apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#50 - Vince's High Tech Hideout

Name: Vince R.
Location: Arlington, VA
Size: 610 s/f Studio Condominium

Favorite resource:

Any home or design related website or store!

What inspired you?

The awkward floorplan and bland beige boxiness of my studio condo forced me to think creatively about how to divide the space. I divided the 18 x 15 room into four zones: Living, Sleeping, Office and Gym. To tackle the lack of color, the beige carpet was pulled up and wood flooring put in.

3-28--vince-door-open.jpg

...One of the walls was colored with a textured, grey paint and the adjacent office niche was highlighted in a dark orange. I wanted a way to hide my sleeping area and workout equipment from sight when needed. The room divider was created by utilizing aluminum and glass wardrobe doors from an Ikea wardrobe system. They slide open to access the sleeping and gym areas. The doors are held in place by tension poles from an Ikea shelving system. Theyre screwed into the ceiling but tension holds them into place at the bottom so the floors are left unharmed. Metal shower railing from Home Depot was added to stabilize the structure. Wood panels, cut down to size and stained to match the kitchen cabinets, flank both doors to warm up the room. The frosted glass still lets light in yet hides the bedroom and workout equipment from view when needed. Total cost of materials for the wall = $813.

3-28--vince-sleeping-niche.jpg

The bedroom is cozy and cocoon-like which works perfectly for me. Since the platform bed didn't have a headboard, I took an old table top and mounted it to the wall. On the opposite side of the room is a small gym area. A treadmill and Bowflex, both of which fold up, work well because they take up little space when not in use. Finally, the office area was created by purchasing shelving and a table top and cutting them to fit into the niche.

3-28--vince-theater&office.jpg

Design Tip:

I tend to buy neutral colored furniture and add color through accessories. This way you can always change up the look of your room by changing your accessories.

l3-28--vince-ooking_toward_.jpg

3-28--vince-floor.jpg

Comments (157)

It feels a little bachelor-pady, but I like it.

posted by ana.log on 2006-03-28 14:03:14

Woohoo -- Arlington!!!

And even beyond it being from Arlington, I love it. Great job!

posted by chickpea on 2006-03-28 14:04:52

Oh Vince! You have fulfilled my fantasy Ikea sliding door project! Would you email me off site so I can pester you with questions?

bafanabengal atyahoodotcom

posted by Jennifer on 2006-03-28 14:05:58

very cool, and very smart. most impressive is the glass wall, but the closet turned office is also great.

posted by charlie on 2006-03-28 14:06:44

Just out of curiosity, where do you eat? I don't see a dining table or a suitable counter anywhere...

posted by bubble on 2006-03-28 14:11:58

wow, such a cool way of building those glass doors. along with Jennifer, could you send me more info about the way you put them together?
i love the bachelor pad feel...


catherine212atearthlinkdotnet

posted by catherine on 2006-03-28 14:23:42

bubble: This is a hard-core bachelor pad. I'm guessing he eats at the computer desk, on the run and at restaurants. :D

Vince: Great job on the place! The sliding door you built rules. I wish I had a layout that would accomodate something like that.

posted by Ondrej on 2006-03-28 14:25:30

Inspired use of the IKEA sliders! Love the Flor tiles chosen for the space and the office nook (esp the color).

posted by Enrique on 2006-03-28 14:26:44

i'm also loving your wall. i'm in the midst of getting contractor quotes to build a wall in my loft and have glass inserted at the top -- for way more than $813 -- so THANK YOU. it gives me ideas and i might want to bug you privately, also. good job. one question, are the panes tempered glass or another material?

posted by barbara on 2006-03-28 14:27:39

Szzzzzzexxy!!!

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-03-28 14:27:52

I...

Loooooooove...

this!

posted by michael on 2006-03-28 14:30:16

V- Love the wall, love the furniture, love the TV, and of course the XBOX. "You are over-encumbered" -T

posted by T on 2006-03-28 14:35:50

Count me in on info about the IKEA door/room divider.

posted by marc on 2006-03-28 14:38:00

Excellent. I just put those doors on my wardrobes in my place. Great adaptive use. I like the mix of the DWR with the Ikea. The flor tiles are a really cool addition as well. Great job.

posted by Joey on 2006-03-28 14:39:53

hi, count me in on the sliding door/room divider too. great and stylish low-cost solution! maybe just post info here as i assume you will get a lot more requests for info :)

posted by evan on 2006-03-28 14:55:06

Swanky bachelor pad! Ditto to the posters above on the Ikea room divider! And let me add a bravo to the tabletop headboard and niche office. It's not my style but I'm impressed by what you accomplished

posted by jules on 2006-03-28 15:03:31

me too, me too, me too! love the sliding doors!

Rita

posted by Rita on 2006-03-28 15:04:33

Great ideas! Obviously, the sliding glass, but also the headbord.

I like your hands-on aspect more than the high-tech, but at least your entertainment system is discreet (except for the car image on the TV screen- please tell me that goes away.)

Nice that you have a balcony- but no windows?

posted by Anna on 2006-03-28 15:08:14

That would be headboard.

posted by Anna on 2006-03-28 15:10:10

I too must say.........Arlinton represent!!

posted by carolynapplebee on 2006-03-28 15:11:13

Bachelor pad?? Since when do bachelors keep orchids? :) Space is a little cluttered for me, but nice overall. Great job on the wall.

posted by Scott on 2006-03-28 15:12:46

I love this. Very modern. Very clean. I do mean this as a compliment when I say that it almost seems like, "The hip young filthy rich nano-neuro-surgeon-by-day/international-playboy-by-night doctor will see you now". That wall thing is just out of this world.

posted by Curtis on 2006-03-28 15:20:29

Way to go on fitting in a gym! I could be mistaken, but I think that may be a first.

posted by Christy on 2006-03-28 15:25:15

Love it. Especially the use of reds. They pop.

PLEASE post your sliding-wall how-to info. Well done!!!!! I'd give you cool-points for owning a Mac laptop, but your place is already so cool, you don't need the extra points.

posted by Rob on 2006-03-28 15:26:24

Excellent! The room divider idea caught my eye - great use of an IKEA wardrobe doors.

We'd call you 'wicked smart' up here in Boston. Love your Arlington, VA nest.

Superb! I'm voting Wow! Insta-finalist on this one. A gym, bedroom, office, kitchen, bathroom and living area in such a tight space - Inspiring!

Holly

posted by decor8 holly on 2006-03-28 15:31:26

See? I told you it could be done with Ikea doors.

Well done Vince on your ingenious installation on said doors and achieving a clean modern look without looking too stark. Also like the choice of colors. We have a sectional in a similar shade of grey to yours and have a large rug in a similar shade of red to your cushions.

posted by jamie pup on 2006-03-28 15:31:31

Um, so the assumption is that MARRIED men are the ones with orchids?! :)

And we will need to see several photos of how the home gym is impacting the homeowner's physique.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-03-28 15:32:09


Nice job!

This place looks amazing. Is this the apple store or an apartment?

Ha. Macs suck, this place rocks.

Keep pimpin'


BTW- Do you have motion detection for the lights?

posted by joelmoney on 2006-03-28 15:34:57

The lights are on a remote control; so is the sliding glass door. Automatic mood settings include one for pimpin' and one for x-boxing.

ha ha. Don't anyone start thinking I've been in Vince's as the mistakenly thought I'd been in Mike's (Coral Green #44).

posted by Anna on 2006-03-28 15:52:32

Sweet!
You got my vote for Insta-finalist!

posted by V on 2006-03-28 16:02:46

Anna--
You fall out of THE coolest beds! ;)

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-03-28 16:03:03

p(too) quoth: "Um, so the assumption is that MARRIED men are the ones with orchids?!"

The other night at dinner, one of my friends suddenly announced: "I didn't get the decorating gene, but orchids really bring out the homosexual in me."

I was so surprised he'd gotten anything to survive that I may have to try growing them myself, despite being a girl.

posted by wende in san francisco on 2006-03-28 16:05:18

Vince! Great job. So when are you leaving it (in its current condition) so that I may move in and take it over? Remember, I have to have it in this state, or else it's a no-go.

posted by David In SF on 2006-03-28 16:10:46

other patrick: (I can't call such a distinguished gentleman as yourslef "ptoo" unless there's a spitoon to catch the spray)

I'd have to crawl over Vince first to fall out of his "cocoon"-- not that he'd mind (or maybe he would mind, if this orchid thing is true).

posted by Anna on 2006-03-28 16:20:20

What is wrong with my gramer and speiling

posted by Anna on 2006-03-28 16:25:39

One too many "falls." ;)

Um, "distinguished"?

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-03-28 16:31:35

Let us not forget that it was widely assumed that Jaime's Design for a Hot Date was aimed at seducing the gals, when it was hot guys he had in mind as his target audience. The minute the "orchid rule" catches on, it'll turn out that Vince is dividing his dating time among a Playmate of the Month, a feminist performance artist, and the woman considered most likely to be the next head of the World Bank.

posted by wende in san francisco on 2006-03-28 16:33:43

Beautiful ... ! i love the clean and cozy atmosphere!

I've been looking to do the same thing with sliding glass doors for my apartment... esp. attractive is the price.

Would you mind emailing me the detailed info (name of wardrobe doors) and installation of the materials from ikea? (or post up on here since there seems to be many interested)

p.s. any recommendations on sealing the top with a clear glass/plexiglass? I would like to feel "enclosed" as i have a 2nd small bedroom (possibly for a roomate)

thanks for sharing!

posted by Mela on 2006-03-28 16:39:36

sorry.. omitted my email. it is: melindaful@gmail.com

posted by Mela on 2006-03-28 16:41:43

So glad to finally see an entry with space for a decent-size TV. So many entries have been TV-less (not something I'd ever want for myself) or only had a little one in a corner.

Love the sliding wall, love the headboard, love the reds.

Do the Flor tiles do anything unsavory to the wood underneath them?

posted by kostia on 2006-03-28 17:13:29

it's swanky and sexy, i like.

posted by christina on 2006-03-28 17:37:15

I love the use of red and black in this place.
Apparently, we all love the wall!

I find as I get older I enjoy the more masculine apartments. I liked girlie things when I was younger but I notice, as I see apts come up on AT, that the more clean and masculine the line, the nice it is to look at and it appears it is easier to clean that "girlie" stuff.

Thanks guys!

posted by jmarieb(jackie) on 2006-03-28 17:37:24

OK, until I read comments, I didn't even see this place as being that masculine...maybe the car on the TV, but the rest of it just seems well designed...

do white leather chairs = masculine?

posted by jesse on 2006-03-28 17:51:10

awesome apartment! along with everyone else who has commented, i love the wall!! can you please e-mail all the materials you used and some detailed directions of how i can get the same look? out of curiosity, what's the height of your sliding doors? i'm at carobaro725@gmail.com. thanks!

posted by caroline on 2006-03-28 18:08:31

Absolutely great job on that sliding glass divider door. It's sort of like a modern take on a Japanese paper Shoji door, which makes the orchid the perfect accent flower.

Also like how you added the wooden panels on side of doors for warmth and texture and to match other wood paneling in apt. Table top as headboard is also excellent and affordable solution.

You have excellent eye for detail and design, plus the know-how to turn a design idea into reality. Wonderful combination of skills.

Well done!

posted by gekko on 2006-03-28 18:10:24

This looks like the waiting room for a "creative" office space. Clean, modern and completely devoid of any personality whatsoever. The person who lives here is clearly an android.

posted by Breckinridge on 2006-03-28 18:11:09

One of the best examples of problem-solving -- and on a budget! Very creative.

posted by Terry on 2006-03-28 18:28:48

Perhaps you could create a photo-blog tutorial of your Ikea wall that could be posted on this site???

posted by Vanessa on 2006-03-28 19:16:28

i love the pops of color and the frosted wall/room divider.

i also like the simple flower choices and their dramatic height.



posted by Jaye on 2006-03-28 20:05:39

Yay! Someone has rugs!

posted by Mia on 2006-03-28 20:25:26

While the design is not my style, I really appreciate the layout and use of the small space.
Thank you for sharing.

posted by hanifa on 2006-03-28 20:34:41

Breckinridge--
I do not see how you can reasonably say this space is devoid of personality.

And, just curious, but do you ever say anything positive in these posts?

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-03-28 20:43:06

tons of praise for the room divider

posted by LaDonna on 2006-03-28 21:32:54

I'm jealous. When I had a studio rental my apartment never looked that good. Go Arlington!!!

posted by Chelsea on 2006-03-28 21:36:48

From the Barcelona chair and the Corbusier chaise lounge to the grey and white color scheme punctuated with splashes of red to the oversized flatscreen TV right on down to the potted orchid, this place simply isn't very inspired. It's just so obvious, safe and unremarkable. This could be the display unit for an apartment building targeting "hip singles." For an example of an elegantly modern apartment that actually does have personality check out #13 - Jane and Darko's Cozy Thicket.

posted by Breckinridge on 2006-03-28 21:58:22

I second or third or who knows what number we are up to but would you mind very much posting more specs about how you put together that wall that seems to be stealing our hearts. It's awesome. And kudos to how ingenious you have been. I looked at your entry earlier and the more I do, I think you have done a great job with so little space. And I don't care why you like orchids, by the way.
P.S. The headboard is so smart, too.

posted by barbara on 2006-03-28 22:01:44

Breckinridge-
Thank god for differing tastes then because the majority seem to find it very inspired. Perhaps it doesn't suit YOUR taste or it uses, what are in your eyes, too common "designer furniture". But maybe you should appreciate that people have different tastes even if you find it safe or too much like an "office". Or perhaps, you should take less of of a bitter design elitist attitude towards everything.

posted by Jase on 2006-03-28 22:14:24

Well I love it! I'd live there. It's a bachelor pad all the way for "hip singles" as the previous guy said. We shouldn't use red, grey or white anymore because it's too common? Please...I looked at #13. It is nice but I wouldn't want a picture of a bear anywhere in a hip bachelor pad.

posted by Allan on 2006-03-28 22:21:03

The number of DC area entries is great - and it's cool to see Arlington (where I also live) represented too. We are very chic here in the suburbs, no?

Anyway, I really like the mix of DIY ingenuity with high-design pieces. Very cool.

posted by Brittany on 2006-03-28 23:26:00

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting the winner.

posted by mohit ranjan on 2006-03-29 00:42:50


kewl apt! I also like the divider, can you please e-mail me info on the materials you used and some directions on how to build it? Thanks.

mxqute at gmail.com

posted by Mx on 2006-03-29 01:11:09

As a resident of Georgetown/DC just across from Arlington, I am proud to see this well-edited, truly livable space with a wonderful balance of do-it-yourself ingenuity and sense of design. It just goes to show that a suburban DC space can stand up to the best in NYC and other hubs of masters of the universe.

posted by Jeffrey Smith on 2006-03-29 10:33:01

Jeffrey--
I agree. I think the DC area is spanking us here in NYC.

NOT that that's a bad thing.

posted by patrick (the orchid lover) on 2006-03-29 10:55:47

WOW!

Between this entry and David's work in progress, DC really is spanking NYC!
[patrick...we'll talk ;-) ]

Love it

posted by another DCer on 2006-03-29 11:39:41

r0xx0rs! That's the appropriate term for this entry, I believe.

posted by Chris on 2006-03-29 12:08:51

Vince? Vince? Are you there, Vince? It's me, Margaret.

No wait. Seriously, there are lots of us waiting to hear your inspiring words about the wardrobe door divider! Please don't keep us in suspense too much longer.

posted by Jennifer on 2006-03-29 12:36:06

Seriously. I NEED schematics for your Ikea sliding doors. F-ing brilliant. And here I'm looking at evil fiberglass! AT should start a contest for the best Ikea remakes.

posted by Heather C on 2006-03-29 15:29:05

Am I too late to get in on the Sliding Divider schematic? If not, would you please include me? jsobriquet at hotmail dot com

posted by Duckbill on 2006-03-29 17:38:39

So many off-subject jibes, Breckinridge! This space hits every requirement in this contest right on the head, so it's an instafinalist in my view. It's a well-organized space that looks lived in (which few of the entries are), and it incorporates some very creative ideas. I've tried to figure out something to do with those same Ikea doors, and I've tried to find someone to build shoji screens. I never put the two together. Fabulous idea!

posted by Pat on 2006-03-29 17:59:15

Hello! Wow what can I say but thank you for the feedback, both good and bad. Haven’t had a chance to surf till now and I come back to this. :-) Anyway, I'm at work so I'll try to quickly answer to some of the feedback.

-The wall was an idea I came up with when walking through Ikea with a friend. He is the practical engineering type and I’m more of the design type (interactive designer by trade). It uses Pax/Stordal wardrobe doors that are made of aluminum and tempered glass. These can still be found on the Ikea website even though the wall was built about a year and a half ago. What really made it work were the poles. They were part of a shelving system which had brackets that would fit around the pole to hold shelves. Instead we used the holes in the brackets and drilled corresponding holes through the top of the wardrobe rail to help secure everything together. The poles were a modular system with different hooks that you could attach to the brackets and hang things from. I use those hooks to hang things like my messenger bag and headphones for late night music listening. On the gym side I use the hooks to hang various gym related things like a towel, stopwatch etc. The whole project was a fly by the seat of your pants affair. We didn’t know what would work until we tried it. I'll try to find out the name of the poles/shelving system we used and try to get better pics of the wall with close-ups on the details and post them up somewhere.

- Anna must be psychic because she’s right; my lights are controlled by a single remote that also controls my A/V system. And the lighting has different mood settings for dvd watching, game playing, or um..entertaining.

- I’m a bachelor and it’s definitely a bachelor pad though that wasn’t my intention. I love design, especially industrial design, so naturally I gather things I like aesthetically. Some items I’ve had for years. For example, my beat up Corbusier lounger is over 12 years old. My Aeron chair cost me $150 when I bought it from a failed dotcom that I worked for in 99. Alot of these things I found cheaper than you might think. I can understand the criticism that my place may look too much like a catalog or be devoid of personality. But that IS my personality. We can’t all be quirky or like quirky things. I like beautiful things and I gathered it all together to make my space comfortable and livable. You can love it or hate it but you certainly won’t get an apology about it. Oh and yes I pretty much eat at the kitchen counter or use my coffee table but usually I’m just eating out. I’m a rotten cook! And while I don’t claim to use my place as a seduction den, my tastes in partners do run more toward Jaime’s. Read into that what you will. :-) There seemed to be some speculation there. ;-)

posted by Vince on 2006-03-29 18:01:40

Great job, Vince. Clean, uncluttered, handsome.
The only thing I'd change is the position of the bed.

posted by Jessica on 2006-03-29 22:20:32

That's it! Thanks for finding that. I haven't had a chance to dig up my old receipt. I'm going to look at the old receipt and see exactly what I bought and try to take some close up pictures of the brackets etc.

posted by Vince on 2006-03-30 10:02:52

The fact that so many people are both interested and and wanting to reproduce elements of this apartment's design, says more than anyone could.
It's what makes a house a home, a small space a great one, a stand-out and winner among many entries.

(Indeed, Patrick)

posted by Jeffrey Smith on 2006-03-30 12:58:46

Vince, they show the brackets and hooks on the All Options page here:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10103&storeId=12&langId=-1&categoryId=15869&cattype=sub&parentCats=15597*15852*15855*15867*15869&chapterId=15869

I realize it's "ready-to-assemble" if we know what parts to use and where to put them. I think what might excite a lot of people about this project is that it might not require welding. Please say it doesn't require welding.

I like using ready-made things in different ways, that don't require extensive mechanical knowledge and ten thousand dollars worth of tools.

I have a few screwdrivers. Oh boy!

When I called IKEA the other day, to rant on about their images not appearing correctly online (globally!), I mentioned they should check out THIS website for innovative uses of their products and perhaps display/adapt their products in the showroom.

And if AT would hurry up and make a book on the Smallest Coolest Apartment, people could use that book as a source at IKEA.

Oh...it doesn't have to be a book, it could be one of those Annual-type magazines. And it doesn't need to be available everywhere, I'm quite comfortable ordering online.

Using the comments people have posted throughout the contest, AT could get more details from each of the entries, LIKE YOUR ROOM DIVIDER.

So it's not just the contest, but it's also a "how-to" magazine. And a source magazine, after AT grills all the entries for "where they got that" items.

Here's hoping IKEA adds on to the STOLMEN line with the VINCE stabilizing rail, that will hold those doors up without having to go to Home Depot.

posted by Andree on 2006-03-30 17:23:56

"I can understand the criticism that my place may look too much like a catalog or be devoid of personality. But that IS my personality. We can’t all be quirky or like quirky things. I like beautiful things and I gathered it all together to make my space comfortable and livable."

well put. who said "quirky" is better?

and your place is beautiful.

posted by pphillipp on 2006-03-30 18:26:22

I was just thinking of doing a frosted glass seperator to my bedroom and home office...and ironically... me and my fag hag were just molesting PAX wardrobe doors the other day and saying how sexy it would be to own the wardrobe... now i can have best of both worlds.

posted by Trevor on 2006-03-30 19:22:20

Would the Pax Stordal room divider look as good in an apartment with higher, say 10 ft. ceilings....

posted by marc on 2006-03-30 23:14:56

Marc, I don't see why it wouldn't look spectacular. Check out the picture of one of the pregrouped STOLMEN sets here:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15597&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=16170&langId=-1&parentCats=15597*15852*15855

Note the shelves. Now, the shelves are not as wide as the doors, but I'm thinking that however Vince did it, there might be a way to use shelves between the posts, if the posts were closer together.

You'd have to leave the opening between posts enough to get through, of course, maybe using around half the width of the doors to put a post (creating a grid look on one side).

You then have one or more shelves above the doors, that can be used to hold anything. Well, up to a certain weight. Probably not the best place for your Encyclopedia Britannica collection of the past 40 years, but lighter weight things.

Some of the nicer storage boxes in colors that match your colors could hold out of season clothing up and out of the way.

You could also use the shelf to mount lighting above the doors, more to one side or the other, maybe like this kind:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=11158&langId=-1&parentCats=15579*15748

Fluorescent lighting that could be connected together, perhaps done on the edge of the shelf:
http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?topcategoryId=15579&catalogId=10103&storeId=12&productId=47039&langId=-1&parentCats=15579*15748*16082

You could use one of the horizontal poles between vertical poles up near the ceiling to hang stuff on. No, not old socks.

Someone posted this product in the Good Question area for a room divider, which might look good horizontally:
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=104&f=2789

There are a couple other colors.

Maybe you don't put anything up there at all. Leave it open.

And if you do it, we will need pictures. Oh yes. Pictures.

Andree

posted by Andree on 2006-03-31 03:30:06

Can someone who commented on the lack of dining space please tell me why that's important? To you. It's not important to me. I did have a little wooden dining set (that thankfully noone here in the contest would ever have chosen), and I got rid of it. I didn't use it.

I don't have guests over for dinner. I rarely cook these days. And by golly, you wouldn't either. Here, try this at home. Fill your shoes with glass shards. Now, stand around and cook. Okay, not quite the same, as you can remove your glass shards, and I'm stuck with the shooting pain in my back.

When dealing with limited space, one HAS to manage their priorities in a different manner than one with a 3,000 sq ft home.

I don't have a sofa either. I have a pair of POANG chairs. They're really too big for the apartment, but after I sat in them at IKEA, I knew they were the chair for me. It wasn't how they looked, or who made them, it was if I could afford them, if they were comfortable, and if they got totally trashed by the cat on day one, I wouldn't have lost a fortune. I can buy new cushions and covers in the worst case scenario, without having to buy a whole new chair, the frame is still good.

The chair is lightweight and easy to move to clean under. The chair is not upholstered on the lower portion, which thwarts cat clawing attempts.

Those were my PRIORITIES when considering chairs.

There are entries here with bigger kitchens, a dining set up, and they've put their bed in the closet. I know someone who did that "bed-in-the-closet" thing too. Makes sense. He had a big studio, with plenty of room for a huge sectional, because HE had lots of people over and entertained often.

His kitchen was a mere speck, the dining table no larger than an end table, and the bed WAS in the huge walk-in closet (well, that's crawl-in closet).

Isn't that the point of space? To adapt that space to work for YOU? Don't we mostly oooh and ahhh over unique solutions, like Vince's wall divider, because it DOES INDEED adapt space to suit Vince's priorities...and obviously many of our own priorities as well.

I suppose people with spa bathtubs wonder why everyone else doesn't have a spa bathtub. Well, yeah, it would be kind of cool to have a SOK tub with the light changing water and the ceiling water spout.

However, this isn't my space to renovate. I would have to give up my little bed in order to have the tub installed. And I'm definitely in the financial situation to pay $9,000 for a cool bathtub.

I'll just add food coloring to the water and use the overhead light and fart a lot. I can get a lot of burritos from Taco Bell and Soy Milk for $9,000.

I don't see a lot of plants in the apartments. To me, they are a priority, because of the filtration they do...read on here:
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/livingaircleaners_04052002.xml&psrc=dg052

Not that Vince or any of the other folks want the jungle look, but if those poles WERE fitted with shelves, a cascade of plants could cover the upper portion, cleaning the air for you, day and night.

My BIGGEST envy of Vince's place? HE has a washer and dryer. Or at least the drawing says he has the space for a washer and dryer.

I'm sitting next to a pile of laundry, and I have such problems sleeping, that often lead to a couple hours only, and then I'm awake, but too tired to do anything. LOL! Right now, I can just imagine the luxury of being able to pop in a load of laundry. And if it's the kind with the front window for the washer and the dryer, why, I'd be in heaven.

I'd have the lounge chair set up to view the clothes as they go round and round and round, and that would send me off into dreamland.

I don't watch TV. I don't have cable. It's not even plugged in. Haven't watched TV in months. Don't have a stereo either. Those aren't important to me.

We can see a lot about people and their priorities in these apartments, as well as the people who post comments.

And I, obviously, am a blithering idiot who has WAY too much time on my hands.

posted by Andree on 2006-03-31 06:53:55

Andree, I'm impressed by all the homework you've done! To answer an earlier question, the wall required NO welding although we did have to drill some holes through metal. The link you gave to a pre-grouped shelving set shows the fixing brackets we used for the railing that holds the doors. Marc, I think the divider would look fine in a place with 10ft ceilings. The doors come in a height of 92 7/8". I think my ceilings are around 9ft.

Andree is correct in that everyone has different priorities. I don't cook or have people over for dinner so a table was a low priority for me. I do, however, have 3 or 4 people over to watch movies or play videogames several times a month. Thus, a home theater is a large priority for my space. Media is an important part of my life; music, movies, tv, videogames, and the internet. My space reflects those wants. And Andree, yes a washer and dryer is a luxury! I can't imagine living without one but it comes standard in most condos in Arlington. I don't intend to stay in this place too long, otherwise I would have looked into a larger scale renovation. If you look at my floorplan, I would gladly give up some bathroom space and maybe one closet for slightly more living space.

posted by Vince on 2006-03-31 10:44:57

Vince, I'll take that closet and that bath space. Vince, my tub and toilet are in a little room by themselves, the room is about the same size as two bathtubs, side by side. With the little door and the lowered ceiling, it's rather tomb-like.

Originally they had the sliding glass doors on the tub/shower area. The doors had the attached metal towel bar that stuck out, on the outside. Not that I'm doing aerobics in the bathroom, but that towel bar drew blood more than once on my arm or elbow, so I had the doors removed.

To get into that tub with the doors in place required either stepping in or on the toilet, straddling the toilet, or closing the door to get in the other side.

Closing the door meant stepping in or on the toilet, or straddling the toilet.

I don't close the door.

It might be nice if they could include a section next year on what the priorities ARE for each person.

What might look like an awkward furniture placement from a photo might make absolute sense if we knew, for instance, that a sofa was placed with it's back to the door because the most glorious sunrise/sunset can be viewed through the main window area.

Otherwise there are comments like the space doesn't flow or it looks to bunched up or something. If I had a choice of "flow" or glorious view, I'd choose view. I might even be willing to vault over a sofa if there is no floor space just for the ability to enjoy the view.

Some folks DID say why they had their space set up the way it was, and then the space made sense. Someone says it's too cluttered, and I'm thinking...uh, yeah, right, and exactly how else are you going to dine and then later sleep 4 people?

Vince, we are all waiting for the plans for the door dividers.

posted by Andree on 2006-04-01 00:30:38

that's hot.

posted by Allison L. on 2006-04-01 23:32:18

This was by far my favorite entry.. i think its really stylish and unique...not necessarily innovative.. but just damn cool.. love the lighting

posted by Robby on 2006-04-02 21:52:49

I love the punches of red throughout.

posted by Rachel (from Ottawa) on 2006-04-03 21:59:51

Hey Vince,

Could you please tell me where you got those black,white, and grey flor tiles? i LOVE them..\

Thanks

posted by Robby on 2006-04-07 12:05:18

Robby -
I bought mine direct from the interfaceflor.com site. They were having a sale at the time. The name of the tile is Terra Furrows. It's under the "Naturals" section.

posted by Vince on 2006-04-07 16:09:56

Hi vince,

great room! I love the idea.

do you think you could send me some shots of the sliding hardware and how you secured the glass Ikea walls to the poles?

my email is:

ting(remove)louie(remove)@yahoo.com

please remove the (remove) for my e-mail

Thanks Again,

posted by Ting on 2006-05-01 16:57:37

Hey Buddy,

Seems like you have an excellent set up. love it. I would like to have the same one. Can u please provide me with information on how you managed to get the fit the wall in the poles and what equipment you purchased?

Thanks

Ari

posted by Ari on 2006-05-10 19:08:39

How did you know how to do the colors and style? I must assume you are a homosexual.

posted by Steve Johnson on 2006-05-13 22:36:37

Of course I am. And darn proud of it.

posted by Vince on 2006-05-16 17:23:44

God condemns sodomy! Repent now!!

posted by Pastor Bob on 2006-05-19 01:09:32

Hey Vince - Awesome use of space! I am moving to a small place in NYC in 10 days.I have purchased the poles and wardobe doors to create a partician. Yes, I'm coping you. I figure we're in different states, our friends won't know. I am baffled on how to attach the doors to the poles. Could please explain or show or both. I would be INCREDIBLY greatful.

darrickdraper at msn dot com

posted by Darrick on 2006-05-19 21:02:48

Vince,
I am very interested in seeing the Hardware used for the doors in the project. Also, do you think the Ikea doors could be used as fixed interior windows? Let me know.

posted by Gardner Cook on 2006-05-26 15:41:24

Go fuck yourself "Pastor Bob". A site like this is the absolute wrong place to spout your hateful views.

posted by Jaime on 2006-06-04 11:34:38

Awesome use of he wardrobe doors fella. We were looking into the possibility of knocking down a wall and putting in a sliding glass wall but he hardware is wayyyy to expensive for my taste. This option is infinitely more manageable and most importantly....my wife loves it. If you can please forward the pictures and directions to my email address: junkmein(remove)@(remove)gmail(remove).com

Thanks,

J. Wilson

posted by J. Wilson on 2006-06-17 19:27:26

ii's incredible what you did with the ikea doors.
i would love to do the same for my apartment, could you explain in more detail? write to shanaidlach@comcast.net

posted by shana on 2006-06-18 01:20:53

Vince,

Could you tell me where you got the living room rug that is in the pictures? I've been looking for one like that everywhere, but I haven't been able to find one in those specific colors. Thanks very much.

posted by Rich on 2006-07-07 21:07:54

Vince... Genius. I love your look here, especially the glass partition wall. It is a perfect solution to our NYC shared space issue. If you have plans that you are sending out, I would love to see them. Not particulary confident about my own DIY skills, but would really like to give this a go. Thanks, and really, great job. george(remove)@(remove)georgesewell.(remove)com

posted by george on 2006-07-24 22:24:35

Great Looking Place! I am in the middle of the loft remodeling project and are trying to install the Ikea door panel you have set up. Like so many others I have a few questions I would really love to ask about the construction of the panel system. You can email me at sooners2007(AT)yahoo.com Thanks

posted by JC on 2006-08-07 21:59:56

One more person who would love to have the plans/photos. My wife has been wanting something like this for an extra room in our house.
smedspamcatch AT netzero.net

Thanks.

posted by Smed on 2006-08-22 14:00:44

This looks AMAZING! I love the sliding doors and thank you for telling us where you got them and how you put these in. Did you actually install them yourself? I've been looking for a room divider *exactly* like this for weeks now! The color palette, sleek furniture, warm colors...basically everything, look great.

posted by pari on 2006-08-23 19:36:17

Vince (or anyone else who knows the exact construction details),

Could you possibly send me the exact details about constructing this door as well? I'm about to move into a studio (purchasing) and *really* want to do this!! Also, I live in DC - there's no chance I could pay you to make this for me, is there? :)

asianjones at gmail.com

thanks!

posted by pari on 2006-08-24 10:30:11

Great Idea. I love it and i would love to make something for my own. If someone has the constructingdetails, could you please e-mail it to me also? Pretty please ;)

I live in the Netherlands (europe) so your idea travels the globe :)

My e-mail is a.hoogeveen at gmail (dot) com

posted by Alex Hoogeveen on 2006-09-13 19:15:57

great apt, vince! it's clear you put lots of love and planning into your space. the pillow on the white leather chair looks suspiciously like the pillows i made out of west elm placemats. did you do the same?

cheers!
jjg

posted by jjg on 2006-09-15 16:39:21

Hi Vince,

Good job! Hopefully you will have detailed instructions of how to make the glass doors by now. Can you please send me a copy? It would be very much appreciated. ssmcwork at yahoo dot com. Also, is there anyway to adjust the width of these, as I see that the doors only come in 2 widths.

Thanks again!!!

posted by Shirley on 2006-09-21 13:11:19

This is one of the most creative an well-designed use of small space that I have ween! Please add me to the list of persons wishing for (pretty please) detailed instructions on the door installation.

The catalogue lists the doors as being 79.5 inches and you say that they are 90 inches? Are you including the poles above the dividers?
Thanks!
Nancy

posted by Nancy Yue on 2006-10-07 21:00:07

This design is GREAT! What a wonderful idea..you did wonders with space and the sliding doors WOW!

If you could (pretty please) also send me the dummy's version on how to make/put together the sliding doors.

mastercollett@hotmail.com

posted by Charles on 2006-10-16 22:05:29

I love the sliding doors/room divider. Could you send me a "how to" put it together and what I would need. THANK YOU!!!!

posted by Katherine on 2006-10-22 23:27:25

opps - forgot my email address - katedecker@bellsouth.net. I would love to know how you did the sliding doors/room divider!!

posted by Katherine on 2006-10-22 23:28:37

Hi. Just another admirer of the IKEA sliding wardrobe door room divider...

I'll be moving into my narrow co-op apartment very soon, with only five days (and a limited budget) to make it habitable before my landlord kicks me out of rental aparment. ("Remember how I told you that you could take your time moving... I know that you're only tentatively set to close on Oct 26th, however, you need to move out by Nov 1st.") I'm hoping to be able to partition my space and optimize natural light by using your idea. If you would tell me how. Please.

Thanks,

mlebenj@optonline.net

posted by mle on 2006-10-24 04:28:07

I love Vince's idea and I'm curious as to how he constructed it also, but is there an area on the site where he can post the instructions, so he doesn't have to email the world? If not could you send me plans at mytinyapartment@mac.com

Kenya

PS Hooray Arlington!

posted by Kenya on 2006-11-02 14:32:22

Love the room separator. Count me in for the parts and assembly instructions/plans if you are emailing them to others. My email is pidpoops@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Ken

posted by Ken on 2006-11-13 00:15:55

Fabulous partition! I, too, have been eyeing Pax doors to use in a similar way, but didn't manage to do an Ikea walk-through with the right folks, apparently.

Just to add a note about use of space and what elements are important and what are not, I will add my voice to those lacking tables for eating meals. In my one bedroom SF apt, usually occupied by two people not sharing that room, the only space for common area left is our small kitchen. So, out went the kitchen table (actually we removed the legs and stowed the whole deal under one of the beds) and in went a very small couch and a square makeshift cocktail table. Also an Ikea armless chair with curved legs (can't remember the name) that the cats don't molest and can hide under. While I love to cook and entertain, even with a table in the kitchen the apartment is too small for even modestly sized get togethers, though we've packed in ten or more on occasion. While I won't be likely to win any accolades for design here, the space works for us, is cozy and comfortable and we spend all our time in the kitchen.

Also, having mentioned the cats, I have to agree with the need to find furniture that my furry roommates won't destroy. Good work, Vince!

posted by LAB on 2006-11-19 22:12:35

Vince, did you study interior decorating?? You did an amazing job and your appartment looks like something out of magazine page. Can you or anyone, "PRETTY PLEASE" email me the construction of the divider...I would greatly appreciately. Thank you

my email : eyw1967 at verizon.net

posted by EVA on 2006-11-30 20:19:49

Vince, are you still there? I'm also desperate for info regarding how you attached to doors to the poles? You're a genius!

bboston88 at gmail.com if you have a chance and still read this. Thank you.

posted by Beth on 2006-11-30 20:42:00

I absolutely love this look! I've been scouring the internet for ideas of how to close off my bedroom and stumbled upon this posting. I can't wait to visit Ikea. Thanks for being so inventive and sharing your ideas with the rest of us!

posted by danika6852 on 2006-12-10 00:52:56

Vince! Vince!

Just stumbled onto this thread today, likely in the nick of time as the exBF and I are trying to figure out how to cohabitate in a 1 br and still live sleep (etc.). If your craft is the solution, you'll even have a place to stay in NYC! (hell's kitchen.....Chelsea is so done.)

Anyhow, is there a formal/informal set of plans like everyone on this thread has clamored for?

THANKS SO MUCH
Greg

posted by Greg on 2006-12-11 11:10:59



I know I am coming late to the party, but if anyone received the plans for the sliding door wall--can you please forward them to me. Show a former resident of the DC area (now in Miami--what can I say the weather is better) some love!

Great job Vince! Happy holidays everyone!

posted by Corey on 2006-12-16 14:49:58

Have the directions to do this posted anywhere?

I thought about using these doors in a similar way but didn't think it out to the degree this was done. Very impressive.

posted by Barbara on 2007-01-05 20:38:03

Love it! I sooooo need these plans!! Anyone get them?? My cottage is only 350 square feet!!!

posted by raine on 2007-01-18 21:17:06

I too would love the details of the assembly for the sliding doors. It looks fantastic!

posted by Sherry Griffin on 2007-02-06 14:45:45

I as well would love to get my hands on the design plans for this! I'm planning on moving out later this year and can't afford a big expensive place. This would be a perfect solution!

posted by Kalik on 2007-02-07 23:32:43

I loved the look of your apartment especially the idea of using Pax closet doors from Ikea as room dividers.
Please email me as I have installation questions for you.
Thanks.

posted by Sue on 2007-02-14 15:16:32

Did Vince ever e-mail anyone or post detailed installation instructions on the glass/aluminum room divider?
If yes, please forward those on to me ASAP at:
sue_carole@yahoo.com

posted by Sue on 2007-02-14 15:36:35

This is the absolute best idea I've seen. I also would like to receive detailed parts and installation instructions on the room divider. If not posted on the site, please email to lrm37@prodigy.net. Thanks.

posted by Linda on 2007-02-16 01:30:52

Hi Vince (and everybody),

This is such a great and creative design using the IKEA doors. My new condo studio has similar layout and I think it will work for me too. I kinda figured out how to utilize the poles and doors. However I couldn't figure out what is the stablizing rail from Homedepot that Vince used. From those pictures I would guess it is on the floor for the door to sit on and slide. Also, exactly how to install the sliding door so it will stand and slide? Any idea you can share with me? Thanks...

posted by Ivy on 2007-02-19 22:05:21

Woops...my email is ivytien@gmail.com. Thanks.

posted by Ivy on 2007-02-19 22:06:30

Hi,

If any has received the plans on how to construct these doors, I would be forever indebted to you if you would send me a copy at melissa@nichol.ca

Thanks

posted by Melissa on 2007-02-25 18:21:41

...my email is xun2006@gmail.com. Thanks

posted by xun on 2007-03-02 23:01:57

It's such a great idea! I have a studio as well. Would any one can email me more info on how to construct this wall to jenhliu@gmail.com?

Many Thanks!!!

posted by Jen L on 2007-03-23 09:55:09

Hi we are a sliding closet door fittings factory in China.
Our lines are sliding door roller, plastic ball bearing.
By now, we are search for a representative in Canada and USA
Hope to hear from you soon

posted by Chris on 2007-03-25 20:55:10

Does anyone have the " DIY email " for the ikea room divider?
I was just at ikea yesterday and was thinking about the samething... so please send me a copy, my email - jchu@changesonline.com

thanks

posted by superfly on 2007-04-17 12:27:45
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Like everyone else, I would like to get the plan/installation instruction for the ikea room divider. It is great! Would anyone e-mail the instruction to me at orangmerah@gmail.com? Thank you very much!

posted by merahgirl on 2007-05-05 12:07:31
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Hello all, I think I can see it, but did anyone get the plans? I would like them. Thanks
johncbarrett@gmail.com

posted by JBarrett on 2007-05-14 12:02:15
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Not sure if anyone will even see this, but if anyone can forward me the plans as well it would be much appreciated! I've been looking for a way to divide my apartment for a while now and this is by far the best option I've seen!

jennyrader@yahoo.com

posted by cct2k on 2007-07-08 01:44:54
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Hi, what a sweet apartment set up!

Nice job, Vince...

Could someone please share the plans, specifically the home depot metal shower railing to secure the sliding ikea door parts to the poles?

Thank you :)

luminouscity@gmail.com

posted by nessun_dorma on 2007-07-13 23:27:15
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Does anyone know how the the sliding tracks/rails are mounted to the support poles? It appears that the tracks don't run all the way across the floor -- that they're just attached at small section. It would be great to get some close up shots of that. I LOVE THIS IDEA!

posted by adam_h on 2007-08-22 17:27:10
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Vince - this is awesome. Someone please tell me that somewhere is a how-to for this wall.

nancy.e.baer@verizon.net

posted by nbaer on 2007-08-29 08:49:13
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THIS IS AWESOME.

does ANYONE have any more details on how to do this? please contact me. vinlin@gmail.com

thanks much!

posted by friedricekid on 2007-09-18 17:37:37
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Did anyone ever get the plans and specs everyone clamored for? If so could you forward them on to me at gregnewyorkcity@gmail.com? Thanks!

posted by gregnewyorkcity on 2007-09-21 09:39:22
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Me too....Please sent me more information of how to do it, I want to do it to my condo as well. Please sent to my email address : jes_y89@hotmail.com

Thanks so much

posted by jessy on 2007-09-21 11:42:48
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Me too....Please sent me more information of how to do it. I am trying to block off my childs play area from the furnace/storage area in the basement. I want to use very plain doors as I am planning on using chalkboard paint so that my daughter can draw on them from the play area side! What an absolutely awesome idea Vince, you have me inspired!
My email is kfritz66@yahoo.ca

posted by k66 on 2007-11-05 10:22:16
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Please send me information on the materials usedand how to do it. My email address is gescot1@gmail.com Thank you.

posted by gescot1 on 2007-11-14 11:06:33
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Like everyone else, I would like to get the detailed plan/installation instructions for the ikea room divider. It is AWESOME! Would anyone e-mail the instruction to me at asamadi02@yahoo.com ? Thank you very much!

posted by asamadi on 2007-11-17 23:36:28
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I would like to get the detailed plan/installation instructions for the ikea room divider.
I am just looking for a solution like this for my space. Would anyone e-mail the instruction to me at tehillahlevy@optonline.net ? Thank you very much!

posted by tlevy on 2007-11-22 00:15:55
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Hi, I just discovered this posting and LOVE Vince's room divider idea. Can someone please e-mail me the installation instructions as well? I am not quite sure where he used the shower rods to stabilize the structure. Also, I'd like to know exactly how to attach the doors to the poles. Thanks so much!!!! My e-mail is nyc212@gmail.com. Merci!

posted by Gail Leong on 2007-12-29 01:56:39
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Me too....Please sent me more information of how to do it, I want to do it to my condo as well. Please sent to my email address : sashegyia@gmail.com

Thanks so much

posted by eagleberg on 2008-01-07 07:07:20
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This looks great. Could someone please send me the assembly instructions. aerlikh1@yahoo.com

Thanks!

posted by fabrje on 2008-01-17 22:39:01
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I love this space and how you put everything together. I especially love the sliding doors. If you someone could, would you please send me the instructions on how to assemble the door. I don't understand how he used the tension poles or railings to stabilize the doors. I also need to know the names of everything. I need privacy in my so called dining room area which I turned into a bedroom.
My email address is alee920@yahoo.com if someone could please send me the instructions, it would mean alot to me. thanks alot.

posted by alee920 on 2008-01-23 14:01:42
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Woo! Where did Vince go?

posted by samunder on 2008-02-26 15:28:12
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Gah! Poor Vince! I want these plans, too. Wondering if I can mount the Pax doors to the ceiling or frame directly, rather than using his pole system. The 59" x79" doors would work perfectly for my bedroom. Anyone know how the pax rail works? Do I need to have a sliding rail on the floor as well?

posted by Veruca on 2008-03-02 02:35:43
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I absolutely love what you have done and what is most intreging to me is how you put together the sliding door set up. I know there are many people on here who would love to know and I know this was posted 2 years ago, so If you get this comment would it be at all possible to get help with this set up?

I would just put up a wall but I live in my brothers house and we doesn't want a wall up and I need to make another room, I'm having a baby fairly soon and need to make a room.

Even if anyone on here has the slightest idea how this was all put together please e-mail me at

vbierer@hotmail.com

Any help is appreciated

posted by ValerieB on 2008-05-03 12:45:10
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Love this!

I am your neighbor. I have a 343 sq foot condo in DC and would like to try something like this.

Thanks for the idea.

Michelle

posted by mouchoux on 2008-06-19 13:44:25
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Whoops, forgot to add my email in case anyone can send me the plans. Vince needs to start charging for his genius. Hopefully after I get a copy of the plans. :)

michellemoulliet@yahoo.com

posted by mouchoux on 2008-06-19 13:46:02
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me too on the sliding door info!

kellee.hunter (at) gmail dotcom

posted by KellthaQTpie on 2008-06-30 01:26:51
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Were plans ever sent out for this? Seems like Vince just vanished into thin air. But on the off chance that he did send plans out to anyone, I'd love to see them...

honeychile1 (at) gmail dotcom

posted by PeggyinNYC on 2008-07-09 12:14:05
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