apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

is there some sort of covering that goes on the shelves/closets? i can definitely see how organized you guys are, and thats great, but some sort of door/fabric covering would be great - and more aesthetically pleasing.

the more i see these the more i realize why i live in brooklyn - i would tear my boyfriends eyes out in this space - but its really nice. good job.

i like it. great use of space. it feels very liveable because of all the closet spaces. may not seem the most imaginative, but i think it works well and looks good.they have certainly given a lot of thought on how to place everything.

very very tasteful. QUESTION: who makes the wall-mounted walnut drawer to the left of the television?

"A" for efficient use of the space!

I agree with Ann about covering the closets, both esthetically and to protect your stuff. Especially if Lucy the Dog is as relentless as Chico the Cat.

WOW. This is a lesson on how to live with less. I could almost do it (I live in your neighborhood with about 100 more sq.ft.) but I have a table and chairs that just wouldn't fit.

Are you sure this is ALL your stuff? Really all of it? You don't rent a storage room somewhere?

It's just beautiful, though, nothing is crammed in anywhere, everything is up off the floor, there is a place for everything...it's perfect. The closet in the bedroom is gorgeous. I want it. It all looks so clean. This is quintessential Manhattan living.

Now I want to redo my apartment and throw out half the stuff I own. And I don't have a lot!

Jonathan--
Pretty sure it's Atlas Modular, link provided in the favorite resources.

I love this apartment! There is something about it that just makes me feel like I could move right in, the perfect combination of modern and clean but also really comfortable. Well done! I'm really impressed in how efficient (and beautifully) you handled the daunting task of no closets!

Can you tell me more about the modular shelving in the living room area? I especially like the wall mounted drawer and shelving for the television, brilliant! Before I spend almost $2,000 on a media cabinet I think I would prefer this solution.
I think it's fantastic and I would really love to find something like that for my apartment. The television just hides right in there even though it's big and I think this is a really great example of a small at home computer area that is really well done and does not feel out of place at all.

Well done! And really cute dog. : )

Um, there is still a considerable amount of "stuff" here that I can see...

my apologies, i just noticed that you provided the source for the shelving at the very top of your post. thanks! : )

I love it. Even the uncovered closets, which is something I've considered doing from time to time, though I wonder if doing the same with modular shelving wouldn't appear less heavy, as well. You are clearly very organized, and that's a wonderful thing. What are the little white "fences" in the closet drawer?

Do you have a photo hobby? I notice the small camera on tripod in the window and wonder if the photos on the wall are your own. If so, kudos for surrounding yourself in images of your own making. I really feel that your "eye" and attention to detail comes through. (I imagine you intentionally grabbed the verdant image on the TV.)

Even your beautiful dog is cute, which I am sure will be much commented upon.

This place is great. The picture of your bed is wonderful.

What color is the wall with the three frames in the first pic?

everything has a place and every place a thing

http://www.issdesigns.com/Gallery%20Wall%20Units.htm

I love the open closet, and I really like your apartment. Every room feels complete/all its own, yet there is a nice continuity and flow. I am not drooling over the modular shelving, but I think it works great in your space. Well done!

King Charles Spaniel?

I can't believe that I'm loving this so much, since I usually can't bear closets to be that open, but it's so obscenely tidy and ideal-looking that I really, really like it a lot.

I also like the bedroom. The stripe of paint that matches the width of the bed is VERY good.

I could not live with this floorplan (kitchen via bedroom, bath via kitchen?!), but you've done a great job of coping with its contraints.

Too much open storage for me though.

Was a mantel and/or fireplace removed? There is a ghost on the wall -- and nothing in that spot.

The storage space really fits your own items. It really takes more time every day to keep a small apartment livable, and two of you have done this admirably!

Where do you eat?

I love how organized the pantry area is! Looks very "happy." How difficult is that modular stuff to install? Would it be usable by renters? Love the cool serenity of the bedroom--what is the art above the bed?

This isn't a comment on the owners of this apartment in particular, but seeing their side chair made me realize that I'm starting to feel some of the classic modern furniture designs are cliche...probably because I see so much of it here!!! I never would think that if I was in someone's "real" life apartment! I must be going into apartmenttherapy overload. I have to say I really like the pendant lamp here--I've seen it before and thought "I really think that would be ugly..." but I like it here...

Love the apartment! it's very you!!!! i recognize the piece above your bed!
very nice!

Looking at all of these entries, I am a really big fan of the exposed closets. Closets CAN be beautiful--I find it inspiring to see all of your shirts and shoes and suitcases at once. And as an extra benefit, I'll bet having all of that on display makes one more likely to organize and reduce when necessary.

I love the way everything in your house is organized. Just looking at it makes me feel more productive.

i didn't even notice that about the floor plan. that would definitely make me nutty...but i still think you have done a fantastic job with this apartment.

I don't think the closets have to be covered. As long as you have everything folded nicely in your closet, it should be okay aesthetically speaking, but covering them up with fabric wouldn't hurt either.

My biggest question about all the entries is whether or not the tenents can actually keep their apartments as immaculate as they look in the pictures, but this place just looks like it's always clean and organized. Kudos to you indeed!

Wow, another finalist in my opinion. Love the rug in the living room! Where'd ya get it? Also love the modular shelves in that room.

Wow, this is so organized, it's aspirational! I love it!

Plus, doggie is pretty cute. I wish I could keep my closet that organized., and I love the bedroom, especially the blinds.

Lucy & Co.: Don't be too hasty to move. You've done a gorgeous job making an apartment in which it's possible to live a grown-up life. You know: one that includes a working wardrobe and a spot for a serious computer.

As much as I love many of those charming, funky little flats in the running, I remember just how hard it was to live in small rental spaces where there was no place to hang your clothes, let alone iron them.

But your apartment looks as if it's comfortable, which I think is the single most important quality in any living space. Even more impressive is that you've done it without renovations or built-ins.

Good luck in the competition and I hope you win.

By far the best entry in this contest - you have managed to efficiently maximize a tiny space while not sacrificing the aesthetic appeal AND doing it all with a personal flair for design!

You have done such a great job of making a the very best out of a difficult and extremely tight space! Beautiful!

As an architect licensed in both Chicago and Boston and having lived in apartments in both of these pocketbook-raiding cities, I understand what it is to adjust your lifestyle to be able to live in such a small space and to attempt to design a solution that makes living there more pleasnt, however, my attempts were never nearly as successful as Lucy's Love Shack. The marriage of clean lined contemporary furniture and palate of neutral colors maximizes the light in this small space. I also appreciate the open closets and keeping things neat and organized. By exposing the things of our everyday life, we are forced to live more neatly and efficiently and it is abundantly clear that these two do, and do so very effectively. This solution receives an A+ in my book. I could move right in and never feel as though I were compromising anything. Hands down, my top pick!

I love it! It's clean and beautiful too...

Something was removed in that living room wall... makes me wonder what it was! Fireplace?

I love the exposed closets. Love the bedroom. LOVE the living room!

I too am curious where you eat. And yet, as I wonder that, I look at my table as it gathers dust. When I lived with my ex, we ate at the table all the time. By myself, I eat in front of the TV as I get my news/info fix.

Just to confirm, are you closets from ISS? I looked through their website but didn't see the modular enclosures. If not, where?

And that Atlas shelving system is gorgeous. I must not have been reading AT when that got plugged, so thanks for linking to it. At last, solid wood shelves (with a price to match)!

I don't mind exposed closets, so that's not a dealbreaker for me.

Looks very nice, I would move there in a hot minute!

Wonderful what you did with the space. I have always dreaded living in Manhattan because of the space issue, so I mostly stick to Brooklyn. However, looking at your space it shows me (1) You do not need 1000sqf to have a stylish decorated home, and (2)Everyone needs a little Lucy in their apartment, she definatley is the selling piece..oh and lets not forget the closets!!

Speaking of closets to Elizabeth, it looks like they have designed and built their closest space themsleves, I belive they mentioned that in their intro, but definatley the shelving in the living room is from Atlas!

Beautiful. I have to wonder though - when you leave, does your landlord keep the beautiful closets?

Simple, clean storage solution. One of the best so far.

I think in the main living area, too much is "linear" for me (rails, legs, shelves, etc.)... I'd like to see something with "mass" and "shape" to counterbalance. At least one piece of "furniture" to counter all the "shelving."

Perhaps I am just reacting this way since the photos skew toward the installed storage, and perhaps the actual space is experienced in a different way.

And, although I seriously applaud the commitment to storage and the ingenious use of installed storage product/solutions, this looks to me like a "storage space" (albeit beautifully handled) that you live in, versus a home where things are stored (if that makes any sense).

rr--
If the hallway solutions are California Closets, they are indeed good to go when they move.

Now that I've taken a second look at this apartment (I've been obsessing about it all afternoon), there are a few things that don't seem right to me...

1. dog hair in the closet (and on the clothes). there is no way to avoid this without a curtain to cover it.

2. no side tables or table lamps in the living room. is that one pendant the only light source at night? and do they just put stuff they're carrying on the floor when they sit down?

3. where do they put their towels and all their other bathroom things? there doesn't seem to be any bathroom storage. maybe I'm just higher maintenance than they are, but I definitely need a third of a closet for that stuff.

These are not criticisms. This apartment is a remarkable example of how to live cleanly in a small space, and I'm just wondering how all the details come together. Like how do you have open shelving and not have the cords to the tv show (how'd they do that, anyway?)

One word: gorgeous.
Gorgeous space
Gorgeous balance
Gorgeous lighting
Gorgeous photos
Gorgeous Lucy

Will you come to London and design my flat? Once I get it? A+ as Pat said. Love it.

I couldn't live with that kitchen/bath set-up but it's a great place. I love the cafe au lait color and the lavender so much I think I'd prefer the whole rooms painted out.

I would love to know where the "closet" shelving came from.

Absolutely beautiful and efficient. Great job!!

What's with those strange designer chairs everyone has? The black/metal one. They're outrageously priced and I don't know why. Besides that, cool digs.

Great, you guys, now I'm obsessed over atlas shelving...

Sharon,
I have dogs and an open clothes closet
(not quite as lovely as this one)
and dog hair is not a problem.
No shower curtain deployed...

now . .
Atlas shelving stampede!
: )

This makes me hate myself (I mean my closet) and all the ugly things hidden deep inside. My other personality (I mean the rest of my apartment), the part I show to the world, is evenly spaced and neurotically organized by color (with pretty wooden hangers.)

But a serious question to the designers out there:
Does not having a covering on the closet make the space feel lighter and more open? Or busy?

Similar question relates to the open-ended shelves in the living room: Does it feel more cluttered seeing all the varying book sizes and edges? Or would closed bookshelves seem to take up more space?

I do applaud what you've done with this apartment very much, by the way.

Very impressive. Excellent job organizing your space. I love your view outside of your living room window. Great clutter free environment. Lovely.

Nice job. :)

christine, i know, i'm completely obsessed with the shelving as well and spent a good portion of the afternoon trying to design something as a media area that might look like this entry. it is pretty expensive though, so i'm not sure whether or not i can swing it. but is it ever beautiful!

Beautiful and efficient use of such limited space! Makes me want to get out of Ohio and move right in! Love the dog-looks just like one I know

Holy Cow! This makes my family realize that we have way way Way too much stuff! I'll bet that you feel much better when you walk into your gorgeous little apartment than we do when we walk into our four bedroom house. Less certainly is more.We think that your storage system/closet is great, and how extremely impressive that you designed and built it yourself to meet your needs. I'm sure that it helps you to stay organized and to only keep those clothes, shoes, etc. that you REALLY wear. There are those of us with giant walk-in closets who keep items that we have not worn in 5 years just because we can manage to cram them onto some hidden shelf. My family agrees that your little living space deserves an A+++, and coming from two teachers, that's impressive. Lucy definitely helps with the sweetness factor, too.

Amazing! Great use of space. I love the look and feel. By far, my favorite.

Absolutely amazing use of the space. You built the closets yourself, no? Now, if you wanted ME to design your place, I could do my thing and place an old, industrial air conditioner in the middle of the room, pile up so old magazines all around, and waste space and you'd be set to look like other New York apartments:) This is phenomenal and the best finalist I've seen. Awesome job. 371 sq. feet!!!!???? You have a talent for photography too...it looks bigger because of all of the efficiency AND because of your camera.

christina, yeah, I was on their little virtual creation thing this afternoon too....which is why I'm doing work (uh, or posting here) at 10 at night! A little (okay, a lot) out of my price range!!

I loved the muted colors in combination with the linearity of your space. It is apparent that you live a hectic life and therefore have a need for a degree of order and tranquility in your home. I'll bet that you have used many of the principles of feng shui in your spaces. In particular the book of love on your nightstand, the red flowers in the corner and soft lighting...a love nest to be sure. Your closets rock. I've got way too much stuff. You've inspired me to live more simply. Next life maybe. Love what you've done.

I like the bedroom, the bedroom closet (?!) and the view to the street but nothing else seems spectacular. It's a nice apartment but not a great apartment.

This one is great. Any chance I could sublet if/when you move out? No harm in asking.

christine, it's a lot out of mine as well! i spent a good hour or two trying to rationalize it but it's just too much. i bookmarked the atlas site for another few years down the road, so inspiring! : )

You guys are incredibly neat and clutterfree people. Really admire that. But I'm just wondering, is it REALLY possible to be THIS neat all the time?

I might be able to straighten up a room for company or a photo shoot, but never in a million years would I be able to maintain this look all the time. Even the different types of pastas are lined up neatly and standing at attention in their glass canisters.

Very good use of space. Soothing and calm because everything is in its place.

And Wende, yes, that stylish black/stainless steel chair(maker? excuse my ignorance) is definitely closing in on the race against the Eiffel Tower.

I like how and where you placed the Asian chest/suitcase below the TV.

And of course, the closet is simply impeccable.

I agree all the nice things about the apartment, feels to me like a soft porn affect a furniture catalogue can have over me

I've been thinking about this space since I saw it earlier this morning. Not only that, I've been much neater in my tasks, and I feel more organized than usual! Such artful neatness seems to give off lots of energy to its observers!

One of the elements that I'll bet increases the sense of space is that wall area that remains unused except for the three pictures hanging on it. That really screams Space! I love it. It also ain't bad that the window seems to look out on the entrance to a lovely old church. Tres European, and sets off the modernity of the apartment.

I, too, wonder how it is that you don't have a single electrical wire showing anywhere. Oof, they're the bane of the neatest arrangements.

Also wonder where you put the things you bring about with you--dishes, glasses, books, mail, etc. On the floor?

I am now going to power-straighten my closet. . . .

Au

We love it - when can we come visit? :)

Hi Eric & Ilana, Fantastic Space!

I agree with the others above and when you read this, can you please reply with more information? I'm so curious to hear the answers to the questions asked above and to hear more from you about your space. Thank you! Heather A.

Not a fan of NYC apartments, but you have made this seems cozy and livable. Not sterile or dreary like most others... I'm still not moving from Long Island though!

Looks great! Go wireless and you can free up that desk area for even more room!

lovely...where did you get the window coverings for your bedroom?

I thought my 700 sq. ft. apt. here in Tampa was just barely livable. Wow! You guys hve done a great job with the space. I'm not that organized. I have no shelving in the apt., so everything takes up space on the floor. However, I don't plan on staying long. Good luck to you both. I hope you win.

jack

What a beautiful space! You two have made such a small apartment completely livable! I am very impressed. Every part of it feels clean. I love the lines and use of space. Thanks for inviting me in since I've never been able to visit when I'm in town!!

love the built in storage space, nice job!

What an amazing and functional use of space with alot of creative organizational and decorative talent!!! It's obvious that many hours have gone into making this a great home for you and Lucy!!!!!I love Lucy!!!!

You both have an incredible talent. Each time I look back at the photo's I am in awe! It is remarkable to me how you have utilized your limited space in such a beautiful and functional way. I would love to come and visit. Unfortunately I tend to over pack so I am quite certain I may have to postpone my visit. I do think a tiny bassinet would comfortably fit nicely near the wall next to the bed. Just a suggestion. You may have started a new trend. I think I will remove all closet doors immediately. Hopefully this will force me to maintain my closet space as organized and eye appealing as yours. I am quite certain you have both made your mother's very proud! I absolutely LOVE what you have done with such limited space. And Lucy is as beautiful as the love shack she is so fortunate to reside in!

I can't think of a greater way to leave the hectic
pace of life in the big city, than to come home to your calm, serene, and very inviting apartment. Do you do any freelance decorating on the side? If so, consider yourselves hired ! Our Boston Terrier was wondering If Lucy is free for dinner Saturday evening?

An awesome use of space. Your home looks like a peaceful refuge from the hectic, fast paced city outside. **You make me ashamed of the clutter in my 1700sq ft townhouse. I'm going to clean my closets right now.

To Heather A...and others who asked great questions in the preceding comments.

1. We intentionally left most of our "stuff" visible because it forces discipline. Our apartment rarely looks quite as clean and perfect as in the photos, but we do stay organized. No hiding places for junk to accumulate!

2. Living Room shelving is from Atlas: www.atlaseast.com

3. Bedroom closets were designed and built by us over a long weekend before we moved in - using about $500 in simple wood and fastener supplies. The design challenge was to build something using only three tools: power screwdriver, a jigsaw, and a tape measure. That's it! The entire system is only attached to the wall with 4 small "L" brackets, so everything is easily demountable and ready for relocation.

4. The Bedroom shelving was intentionally sized to fit the modular width of IKEA 'PAX' cabinets. We bought a few of their shallow drawer units which you can see in photos. They slide out and are really deep - great for ties, belts, hats, jewelry, etc.

5. The little white "fences" are shallow woven baskets. Interesting question!

6. The bedroom curtain is actually a linen "Noren" we picked up in our travels. They are used in traditional Japanese doorways.

7. The chair everyone is commenting on is called the Wassily Chair, designed by Marcel Breuer (architect of the Whitney Museum) in the 1920s and it still looks very modern. It's a timeless design, which is why so many people like it.

8. Pendant light is a modular design that can be assembled to many shapes/sizes. From Denmark: www.iqlight.com

9. Carpet is a FLOR tile design we created. Cheap and easily replacable if one gets dirty. Available at DWR or direct from www.interfaceflor.com

10. We've considered several tables for the living area, but horizontal surfaces tend to get covered in small apartments. So we're still looking for something that can be easily pulled out when needed. We also need to keep a place open for Lucy to play and us to stretch out!

11. Cable management. The red box below the TV conceals a power strip, but the shelves are spaced close together so you really can't see any wires. At the computer desk area, we use a wireless mouse and keyboard (stored in the thin drawer); the network router and modem are under the bed which removes a lot of cable from the visible areas.

12. We mounted the monitor directly to the wall which frees up some additional work space.

13. Dog hair generally isn't a problem since vaccuuming wood floors is quick and easy.

14. And most importantly...yes, Lucy is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (long name for a little dog)!


Hope this helps - thanks so much for the overwhelming level of interest in our tiny little place! If we are fortunate enough to be a finalist, then we will post some more details...until then, keep the comments coming!

eric & ilana,

thanks for this information! your home really stands out and i hope that you make it to the finals as well. really nice job. and lucy is adorable! lucy and that beautiful black cat in another post are my favorite furry smallest/coolest inhabitants so far!

good luck!

HEY ERIC AND ILANA++YOU APARTMENT IS ABSOLUTLY FABULOUS. I VOTED FOR YOU AND I HOPE YOU WIN!!! CHLOE WANTS TO KNOW WHEN SHE CAN PLAY WITH LUCY.RO

a lot of style for such a little space...I'd move in! your apartment is my absolute favorite...

Extra points for have so little space to work with. Organization and efficiency is a must in a space like this. Good job!

Bedroom gets an A plus for use of color, materials, and sense of space and calm. The rest is impressively designed, but not practical for most people (who are not so organized). Regarding the dog breed, dogs are not designer items. Please adopt from your local shelter or animal rescue group! Please!

I forgot one thing. I used to like "The Chair", but now that I've seen it in maybe half of these apartments, I am sick to death if it. Funny how that works.

Sharon, it is painfully clear that you are "higher maintenance." Higher than anyone can bear, in fact.

Pat, how do you know that they DIDN'T rescue or adopt her?

And who said they have her for ornamentation?

Man...torques me off...

Back to design, anyone?

Jean, who lives with 2 cats (one essentially a dog), both largely purebred, and adopted.

This is incredible!!! I would move there in a minute!! I have too much stuff...thanks for reminding me that less is more! I love the bedroom design and Lucy in the LR fits in perfectly!

Are you related to my daughter, Rebekah? The design is amazing and I love it! The dog is so cute!

Donna

"Wow"

amazing style and design just love it susan

Eric and Ilana,
Quite creative,contemporary and yet comfortable. I would not guess it only 371 sf! You've made great use of what space you have. I think it clever to leave the closet open-goes with the open pantry, open dish shelves, openm entertainment area and overall feel of the place. Good luck. You have my vote!

Pat,

There is nothing wrong with a wellbred dog (different from a purebred dog). One gets a wellbred dog so that they know what they are getting (e.g., shedding, temperment, excercise needs, size). We got a mini-schnauazer, because my wife is allergic to dogs that shed. It was either that or no dog. I hope you don't have a problem with that.

At the pound, you're not really sure if you are getting a lab-cocker mix or a lab-great dane mix. This could be a big difference for an apartment dweller. For others, it' not. If you're not picky about the qualities of your dog, then the pound is the place to go.

Where people really shouldn't get dogs is pet stores and backyard breeders, which generally carry the same thing: poorly- or over-bred dogs.

Later..

Jon B, I won't even dignify..
Why, Cornflake, do you insult Sharon, when she asked very pertinent design questions? This contest is about arranging a small space to make it usable and beautiful. If "beautiful" conflicts with "usable" (i.e., no storage in the bathroom), it does not work. I do bathroom design, and it's all about practicality. If you don't have a place to put towels, toothpaste, shampoo, Prozac, etc., the space is not well-designed. It's that simple. BTW, I don't consider an open closet a successful design because a closet is by definition a closed space. I don't consider this design a "solution" for storage, so it is very much on-subject if I comment on it. Same thing with Sharon's questions. (And as a matter of taste, who wants to look at clothing hanging there?)

Pat seems bent on the idea of sidetracking the generally positive commentary with his own snide and counter-constructive criticism. He's bitter, and feels compelled to repeatedly visit this entry to register his condescending POV. What's the point..to come back to this site time and again to log a negative vote and leave a mean spirited comment? (rhetorical question, no need to answer that, please)

The aim of this contest is to find creative solutions to challenging spatial constraints. This apartment does that, clearly. The description specifically calls it a "storage wall" - distinctly not a "closet". Contrary to Pat's declaration, this is indeed a "solution" because it clearly "solves" very specific storage needs.

I doubt that Pat's attitude is what the folks at AT had in mind when they launched this contest. Let's not further "dignify" these types of rude comments.

Pat,
If you read other AT posts from Sharon, you will see that she thinks people who don't wear shoes in their houses are lazy slobs who can't be bothered to clean their unkempt homes. She, on the other hand, scrubs her floors twice a week to keep clean in "this filthy city". So yeah, I'm sticking with Sharon's self-proclaimed label of being high maintenance.

After reading your posts, I can see that it is time for you to get off your high horse as well.

Hi Eric & Ilana,

I thought I had posted in this space's comments but I haven't heard from you & am not seeing a post from me here...

Anyway, we'd like to talk to you about, "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.

The closet alone is worth being a Top3 pick. I love that closet!

Highly creative and masterfully efficient. The blending of clever use of the space and integrity of design is incomparable. Windows and light dance through this zig-zag rectangle to give it movement and breathing room. I have seen closets in guest bedrooms that are more spacious than this entire apartment, yet the photos impart what I imagine to be a completely enjoyable environment. Best of luck. If you have time, I would like to hire you to organize my 2,700 square foot basement. And once that's done, I'll have you work on the rest of my choatic existence.

Wow, you guys have done an AMAZING job with 371 sq ft. Is that really all your stuff, why do I continue to collect "stuff"? I must take a lesson from the two of you. BTW I love the dog too!

Jackie

hi

this is sruthi. Actually i want to design my 1700sq.ft. flat can u please suggest me with a good design as soon as possible.

thank u

being a slightly obsessive compulsive person, i'm quite impressed with the tidyness and "everything-has-its-place" policy. well done.

how do you keep your house free from dog hair?