apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I have to say that that is the ONLY installation of that kind of white milk-glass bud vase that I have EVER liked anywhere, inextractibly linked to the ONLY time I probably would ever TRULY like that kind of table and chairs. I mean, both of those elements work so well together, that it's impossible to imagine either of them tolerably elsewhere or elsewise.

And I love that wall color with the floor and the couch and the white accents in there.

And that coffee table performs a similar service that a glass one might, since it sort of imitates the wood flooring, so your eye can rest gently on, instead of being stopped dead in its tracks. I think this is kind of wonderful.

I see wheels on that bed, which means that they probably use it in kind of a Murphy sort of way, and that impossible height looks like it's soemtimes used for massage. I don't know about the rest of you, but that sounds like a good thing to me.

I also like the white TV, and have actually recommended (specified) that someone get a white TV before, and it worked there, and I think it works here, too.

NT--

I agree that it takes a lot of guts, and thick skin, to enter these contests (and I know, first hand, of what I speak...)

I also agree that the anonymity of the web allows some "bravery" in comments that people wouldn't-- in person-- dare to say or even kid about. And yeah, that sucks to the entrants. (I think it sucks even more when people make nasty, snarky comments to House Tour people, who are not submitting for prize or fame gain, but out of sheer house pride... but that's another topic).

I've been a long-time proponent on this site for "constructive criticism" or, alternately, the "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all" schools of thought. EVEN IF the site encourages explanation of negative votes...

I still maintain "clever" is even highly subjective. And, perhaps it's easy for you to defend Jonathan because his "over the top" "hilarious" wrath is never aimed at you.

And for the record, I was not one of the "ban Jonathan" lobbyists...

Looks to me like the bed is on casters, and could be rolled out. Like the jackknife, this could be another option to the Murphy bed (though I don't think the size of the closet doors would actually let the bed pass through).

I'm sorry, but I had to blurt out laughing when I read that they "...enjoy several compact residences around the globe instead of a big house in one place..." and it turned that "around the globe" was just one place outside of the US.

And a deep closet with a pair of doors does not qualify it to be an "alcove" studio.

Texas doesn't count as a foreign country?

Oh My! It's beautiful and it looks like a relaxing retreat. My only critical comment would be that I would never be able to sleep in a closet. (And I've slept in some questionable places) ;)

Pardon me, that's 2 people sleeping in one very very small closet.

Sleeping in the closet! Wow. Just wow. But I love the space anyway--funky & eccentric, yet elegant.

Is the bed really in the closet or was it stored there for the photography??? Is this how it normally is?? That is really...vampiric. Sheesh. The sun has set! i shall open my coffin bedroom doors and then go suck the blood out of unsuspecting homeless people and Wynona!!

Other than that i love the colors. Love the lighting fixtures. love the wood-slat eames coffee table (i can't find one that doesn't cost $600 - anyone know of any knockoffs?) i hate the sofas for two reasons: (i) i hate the icky floral pattern that reminds me of southern decorating and, by association, southern people and (ii) i don't like the white borders around the sofas, they are too striking somewhow. And I don't like the little white television, for some reason it immediately transports me to a hospital and makes me feel like there are needles jammed in my arms and a painful catheter in my urethra.

What's wrong with Southern people?

I love this place. It's got a real point of view, and it's a great mix of styles, without feeling like it's trying too hard.

When I was a kid, I used to nap in my closet, so I think it looks cozy.

I mean really, you live in Chelsea, no need to spend your nights in the closet.

I've been hitting the refresh button waiting for a closet joke -- LOL!!!

The day may have hit its nadir, as I find myself agreeing with Jonathan. That's got to be a sign of needing serious meds or chocolate or wine or something.

For such a stylish apartment it would be nice to see a shot of the kitchen and that largish looking bathroom/dressing area. Or the desk area.

Wende, try fudge or chocolate truffles with champagne. Unbelievable.

The two white canvases are too high! Hope there aren't any fire drills while they are sleeping. I couldn't hack it alone in that closet and with someone else? nevermind.

Dentist's waiting room. I can almost hear the drill.

It seems like there should be an overly-ornate glass dish of chalky candy in there somewhere.

Snarkiness aside, it is a very well layed-out space.

That's not a drill. It's trance music.

Hmm, another multi-residence entry...

My goodness, ebrown, there mere *thought* of chocolate truffles and champagne is improving my joie de vivre!

I think part of the issue with this apartment is that the sofa and chair have not quite found their moment of popular chicness yet. I could almost deal with them as campy wit if they were firmly separated from the country style end table, dining table, and two of the dining chairs.

Not really my taste, however the apartment certainly is creative and looks very different from all of the "mid century modern" many others aspire to. I wonder what the duration of this couples' stay is in NYC? Also I don't see much in terms of storage space, where are clothing, books, etc kept? And that bed in the closet looks soooo uncomfortable....ouch!

Funny, I once had an apartment in the "Olive Tower" in Seattle with nearly the exact same layout, including the dressing room, and yes I also put my bed in the closet. It happened to be 4ft 6in by 8ft, perfect for my bed. And even better, I never had to make the bed, just close the door and Wham Bam, ready for company.

As for the bed being in the closet being weird? It's a small space, folks! Putting the bed in the closet is a brilliant idea, beats having your bed in the middle of your living room, or living in the middle of your bedroom.

Sheesh, this is almost as bad as the folks freakin out over a toilet in the shower stall in "#13 Michelle's Venice Loft" (LA-AT)

Too much white, which is a strange criticism but it was my gut reaction. The floor and walls are warm and lovely but all the strong white in the furnture and accesories are a little off-putting. Something different art-wise over the sofa perhaps? Looks like it's blessed with plenty of natural light.

I don't think this couple lives there year round.....where's their stuff?? Where do all you people store your STUFF???????? I've purged, I've downsized, I've clean and I still have STUFF.

I'm on a big "paint everything" Swedish kick right now, so I like the couches and adore the dining area. And the "bed in the closet" seems so traditionally scandinavian. I think I saw something like it in a book of Carl Larssen prints--with two adorable kids poking their heads out of it.

So cute, not creepy. Pick your poison.

Oh, woe is me. The contest is getting harder. Today we learned about class differences and people started talking about breaking the contest into groups based on how much people spent. So I'm getting depressed, thinking about poverty and alienation.

But nevermind! The healing power of design. (Mutter, mutter). I too, put my bed in the closet when I lived in Seattle, Devyn. Small world.

I like this place quite a bit. Like the white furniture, true Art Deco stuff, hate the TV, guess I hate my own TV too now that I think about it. Since it's period, they should take it up a notch and get more mirrored groovy stuff. Frankly, as a non-full-time residence it doesn't really look lived in so I don't think it can win, if the judges feel as we do.

Jonathan, There are knockoffs here: http://www.allworldfurniture.com/ and they ship since I'm guessing you're not in SF.

The table and chair do seem to be a bit 70's in their color schemes, which isn't bad if that is what you had in mind. I think they'd look great covered in a muted blue velvet.

I'm looking at the picture with the starburst chandelier... love it! Can't tell if its the real art deco thing or Ikea, but its great anyway.

Glad someone commented on the closet joke. Living Castro "adjacent" you'd think I would clue in faster.

I love the living area. They have alot of stuff under the bed, maybe that answers the wheres there stuff question.

nice place! i would guess that they keep most of their stuff at their home in texas since they mentioned that is there hometown?

even if it's one of three and i'm a bit jealous of the thought of a home in rio, i commend you for taking the time and having the style to make this home so pretty.

someone mentioned chalky candy, i say jordan almonds,

I admire the restraint this place has. I doubt they sleep with the closet doors closed, and the closet seems like the natural place for a bed in such a small space. Give the couches a coat of silver paint and acid green upholstery and you're on the verge of LA fab. Being I'm seeing a single closet, I'm inclined to think this is a crash pad and their 'stuff' is distributed between their other residences.

As for Jonathan's 'southern people' comment, either he was bruised by a rough backwoods Arkansas upbringing where They Just Didn't Understand Him, or else he doesn't get out much.

I'm jealous if this is a crash pad rental. They should give up the apartment and let it go back to the open market in NYC. Too many 3 month "New Yorkers" holding onto their places and living primarily somewhere else causes a dearth of decent rentals for people who live here full time.

Love it!

the couch and chair say "grandma's screened porch" to me...
and the bed says "I never wake up in the middle of the night having to go to the bathroom."

B-O-R-I-N-G!

All my best,
Phyllis G.

so gay and fabulous...nothing in this place has any resale value.
There is no real art.
Since it was submitted, the owners must now realize that all they own is horrible crap.
Nontheless, I'd go there in a second for a party,
since it does have a wicked attitude.
Bravo, for submitting it......surely the prize winner for what not to do......the dried out floral treatments send me heaving......
All I can say is Why, Why , Why....maybe one of their other homes are less drekorated???

this home is very prickly and cold, do vampires really live here?

I like the neoclassical stuff - it's a nice change from the modernist Scandinavian furniture that's been the staple of this contest. The blinding whiteness of it makes the apartment look like the finale of "2001," but if these were distressed fleamarket finds, I guess the entrants didn't have a choice but to paint them. I do have to agree with the commentary that this space cheats a little in terms of being a functional year-round living space. I wonder how much time Alton & Andre really spend here.

I really like:

1. the overall design sense---very clean and consistent
2. the lighting fixtures---not boring!
3. the color scheme---sophisticated

I really don't like the furniture---ick! I've seen furniture like that in the houses of friends' parents who haven't had money to redecorate since 1952 (and the stuff wasn't designer to start with). I'm sorry, that's harsh, but really, that's what it reminds me of.

The only suggestion I would make is to change the rug for a bigger one. The one under the coffee table is too small and a shot of color under under there would be nice.

And here I was thinking furniture only came in brown and silver. I love the upholstered pieces. Hate the dining table and the bed frame. I don't mind the bed-closet part--it's a traditional scandinavian thing, but generally with wider doors and a closed platform for the bed. I don't like the shelves across the back--it makes the space seem even more confined; I would move them to the short ends and center the bed or have a custom mattress built to fill the whole space. Right now it looks like it's trying to be a room. Unsuccessfully.

I'm feeling the Brazil in this, and would love to see what Texas looks like...
I even like the vacation house look of the bed crypt.
And that lamp transforms the living room
but I can't vote for anymore places that aren't fulltime homes!

I will say that I like the old luggage under their bed. They seem to be the only things in the place that had any life to speak of!

This space reminds me of those Dentyne Ice commercials in which the person with the Dentyne ice in their mouth blows cold air out of their mouth & everything in sight turns to, well, ice.

I don't find a lot of warmth here at all, and it could be just because it isn't their main place.

For me, there's no "HOME" in this home.

"so gay and fabulous..."

...followed by a nasty stream of invectives, which lets us know there's only one way to take the opening.

People like you send me heaving. Check yourself.

and btw, though i can't get past the bed in the closet, there are many beautiful things here: the color palette - sophisticated, indeed - the mix of styles, the wonderful lighting fixtures, the wealth of textures.

is it possible they have noisy neighbors upstairs (it's a studio, after all), and the closet is the only refuge?

pphillipp!
I want to tell you about a book and book readings in the last month of March. There is something about your sensibilities that lines up . . .

John Weir
"What I Did Wrong"

Monday March 27th, 7 PM
Half King
a groovy bar, a weekly reading series
West 23rd Street between 10th and 11th Aves
Chelsea USA
www.thehalfking.com

Wednesday March 29th, 7PM
Barnes & Noble
6th Avenue and West 22nd Street
in lovely Chelsea USA

Friday March 31st, 8PM
Earshot Reading Series
The Lucky Cat
another groovy bar
245 Grand Street between Driggs and Roebling
in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn

I live in London Terrace, I don't think their apartment refelects the flavor of the bulding at all. If that is what they wanted it did not work. I have a larger closet but would not sleep in it, I need it for my stuff.

It is a cute apt. for a twentysomething.

you need to work on your lighting, guys. this place is depressingly flat as it is and all of your ceiling down and centralized lighting will only make this condition worse.. i might want to hang myself if kept in this cage for too long..

too much decorating going on as well, and too little attention to improving and expanding the quality and quantity of spacial effects... which dovetails, somewhat, into the comment above.

I think it's really lovely- the light fixtures ae gorgeous.

Hmmmm, the sofa and chair don't look too comfy, and the TV is behind them?
And I thought only men in California came out of the closet each and every morning! If the bed is in the closet, then are the clothes in the bedroom that isn't there?

Who are all these new obnoxious posters? If you're going to try to out-Jonathan Jonathan, at least be clever and funny. News-flash - you're not.

I like the bed in the closet. I've often wondered why that isn't more popular in small apartments. It is a practical solution reminicent of enclosed cabinet-type beds used in Colonial American homes and Scandanavia. It seems cozy, though I'd probably have to add some ventilation holes...

hey, all you closet-complainers, just remember it might be Eric Bana sleeping in that closet -- didn't anyone here see Munich? (yes I know he's supposed to be rather extraordinarily happily married according to that ridiculous film, still I'd never pass up sharing a closet with him...)

I agree with the commentators that there's too much white. A bit of an accent is O.K., but white edgings everywhere ruins any attempt at subtlety with the rest of the coloring.

hey! southerners are wonderful, fabulous people. i like it. i don't care for the white canvases though. i can sleep in that closet if i'm by myself and the doors remain open. i like the thought of hiding the bed while entertaining, unless it was the sexy boom boom room entry. the pics go well with my expresso and astrud giberto singing on my computer.

btw i like the blending of the cultures. you see Brasil and Texas charm without the poof. nice job guys.

I am loving the lucite shelf unit beside the couch. Anyone know where I could find something similar? I'd love to use one as a bedside table.

Some very beautiful elements--I loved that first photo. Following on Guido's comments, though, I think I should also comment that it's in general a bad idea here on AT, in the smallest coolest contest in particular, to admit--nay, brag--that you have additional apartments. Some people successfully fit all their life into one apartment this size or smaller, and it's those peoples' places that I am most impressed with. I think it's infinitely easier to design a nice hotel room. It's like when I was in college studying abroad, with the majority of my stuff at my parents' house. I lived very efficiently having only brought 2 suitcases with me. Could I live like that forever? Of course not. You've got the tax returns for at least 7 years, you've got your family photos (and ptooey to those who say they can be digital only), and for me, papers I wrote, things given to me that have meaning, etc etc.

Rant over! I like the bed in the closet, though I think I'd wake up screaming thinking I'd died and been buried.

News-flash follow-up--
Not everyone shares your whole-hog enthusiasm for Jonathan's humor, NT.

And, um, the majority of the comments here are not that high on the nasty scale.

(speaking quietly and quickly, so as not to derail thread:)

(thnks guido)

P2
I'm not just referring to this thread - I'm referring to the comments on all the contest threads lately. And I'm not the only one who has noticed.

I realize that not everyone likes Jonathan's sense of humor. I think that has been made abundantly clear by all the efforts to ban him. That is not my point. My point is that I'm surprised about how many people are jumping on the "let's try to make clever obnoxious comments about other people's homes to show how brilliant and funny we are." But personally, I'm not finding their comments that funny - just mean-spirited. I'm not trying to ban them - just expressing my opinion.

It's also my opinion (and just my opinion) that Jonathan's comments are so outrageously over-the-top that no one should ever take them seriously. The difference for me is these people are making really harsh comments that I think they actually mean - they are not over the top - they are kind of cruel. I feel bad for these contestants who are being subjected to disparaging comments that seem designed to show how clever posters are at the expense of the contestants' feelings. It takes a lot of guts to enter these competitions and I hope people will be a bit more thoughtful with their comments. And that includes Jonathan.

>

Actually, that is not true. He told me my I would like the crappy ikea shoe cabinets because I have bad taste, called me pretentious and made disparaging remarks about my book collection. The difference is that I knew he was being outrageous and did not mean what he said - just like he didn't mean any of the outrageous statements he made to anyone else. In fact, he usually means the opposite of what he says. That is why when people get upset at his comments, I think it's bizarre, because he clearly doesn't mean them. My intent is not so much to "defend" him as to try to get people to see that their feelings are getting hurt unnecessarily. Don't take his comments seriously - that's all.

Are Jonathan, Phyllis Gabor, and jmc (and maybe others) all the same person? Why has he been allowed back?

I love that they notated the bathroom with "W.C."

I actually think this place is really lovely, and that maybe there's a sense of humor to it that doesn't come across. I mean, the country-cozy dining room table, on casters? It just seems like a real wink. I wish I had a pretty little bed like that in a closet.

Devyn, my ex boyfriend used to live in the Olive Towers! It was the nicest studio apartment I've ever seen, and I can totally picture your bed-closet setup.

NT--
I stand corrected. You've obviously been paying more attention to his posts than I have, since I tend to blow right past anything with his name on it now.

So, to take your own advice, um, don't take seriously those who are pissing YOU off.

As I have said many times, it's all relative, and all VERY subjective.

sooz--
Gabor and jmc are too short-winded to be Jonathan.

(sorry Alton and Andre to derail the discussion about your fun and funky pad...)

OMG, this one is almost my dream space. My dream space is Mae West's bedroom as shown in those Diane Arbus photos. Something Frenchy in pink, white and gold. Anyway, extra points for the starburst chandelier and extra points for having my middle name, Alton.

Maybe a bit too many styles going on.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4498/482/1600/1965byDiane_Arbus1.jpeg

Jeffery

Like several other posters I'm very puzzled by the "bed closet"? Is that really functional? Otherwise I rather like this space although not entirely to my taste. Especially the ceiling light fixtures and my mother would have loved the milk glass collection.

i agree jefferey. mae west is too fierce. she can do no wrong.

i don't think we should give the meanies too much power. they obviously live for the reaction.

that mae west pic just made my day foreva.

OMIGOD, it's Mae in heaven!
She's mirroring Esther Williams, her lady friend in the afterlife.
Thx for the link, Jeffrey.

Where do you suppose she got
that coverlet on the bed . . . ?

Beats me, but if you ever find one, let me know. I'd love to have a quilted satin duvet cover.

I think this apartment could use a little more Mae. Pull the colors together, replace a few pieces, reduce the number of objects d'art . . .

Actually, I think the world could use a little more Mae, but that's another topic.

P2 - of course I was paying attention to his posts where was responding directly to one of my design questions - i think it would have been pretty rude to ask for advice and then ignore the responses.

You misunderstand me - i'm not pissed off at any of these posters. And yes I agree that you've repeatedly said that it's all relative - which is why i've repeatedly said I am just expressing my opinion. I'm not sure why you feel the need to keep telling me it's all relative.

In my opinion, the posters are being too harsh on the contestants and I'm hoping that they will tone it down. They're trying too hard to be funny and they're not thinking about how their comments might hurt other people's feelings.

"They're trying too hard to be funny and they're not thinking about how their comments might hurt other people's feelings. "

NT, that sounds like your Rodney Dangerfield online beau to me. Really.

Guido - it was nice to meet you the other night at the party. I'm sorry that you didn't feel you could say anything more to me than repeat "don't feed the troll" over and over again. I would have liked to have gotten to know you better. I guess my opinions about Jonathan have touched a lot of nerves here and people just don't feel they can let it go. I hope everyone can try and move on because the topic is starting to get a bit old. Let's try to think of something else to talk about.

NT, I'm not into beating a dead horse
but you . . . complaining about rudeness . . . when you were the champion Jonathan at his worst . . .

hard to resist calling you out on it!

wtf?!

Guido - you've missed the point of my post - but that's fine - it seems to happen a lot. best to just move on.

I agree about the critical remarks. I wish people would knock it off.

This apartment is truly different from anything I've seen. That alone makes it remarkable.

Bed in the closet: I like it a lot. What is the difference if, when used, the doors are left open? This seems better to me than having the bed in the room.

Now as to the issue of two people in a single bed? That seems uncomfortable to me. Here, I would have had a contractor make the closet just a bit wider so as to accomodate a double bed. This does not seem to be a very expensive thing to do, but would have made a world of difference.

Though this apartment is not my taste, I commend the tenants for their very good furniture arrangement, very interesting use of color, and for not having the bed out in the main room, as is typical in studios.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place... i have been in some of the smallest nyc apts and this place is so clever and incredibly smart. For the size which is smaller than most of the other apts in this contest- i find it to be much more spacious, intelligently designed and more liveable... but then again i seem to have more discriminating taste than some other characters who surveyed on this site.

It's amazingly open and airy for such a small space! Perfect for relaxing and enjoying. A little bit of cozy mixed in with slick and chic. Gorgeous, when can I move in?

Hi Alton & Andre,

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.

lovely.
I think its cute that two boys are sleeping in the closet.
May your dreams carry you.
~carol anne

Not my taste but best so far. Very harmoneous and very selective pieces. That is what design is about.

Too many different crazy lamps/chandaliers (sp.) We get it, but having just one will allow it to be unqiue and intriguing. Inventive to put the bed in the closet, but do you bump your head on the shelf in the morning?

I feel obliged to explain when I post a negative vote for a place, so here 'tis. I just don't get a feeling of home here. I do love your use of (iron?) garden furniture, but overall, it's just too cold and spare for me. Sorry. Maybe it's because this isn't your main home.
An open question...does anyone feel it's not quite fair to judge the apartment of a person who has only one place to call home (and store stuff) against someone who has several?
About the talk of banning someone named Jonathan. I have stopped going into forums because there is always someone ganging up against someone else. This is a contest. It's supposed to be fun. Just let it go guys!

If the bed is in the closet, where are your clothes?

For Jonathan at 03/16/06 7:23 PM
You mean the Nelson bench? I've been looking for a bargain price too, but if it's more than free, it's too expensive for me.

Maybe this one is within your budget? And if you ever get tired of it, you know who to send it to...ME

I don't know how to make small links, so it's in my name. I still haven't heard back from whomever gets the email here if it's okay to post links.

I like finding things for people.

I like it. I think it is unique, different and interesting. A nice variation in colors and design.

As for the bed, I like the smallest space used as a bedroom sinc I never go in mine. I wish I had the ability to make my living space larger and my bedroom smaller. So I think it is efficient.

If it works for them, then excellent. I like the feel and the look.

Absolutely gorgeous, although I'm not going to vote because it's not a full-time residence. The couch and chairs are fantastic! I'm sure they were a lot of fun to work with--nearly anything would look great with them, IMO.

I agree it should be allowed to enter since you are wealthy enough to own 3 or 4 different places. Not fair. Weird place, sorta cold. I think it's an afterthought to wherever it is that you might really live with color, (Brazil? Texas?) do you just like the nyc retreat to be so quiet?

question about the dining room table, did u put those casters on it urself or did u buy it that way? i need a table on wheels too please!

I love the idea of the bed in a closet - very clever! I signed up to this website b/c I love the clever ideas people come up with in their tiny spaces. Thank you for inspiring me to come up w/great ideas for my tiny bedrooms. :)