Pong’s Punch of Color Pad

published Sep 23, 2010

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Name: Pong C. & Gatsby the dog.
Location: Rittenhouse — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Size: 568 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years

You may remember the Pong’s Restraint entry from this years Small Cool 2010. I just couldn’t resist paying his Rittenhouse digs a visit and I’m sure glad I did. There’s nothing more inspirational than a well decorated small space — restraint is key.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Not only in restraint a key to the success of this space, there’s also color. Pong has exhibited the perfect pops of color throughout his small studio. He picked up the yellow that was originally found in the pipes going up the living room wall. He ran with the yellow and the result is refreshing and youthful.

Pong was lucky to score such a fantastic studio with many great architectural details. The floor to ceiling mirror in the living room opens up the whole space and makes it seem much larger. The big windows certainly help too, especially with all of the sunlight that fills the space. Brick walls are a much sought after feature in older cities such as Philadelphia — just another reason why his space is such a gem.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

How would you define your style? Mid-century random.

What is your greatest inspiration? Architecture, film, travels.

What is your favorite element of your home? The floor to ceiling mirror. It’s pretty unique and really opens up the space.

What is the biggest challenge of your home? Avoiding a space cluttered with tchotchkes. You should see all the “cool” stuff I have in storage. Sometimes I feel like a curator because I live in a small space that requires a lot of editing.

What do friends say about your home? Can you come Pong shui my place?

What is your home’s biggest embarrassment? My kitchen’s appliances are pretty outdated.

What DIY projects are you most proud of? Side table under the stairs. Best friend and I stole the neglected piece from my fraternity. We refinished the piece and added a tile tabletop. It was my first time refinishing anything, so it was great practice and the precursor to many of my unfinished projects.

What is your biggest indulgence, when furnishing your home? In terms of furniture, I don’t think there’s a single piece that is over $300. I prefer to find steals and brag to friends about it. I pay good money to make my bed the most comfortable place in the world though (memory foam = sweet dreams).

Best Advice: Forget about what other people think and just make your space a place that you are comfortable and love.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources:

Furniture: coffee table (Drexel declaration — Craigslist find); credenza turned tv stand (Martinsville — DIY refinished); concrete dining table (DIY); dining chairs (West Elm); bookcase turned winerack (IKEA); sofa (IKEA with legs changed out); desk (eBay find).

Rugs and Carpets: Angela Adams, CB2.

Accessories: A lot of vinyl toys (various sources).

Artwork: Ryo Takagi, Nate Duval, Eliz Lovett, Peaceful Traveler.

Lighting: Floor lamp (IKEA hack); Pendant lighting (DIY via ReadyMade).

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks Pong!

Images: Kristen Lubbe

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