apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Is this a joke?

Not my style, but the layout of it looks great!

Even though it's not my style, I voted cool because I think it's cool. I think I found a flaw in the voting system.

Anyhoo, the exposed brick and parquet floors have become part of the design here. Usually, it seems like it's a battle to cover these things up. It's a cozy little bohemian den.

I LOVE THIS!!

I love the warmth and the lighting fixture in the bedroom alcove!

There's a lot going on here. It kind of makes me feel uneasy.

holy moses, hare krishna... the first picture looks awesome. but then i tried to imagine having to live there.

I congradulate you on your commitment to texture!
ive never been to the Moulin Rouge but i would guess this is what the inside of the elephant looked like!

Very nice... so I voted 'uber' - but I feel it would be too dark and full for me, in the long term.

Whether that is the case or not, it's a work of art.

I just wish the curtains were open for the photos. the space feels like its in a basement.

"...the limited space enforces strict limits on consumption, forcing us to constantly evaluate our possessions and edit them down to only those which truly bring us happiness to own...."

This doesn't feel particularly edited to me.

I was relieved to see the yellow wall -- all those browns and deep reds! It's a bit over the top for me, but I definitely appreciate the dedication to theme/style.

I understand your point of view...however, it doesn't speak Apartment Therapy-free of clutter, nonessentials and simplicity. Thank you for submitting and letting the AT world look into your home.

I'm not that into wild patterns. But this place sure is warm&cozy! Voted "not my cup of tea, darling."

Hey:

Satin's apartment inside the elephant was super-fab-ola. This isn't quite there yet.

Unless the camera isn't doing the colors justice---it looks like the same dark color in different textures, including the floor. Too confining. Edited possessions? No evidence here. Looks like the possessions are stashed, not placed. Too much to see in such a small space with no rhythm. Great floor plan, though.

Too much going on for me, I think it makes a small space look even smaller. "Not my bag, baby".

I like that you've got your own taste in design though, this doesn't look cookie-cutter and boring.

While this isn't my style, it certainly feels very warm, cozy & interesting. Like the inside of a lavish tent or a jewelry box.
But do you guys have to crawl over the sofa to get to your bed? The picture with the alcove is hard to decode- I wish it was at a different angle so we could understand the space better.

not my style at all but i love that fact that someone actually did NOT go for the minimalist look for a change. this place reflects the owners interests and tastes. they did a lot with very little!

for me, it's just too dark, but you did a great job of accomodating your collections in such a small space. so, while not my thing, i'm glad you entered the contest!!!

The colors are nice but there are too many patterns for my taste.

I'm sure it's cozy once in the space, but looking at the photos, I'm really overstimulated. I've never felt claustrophobic just by looking at photos until now. Still, while it's not my thing, I do think it's cool, so that's how I voted.

It looks like Pier 1 had a major half-off sale.

Too much patterns, too much stuff everywhere, but it's still very warm. I like the bedroom, but not the rest of the place.

too much of a bad thing. While it may have worked if there was some evidence that tat least some of the items cluttering the place were much loved items picked up through bartering with street vendors during trips to the sub-continent, picking up a mish-mash of things at Z Galleries and Pier 1, because they were on sale does not connote 'cool' in my books.

Too much going on for my taste... feels cramped and overstuffed.

Preposterous. Why was this person even allowed to enter this contest? In addition to posting rules, you should post standards as well. It lacks coherence and calm. I imagine half thier guests fall into seizures. Why do people think that just being different equates to creativity or good design. It looks like an Indian brothel and not a particularly classy one either.

Edina-Rose Monsoon: Since you brought up the subject of "classy", it isn't "classy" to speak so rudely about someone's home...

Bravo for something different. It's not my taste, but I LOVE that it is not the same as many of the others that we always see.

Hi all,

First of all, thank you to everyone for your feedback -- I know this style isn't for everyone, but I am excited to represent the anti-minimalist movement.

To answer some of the comments:

1. Yes, the camera did add a lot of the darkness to the space. Our windows face north-east, so we only have minimal daylight between 7 and 10 am, and I had to rely on the overhead lamp and the dreaded flash to take the photos. The apartment actually feels much more spacious ever since I covered up the rental-white walls. All the coverings create a feeling of depth, which I guess is an illusion which doesn't translate well with my mediocre photography.

2. As the floor plan shows, we do climb over our couch to get into the bedroom. That's one of the side effects of having a tiny space - this was the only way to arrange the oddly shaped living room with 3 doors, a wall of windows, and a protruding fireplace, and still leave a little room to entertain.

3. Regarding the Pier1 thing... this is probably my fault as I listed this as my "resource". I'd like to clarify that what I've picked up at Pier1 were mostly place mats and small storage baskets (which aren't featured prominently in the photos).

Everything displayed -- all the little trinkets have been gathered over the many years of travel through Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, or gifts from friends' - brought back from their travels. I do my best to display them because I love looking at reminders of places I've been, and they are most certainly NOT your typical generic mass-produced pieces.

Anyway, thanks again -- I'm really glad to be in the contest and share my apartment with you all. While it's not everyone's choice of ideal dwelling, I think it's unique enough to be worth a look.

Love,
Elayne.

What is preposterous to me are comments which lack decorum and/or politeness in response to seeing someone's home in what should be a happy-minded communal contest.

Maybe in addition to posting contest rules, AT should have posted standards pertaining to how far on the rudeness scale some observers ought to post comments. But that would be a preposterous suggestion, of course since there's no meter for measuring rude comments beyond one's own internal compass. Why do some people think that just having different taste gives permission to post nastily? It just smacks of brothel talk and not a particularly classy one either.

Bravo Elayne

azra--

Maybe she has more room for happiness than you do.

peahen--
Edina crawls out from the woodwork every contest to rain bile on every interior, then skulks back into the crawlspace when the contest crowds subside and she has no audience. Pay her no mind.

I voted cool as the design, while not my taste, is cohesive and they have some cool touches like the lighting over the bed.

Also, don't vote until you look at the slide show! One of the walls is a nice yellow that really helps break up the onslaught of red.

What does "not my bag..(explain)" mean?

patrick (too), lol, thank you. i have since calmed down and my breathing is regular again.

i kind of like how all the patterns are a bit disorienting-- you gotta admit, the place won't feel small if you aren't sure where you are standing! I think they've done a great job with creating a small magical place that must seem like a sanctuary when the commute and the city is wearing one down.
but having to climb over the couch to get to bed? not cool. I wish there was another way around that... lose one couch for floor cushions they can slide under the coffee table?

Ugh. Can't the troll be removed?

"azra--

Maybe she has more room for happiness than you do." -- - --- p(too)

Did you actually read my post? I stand by it - the place is overflowing with throws, and pillows, and knick-knacks... I didn't say it was *bad*, I said: "This doesn't feel particularly edited to me".

Take a chill pill.

I applaud your bravery with color and texture, but its not my bag. I can't get over the couch in front of the access to the sleeping nook. I worry about you in case of fire, accident, illness, etc.

I think I'd be better able to appreciate the texture and meaningful objects in your home if that couch were not taunting me. Promise me that if you win, you'll use your gains to replace one of the sofas with two chairs, and set up the seating area so that the chairs are not obstructing access to the bed.

Safety first!

To me it feels inconsistent for no reason. Why is the desk chair marshmallow white in all that Eastern Indian color/texture? I agree with the poster who feels that stuff feels stashed rather than placed.

I totally applaud the diversity in style, I just am not sure the sought-after style has been achieved.

there's just too much going on here for my tastes. I like eclectic and strong colours but here it seems as if there is nothing "normal" to contrast them with. thats why its not my bag baby

peahen, unfortunately there are a lot of very mean spirited comments during this contest each year. Most posters have the grace to leave constructive comments but there are some that have no manners and just let the venom rip.

Too crowded, stuffy, too much of the same colour... I suppose it's cozy...

I love the eclectic colors (I have a strong, warm red couch and red toned carpets) but agree with smashleigh, you need some balance with the strong colors/patterns. Some warm neutrals would allow your favorite strong pieces to "pop" - consider changing out a few accents (such as throws and pillows) for some solids (maybe a carmel or maize yellow). Also, unless they are favorites or memory items, consider eliminating many of the accessories on the ratan bookcase. A little editing and you're well on your way.

azra--

Just cuz you still stand by it doesn't mean I can't still take issue with it.

My point about yours was the "...only those which truly bring us happiness to own...." part. Apparently, all this stuff brings them/her happiness. Everyone's tolerances for stuff, and beautiful excess or barebones minimalism, is highly personal. But it is still someone's home, open for scrutiny, so I (personally) always try to tread lightly.

And I saved you my last chill pill.

I would never enter my apartment in this contest just to be critiqued by those I have no idea who they are. Do they have any style or taste or just some extra time on their hands. By bringing in the negatives, some will be smart enough not to play in this sandbox, which would be a shame.

covering everything in fabric drives me nuts.

I like the use of organic materials, various textures and warm colors. It seems very reflective of your tastes and an inventive use of such a small space withing those tastes. Very clever, thrifty and creative. For my tastes, it does seem a bit too visually busy as it is hard to get a good sense of the lines of the room but if it works for you, then it is a successful design. Thank you for sharing!

i love the meditating figure on the floorplan

My first thought on seeing the living room was "OMG! It's Ugly Betty's house!"

Enough said, really. Still, at least it challenges us more than yet another shrine to Benjamin Moore and Jonathan Adler.

I LOVE it! Exotic and adventurous. Better than most of the sterile, pre-packaged looking homes out there. Hooray for visual complexity!

I hope this entry encourages more people in this direction.

Elayne --

Is that a photo of Frida in the LR Ikea Bookcase Hack pic? If so, I'd love to know where you got it from. Thanks.

oooh, love this!!

seriously, just so interesting and cozy.

Edina-Rose Monsoon: Yawn. Your shtick is tired, hon.

ditto that, kellylc.

Elayne, thank you for allowing us to see you home.
I have had it up to here with the same mass-produced looks. I congratulate you for a home filled with lovely memories rather and a 'hotel' with no personality.

This space feels overly cluttered and almost messy. There just seems to be too many things in a very small space. Also, the lack of contrast in colours makes everything seem kind of muddled.

I am grieved by all the negative comments directed my way. It seems there will be yet another contest in which only "the nice" need comment. Well I ain't falling for that fluff babe. I will call it like I see it.

Being negative on the verge of cruel in every one of your comments isn't productive, clever, or "ballsy". It reeks of desperate cries for anonymous cyber-attention which is so mundane it makes me yawn.

Anyways (back to the space-at-hand), I love the warmth this apartment exudes. It is indeed a little cluttered for my personal tastes, but I can imagine this is a wonderfully cozy place to entertain and probably smells of cinnamon.

Wow! Not my style. But you know it would be cool to have them as neighbors

Wow. That's a lot of pattern in the living area! I really love the combo of the brick wall, white patterned ceiling & yellow wall--gorgeous.
Plus, I have the same coffee table. Yay!

Not exactly my thing, but most importantly I can FEEL right through the pictures how much they love their home and how much it reflects their unique vision. I am finding this feeling very emotionally moving and lovely, and much more pleasing on a much deeper level than any number of cookie cutter mid century modern interiors.

I'm totally diggin' the colors. I think they're great. You have your own fabulous sense of style and it's wonderful.

people were saying satya's place is too white and sterile and then critiquing this one for too much color. the cool thing about this contest is that so many of the ideas are cheap and everyone can take a little of what they like and apply it. not everyone wants to overextend themselves on buying new designer items - sometimes you have to make do with the best you've got. it's supposed to be fun to see what people have done - not pick on them! it makes me uncomfortable to read negative comments. why not say - not my style but i liked xyz - like the saris on the windows. i've actually been wondering if i could do that and now can see it here for myself. that is a better way to criticize if you have to criticize.

if you can't say something nice ...

Not my style either, but I would so LOVE to be invited over for drinks! I can totally see wanting to hang out here and cozy it up.

Each of the individual elements is beautiful by itself (floor, fabric patterns, colors, brick, and many more), although all together it makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. Though the overall feel of the place is not my cup of tea, there are lots of individual things to be inspired by. And of course the owners must be admired for showing their place to us, and for creating a home they obviously enjoy so much.

How two people can live in 364 sq. ft. is beyond me. That said, Chris & Elayne have packed a whole lotta love into every square inch of the space. I've have the chicken tikka masala.

I think this is cool. It has a cohesive theme that ties the place together. I think that with a little more creativity, however, the strong points could really shine through. Chris and Elayne have created two miracles here - first a space that has a lot of different purpose areas, and second, a space that is small but not a shrine to minimalism (i second the appreciation for a non ben moore/jon adler adaptation).

I agree, however, that visually there is so much going on that the viewer can't appreciate what you have. I would suggest some minor modifications - for example, hang the pictures in a line on the wall instead of staggering them. Reduce the fringe - if you want to cover the tv, use something more simple. Find some closed storage for the wine bottles, and other useful stuff that is not on display.

I have one additional comment, which I suggest cautiously: ditch the candle on the coffee table. Unlit candles as display items is one of my pet peeves. I know people use them (safety alert!) but they are just the opposite of the old william morris quote, because they just don't work. In your theme, you could easily replace that with those french aromatic sticks.

But overall, an "A" for effort, and a space that is unique and probably very enjoyable and a relief from the city.

I wouldn't want to live there, but it looks like a fun place to visit. I give it a solid B .

not my style...but it's nice.

Love the unabashed mixing of patterns - enthusiasm is Cool in my book. I can imagine the long, lively conversations and savory meals that take place in this joint! Elayne also gets congeniality points for her gracious reply. Thanks for sharing your bliss with us :-)

I think that it has a real integrity to its particular flavor of bohemian. There are all kinds of eclectic, but this really does hang together pretty well for me. I like all the patterns together much more than I might like them separately; I think they're all pretty compatible. Definitely greater than the sum of its parts.

It really does make me curious in a good way about the people who live there. I say super-cool.

Super nasty - super crowded and looks like a turkish bazar

although i can appreciate that they chose a style and stuck with it and are trying to maximize very minimal space - i think the design aesthetic creates a dark and cramped enviroment. i also think it's cluttered. but if it makes the occupants happy - that's what really matters.

I'm with everyone else who said "woah ... not my own taste" but I dig seeing something different than what's here everyday.

The only thing I'm not wild about personally ... it's the even tone of everything. The brick, textiles, furniture, floor ... it's all the same tone so my eyes just kinda don't know what to focus on.

Agree with Curtis about the boho vibe. For what it is, it is done well - could be Goa or the Haight 60s retro. I can smell the wafting incense from here...

There is some odd kind of serenity to be found amidst the colors - they are in the same family and the prints relate to each other. The Buddhist accutrements add to the feeling to me that I could totally get away from the streets of NYC here and relax or do a little navel-gazing.

OM.

I LOVE it!!! I think the boldness of the decor and colors is something that's not for everyone. If you're happy when you enter the space, that's all that counts! I can't imagine being frumpy in this space at all. Good job!

this entry is refreshingly different! and i love the use of color...

I love this! The colors and textures are beautiful and it feels very warm and welcoming. I can imagine coming home to this place after a stressful day and feeling comforted and also energized. It has a different feel than a lot of what's on AT and sure, not for everyone- but something about it really struck a chord with me.

it's great that you're proud of it, and proud enough of it to let us all in (thanks!) - crabby comments and all - but i can't get behind this entry for the contest.

Very interesting collection of items and decor. Its obvious there's a theme that been developed, but overall it seems to be more an amalgamation and less an aesthetic.

Rhoda Morgenstern is alive and well and living in Greenpoint!

I really really like this. Not because I want to emulate it-- it's not my colour palette-- but because it feels like such an extension of the people who live there. It feels like it was assembled with love, and is glowing with texture and colour and comfort. So it gets my vote for sheer strength of personality.

Holy bejeesus. I'm hearing "serenity" and "personality" from you all, but all I can think about is an overwhelming fog of incense, patchouli, and weed and it's making my eyes water. This is everything I hate about hippie smoke shops and tourist bazaars all collected into one apartment. I'm sure there are some real gems in here, but in this case one can't see the forest for the trees.

my initial reaction was OMG! sensory overload.

While it's not really what I like, I appreciate it for what it is: textured, creative, and meaningful (it seems that the objects were chosen for their memories of traveling to different places.)

This is definitely not my style, but I can appreciate things that aren't (GASP). So I gave you a cool. :) I think that it looks like you love your home. It looks full of life and I love your bed nook! This looks like the inside of a casbah! You must love entertaining and I'm sure that your guests love it too. Your space is very unique and you should be commended for making it so comfortable for yourself.

The first thought that came to my mind was Bohemian. Very very bohemian which I inherently like. But it's way too cluttered and no sense of cohesion which really takes away from it. Just my 2 cents.

Karen

Very nice! It's like the Arabian Nights.

Too cluttered dark and busy for my taste.

The only reason I could see for that amount of hangings on the wall would be damaged walls.

I think this entry is actually really smart. The conventional small-space solution it to mimic a Japanese interior - spare, zen, minimal. But Central Asian nomads live in spaces this size (or even smaller) with exactly this type of textile-heavy decor. Kudos for taking a different inspiration.

I usually like more open spaces, but I really dig the coziness and warmth of the place. I think I would've loved seeing the place look more like a turn of the 19th century cottage which I think could've been done, with the same color scheme.

This entry is one of my favorites. I love the rich, bold colors, patterns and textures. Definitely unique, cozy and sumptuous. In a small apartment, you've managed to fuse functionality with your own style. Nicely done.

Thanks for sharing.

These images make me feel claustrophobic..