Friday, January 27, 2017

My Apartment - Finally


I've had this in draft for more than a month now, trying to figure out how to begin the story of this journey, and these new things in this new place. Nearly everything is different, and it's brought me incredible joy putting these things together - finally curating a place that feels like "home". 

Since 2015, I've been on the move. The home I shared with my ex was never my taste, and while I searched and searched for ways to make the house feel more like me, it never really did. Sure, the vignettes and the styling were all to my taste, and I had free reign over how most of the furniture was placed and what was purchased, but the bones of that house - while beautiful - were never really the appropriate bones for my aesthetic. If you know what I mean. 

I ventured out to my first apartment with little more than an idea, a slipcovered sofa from our sunroom, design books, and my collection of blue and white Chinoiserie porcelains. It took a few months, but eventually that apartment was "finished" looking like this: 


I loved the all white look. It was such a departure from the dark colors and heavy art that I had in the old house. It was, for the most part, my opportunity to show that I could leave my old house, and all those things, and create something totally different. And for that, it was fine. I succeeded. But it still never felt quite like "me". In September of 2015, I moved into a different apartment, this time with a new vision. 

P.S., there are more photos of this space in the Interior Design Portfolio tab.

That apartment started out looking like this:


And for the vast majority of my time there, it ended up looking like this: 


The space was beautiful. I could have left it like this, and lived happily ever after - if I wasn't me. One day, I got tired of it, and it all changed. From that, to this: 


It was the first time that I felt like the apartment really felt more like my home. The space was intimate, and cozy. The furnishings felt useful and people didn't teeter around all the white worried they were going to mess things up. Eventually, I learned that what I really needed was a larger space. Something that allowed more room for me and the puppies, and a proper dining room for entertaining. 

So, I picked up again - this time, almost empty handed - and I started over. The new apartment presented a variety of interesting challenges. First, the apartment (like the one above) had carpet throughout when I moved in. I knew that my things wouldn't look the way I intended if the carpet had stayed, so I asked that they allow me to put down a floor similar to the one that I put in the first place. Thankfully they agreed, but the subfloor here was very different! 


I can't even tell you how dirty this was. Fifty (or more) years of carpet pad residue, dirt and nearly 10,000 carpet tacks. I'm surprised I didn't end up with Legionnaires disease! Seriously. A lot of cleaning, paint prep, and help from a very dear friend later, it looked like this: 


I had thought about leaving the floor white, well gray actually, but I just couldn't get my head wrapped around the effort it would take to keep it all clean. I will say that looking back at this photo does make me think about what could have been. But, alas, I'm finished - and I'm not tackling another project of my own for a long while. (Does anyone actually believe that?!) Alright so, again, here's the BEFORE:


White walls, $8 mini blinds, and utterly disgusting floors. With a lot of effort, determination, and hard work I think I'm ready to show you the new space.  I will warn you, this is a LOOOOOOONG post. So either bookmark it now for when you have time, or go grab that cup of coffee (glass of wine) and let's take a little tour, shall we? 


Nearly everything here is different, and I'm sure the first thing you're looking at is either the Chinoiserie wedding cabinet or that tufted sofa.  I've loved blue and white porcelains and hand painted Oriental furniture for a very long time, but it never looked right in the house I shared with Scott, CDLV. I had purchased a few pieces along the way, and inevitably sold them because they just weren't the right fit. I lucked upon this beauty in Syracuse, so I had to rent a truck and drive the 6-hour round trip to pick her up, but I'd do it all over again in a heart beat! 

As for that sofa, I have jumped through several sofa options in the last few months. After a lot of thought, I decided to sell my white slipcovered camel back sofa. It was actually a terrible idea in hindsight. But, I did it. I then bought a giant Pottery Barn sofa, which was beautiful, but just didn't really work. I then tried a settee,then a daybed, and then happened upon this beauty. 

The sofa is from Kravet furniture, available to the trade only, upholstered in a winter white silk and linen blend. The story of this sofa, and how I came to own it, is quite remarkable actually, and I'll tell you soon, I promise!


I purchased the sofa from a designer that had been living with it in her studio for a little over a year. People had been sitting on the sofa in her shop and had really stained up the sofa cushion, but the sofa itself was unharmed. I had my friend Michelle, The Slipcover Lady of Western New York make a new cushion out of Pindler and Pindler velvet with a chevron jute trim detail on either end. She also made the pillows with the same Pindler velvet and contrasting winter white pipe, and the Scalamandre Leopardo pillows. Because the sofa was taking up room in her studio, and the cushion had been stained, I got a great deal on that piece - allowing me to splurge a little on the other details. 


There are a lot of things that I truly love in this apartment. This brass chest is one of them. It makes for a perfect side table next to a Pottery Barn Hatton leather chair. Styled with books, brass bells, blue and white Chinoiserie porcelain bowl, and a fragment from an antique Asian screen.


I found the antique brass pharmacy lamp at a local antique store. It's so heavy, and incredibly functional. The little knob you see hanging from the bulb cover will tilt the bulb, and also acts as a dimmer. The art (all from the same artist) was found in Ohio, and framed locally. 


Not sure if you remember the story of those beautiful Savonarola chairs I was gifted, but here they are. Beautiful in brass with custom cushions by The Slipcover Lady of Western New York. The floors I installed are a deep gunstock oak color. I chose new seagrass rugs with natural bands (my old seagrass rugs had the brown bands that looked better against Scott's orange colored floors) and layered the living room seagrass with my sunwashed Anatolian carpet. 


A detail shot of the new sofa cushion and that decorative trim. The glass coffee table was a great deal, and while I do hate to clean it everyday, it's still a favorite piece of mine. I purchased it here.


This little gateleg table was something I bought during the redecoration of the the second apartment. I found it on Craigslist, and had hoped to use it as a dining room table there. I never got a chance to use it, but it works great as a side table in the corner of the living room, here. The giant coral was an estate sale steal ($30) and the blue and white pieces are from my collection. A bone inlay box is one of 4 that I have scattered around the living room. This one holds remotes for the television and audio system contained in the Chinoiserie cabinet.

There are two Scalamandre Leopardo lumbar pillows, another splurge. The apartment is really a mix of bargains and silly purchases, all adding up to my really modest decorating budget. I will post more on that and how to spot these bargains a little later.


To the far left of this photo, the white pedestal was a bargain at a local antique store, and I got the brass candle urn at a design shop in DC. The glass has a harlequin cut to it, and creates the most awesome refraction and light play on the wall around it. I have probably ended up with WAY too many blue and white porcelain pieces, but I think they look good gathered on top of the cabinet.

I started off with a fiddle fig in the corner of the room, but it quickly died. I'm not sure why, I did exactly what it required, but I suppose some things just aren't meant to be. This new palm is from Lowes, cost me less than $30, and is healthy as an ox! It's planted in a blue and white jardinere and an old plaster fragment sits on the floor in front of it. 

The plaster fragment was actually once much larger. Louna (my precious French Bulldog who thinks she's a monster truck) ran head first into the thing and it broke into two pieces. The larger piece is here, and the smaller one I use for staging photographs on Cross Bottle Guy.


Looking toward the living room from the dining room. The gallery wall that had hung in my old living room now hangs in this space at the perfect height for viewing while seated. Some people initially think this is too low, but once they spend some time in the space they understand the positioning. Unlike the first place, I actually took the time to take before photos of this space: 


and I'm so glad that I did! You can really appreciate all the changes and details. The Lease states that the mini blinds have to stay in the windows of all apartments for a uniform look from the street. So I covered them up with these relatively inexpensive matchstick rolling shades from Lowes, both in the living room and the dining room. 


And looking into the dining room from the living room. There's a small hallway from the living room into the kitchen. I found that brass reindeer leg stool at Target and above it hangs more art. The chandelier in the dining room was not there when I moved in. In fact, this is what that room used to look like: 


I took down the ugly stock fixture and hung that chandelier (purchased at an antique store). Then I installed the dimmer all by myself. Yep! I was so scared that when I switched everything back on there'd be a mile-wide black out, but I am proud to tell you that didn't happen. Nor were there smoke or sparks!


I also used the blinds to hide the obvious disparity in the window heights of the living room and dining room. (It's about fifteen inches.) I would have used bamboo roman shades for this, as the matchstick shades are not my favorite, but there were no bamboo roman shades long enough to fit the width of the living room windows in one piece. I didn't want to have a gap, so I opted for these as I could have one continuous blind. In both the living room and the dining room I hung new linen curtains from the ceiling, and allowed them to have generous extra width from the window edge, making the windows feel larger, and more significant architecturally. At the dining room window, I used an antique dresser as a bar table. Alcohol and all the mixers are on top, and I store napkins, platters, candles, and other various entertaining things in the bottom. I didn't take pictures of the kitchen, but it's quite small. This storage comes in very handy! 

The new dining room table is from the Stickley Furniture outlet in Rochester. I was so happy to find it. Benches that I built and had slipcovered by The Slipcover Lady of Western New York make for great "chairs". I didn't want anything that would interfere with viewing the art from the living room, so these work perfectly. When anyone requires a chair with a back for comfort or support, I just pull the brass Savonarola chairs over. 


I love fresh flowers and while the arrangement is not normally this elaborate there is always something here. Fresh flowers cost less than a bottle of a wine, and can be picked up at the grocery store - and the joy that they bring is well worth it. I styled the table with a piece of quartz mounted on a black wrought-iron stand, a heavenly smelling candle in a brass bowl (Target), and antique brass bells, one of which is in a white marble oil bowl.


The ivy on the dresser is probably my best "live" purchase to date. It has live sheet moss at the root disguising the ugly dirt from view, (a trick my friend Joan, fortheloveofahouse taught me) and it's impervious to my negligence! The fantastic concrete urn is a vintage find I scored for $10 at the same estate sale as the coral in the living room.


Another details shot. For a moment there I thought I had channeled my inner professional photographer. HA! Kidding! The glass vase that the lilies are in was found at an outdoor flea market in Philadelphia. The brass bells are from an antique store in Cleveland, and the marble bowl is from Target.


The bar, up close and personal. I try to keep mixers that need to stay refrigerated in the fridge, but these bottles of Pellegrino stay out, along with the alcohol and wine. I'm not so much of a wine aficionado that I need it at the absolute correct temperature, and since I typically only drink reds, (and they don't stay around for long) they're fine at room temperature. The little sake cup makes a great receptacle for stirrers. 


Yes! You spotted a bottle of Cabernet already open! You don't think I was taking these pictures without a glass of wine near, do you? A silver plated cork screw, sits on a linen napkin all the time, but the fruit was placed there just for the photo. Typically that's only out if there are guests coming over - and since you're all guests of this post, voila! I started collecting corks when I moved in, and they're already spilling over this brass cup I found in Florida. Either I have a problem, or I really enjoy entertaining with wine. We'll just say the latter, ok? 


I don't know why I fell in love with the iron candelabra on the dresser, but I did, and I bought it without a second thought. Of course, when I got it home it wasn't nearly as easy to find a place for. I'm still not in love with it here, but it is where it has found a home (for now).  

So that's really all of the main living space. Are you ready to move onto the bedroom? 

While this apartment certainly has a lot more space in the living room and includes a dining room that I never had before, the bedroom isn't any larger than my prior bedroom. That small space proves awkward for photos, but I know you're anxious to see the progress in there as well. 


I opted to keep the carpet in the bedrooms, just like I did in the last place. These rooms are rarely seen by anyone but me, and I had to keep costs down somehow. Plus, with the headache that the other rooms presented, saving the effort in this space was probably one of the only things that kept me sane. 

On the left side of the bed, a vintage, handpainted Chinoiserie table acts as my bedside table. This little beauty is probably my most favorite piece in the bedroom. The table is styled with books, including my favorite book Beautiful by Mark Sikes, flowers, a candle in a brass cup, and a starfish. 

I highly recommend that you take a look at Mark's book if you haven't already. It's amazing! My review is here.




That's my darling little monster truck, Louna. She looks so docile and peaceful in this photo doesn't she? TOTAL LIE! White bedding with sky blue embroidery pairs up with my Scalamandre le Tigre pillows for a little color.


One of the biggest changes in the bedroom - apart from the wall color - is the change from the upholstered headboard to this shaker style four poster bed.


I will say that when I bought the bed, it was NOT in this shape. In fact, the bed looked like this:


I bought this bed from the photo, and had the guy deliver it to me. Once he arrived with the bed, he told me that the frame of the bed sat around a Hollywood (metal) bed frame. I knew that the color and the way it was to be set up was just not going to work, but I took it anyway because he had already driven it way out to me. I thought that I was going to end up throwing it away.


But I took some time, and retrofitted the rails with channels to hold the boxspring which made the bed MUCH more sturdy. Then I painted it black and had The Slipcover Lady of Western New York make slipcovers for the headboard and footboard in this beautiful blue stripe. I'm kind of into ties, can you tell? 

You can also sort of see the Chinoiserie wallpaper panel here. There are two, framed in gilded bamboo frames on either side of the window.


I'm constantly posting book reviews and talking about books on design, art, architecture and more, so here's where those are (mostly). I do keep books out on the coffee table, too. The television (my guilty pleasure just before bed) is hung directly on the bookcase. I went back and forth on this decision, and many of my friends who have seen this room in person don't like it. They think that the bookcase is so nice that it should stand alone. Clearly, I'm of the alternate opinion. I like the interest of it, I think it's fun!


Brass reading lamps add additional ambient lighting and task lighting in the space. I actually foudn these as table lamps, but realized when they came out of the box that they weren't attached to the base. So I use U-fittings screwed into the back of the bed, and the arm fits snugly inside. When and if I ever want them as table lamps, I can attach the bases again. When I'm feeling particularly lazy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, this is where you'll find me, curled up with the dogs and a book, making notes for the next book review.


The other lamps are from Pottery Barn, and they no longer carry them. They're brass bases with zinc shades that have mirrors on the inside. The windows are dressed in white velvet curtains. The $8 mini-blinds that I'm required to leave up, are covered by these bamboo roman blinds from the old apartment. I found the mirror in Cleveland, and it is definitely only a place holder. I don't really love it here.


And you all remember little Arlo, right? He's made another debut, this time on the bed, where he spends a great deal of his time anyway, as you can see in the background here, the mirror is already gone. 


The antique dresser is one I really love, too. Empire in style on little casters. The antique blue and white temple jars and brass candlesticks are here all the time. The orchid gets replaced when necessary, and the cross bottles are here for viewing until they find a home in someones private collection. 

Speaking of, my friend Joni who writes Cote de Texas also posted about me and this new space today, and is hosting a Cross Bottle Guy giveaway. To see more pics of the new space, head on over to her blog and take a look, and sign up for the giveaway!

Thanks for joining me on this little tour. I look forward to hearing what you think of the new space.

105 comments:

  1. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! You have a great eye Artie and I so wish you could help me with my condo in Cincinnati,OH. I subscribe to Cote de Texas and was floored when I saw you moving and keep selling some pretty classic and awesome things. But now that I see the end result, I am green with envy and so happy that this home is so you (at least for right now:). I feel that way about my place, I have lots of good stuff but I don't know if it is all me. The Ballard's Design outlet is only 30 mins away and I can't stop buying things but how to piece it all together is a struggle. I am constantly moving, hanging, rearranging and love doing it. Looking forward to signing up for your posts. Happy Hunting! Lorrie

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    1. Thanks so much Lorrie! Cincinnati isn't that far from Buffalo! ;) Sometimes sifting through the collections is the hardest, but best thing to do in order to get the look we really want. This move forced me to take a look at all of the things I was packing and ask myself, "Do you really need this?" and more importantly, "Do you really WANT this?". I got rid of so much stuff before the move that I had really been holding onto with no good reason. It paved the way, and provided some of the resources, to have what I have now - which I love. (For now anyway!)
      XO
      A

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  2. holy smokes, what a journey but this is just gorgeous. such a beautiful home now. i love the way you hung the artwork low - stunning! xo

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  3. Your best version ever. Hope you love it as much as I enjoyed watching it unfold. Thank you for the big update.

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    1. Thank you for reading and following along!
      XO
      A

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  4. I saw this over at Joni's first.....then came over here for Round Two! Can't get enough of your genius! You are incredible. Your judicious use of the brass is really beautiful. You didn't mention the source for that great tulip vase on the waterfall table in the living room...I adore the uniqueness of it. Amazing, amazing space....! I pray there is a book ahead for you...your gifts need to be shared with the world! Louna & Arlo may be the sweetest design elements EVER!

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    1. Hey there Vickie! Thanks so much!
      That vase was on clearance at TJMaxx for $10! Isn't it cool!? I went in there looking for a Christmas gift for my friend, and ended up buying that for myself! You keep praying about that book, and I'll join you! Maybe we can create some divine intervention?
      XO
      A

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    2. DEAL!!! I have experienced divine intervention a time or two in my life so I am a firm believer! Thanks for the info on the vase. I have TJ Maxx and Home Goods all around me here in Dallas so I am going to go look.....you NEVER KNOW what might turn up! That vase is wonderful!!! Now back to pouring over your rooms!!!

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  5. I just discovered you via Cote de Texas, and so glad I did. I can't say how much I love your current place. The others were nice, but this is really unique, with so much personality.

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    1. Hi and Welcome! Thank you so much for visiting!
      XO
      A

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  6. Artie,
    You really NAILED it this time!
    Perhaps you can do a collection for Stickley? The owners are very nice people-
    I do think that, if I were a magazine editor, I'd be calling you right now to arrange for an interview and photo shoot- and then, I would give you the cover- just like that guy from LA we all love and adore!
    XO
    Dean

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    1. Dean you're so sweet to me! Too bad you're not a magazine editor! ;)
      XO
      A

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    2. Well, I am thinking of posting about you on DeanFarrisStyle!

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    3. And I also LOVE Arlo and Louna !

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    4. P.S.
      I think that your work is just as good as MDS's !

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  7. Beautiful, beautiful apartment! I saw Joni's post yesterday and was hoping you'd have one too. You have such amazing talent to see the apartment as it was before and know that you could turn it into what it is today. As I commented on Joni's post yesterday, I find it so inspiring to know that you learned so much from studying the rooms of designers you admire. Also inspiring is your willingness to change things around until you get it right.

    I'd love to hear more about your Chinese wedding cabinet -- maybe that could be another post : ) .

    And no, there's never too much blue and white!

    Becky

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    1. Aww, Becky, thank you! I'll definitely do a post about the wedding cabinet, and the sofa, and the chairs, and probably a few other things to. Curating these things has taken me all over the place, meeting new people and making great memories and stories I'll definitely enjoy sharing! So stay tuned!
      XO
      A

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  8. Just luvly!!! Glad you 'saved' the bed. 🙂
    Happy weekend!

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    1. I thought it was a lost cause at first Gee Singh, and there are days when I worry that having a four poster bed in such a small room is really not a good idea - but, for now I really like it. We'll see how long that lasts! Thanks for reading!
      XO
      A

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  9. Smashing rooms- I love it all, the dogs too! Clearly a labor of love for you. Enjoy the beautiful spaces. Cheers!

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    1. Thanks anon! They rule the roost, and I think they're pretty happy there. They were not at all interested in the photoshoot though.
      XO
      A

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  10. Love it Artie! Perfection!

    Cindy Jorgensen

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  11. YOU HAVE AN AMAZING TALENT! Thanks for sharing!!~Marianne G

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    1. Marianne you're too nice! Thank you so much! It's been a lot of fun putting all these things together, and playing with the little details and finishing touches. I'm really glad that you like it!
      XO
      A

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  12. Your apartment looks simply AMAZING! Congratulations and enjoy!

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    1. Thank you Katherine! I think that for the first time, I actually do enjoy just spending time at home - without the tinker toy I call an imagination running on and on about what I can change or do differently. Thanks so much for reading!
      XO
      A

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  13. That was a long post however I read every word, an inspected every detail you were describing.
    It's a bummer when a person has to start all over, however you have managed to put it off with style.
    LOVE LOVE the picture of precious little Louna,she is adorable. Makes me miss my pugs even more.
    Those darn $8 shades don't show on the inside so pretend they aren't there

    Janice

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    1. Thank you so much for reading Janice! I've had this post in draft for nearly a month, and I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Louna is a handful, but I love her. I hope that with age (she's not even 2) she'll calm down a little.
      XO
      A

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    1. Thanks Katie! They're in their "Terribly 2's" stage. I have to keep reminding myself that this will be over soon. Thanks for reading!
      XO
      A

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  15. And Boom! Just like that I want to throw everything out and start over. Amazing, beautiful, inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your bottles look so beautiful displayed like that btw. Must be lovely in the morning light.

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    1. Thank you Sam! Trust me, I know how liberating throwing it all out and staring over can be - I'm glad that you were inspired! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a kind comment!
      XO
      A
      P.s., The cross bottles look great in groups, and the refractory of light the prisms changes throughout the day. They're a great sight to see in the morning though! ;)

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  16. It looks like you covered up cooling/heating units that are built into the walls. Doesn't this interfere with cooling and/or heating your place? Is this safe. I have a similar set-up so I am wondering...
    Many thanks for posting!

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    1. Hi Anon, that's a great question! The apartment is heated by radiator heating, so the grates that you see covered by the sofa and dresser are for heat only. I have seen no issues with maintaining a comfortable heat in the apartment, and there has been no damage to either of the furniture pieces. If you have forced air venting for heat/AC, I don't think you'd be able to block off those vents. The A/C is actually on the wall in the living room, way up high to the left of the Chinoiserie chest. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading!
      XO
      A

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    2. So many thanks for your reply to this question. It never seems to get addressed. How close is your furniture and window treatments to these radiators? What I have is radiators. Like you my air-conditioning is in the wall. I am in Chicago, so these radiators are working at least 7 months/year.
      Thank you again!

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    3. Hey Anon!
      The window treatments don't cover the radiators at all, they're on the outside edge of the windows. If I need to close anything up for privacy, I just use the blinds. The furniture is probable 4-6" from the radiator grate, however the sofa has an leaning back to it, so the area of the sofa that is in front of the actual radiator grate is maybe 8-10" from the radiator. I hope this helps! :)

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    4. Dear Artie,
      It is so very nice of you to respond!
      Thank you so much!

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  17. Stunning, and yes, my eye was taken with the wedding cabinet.

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  18. This is absolutely stunning! I found you through Cote de Texas and so happy that I did. My goodness you have done an incredible job. Just beautiful and that Chinese wedding cabinet is spectacular!

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    1. I'm happy you found me, too! That cabinet was like finding a diamond, seriously! I had wanted one for so very long. Patience payed off!

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  19. Your home is beautiful. I love everything you have done, I can't even begin to pick a favorite, gorgeous!

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  20. Amazing before and after photos! Your home is oh so warm, homey and sophisticated! What a wonderful retreat after the surviving the rat race and pressures of everyday life! Bravo!

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    1. Donna, I have to tell you that for the first time in a long time, when I come home, I'm actually at peace with it all. I don't know for how long that'll last - but it feels so nice right now! :) Thanks for stopping by and for commenting!

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  21. Oh my, Artie! I looked at all the photos first and will go back and read your commentary. Your apartment is absolutely stunning. I think this is my favorite of all your apartments yet!

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    1. Thank you Karen! It's my favorite, too! :)
      XO,
      A

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  22. Artie
    Your apartment looks fabulous. It is great to see a decorator who can shop low and end up with a high look. Our homes are a work in progress and it is amazing to see how we develop over time. Best wishes. Lesley from Western Australia

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    1. Thanks Lesley! I think that it's important to make sure that you have a mix of low (good low, i.e. deals on once high-priced goods) and high splurges. Plus, finding the bargain (for me) is part of the joy!
      XO,
      A

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  23. Hi Artie,
    I have followed you for years and you have really outdone yourself this time! Everything is just gorgeous! Please post further about where you found things, even the mundane, which you put together so beautifully.
    Elizabeth

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    1. Elizabeth, THANK YOU! Thank you for reading now, and for as long as you have been! That means the world to me! I will post about lots of things in this space. Working on a post now about the cabinet! :)

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  24. Oh my! I just found you through Joni's blog, and all I can say is.....SWOON! You had me at chinoserie! Your spaces are so incredibly beautiful, and I can't wait to read/ see more from you! Elizabeth in TN

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    1. Hey Elizabeth, THANK YOU! Thanks for popping over from Joni's blog, and thanks for sticking with me! I'm so happy you like the apartment!
      A

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  25. You are amazingly talented! This looks like a million bucks. I was blown away that you did it on a limited budget. You've given me so many ideas. Just gorgeous.

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    1. I'm so happy that you've gotten some ideas from this LeAnne. My budget may not have been as limited as some other budgets, but it was still one that I had to stay within and keep referring back to with a keen eye. Spending money on things like that Scalamandre velvet was a little scary, but saving money on the sofa and chairs made that possible. But as I said somewhere up above, the joy in this was not only creating a beautiful space, but in finding some amazing bargains along the way! It was a lot of fun, and I'm glad that you like it!
      XO,
      A

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  26. I have been following your blog for years. Nice to see photos of the finished project after all that hard work. Absolutely beautiful!! You are a very talented designer.
    Cheers,
    Ry

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    1. Thanks Ry! Thank you for following along for the last while - I hope you stick with me! :)
      xo,
      A

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  27. Artie this is your most spectacular place yet! I've admired you for year, in fact way back in time during the Rate My Space pictures on HGTV. You've decorated your new place where not only is it beautiful but it's a place that brings happiness to those lucky enough to spend time there. It's pure perfection Artie. I'm so happy for you.

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    1. NAZ!!!!! I know, we are old friends, right!? Can you believe some of the changes that have been made between the old RMS days and now? I've learned so much. Thank you so much for sticking around all these years and for this lovely comment! I'm so happy you love it as much as I do!
      XO,
      A

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    2. I see that I am not your only groupie .. ☺. That said; you 'knocked it out of the ball park' Artie(ben). Beautifully done and yes I would leave the candelabra right where it is. Wishing you continued success my friend.
      Many hugs -Brenda-
      P.S.: "Hello" Naz. I recall you from RMS.

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    3. Hey Brenda - I think you and Naz are the only ones who've been with me since I started this blog (nearly 9 years ago now, I think!)
      XO,
      A

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  28. As much as you review other design books, perhaps it's time to write your own. What an incredible re-do!!! Please do another post with more detail. I've enjoyed your blog for years and still love my two cross bottles sitting beautifully on our bathroom counter. And if you ever sell the two brass chairs, look no further than me!!!!!

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    1. Angeldog, if I ever sell the brass chairs - you'll be the first to know about it, I promise! I'd love to do a book, of course, I think a publisher has to approach you in order to make that happen. The world is small though, maybe your comment will be caught be the right eye and they'll reach out! ;) I'll be posting detail posts about the "things" in the apartment for sure! Thank you for reading the blog, and for supporting my handmade art!
      XO,
      A

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  29. This place of yours is killer. You are an excellent designer and I would buy your book the second you had it published. I love your blog and so look forward to reading it. Found you on Joni's blog which I also love. Wish you were closer I'd have you over for a glass of red wine, or two, or so....

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    1. Thanks Vaughan! You're so sweet. It's only noon here, but a glass of red wine or two sounds divine! :)
      xo,
      A

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  30. Oh wow, just saw Joni's post and I love, love your place. I have added your blog to my Reading List!!! Will also check out your cross bottles as well as I need to add to my small collection! Thank you, Artie!

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    1. Thanks for adding me to your list alewis44! I'm so excited to have you with me, and I hope you'll love the future posts! Happy to meet you - and please, let me know if I can help you at all with adding to your collection of the Cross Bottles.
      xo,
      A

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  31. Wow! This was soooo worth the wait. Every detail is perfect. And I second (fourth? fifth?) the call for a book. You have so much to share about how to create a truly high end look and feel without an astronomical budget (and it's not going the route that other budget-conscious designers use). Pleas consider!

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    1. Awww, Lauren! Do you know a publisher!? LOL! I would write a book in a heartbeat. Thank you so much for reading, and for this beautiful comment.
      XO,
      A

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    2. Actually I do! Message me through my website...would love to talk with you about it...

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  32. Well, you already know how much I LOVE and ADORE these rooms, but I'm going to tell you again;) They are FABulous and really show off your amazing talent. It is all simply to die for- every single detail. I love that it is a palm and not a fig - I'm so over them - probably because I killed an expensive one too;), but more so because I think I am just tired of them. I think the palm is edgy and works great in the space. I adore the iron candelabra in the dining room- do not move it:) It somehow balances everything in there and is unexpected in a good way. It was the first thing my eye went to I, too, love the tv on the book case - smart, edgy and unexpected. I want that mirror back over the bed... or in my house, your choice!! What do you think it is that you don't like about it there? I always think I find the best deals, but you have me beat my friend!
    So proud of you Artie! xxoj.

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    1. I have learned so much from you, Joan! Thank you for everything. I'll keep the candelabra where it is - but that mirror ... it might come live with you!
      XO,
      A

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    2. I agree with joan - the candelabra looks great there. AS for the mirror, not my favorite, but it looks good. how about a round convex? I bought the ones at Ballard and there were great actually. I would love a round mirror there!

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    3. Joni is right, but, I don't mind the kind of baroque mirror

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  33. Kudos on a truly amazing result. All you have purged, despite some stated regrets, have led you to this ideal home. I lift my wine glass to you on a superbly well done job.

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    1. Thank you so much Anon. Your comment and all of these are literally bringing an ear-to-ear grin to my face. I'm so happy that you appreciate this new space. Thanks for reading!
      A

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  34. Bravo ! You achieved a more mature , layered and chic look , which is said easily but much more difficult to accomplish .
    You can buy cheap finds , which is fun , and change things a lot , even sell them again . But " the look " comes from more expensive dominating furniture like the Chinoiserie wedding cabinet and the elegant Savonarola chairs .
    You outdid yourself creating the bedroom with this shiny black painted four poster bed minus the top part , the beautiful vintage Chinoiserie table and the brass lamps . The mirror looked great where it was making a small room bigger .
    The one thing I do not like so much is the pedestal with the big glass hurricane on it. It has a somewhat cheaper look , I'm sorry . Maybe you can faux marble it , put more interior books on it and a beautiful piece of coral will do the job .
    Good luck with new changes coming up but also enjoy your new home . F

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    1. Hi there F,
      Thanks so much for reading, and for your comment. No need to be sorry, I think that we are all entitled to our opinions, and hearing that was good for me. I'll take a look at it, and toy with the options I have at my disposal. I think it's important to see the opportunity to get better! Thanks for reading, and for commenting!
      A

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  35. What a fabulous talent! Genius, really!! Love every single thing about it (including Arlo!) and could move right in. Would you mind sharing your wall and bed paint brands and colors?

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    1. Oh, and I left out Louna! Also, what flooring did you use?

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    2. Hi there liaprifam,
      Thank you SO much for reading, and for this comment! I used a luxury vinyl plank from Lowes. It's actually a really great product if you're laying it over old vinyl, or plywood, (maybe concrete) - but this lot (which didn't have a lot of adhesive on the back of it) paired with the floor - made the install of this VERY difficult. I would recommend the product for those people who have a clean and flat starting surface though - just make sure to check the planks before you open all the boxes to make sure that they all have the same LOT number, and that they have ample adhesive on the back.
      XO,
      A

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  36. Artie, I am a new follower and am loving your redo. I also placed my giant tv on the front of my bookcase. Great minds. woot!

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    1. Hey whoohoo beyondbeige! I'm glad that I'm not the only one! I LOVE my tv on the bookcase, so I am sure that I would love yours, too! Thanks for following along, and thanks for reading!
      XO,
      A

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  37. All I can say is that I wish you were my tenant! Fabulous!
    Pat in Chicago

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    1. Well Pat, if I ever move to Chicago (actually something that I have considered) I will look you up! LOL! Thanks for reading!
      XO,
      A

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  38. I follow Artie's blog and love all the incarnations of his apartments. He is one of my favorite designers. There is not a single cross bottle I would not love, anything with an antique crucifix is so beautiful.

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  39. Hi Artie, I saw that you had this post up but I didn't look right away. I wanted to wait until I had time to really sit down and absorb it all. So beautiful! I love your careful selection of each item and you have a keen ability to put each beautiful piece together to make a cohesive whole that just SINGS. Beautiful!

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    1. Hey Karen! I'm really glad you took the time to come back to it, and that you love it as much as I do! Thanks for your lovely comment!
      xo,
      A

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  40. Oh Artie! This is OUTSTANDING! SO gorgeous! Your best yet (and that's saying something!). I'd been anxiously waiting this post and first saw it on Joni's blog. Came directly here and devoured everything again. Absolutely beautiful! Hopefully you're in the throes of compiling your own book? Yes? It is the next logical step. Thank you for sharing!

    Love it all and you.

    P.S. I am loving your pink linen duvet cover! It's the perfect shade of pink (I knew it would be when I bought it). You have bigger balls than I .... my God you even bleached your suzani. Ack!

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    1. Hey Barbara! I'm glad you know love that linen duvet! :) I agree with you, it is a lovely color - but you can now see why it wouldn't have worked here. And I LOVE that suzani bleached to the caramel colors it now has! Boy was that a chore though! My goodness! I'd love to do a book, so maybe if that's out in the universe something good will come my way? We shall see!
      XO,
      A

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    2. I love the suzani bleached as well...it's just that I would have been too afraid to do it - and you forged ahead and wa-la - perfection! You are a great teacher!

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  41. Your home is gorgeous! I have been reading your blog for years (found thru Joan (ftloah). She bought her farmhouse the same month I bought my farmhouse, in Umbria. I love the way your style has evolved!

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    1. Oh Robin, THANK YOU! I agree with you, it's certainly been an evolution - and for the better! This is what running unchecked can do for a person. No one to compromise with. No one telling you that you can't paint things, or that you've got too little or too much. LOL! So glad you commented! Thanks for reading!
      XO,
      A

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  42. I am in awe of what you have done. Every detail pure perfection. I can't even begin to comment on everything. I am a long time reader but not very often commenter! This is by far your best work yet. I know you had to work with what you had in your previous home. This needs to be published. Joni and I know someone. I wonder if Joni has spoken to her?

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    1. Cindy, thank you so much! Let's keep our fingers crossed about publishing. Who knows, right? I just keep thinking good thoughts. One day, it'll come.

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  43. Beautiful journey and destination!! Thank you for sharing! I will be following along from here on out --

    Sara

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  44. love everything about your new place
    can you share something on the kitchen >> or some ideas >>

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  45. Hi Artie,

    Your new home is just incredible (as were your previous places -- save the one in which your sensibilities were restricted) -- so refined and elegant, yet relaxed and peaceful -- I love it!

    I found your blog via Cote De Texas, and when reading every word of her post about the transformations of your home, I read that you bleached a suzani whose colors were not working for you. I would like to do the same to a Suzani I own that has a great pattern, but whose colors are off. Would you mind sharing some tips on how you did that, please? Did you just put it in a tub with bleach and water and soak -- what ratio did you use and for how long did you soak it, please? Then did you just wash on gentle and air dry? I would sincerely appreciate some guidance.

    Thanks!

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  46. Holy smokes Artie this is fabulous. That diningroom is really a stunner. Love your curated gallery wall.
    Those slipcovered benches are so chic. The wedding chest just amazing. And you can't have too much blue and white Chinese import ware. I remember the post when you were gifted those chairs her sister would be happy you have them. I have a four poster very similar to your new one. Got to tell you I have been working on my master and yours has helped me get over the hump. Spectacular space.

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  47. It was wondering if I could use this write-up on my other website, I will link it back to your website though.Great Thanks. high rise apartments dallas

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  48. thank you for sharing such wonderful post.i love is soCheck. Office Furniture Miamimus

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