Name: Hakarl + Jili
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 450 sqf 1 Bedroom
Favorite resource:
Flea market 39th street, Housing Works Thrift Stores on 17th street, The Future Perfect (Williamsburg)
What inspired you?
We love bright places – a challenge here in New York City. Different wall colors for each area of the apartment help structure the space and make it feel larger. The red entrance, orange kitchen and yellow living room give the place a sunny appearance. In contrast, the bedroom is purely black, white and dark brown, creating a nocturnal feeling.
...When furnishing on a budget, you’re on a constant hunt for great pieces and you have to be innovative. A lack of closet space in the bedroom was solved by connecting discarded mirrored doors (found on the street) through hinges and mounting them in a zigzag formation to the wall, keeping 4 segments on wheels for easy access. This leaves enough room for most of our clothes while visually expanding the small room.
In the dining area, we prepared the wall with masking tape for painted stripes. When we realized that the tape color matches our series of egg prints (another find off the street), we decided to leave the tape as instant wallpaper.
With our windowsills as additional seating, we hold dinner parties for up to 16 friends and manage to create a relaxed atmosphere in our warm and cozy space.
Design Tip:
Give every room its very own color scheme! Don’t shy away from vibrant colors – just don’t use the whole rainbow. In excluding the primary contrast (the color opposite of the color wheel -- in our case blue) we created an energetic feel without the drama.
This is STUNNING! What a beautiful apartment.
ROCKS!
Holly ;)
Love it, love your style.
Wow!
A fully stocked bar cart and a window seat.
You would never, ever get me to leave. :)
This is such a great apartment. I love the egg art!
awesome... how did you do the supergraphica above the bed?
I used to be an intern at an art museum in Boston that has one of your egg prints in their collection! Can't remember the name of the artist but if your interested in finding out more I can give you the archivist's name - good street find!
Sorry, another post...
Fresh, very modern in a very unique way, still very liveable.
And very much the "dreaded" magazine-ready (which is NOT an insult to me!!)
And I'd feel the same way if you had spent absolute top dollar for the same end result... and the REAL beauty is, you can't tell.
Great space! Where did you get the light (?) in the entry way? Do you have curtains in the livingroom?
Very hot...Nice work!!!
Love it! The colors and the art make it so warm and interesing!
Excellent work, and very ingenious use of curb finds (mirrored doors, etc).
I especially love disciplined color choices.
Also, this apartment is a good example of the "reversed food pyramid"-lighting fixtures being a high protein here.
kudos for making such bold paint choices so homey feeling.
I'll be in the window seat imbibing with P2.
Stunning! Love the mirrored room divider in the bedroom -- can you give us a source?
So many of these entries have practically banned art from the walls, which does make the apartments seem more spacious but often creates a cold feeling - this stunning use of color makes each of the walls seem like they have art even when they don't! Great job of creating a warm and welcoming space by curating flea market and street finds with a keen eye - by comparison, the liberal use of Ikea and West Elm seen in other entries now seems like cheating to me ;-).
Does anyone understand how the hinged mirror doors function as closet space and provide clothes storage? I don't get it.
No. 1 apartment for Hakarl and Jili!
no doubt about that
Congratulations! Creative. Warm. Innovative and done on a budget. Small space living at its best!
LOVE. It's modern, without being cold. And the pink entry way -- be still my heart.
Off the charts cool with color and texture.
Love. It.
By the way, you earned a WOW vote from me as soon as I saw how the bed was framed by the black picture and two windows.
kick ass!
the yellow wall rocks it!
This is gorgeous!
This looks high-budget and, especially, is NOT another catalog "download"!!!
Yay for you guys!
rr--
ALWAYS room on the window seat for you!!!
OH. MY. GOD. absolutely, undoubtedly the best I've seen for this competition. I am LOVING that capiz shell light fixture. I second the inquiry... Where is it from?
I'm flabbergasted! How does the masking tape stay up in the dining area? That's a great diy trick for anyone who can't paint in their rental (ahem...me).
And I love, love, LOVE the yellow in the livingroom. It reminds me of sunflowers.
This place gives me warm fuzzy feelings. It's definitely getting my vote!
I would like to see a "real" coffee table, but that is a tiny, tiny quibble.
This rocks!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT...can I have it?
who did the storage in the dining area that looks like white powder coated steel...blu dot or?
Without getting too American Idol on your ass. You're going to Hollywood! Thank you raising the bar a bit in Brooklyn. I've been seeing a lot of people with that white metal locker type cabinet. Personally I don't like them, but your place is lovely. Rock on!
Teh r0xx0rs! Neat trick with the masking tape and the colors in general. I think the storage unit in the dining area is the same Ikea locker room unit from entry #25.
This place is shagadelic...mirrors in the bedroom is a nice touch, the fact they they are on wheels is even better...take me home with you. Love T xoxo
Coincidentally enough, there was a kansas city craigslist posting yesterday for that exact light -- designer was Mayi Picazo and it was $175. email address listed was for mayipicazo (at) yahoo (dot) com
Um, I think that console is Ikea, no?! If so, LOVE that in this setting peopel assume it higher end!!
Oops, sorry Chris... missed your note about it being Ikea. You beat me to it.
LOVE the pink entrance - you got that just right.
you got Color, you got Art, you got an eye to nab good stuff out of the discard pile
and the bedroom! is there a bedroom contest?
you win!
tell us all about that giant textile, or whatever that is over the bed
the yellow of the living room is the only *off* note for me
it just looks harsh
still
I totally want you to have big prize credit!
re: patrick (the other one).
I couldn't agree with you more about the coffee table. I think chrome and glass would be nice.
first we get a wall of post-it's and then.. designer masking tape stripes! now THESE are the things i like to see on apartment therapy...
1. creative
2. easy to move/remove
3. 'i wish i thoought of that myself!'
4. CHEAP
this apartment goes beYOND the word 'fresh'...
Love how the black and white scheme in the bedroom even makes the window frames look like a design decision, instead of a given.
Stunning. And I'm so jealous of your capiz shell light fixture. I've been trying to figure a way to duplicate something like that or find one on the cheap.
WOW! I love this place! This is something I could definitely live-in.
I have a screaming headache now. My god, I could never tolerate those colors. Like the BR, that's it.
Hi Hakarl and Jili,
It's simply a gorgeous home! You guys must love coming home everyday. I'm a white wall kind of girl and you guys just gave me that kick to experiment a little. Love it so much. Also, I love the mid centurty modern classic pieces sooooo much. The best to you!
The yellow wall and the painting over the bed speaks to me.
Love it!
I don't think you need a coffee table to complete the "look" of the place... but we do need somewhere to set down our martinis, don't we?
Anna--
Assuming one puts one martini *down*, ever. ;)
Don't think it necessary for the look, but seems like it would help further delineate/anchor the seating area, and set it apart as a "room" without creating the bad kind of space-eating boundary.
Really, I only am thinking about it because it lets me fantasize about shopping for a piece of furniture for a goregous space.
oops... "one's"
On the one hand, the place looks fab.
On the other, i think it's not hard to make your place look fab when you can afford to cite ABC carpet & home as your favorite resource.
guys -- thank you so much for your feedback!
to answer some questions:
1. the light fixture in the entrance was a find from the flea market (around $100). everytime i walk by the shells make this awesome "pling" sound -- great for the entrance
2. the tape in the living room is up for almost 2 years now. i was afraid it would fall off one day but we were lucky so far. however, when i applied it i made sure to "rub" the tape into every nook and cranny of the wall.
3. katie -- i'd love to find out more about the artist who did the egg prints. i did some research but couldn't get any info.
4. the additional closet is basically 8 mirrored doors arranged in a zigzag (see floorplan). panel 2 + 3 and 6 + 7 are fixed to the wall (where they connect). panel 1, 4, 5 and 8 are each connected to one of the steady panels with hinges so you can swing them open. it provides 4 triangles that each hold about 10 hangers and enough room for our shoes.
5. the "headboard" in the bedroom is a poster (i trimed it to fit the wall). i found it in front of a GAP store when they swaped out their window decoration.
hope that helps
hakarl
the opoponax--
Please don't play the "they can afford good taste" game, and with this one epsecially.
Um, my favorite resource is The Terence Conran Shop. Doesn't mean I'm *buying* anything from there, though...
do tell about the art above the bed?
Loving this space!
hakarl,
The print was a part of this collection:
http://web.mit.edu/lvac/www/collections/slap/slap_genl.html
I think the name of the peice was "fresh eggs" or something similar.
I know we're supposed to be looking purely at design, rather than where pieces came from - but the beauty of this place is that you'd never be able to guess where the pieces came from.
And while it is true that if you can afford to shop at abc carpet, a nice place is easier (though still not always achieved), I don't see where they listed that as a resource. They seem to be expert scavengers, with a good eye and lots of talent for putting things together. How refreshing to see a budget look that is so distinctive.
Hakari,
Love that you found the "headboard" poster essentially in the trash in front of a GAP store! And I now officially have to start perusing flea markets since you found that entry light fixture for $100!
I'm of two minds on this place. The bedroom rocks. The graphic over the bed is vibrant and the mirrors fracture it into several more. Very nice.
The living room, not so much. No surfaces, kind of like someone moved out and took his coffee table and side table with him. It could use more fabric. Maybe on the windows. Somewhere.
And what does the kitchen look like?
Great apartment! Note to renters, though - I think that masking tape left up for a long time will probably leave adhesive behind, which might be more difficult to deal with than just repainting a wall white.
First of all, I really LOVE the colors and a lot of the design here. High marks for originality and creativity (especially with the beaut above the bed).
My one critque, and it's not anything you guys can help, is that the apartment is laid out quite well to begin with. It doesn't seem like there were a lot of challenges to overcome, unlike in some of the other entries.
That, of course, only makes me all the more envious...
OK, wait--I just looked at the bedroom. One closet for two people is defintely a challenge, and one you overcame admirably.
So flipping gorgeous. Wow.
what a place you guys have!!
insta-finalist!
Wow! Sexy! Love the colours!
i'm even sadder now that i didn't make it to your tequila/guacamole party when i was in town. what a lovely lovely home you have. i hope you are both well. xoxoxoxoxleona
Does anyone know if IKEA still makes that white locker / console cabinet? I can only find the taller version on the web-site.
bk
I was at Ikea yesterday and they still have it.
great apartment, you two deserve top prize...beautiful.
I love it. Love the colors.
The bedroom is outstanding, especially the "found art".
Very creative entry.
Here's the perfect example of an apt that could be featured in AT:the magazine :)
love you and your apartment from the first sight!
WONDERFUL --- I hope you win!
So sleek.
very nice
i love the way the art in your bedroom relates to each other. it's particularly impressive knowing that at least half of it is found art! nice job!!
Your apartment ist great and beautiful. What a lovely place! I hope you win!
Best wishes from germany
The glass wall closet wins hands down for best innovation (creative, efficient, and it was a street find!)
Also love the shell lamp entry way (gorgeous foyer wall color) with little buddha and incense.
Creative, efficient, beautiful. A+ on all three contest criteria.
beautiful
I knew you guys were very special when I meet you but know I add to you a pretty good sense of taste and I want to go to NY so I can feel the experience of been surrunded by the atmosphere you created, that is so unique...
i really enjoy this space! sleek, but not cold or uninviting- stylish but whimsical- and masking tape on the walls is genius!
I have been reconsidering my prejudices against yellow of late and this just clinched it for me. Love the whole thing. Well...especially the bedroom, I love that room a little more than the others, just don't tell them.
Sexy!
Superb use of space and infusion of style and beauty.
You two bucked all fear of color without compromising comfort. You provided means to keep your belongings from turning the apartment into a storage space (bedroom closet, nightables, locker/sideboard, desk/dresser). At the same time it's clear that you can lounge and be human there (windowsill, plenty of dining chairs).
Your resourcefulness is wonderful - you have the capacity to recognize treasures in the trash as well as incorporate some noted designed elements (gap poster/italian lamp). You are innovative too ("wallpaper") and not afraid to properly use mainstream furniture(Ikea locker).
All the while without making it look cold, too snooty or stiff. Fabulous! When is the next party?
it's - - just - - jeez, i'm so busy today, don't have time to write much - - but it's really fantastic. gut reaction - my favorite so far. in so many ways.
Warm, stylish and very luxe. I never would have guessed so many key pieces were such finds!
Nice.
Just gave this entry a closer look and am completely blown away. This whole apartment is just... fantastic!
busy today, as noted, but just needed to come back and tell you how wonderful your place is - that's how much i like it.
This reminds me of an apartment that Stanley Kubrick would have in his film - and I don't mean it in a good way. Maybe it's okay for a pychologist couple to live here. Unfortunately, I think I would feel nauseous living here.
gina--
What makes you say that? Just curious.
It's a beauty.
with style, love for detail and bold decisions on color...you wanna spend the rest of your life with it.
i love the smell of the big flowers in the bedroom.
you should win! nice yellows!!!
smashing!!
Great use of color. Love the yellow wall
really beautiful use of color and art. fantastic.
Yes-
very stylish, very fancy flat. Love the dining area (Charles Eames?).
...and the neighborhood!!!
Thorsten
Beautiful colors all the way around. Would you mind sharing the sources? I would just stop and play in the entry. :)
schatz,
of course you should and will win the contest. with the store credit you should get youerself a $2500 coffee table - the only item truly missing in your apt.
bedroom - stunning
entrance - fantastic (i remember the day you bought that lamp ...)
lvg room - the only "problem zone" as far as i'm concerned for two reason - 1) i agree with the comment about yellow not being the greatest choice here - it's too harsh (might also be the quality of this particular pic, but i think it doesn't go too well with the white of the adjacent wall and especially not with the color scheme of the beautiful eating corner (the filet piece of your apt) and the brilliant masking tape wall that's facing your lvg room area).
2) coffee table ...
the eating corner is fantastic!!!!
the place as a whole is amazing and belongs in hollywood ...
The graphic above the bed is great. It reminds me a little of an old Marimekko pattern called Samovaari. Also, fabric designer Neisha Crosland does patterns like this, too.
http://www.neishacrosland.com/
-2nd DC Christine
this place rocks,
amazing style,
I can think of at least 10 more fabulous
views/pics looking into Hakarl's and Jili's home.
love it all.
great party house too.
number 1 - no question!
Love the colors and the mix of elements that make this house a home. I am sure this is a reflection of the individuals that inhabit this small but lovely space! Where can I get one like it??????
Wow! My fav!!!!! Lovely color and such bold statements in each room! I love it!
Bold and risk taking.
good job.
i like the subduety in many places...i particularly like the bedroom and the photo really shows it thru the mirror, the line drwg echoes the bold painting, many pieces are refined in their own sense but blends in well together.
the colors work very well as a sequence...yellow..magenta...and filnally black...hmmmm...mysterious.
Triple capiz chandelier, NO BULBS, not as full. Could use SKINA RUND (round) in clear, from IKEA in the Summer Lighting area to light (hanging lights/drape, outdoor).
I particularly love the yellow on the living room wall! What color is it?
I had to come back and have yet another look at this; it's just so lovely.
Hi Hakarl & Jili,
I thought I posted to this thread, but I just checked again and I guess it didn't send correctly. Anyway, 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.
hi guys
for those who wonder about the colors:
the red in the entrance took me several attempts to get it right -- i ended up mixing it myself.
for the living room i got this color called "brilliant orange" from home depot (despite its name, its something inbetween yellow and orange)
hope that answers your questions
hakarl
Beautiful apartment. But I have a question: does anyone have a TV?
The silver lamp (?) in your living room is a true beauty. I want to invade this space by reading at the window seat, then sitting on the couch with a vodka tonic! Beautiful!
i love seeing the wide variety of apartments in this contest! personally, i don't really want the prize to go to someone with a "finished" apartment, with all the $$$$ in the world to decorate with someone else's taste (ie: store designers). they certainly wouldn't profit from the prize the most.
this apartment is fresh, ORIGINAL, and full of the owners' style.
I adore your bedroom. I want to take a nap in it now.
Fantastic design! Before I read what you did with the kitchen area, I thought it was wallpaper. I'd PAY to be a dinner guest at your place.
Oh, it's lovely - very good style - creative and fashionable.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for your success.
Wish you all the best.
very nice, i cant even imagine jili belongs this beautiful apartment wish u all the happiness...
Love love love this apartment. I hope you guys win the competion.
I am obsessed with the Egg prints does anyone know the name of the artist???????
Best wishes from London!
is it too late to ask what yellow the paint is? it's such a warm, homey and elegant shade of it.
maybe if they win (which looks promising) well get more details.
a demain.
Hakarl, big apologies for the redundancy there -- just saw your post which answers my (little late in the game) question. I've jotted it, "brilliant orange" at HD.
Brilliant job! best!
Great looking small space! Could you please email me outside of this site? I'm interested in putting your apartment in my publication.
Elaine
hi elaine
thanks for your interest in our apartment. unfortunately i don't have your contact info. please send me an email at: hakarl_bee@hotmail.com
thanks
karen --
the signature on the prints is hard to read, but i think the artist is Kenneth Walker. they are numbered silkscreens dated 1970.
hope that helps
hakarl
wow you guys really have a beautiful apartment--want to use your prize money to help me redo my place? just kidding! Bold, fearless, and yet quite cozy homey as well-hawdya do it?
i disagree about the coffee table--it would clog the flow of the space. it's perfect as is.
good luck!!
I hope this post isn't too late. I LOVE this apt., especially the bedroom. Creating a clothes "closet" with discarded "junk" mirrored doors is genius. I'm also looking for ideas for my small space, and the more inventive, the better. Your space makes me wanna run out and start looking for other people's "junk".
I love the bold use of color in this apartment. It is both unexpected and fresh. I also like the contrast between the bold yet sleek living room and the sophisticated chic black and white bedroom. I admire your use of color and your ability to balance without going overboard. Also, the fearlessness and departure from convention of the all yellow living room wall is just great, most would have been tempted to offset the trim in another color. You did the opposite and it worked out just great.
How did you make the headboard? Is that fabric? Please let me know! I love your space! Mary
I love the mirror in your entryway. Where did it come from?
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