apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I think an instantaneous desire to abandon my well-established life, kidnap the resident, and move into his studio counts as an Insta-finalist vote.

This goes in the "if I ever have a beach cottage" file.

This is beautiful! Sleek, modern and looks very comfortable and inviting. I agree with Wende, if I ever need a retreat, Ryan's out!

I love this. I think your apartment is the perfect balance of the cold vs. cluttered argument that's been bandied about. It's obvious you actually live there, but it doesn't look like an antique shop.

Where did you get your butcher block island? I've been looking for a good one for several months.

YUMMY

Absolutely ingenious. Wonderful use of minimal space, great design and functionality.

Excellent! Like Elizabeth, I think this space demonstrates that you don't have to sacrifice personality for the sake of comfort or cool. The pieces are varied, work well together and don't look like they all came from one shop. I love the slate floor and transparent closet walls.

Really, really nice! This space looks so inviting and cozy while still being sleek. Very unique and truly an accomplishment to be proud of. Voted this an insta-finalist...I need to see more of this place!!!

Love it. I agree, I'm hoping to see more photos. The folding wall of windows is beautiful.

Call me green with envy! Beautiful/natural materials combined with furnishings that just work together. I want that shower and window wall, maybe the closet too.

Wonderful! I work next door at WHlass I need to come visit haha.

Very nice. The folding glass doors to the balcony are terrific. Wondering what the closet wall is made of?

Great balance of creativity and function. It 'say's, I'm home and I have style!

Looks great, I love the connection to the outside and the warm wood next to the cool slate

An excellent example of Ikea use without looking like Ikea... the folding WALL (calling them doors isn't enough) is amazing.

This place is awesome!! And to top it off in SLO!
You got it made!

Apartment envy is kicking in!

Very cool bachelor pad and hangout for March Madness!

Wow! Very Impressive Place

Clean, nice, stylish, and comfortable...doesn't look like someone tried too hard to make it work...it just works...nice job.

This is SO California, but I mean that in a really good way.

Very Good use of Tile in such a small place.

Ryan, your place looks so fun! I don't even know you, but I'm going to look you up next time I am in SLO wine tasting with my girlfriends!

This apartment proves the cliche: Small IS beautiful!I love the shower floor that looks like your are standing on river rocks or the beach...

I don't know, looks kinda like grandma and grandpa's retirement apartment. Where's the color and fun stuff? Too safe and stuffy.
I like the bathroom the best, but it's missing the tub for those late night soaks with your honey!
The balcony is great!

I disagree with Filbert...Looks like a space that you can live comfortably and yet still have space to work and entertain with flair.. Good job RB!

Nice use of space and color - I really like the clean lines.

i love it, but i just have one question: is using that sink (as it is set on the diagonal) irritating? must you torque your body to be able to effectively splash a little water on your face without it making you look like you wet yourself? i am almost getting back pains looking at it.

I LOVE the slate flooring, and the use of mobile furniture. The sink is unique and the windows really lend themselves well to the space. If/when I move out west, I'd definately adopt some of your design choices. Great job. -t

Fantastic use of space, texture and color. Love the open feel of the deck and how it adds to the living space. The attention to the design detail and clean lines is apparent throughout.

Ryan - I work with your mother, whom I know has wonderful decorating ideas and I see that you do, too! It looks good!

Barb

Very warm and inviting! Great use of space without compromising style!!

Ryan the apartment looks so sleek and modern but the use of the slate and wood helps to warm up the space. It looks as though it would be a breeze to clean. That's a definite plus....Wende

I love this cool space. Seems like a calm, restful place to be.
Anita

For living in a college town, you have the most appealing place. You must have a special talent and eye for the finer things. Keep up the good work, and if you are ever in my town (tracy,ca), let's go shopping.

brilliant! love the way you've segmented the space and how the patio is integrated into the living area once the doors are open.

I think you definately maximized your space well. You took into account my ultimate design guideline for small spaces.

1. you went vertical- used tall furniture instead of wide furniture leaving more floor space.

Looks like a winner.

Too much stuff for a light and airy Cali crib. Not crazy about the recliner. Seems a bit table heavy. But that's just me.

perfect ,well thought out and still comfy looking.keep up the good work,we will come by and check it out soon. danny

Love SLO and would love to live in this place in SLO. Love the light.

Anyone wanna join my Vessel Sink Hatred club?

Fantastic job. The bathroom sink is fun and as you can see a conversation piece. The space is small therefore the use of light bright colors against the dark floor work well to open it up. Fabulous job Ryan. Could I convince you to come do my home ?

not too much not too little, excellent job

I like the comment about Swedish meatballs at IKEA - even if I´m ´not sure they are so special.
Your apartment on the other hand is!

Excellent use of space. Are you a boat designer in your spare time? I would rethink the large mirror, though. Rather than making the room look larger, because of what it's reflecting it makes the living room seem more crowded than it is.

love the color palette. take more pictures at night so we can see your amazing lighting.

Unbelievable. It's "crumbliniciousless".

Great use of small space - so neat and tidy!

Very, very nice. Flows well and joins the inside and outside so well. LOVE that bathroom and the desk area! And the murphy bed is perfect - space saving and adding a very organic look.

I don't know if it's the pictures, but I found it kind of cluttered and busy. My eye couldn't rest on one thing.

Excellent and efficient use of space. It's amazing how you've made this small studio feel quite open, and at the same time maximized functionality--it seems as though all the amenities of a studio space three times the size of this one haven't been left out. You have my vote!

Hey, don't I know you from somewhere? You have a certain Fiesta Court style about you... :)

those doors! gah! GAAAHHH, i say!

Hi Ryan,

We're interested in your space & would love to talk to you about our HGTV show, "Small Space, Big Style". Would you be able to email us at smallspaces@brainbox.tv so we can get in touch with you?

thanks!
Sage.

Through Intention and Desire towards a New Spirit in San Luis Obispo.

Lluis

Yea! The window make the space, the design is a bonus. It is very chic west coast. You have nice mix of natural and modern colors and textures, though maybe a bit bland. Add some stand out color. It looks comfy,cozy, and warm.

The bathroom is a bit claustrophobic with such overwhelming slate. Though I enjoy the vessel sink, the stand it is placed on is a poor selection. The top of the stand distracts from the sink and looks like a cleaning challange.

thanks for all the comments about my slo studio! i thought i would respond to some of the comments posted:

i'm starting to use my deadbolt lock at night now, knowing i have some potential kidnappers out there! or, on other hand, where would you be taking me?!

the design is local, with cal poly architecture department roots: www.mome.org

the folding doors/wall are quantum. pricey, but well worth it. and the deep overhang keeps the rain off the doors to prevent weathering.

the butcher block kitchen island is unique... designed by the architects, and built by the contractor.

the sink hasnt given me too many problems yet, but does throw your balance off in the mornings!

i think everyone should have to submit sunset photos from their apartments...it should be the "2006 coolest sunset photographs from your small apartment contest"!

and seriously, if you havent tried those IKEA swedish meatballs yet...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this studio... and the sun coming in through the windows and the outdoor balcony! I also dig what you've done with the bathroom. Way cool.

Hey Ryan, I grew up in SLO, went to Cal Poly, but now live in southern CA. Great job on your place. Was wondering where the accordian doors came from. I would think Nana Walls might be a bit out of the price range for a multi family dwelling.