apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hot diggity. This is what I like. All the clever elements, the floor, just wow.

this is amazing - i need the name of the architect!

I need the apt....amazing!!

I love the table that spirals out and frames the walkway- very slick.

seeing this place activates that whiny voice in my head that pops up every time this contest comes around-- "do these people really need any prizes, they seem to have enough money..."

but you did this yourself right? and that's pretty spectacular-- the 'cool' comes not from fancy iconic furniture, it's the modifications to the space.

rambling aside-- i'm voting 'insta'

one question tho': sliding mirror doors facing the bed? isn't that bad feng shui?

I find myself wishing there were an option to click that read "I appreciate the design, the aesthetic, the work, and the vision, but I couldn't live there". But given the level of this conversion, I'll have to vote insta-finalist...

I actually stopped breathing while I looked at these pictures.

I'd like some more details on the "case study" before I can decide. I don't know.. doesn't seem fair to me.

Absolutely gorgeous. But do people really live here??

very impressive. can you describe how your floating table/bar was built? I'm assuming some sort of massive "L" bracket was used...

Looks like another set of sales photos.

LUVVVVV IT! What more can i say! The tiles rock, the lounge has and flat screen speak for themselves, and i dig the lighting too!

KUTGW!

I love it! This design is amazing, I work with Greg and the fact that each element really works in the space for he and Kelly seals the deal for me. The quality of elements do exactly what they were intended to do and the space can function on a lot of different levels, whether entertaining friends at the bar, working at the desk, or just lounging in front of that flat screen!

I like the shell but I'm not a fan of the few pieces of furniture in the place. If you're just going to have a bed and a chair in the bedroom -- (which is fine with me) -- then the bed and the chair have to be fabulous. If you're just going to have a couch in the living area -- (once again, fine with me) -- but then the couch has to be fan-tab-u-lous.

I like the idea behind your decorating. I'm just not a big fan of the choices you've made.

The structure itself is very nice.

Tony G

I really like this but the angle the tiles were laid is driving me nuts.

Beautiful place...very modern and minimalistic, just how I like it. Great job on design!!!!

Absolutely awesome...a very cool place to call home!!

Amazing. May as well end the competiton now.

Great Furniture AND innovative design solutions (especially the speaker cloth and integrated storage), and all with budget (somewhat) in mind (perhaps explaining the lack of 'fan-tab--u-lous' furniture -- nothing a winning certificate to DWR couldn't solve)

i liek this space quite a bit. i especially love the angle at which the tiles were laid, cause its gives the space a little bit of character. it's kindof a tough call though, because this is an example of an absolutely stellar entry...but i agree with the few others who wonder...do they really need that DWR prize?

i think what most people miss, especially when they question the livability of this space, is how livable the space actually is. in my mind, one of the great features of this space (outside of the excellent choice of materials and craftsmanship) is how it hides the artifacts of the daily grind. all the same "my stuff" is there, but it's discreetly and intelligently obscured from view in the most common vantage points and areas. genius.

So far, yours takes the cake. Its definitely one of the best I've seen thus far in this contest. The tile floors are slick and the couch looks super comfortable. There also seems to be ton of storage for such a small space.

What kind of wood was used for the multipurpose wall - I'm looking to do something similar in my master bedroom.

Can't wait to see more pictures.

This is very nice to look at. I put down black porcelain tile throughout as well, same size but with a natural hone. Yours looks somewhat textured like slate? I'm really intrigued by the layout of the tile as well.

The ability to design and fabricate custom built-in cabinetry throughout is only a dream for me right now.

Can I ask what kind of shades you used?

Do you also have a link to more photos, specifically of the kitchen and bath?

One more question,

did you use any kind of trim where the drywall meets the floor?

So cool!

I really like the tiles, but I'd like to know how sustainable they are? Wouldn't cement have been much more sustainable, and cheaper? (it would have had a similar contemp. look and feel)

Idyllic...

It is a peice of Art. The bueaty of its simplicity brings tranquillity to the soul.. and that's what you call Home.
The best that I've seen in here.

the space is awesome. i'm not too hot about the sofa, but overall i think this really shows the importance of a good architect or interior designer and the impact that they could have.

This is proof that the monotonous, formulaic spaces of downtown San Diego condos (that are sprouting everywhere) can be transformed into very sophisticated spaces with very few-- but very strategic and well-thought-- moves. Perfect for a contemporary, urban couple who seem to really value efficiency, comfort, and sexy lighting.

I like it.
I hate that it was professionally designed.

Kind of like taking the '62 Mustang you and your dad fixed up and trying to go head to head with Mario Andretti...

I know I'll take some heat but I will whine until AT has a separate contest for those spaces that are owned and or professionally designed.

Or perhaps handicapping for low-budget, untrained (self trained) renters.

What's the square footage here? It looks alot bigger than the contest rules.

I LOVE the clean, efficient design.

The wall divider/storage unit blends function and beauty. Some posters asked if people really lived there because the place is so clutter free. I think the clutter-free look is achieved because of the excellent design that provided tons of storage space.

Also love the floating bar, a definite attention grabber as people enter the apt.

The angle of the floor tiles don't bother me at all. In fact, I love it and find that it adds interest and style to the slate-black floor.

Although I agree the orange chair in the bedroom seems austere for the space and could be changed to something more warm and dramatic, I actually love the big comfy TV couch in the living room. (Gregory and Kelly, who is the maker of that sectional?)

One day when I move to S. California, I would definitely be in touch with Opera Architects.

Nice job.

Yes I think we are all in agreement. This place is stunning. So clean and minimal. Like a lobby with a bed in it.

I have to say, this contest has gotten a little silly. How can a renter compete with an architect who own his own apartment and can do with it whatever he wants, budget be damned? The answer is they can't possibly compete. Renters, don't even bother entering.

Good luck Kelly and Gregory. You clearly deserve $2500 worth of furniture from DWR.

It's very attractive, but perhaps just a little too austere.

And I agree with Julian, the contest could benefit from having a sub-category for those with professional ties to architecture and design - otherwise does not seem quite fair.

I love this contest buuuut...at times it seems like comparing apples with oranges.

I think AT should consider to catergorize by total $ money spent etc. and whats with professionals showcasing their work??

As someone who is design thrifty not by need, but by trying to recycle/reuse instead of gut and replace.

Can I get an AMEN?!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

The design is great, but it's still a little chilly, n'est-ce pas?
I love minimalism, but it needs some art, or at least a rug to make it feel like a home, not just a "case study".

O.K., I took a second look and I guess there is some art--it just feels too impersonal, if you know what I mean...

Huntley et al.: Here, here. There's nothing really all that impressive about a space designed by an architect, who has his own firm and probably wrote of the space as a business expense. Its got imported Italian porcelain tile for chrissakes.

You might as well buy the latest issue of Metropolitan Home and randomly pick one as the winner. I have to agree with others - its gotten kind of pointless of a contest when the primary deciding factor is the expense account of the owner.

Go check out last year's David & Im's DIY masterpiece (OneSpace) for comparison. Granted they were young designer types themselves, but they felt like scrappy, young, creative but just starting out renters versus the Odes to Moolah that are populating the entries this year.

One of the cool things about porcelain tile is that it's not necessarily expensive. Mine was around $4 s.f. I also bought it directly from the warehouse rather than the warehouse's pretty showroom in the design center where it would have been close to $7 per s.f.

It's pretty impressive what they did with 2 things, wood and tile. Makes me think of the Farnsworth house.

@art:"One of the cool things about porcelain tile is that it's not necessarily expensive. Mine was around $4 s.f. I also bought it directly from the warehouse rather than the warehouse's pretty showroom in the design center where it would have been close to $7 per s.f."

Sure, but unless you install it yourself, its not about the materials costs. Its about the labor rate per hour. Which for tile installation isn't cheap as it takes a bit longer than a roll out resilient flooring product like sheet vinyl, for example.

Overall this is a great space... for entertaining.

I thought of days like today when it's cold and raining- your place lacks a cozy feel, or lived-in vibe.

The wrap around bar is genius, I think it is art on it's own, and I like the chairs you choose for it as well- great balance.

As far as your floor tiles- I ADORE the material, but dispise the layout. Perhaps you could have used the same size running the length of the space offset half way to the tile beside it (brick pattern). This I think would make the space seem larger, and shown movement in this fixed enviroment (all the built ins...)

I agree with someone that said if you're going to use sparse pieces in your bedroom- they should stand on their own in character. That chair is disappointing and the bed lacks any style.

A quick fix for your living room- just throw down a beautiful creme shag rug in front of the couch, bring in some texture!

Since it is obviously a professionally designed space- I feel you can bare some constructive feedback. The interior architecture of this space is wonderful, you just need to focus a little more on your interior decoration to bring in some life. Great canvas!!

I can't help but track any feedback on the tile floor because it's so similar to mine. JenJen, my installer suggested a brick pattern with mine but I thought it would look too traditional and went with perfectly straight lines from one end of the space to the other. I thought it would make the space look longer. I have to say I've never seen a tile layout like this before and I keep staring at it. It's got to have something to do with the fact that it makes the space seem offset and twisted and somewhat random.

great bones. I think a recessed integrated track lighting system would have been more appropriate for this space. The furniture seems a little like big box retailers and does not feel substantial in the space. being an architect I would expect a professional presentation plan but this one is sub-par with the rest.

Looks like another luxury "showroom" apartment, but the master-of-the-universe aesthetic on display here appeals to my bourgeois yuppie-douche sensibilities.

I love the floors. To me, the off-kilter angle of the tiles breaks out of the extreme boxiness of the space. I like the excellence of the storage design, but I am not convinced that the layout makes the best use of the space. It seems odd to me that the work space would be tucked into the bedroom, in the corner the furthest away from the window. Also, in a small space I prefer to see a smaller bedroom so that "living" space can be maximized. I'm guessing that the kitchen is totally devoid of natural light?

Love, love, love the floors.

brilliant!

I've found that many architects are reluctant to have anything visually share the spotlight with "the shell" and it feels like what's happening here.

But this place needs that last layer (art, textiles, some stuff) to turn up the temperature.

(and yes, I do see the art in the one pic)

An excellent piece of work - tastefully concieved and executed showing high levels of aesthetic literacy and unique organization skills. A very resourceful and efficient use of space with excellent use of materials and detailing. I would like to see more work by Greg and the OPERA group - certainly they will go far and do excellent work on varying levels of scale and complexity. Thanks for the inspirational work - keep it up! Chet

I love this. I think it's my favorite so far. This is the first time I've seen floor tiles at an angle work. I want to see the kitchen and bathroom!

**********************************************

Very clean, no clutter - but it's missing personalization. I would like to see a large tropical plant or an oversized exotic sculpture.

It also looks a little bare, therefore creating somewhat of a cold atmosphere, but still decent.

My vote: Cool. Has Potential!

**********************************************

Amazing!!! Can you come to the DR and decorate ours? We love how you take advantage of the space you have.

I think this entry doesnt fit the contest. Its easy to design a space when your a homeowner and you have the funds and resources. Apartment Therapy to me is about the innovativeness of those of us who rent who are limited by budget and what our land loard will or won't let us do. Being someone who is in the Design industry myself I find the creativeness and personal style of people who have to create with limited resources highly more interesting and profound. Why do entries like these get posted?

Gorgeous condo in a gorgeous city :)

The condo looks amazing! It is very apparent that a great deal of thought and effort went into this project. The “Multipurpose Wallâ€� is a clever idea allowing for additional storage and privacy between rooms. The “Tweaked Floorsâ€� speak for themselves. The “Floating Tableâ€� seems to work not only as a formal dining table but also as an additional work space, beyond the “Office Niche.â€� You have effectively made a traditional condo into a sleek yet functioning unit that states style. Hands down the best in every category.

@cinnamontoast3 - I completely agree with you, 100%. However, I think the owner's of this website probably won't, as I'd bet they will be all too happy to see it go increasingly high end and attract the eyeballs and attention of increasingly high end readers so as to make more money off advertising from high end retailers.

Money talks. People walk. Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.

This is a great apartment. I hope this couple wins

Great modifications, but doesn't yet look like a home. Are you done furnishing yet? Have you moved in yet?

Love the floating bar.

On the professional v. regular people controversy: I like seeing the professional stuff, but I agree that it's apples and oranges. How about leaving the contest to people (not firms and case-studies), but in addition to the regional categories adding a category for professional non-competing entries? That way, they get exposure, we get the fun of viewing it, but the contest doesn't feel so skewed.

Hi All,

Thank you for taking the time to comment and review our home. We’re absolutely overjoyed with the level of conversation, engagement, and the great criticisms; this makes this entry all worthwhile. I nearly fell of my chair from laughing, when we were reading some of your comments. We love the dialogue and discussion, please give us more!!!! We apologize for the late response we’ve been without DSL since Wednesday and we’re at Kinko’s typing this!!!

Bellow are answers to most of your comments and questions along with some our tips.

The Wardrobe ||||

The wardrobe wall doors where made from the economical contractor closet doors that can be found at your local home depot. We simply ordered the frames without the mirrors and installed in its place etched glass. They help create a sense of a larger room with transparency, form, and length, while allowing free flowing access to the ELFA system beyond. It’s a cheap way to get the Italian door look but for a fraction of the cost. We did the similar thing with the bathroom door. We bought a sliding shower door that can be found at home depot, etched the glass and hung it on the wall outside the bathroom.

Who are you?

The space is certainly not made for everyone. We tailor the space to our specific life style and needs. Something to consider when starting designing your own space, start by figuring out what type of person you are. Are you neat? Or are you messy? Most likely if your messy you would be better off by having a lot of concealed storage so you can hide your mess and if you neat then you can have it exposed, since you would take the time to make sure it’s properly arranged. Kelly and I are somewhere in between.

Case Study:

A case study just means that we’re using the space to learn from, it’s an experiment!!! It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own business. So we improved our space and did the things that most people would not want to try in their own space. This was instrumental in helping me make the leap to start my own business only 6 months ago.

The Floating Bar-

The Floating bar creates a 5’-0â€� cantilevered counter allowing the space to remain free flowing. It was constructed out of 3â€� tube steel frames and were bolted together on site with T and L brackets at all the corners.

Furniture and Décor:

We definitely need furniture that’s one of the reasons we entered this contest. Kelly and I have moved and lived in various apartments and lofts in the 10 years we’ve been together. Every move required new furniture and ebaying the old because the things that fit in one apartment did not fit or look well in the next. So in this last move we decided to build specifically for the apartment because we can’t seem to take it with us anyway. This way we can sell it with the place!!! We promise that if we win the prize we’ll buy some better stuff. As far as the bed goes, we’re waiting to save a little cash to have the bed frame built-in to the multipurpose wall; we’re planning on having it tie-in with the headboard on the wall.

The Tweaked Floor \\\

The Angle of the floor was laid out by snapping a line from one corner to the other corner of the longest space we have, it forces you to perceive the space in its longest length making you think that the space is really larger that what it is. We originally, considered making the Kitchen and Bathroom stone and the rest wood, but in small spaces if you break the floor plane with a transition you’ve bound the size of the room. By having one continuous floor surfaces it allows one room to flow into the next giving each room a bit of the other making every room feel larger. The floor was a little more expensive than wood but if you consider that it’s essentially maintenance free and it will last the lifetime of this condo, it was a simple decision.

The Cost ;)

We have a confession to make… WE DON’T HAVE ANY MONEY!!! Unless you consider being your 30’s and eating PBJ’s for lunch an extravagant expense. We saved, scavenged, and went into debt to do this remodel. When we moved in, we saved money by not buying any new furniture, we lived with one light on a cord that we would plug from room to room as needed. We didn’t spend on anything and lived here through the entire construction process to save money. It took 9 months of absolute hell to get here with drywall dust and a wet saw as decoration. We’re extremely resourceful and bargained for everything you see in the photos. Kelly is a CPA and monitored every one of our pennies in our 5 gallon savings jar.

The Lounge XOXO

A Ligne Roset Smalla day bed sofa set’s the space off as multi functional with its simple adjustments converts the space into a lounge or guest quarters. It’s AWESOME, the arms move up and down the backs move up and down, it’s totally flexible and allot of FUN!!! Rainy days in San Diego aren’t that often but on those days we flip the sofa back into a day bed and grab our pillows from the bedroom and cozy-up with some popcorn and few good movies.

Miscellaneous:

Shades came with the condo; we’re waiting till next Christmas for new ones.
We don’t have pictures of the kitchen and bath, but if you vote for us and we make it as a finalist!!! We’ll make sure to include a few.
There is no base where the wall meets the floor. We just grouted the joint; stone tiles don’t expand as much as wood so it’s not a problem. But if you want the same look in wood we recommend that you use cork as a spacer instead of covering it with base.
We would have loved to have a recessed track but it’s a concrete ceiling.
----------------
Sorry for the long comment but we wanted to take the time to reply most of your comments since you took the time to write them.

Lot’s of love with a bit of luck too.

Kelly & Gregory

I'm glad you commented, Kelly and Gregory, as I felt like many others when looking at your entry...how could anyone compete with an architect and money. But it sounds like you've both worked for it. Cheers for that.

I'm also curious to know more about your wardrobe on the inside...how did you organize it? We're in the midst of planning a remodel of our closet (not nearly as large as yours)...

I do agree that there should be different categories for this contest...and I think it could improve the contest. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who would enter this contest if they felt like they had a chance in h*ll to win. I know that's what my boyfriend and I thought...our goal is next year after doing some very cheap improvements. But we still will never be able to compete with architects and high-enders with dough...AT folks...might you consider categories next year? Could be a very cool thing.

Hmm, if AT considers new categories, it might be worth thinking about total cubic feet, too. There are small spaces and there are small spaces. Having 8' high ceilings, I can tell you that sometimes it seems to me that those with very high ceilings and loft beds are cheating.... (but then I just admire the space.)

If anyone is taking this idea seriously, I'd recommend a total of 4,500 cubic feet for the contest. That would allow some of those 300 square foot gems with 14 foot high ceilings, and also those 'sprawling' 600 square foot places with 8.5 foot ceilings. In other words, it would keep the entries truly small!

I'm sorry but I don't buy the "we don't have any money" thing.

Your definition of money is just different.

I don't have money to buy a lignet roset sofa.. or a condo..

I mentioned the "case study," not because of confusion about what it is (I'm a designer), but because it's a professional term. Non-professionals don't use their apartments to prepare for them for starting their own businesses (at least not in the sense you are talking about). The main appeal of this contest to me is seeing real-world, regular people's creative space solutions, and making them compete against professionally-designed spaces undermines that.

That said, looks like you do great work, and I like the way you approached the space and cost issues. And I appreciate your honesty. Good luck to you!

Cute, but kind of empty. Like...do you have ANY stuff besides furniture?

I'm really torn on this one. I love the angled tiles and the table, they're really creative and successful in making the place seem larger. You've dealt with all your "stuff" by giving it all a home, tucked away.

But your idea of "on a budget" and mine are worlds apart. All my money goes into paying off my home loan - there's not enough left to completely redo my home with new walls and flooring and so on, even with budget sources.

I'd love to see categories next year, then we could compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges. And have more winners all around!

Once more links to other photos... Should this be stopped or is is allowed?

very nice, AND a lot of place to putt all the stuff

agree that the space is lovely- but also agree with others that don't see that regular renters can compete with architecturally designed spaces due to the enormous budget allowed. AT should defintley alter the parameters of this contest next time and change to owners only/renters only. otherwise it's just not fair.
furthermore- does this couple really need another piece from Design WITHIN Reach....?
VOTE: not my thang.

I like the layout but the color of the wood looks very 70's to me.

Stop that whine about extra pictures, if people want to see more pictures the apartment is good enough to get a two thumbs up. AT are showing, IMHO, to few pictures in the first place.

stop whining about extra pictures, if people want extra pictures the apartment is good enough in the first place, no one is going to look at a shitty apartment and say "if only i had extra pictures to view this rat hole, maybe I would give it a change!!!"

sry, i thougt my comment had not posted ;-)

I like this place! The furniture seems perfect in creating tons of storage space in a great way. The budget issue that everybody seems to be complaining about is actually addressed already in the judgment criteria. Besides, budget doesn't always win.

Criteria?

Readers and judges are asked to evaluate each submission for excellence in these three areas:

Efficiency Innovative use of small space to maximize livability.

Aesthetics Beauty and stylistic achievement in Decor.

Special Challenges Creative problem solving in dealing with adverse conditions.

I keep comning back to this apartment and wondering why I don't love it. it's obviously a very well-executed modern space that looks like a lot of time/money/trouble was put into it.
but I agree with several other people that it doesn't look like a home. it may well BE a home for Kelly and Greg, but it doesn't look, from the pics, like anyone lives there.

thinking about the eight-step home cure, it seems to me that the thing that makes this place look unlived-in is that it lacks warmth. there are no curtains on the windows, no peronalized pillows on the couch, not even a hint of color on the walls. the few pieces of furniture look like they could have been delivered from the store yesterday.

which is all to say that Kelly and Greg have made a good start, but that they still have a few things to do in order to make their apartment look like a home. for example, I would like to see a piece of furniture (or art, or even textiles) that says something about the people who live here.

I would also like to know how one does the nasty/changes one's clothes without any window coverings.

perhaps the answer is "boldly?"

JR - we also would LOVE to add a few pieces of furniture. we put a lot into storage when undergoing the remodel and it is hard to bring that older stuff back in to the new and improved space! we do have blinds in both the bedroom and living space, it is hard to tell from the pics because they are pulled up. although, from time to time our neighbors get more than they bargained for! thanks for the comments - kelly & gregory

This space is awsome. Owner or renter, the space is great. Congratulations Greg and Kelly

Love minimalism. This apartment is multipurpose and exquisitely designed. The space is gorgeous. It is really a case study! Great architecture. Congratulations.

I didn't vote on this yet, but am seeing tallies, not a place to vote? I think it is really well-planned and is quite amazing.

fiona - the voting only lasts for 3 days per entry. You missed it for this one.

Hi All,

We just got back online again!!! We noticed that a couple of comments were left unanswered, reply's are bellow.

The Wood paneling is Hemlock.

Inside the closet since it's a wedge shape we did a double hang space on the first eight feet and 16" to 12" shelving on the remaining eight feet, which is broken up to 4 feet of shelving for sweaters, tshirts, underware... and then 4 feet of shoe storage. All floor to ceiling and totaling 176' of linear storage!!!

If you have any more questions/comments feel free to post them and we'll reply back as soon as possible.

Thanks all again,

-Kelly & Gregory

BTW... Kelly and I feel that the AT site is about doing the best you can with the resources you have, and that's what we did!!!

love love love...the wood paneling... i know you said its hemlock, but can you provide a source, i cant find it

jz - we love it too. it's unfortunate that the pictures don't give it justice!!! it's not as red and it feels soothing and calmning. if we make it to the next round, we'll photograph it in natural light only.

here is my cabinet maker's email. he can point you in the right direction. His name is Ruben.

burrolar@sbcglobal.net

good luck.

-Kelly & Gregory

You're place is absolutely stunning! - And I love the tiles set at an angle like that.

See more our Condo at:

http://hometech.apartmenttherapy.com/hometech/small-cool-2007-entries/home-tech-semifinalist-4-kelly-and-gregorys-media-wall-022990

This place is so well executed, it keeps popping up,...not only in O at Home, but now in the even more prestigious and widely circulated Lockport Union-Sun & Journal. well done.