apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

the bones of the apartment are lovely, but those walls are crying out for some art! or at least some paint.

I very much enjoy the living room, but your bedroom needs work.

It's a shame you've got drawers built into your bed. If you spin the bed 90 degrees so the head and foot touch the left and right walls, your bedroom will look far more hip, and you'll create far more usable space.

Your living room is beautiful, and your bedroom has a lot of potential. Best of luck!

The first thought in my head when I saw this entry was "b-o-r-i-n-g". Sorry, no offense really but there's NOTHING happening here and what little there is (the furniture) could be arranged within the space better. You need some color and some decor to boot. It seems like a perfect contender for HGTV's "Redesign" or "Design on a Dime" or one of those shows where a designer comes in and works some magic....

this place is very very clean and plain. but of all the other contestants who weren't particularly inspired-- this has the most potential to be a cool space with a DWR certificate... hmm...
i vote whoever wins this thing offers their services for free. just sayin'

LAURA--
I'm sure that ""b-o-r-i-n-g"" was not taken with any offense.

Jeez.

John--
Think you've done a great job so far, especially with lighting.

And have always loved a man who could "snake a good wire."

I like the cubbies in the bathroom (neat storage idea!) and the kitchen is lovely, if slightly dark; but I have to agree that the bedroom is pretty bland and i'm not loving the revealed wires at your living room's entertainment center. the living room is pretty and has a rustic feeling but the combined wood and red tones are a bit overwhelming. overall it lacks drama.

Okay, well I really like it. The bedroom obviously needs work, and maybe this would've been a better entry if it wasn't featured.. because the rest is cool! I love the floorboard storage. And above-shower storage is a great idea!

Yes, there is a distinct lack of "stuff" .. but I've wondered that (do they actually live here?) about many of the entries.

This space has a lot of potential. You would likely put the DRW certificate to very good use. Thank you for sharing.

I agree with the others here. There are great bones here to have a cool apartment. I think you've missed the mark with the details in your apartment. Finishes like nice bedding and artwork are key to great spaces. An appropriate placed piece of art can go a long way. Check out magazines like Dwell, Met. Home, and Elle Decor to get inspiration for these details.

The potential is there, but I am just left feeling unsatisfied and wanting more.

The space appears to be done by a developer, to appeal to a large number of people, and there isn't enough personalization brought in. The cabinets and fixtures are a bit too "Off the shelf plain", and not interesting.

But... My biggest question is... Why would you choose to put all of your AV equipment inside a working fireplace? Even if you don't use the fireplace, it creates a focal for the entire room, and can be a huge design element. There are so many of us out here without a fireplace, and your not using seems like a waste. (Just like when people have balcony's or terraces with nothing on them.)

Too bad....

The minute I saw the bedroom, I knew it, this is the EXACT same layout and measurements as my apartment!

First of all, to the person who suggested rotating the bed 90 degrees---it can't be done---note that the room is only 71 inches wide. And I have a queen size bed, so it's worse!

It's a shame about the positioning of the radiators, because that really limits your furniture arrangement options. Mine are underneath the windows. Is it possible to move them?

Finally, I must agree about color (or the lack of it). There's a lot of beige going on in this apartment. My windows have valances built onto them and I hung curtain panels from them (with matching ones on the other side of the room leading to the kitchen), and they made a HUGE difference, really softened the space. I also had the place painted---coordinating colors for each room. It makes the most of the light, and there's a lot of it because of the big beautiful windows. A rug would help, too. Be thoughtful about the colors you pick and it will look fabulous.

So funny to see my own apartment, but not mine. I always wondered what it would look like with exposed brick. I actually have a 92' couch and a dining table with four chairs in mine!

I don't think this is boring. I think its just a bit closed in. I like the neutrality of the colors. There is so much one can do here.

'twer it mine, I'd have removed the front end of the wall between the two rooms, leaving the bed a bit more exposed and giving an overall feeling of openness. (I'm a bit clostraphobic) But, 'tisn't mine. So.....it appears the bedroom rad cover prohibits a different bed placement. Perhaps a different bed without the storage would lighten up and lift the visual effect in the room. And I'd do without the ottoman and use a different piece, but all in all, this is a nice place. I would kill for a nice bathroom like this and if I showed you mine, you'd throw up so I try to watch my criticsim.

I did notice this: there appears to be crown molding in the bedroom that abruptly stops. Curious as to why.

But what a nice place to play with. I think you did a great job. It's not boring.

In response to a few comments...

I totally agree on the bedroom needing help on the walls, etc. and apt being sparse. After going through a gut renovation and replacing everything, my energy was drained and I do realize that further decorating is needed, but I just wanted to take a breath to enjoy the new uncluttered space.

The original apt was "all white" with no brick, no woodwork. I wasn't going for anything too trendy with kitchen or bathroom. If I have to sell someday, I want to appeal to largest pool of buyers. This is a unique market - upper west side of manhattan with lots of brownstones. Our building is 100 years old and I also wanted to have my apt feel "at home" within the rest of the building.

Cabinets above bathroom didn't exist and were added as I extended ceiling to roof for that storage. Working fireplace was a non-starter due to upkeep and building politics. A fake one could be used someday, but putting storage in floorboard was more valuable.My thought process was that someone buying after me would appreciate storage as it's so hard to come by and expensive in Manhattan.

In my old layout stereo and tv took up half living room. Couldn't avoid some cords around TV due to brick wall...but most cable/speaker wires are hidden in baseboards.

I'll be happy to answer any other questions/comments.

Really creative build in storage ideas. I am getting so many good ideas!

Regarding window treatments...I also stripped the original shutters and plan on restoring them...but again ran out of time/money. A project for this year.

Crown molding in bedroom does stop...this was how they applied it back in the early 20th century - plaster. Not sure why it stopped, but it would have been more work to remove.

Radiators are on a stack through the building.

FYI...all electrical/plumbing was re-done.

Woodwork around windows was stripped and most rebuilt because of damage.

I feel like this place is still very much "in progress," but that's just my bias towards "decorated-ness" coming through. If John likes his furnishings spare, so be it.

I agree with other people that the livingroom furniture could be better arranged, though. The room has such beautiful windows (and woodwork), and the placement of the loveseat really de-emphasizes them.
I'm also not a big fan of all the exposed wires or the use of the fireplace space. I understand that a non-working fireplace is "empty space," but I think this is an unappealing way to fill it.

Love the in-floor storage, though--very creative!

Please rethink the electronics in the fireplace! In my first apartment many years ago, I thought it would be wonderfully ironic to put the TV (they were large back in the olden days) in the fireplace. The new electronic hearth, and all that.

ANYWAY, all was fine until one January morning (the morning of the Stupid Bowl, in fact, which people were planning to come see at my apratment). It was a freakishly warm day, and I guess all the snow on the roof melted at once. Into my TV. It was an expensive decorating decision.

Working or not, the fireplace probably still has an open chimney.

So you can't move the radiator, what a shame, it's a complete space hog. I think in that case what I would probably do is get a couch and place it on the wall next to the radiator, and center the living area from there (move the coffee table up, angle the tv, get another chair for the opposite wall). Then you'll have space for a table (for eating) or a desk (for work) by the window.

Shutters are a great idea---I would still recommend curtains, though, because you'd be surprised at how much of a difference a little fabric makes. It warms everything up, softens the edges, adds color, and just makes everything more homey.

Storage compartment in the floor! That's crazy cool. I think your living room is lovely; the lighting in the little in-set shelving unit in the wall is wonderful. The brick and the wood look great together. I like all the neutral colours in the living room, kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen is gorgeous; I really like it. Kudos for doing the rip and tear on your place and exposing so many great features.

The bedroom cracks me up! When I was a kid, my cousin had a Captain's Bed and he was the King of Cool. Of course, he was 11, but it was cool. He stored stacks and stacks of comics in his drawers (ha!) and we would sprawl on his bed and hang out for hours. Anyway, if some boy brought me back to his apartment and showed me his rocking living room and kitchen and bathroom... and then this bedroom, I might suggest we take it back to the loveseat! I think the rest of the apartment is very sexy.

i like that you call it "captain's bed" - that is cute. now captain just needs to do something (anything!) to the bedroom. sorry, cap'n.

"I have a GREAT idea. Let's put the TIVO in the fireplace!"

Buy a new bedspread.

My feeling when I saw the pictures was that this guy had just finished his reno and done a lovely job with the lighting, creative storage, and so on and that he was now taking some time before doing more to his place.

He obviously put his creativity, heart, soul and money into the place-- I expect that once he's ready to do more, the results will be just as spectacular as what he's done to date.

So it was gratifying to read his post and see that I was right.

This is my kind of guy: puts his money to good use as he can, in stages, instead of spending a lot willy-nilly. I certainly wish I had the discipline to do as he does.

My vote is insta-finalist, not only for what he's done, but for waiting to finish his apartment. Again, I'm certain that he will invest in great quality, beautiful things and, to those of you who want him to do something in the bedroom, that the end result will be spectacular.

As someone who has conduit running around every baseboard in the house (ugly but we're renting and its better than blue networking cable), I can appreciate the difficulty of decorating around stereo and networking equipment, so I say WELL DONE that so much is hidden! It is a little disappointing that a nice feature like the fireplace needs to be used for storage, but I also understand that the equipment can be quite deep and would cut into the room alot if it wasn't recessed into that space. Though I would suggest swapping the love seat and the ottoman and shifting the speakers around a little so that your most comfortable seating has the optimal viewing/listening position in the room (we have ours set up like this: http://tinyurl.com/jpan7)

I can see the effort that you have put into the finishes, the detailing is lovely - I especially like the floor transition from the lounge to the kitchen, all the sneaky storage and stylish lighting. I totally agree with the above comments that this is the type of apartment that deserves the DWR prize to give it all the finishing touches it needs to be spectacular! :)

OMG, yet ANOTHER anne! The 1st post did not come from me. Maybe that anne can sign on with maybe an initial attached so we aren't confused with each other. Just a thought.

everybody is full of such wonderful ideas, but why hasn't anyone of you started with the fundamental problem. the plan is wrong, ill concieved. john has turned, what is potentially a beautiful space, in to two mean and barely habitable spaces.
take down the partition between the bedroom and living room and come up with an innovative way of dealing with your bedroom needs. there is a beautifully shaped volume here, with nice window detailing, waiting to be revealed,

r: nice idea, but it can't be done. Look at the floorplan, at where the radiators are placed. They can't be moved. Take down the wall, and you have two big radiators inexplicably in the middle of the room.

Love the kitchen! We sublet a place like this in the UWS in the summer (a weekend here and there) so I know that layout very well. Can you possibly have a custom bed built for beneath the window along with a custom headboard? The place I stay has that and it's lovely. The reading lights are mounted into the headboard with a small shelf along the top...

Also, with soaring ceilings, maybe you can build up when it comes to storage and space. Try some soaring bookcases, for instance.

BTW - am I seeing only part of the bedroom trimmed in crown moulding or is that just me?

Holly

Holly

Sharon: "First of all, to the person who suggested rotating the bed 90 degrees---it can't be done---note that the room is only 71 inches wide. And I have a queen size bed, so it's worse!"

The floorplan says it's 6'9" wide (81 inches not 71). I vote for turning the bed. Even if it means losing the captain's bed, custom storage can take advantage of the space below in the way of Amy's Mott St. renovation posted last year.

Very clever use of space in that bathroom! I love how extra storage has been squeezed in all over the place (above the shower, the cubby in the shower itself, the recessed cabinets). Even the sink set-up is clever: a pedestal with built-in towel bar, plus the wall-mounted acessories holders. I think the bathroom actually showcases the homeowner's genius and attention to detail really well. I'm sure once more attention is turned to the bedroom, that space will be just as lovely.

"snake a good wire" - snort!

Really nice lighting, John. May I ask your sources on the kitchen lights and the living room track? (The latter looks like the one carried by Ikea, which I've always rather liked; my apologies if you spent a great deal more than that.)

Thanks Terry for the perfect read on my mindset and what went into the renovation!

To those who favor ripping down the wall and converting a small one-bedroom into a studio...next to impossible in my building which is also landmarked. Your talking permits, etc. as every unit in the building has this wall in the same place and the radiator pipes are immoveable. I'd also "devalue" the apt by about $75,000.

Lights are from HD...from Italy I believe - around $200.

I'm not against losing captain's bed and reworking furniture in living room. One other issue that I should mention...there's an a/c unit in LR under right hand window which was always blocked by my large futon before. Getting smaller furniture that could be moved to allow a/c air flow dictated that decision. Love seat pulls out to bed for guests and ottoman is storage ottoman for magazines.

Most of the storage decisions happened "on the fly" as the dead spaces revealed themselves. Original plan was just to do bathroom & kitchen. Ended up redoing "everything" except bedroom closet. I was also displaced for 6 months.

Only part of the story is told here...the before/during after pics really show what went into this renovation...and I do hope to post all of them on the site so everyone can appreciate how it was transformed.

you can move the radiators and the wall if you want,. there will be only one riser serving those two radiators and most likely it is about 8 -10" off the main facade wall and in the dividing partition.
either way, a 2 1/2" pipe is not that intrusive in such a location, and your radiator configuration can be changed. the wall is not structural. it can come out... forget landmarks.

devaluing you property by 75000, thats the obvious draw back... but your place is not really a 1 bedroom anyway, only hypothetically speaking, and only according to those idiots in the realestate business, so, are you in your place for reasons of spec. or are you there to live? i guess that is the ultimate question.

R-

Do you know anything about living in a manhattan co-op and getting "any" renovation work done? I am on the co-op board and would not even consider this. Touching building systems is like playing with fire and in my building next to impossible. The cost/effort required to do so isn't worth it in the end. The space is much more comfortable than before by NY standards...remember we're talking Manhattan space. :)

The television monitor and the stereo components in the fireplace don't work for me. If you must keep the components in the fireplace I would place the tv monitor above them so that similar items would be stored together. The offset tv increases the static, so to speak. It would also allow you to store the cords in a less obtrusive way.

I loved this place. Don't listen to the morons who haven't lived in pre-war apartments and have no clue. I'm wondering if you can squeeze a full-size couch in the living room, though.

I want to see this as a home tour with before-and-after pics and the whole slide show. I think it'd be much more exciting than what we're seeing here.

Somehow, I wasn't surprised that the current stage represented post-renovation exhaustion. It looks like it was a huge job and you reached the point of just wanting to put furniture in and lie down flat for a bit. Also, you mentioned decluttering as a goal, so good for you in not being in a hurry to reclutter! You can always warm it up with more stuff, but it's emotionally harder to tone a place down.

I was amazed your HOA or board or whatever was okay with hard-surface floors. The buildings we've considered positively won't approve them. Moving a wall and -- heaven help us -- a heating system would never, ever, ever happen.

yes... the tv, subwoofer and stereo are crass. there's some kind of symmetry problem in the living room. you need a few books around. i see shelves to the left... chachki? there's also too much sparkle. how about a floor lamp... but not pairs. lets see a day shot too. now that i think about it, get a nice shelf unit for the tv and such as part of a floor/ceiling bookshelf with a pivot arm for the tv so you can watch from the chair. all that electronic junk is THE HIGHLIGHT of that wall. hanging a painting wont help.

you really should consider the post on rippin the wall, those radiator were originally infront of the windows and you should move them back.

all that aside... your tile/paint/fixture choices look like your aiming to sell to the masses. no character. no vote. nothing personal.

the bedroom needs something on the walls.

i think it looks great. the colors blend nicely with each other. can you tell me how you cleaned your brick wall? also, was any sealant applied?

Great renovation...with clever storage solutions. I have to agree that the place could use some "touches" to elevate it, but you've done a fabulous job so far! I agree with you--I would never make a 1 br a studio--even if I was staying there myself for the rest of my life. a.) it's a dumb real estate move. b.) it's kind of nice to have a separated space--and yes, you can do this with furniture or whatever, but me, I like my rooms!

set-dec: well, nobody ever said I could calculate numbers. You're right, 81" is enough space (I WISH I had that much space in my bedroom!). But again, he would have problems turning the bed because of the radiator. Of course, he could move it down to the front of the room, but then there's this big bed taking up all the floor space right in front of the door and you have to sqeeze around it to get to the window. It's awkward any way you do it.

What I would do if I owned the place is have a 45" custom bookcase made where the shelves are at the sides (instead of the front), secure the thing to the floor near the door, and then secure the bed to it so that it would be a headboard, with the foot of the bed at the window. I could use the top of the bookcase as a night table, and the whole thing would serve as a kind of room divider. It's an idea I picked up from a Martha Stewart book. I even priced it---I could have one made unfinished for about $500.

Anyway, I love my apartment, the neighborhood is fantastic, and I love living in an old brownstone. It would be so great to have the opportunity to renovate it like this!

I'm actually loving this place....clean, minimal, yet the wood warms it up. Must be a breeze to clean...it's a practical NY apartment.

nice furniture, but i'm not a fan of the pillows or comforter--they could be more interesting--and i'd like to see some curtains and some art.

in general i like the space, but it's impossible to say how well you've solved your storage problem unless we see the stuff you need to store. i don't see any books, cds, desk, computer, linens, suitcases, laundry hamper, clothes, or any of the other stuff that people have to put somewhere.

How large is your TV? Also where did you get the door hanger in your bathroom?

Lovely living room, bathroom and kitchen. Did you not have time to do the bedroom?

john needs a woman. this place is great but it screams bachelor.

In response to a few more questions/comments...

TV is centered on brickwall bc put directly above components would make viewing from by windows very difficult. Model is Samsunng 32" LCD.

Door hangers are from Container store

I had masonery company repoint and restore brick wall. I then spent a month on weekends with a wire brush on a drill bit meticulously cleaning plaster residue off bricks. The brick wall was a labour of love and I applied a sealant - some kind of marine grade stuff that was nasty.

Yes, it does need a woman's touch!

To "fin" who said it had no "character" - does oak, brick, crown molding etc. by it's nature have any character? I'll take those materials/finishes over modern and cold anyday. Yes, it does need some artwork and touches to liven it up, but those are decisions I have time to make.

jpsokolny-I said Wow! when I looked at these pix. I was ready to click the instant contender category until I got to the bedroom, which does look like a dorm room that hasn't been postered yet (I ended up with the middle category). I think you've done an incredible job on this place and the storage is very clever. I feel your pain on the brickwork - my brick needs some work (nails sticking out especially) and I admire your painstaking attention to cleaning off the plaster and also to the rest of your place. I personally like this kind of simple aesthetic. BTW, that ottoman doesn't look very comfy. Without flipping back through all the comments to see if you addressed this, I can only assume that you watch tv from the chair.

John,

Some thoughts for when you turn to the fine-tuning stage of your project:

What about simply removing the bedroom radiator? I doubt you need it for heat, and if the Board would allow that, you'd obviously have more spacial options in the bedroom. (Alternatively, how about turning it off and creating a built-in bed/storage around it?

An L-shaped sofa, nestled into the right-hand far corner of the living room might use the space nicely. One could then have a built-in around the living room radiator to house electronic gear and hold the television (or visiualy anchor it, if it's wall-mounted). It wouldn't have to be a real built-in, of course. This might create enough space for a work/dining surface on the right front of the room.

j, i do know about getting things done. i do this kind of work all the time. its my job.
moving a radiator is not playing with fire or potentially hazardous to the building system., as you suggest. its a very straight forward operation.... it must be a hassle getting anything done in your building with you on the board.

r, where do you live?

Hi John! I think your apartment looks terrific, aside from the bedroom. I agree that something could be done with all the tv cords and equipment... and I think the love seat and the ottoman should be switched. I really like what you've done, though. It's very classy. :)

R-

Where do you live? Have you ever done this in a manhattan co-op?

Sure, anyone can say I'll move your pipes, no problem. The bigger question is do I want to spend 25K to do it? I can assure you that I'd need a permit to do it - it's building systems we're talking about.

Seems like folks are spending quite a bit of time on what *could have* been done, instead of what actually was.

I think one of the valuable take-aways here is how John built *in* (and even down) to steal pockets of space between joists and studs. That is really good stuff for small-space living, irregardless of style preference.

I agree with the artwork and more color is needed comments. I tried to talk him into color, but I'm his big sister and you know how that plays out. Having said that, I have to give my brother kudos for what he transformed the place into. He should've put pictures of the "before" instead of the much critized bedroom, which I of course have a very simple and not that expensive solution for. A side tilting Murphy Bed. I know, I know, you're getting a visual, but trust me, I have one and they have come a long way. They are using beautiful woods and now have attached cabinetry, tables and shelving that looks like it's just that when the bed is up. As far as the fireplace opening, i would have put in a gas fireplace and put the TV in the bedroom, but then I hardly ever watch TV, so it's all about what works best for your needs. John, 2 thumbs up and I'll help you paint next time I'm there for a visit(:)

I love the Storage compartment in the floor. The bathroom and kitchen has a modern look while the brick walls give it a retro feel.

Great job!

The apartment is very smart--smart lighting, smart bones, smart storage accents. But it's being corseted from its potential somehow. There's a lot to work with, here...that narrow bedroom space for example, offers some rather cool challenges. I would buy a convertible bed of some kind and accent the room with a coarsely textured rug of a deep-jeweled color.

The walls offer storage opportunities and the windows have so much character they're practically watchful.
The spaces are well defined but unadorned.

R -

Are you a contractor? If you are, remind me never to call you!

Jpsokolny is right!!! The building is 'Landmarked' meaning nothing can be removed or altered that my hinder the structural untegrity of the building...EVER! Even with engineering and architectural drawings this is impossible. Change a one-bedroom into a studio?!?!?! Are you on dope?!?!?

Jpsokolny, the apartment looks great!

I like the clean lines, especially the living room's. By the way--is that coffee table one of those that transforms into a dining table? If so, can you tell us how it works, and if there is enough legroom when you are sitting at it?

The coffee table is called the Mascotte. It does convert to a larger table and can comfortably seat 6. It retails for around $700 at finer furniture stores.

Yes, I do plan on adding artwork, shelves, plants and accents.

I love the storage cabinets above the shower. That is a great use of space. I wish my building had the same.

Wow. Great make out pad! I think your pictures don't do justice to the place. It looks like a fine place to get into the mood, light some candles, play some music and stair into your lovers eyes. Ooh baby!

This place is gorgeous! I mean, really fantastic. He took good bones and made them SHINE. It is so hard to create a great, clean-lined space in Manhattan, and he has done just that.
Kudos to you John Boy, Kudos!

I love the bones here. I am not sure why people are complaining about the living room because you clearly said you did alot of work in there so it reflects your ingenuity, creativity and style. I couldn't give you an insta-finalist because the bedroom is a bore and you really should know better.

Ceiling cabinets in bathroom = excellent idea!

Everything is fabulous until the bedroom. Looks like it's not finished. I'll overlook that, but a styled sleep space would be having it all.

Please! Hide the the wires and buy some art.

HEY UNCLE JOHN!!!!
WELL DANG!!! DUDE I HAD ONLY SEEN THESE THINGS IN MAGAZINES!!! DANG!!! I AM AMAZED!!! WELL U KNOW OUT HERE IN GHETTO COLTON, WE DONT SEE VERY MUCH OF THIS. I THINK YOUR APARTMENT IS GREAT!!!! I MEAN U DO NEED A NEW COMFORTER, BC EVEN I KNOW THAT IS JUST SOOOOOOOO GAY, BUT IF THERE IS A BED BATH&BEYOND OVER THERE, U SHOULD GET A BLUE STRIPED NAUTICA SET FOR YOUR BED. WELL ABOUT ALL THAT STORAGE, VERY CREATIVE, ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO THINK ITS GAY, WELL THEY R GAY!!!! I MEAN IF I COULD HAVE THAT MUCH STORAGE, OOOOOOO I THINK I WOULD B VERY HAPPY(so would my papa) BUT N-E-WAYZ I DO HOPE 2 C THAT, BC THE CLOSEST I HAVE BEEN TO THOSE THINGS R MAGAZINES, SO YEAH. U DO NEED PICTURES THOUGH, LOTZ AND LOTZ OF EM'!!!
OOOOOOO AND B4 I 4 GET, THAT "R" DUDE NEEDS TO SHUT UP!!!!! OMG JUST GET OVER IT DANG!!! IF U WANT A STUDIO, THEN U GO GET ONE!!!!!
AND TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO COMPLAIN, THEN TRY LIVING WHERE I LIVE!!!HMMM THEN AGAIN, THAT WOULDNT B A VERY GOOD IDEA, U WOULD PROBABLY GET A HEARTATTACK!!!(HEHEHEHE)
U DONT HAVE 2 B GOTTI 2 B GREAT!!!!!!!
P.S. PUT SOMETHING W/ COLOR IN THAT B-ROOM!!!

Well, your place is well planned and SO well thought out. Especially living in NYC where Space is such a luxury. Not only is your place classy, tasteful, lovely clean lines, also very space conscious that you can't even visualize all your hidden storage spots. As far as boring, and needs art work.......well that comes later, the basic idea, floor plan, and quality work is fabulous!

It looks highly claustrophobic, “but its an apartment and it has to be small”…no…..there are some fantastic, smart, timber veneer fold away beds on the market with modular wardrobes, take the main internal wall out and have a generous living space. Some people couldn’t live like this, allot of people just have duvet and bottom sheet, no problem with a fold away bed, at least then you could have a few friends over to watch the game. Q. why go to so much effort creating a tidy space and then have TV cords hanging out everywhere? Why completely change the look of the bathroom to the rest of the apartment? Sorry, but you put art on the walls in this place it would feel even more claustrophobic.

ummm yo nick-o well buddy o'll pall, if u just to fill u in on some stuff, i dont think you can take the main wall down. do you not see its a one bedroom apartment, not a studio!!!! and did you not know that if he did do that, the APARTMENT would lose so much value... well just to let you know. and whats so freking claustraphobic??? i mean if you are single, it doesnt matter anyways right??? well im shure it doesnt, because if you are always at work, when you get home you want to come in to a cozy atmosphere, not a big ol' empty house. and if you also didnt read, the cables & stuff are like that because the guy just remodled!!! i mean duh! and wats wrong with like 3 little cables!!! im so shure.... but any ways, it was just a little information for you....
bye
xoxo

Beautiful, beautiful work. I'm sure the bedroom will eventually look just as good as the rest of the apt. Can you provide more details re the floor storage in front of the fireplace? Is there a floorboard "lid" that covers it? Is the lid on a hinge? Did you do this work yourself? How did you determine depth, i.e. how far into the floor you could go before affecting the apt below yours?

The clever way to use the fire place.

Hey John, would you be so kind to tell me if you did the graphics with OmniGraffle and where you got the stencils for it ?