Name: James
Location: New York, NY
Size: 608 s/f one bedroom
Favorite resource:
sample and warehouse sales. And Elfa closet shelving which doubled our storage capacity.
What inspired you?
To move to a neighborhood we love, we gave up a 900 SF apartment across town for this 600 SF perch. And while the broker’s ad offered the promise of a Soho penthouse, what this place really was was a fairly claustrophobic-feeling and inefficient, cookie-cutter apt.
...But the potential to transform it seemed obvious, at least to me (most days). And it has been fun seeing the ways that knocking out a few steel doorframes and a new wall opening between the two main rooms has created more light and views and a dramatic new sense of space. We also added an amazing amount of hidden storage, as well as a nice showcase for favorite art photography. I encourage fellow shoe-box apartment owners to “try this at home.”
Design Tip:
replacing standard height interior doors with doors on pivot hinges that extend from floor to ceiling makes your ceilings seem higher, adds a clean look, and gives the entire room a more generous feel.
EXTRA:
Caption for “livingroomfacingwindow.jpg”: Low-cost bookcases were painted charcoal to “disappear,” and slide freely side to side on felt pads under a fixed window shelf; so the A/C unit is hidden in winter, the radiator in summer. This was repeated in the BR. Marcel Wanders sofa. I hope to add a Saarinen Womb Chair is on the LIV RM.
Caption for “LisaKeresziphotosatRightTVatLeft.jpg”: When you enter the apartment, a pair of Lisa Kereszi prints really pop against a charcoal wall that used to sport a homely closet door. The dark wall and floors are offset by an all white kitchen. You then discover the burnt red plane of color that is a continuous wrap around the apartment’s center wall. Knoll D’Urso table moves on casters when friends come for dinner.
Caption for “barndooratBRLIV.jpg”: How could 36” change everything? Here a new three-foot wide opening did. The new passage along the bank of windows is a very simple yet high-impact change, bringing a sense of spaciousness and freedom of movement that was badly needed. The barn door I had made, mirrored on both sides and framed in wood, and is perfect for the BR dressing area (open or closed), and when closed creates privacy for overnight guests, or simply reflects Downtown and sunset views. The DWR bed was worth every penny! Foreground photo by Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz at one of the two new favorite desks.
Caption for “marblecounterandProuvechair.jpg”: Staining the light honey colored parquet floor ebony made them disappear, and maybe added a bit of lux, too. Over the counter is a double exposure of the Brooklyn Bridge and Trade Towers by Joel Greenberg. Photos, including Kereszi’s Governors Island bus stop image, on floating mount, are hung low to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
Caption for “kitchen.jpg”: The kitchen was completely reconfigured. The odd angle made an efficient layout tough, as did a low drop ceiling that served no purpose except to create an unhappy space. I paired IKEA cabinets with Carrera marble, and picked up all the appliances at sample sales at huge discount. The peninsula is extra wide to allow back to back base cabinets and comfortable bar seating.
OPTIONAL: “halltobath.jpg”: All eight 6’8” steel door frames were removed and replaced with full-height doors on pivot hinges. 18” of ceiling height in the bath were reclaimed by removing a useless drop ceiling (don’t be afraid to poke a few holes to see if this is an option)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Nice, love the orange accent wall.... The marble in the kitchen is nice as well, although I don't envy all the maintenance it requires.
This is definitely one of my favorites. It's functional, it's stylish, it's not (completely) minimal. It's also got 'real people' things in it like a big TV, a little IKEA here and there, and paper towels smack out there for everyone to see.
Great idea with the pivot doors, I've always like that look and your mirrored door is functional and fun.
Great great job to you both.
wow, i've just been pondering this exact same color scheme for my new apartment (orange, chocolate, parchment, blue), this is definitely going to help fortify my decision. i really like this.
Great space! Please share how you built that looooong work surface next to the windows. I love it and envy you all that work area!
Simply put, this is the best design layout for the space and having the work space looking out the windows is brilliant. Great choices on the kitchen. Resale value will be very good with those elegant lines.
Love it.
(Stunning!) first pic seems different from the rest, so my only note would be "more of the same drama from Pic 1 in the rest of the space."
Love the kitchen choices, and how you've activated the edges of this spcae without feeling like evrything is around the edges, if that makes any sense.
Not knowing much about AV equipment, I'd love to know how you mounted and cantilevered your TV. I have a cable box, a VCR, and a DVD Player. That's a lot of wires sticking out of the back of my Sony 26" Flat LCD. Is there any easy way to, I don't know.. bunch them up together and hide them, even with a cantilevered mount like this?
Carin:
You can buy swivel wall mounts at most electronics stores. Be warned, they aren't cheap. For somethign that is on an arm and swivels out from the wall, expect to pay >$300 (IIRC) for this type of mount.
Carin:
I stand corrected. For something your size, click on the link in my name to see an example of one that is only $150.
So Urbane FAB!
really, really well done.
Clean and modern without being stark.
I would feel comfortable and at home here. Nice collection of furniture.
You mentioned replacing the standard height doors with floor-to-ceiling doors on pivot hinges, too bad you can't see them in the photos.
Is there any window coverings in this apartment?
Very nice. This would be my place.
This looks very spacious and clean. I can not see the small space challenge, however. Thank you for sharing your space.
Very cool - love the shiny surfaces in the kitchen with the sparkly light. Great photo showing reflection into the bedroom and warm, inviting rugs throughout.
Wow, I'm so jealous. It's one of my favorites so far.
What is the kitchen wall color?
More info on the hinged doors please, can't see them!
I really like the structural work you've put into it. That's what does it for me.
So nice, I love what you have done with the floors and think that the refrigerator is just dreamy, as is the shade of blue on the walls next to it. I love the desk/storage area and how you carried it in to the next room--it really works and creates so much useful space without it seeming disjointed. I'm definitely going to remember that tip for when I have a place of my own. Looks like you've turned it into the beautiful Soho penthouse you read about.
oh dang- all these entries (on both coasts) are getting better and better- going to be a tough one to decide!- i have these colors in my space too- but i love your use of the light marble with that blue-
perhaps needing to incorporate that somehow- LOVE the workspace in front of the window too!!
I love the never-ending desk. Excellent idea.
Great solid structural undertaking and beautiful furniture choices.
I, too, would love to see the pivoted doors.
A question: the two art pieces at the foyer look lit, but I don't see any light source pointing to them; is it just an effect of the camera flush or you used some clever device?
Johnatan (yes, where's Jonathan lately?), take a note: those wall-to-wall worksurfaces are exactly the answer to your niche/desk question. I mean, structurally; you can change colors/materials, of course.
I love the double base cabinets under the peninsula - that is an excellent storage solution for a small space. Very elegent, modern and warm. I ditto the group on loving the wide work space.
What a lovely, lovely apartment. Very masculine which is rather refreshing. The marble is wonderful, and the fridge is sleek and pretty. I suppose I would meekly suggest those floodlights over the kitchen look like they are supposed to be outside or for a garage...they stand out as a tad crude and should be replaced. They only stand out because the rest is so nice.
I have been gone for a couple of days. Work has been sodomizing me with a delightful melange of intensity and abject failure, so it's nice to come home and look at AT.
The work surface is great, Nat. I have called BoConcept three times, Room & Board twice, and my local glass guy four times...I am stressing over my desk surface should be glass or veneered walnut. I am thinking about it constantly. The woman at BoConcept (the Madison Avenue location) asked if I was "off my meds".
I can't handle the stress anymore.
Is this place for sale?
There have been so many great entries this year. This one makes me happy. Elegant, cool, and clever functionality too. The photography is fly. The sliding room divider is awesome. Yes, add that Womb Chair and kick back and enjoy the place! Keep innovating.
I looked at all the pictures, read through all the comments, looked at the pictures again, and still can't quite see what I'm missing that everyone else sees. Yes, the lines of the place are clean, the colors are fine, the layout is terrific. But there are no personal items anywhere. No desk items on the desk, no cooking items on the kichen counters. It doesn't feel homey. The shell is beautiful, but it needs a few tchotchkes.
very very nice.
Jonathan, poor stressed soul, didn't I tell you to write to me directly about different options?
From the top of my head: try looking at *decorative surfaces* @ Architectural Systems (http://www.archsystems.com/brand.jsf?brand=Decorative)
Or you could google "fossil studios" and get manufacturer of thick colored resin surfaces where they embed computer chips and such ("future fossils")...
Or there is a company in Canada who produce stunning boards made of aluminum foam, lightweight, porous, highly textural - and they could cover it in colored resin.
You have tons of options, Jonathan.
(oh and my name it Tat, from Tatyana - not Nat, from Natalie)
While I appreciate how much careful planning went into this apartment, it is so symmetrical and calculated that I find it boring and uninviting. Looks like an architect lives here. There's no joie de vivre!
Contest aside, I would love to see "Before/After" shots of this space, if available.
Tat - many thanks - by the way I did write you from my yahoo account promptly. Did you not receive it? I do know it's Tat, that was an unfortunate typo. Yet another error in a miserable week.
I really like that you have workstations along your windows. I personally feel very inspired when facing a window to work; I like maintaining a connection to the outside world without actually BEING outside - you know? Just sitting near an open window in the summer is energizing. When I had my workstation facing a wall, I felt lonely - like it was just me and my monitor against the world. Now that I've positioned my workstation near a window, I simply need to glance to my left to see trees and hear birds, sights and sounds that are essential to my sanity. Not to mention natural lighting, what would we do without it?
It appears as though your art is installed much lower than I'm accustomed to seeing. Do you have any comments on what inspired this?
Very nice floor plan. Lovely furniture and bed frame. I would consider birch, maple, or bamboo storage with doors or a roll front cabinet beneath the workstations to polish things up a bit. You may be able to find something affordable at IKEA if you're on a budget. Something like this only without the legs...
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15600&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=47987&langId=-1&parentCats=15600*16146*16149
Your space is lovely though!!!
Best,
Holly
I think it's great. What I don't understand are the complaints that there's no junk scattered around. I'm a firm devotee of stuff, but this apartment is pletny inviting and homey without having items piled around. Part of the challenge in living in a small space is making room for storage.
I looked at all the pictures, read through all the comments, looked at the pictures again, and still can't quite see what I'm missing that everyone else sees.
ditto. i didn't say anything bc i didn't want to come across as rude, but i really do not feel this. not bc it's spare -- there are spare apts in the contest i really admire -- but bc it feels like the objects are random. by random i don't mean bad in themselves or badly situated in the space, but randomly chosen. the second shot esp, the flooring, the marble(?), the wall color, the chairs, the carpet, don't "mesh" to my eye -- they seem force-fit. the flooring and how low the pictures on the wall are set ... "bug" me, i guess there's no other word for it.
but i'm in the minority and
I can't stop looking at this one...I love it. The pictures are hung at a level that makes sense to me; where you can look at them face to face or even sitting down as opposed to gazing up with craned necks as though reverencing something holy. The colors are moody like a cheerful depression at sunset after a long day of white water rafting on the New River. And, of course, the long desk appeals to work-a-holics like me. Everything in this place makes perfect sense.
I live in a condo that I thought was small until checking this website and finding such creative ideas for even smaller sq.ft. Hanging the artwork so much lower on the wall than is traditionally the case makes it easy to enjoy when seated as well as standing. I don't think we take that into consideration much. We walk around our own places a lot, but guests come and we ask them to be comfortably seated; then they have to crane their necks to appreciate the most special items in our decor! And that charcoal color would set off b&w photography equally well with color. GREAT DESIGN!
dreamy, dreamy, dreamy, i love it, i love it. like a foggy day, a walk back from the beach or london's hyde park, + sitting by the fireplace. ahhhhh!!
your art is out of this world, i love it all. ok, i am kinda drunk, and i love these compact, perfect little gem like places, but honey every detail is just right, there is a presence, serenity, and smoldering joy....will you matrry me; ok, i'll calm down + read about it now. i love it.
Saarinen Womb chair yes please!
Jonathan--
I thought we talked to you about blatant self-serving narcissm on contest threads.
Save it for the open threads.
Nobody wants to hear you piss and moan, OR ask for advice, when the spotlight should instead be shining on the contest entrants.
Give it a !%@$@%^ rest.
Note to self: Don't post while cocktailed...
Really lovely and understated. It seems like James' desired aesthetic has been perfectly realized.
E!
I was JUST thinking..."That first pic reminds me of Enrique's place."
Which, James, is high compliment!
"i thought WE talked to you", Patrick? Who the is "we"? Would "we" be you, the inflatable sheep kept by your bedside and the bloated boogeyman of self-importance who sits on your lap? if you ever address me again while you are drunk i'll make you pay for it, dearly.
note to self: cut back on sunday bloody maries
Is James for hire?
NOW THAT YOUR RENOVATION IS COMPLETE, HOW BOUT OVERSEEING MINE?!?!?! YOU HAVE GREAT TASTE--ITS A SHOWPLACE YOU HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF, SINCE I KNOW THE "BEFORE" PICTS!! THE PLACE LOOKS FAB, WELL WORTH THE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO IT, ESPECIALLY LOVE THE THE IDEA OF ELIMINATING THOSE UNSIGHTLY INTERIOR DOOR/DOORFRAME, THEY ARE THE BANE OF MY APT EXISTENCE!!!!
Great project, James! #45
I like this a lot, but what looks like a lovely peackock blue in the kitchen, next to that marble is, for some reason, what I REALLY like.
Actually my most favorite thing is the dazzlingly brilliant way you're hiding your radiator and you air conditioner. That is just genius, no kiddin'. My only question about that would be about whether being under the desk hinders air-flow.
Very, very nice.
I LOVE THIS SITE IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!
Wow! Chic, classy, clever. I love it. Now I want to redo my apartment.
Love this place. I appreciate that it's masculine but I feel like I'd be comfortabe here, anyway. The artwork is phenomenal as is how it is displayed. Chic, simple and elegantly hung. Love the mirrored doors. Still so impressed with how great IKEA cabinets can look with the right ppliances and countertops. I see examples of it done over and over and each time I'm beyond impressed.
Beautiful job! Where did you find your contractor? So glad to finally see the project complete. Gorgeous!!!
Elegant
As a Parisian I am used to small apartments, but I have never seen one renovated as well as this one. I think James should move to Paris and begin a career as a decorator. Tres bien! Congratulations/Felicitations!
I want this apartment. I love it. Its so elegant. Great job.
I am jealous. Great taste in everything, including artwork!
Alas...did I read in your description "privacy for overnight guests"? This apartment is definitely a winner! And the photos are fabulous as well. Love it.
The "royal we." You really had to ask?!
Yes, there's a man on my lap. But he's no boogeyman. ;)
So, we meeting up for cocktails next weekend?
give it a rest queens...
love the apartment!!
Thanks everyone for all of your feedback.
To answer a few questions:
Kitchen wall color: Benj Moore "beau green" 2054-20, courtesy of my friend Jeff Osborne, who is brilliant with color.
Wall-mounted TV cables have since been threaded through a section of PVC pipe inserted vertically inside the plaster wall with openings that remain out of sight behind TV and credenza. It was very easy and cheap to install and looks good.
What look like flood lights in the entry and kitchen are actually translucent acrylic "Atlas" fixtures by Tango. Not for everyone, I guess.
I'd be happy to forward a jpg of the pivot doors if you give me an email address.
Best,
I love this apartment you have given me options.
i love your solution for the desk/radiator/AC. I've been debating what to do on my uglies under my window.
I love the refrigerator. Where on earth do you get a white lacquered refrigerator? And the peacock blue is just lovely as well. The only thing I would change is the orange accent wall. Yecch. I would make that a light blue or a dark lavendar. Orange and brown together are truly the worst of the 1970s. You might consider painting the ceiling in the room as well as the accent wall or wall behind the sofa a light blue. I've found that doing so can open up a room even more. It just feels a tad monotonous having the "white ceiling, colored wall" formula all in a row next to one another. If the white was a bit more sparse, it would pop more. Especially in contrast to the beautiful white in the kitchen.
I love this space. I, who has a hard time picking anything at all to go on my walls, am inspired by the photographs.
I thought the shelves under the desk which move to uncover the heat or the airconditioning as per season were pretty clever. But, don't you get blasted by the heated/cooled air when you sit at the desk?
that's "I, who have"
Simply delicious!
Disagree with Lindenen about orange and brown being a dated combo.
I think in THIS space, it works beautifully.
And I was sooooo over orange after the "I've Got Color" contest.. but still love the way it's handled here.
**still getting over being called a queen by Stephen**
Please notice he said "queens."
Yeah, but "my team" soooo doesn't want to claim Jonathan. ;)
the queen team?
Can we please keep this about this person's apartment and not personal bashing?
Take it to the open thread if you need to.
please--
Teasing, not bashing, but point taken.
And, um, I've made several really positive comments about this beautiful space already.
(Btw, I hope "bashing" is no more at home on the Open Threads than ANYWHERE here on the site.)
I live in what I thought was a tiny house! Yipes- James, you've maximized every inch of space to
create a very livable showcase for "small is better"! Bravo!!! Kris
patrick (the other one)
Sorry about that, I typed too fast and did not check it again, the tone just sounded harsh to me.
I also hope there is NO place for that on this site either. I just felt like attention was being taken away from this fantastic entry. Will reread next time before posting.
please--
No worries! I had a similar reaction to earlier comments on this and another thread myself.
Yes, this entry is a real beeyoot. The more I look, the more I love.
Not sure I could personally work with the cooktop there (on the island, versus over on the kitchen wall), but that's just personal preference (I want my burners and cooking smells as contained as possible).
James'try this at home is done with an artistic eye. The restraint used in the design elements is appealing too.
Pat
The Atlas light does look better close-up:
http://www.tangolighting.com/MasInfo.asp?Item=172
How much did it cost, James?
I like the under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen and the paper lamps. Also you make me not hate orange.
An efficient beautiful solution, the desks most obviously- I'm thinking if I saw the "before" photos I'd be even more impressed.
IF I HAD MONEY I'D BE RIGHT IN THISZ"CONTEST" TOO .MONEY SOLVES ALL SPACE PROBLEMS DOESN'T IT!
Um, no. And sometimes money even creates them.
Fabulous, as to be expected, you two. What a perfect use of the space, esthetically appointed, wonderful saturated clor and art to boot... B
Very mod. Very moody. Very mocha marshmallow. (wha?)
This contest is making me write weird stuff.
I like the individuality of this place. It doesn't go into generic lines at all even though it's very clean. The artwork is really cool--almost looking through windows.
Not very homey to me. Maybe something akin to Mr. Incredible's accommodations on Nomanisan Island, but it's a little sterile. There are a lot of empty, lonely surfaces.
I love the sliding bedroom wall. It's very "Webster secret passage".
I love your apartment. If less is more this is a huge apartment. I love the uncultured look to all the rooms. They are all so inviting. You have great taste with all the furnishings and I especially like the art work. The photos are fab, a definite winner.
Great space! Could James tell me where he got the kitchen table?
Brad
Love the orange colour.
the best working space/desk solutions yet. and it even works for 2!! shelves are movable - can you turn the shelves around for a dressy party?
Dear Bradley:
the white laminate top table is available from Knoll, by Joe D'Urso.
Dear zp:
yes you can. good idea! thanks.
I love your kitchen. What kind of refrigerator is that, and where did you find it? I've been obsessing about the perfect refriegerator, and you have it!
Hey James--
We'd love to talk to you about possibly featuring your space on Small Space Big Style. I didn't realize that I missed posting on this one & I'm not sure if you're still checking this thread...
Anyway, if you are, email us at Smallspaces@brainbox.tv
thanks,
sage.
yes James I too would love to know where that refrigerator came from! Feel free to email me at cslewis@gmail.com if the story is too long for the thread.
The refrigerator is a Sub-Zero 700 TC model that we bought from Bulthaup when they were remodeling their showroom. We wrapped it in IKEA Abstrakt panels.