Friday, January 25, 2008

Home sweet home

So I'm finally posting pictures of my new apartment! I've been going crazy for the past few weeks trying to figure out how to make the most of my space. (You'd be surprised what's hiding behind closet doors, under tables and my bed!) I think I'm finally satisfied! I hope you like it too :)
It's the $35 Global Table tray! Yes, I ended up buying it. The Iomoi matches are literally all over my apartment. I love how they provide a little pop of color and pattern in unexpected places. The American flag makes me happy too. I found it at the Chelsea flea market for $10 last summer.

So I ordered the Sapien Bookcase from DWR and it just arrived yesterday! It's great since it doesn't take up too much space, but provides serious storage for tons of heavy books. Little did I know when I ordered mine, that West Elm just came out with an amazing (cheaper) knock-off.

Since I had this strange nook to work with, I had to make my desk fit, as I didn't want the focal point of my living room to be my TV! (not ok) So, under the linen slipcover is a West Elm Chunky Parsons Console, under which I store my printer, office supplies, external hard drive, and all the other office uglies. The nook is raised a bit, so I'm saving up for the DWR Marais Stool (in yellow) for when I need to sit and work. Otherwise, I just unplug my laptop and work on my coffee table.

Not sure how well you can see it, but the vintage map of Paris is something I treasure. I found it for a mere $15 at a flea market in Michigan and recently had it framed. It's amazing how much a frame can change the way something looks! I patted myself on the back when I saw similar maps selling for hundreds of dollars at a Madison Avenue design shop last week.

This is my kitchen! Haha- it's a good thing I don't cook. The mirror above my bed is another favorite flea market find! I scored this beauty for $20 at the Chelsea flea market, and painted it black. It literally works everywhere.

The front door is, as you know, behind my shoe rack! It sort of stinks to have my bedroom so close to the main entrance, but I opted to use the larger space as my living room so I could entertain.
And there you have it! (and another view of my kitchen- haha) Now I just need some visitors...

40 comments:

Courtney said...

I think you did a fantastic job with your space! The den is fantastic!! I especially love your picture wall and am dying over your 2 dog pieces - the lower right on the wall and lower left. Great taste!

MABELLE said...

Wow- thank you! Good eye! The lower right is a print that you can buy for $40 here http://www.bobbishart.com/pages/margie_bobbish.html or if you're a New Yorker you can pick one up slightly cheaper at the Union Square market on the weekends! The wooden dog (which I assume you're referring to) is from the Ann Arbor Antiques Show in Michigan. Thanks for the compliments!

Paul Pincus said...

I love it! Great use of space and lots of wonderful details.

That map would sell for $1,500 at Argosy!

Marissa said...

amazing job! its looks fab. so happy you posted the photos.

Jessica Claire said...

So fun! I must say I like the living room best. You can totally tell that all the art, books and knick knacks are a representation of your own individual personality. Use it in the best of health!

mamacita said...

Your place looks fantastic. I love the Hermes plate under the candle -- a perfect little pop of color and pattern. I would very happily be a guest.

Decorno said...

You made such a good decision to use the larger space for entertaining. I read in "Rooms That Inspire" that Miles Redd's bathroom is actually the largest room in his place and he sometimes (gasp!) hosts his dinner parties in there. It's totally mirrored and amazing, so it's not as gross as it sounds. :)

Your place rocks.

I have been dying to get my hands on an "I *heart* NY MORE THAN EVER" sign... can I ask where you found yours?

perfect bound said...

More please! I could tour your new digs for days. You did SUCH a good job. I see Domino inspired ideas all over the place, only done better! I too love your photo wall. Throw a party. Your space deserves endless praise and cocktails!

JA said...

Love your place! Can I ask you where you got the white lamp on your desk?

London Calling said...

Great job! I especially love the tortoise lamp and the flea market vintage map of Paris. Thanks for sharing.

Pigtown*Design said...

GOod on ya! You don't have to have tons of space to make an impact. How many sf is your place?

Jen @ RamblingRenovators said...

So cute and a great use of space. Love your photo wall!

辦公室貓頭鷹 The Office Owl said...

I LOVE your place. so it's true that no new york apartment is too small to be fabulous! i can't wait to see more!

MABELLE said...

Wow! Thank you all so very much for your incredibly kind comments :) I sincerely appreciate it and had the best morning reading through all of them! I love to decorate so it's always fun to share it with other people and get honest feedback.

As for your questions:
Paul- that would be amazing! I could probably handle parting with it for $1500- haha

Decorno- the "I heart NY more than ever" poster is available through http://miltonglaserposters.com/ It's $100, but proceeds go to a 9/11 fund so it's worth it. For $200 you can get a signed edition, which I'm sure will be valuable one day!

Trixxie- thank you! I was lucky enough to score this lamp at a Jonathan Adler sample sale for $100 (it's a $695 lamp!) and it's still available here http://www.jonathanadler.com/shop/product.php?productid=17235&cat=385&page=1 West Elm used to carry some darn good knock-offs, but they currently don't have anything. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you!

Pigtown-Design- I'm guessing my apt is about 450 SF, maybe even a bit smaller. Trust me, the Elfa closet system from the Container Store is the only reason I'm able to live here- haha.

Thanks again all!
Xo MA.

Suzy said...

Love your new place, it looks fantastic! And I also love that you're using the larger space as a living room. You definitely need to be throwing a party some time soon!

style and grace said...

Ok I'm a little late, but so well done! You have some great versatile pieces. I love how you have a lot of modern touches but it still has such a cozy feel. I love the photo wall. You are a west elm fan like me :)

SGM said...

How beautiful! I love love love your photo wall.

pve design said...

tres belle M.A. Belle-

MABELLE said...

Aw, thanks again! I'm excited that you all like it! And as for all the comments on the photo wall (thank you), it was SO EASY to create! The frames are super cheap outlet, flea market or sale finds, and I usually take them to a framer & get $5 mats cut so it looks like a custom framing job. I'm in LOVE with Kate Spade's apartment and all her gallery walls, so they served as the inspiration for my own ;)

Style & Grace- good call! I'm also HUGE West Elm fan! In fact, my entire apartment is like one giant shout-out to the Williams Sonoma umbrella of brands! I used to work for Pottery Barn in college so maybe that has something to do with it ;)

Pink Wallpaper said...

you did a great job!!

said...

His house is just a charm!!
Congratulations!
Hug Lú
:)

cotedetexas said...

I love your new place, especially the desk alcove - ingenious! the only thing: I wish you would put that head that's on the floor in a more prominant place - you can barely see her there and she could be such a focal point !!! Maybe the mantle? Great blog, Joni

ALL THE BEST said...

It's wonderful!! I love all of your books. What a great eye and use of space!!!

Style Saves the World said...

Great work!! Looks like a little calm gem in that great and bustling city!

AshleyL. said...

OH MY GOODNESS! you are one talented decorater! i love love love your style! it looks fabulous!

MABELLE said...

Aw, you guys are seriously too sweet! Thank you for your thoughtful comments :)

Cote de Texas- I totally agree about the bust! I've been trying to figure out where to put her since I moved in! I also want to hit the flea market for an oversized coral necklace to put around her neck (and on occasion, mine;)

Turquoise Chic said...

Sorry for the late post! I ABSOLUTELY love your apartment. I could seriously move in tomorrow and not want to change a single thing. That picture wall is incredible. You are so talented!!!

Jen of MadeByGirl said...

I have to say, I think the hallway pics are soo cute!! Wish i had that much time to get one of those done..!

Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards'
www.madebygirl.com

perfect bound said...

Did you happen to check out the new Domino spread on Rashida Jones and her studio NYC apartment. It totally reminded me of your space, perfectly decorated, light, open and inviting. Your place should be in the next issue. Readers would go nuts.

Style Court said...

Love it! Love how the red chairs work. You are talented.

Anonymous said...

Your home is so bright and fresh, it looks great. I really love your picture wall, and I have the same rug!

MABELLE said...

Thanks again! Turquoise Chic- I'm SURE I could happily move into your space as well! We like so many of the same things!

Jen- I wish you lived in NYC cause I'd just make a photo wall for you! They really don't take much time at all. Just get a ton of frames and lay them out on the floor and play with the arrangement till you get it right. Then take a photo to make sure you still like the way it looks in the photo and once you've got it perfect, take another photo for reference when you're hanging. It's just about balance.

Perfect Bound- thank you! You made me blush ;) I am actually quite familiar with that story (it was being worked on when I was at Domino) and am flattered that you think it's similar :)

Style Court and Carolina Eclectic- thank you :)

design dna said...

you have done a great job, what fun to have a new place!

is there a bookshelf holding up that stack of books? i have to investigate. if so, that's brilliant!

your apartment (and blog) are beautiful. happy weekend!

Anonymous said...

Lovely. The place really breathes. You have taste and a good feel for space.

Just one thing: please please please take that mirror down from over your bed. It has no purpose and it's not a good thing at all to have a big piece of glass hanging over you in your sleep, when you are so vulnerable. If you want something over your bed, go for a tapestry or weaving--something soft.

Lobster and swan said...

Such a beautiful home, so many amazing details and really bright and inviting.

Alkemie said...

I just Love peeking into what other's have done with their homes. Thanks so much for taking us through and giving such a great tour! You've done such a great job with the space.

MABELLE said...

Thanks AGAIN! I'm so blown away by everybody's responses!

Design DNA- there is a bookshelf indeed! It's the Sapien bookcase from DWR, but you can also get an amazing knock-off for slightly cheaper at West Elm (check my posting for links;)

Jean- thank you so much for your concern! You are too sweet :) I had actually put it there since my room doesn't get much natural light, and it helps to reflect light coming from the living room. I do agree though, it's a pretty bad idea to have glass hanging above my bed...!

Brilliant Asylum and Lobster & Swan and Alkemie- thank you! I appreciate it :)

No.35style said...

Darling, darling apartment! So cute and stylish..how fun to live in NYC!

lisa_d said...

Great apartment you have there. Love the colors so perfect for me.

Deirdre G
Philippines properties for sale

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