apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

the wooden wall is just plain beautiful. and all the dark brown accents - super.

finalist, in my book, espeically cuz the space is so nicely laid out.

If this doesn't win the contest, hands down, I'm gonna shoot myself in the face. Check it!

Nearly perfect in every way. But not so overly perfect that you wouldn't want to hang out there, or that you would be annoyed at them for winning DWR credit that they don't need or can't use. I see great parties here that start at dinner and wind long into the night over in the living room area.

Drool-worthy.

It is really beautiful. One question, there doesn't seem to be curtains other than the sheers. How do you deal with privacy issue since it is at street level?

I've seen others with more color (which is my thing) but this is definitely a triumph and a beauty. I'd like to know the sf of this. (I can't read the measurements on the floorplan.) It appears to be about the same as what I live in, sans the ugly support beam I have in the middle of the space. My landlord thinks brick face is the real thing.

I'd like to know the name of the brown paint. It's awesome. I hope this wins.

Nick, please don't shoot yourself in the face. I have quickly voted a very affirmative YES just to help you out.

One of the best layouts I have ever seen. The dark wood walls really define and separate the bedroom from the rest of the space (sorry if that sounded like copy from a Maidenform Bra ad). By far my favorite smallest coolest apartment. Congratulations on a great job!

Wow!
This place is beautiful.
James and Margaret came up with an ingenious solution with that wood dividing wall. This definitely response to all three of the judging criteria... efficiency, aesthetics and special challenges. The wall is very efficient in being multi-functional. It's aesthetically appealing. It screens the bed area from the apartment entry and dining room. It provides both seating for the dining room and storage for the bedroom within the same space. That's efficiency AND creative problem solving. Another one for creative problem solving is wrapping the wood up onto the ceiling to provide a means of mounting the light fixtures while at the same time helping to define the dining area.

There's just a couple of things about this space that bother me: the near absence of artwork and personal effects, with the exception of the area by the desk, and the placement of the refrigerator. This one probably bothers me the most. Opening the kitchen wall was great in that it results in the kitchen not feeling so closed in, but it at the same time results in the refrigerator feeling like it's sitting out in the living area. It's a focal point when looking from the living room back towards the entry and I simply find it distracting from an otherwise very well reconfigured apartment.

Still, this is a great looking apartment that used creative thinking to overcome challenges. A great job overall in my opinion and a definite contender.

jmarieb,

the square footage is always located right under the resident's name and location at the beginning of the entry.

I love this entry.
Love all the wood and the white walls.
The storage at the bottom of the bedroom wall that is created by the bench...so smart. The scale of the painting in that spot feels perfect.
I'm a fan!

The darkness of the wood is a little too much for me. I get that it is a technique for defining spaces within a larger room but it makes the space seem a bit too enclosed. The fact that you installed it yourself is redeeming, though. On the flip side (literally), it's a great solution for the dining room. Very nice!

Really gorgeous and ingeneous. Breaking the space is one thing but creating such a beautiful sculptural element makes it my favorite. Incredibly creative and attractive.

(sigh)

This is the SHIZT! Fantastic texture, warm, homey and not overly done.

I smell a winner.

Another lovely space.

I'm starting to feel like doing major work on my apartment. Or moving.

beautiful, and I am dying to know how much your renovation cost. or what a walnut wall like that costs.

note to anne - that's the summit fridge
that is so pretty and small/tall
yet has a relatively large freezer

WOW. Just wow. This place is amazing. Efficient and beautiful.

I may vote for this one for the one and only reason that they got rid of the pass-through. One less pass-through in the world. Sigh. Welcome ye to the kingdom of God.

I agree with all of the above, but doesn't the passage back to the kicthen look a little tight, especially if people are sitting at the table and have the chairs pulled out? And I maybe would have used a color other than brown in the kitchen, since the brown walnut is so dominant. But these are minor complaints. Gorgeous place.

This place is astonishingly beautiful. And with all small places, storage is an obvious problem. I don't see too many solutions for this in this place. The only clothing storage I can see would be the closets next to the kitchen, which could be a problem if somebody cooks a pungent dinner.

Now that is one sleek space. I *heart* your bedroom. Gives me inspiration. :)

I see you up at the top! Good luck!

xo,
Holly

Very very nice and great use of space. To get a full dining table AND office area AND full sized living room - huge accomplishment.
Only negative would be that feels a bit too new (I know that sounds crazy); Like Daily N. stated - there doesn't seem to be many personal effects. Everything seems to be fresh from furniture showroom floor. (small gripe)
Otherwise I have total Pei envy

MAXWELL - PLEASE GIVE MORE DETAIL ON THAT WALNUT WALL. WHERE TO GET IT, WHAT IT COSTS, ETC.

Do I see an eifel tower on the wall above the desk

Great space planning - probably done professionally (nothing wrong with it, of course, or I'll be out of work).

I love the edge detail of the bench/canopy. Lesser people would wrap it into wood too. As is, it looks an illustration on sections from drafting manual - great.

Wood planks: same could be achieved with less expensive and labor-intensive option of laser-cut wood wallcovering. (btw, dimensions in the text sound wrong: 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" - are they width? i.e., the random length plank was cut so the width of it becomes 1 1/4"? not clear)

Brown paint, beautiful in itself, doesn't work here; same applies to the chocolade-upholstered headboard. As monochromatic scheme it doesn't work, with all the variation in the wood; and as an accent- I would pick the lighter tone from walnut you you didn't want to introduce another color.

But that's a minor quibble.
One more candidate for finalist, IMO.

lovely, and yes please on the cost, and the source of the wood. is it walnut flooring? I've been pitching a similar idea to a client (a wood sheltering roof to delineate the dining area, much like the one hanging over the banquette) and this is handy for illustration purposes and gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous.
I like the tight palette. it is so calming. a small space like that, I don't want too much coming at my eyeballs.
Question: where do you keep your clothes? looks like you got rid of a closet in the floor plan but I don't see a replacement. And what is the kichen backsplash? light blue mosaic glass tile?

OOOoh, I love it. Plus, it's my colours. I love orange and brown and white, and I am DYING to know who did the painting next to the desk - I love it.

I really love the wood paneled wall around the bed.

Fantastic use of space and color! Love the wooden walls in bedroom space and the curtains.
This has got to win!!

An innovative use of space to be sure.

One thing though, If it were me I would flip the work and living zones so that the view from the bedroom isn't the desk and the potential stress and distraction of work. Also if you were a TV in the bedroom type the entertainment center could be designed to pivot 90 degrees to be viewable from the bed. That's not a flaw but a potential of the design.

Overall, wow great work design and execution! Finalist for sure.

This is beautiful. Was this a renovation you designed on your own or hired an outside firm? Or was it done before you became the owners? Really seems a great use of the space.

no name please: good grief how embarrassing I can't believe I didn't see that. Thanks.

I love these colors! My fav so far! This contest is really heating up! Where do you keep your clothes though?

What makes this place especially spectacular is that it's got nowhere to go but up. It's stunning, yet it can only get better. I picture curtains and a piece of boldly framed art in the living room.

I definitely see more reds in this place. The rug is suuuuuuuch a great start in that regard.

Oh drool drool drool. Is this place street level, or second story?

The added wall is a thing of beauty.

I MEAN, COULD THE PRINT HAVE BEEN ANY BIGGER?

I must learn to read first and speak later, sorry.

This place is fabulous.

hmm, how many eiffel towers in this one? (i actually think i see one on the shelf over the desk; is this a requirement for truly killer entries?)

Really wonderful design. Great way to maximize the space. I'm not usually a big fan of so much wood on walls, but they really made it work. From the photos, you can't believe it's just a studio. Fabulous!

great space - really beautiful. although i agree that the fridge is awkward... just looking at that picture makes me want to take an axe to the wall that separates it from the rest of the kitchen... too bad it seems to be some kind of functional shaft space.

although it also seems a little cold and overly design-y; that is, no personality/personal effects. as if all the clutter was shoved into that hallway closet. not that it was, but thats what it looks like.

on a different note, i love love love the lamps by the bed - where did you get them/who makes them?

"it also seems a little cold and overly design-y"

Yes, this, though when I saw it I knew that the AT-ers would love it. I like rooms to look like someone actually lives there. While all of the individual pieces are beautiful, it feels a bit sterile to me.

That is beautiful. I'm with jmarieb, usually I like color but this is really well thought out and well done. Definitely right at the top of the list.

Man, you people are a tough crowd. If people have stuff everywhere, it's "Ewww, it's all cluttered" and if people don't have anything out then they're cold bastards. Make up your minds. Personally, I'm insanely envious of people who are able to have clean beautiful spaces and completely empathetic with those with piles o' crap.

That wall is ingenious, I love that the bench becomes shelving in the bed room. Someone suggested that the dark browns didn't work with the dark brown wood so I scrolled back up to look at the picture again and I have to disagree. I really like it. I think it makes it look very restful and cohesive. It also sets off the white living room so that it seems much larger and brighter than it could be.

Ruth, I don't know what you mean by a tough crowd...practically everyone is drooling over this admittedly-gorgeous place. A few comments about where are the personal effects, and where are the clothes, that's all.

I do love almost everything that everyone else has panted over (interesting that yet again a space divider/wall is generating such excitement...clearly a niche in the market for someone to exploit!) but I can't help but miss the touches that make a space a home. I find all the dark brown and white too hotel-like. All those empty walls look so sterile. When I compare this to P2's place...where's the wit, the personality, the imprint of personal imagination?

But it certainly is a showpiece.

The warmth of the wood is a beautiful contrast to the brightness of the picture window and the primary colors in the artwork. A GREAT way to provide diverse areas in a small space.

People obviously love this place (and I do too) but the main fault seems to be that there's no stuff that looks like it's occupied. On other entries, peoople have made the criticism that there's stuff on too many surfaces, clutter, clutter, clutter. So I guess my question is, is there some magical middle ground, some secret amount of stuff that people are looking for?

i think this shows a lot of care went into the design. Even the "private" space is beautiful enough to be part of the public space

Ah well, P2's place is exceptionally outstanding. Tough act to follow for anyone.

I'd still like to know which brown paint this is.

I've looked at this again and again after reading everyone's comments. I think the bench which then provides storage in the bedroom area is a shot of true brilliance.

I don't think its sterile. I think some people are just neater than others. I wish I was one of them.

i'm torn. i love the wooden walls, great planning, everything is well placed but over all it's kind of boring. i agree that it's cold. more showroom than living space. being torn stinks.

It's not a matter of neat vs. not neat. I'm very neat myself. It's hard for me to articulate clearly why this apartment leaves me cold.

Not to sound too flighty, but when I look at the entries I love most, I feel like I can see the soul of the person who lives there, even if it's not a space that suits my personal taste. Here, while I think each individual object is beautiful, the space as a whole doesn't feel like a home.

Ruth, I think the middle ground is shown in Jane and Darco's entry.

Jackie, the SF is listed at the top.

Apologies to Darko!

Is that the Summit CP171SS Refrigerator??

I love this place--and it's fresh and clean and yet doesn't look like every other modern apartment. The built-out wood wall is genius!

My only criticism: the space above the fridge is begging for use--remember the vertical space! Put a cheap cabinet up there and get some added storage...

Love this place, really.

Hey AT: You should allow for a jewelbox apartment category next year (or a separate competition!). There's a huge difference here between under 300 sq ft and up to 600... A world of difference.

Hello everyone.
Thank you very much for the wonderful comments. I thought I should take a minute to answer some questions that keep popping up:

Privacy - There are pull down shades behind the sheers at the head of the windows.

Wood Wall - I bought the walnut online from Rockler.com's lumber section. The pre-cut stuff would have been cost prohibitive so I got it by the 1/10 of a square foot. Subtracting about 20% for waste, you can do an easy pricing calc.

Brown/Warm Grey Paint - I believe it was called Tobacco, but I can't remember who makes it. Ralph Lauren perhaps.

Closets/Storage - We have two sizable closets as well as built-in dressers. There is also a large dresser opposite the dining table. We are diligent about making sure everything fits in the storage space we have available. Periodic purging is critical.

Backspash - Light blue ceramic penny tiles

Lamps Above Bed - Rejuvenation

My wife and are both architects and designed the space ourselves. Clutter (at least in our world) would destroy our ability to live together in such a small space, so we work hard to keep the place reletively neat. This level of dicipline will come in handy once our new baby arrives in August.

The 5 picture limit kept me from submitting a photo showing the low dresser, barely visible in the first photo. This dresser is home to various items and is below two Calder prints and a wall-mounted wine rack of my design.

One last thing. Nick, win or lose, please don't shoot yourself in the face.

Our thanks again for everyone's constructive comments.

This is essentially a shoebox and they've made their own beauty in it. This gives hope to rectangular studios with galley kitchens everywhere. Truly inspirational.

I adore this apartment, I hope this makes the finals.

this space rocks- its sooo sexy-
and the way the space is divided and organized is fantastic- i don't feel this space is "cold" at all- its very organized, and neat- but hey, don't we all clean up a little when company's coming over?... let alone have it on view for the entire internet universe to scrutinize? you can see there are small details scattered throughout that give a deeper sense of soul to the owners- i wish we could get a closer look at the little knicknacks o n the shelf above the desk- i'm sure with the photo amount restriction, its hard to capture everything-- overall instant finalist for sure!!

Clean, clean, clean. What a beautiful space in which to live!!! Hands down best entry!

Beautiful! The wood wall is stunning.

A trend I'm seeing across several entries, including this sexy little number, is that there seems to be an "office desk" plunked down in the middle of an otherwise residential/relaxing/designed space.

Sure, here, it's a swanky desk with an Eames management chair, but it still sticks out like a well-designed sore thumb, when the rest of the space is so uber-polished.

I think "where to put/hide the TV" has now been replcaed by "where do we put the work station." I don't think anybody's solved that yet.

Also think (as a sworn "stuff-ist") that this space could still use a "layer". But I've found that architects have love affairs with built-ins and finishes and "the envelope", and they're typically not about furnishings or decorative things.

But this space could further benefit (imho) from some more art, apillow or two, and some gorgeous "things."

Love the Eames splint!

Oh, and that banquette is pure brilliance.

James,
Is this the "Ella" bed from Room&Board?
Thanks.

uhm...can i have it?

beautiful beautiful beautiful. congratulations on a space that blends together with such ease and with a thought out aesthetic. it is unique and personal. i would love to see this one in person. i have only one suggestion, maybe some, even just one great piece of art, nothing little or insignificant but something that further complements your obvious fine taste.

just absolutely amazing. i am sorry, this year's entries have been great so far. hands down. this is truly creative and lovely.

thanks p2 for clarifing, i ust thought you once advertised your services. that's all. anyways, this is a lovely place.

A beautiful remodel with nice furniture but the lack of color and artwork just make it seem cold and unwelcoming.

This space actually makes me miss my Studio in Manhattan, even though it was 200 Sq Ft smaller!!

Gorgeous space solutions. Beautiful!!

I think it looks like a rat trap. The borwn wood reminds me of a burial casket. The apt though is the size of a casket so why not go with it. I am so glad my first apartment is 3275 sf. My master bedroom bathroom is bigger than their apartment! Must be a bitch to be poor.

No offense to the winner last year. It was cool, very Chelsea, but jmarieb I must disagree. This sweeps it in the wind. Last year, was more of a popularity contest. But this year, they mean buisness. There is just no comparison. This is splendid. AT, y'all aint playing this year. Your bringing in the big dogs. This is talent.

digging all the brown, the horizontal wood + those shears!!!! both soothing + stirring, delicious.....

Definitely the best so far. Truly imaginitive. Deserves to be in the top three.

Here's one more vote to save Nick's face.

I love the streamlined look and clean lines. The wood is not too dark for me. Love the way the banquette seating became lit-storage on the bedroom side.

Stunning. Well done. You have the kind of home I long to paint pieces for. I think this has won.

It's fan-tab-u-lous!

ubetcha--

Again, why the need to slam others to praise?

And I don't live in Chelsea.

was the wall covered with tongue and groove flooring boards or is it a special product for the wall?

I think it's pretty damned delicious, but for me that walnut is so beautiful that I just can't think of it as "dark". I see it as rich. Filthy, stinkin' rich. Unabashed, elegance-is-refusal, gorgeousness, and I think that it is one of the few studios where the bed not being enclosed or up in a Murphy thing seems perfectly fine to me.

And to the extent that it feels like a hotel, I think that's excellent. By the way, I think the grain of that walnut is interesting enough that it provides a certain kind of detail, and interest, so that it's kind of more like a pattern than a solid, so it just wins in both directions for me in that regard.

And I love the sheers here, too.

LOVE IT! Easily number one...

Hi Meg and James!

I love your apartment! Just LOVE it! Ihope you win!

It took looking at this a couple of times for me to really, really, really appreciate this. That dang dining area is to be lived for. That banquette is so serenely ideal. And yes, that lighting right above it, although they're saying that it was a solution to concrete ceiling, it is not just a good solution, I love how it defines that dining area unto itself as well as contributing a lot to the composition of the whole picture. Seriously. These folks got it right is a bunch of ways.

This is going to be a neck-and-neck-and-neck-and-neck race, though. This contest has really brought some VERY nice stuff "out of the woodwork" so to speak.

I like the unity of the design achieved through the use of wood.

My god, where are you going to put the baby?

This apt. is spectacular! Love the addition of the wall, very clever division of space. Such a bright, happy environment. It should win!

This place is Gorgeous. Especially the bed/kitchen/dining half. The living half can only get better, if these two are working on it.

Seriously, stunning.

Dude, D Abrogast, why you gotta be a hater?

james, good job! i like how the wall is sleek & modern, yet warm. where did you get your sheer curtains? i've been searching for grey, extra-wide, extra-long sheers with no luck. i have a city view that i want to soften, but not obscure. were yours custom made?

The dividing wall is cool. But oh-my-god can we just stop with the awesome-but-soooo-overly played out eames referecence for a while?! The Eames molded leg splint is such a cliche. Just my opinion.

The dividing wall/ bench is great architecture. But the decorating is too cold for me.

I definitely prefer the amateur side of this contest. Architects and designers have all sorts of industry competitions to enter, why hoard in on this? Technically, I get they are allowed, but it just seems a little lame.

I'm a professional writer, but I don't enter competitions b/c I've been 'discovered' and I like someone else to have a chance.

Plus, what someone can do as an owner and as a renter are two totally different worlds.

Yeah, yeah - life isn't fair. It's just a little disappinting to see money and big budgets sweep the prizes again. I root for the scrappy underdog.

Ruth quoth: "Man, you people are a tough crowd. If people have stuff everywhere, it's 'Ewww, it's all cluttered' and if people don't have anything out then they're cold bastards. Make up your minds."

The "Ewww, it's all cluttered" people are mostly different from the "It's cold" people. They just come in quantities that make roughly equal noise. So most of us *have* made our minds up -- we just haven't convinced everyone else of the irresistable rightness of our position.

I must say that there have been very wonderful entries so far, but this one is very innovative and perhaps the best so far.

As a small apartment owner, I certainly look forward to seeing more submissions on what I find it a very addictive blog.

Um, mags, just cuz someone's "discovered" that doesn't meant they'll automatically win the next contest they enter...

And this contest is FAR from over...

Plus, um, a renter won last year... :)

And I'd normally agree about the Eames splint, IF this place was wall-to-wall Eames, which it is not.

Love to hear more about your choices on that walnut wall we're all staring so hard at -- is it hardwood or veneer, tongue and groove, allathat and why why why?
Mostly because you are both architects, I wonder what else you considered and threw out and why.

And we'd love to see the storage areas when you submit extra photos for the finals. You are sooo going to the finals.

As for the designer/architect thing v amateur -- let's remember plenty of professionals have shown in the contests that did *not* have great work. ahem.

I'd rather have a high/low budget category, which was the original plan for the bathroom contest where it was less needed. That way we don't punish a professional when there are people who hire professionals and show their pads.

Back to wood.
Thanks to you and that Rockler site, I'm developing a thing for Honduras Mahogany. Someday I'm putting a new floor down . . .

this is amazing.. of course... the wall, which i love reminds me of this piece i just ordered from property furniture in soho...

i got the credenza in walnut from this collection (to use as a bedroom dresser) which is not pictured, but is similar to the sideboard:
http://www.paron.si/zimzum/

those of you in love with this wall might have your desires fulfilled by this collection. its super gorgeous irl.

here we go.. i just found a proper pic of the dresser/credenza
http://www.zimzum.co.uk/four2.htm

this entry will no doubt be in the finals. not much i would do differently except maybe the work area furniture wise. maybe a small hung bookcase/display type instead of the small shelves? perhaps a bit more updated electronics to go with the modern space. regardless, i would be quite happy to be living here. question about the floor. is it dark wood parquet or carpet tiles? about some saying it's unfair for professionals to be competing. as someone did mention, a renter won the last one. most use this site to get ideas so i'm glad we get to see what others are doing with whatever budget they're on. i need all the help i can get to maximize the use of my tiny space.

Your apt is really beautiful. I was curious about how you went about finding a contactor or if you could recommend reasonably priced ones to work on a smaller apt.

Hi all.
I failed to mention the name of the artist whose painting is in one of the images. His name is Robert Szot and he works out of Brooklyn. We actually are the proud owners of two of his pieces.

Other questions:

Bed - Yep. it's the Ella from Room & Board. I'm continually impressed by everyone's keen eye for detail (there is an Eifel Tower on that shelf).

Sheers - They are indeed custom to fit the floor to ceiling glass, and are Knoll fabric made with a reflective, metalic coating on the outside face.

Contractor - It's tough in this city to find someone to do a small amount of work for a price that isn't outrageous. Because of that, we did quite a bit of the work ourselves, with the exception of the demolition, kitchen cabinets and plumbing/electrical work. The contractor we eventually found to help us has since stopped working in Manhattan because of the hassel.

This just feels so tight it makes me uncomfortable. Generic modern and store-bought, I feel this space lacks comfort and a human element. Too trendy, but nice ogange accents!

I like it.

I esp. like the color of the wood. It's natural, but not typical. This place must look really nice with the sunlight coming in.

I also especially like the detail of the cut-outs on the lower side of the wall.

Betcha this one wins.

Like this one a lot, but there is a long way to go before there is a winner. Something like close to 50 more entries; just east coast. I'm sure there are many more fabulous ones to come. Seems a little too soon to make predictions on who is going to win.

Hi!
To those who think this apartment is preternaturally neat: Wouldn't you pick up everything if your apartment was going to be featured on the Internet?
Betcha all the clutter was crammed in the bathroom and dressing room before the camera started snapping!
Thanks to everybody for their support!!

Margaret's mother

I definitely disagree with all the people that think this apartment is too clean and neat. My apartment really is that clean, neat, minimalist and clutter free 5 days out of the week. (i let go on the weekends).. and i have WAY more crap than most people.. i just have good storage and i clean up after myself when i play with my toys.

I wouldn't know the place! Glad you included floor plans or I would have thought it was a new address. You two are spectacularly talented, but, then, I knew that. Love from Bradley

Fabulous - definitely should end up in the finals!

to those who say it's "cold" - damn, there's a huge, gorgeous painting on the wall, and lots of personal effects that *i* can see. i mean, does a place have to be jam-packed with curios on every surface - or be screaming with "color" - to not be "cold"? brown is a gorgeous color, you know.

and i agree with others - my place is this neat, as well. it just makes me feel better not to live in disarray.

this place has all my love

Great, beautiful ideas and fits the task . The apartment seems deeper and permanent.
Also I hate dark wood and wood wallpaneling but this works, an eye opener for new ideas.

with all this brown and white, there was only one thing running through my mind--- hershey squirts.

This place would be an awesome hotel room, but that's about it!

Ever get splinters leaning against the wall?

not to be a hater, but i echo mags' comments. that aside, i can appreciate what so many ATers love about this place, but i'm not feeling the monochrome-monolithic-brown. for me, there is no more depressing color than brown.

oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, if I didn't have two kids and a large dog I would print this out and file it away as my dream place.

Simply beautiful and probably one of the final contenders. It's stylish without being over styled and looks comfortable to live in. Well done!

I think the living room could use some more attention.

Steen -
In less than 18 years you'll have an empty nest, right? I think the paper you print this out on will last at least that long! Might be well worth the ink and paper, I'd say.

OR... the offspring might share that dream and want such a place themselves, that you could visit. Seriously, I really love this, too.

I don't find it cold or impersonal; I find it beautiful.

this is absolutely wonderful.. i love the rich, fantastic wood, the solid pieces of furniture (i am glad they were not afraid to fill the place!)and i especially love the fridge!!

The dining area looks quite uncomfortable. This was a big mistake. I could never imagine entertaining guests while cramped into that corner.
Sparse art hanging..... looks like a motel.

The only minus about this apartment is, it's the first one I've seem with a computer that isn't a Mac... but I'm not holding that against you. I'm still voting top honors for you. Good job. Wood paneling those walls must have cost a fortune, no?

This space is more dark and stark than I would enjoy living in, but it is neat and appears to resonate with the owner's style. Thank you for sharing

ItÂ’s aspiring to be one of Lewis Tsurumaki LewisÂ’ projects and feels like an imitation of the Tides and Xing restaurants. Except here, the big concept with the horizontal slats and partially covered ceiling isnÂ’t fully realized. The movement feels truncated. The contrast lacks purpose. The bold wood wall, while a beautiful technique, isnÂ’t used here in a manner that makes it the strong, organizing design concept that it should or could be.

Hi James & Margaret,

We're interested in your space & would love to talk to you about our HGTV show, "Small Space, Big Style". Would you be able to email us at smallspaces@brainbox.tv so we can get in touch with you?

thanks!
Sage.

stunner. but methinks i note the hand of a prefessional? (also think i've seen it published before) as an architect, i love it, (that's why you hire us!) but is it really fair to compare it with some of the d.i.y. projects also in the running? beautiful project!

I voted this as a sure finalist. But the entertainment wall doesn't have the same level of sophistication as the rest of the space. It looks a bit starter-upper, again in comparison to the rest of the space.

This is one of my favorites because of that amazing wood wall - can you tell us a bit more about how you created it?

Where did you get those pendant lights?

OMG!! I have been in this apartment A LONG TIME AGO...when a friend shared it with TWO roommates. It did not look this good. Well done!

it's dark. I would not want to live there.

The wood panel is a truly great idea, but one great idea hammered over and over doesn't make a cohesive space.

I love that you keep to a minimal existence as well. Your space is beautiful. I like the all in one table/storage/wall. It is really unique.

And you can do a baby in this space. It just requires some adjusting--and cosleeping :) We do it. Congrats!

freaking gorgeous

this would be my pick for the winner. The wood wall is fantabulous

The wall which doubles as a room seperator and formal seating is brilliant!

I'm gonna go against the grain here - too uneven - fabulous dining and bedding area, great problem solving with the wall... tremendous talent on display there, so I scratch my head at the banality of the study/work space (the cool chair is beside the pt). So cramped. And the intriguing wall art next to it is sort of "there" not really enhancing or enhanced by it's location.

Clearly this will place if not win, so I'm curious to see what changes (if anything) in the next stage of the contest...

Great problem solving and style. Can you please email me outside this site--I'm interested in possibly putting your space in my publication.

Hi Elaine. What is your email address?

Hi James,

In response to your email on 4/12-my email if elaine_w@mac.com

Thanks,
Elaine

Amazing architects at work. Creative and ingenious interior designers. I would hire your team to help renovate my apartment......

Jackie

can anyone tell me where they got the chairs in the kitchen? or where I can get something similar. thanks