Name: Sun Young
Location: Downtown — Los Angeles, CA
Size: 820 Square Feet
Years lived in: 1 ½ years — Own
Sun Young lives in a historic high rise converted loft building downtown. His warm stylish decor is minimally collected but beautiful in design. Not only does he have the most incredible view of the streets where the once popular LA theater district flourished, his restored building merges classical architecture with sleek modern fixtures.
The openness of the loft with its vaulted ceilings and a great airy vibe is perfect for showing off Sun's personal style in a uncluttered and relaxed way. He has amassed a collection of original artwork that is showcased throughout the loft, lining the clean white walls and complimenting the exposed brick. The old windows remain from the original floor plan, but when he moved in, Sun had them double paned for more modern effectiveness and quiet, while preserving the original look. Overall, I love that he has found so many ways to merge his cool metropolitan style with warm California accents.
Enjoy!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Modern minimalist with warm notes of whimsicality.
Inspiration: Neutra, Thomas Keller & Ferran Adria. Add David Horvath's playfulness, the movement and utter confidence of Svetlana Boginskaya, a touch of Tom Ford, and found objects that catch my eye.
Favorite Element: 100 year old 5x8 restored Mahogany windows that bring in a tremendous amount of natural light. They pretty much cover one entire side of the loft. The exposed brick wonderfully compliment the windows.
Biggest Challenge: Cleaning the windows!
What Friends Say: "The view is so cool, it looks like Superman is going to come flying around the corner."
Biggest Embarrassment: My closet in the living room. I throw anything and everything in there. Time for a closet make over!
Proudest DIY: On a road trip passing through Salt Lake City, I wandered into a downtown thrift store and bought four orange Eames fiberglass school desks for $25 each. Threw them in the back of my car and traveled half the country with them. Back in LA, I removed the orange fiberglass shells, took the desk legs to Modernica warehouse, and made an exchange for eiffel tower bases. I detached the original shock mounters, sanded them down and reattached them with industrial epoxy to fit the eiffel tower bases. I used these chairs for over 10 years, and when I finally redecorated, sold them for a very handsome profit.
Biggest Indulgence: Fried chicken. When I was 8 years old, my Mom asked me what kind of birthday cake I wanted. I replied, "fried chicken!"
Best Advice: Less is more and quality is better! It takes more time and energy to find good deals but you can save a lot of money. I purchase furniture for it's aesthetics, functionality and value. Keep your ears and eyes open and use all the resources you can find to create what you want.
Resources of Note:
PAINT & COLORS A lot of my furniture and accessories were purchased on sale. You can find great things and create great design on a budget. I got my lights for a steal from a lighting company that went belly up. My entertainment unit was a great find on craigslist.
LIVING ROOM
- • Noguchi Coffee Table
• Case Study Daybed
• Poliform Entertainment Unit
• Tom Dixon Slate Bench
• Eames Cowhide Chair
DINING ROOM
- • Kazuhide Takahama Tulu Chairs
• Carrera marble table custom made by Room Service
• Herman Miller Cognate Storage Bench
KITCHEN
• Bosh refrigerator, dishwasher, gas convection range and microwave
• Scavolini cabinets
BEDROOM
- • Case Study Platform Bed
• Nelson Bench
• Voonwong & Bensonsaw Silver Plated Vase
BATHROOM
- • Toto toilet, shower and sink faucets
• Bosch stackable washer and dryer
LIGHTING
- • Spun Floor Lamp
• PH5 Pendant Lamp
• Jasper Morrison Glo-ball T2
• Design House Stockholm Cord and Block lamp
ARTWORK
- • Steven Poleski
• David Horvath
• Ryan Snow
• Rie Ito
• Kozyndan
Thanks, Sun Young!
Images: Bethany Nauert
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Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
Beautiful! Especially the bathroom. The only thing I think is missing is a headboard for the bed. Or a larger piece of artwork.
Where's the bedding from? The color is gorgeous!
Nicely done modern interior. I would be a little freaked out by living in an older brick high-rise in L.A. It doesn't look like any retro fit of the structural elements has been done to mitigate earthquake damage.
sleep mask much ? how do you deal w/ no curtains ?
those windows really amazing.
really nice overall but the details are fantastic, the orange ladder, the dining room light and the kitchen backsplash standout.
Amazing.
I would like your feedback on the Bosch refrigerator; for me the ice maker is pretty loud and the door handle has come off twice. I just want to know if we are being especially hard on ours.
@ Edie Hughe
bedding Calvin Klein
@artfemmel I have blinds. It's at the top and only pull them down at night in the bedroom area.
@Cliokitty Yes the Bosch refrigerator ice maker is loud and some what out of control! I haven't had any problems with the handles yet. My suggestion...apply industrial epoxy and it will never come off again! Now you've got me freaked out about the handles...haha.
Just my style. I love it all.
I love that chunky knit pouf -- source?
we're actually living in downtown la too!
my boyfriend comments:
that stove is f*cking magical! i just want to know where downtown you can get 850 sq ft, those windows, and a gas stove.
please help :)
Great looking place, cozy but stylish. Great artwork in bedroom, know designers/artists?
2nd sunnyminh roll's comment. Do you mind sharing the name of the building?
@MyAliya The Pouf is titled "Flock" by Christien Meindertsma a Dutch Designer. It is hand-knit from New Zealand wool. I got mine at DWR Tools For Living store in Santa Monica right before it closed down. The pouf was marked down 70%. A great deal and very comfy!
I heart this loft. nice work!
Thats an amazing money tree in that pot, how old is it?
@Nina Thanks! I live in the center of the Art Walk in DTLA. I saw this Ryan Snow piece at Bang Gallery during the art walk when I first moved down here. I contacted Ryan and made an offer. He accepted and came over with the piece and hung it up. I think it's important to support local artist in our community. I know some designers and artists....why do you ask?
Vaulted ceilings ..?
@Joeshack I get a lot of compliments on this tree. Some people don't realize it's a money tree because it's not the typical braided trunk. Well done! I got it at the DTLA flower market. I don't really know how old it is but got it last November.
Help! I am confused. In the last picture (the one after the bathroom) there is a piece of furniture that would go great in my entry foyer.What piece is it and where would I find it. BTW all the photos are great and I actually own a couple of the pieces but the last pice I need is something for the entry foyer where I can keep my keys and thing I might need getting in and out of my yownhouse as well as other items for the home that don'y have a place. (e.g. batteries, coupons etc.). Thanks in advance.
@MyDogistheshihtzu No vaulted ceilings in my unit but the top floors do and the penthouse.
Thanks, thought I was losing it! :)
Your wall of brick and windows looks EX-ACTLY like my loft in downtown St Louis. Kind of freaky!
@SunnyMinh I love living down here! The vibe is cool and so convenient to everything. All I can say is artwalk bank district. Lots of great living/work spaces down here. Good luck!
really well done. i have a very similar aesthetic so i totally favor your design choices. clean, modern but with tasteful pieces that add character to the space. where did you get the modern planters? and also the artwork above the Eames unit? although i think its probably local and i live in brooklyn :(
@MyDogistheshihtzu I noticed you had posted a comment on "Exposed Brick: Love it or Hate it?"
My place was the first pic. Glad to clear that up.
I know, I remember it. I was happy to see a full tour!
@Tommytunes I think you're referring to the Cognita Bench by Herman Miller. It's totally awesome! The versatile storage compartments can hold hanging files, linens, toys, photo albums—you name it. With two drawers and a removable organizing tray, you can also store smaller things and find them when you need them. You can get it at any Herman Miller distributor.
@bkmodernity Thank you! The modern planters from Moderica. The artwork is an original late 1960's- early 70's (?) Steven Poleskie Silkscreen signed and numbered. I bought it on an auction online. It was such a great find for $30.
I love your place and every single piece of furniture. I could live there and be quite happy :-)
I know you commented that you can find great deals, well sadly not in Hawaii. Its very difficult to even find midcentury or modern pieces at full price, much less on sale/thrift.
Very nice. I used to work in 4th & Spring before the gentrification kicked in. I don't miss the mattresses, wheelchairs, and dead bodies being tossed out of the upper floors of THIS building at all. Gilmore is one of the pioneers of this Downtown renaissance.
I really love the way you've put the place together. Where did you get the tv storage and low bench next to it? I also know the atari artwork is perfect for my husband - who's the artist?
I'd love to know the source of the bathroom pendant. I had a very similar shade on lamp and it broke, I've been looking to replace it.
some very very wonderfull peices of furniture here!
LOVE the huge windows, exposed brick wall and hard wood floors.
I love all that beautiful mid-century modern furniture!
The Cognita Bench by Herman Miller in the dining area (next to the Sansevieria) and that sideboard in the entry way (last picture on this page, picture #8 on the house tour) are incredible. I think Tommytunes was asking about the sideboard in the entry, not the bench in the dining area. I know I would love to know more about the sideboard!
As a tiny suggestion, something above the TV... that wall looks so empty.
@Mauishopgirl At least you live in Maui. You want to do a house swap? I would suggest looking on ebay, craigslist (all the cities) and when you travel hunt things down. I'm searching for a vintage Herman Miller fiber glass chair in kelly green. It's a limited color and hard to find. If you come across one let me know. ; )
@rcsk Thank you! The TV unit and the side table made by Poliform. It was a great find on craigslist! The artist for the Atari is Ryan Snow. I don't know if you can see the detail in the background but those are little space invader dudes.
@JulieR Sorry, I have no idea the source of the bathroom pendant. It came with the place.
@Sam I Am I totally agree regarding the wall behind the TV. The place is work in progress and still trying to figure out what to do. Any suggestions?
@sunyoung: I think something like this or this would look awesome above the TV. They're creations of an Etsy artist, Jessica Kestler. You could probably even DIY something, similar.
Ohhh that's pretty cool! The first one I really like. Thanks for the suggestion Sam I Am!
Amazing home. Fantastic design and furniture. But I have to say, the Uglydolls steal the show! Love. Thanks for the tour!
LOOOOVE this place and what you've done with it. Artwork is great! Too many wonderful things to mention.
I have a question about picture #25 in the actual house tour photos. There is a tissue box, candle etc. on a bamboo (?) rack and this looks like it's on two rails above the toilet. Where did you get it? I would love to put that in our bathroom as opposed to the ubiquitous glass shelf. Thanks in advance!
@Maggie_pie I got that chrome shelving unit highly discounted when DWR Tools For Living in Santa Monica closed down. I noticed online DWR has discontinued the bathroom accessories. I might be able to locate one for you if you are interested.
totally gorgeous!
@sunyoung - Yes, that would be great! If you can locate it, please let me know.
What a lovely home. Everything is soooo right. The idea of lofts is good, but I usually am turned off by the unfinished spaces that whisper dust and spiders. So glad the duct work is concealed.
Nice. I would like to see some art above your tv also. Your Case Study daybed is a bit overpowered by the couch. Don't think I'd wory about it tho. Someday try some color on a wall or 2 other than white. Check out what Antonio Ballatore does on HGTV sometime for ideas. You might be more toned down but it could be some inspiration. Otherwise, clean, organized, fun.
@Maggie_pie call 201 325 5411 ask for Mandy say you are Maggie and item chrome bars 23 inches it's $49 originally cost was $300. Good luck and hope you get it!
@maggie pie...sorry it's 2013258411
@jayland. Thank you for the input and I'll check it out! : )
it's already been said but place is GORGEOUS and provides lots of inspiration. Question: where are the "dolls" from in the first three pics? Love them and know I've seen them somewhere but cannot recall. Would love for my daughter's room on her Eames fibreglass rocker!
@downtownTO Thank you! The dolls are uglydolls.
Beautiful place!
I like your slide pots, do you made them?
Hi Sun! I love love love your place!
I too have a question about the sideboard-type item which appears in photo #8 in the slide show, and also in the photo directly below the source list in the original post. It is a wood sideboard with two white panels and above it is an abstract work with what looks to be a pale blue, taupe and charcoal gray color scheme. I'm in love. Do you know the maker/source of this item?
I could definitely live there. I love your loft, really really like it.
@loquaciouslaura, SamIam and tommytunes the "sideboard" you are referring to is a Case
Study modular storage unit by Modernica. http://modernica.net/case-study-storage-units/
The story behind it....I had the lower unit custom made 12 years ago. I used it as an entertainment unit... TV on top and VCR, CD etc in the storage part. When I moved into my loft I needed more storage space so I had Modernica add another layer on top.
Now, Herman Miller has been selling and reproducing Eames storage units (ESU). When I first bought the lower unit from Modernica, which is an anuthorized manufacture of Eames designs, was the only company reproducing the ESU and Herman Miller was not making ESU.
At the time I had thought of getting rid of the Modernica ESU and replacing it with Herman Miller ESU with the two layers pre-build but due to functionality and design restrictions I had to stick with Modernica.
If you look at the picture the drawers on my unit is on the right side next to the wall and the sliding white panel on the left away from the wall. The panel can only slide to the left because of the drawer handles. Herman Miller's ESU configuration is the opposite and the they will not change the design. Modernica's ESU have many custom options and the owner Jay was very helpful in creating this unit.
Thank you and hope this helps. Check out their website. They've got great stuff and if you live in LA Modernica's once a year warehouse sell is off the hook!
@suzie lee Thank you! The modern planters are from Modernica. I've thought of making them myself. It would be much cheaper! I'll put it on my next to do list!
I think good idea, when you do, sell me two. I live in Mexico. ;)
I never thought i would say this but i actually love the fact that you have no window treatments in your living room!
Lovely house.
Ya know - this space doesn't seem to have much personality or uniqueness to me. Anyone can pick out designer furniture, and keep a space clean and minimal. I much prefer the spaces AT posts that have a uniqueness to them.
I can't help but comment since I live in the Rowan as well. Great place, good job.
@sunyoung: Thank you, thank you, thank you! :)
How did you hang up your artwork on the brick? Also, I did a search for David Horvath, where can you buy his work?
@JulieR I live in this building too and that light fixture was standard in each unit. We took ours down and replaced it with something different. I still have it and it's yours for $35. if you want it! Email me at notlil@aol.com
I love this place to pieces!
@MicahelZ Artwork on brick wall nail in the mortar. You can get Davids art work at Giant Robot.
@dykelly625 Thank you!
Sun - I've been hunting awhile now for a dark gray/charcoal shag rug. If indeed that's the color of your living room rug, I'm dying to know where you got it. Fantastic place. Thanks.
@ilovehelicopters: Thank you! I got the run at DWR. It's actually brown with charcoal dots at the end of each strand.
while i love and envy all the furniture, the amazing space, it somehow feels a bit... cold, like a catalogue straight from DWR. i would love to have seen some character and personality to complement the rich texture of the brick wall. anyway, i appreciate the beautiful apartment. thanks for sharing!