by Alexis L. on December 29, 2011
A tiny pistachio macaron of a studio apartment. Nick Olsen breaks a lot of precepts for studio decorating, deploying color on the walls, pattern everywhere and creating a lively –not just livable– space. The video shows that 300 sq ft is, indeed, tight to move in and I have a few quibbles about his choices but I think this is a lovely departure from the usual triple-white Ikea-driven rooms that are presented as good studio design. And while prices aren’t given, the look could of the room could definitely be accomplished on a small budget with a lot of thrifting and creativity.
by Alexis L. on August 4, 2010
Even if you are a pink rejectionist, one must admire the complex layering of textures, patterns and the luxury of this space. The little touches reveal the fluency of the design (for instance, I’d long eyed those gold/white Greek key bolster pillows on deep discount at Pottery Barn but didn’t purchase them because I thought they lacked punch. Who knew a bit of watermelon ribbon would make all difference? Who knew?) and work to great, soothing feminine effect in combination. When you add to that the uber-thrifty $250 price tag and the fact that the mother-designer has both twins and triplets, this room is nothing short of miraculous. For more photos and all sources, visit the original post at Full House. And for more real world rooms under $1000, check out The Studioist round-up series, Real Grand Homes.
by Alexis L. on October 22, 2009
Redesigned living room of Andrea Sperling, via The New York Times, by Fred R. Conrad (click for larger image and full story)
Today’s New York Times features a story of the collaboration between interior designer Ron Marvin and client Andrea Sperling, who was looking to redesign her living room on a budget of $1,000. Their partnership wasn’t an easy one. Despite initially saying she was at a complete loss, Ms. Sperling brought many ideas to the table, suffered a lot of aesthetic and budget indecision, and ultimately refused to paint the walls anything other than white. The design is affordable but does it speak to you? Let me know in the comments.
Here are a few things I would consider doing differently:
Paint
I understand that the client did not want color the walls but painting the ceiling, between the rafters, a pale shade of blue would have drawn the eye up and added color and interest.
Dining area
There isn’t enough color in this region of the room, dominated by large white mats, dark furniture and dark frames. Perhaps brighter photography or a wall hanging could have been used in this area.
Living area
The quickly recognizable Ikea Lack coffee table sort of cheapens the space. A quick ‘hack’ like adding extra legs to the table or custom painting it would have elevated the piece. Personally, I would have preferred something vintage, curvier and less geometric, to add softness to the space.
The chrome of the recovered chair doesn’t reference anything else in the room and so seems out of place. Mercury glass accessories or other stainless steel furniture would have helped it seem more integrated in the room.
Tagged as:
decor in the city,
did this design work,
livingrooms,
real grand homes
by Alexis L. on June 26, 2009
Courtesy of Design Sponge, Olga Naiman’s home is a beautiful, internationally-inspired space that tackles the problems of too little natural light and less-than-stellar finishes with flair. Olga is a former domino magazine stylist but –happy surprise!– all of the attributed items in her space are well under $1K and they work together to create a look that is well-executed bohemian with polish and a sense of play.
My favorite? I particularly love her cinderblock-and-plywood bed: it’s sturdy but resolutely un-serious and even sculptural. It not only has a small footprint and a tiny cost; it’s a sort of joke about everything Ikea and high-end furnishings.
For even more pictures and all sources, see the original post at Design Sponge:
Tagged as:
bohemian,
ooh pretty,
real grand homes
