, clean lines -- holds together really well. Used the space available really well!

First one I've seen that gives Patrick a run for his money in the "hangs together" category!

Definitely a winner!

This place rocks! I love your use of mirrors and flowers. And your choice of textile combinations are excellent. And of course the space looks very cozy and well organized despite the limited space.

Perhaps a large framed photograph, b&w, on one of your walls could lend a little visual interest. Other than that, I'd say you just need more cool kitchen gadgets.

And maybe for that glass panel, you could place pieces of transparent colored film in varying ways for a little colored light coming through? I don't know. Adding art never hurts!

You made the space you had to work with a special and great environment.

Your apt Rocks!

Guys,

Where did you get the fan in your bedroom? It's so, so stylish!

KUDOS on a job well done!

One more question. How high are your ceilings? Would LOVE to put in a loft bed.