apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I still love the first photo.

I think Christine has a lovely, comfy apartment and I congratulate her for creating a lovely home for herself - but I am interested to hear why the judges chose this apartment as a finalist... The apartment itself has some lovely features (bay window, fireplace) but the rest (the furniture, paint, kitchen, etc) are less inspiring compared to the other finalists - judges, what is your thought process here?

Highest amount of maybe votes, maybe?

Please tell me it's not that.

I've gotta agree with DLFM - this is a nice apartment, cozy, homey, great architectural details. But seriously folks, there is nothing at all remarkable about it. It's pleasant, but it's a hodgepodge, and the use of the space in the bay window is downright heinous - unattractive and awkward. Which is a shame, because that space is so fantastic.

i was thinking the same thing, so i went back to look at hte no of votes it had -

Finalist #6 - 287
Finalist #5 - 465
Finalist #4 - 422
Finalist #3 - 532
Finalist #2 - 317
Finalist #1 - 865

way below the others so this entry is a little bit of a surprise! I do love the living room though!

Uhm. Wow. Am I missing something here?

This is a lovely apartment, but is it really a finalist that's better than anything the west has to offer? I wonder if the judges saw any of the west entries except for David and IM? #13, #19, #27, #32, #33 or 39, just to name a few. Even among east entries, I have trouble understanding this one being cream of the crop.

This also assumes the judges didn't look at no votes.

This place is nice, but I think it's not really finalist material. I mean, if you were just looking at size diversity as a criteria point, then I think there were a dozen or more choices that had a bit more life to them. I think the extra pictures do not help - had the judges seen a better diversity of pictures (including kitchen and bath) then I don't think this would be in the running.

i agree completely with DLFM and JJ. while christine has certainly made this apt. her cared for home, there isn't really anything that makes this place special. there's nothing really wrong with it, but how/why is it one of the "smallest, coolest"? it isn't cohesive in it's design, the bicycle and computer in the living room are an eyesore and awkward, the bathroom and kitchen are completely run of the mill, and what do we really see of the bedroom that makes it interesting? the contest rules suggested "inspiration" and "something that jazzes us". where do we find that in this apartment. i don't get this one.

What is with the inferiority complex of the west? Did I miss something that said there were no more finalists going to be shown or that the rest of the finalists would all be from the East?

Weak, weak weak. There is absolutely nothing here that speaks of conscious design. It is like every other brownstone apartment in Brooklyn. What is up with this choice, judges? To call this a finalist seems so unfair to any of the contestants who put real work into their places and turned them into something unique. This is Bland, capital B.

Why so harsh, people? Not necessary.

I think the judges had only the initial 5 photos to determine the finalists.

So does anyone know how this vote counting thing works cause if one simply looks at the "Wow! Insta-finalist!" then there are plenty of entries that have more votes that this one!
#2 - 515 (E)
#4 - 325 (W)
#8 - 565 (E)
#13 - 327 (W)
#14 - 358 (E)
#19 - 486 (W)
#32 - 496 (W)
#33 - 491 (W)

?????

Oh the spell of a vintage tiled fireplace and robin's egg blue paint (it is seductive)...

One or several of the judges must just have a had soft spot for this one that eeked it into the finals - it wasn't only votes that mattered (go back and read constest rules).

And, c'mon, it is a lovely apt. My only quibble is the desk area (that killer bay window is not shown off they way it could be) and the stacked cans of paint by the bike. Or maybe that just makes me laugh.

I personally didn't mind judges overriding votes b/c if you're the least bit savvy, there was way to vote over and over. Not something I advocate, but it was there for the taking. And I think some people definitely did.

For instance, how does a really plain place that has 20 comments (half of which are the contestant themselves) have 400 votes? Hmmmmm.... I noticed a couple along those lines. Not many, but a few. I think the judges took little things like that into account.

Plus, hell, it's all subjective.

Damn, this apt gives me fire-place envy.

Um, let's not all freak out YET... this is #6 of 13, so we will still be seeing many more entries.. potentially, PeaceLamp, all but one of the ones you cite...

i think the judges took into account when the submission was placed, because voting was more sparse at the end (due to voter fatigue) - so someone who got, say, 400 votes in the beginning and someone who got, say, 240 at the end might have been seen as having acheived the same level, relatively speaking.

but i thought this one was near the beginning, so maybe that's not it.

Did anyone actually read the posts regarding how the finalists are chosen? Jayla and P2 did and make great comments. People seem to be getting swept up in the drama of the contest a little too much. I guess that what the high dollar prizes will do. Too bad.

I just think the photos speak for themselves. Who knows what has been happening in Christine's life since she first entered the contest? And would you make these comments to her face? Just because you're hiding behind your IP address, doesn't mean you should forget your manners. As some of the regulars around here have noted, it takes a lot of courage to put your most personal surroundings out there for what is now a nationwide audience.

Smell the fresh flowers.

I agree we shouldn't be harsh, but go back and look at the 5 pics from the original entry. That first picture is wonderful. It's like a magazine shot it's so good. But the second pic? And the other three? Click my name. That's a small cool finalist in a contest with so many entries they couldn't all be shown? I'm not criticizing Christine here, I'm questioning the judges. A guy from DWR was involved with choosing this a finalist for the smallest coolest apartment?

I don't understand.

pbphoenix is right. My comment was uncalled for. I just don't understand, but I owe Christine no disrespect.

impressive patrick, that was the point i was trying to make. and i have more where that came from -
#1 - 323 (W)
#31 - 324 (E)
#12 - 307 (E)
#8 - 309 (W)

:-)

Jayla,
the contest is not about the living room its about the whole apartment and the kitchen and the bathroom instantly make this NOT a finalist. So even if the judges only had 5 pictures to go with, one of them being a picture of a window and a radiator in the bedroom, that should be an indication!

I also think there is a lot of personal beauty going on in this place, especially when staring at that drop-dead gorgeous living room shot. And the modern mix in a vintage shell AIN'T easy to hit. But she nailed it, at least in the sitting area of the living room.

So, Christine deserves some props, even if some of the "satellite spaces" don't hold up to this home's largest inhabitable chunk, which is where I'm guessing she does the biggest chunk of her inhabiting.

But I think the debate is a testament to the overall quality of entries.

I am actually less mystified by this entry being one of the 13 than say an entry that turned the majority of its living space into closets...

And what happened to all the people previosuly screaming about renters and non-renovators getting their share of the spotlight?? Or the people who say "the finalits are going to be all about gobs of money being spent"? So, here is a renter who has not demo'd, did not spent trucks of money, didn't get it all from Ikea... where are the supporters?!

I think the pending full moon just makes today a no-win Wednesday.

Building on Jayla's comment -- Back when it was announced that finalists had been notified, there was a very subtle reference to the team having ruled-out entries where there was fishy voting. Two of the simplest ways to vote multiple times would be easy to spot in the site's logs.

So I wouldn't take the raw numbers too seriously.

Maxwell's writing -

Now, about those 13 finalists. This is what happened.

First we decided that taking 5 from the East and 5 from the West was silly, since we had more entries in the East and if we were really looking for the BEST, we shouldn't be limited to location. So we looked at the voting scores of all 102 submissions and decided to take the top 12 because we wanted to be generous with such an amazing pool.

But maybe someone who hasn't renovated their place top to bottom still can have a small and cool apartment. I think it's refreshing to have a finalist where the person took a space and made it her own using what was there. Nothing against the others, many of which are stunning, but this is clearly a place that has been thoughtfully furnished and decorated WITHOUT breaking the bank.

P2 -

I could not agree more about the closet swooning. Ha!

congrats, Christine!

And people,

un-bunch those panties. i have no doubt some expected finalist will be up. it's nice to have a surprise or two in there.

Personally I think the place is quaint, cozy, and a good example of small/cool. People are always complaining that renters don't have a chance in the contest, but when somebody makes it to the finals that hasn't done a major renovation involving tearing down walls, building new walls, etc. they rip it apart.

Maybe we should try to offer some constructive criticism on what could help improve upon an already nice place. I would take the computer and put it on the floor next to the desk and maybe straighten/center the desk in the bay window. Regardless I think Christine should be proud of her place and being in the finals.

Now waiting for the obligatory ripping by Jonathan that we are too touchy feely around here.

And how, for example, is this slightly undesigned bedroom any worse than the relatively uninspired (claustrophobic, almost impossible to get to) "sleeping loft" in Dave and Im's (finalist) entry?

Sure, THERE it's "intentional Zen" although white sheets, white walls, and nary a personal effect or a place to stow even the most necessary of bedside accessories make that sleeping space LESS functional and more sterile than Christine's...

Here, it's quickly labeled "sucky photo" or bad design, so off with her head or the judges are smoking crack...

I'm not saying this is the strongest in the field by any stretch, but c'mon...

P2 always quick with the insightful comments. Now I just look like I can't read the previous comments!

And to PeaceLamp, what about all the finalists who haven't showed us their bathrooms? Should they be disqualified because we didn't see the "whole apartment". Christine was honest and showed us her space. What are the others hiding that might have turned us off to their space (completely rhetorical question not trying to insinuate anyone is hiding anything)?

And maybe the DWR judge looked at this space, and what Christine has done *so far*, and realized she could work some more serious magic with her remaining areas with some killer DWR product. Ya just never know.

I'm with jen... I like the surprise of this.

Is it me or does P(too) like to be contrarian just for the sake of it? He criticizes when the tide is with any given design, but then sympathizes and defends otheres when they are being criticized. It's quite obnoxious.

He can't be serious, he just does this for sport.

I give Christine points for honesty in showing the bath (which is lovely in an understated way) and the kitchen (where she's cursed with an awkward layout and ugly fixtures but has tried to make something of it -- a classic "life is hell for renters" problem).

Why does the bay window arrangement bother people so much? She has space to bring work over to her desk, and if you swap disks a lot, you do *not* want your tower under your desk. I figured that area was breathing space for the more "arranged" living room.

Jeremy - maybe it should have been the "smallest coolest with room to improve" contest

and P2 noone is taking anyone's head off - dont be so dramatic. Everyone is simply expressing their opinion that this entry does not really stand its own as compared to others.

Yes it takes guts to enter the contest and open you home to other people - acknowledeged. But people need to be prepared for the comments.

annoyed--
I just got a little sick of everybody ganging up on this entry when slack is cut for others that I don't get. And *usually* on the contests (or house torus, or "Hot or Not"), when I don't get it, I either shut up or find *something* to like. Or offer what I believe to be constructive criticism, which I wasn't seeing a lot of here, yet...

I have a LOT of different style preferences, so it is not about "the tide"... I LOVE interiors, and there are very few interiors I can't find some good in... ESPECIALLY since real people live here.

No I don't argue for sport. I actually HATE to argue.

But I'll shut up now. Wouldn't want to annoy you any more than I have.

The *so far* argument is a copout. Do you mean that what someone has done with a space so far makes it the smallest/coolest? Imagine what any of the entries will be like, given time. We should be judging based on what they've DONE.

And eh, the low budget argument is a copout too. West #1 said his $300 couch was the most expensive thing he owned, and look at East #26. His most expensive work was probably paint. Or east #5. Like that guy's loaded. There are entries that do great things with little cash. This isn't one of them.

Wende, I think the reason the bay window bothers people is because there are two places in that living room that immediately draw attention to themselves. The fireplace, which is really used well, and the bay window. She's got an awesome bay window that oozes charm not being realized.

I appreciate the bear bones of this place, as well as the paint color in the living room. But the additional pictures solidfy my disappointment in the use of the space.

Although this is a perfectly lovely apartment, I don't see anything particularly interesting or inspiring about it as a small living space.

Your kithen is begging, no, screaming for some art. Right there...under the clock... or maybe those paint cans hold the answer?

And about those paint cans and bike... they're proof that someone lives there! A lot of the posts last round were dings for "too perfect" or "does anyone live there" so for me, this is perfect!

I leave paint cans lying around too, so a big thumbs up from me! I like the bumper sticker footlocker combo too! And I use that same antifungal cream I see in the bathroom.

Seriously. What gives?

Perhaps it was chosen because they wanted a cross section of styles? Because this one is different from all those Mid-C cutouts that we have been seeing.

come on--
re: "Imagine what any of the entries will be like, given time. We should be judging based on what they've DONE."

I agree was. Was just trying to make a (far reaching) point.

But I do disagree that this entry does little with no cash. That living room comes across as seriously high end.

peacelamp--
If you think I was being dramatic *then*, oh HONEY!!!

And to ammend an earlier comment...
HATE to argue. LOVE to debate. :)

"Perhaps it was chosen because they wanted a cross section of styles?"

But Jessica, that would be admitting that this entry isn't a finalist on merit; rather, it's a finalist for the sake of accepting lesser entries to achieve a proper cross section of styles. According to your argument. That also means an apartment with merit was excluded to make room for this lesser entry.

I'd feel different if some of this entry's pics weren't so bad, both in this finalist version and in the original entry. The radiator pic. The pic of the trunk with the bumper sticker. The hallway. Those are three of the original five pics.

I'm dismayed to read that the finalists were selected based on the vote count. A sloppy reader, I thought Maxwell was talking about a toilet beauty contest in that post.

I hope few people like me burned out from overstimulation and stopped voting halfway through the eternity when submissions were posted. Otherwise the late entries were at a disadvantage.

I've liked all the finalists thus far so probably I'm just indiscriminate, but I think Christine's place is lovely (although a curved desk would look better by the bay window than what she's got). I was just thinking today for the millionth time that with Victorian interiors it's best to stay out of the way of the architecture and that's what Christine's done.

Good grief.

I should note that all of this entries pics aren't bad. The first living room picture is wonderful.

"I hope few people like me burned out from overstimulation and stopped voting halfway through the eternity when submissions were posted. Otherwise the late entries were at a disadvantage"

henrietta, i believe they took this into account. see my post, above.

sloppy, sloppy reader. (kidding. KIDDING.)

I was about to attempt to question the judges on this choice in a tactful manner but DLFM put it so well, so I'll quote him:

"I think Christine has a lovely, comfy apartment and I congratulate her for creating a lovely home for herself - but I am interested to hear why the judges chose this apartment as a finalist... The apartment itself has some lovely features (bay window, fireplace) but the rest (the furniture, paint, kitchen, etc) are less inspiring compared to the other finalists - judges, what is your thought process here?"

I feel that the apartment's architectural features are more important than the use of space or the decor. What, indeed, are the judges' thought processes here?

Doh!

No disclaimer necessary, it's the sad truth.

The best thing about this apartment is the totally gorgeous fireplace mantel. The rest is just a mess. The lovely curved space created by the bay windows is completely wasted. I'm glad you find this space comfortable, but honestly, there's not much "design" to it.

If you add "insta-finalist" and "in contention" votes, then subtract the "no way jose" votes if you feel like it (but it doesn't really matter if you do), this one scores plausibly high.

I'm not saying that's what happened -- but if it did, there's nothing odd about the entry making finals. People voted for it.

Frankly I think the emotional intensity is that, given how GREAT the apts (at the top end), there are so few prizes.

I think all the finalists should get something along the lines of what the honorable mentions got. Some real reward/ incentive for their work.

In a more prefect world...

uh, I mean perfect world. (bad typist!)

Every brownstone I've ever lived in in Park Slope, and I've lived in three, have had this EXACT same living room layout -- bay windows, great fireplace. This is the architectural style of much of the neighborhood and frankly, you'd have to work hard to make those bones look bad. The problem with this apartment is more what Christine hasn't done with it than what she has done with it. The first living room shot seems to have generated all sorts of oohs and ahs because it is lovely, but otherwise it's just an apartment that is taken care of and lived in. That's not what this apartment contest is about. It's about a clear design sense in a small space. I don't want to gang up on this entry. Rather, I'd like to hear on what criteria the judges voted for this one. Sure, Christine could use the prize money to do more with her place, most of us could. But just because she could use it is pretty much why it seems undeserved. The contest is for what you've done, NOT what you could do. Strip away the fireplace and the living room shot (but turn away from the bicylce and computer)and this entry is underwhelming. It's a disapointment. Maybe this DWR prize just riles too many people up.

I love the sofa and the first tableau with the fireplace (great photo), but I don't think it's really finalist material... the desk is really really awkward, too. I do think you have a lovely apartment though, Christine. I wonder if you could custom-build your own desk in a sort of half-moon around the window.

Are the paint cans holding up the bike?

The tenant's furniture and style just dont do this space any justice, especially the bay window...it could just be so much more.

The sofa is perfect and is a lovely offset to the classic fireplace. The bedroom could use some storage solutions and color, and that bay window--sheesh oh pete, I've never seen such a design. Those narrow windows spliced by those columnar accents--wow. A design challenge if I ever seen one. I have no idea what Christine could do with that. Not one of my personal finalist picks, but I do see a lot of potential for some classic funkiness.

"If it's not comfortable, functional, or making me happy on a daily basis, it goes."

Excellent approach.

The innovation and creative problem solving specified in the contest criteria suggest the kind of radical intervention performed so ingeniously by #15 James & Margaret's Iconic Studio. However James and Margaret's apartment was initially a godawful hideous box and furthermore, they are BOTH architects! They made a showpiece, and I think it rocks. But it's practically an apples and oranges situation between #15 and Christine's apartment.

Christine already lives in a beautiful piece of architecture and chooses to tread lightly. She hasn't designed her apartment for display but to please herself and feel happy. (Not to suggest that James and Margaret didn't do likewise while designing a showpiece.) That's the whole point of Apartment Therapy isn't it?!

How did this make it as a finalist, a coat of white paint, IKEA bookcase, and a 80s kitchen...true winner ;)

As for the bay window, I agree, more could have been done (I'm fantasizing about putting the lovely curved desk from room and board there--don't remember what it's called).

If I remember right, people were obsessing about the couch when this first entry was posted--this is how furniture lust can lead to serious trouble.

It's been said, but I too am puzzled by this entry making the cut. While it's architecturally a nice space, cozy and neat, it's not inspiring enough to make you say "WOW!". Maybe it's the wildcard entry!

I have to agree with an earlier poster on here. This apartment has no place among the finalists because there is no outstanding or innovative design displayed here. Is it a nice space? Yes.
I wonder if this contestant is somehow acquainted with one of the judges?

If this apartment is a finalist, I hope Ivar's space makes it too because his apartment was another one that sat on the "love it/hate it" fence. (I personally loved it).

Christine:

Congrats on being named a finalist. I’m sure you were very excited when you heard the news that you were moving on to the next round. I suspect this contest is very similar to being on FEAR FACTOR. On Fear Factor, in the final round, you have to endure some excruciating stunt like getting into a box filled with 1000 snakes. This probably isn’t much different. I would love to enter this contest next year even though I couldn’t care less about (and wouldn’t even want) the $2500 gift certificate. I think they should just give the winner a plaque engraved with the words: BEST COOL APARTMENT 200X decreed by Apartment Therapy. COM. That way, if a friend comes over and makes a snaky comment about, say, your souvenir building collection or your world’s fair plate collection or your Victorian statue collection you can just poke the plaque with your index finger and say, "Hey Bud, I’M A DECORATING WINNER!”

My advice to you is: enjoy the ride. I hope its been everything you thought it would be.

Pretty sad that some people are so negative about this they are resorting to questioning whether the contestant is related to the judges. So you don't agree with the choice, big deal. There are 12 other finalists. Funny how so many lurkers seem to come out of the woodwork to raise a fuss over this. How about all those that need to throw in their two negative cents here add something positive to the site for all the other entries and posts?

hey anon:

TUCK OFF!

Polyanna.

People, this is a contest. Everyone who entered read and presumably understood the rules when they entered, and people also probably understand that a judge of any kind is never going to find someone who agrees with his/her decisions 100%.

I think there's a lot of sour grapes going on here, from either disgruntled people who haven't yet been named finalists or their friends/family. We are all presumably grown-ups, so sometimes you just have to suck up that you didn't place, and that you disagree with the choices.

Not everyone is going to love every choice, and P2 makes a great point about renters and budgets.

For god's sake, how is it that insinuations about nepotism/sex come into this? I would be very shocked if this were true. This is not Hollywood, it's a Web site.

"Everyone who entered read and presumably understood the rules when they entered"

Uh, Fiona? Have you not noticed how the rules changed from day to day?

WAH??? I cocked my head to the side just now in confusion seeing this entry in the finalists. And reading some of the comments I feel vindicated...This apartment is hardly a crack den but it is verrrrry subpar in terms of the contest. How/Why did it make the cut??

Wow, yeah, I like your insights PToo, too, but there is nothing here except the bones of the apartment. Let's move on to juicier peaches!

I'm so disturbed by the computer on top of the desk. So wrong. Just so wrong. Using the drive frequently is no excuse. I just can't help but notice how much desktop space is wasted by it and how it's just a big blob in the space, especially when placed next to the much smaller monitor.

I agree that the bay window is a wasted opportunity but I can't think of what to put there. A circular dining room table with maybe a curved bench and some chairs? Some sort of window treatment. I'm at a loss. Any concrete and cheap ideas? You don't run into (or I don't run into) that many curved benches.

Also, do you really watch tv by leaning over the back of your sofa?

Now I see why my entry didn't make it into the finals.
I couldn't compete with this.

Seriously though, wow.

Confusion.

I'm kidding about my entry. There are so many amazing places in this contest that blow mine away, and I'm torn between which to root for since they're all so good (Thicket? David and Im? Greg and Em - assuming they make the finals?) I guess I just feel weird about seeing this as a finalist, knowing that some far superior entries won't make it into the finals at all, yet this did. Something's wonky when the best of the best aren't.

It's not Christine's fault of course. She entered her home in a contest, just like any of us. But I really don't understand what the judges were thinking by making this a finalist, or why AT had to add more finalists when this clearly didn't need to be one.

Boy. You guys are still at it.

I don't understand! I don't understand?!
You're not trying to understand.

Someone above made a good point, maybe there are just too many finalists. Since it is being narrowed down to four, perhaps the finalists should have been eight, tops.

This contest is much different from the one last year and I am sure the contest next year will be different again. Live and learn.

I just looked again at the initial submission and I can see how maybe the judges have been blindsided by this entry.
It is a perfectly nice flat but I don’t see how this has made it through to the finals.

There is nothing especially creative, inventive or imaginative about the use of this space.
Compared to the other finalist so far this fades into insignificants I’m afraid.

That said the living room has the potential to be truly stunning – I am still loving photograph 1.

The rules actually changed to be more inclusive (more finalists), so I'm not sure how anyone would argue that people were somehow being excluded and that the contest is unfair. Besides, my point was more that people enter a contest knowing that, while they might feel they should win, the judges might not agree.

I hated the winning entry in one of the past contests. I could not understand how it won, and one of the finalists didn't--but that's the nature of a contest.

Isn't that feeling of not knowing who the judges will choose part of the reason so many people watch American Idol? (I don't, but isn't it the highest rated program on TV?) If everyone knew who was "the best" and would win, no one would care.

If we take a step back - squabbling over specific rules or who got more votes or who is related to who is not really important - what is interesting though is that when you read the response to this finalist compared to others, there is the sense that this one is really on a different level. The difference in the response is so vast, you can't just write it off as sour grapes or someone not getting their favorite chosen. I don't think this is about taste, or preferring one apartment to another - this is a design contest and you have a finalist that not only lacks design, but actually has decorating choices that detract from the beautiful bones of the apt. I hope that the judges do post their reasoning - I am just interested to know what I am missing here...

OK so Rob IS about sour grapes. Geez. Come on people.

The living room is sooo serene because of the use of robin's eggs blue, cream, and white -- photo #1 is magazine-cover worthy and it carries this apartment! IMO, there is no other one photo in the contest that compares and that is enough to put it in the finals.

Magazine worthy? Color, mood and light are good, no doubt. Details are there. But that looks like a coat and a purse on the chair right in the middle of the picture. No? I noticed that in the original pic (which has different light than this photo).

Correction: I do not believe the living room wall color is actually a Robin's Egg Blue, but close enough to impart that same soothing feeling -- color choices are perfect and it was a brilliant decorating stratedgy for inexpensive, powerful impact; and, love the rug choice which ties it all together so well. This girl has the "eye" of a decorator, artist!

Desk,

I see no coat nor purse; I do see a throw and a pillow. Next time you are in B&N, take a look at a cover of the European mags, LIVINGETC, or EL MUEBLE, both focus on contemporary design, where one often sees implements of everyday living in cover photos. As a subscriber to many decorating mags, such as Met Home, Elle Decor, Canadian House & Home, I often see covers that are not artificially staged.

Some of you people need to bring down the drawbridge of the impenetrable fortress of your minds and consider Occam's Razor. Could it be Christine's apartment exemplifies the very principles of enlightenment propounded by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan in the book he's been flogging on this site for months, the not-obscure "APARTMENT THERAPY"?!

"Most of us aren't in need of more organizing; we need to manage our consumption, let go of our stuff, and learn to restore life to our homes."

I should be getting a commission for this.

hurrah to the poster who said this is what happens when you follow your furniture lust!

i have to agree with DFLM once again. he sums up a large percentage of the reactions to this being a finalist. it's just not worthy. forget sour grapes, nepotism, or any other kind of connection, or personal taste. that's pushing it.

and as far as a photo that is on par with a magazine shot, the photo we've been shown that most seem to love is one that primarily highlights the ARCHITECTURAL detail of the firelplace. at best, this is a partial shot of romm with nice looking sofa.

This competition, and especially this apartment, has really won me over to the clear lucite tables. Nice choice.

I'm happy to see an apartment with a bike in it! I live in a 175sf with 3 bikes and the best way i've found to store them (assuming you have to keep them in your apt) is hanging from hooks in the ceiling - your ceilings looks high enough. it also helps to 1) have a nice light bike that you actually enjoy looking at 2) keep it nice and clean so it doesnt make your place dirty. of course, if lifting your bike above your head is a problem for you, it might not work...

Regardless of whether or not you think this apartment deserves to be a finalist, can I just say how petty and childish I think it is for people to talk smack about Christine's apartment because theirs wasn't picked as a finalist? For shame...

Christine, congratulations, your apartment is lovely. I really like the combinations of color and texture that you've got going on and you made an econo couch look like a million bucks.

regards,
trillium

Sorry but I have to agree with the several of the posters that this space is NICE but shouldn't have been a finalist. And yes Fiona, the rules have changed several times in this contest. It is not sour grapes, it is fact. And again I state, if the judges are going by merely vote count, how can this be considered fair when all entries weren't posted at the same time? Have you noticed that so far there have been no finalists higher than #35 in the order that the entries were posted on the site? Being live on the site is an advantage and entries shown earlier definitely have an advantage of garnering more votes. This entry for example, has garnered 287 votes. It is by no means better than some of the entries posted after #35. Those entries, however, have not had the luxury of garnering additional votes on a daily basis during the course of the month since they haven't had the same amount of time and exposure. How is this fair? And yes I've looked at several of the later entries and some are still garnering votes every day.

Posting negative comments about another contestants entry when you are yourself an entrant seems to be bad form. So you are disappointed you didn't get picked as a finalist, we can all understand that. Safe your bitterness and frustration for an Open Thread or somewhere else. No way of getting around the fact that this reeks of sour grapes.

I remember some of the earlier contests people were mindful to hardly post at all on their own entry, only directly responding to questions, let alone posting a negative comment on someone else's.

You're right. It was rude of me to comment here on that, and I apologize, especially to Christine.

I don't have sour grapes about my place not making it though. I wouldn't feel right about mine if it had because it didn't deserve to. There are too many amazing places that still haven't, like Greg and Em, whose place I'm hoping to see so many more pictures of.

Still, my comment here was out of line. Sorry!

all's forgiven, rob - at least by me!

better to hide behind an IP, right anons? I don't think there's anybody saying this deserves to be a finalist but it sucks that a person has to read crap said about their home whether it's true or not. this place has a lot of potential though. if she carries the look from the livingroom into the rest of the place it will be a knockout.

Seriously. Move your negativity to another thread!!! It's been hashed and re-hashed here. Christine & her friends & well wishers deserve to look on her page, root her on, and not see all this ire.

Quelle disappoint. Not in the apartment, but by the insensitivity to keep adding discenting comments on her page.

Christine, I hope win a prize just for dealing with this!!! Your fireplace is incredible. And your place has a lovely calm vibe overall.

Too many of the comments on this thread are unnecessarily negative and (as many have already written) reek of sour grapes. Luckily for Christine, she gets to live in this perfectly lovely space.

To the negative commenters out there: I hate to get all preachy and Pollyanna-ish on you, but bear in mind that this is someone's home you're commenting on. And although we are seeing it in the context of a competitive situation, I don't think that common courtesy and good sportsmanship should be disregarded. I've entered 3 previous contests and have approached them all with a healthy enthusiasm (in the spirit of sharing ideas in AT's ongoing design dialogue)--only to have my sense of pride deflated by a few pointed, snarky barbs. Though I'm actually quite thick-skinned, those negative comments really stung. Conversely, I've found the constructive criticism and suggestions to be very helpful; and have even made changes based on them. But I seriously doubt that I'll ever open up my home to such scrutiny again. Just something to think about.

I don't think the people criticizing this apartment are "spurned" entrants, or "hinding behind IPs" Should we post our home address then?? It just seems like the regular AT commenters to me. Anyway, I think this apartment has a lottttt of potential. I mean, I don't hate it--The couch is really quite beautiful. But ultimately, this is a contest. Which means that the best spaces, the most "inspiring" become finalists. And I think people are just saying this entry, while lovely, cannot compare to at least half the other apartments shown....and further didn't receive as many votes. So it's a little puzzling, because it's unfair to whichever apartment that was more deserving didn't get to be a finalist. I mean that's pretty much the gist of it.

This looks like just anyone's apartment to me. There's no design evident, no storage solutions to brag about. It looks messy. I'm in there with everyone else who is wondering what you judges were thinking!

This entry never even got listed on the LA side of AT. On the main page they went from finalist #5 to finalist #7. I'm sure people who read AT LA read this side too, but still

Many people said this apartment was nice, just not finalist quality. What's wrong with that? Yes some were snarkier than others and that is unfortunate. But to suggest everyone saying anything negative about this place is a spurned entrant or hiding behind their IP is absurd. I'm not an entrant. I wouldn't subject myself to that kind of abuse. But I'm not going to keep my mouth shut if I see a selection process that gives an advantage to entries posted earlier with more time to garner votes.

...I got tired reading and so didn't get though all the comments, but thank you, Jen, for "unbunch those panties." First thing that made me laugh today. Did I read the selection committee post correctly? You did use votes to determine finalists? Not a very reliable tool, since it would be easy to play the system. And wherever there is financial gain...

Okay, this is my point. I am certainly not implying that all or even people criticizing are rejected entries--of course they aren't--but there certainly seem to be at least a few that give that impression. (And those posts seem to be the most bitter.)

However, I don't get why people are complaining when the contest expanded to include a greater number of finalists. If the pool had shrunk, I could maybe see the complaining, but it's not like more people are being excluded. You know?

And "deserving" is a subjective term, as I would assume most of us know in the context of contests, promotions, raises, and other sorts of competition!

PS - Alan, if you didn't enter because you don't want to subject yourself to abuse, then can you see how this thread is not helping to encourage future entrants. I can see posting that you don't understand the judging, but the judging is not Christine's doing.

Fiona you are absolutely right and I apologize to you, Christine. My posts were not meant to criticize your space directly. I think it's quite nice. I was more concerned that the way the finalists were chosen (i.e. # of votes) gave advantages to entries posted earlier. I'm new here so not sure exactly where to post a concern like this. The discussion that started about your place seemed as good as any since several were questioning the selection of your place as a finalist.

I have stayed away from this site and commenting for several months now because of the "temperature" of a lot of the comments - but I do have agree with the fact that I don't think this apartment should have been a finalist.

Other than the inherent architectual features, nothing has been done to make this apartment special.

Having said that, I would like to give Christine and all the other entrants a pat on the back for entering the contest.

Thanks for that post, Alan. I didn't mean to single you out, but the judging concerns might be more for an open thread. (You were certainly not the only person who raised the issue.) Maxwell also seems to be very good about responding to emails, although it sometimes takes a few days.

I think there was an entry in last year's contest that did some kind of very clever bicycle storage, but I'm not quite seeing that here, and I yearn to work that bay window into something wonderful, but am not seeing that desk arrangement as the penultimate. I so, so, so loved the first pic in the first round of this entry that I'm really wishing I could love more of this.

And yes... it DOES seem that a pale robin's egg blue wall is a magical thing, because just such a thing won the bathroom contest, I think.

Fireplace. Baywindow. These things are architectural concepts and fixed to the specific building. Nothing to do with individual style.

What is the criteria for the 'Smallest Coolest Apartment' competition?
Is it a unique style of an apartment dweller......or in this case an architectural style of the building?

I'm very disappointed in the judges decision.

susan--
While this may not shake out as the ultimate frontrunner, haven't you seen a great architectural envelope RUINED by someone with HORRID taste? I have (here on AT, even) which makes me respect this space, and Christy, even more.

And it's "judges'".

Just noticed this again on the contest page:
"Readers will review the top 10 finalists from April 7th through April 13th. Although they will not be voting per se, they will be encouraged to comment and assess. The judges will review and take into account these comments when making their final decision. As the comments are public, the process remains very transparent."

So, concerning the debate here about whether or not to critique this, as well as the other entries, that does seem to be the point of reposting all the finalists. This is after all a competition. I know some of those critiquing how the contest itself has been run may take issue with the text I've quoted, I just wanted to point this out.

Sorry if this was posted here before - I've read through all these posts, but there's too many to remember everything.

Half-Circle Space

How do folks generally handle the half-circle space? No one seems to like how that particular area was addressed, but I haven't seen a lot of solutions either.

Furniture is generally square...which is putting square pegs in a round hole. There are round tables, but you have to get to the space in the back (by the windows), and it might be difficult to do so unless the round table is very small. Then the comments would be that the table is too small. Visually, it might be, but for practical purposes it would be just right.

I looked at this Soft Tubs for Windwolf:
http://www.softubcanada.com/english/models/index.html

Note the nifty bench/seat in the left picture. Those exist, but I don't know where. And for best results, we'd want the bench to cosy into the spot perfectly, or near perfect (well, I would).

There's a bench here with a curved back and straight front:
http://sleekteak.com/benches.html

Too danged expensive and the...uh...arc wouldn't be the same to fit in the space.

Somewhere there are rounded benches in wood that look like the Stonehenge assortment here:
http://www.lawnproducts.com/benches/benchmn.htm

Notice they mention that the 3,000 pound table set doesn't have to be taken in during bad weather. Whew. That's a relief.

If Christine uses the space as a computer niche, she's then going to have her back to the window, and all the glare will be on the screen. Not good.

If I could, I might have a comfy chair, ottoman, and good reading lamp along with a small side table in the circle/window area. I'd like to be able to look outside, too, but the table and lamp would prevent moving...unless it was a rotating chair and I could really swing my legs up and over the table. Too much work.

But it would be a restful spot to nap by the windows, or to read. Maybe having the computer on a small rolling desk and a chair that rolls too, that could be rolled over a bit to enjoy the view and breeze, and rolled back when the comfy chair was going to be used.

Bike storage. Well, dang. She's kept her floor space clean and tidy and open enough to allow a bike to be rolled to and from that area, where it can stand on it's own, ready to go. That's a feat, in and of itself. It is.

She has a slightly smaller space than I do, and I'd need to use explosives to clear a path to get a bike in here.

Yeah, she could probably put some kind of hooks on the wall that would hold the bike. Which then leads to rubber marks on the wall and scrapes and the possibility of poking your eyes out with the hooks/braces or the bike handles or pedals. One's home should not be filled with such things where eye-poking is a real danger. (Christine Jones and the Apartment of Doom).

I like the clear acrylic table and the armless sofa. I've always liked the blues, aquas and greens for wall colors, they visually expand the space. The light colored items in the room also help keep the space from looking cluttered (er, except the bike).

Stuff that might work. I have a giant trunk too that I use for crafts storage. It's been several different colors and finishes. I just use whatever paint I have on hand, craft paint, wall paint. Last time I did it was with cutouts of Jackson and Perkins roses, where I discovered that I can't decoupage worth a plug nickel.

Refinishing the truck might allow it to be tucked under the living room table. Refinish in colors to match the walls or area rug.

Or, another idea. Ten-twenty bucks will get you a set of bed risers/elevators, they do have them in white and wood now at Bed, Bath and Beyond. That raises your bed 3-7" higher, and may allow you to put your trunk underneath.

Bed elevators:
http://tinyurl.com/lay8k

Next, you can check IKEA for drawers on wheels, and...

wait for it...wait for it...

Use the rolling drawers to store many of the books you don't use daily under your bed. It keeps them less dusty (if you have a dusty area). Gives you more open space in the living area, reclaiming that unused area under the bed as REAL storage.

Inexpensive rolling plastic storage (hiding in the kid's section!):
http://tinyurl.com/ngvyl

Dilling on glides in plastic with hinged lid, $11.99 each:
http://tinyurl.com/qj6er

LEKSVIK pair of underbed drawers, $59.99 pair:
http://tinyurl.com/qbto2

Those probably wouldn't hold a ton of books, as they have a fiberboard bottom, but I bet we could do a little upgrading with plywood (they'll cut the stuff for you at the home improvement centers, for a tiny charge, so you don't NEED your own saw) and add casters.

Regular bedskirts won't work, they don't have a long enough drop...but IKEA has one that doesn't have a platform to go under a mattress...it's simply an elasticized skirt that goes around the bed. So just stretch that around your bed, on your FRAME to cover the bed elevators.

Tidlosa Bed Valance, $15-20:
http://tinyurl.com/dw49h

If you win a prize for DWR, check out this mirror, which I think would look nice at your entry, I'd like to see a larger one there:
http://www.dwr.com/productdetail.cfm?id=4610

Big mirrors are great to check your total outfit, to reflect light, to scare yourself silly when you see a hideous beast approaching you in the dark (only to realize the hideous beast is you with bed hair).

If you don't win a prize, you do a similar look by picking up a loose mirror:
http://tinyurl.com/qujzv

And mounting it on plywood painted with metallic paint. Way cheaper. LOL! Or use the IKEA countertop in Aluminum finish in the 73"x25" size to mount the mirror:
http://tinyurl.com/cnmjb

DWR=$360
Andree's way=$80

Oh yeah, one more thing...where is that???

***pushing Christine into the closet to get her out of the way so I can do more stuff***

Ahhh, I think you'll really like this, even if everything else I just posted sucks...just look, wouldya????
http://tinyurl.com/qc48a

Not what's above the fireplace on the mantel...what's IN the fireplace. Yup...that's a mirror. VERY cool looking, hides "the black hole" when not in use.

You can have acrylic mirror cut to fit either just the firebox proper, or the whole inner mantel surround, at your local plastics store. Here in S.F. it costs about $6.00 per square foot. It's not that expensive. And the acrylic will be easier to move and less likely to break.

If nothing else, you now have some new ideas for your place that won't cost a fortune and will help living in a small space.

Great Zeus! I posted a book, not a message. I just kept thinking of other things. Sorry about that.

One thing that Christine proves here is the validity of something that's in Maxwell's book -- that fresh flowers really do bring an immediacy and life to a space. OK, that's not his exact words, but I'm too lazy to look it up, and that's the general idea.

Patrick you're trying too hard to justify this one. Why? Do you honestly believe out of all hundred plus entries this is one of the thirteen best? I love you man but you're debating for the sake of debating. Go back to the original entry and look at pictures 2 3 4 and 5. I'm with you on the greatness of Babs, but not on this one.

Apostrophe or no apostrophe, the judges lost credibility here but maybe there are other motives. It's a lot easier to hype the DWR party in Tribeca if there are lots of finalists coming. 6 of 8 so far are from new york city when there were only supposed to be 5 finalists from the entire east half of the country. hhmmmm.

A lot about this contest smells fishy this year and that's a shame.

Is that the BoConcept sofa?

Apostrophe, I agree with you. There were also just too many entries this year, some of which shouldn't have even been posted. I do wonder what the other 30 or so we didn't see look like.

Yes! That is a BoConcept sofabed. Extremely affordable. I have the same one in Grey. I love it. They even have a matching ottoman where you can put a tray on it. Very cool! Oh, these people charge set up and delivery fees but with everything added up together, it is still the best price for what it is!

It occurs to me that if the judges notified an entrant that she had progressed to the finals -- based upon her first set of photos -- they could not renege on that decision when the next set of photos did not fulfill the promise of the first. In other words, I think the judges might have been misled here. I'm not implying intent, mind you. Just that the judges might have been put into a difficult position.
And I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. I just don't feel that there is enough design going on in this space to place it above the other entrants who failed to make the finals.

I think this entire contest is bogus. Constantly changing rules. The deadline gets extended and then people are dropped (37 in all). The number of finalists increase and yet we get this entry which is totally lame. I cna't beleive that a reputable business like DWR would align themselves with such a ham-handed production as this...

I was fooled by this one. The first photo is wonderful and then it just didn't measure up afterwards. It makes me think the judges didn't really look at anything but the first photo. I just can't see how one could justify this apartment being in the finals unless they only focused on the architectual features in the first photo, which are stunning.

The first pic fooled me too. The voting feature really should be moved to the bottom of an entry in hopes that people will see the whole thing before voting. It's too easy to see that first picture and think Wow! I know I did. I don't think votes determined finalists though. I'd swear Maxwell said that somewhere here but maybe not.

Christine ~ I simply love your place. It's not like the others - you are a real NY'er who doesn't have the $$$ to tear down and build up 'gain. Keep it real (I love that your kitchen hasn't been done up) I know people here would argue that though. It's just that whatever era that kitchen is from its a form of art. It came from an era who thought it was "kewl" same like you see now. Sorry, but I also can't afford to modernize my pre-war apt. and why would I. I love my blue and pink bathroom and my tiled kitchen. Where ever would I find those large cabinet doors today? I wouldn't dare pay whatever they would charge. I hope you win Christine 'cause most folk don't see what perhaps I see or others see. Your home unlike the others is real and it has those qualities they asked for. Good LUCK!!!!