apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I think this place has a lot more potential.

Wow, the first picture makes the main room look gorgeous (I must admit that I could do without the bookshelves in the other shot). I would be interested to see photos of the rest of the apartment.

love love love this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love the fresh colors and all the art and other interesting things sprinkled around the rooms. It feels very natural and inviting, and not at all cramped for being a small space.

Okay, with your entry, I guess it's time I change my name...and I don't want to put "the first" because who knows if I was! So, I'll go with geography (until someone else here with my name comes along!).

I am in love with the first picture. Love the treatment of the mantle and the mirror above. I'm not digging the yellow peeking out from the moulding, though. What color is that on the walls coming into the living room--is it white or a pale seafoam? Soothing effect overall!

That first picture is completely magazine-worthy in the best possible sense.

girl - where did you get that sofa?????

And does the sofa fold out to be a spare bed? It looks dreamy.

rr, I totally agree. In fact it reminded me of the March cover of Domino. Sofa is great.

Fabulous use of a small space!! Very airy and modern. LOVE the couch!

loved the first shot, but the bookcase took away from the overall effect. but very nice and love the color and how airy everything seems.

Sofa is nice, but I can't really get a sense of the space from the photography, and I don't really see anything innovative about the use of space. I do like the wall color, though.

Gorgeous. I could live there, which is something I haven't thought when viewing the other contestants. You're lucky to have great 'natural features' like the floor & fireplace.

ooh, what color/name is the paint in the first photo. LOVE it.

thanks!

d*s

my boss hass that same sofa here in the studio...it does indeed fold down.

I love this place. Agree with the huzzahs for the first photo; in defense of the bookcase, I think it is in keeping with the simple/informal/natural theme. I think this is a great entry because it builds upon elements available to all: light, paint, simple furnishings, minimal clutter (OK, I am not so good at that last one). Shows one dynamic piece of furniture (the sofa) can wow an audience (us).

Of course, my comments show my personal bias, but, well...

Also curious about your coffee table -- lucite? acrylic? Source, please (along with sofa source, as others asked)

The sofa is from Bo Concept and does fold down into a guest bed. It's open underneath, so despite its size, it's not imposing.

...and the wall is a light seafoam-y color. The chip I chose was a very light and very neutral gray, but they must have mixed it wrong, so I couldn't tell you the name. But it worked much better, I think.

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!

Got the same sofa--Bo Concept--great Danish design, wonderfully affordable. It's modern edge and cream color neatly balances against the wooden floors, the details in the molding, subway tiled fireplace and light gray walls. Bravo Christine!

The table is acrylic from cb2.com.

Christine - can you tell me the name of the paint color in the living room. I love it!

Thanks Christine, I have been oogling just the one for a while now. It looks great! I'm rootin' for ya!

Beautiful. I agree that the first photo packs a wallop, especially the wonderful fireplace with that small TV next to it. I love the contrast.

I just sold the very same dresser you have. Interesting. It looks much better in your place than it did in mine.

As for the bookcase, my only comment is that I personally would like something more "solid" to balance the beautiful fireplace molding.

But very nice indeed.

bo concept? no way. I checked the website yesterday looking for sofabeds I did not see that one. I want that sofa! does anyone have a link to where it is on the website?

This apartment is beautifully decorated and has lots of character. I love the mix of modern and vintage/antique decor. The wall colors really add to the overall feel of the space as well.My favorite entry for sure.

Great bones!

I don't love the yellow either and it doesn't feel quite done to me. BUT! I think if the floors were redone and you had a larger rug in the LR and a bed frame, you'd be there.

I'd be very tempted to take down the walls btw kitchen, BR and LR and make it a large studio. I'd need a closet too!

http://www.boconcept.com/Default.aspx?ID=10564

It's under "simple sofas."

thanks Christine
i did see that one - for some reason it looks different in your picture. Maybe it looks better in person than on the website - hopefully they will have it at the store and i can check it out - what kind of fabric is it - the website is not specific.

Christine - What do you think of the CB2 acrylic coffee table? I have been eyeing it since getting the catalog, but was afraid that the acrylic isn't thick enough (1/2"). I was contemplating getting a custom-made one that is 3/4" or 1" thick to make sure it is stable enough. However, if you think the CB2 is stable and you like it, I may reconsider (and save some $$!). Can someone casually sit on it w/out it teetering? Thanks!

Yes, the bookcase could better reflect the solidity of the wonderful mantel. Where do we eat? Is that a table in front of the wonderful bay window? How about a seat/shelf/whatever that would fit the unused space within the bay window. I.e., sort of a half round thing. Easy to make, even for a non-compenter. Lots more possibilities. Pauline

> The sofa is sort of a faux suede. I've been really happy with it.

> The coffee table is fairly solid. Generally, people have been sitting on it, but I doubt it would teeter.

> The corner you see by the window is my desk, a piece of frosted glass laid on top of 2 hand-me-down end tables. I did have an old formica table, but the height of it didn't work with the rest of the furniture. So I usually eat around the coffee table.

Beautiful!!!

(I like the bookcase. I think if it were more solid it could easily feel too heavy and take over the room.)

The first picture is gorgeous and my initial thought was "Insta-finalist" but the other photos show more of the layout and not really that much of the design. But anyone who uses lucite well gets a thumbs up from me.

I love this space. It's simple and light, but accents like the wall color and that great sofa give it flair and distinctiveness. It seems like it would be a welcoming and peaceful place to call home.

Beautiful! I really like this entry. Great combo of vintage and modern items. The sofa looks fantastic and even better here than on the web site! The light in your place is just gorgeous. I wish my place was this sunny!

The bookcase doesn't bother that much. But since a few people are talking about it what about something like IKEA's EXPEDIT bookcase in white? The color would go nicely with the decor and still be a bit airy, but the shape and size would be more solid.

That pale blue, white and cream thing is really working for you.

I think it's a great start . . .

whatcha going to do to the bedroom?
the bedroom wall that is visible from the living room
is begging for something

and a runner at the entrance/hall to cover that floor outside the kitchen . . . do they make bamboo mat runners?

and something to deal with the front door opening into the bathroom. obviously that's the layout you're dealt with, but I bet some clever reader of this site might have an idea for that . . .

I love your place!!! The first photo is just gorgeous...Great job!

A quick question about the coffee table: does it scratch easily? Thanks in advance.

I would give this a nod for the moldings alone -- I want your bay window! I also love the paint color you've chosen and think it really suits the apartment.

On the downside, I would like to see furniture that emphasized the classic lines and architecture of the apartment more. It doesn't need to be ornate or overbearing, but that unfinished-looking pine bookcase and the dinky little shelf with the TV seem to clash with the feel of the apartment itself. You have those cool columns in the window -- perhaps an understated Greek Revival theme?

I'm still mad about the apartment though, and hope to see more pictures.

This one isn't for me. There's no cohesion to the furniture styles and the apt seemss cluttered. Esp. the tv thing.

Great apartment! I think you need a duvet cover though. With the green chair next to the bed, maybe a pale apricot cover or even lavender with grass green pillows if that's not too easter egg for you. Can't see what kind of pillows you have, but overall I think the bedroom just needs a splash more color.

I just got the BoConcept sofa in grey synthetic suede. I love it because it's so practical and great looking. At $699, it's a great deal! The only catch is there's always a waiting list.

Nice apartment
I think the tv should be bigger, like plasma, and with surround sound speakers. Oh and it would be much cooler if it wasn't in NYC.

P.S. I bet you have a totally hot sister !

Oh, and...I totally second hanging something on the long wall next to your bed, a runner to cover the worn spots on the wood floor outside the kitchen, and the expedit bookcase (I have it and it's held up quite well for this bibliophile). I'm wondering about your bedside table situation. It doesn't look like you have one now. Have you tried moving the bed parallel to the windowed wall in the bedroom? Not shoved up against the radiator, but with enough room for a slim passage way and a small table in the corner where the chair is now. The chair could go on the other side of the bed, the dresser and trunk along the wall by the door. If you did get a larger rug for the living room the one you have now could go in the bedroom. It's a beautiful rug and would provide that little bit of color I think the bedroom is missing even with the green chair. You might even paint the dresser?

this is the first entry that made we want to vote. great use of muted colors set a graceful and quiet mood. however i must say the chrome kitchen chair takes away from the unified look.

What about that simple cream colored covered side chair? May I ask where you found that?

Thanks!

If this were a one-image contest, you'd have my vote based on photo #1 (well, with a TINY bit if straightening of the books in the bookshelf...)

But I am LOVING that these all have floorplans this year!!

I'm looking over this entry as I'm procrastinating on writing tomorrow's Scavenger copy, and I gotta say, I do love that living room. I don't think that the bedroom is as pulled together as it could be, but we tend for the most part not to "do" the rooms that aren't public areas. From the choices you've made in the living room, you've shown that you have innate design sense -- the way the colors pull together, in particular. I'm voting you a finalist because I think you could really put those gift certificates to good use.

P.S. My apartment, an east-facing brownstone floorthrough, used to be that BRIGHT YELLOW color as well. Bedroom became Sea Urchin by Benjamin Moore and five coats later, the living room became Relay Red by Ralph Lauren (a great red for those who want to try one). And now I can sleep. But really, I feel your pain there.

P.P.S. Maxwell, at some point can we have a contest where we separate the design pros from the proles? Like a nature vs. nurture type deal? Hell, it was my MOMMA who taught me to arrange an odd number of complementary colored objects together to create a pleasing display, and she ain't named "Parson's." I'm done now. :)

Ah, the NORREBO bookcase... how I have been craving it. I'm afraid to go to IKEA to get it - I'll be tempted to get a new kitchen too, just to justify the shipping costs.

The wall color is lovely; that first picture oozes tranquility. The TV is a bit jarring there but I know one can't control where the outlets and cable connections are located. Beautiful light - it feels so serene.

love that sofa. unfortunately it is retailing for 699 pounds here in britain unlike the 699 dollars in the usa. same old story regarding prices here

great apartment, love the fireplace

Molly/Scavenger: I had the exact thought this morning!

As this blog becomes more and more popular, I think the idea is worth considering, less us low-budget, doing-our-best-to-put-it-together types get completed alienated from this scene (I am assuming the person who recommended Christine purchase a plasma and surround sound system was joking?)

patrick finally makes a comment. i totally agree about that first shot. i also noticed the books and thought 'good for christine!. she didn't feel obligated to straighten them.' patrick i insist you make more noise here. a contest without words from patrick is like a day without sunshine....(not the benjamin moore paint color).

This is really nice, and I agree with P2 about that first pic.

To answer some more questions...

> Scratches have not been a problem with the coffee table.

> The cream-colored chair is Philippe Starck from Target (only $19.99).

> Yes, the bedroom is sparsely furnished/decorated. The dresser and trunk are so close to the bed that they function as side tables (there is a lamp and alarm clock on the dresser). I also think of the apartment as a work in progress...

Jennifer, I think the person talking about the plasma knows Christine and is probably dating or married to Christine's sister. :) That's my theory anyway.

The first pic everything there is beautiful...not too crazy about the bookcase

beautiful space! the whole arrangement is simple and functional.

the two main pieces in the living room -- lucite table and bo concept couch -- are perfect for small-space living. it looks like a nice rug too.

great eye for placement of art and other simple flourishes.

i think the yellow you left by the window was inspired!

Wow! I must post about this place in my blog because I'm loving the living room - terrific arch details! Looks very 'Back Bay' Boston!

Holly

Wow. The layout of the place sells itself, really wouldn't matter how you decorated - but I will tell you the color choice really lightens it up, as well as the choice of low height furnishings.

kudos on the score of this place!

I love that your modern additons have de-sweetened the sweet-tea of that frothy mantel and the other plaster icing around the room.

See, it can be done without stripping period details from a brownstone!

I'd like to see the bottom two shelves of the tall bookcase be purged of books and instead filled with closed container storage, to clean it up a little and add soem mass to the bottom.

Living room reminds me of the place Grace once moved to (for a day or two) in Brooklyn on Will & Grace.
Very Park Slopey.

As someone who has been fortunate enough to have spent a few nights on that fold-out couch, I must say that not only is the apartment fresh and stylish, but also cozy and romantic...the cutest!! :) Petra

Hi Christine,

That fireplace is lovely. I mentioned your space today in my design blog, decor8, today. Click on my name to take a peek!

I have a question though about the placement of your TV in the living room, how do you view it from the sofa?

A second question I have is concerning your sofa, it seems quite large for the space, is it just the angle of the photographer - I'd like to see the space standing in front of the sofa looking towards the closet...

Your space seems so light and airy, I love the floor plan too. It actually reminds me of Boston (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End) with all of our brownstones.

Your space inspires me - I'd love to have THAT FIREPLACE - drool...

xo,

Holly

I have to say that I'm surprised by all the comments on this entry. The actual space is gorgeous. Unbelievable fireplace..fantastic circular window bay. just lovely. But none of that is from the work or design of the renter/contestant.

The furniture I see looks to be out of scale, and oddly arranged. Why are the sofa and chair blocking a good bit of the fireplace? We dont get a good look at the desk in the bay window area, but according to the floorplan, it seems clunky to me.

I love the apt. But as for a contest entry about interior design, I think this one makes a great "before" picture.

Crisp, simple yet....so inviting!! I love the rug!

dunno, i was let down after the first pic. i'm apt to agree with the first poster - definite potential.

Christine, I feel that the way you decorated the apartment really fits the space and enhances if strengths. I like the bookshelves just fine. ALso dig the idea to put storage containers on the bottom to add extra storage. Really nice to see a small t.v. Large would seems out of place and heavy in the this beautiful airy space.

Hi Holly... thanks for the mention.

The only times I really watch tv is early morning when I'm running around, or late at night when I have a perfect view when lying on the sofa.

And about the sofa's size, I've never felt it to be out of scale or dominating. I spent months searching for something compact, but nothing was striking me as particularly comfortable or elegant or the right color, etc. Like I said earlier, the absence of a solid, heavy-looking base offsets its length.

Love it! It has a really fresh, comfortable look and that sofa is GREAT! Love to see it in person!

I like how the leftovers of yellow on the window mouldings tie the the high ceilings into the room. It gives a nice sort of cozy feel but doesnt overwhelm.

Beautiful job overall Christine!

Great location - love the park!

Christine,
I really love your space. It gives off a mid-centry modern/vintage feeling to me. (it's a home, not a fixed magazine look) The first picture I saw got me excited! However, I would design the bookcase in a different way. (Looking at it from my artist eye) Just lay some of your books alternating from shelf to shelf down, place a few small ceramic bowls on the books and , take down the plant from the top, display framed art black/white photos and add vintage lighting( small bubble lamp- cb2, small pod sculptures- Room&Board or lytegem lamp- DWR)

i don't see how you can qualify for the world's smallest coolest apartment if you have a separate bedroom and kitchen. i don't see any particularly interesting use of space in this apartment (or most of them for that matter.)
the paint job is nice and the fireplace is gorgeous (but i don't think she's responsible for that)
ditch the plastic coffee table and ikea bookshelf and let the room speak for itselk

I love the living room and am a fan of the bookcase. The colors are really gorgeous and helpt to open up the very small space you're inhabiting. Great job!

Super job! Only one minor problem, the apartment's in New York. Everyone to their own taste and place. I noticed the vintage USDA - FS sticker on the footlocker. Those things are rea........lly rare, especially in that apparent condition! Almost museum quality. That agency just celebrated its 100th anniversary. Its amazing what people key in on. Good luck with your entry. Its excellent where it is and would do well anyplace. We'll keep watching to see how you do. Forest Fuzz.

linky, there's no rule about having to be a studio to be in this contest - just have to be 650 sq. ft. or under.

I like this entry even more after looking at it a few times. And to be in one of those great buildings right across from Prospect Park - how cool!

This is just like the apartment Grace was moving into in Brooklyn on Will and Grace.

I love the bookcase and the bay windows. I would change the tv, both in placement and size, but not everyone cares about The Idiot Box like I do. :) Great layout. -t

The first photo is great (though I think that bookshelf has to go). However, the rest of the photos were anti-climactic. Somehow this one got 5 photos, when I thought the contest was limitted to 4, yet made little good use of them. One sort of ok detail shot of the art of the trunk, and three throw aways including a picture of a plain radiator...?

The first photo is great, nobody can take that away. I'll go now.

have seen the slip covered chair from the 1st pic before...love it. where is it from?

Christine, What is the blue paint color?

i think that the heaviness of the bookcase would be lessened if you painted it white. this would also allow the items placed on it to stand out more. you might think about stacking some of your books horizontally on top of each other, rather than vertically. this would add a nice contrast to the vertical lines of the bookcase. it also creates a great pedestal on which you could display a trinket or something. just an idea - your place is darling!!

Great use of the white colour to create illusion of space.

i hope you make it to the finals so that i can see your desk and work space. i don't care how messy . . . that they seem to be right out in the open in a beautiful, usable space appeals to me. i wanna see!!

I love the old wooden floors. And I like seeking that you have "things" - shows that the place is used and lived in.

I love what you did. Did your coffee table come from CB2? I would like to purchaseone like it.