apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I think this is a lovely space. The style feels very American - in the best way. It has a nice, clean airy feel to it that is unexpected in such small square footage. I can't wait to see more!

Can your dad adopt me?

Ditto. And kudos and good luck.

Well done. Love the colors you've chosen.

What a clever use of space. Way to think outside the (Murphy hardware-holding) box.

Very nice. I like your colors, decorating and spatial arrangement a lot.

Really creative use of space, well done!

Creative use of space, way to get the bed and an office into that little space!

Yeah, I want your Dad to adopt me too.

I could use a carpenter and my daughter could use a Grandfather ;-)

This is awesome and so is your dad!

Wow...great work on getting that Murphy Bed to fit like that!

I love it. Where did you get that Murphy bed?

The white bookshelves need to be bridged over the door frame, it seems awkward. Also the white w/ the Raggedy Ann w/ the light wood makes it feel more like a child's room than an adult's apartment. Not saying it isn't cute, just that it's "not my thang".

I think this is lovely. Your apt seems so inviting. Love the red walls. I also appreciate that you have books and photos all over your apt. Good luck.

And the award for "Best Integration of a Murphy Bed" goes to...

Seriously, that's pretty ingenious. I always find Murphy beds to be a bit of "false space" generation. Until now.

To further maximize the space, get Dad crackin' on the opposite wall, with some sort of equally ingenious way to integrate the functions of the various cabinets into one seamless unit.

And I disagree about bridging the white cabinets above the door... AND the Raggedy Ann. No way does this look like a kid's room.

Thanks for the nice comments!

Oddly enough, I Love Upstate -- this is Ellen here -- my father really does want to bridge the bookshelves over the door frame, but I've resisted it. And I did wonder about leaving Raggedy Ann in the shot, but it's pretty much the only truly cutesy thing I own (from my childhood, natch; my mother made it), so I figured what the heck.

Clever solution. What paint did you use?

very classic and American, all in the best way! really, this isnt my style, but i find myself wanting to live there. love the Murphy bed-- cant wait to see more photos!

**the tall basket on top of the Murphy bed...where's it from??**

voting finalist...

Fantastic use of color that makes the space appear larger while creating a very intimate feel. Genius idea and construction of the bed (did your Dad do the shelves as well? Maybe he could just be my godfather, huh?)

The colors rock. And three cheers for Ellen's dad!

Great job! Totally functional and looks great!

I usually don't like Murphy beds - but that is the best one I've ever seen. Simply amazing use of the space. Your colors are very beautiful too, and how lucky to have a cross breeze!

If that green paint color asked me to marry it, I would say, "I do."

I love this. It reminds me of my RI college dorm where I put my (twin) bed in my closet and all the other girls copied me. Also, the green in the living room is delicious- warm and welcoming and cozy- and not at all cold! Great job!

but wait - can you squeeze into the office with the bed down? now that would be very cool because i can imagine not hiding the bed away 99.99999% of the time and leaving it like it is.

The murphy bed office combo is amaizing.

I love this space. You did an amazing job! What color and brand is that green paint? I love it and think I want it for my own!!

That green is indeed gorgeous!

Brilliant use of space! I especially love the colors on the walls, the design of the bookcases and the sconces. I'm definitely going to copy. Thanks, Ellen.

That desk looks so cozy. I find myself wishing I had a nook quite that neat to work in.

BRAVO to you on the Murphy Bed, and to your Dad, who is obviously a genius. Your bed/bedroom solution is excellent, which is clearly worthy of smallest/coolest recognition of SOME kind.

For me, though, the living room is a bit of a let-down after that - I think P2 is right about the need for an integrated storage solution, and I think that the sconces, art, accessories, and single green wall just aren't working hard enough for you...

Also, have you tried placing the sofa on the green wall? It might really open the living room up if it's feasible.

Just explaining why I've got you as "Cool, Has Potential" - but again, you'd definitely get my vote for smallest/coolest bedrooms! Great job (and great pink paint)!

This is such a great apartment --classic, yet completely updated. Smart but not screaming for attention; welcoming and comfortable, yet sophisticated -- and agreat multi-use of space. The red wall is both warm and bright; the green wall cool and relaxing -- and both colors complement the natural wood (again simple, classic, yet updated) furniture. Raggedy Ann isn't my thing, either, but she's perfect in this apartment -- classic Americana, a token of an idyllic childhood (your mom made it!), rustic in the city -- and it lends the perfect amount of personal to the clean calm f the decor. Really genius.

I love it. Amazing use of space. The bed office solution is genius. Lucky you with a dad that can do that! I love the color. I hope we get to see the kitchen/dining area.
If available, I would move into this cozy comfy cool small in a heartbeat.

Great use of space! Seems so light and airy for a Manhattan apt. The birght, happy colors give it a real boost.Your dad is a true craftsman. Especially love the tv cabinet.

It reminds me of Thomas Jefferson's alcove bed.

this is one of the most creative uses of space i've seen yet. and a murphy bed that looks good! nice job!

Love it! Cool greens and warm books. I can feel a well-crafted paragraph coming on just looking at that orderly desk. The fold-up bed is beautifully fitted in. Definite winner.

I LOVE what you (And your Dad) have done with the apartment! The Murphy bed was a terrific idea. The color choices are warm and inviting and you still have an organized office area! I was lucky enough to have met your Dad since I was the real estate agent that sold you this apartment! Please tell him "He Rocks"!(smile) PattiB, Sotheby's Int'l Realty

Perfectly gorgeous!

Unfortunately I have a fear of Murphy Beds. I'd expect it to close up while I'm sleeping. I think I might have seen that in an I Love Lucy episode, or something, and it scarred me for life.

I'm wondering too: are those book cases custom? Or are they standards bought somewhere?

Ellen, please come back on and tell us what green paint you used for the living room! It is the exact shade I want for my new digs. I registered on this site just to ask. Help a sister out!

Any studio with a Murphy Bed is a winner with me.

I needed a home office/living/bedroom space as well, and since I work from home, I needed the bed concealed so I wasn't tempted to take mid-day naps. My boss would be so pissed! Ha!

Check out pics:

http://www.dcrinteriors.com