apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Wright Auction House is holding the Important Design auction, Session 1, Sunday, May 18 at noon. We've checked out the lots and chose a interesting piece from each decade, starting in the 40's, right up through today...Jump below for our picks:

Pam sent in a good question: "Hi, we need to rehab our bathroom. We're not looking to move anything around, meaning the locations for the tub, toilet and wash basin will stay where they are, but we are going to try to squeeze in a stand alone shower in one corner of the bathroom and so there will be some...

Enter Here: Contest Page & Entries

Name: Rachel
Location: St. Louis
Size & Type: 632 sf apartment
Original Entry: Click Here

Who was your favorite entry and why?

My favorite other Small, Cool entry is Family of Four's "Two Bedroom" Studio. I really like this entry because at first glance the space seems very simple... but then you realize there is storage hidden everywhere... It reminds me of London Urchin's Jewelry Box from last year. One day I would love to live in a space where all the storage is so aesthetically pleasing.

Sam writes: "Okay so this is my first apartment...Its smallish a one bedroom in Buena Park Chicago.
I at first thought I wanted to go modern, but now am looking at how fun shabby chic can be. So Ive already decided on a couch but it is quite boxy and a bit mod looking, do you think it would look okay to mix in shabby chic antiqueish arm chairs?

Would it look strange and forced/far too random and unalike?

In Andersonville, a vintage Danish Modern walnut cabinet/side table with caned panel doors, dated 1960. Jump below for links to this and other good finds:

Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in our Shopping Guide.

• Treasure Hunt
  
• Merchandise Mart Sample Sale
  
• Up to 75% off
  
• May 17 & 18, $10 admission
  
• Merchandise Mart, 7th Floor

• Milwaukeee International Art Fair
  
• Friday, May 16 5-9, Saturday, May 17, noon - 9
  
• Polish Falcons Beer Hall
  
• 801 E. Clarke, Milwaukee

Today's entries brings us to a grand total of 18 finalists so far. Tomorrow is it! We'll post the "final finalists" and announce the winners at our party in Chicago.

Local Chicago designers, Alicia and Robert of Unison, sent us a little preview of the pieces they'll be launching at ICFF, which will be available in early July...

Alison sent in a good question: "Not sure if you can help me out on this or not, but my husband and I are doing a mounted credenza similar to the one in Andreas' Greektown Loft. What I'm trying to figure out is if he put anything on top to cover the screws and make it a continuous surface (we're mounting three cabinets side by side).

Last weekend in NYC, the mashup was Bklyn Designs and AT Presents. This Thursday in Chicago, it will be AT Presents meets Small Cool. In addition to announcing and then drinking a toast to all our winners (and finalists...and entrants...and voters!) of Small Cool 2008, we'll be selling and signing our newest book...

Enter Here: Contest Page & Entries

Name: Suzi
Location: Columbus, OH
Size & Type: 557 sf studio
Original Entry: Click Here

Who was your favorite entry and why?

I envy a lot of the international spaces because of the architecture...great bones on which to further great design. The entry that keeps charging my batteries is Luca's. The ingenuity to create a workable space with such SF constraint is really stimulating. The place is disciplined to say the least. (Of that I lack.) This tied with my adoration of Stephanie in Chicago. Anyone who creates a goddess shrine in the closet is obviously devoted to details. Without formally knowing her, I am sure we would be fast friends; her personality is so delightfully reflected in her choices. Draw of the 2 extremes.

Lum is an online gallery of high end vintage lamps. Even a quick look through their inventory will most likely turn up a lamp or two (or a dozen!) that you'd be happy...

Today's Finalist entry count is up to 13 - nearly halfway to our goal of posting them all before announcing the winners later this week.

Wow, the RSVPs have been rolling in to Room & Board! We are looking forward to a big, fun party this coming Thursday and hope you can join us. Here's the plan:

Brandy is coming to town: "I will be relocating to Chicago likely within the next year, and am struggling to identify where I want to live in the city. I love that Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and I want to pick my new 'hood wisely. Ideally, I'd love to buy a bungalow in need of some TLC, but I want to be as close as possible to my office on S. Wabash...

Clean lines, a mix of wood of warm woods and powder coated metal, with a bit of golden glitz thrown in - we like many of the outdoor offerings from West Elm. Prices seem fairly reasonable and we think a few of these pieces could even work indoors. Take a peek below at our top ten favorites from the West Elm collection:

Enter Here: Contest Page & Entries

Name: Stephanie
Location: Chicago
Size & Type: 441 sf studio
Original Entry: Click Here

Who was your favorite entry and why?

Tony and Hilary's 3 in 1 Studio is brilliant. I just love the small loft they created. It's stunningly simple yet romantic in a sense of being the grown up version of the pillow forts we all built in our family living rooms (...and had to take down!).

Allison sent us a good question: "I have four radiators in my vintage Hyde Park two-bedroom. I just recently purchased my new pad, and noticed in horror that my radiators are quite dirty and need repainting. Does anyone have tips/thoughts on where I can get this done? I think I need to get them sandblasted and then repainted with a specific kind of paint. Thanks!!!"

In the Ukranian Village, an original vintage 1950's Eames Shell Rocker in the Parchment color. Jump below for links to this and more good finds:


Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in our Shopping Guide.

The Small Cool Contest kicks back up into high gear today as we begin posting our Finalist entries in anticipation of this weeks winners announcement.

We just got a sneak peek at the upcoming issue of Martha Stewart Living and there is an article that is perfect for our cleaning theme this month - and should come in handy for anyone with outdoor furnishings. These pieces require deep cleaning...