400 square feet of potential and joy

It's been a while. So much has changed. I sold my one bedroom on the Upper East Side in September. I bought a small studio in the West Village on December 17, one block south of Meatpacking District. In between those two events, I was laid off from my job as creative director at Roadrunner Records, a four month old relationship didn't work out and I got nominated for a Grammy for the vinyl design for Aimee Mann's newest release, Charmer. It was a very hairy, scary roller coaster kind of time with a lot of uncertainty and twists and turns. But the little studio on Horatio is mine now and and like the church in Coxsackie, it's one block from the Hudson River. And also like the Church, when I first saw it, first walked into it, even though it had what was perhaps the oddest decoration I had ever seen (more on that, natch) I could see myself living there.

The above photo illustrates just one interesting example of the door knob selection on the cabinetry. In what might have been a decision fueled by the desires of a six year old girl, one wall was painted a sparkly lavender. I've never been able to capture it accurately but this gives you the idea.

The kitchen backsplash,  in coordination with the cabinetry knobs, is black and white large checkerboard. It is visually jarring to me.

I'm replacing that tile with copper/amber glass mosaic.

The cabinetry is well done and completely custom to the space. It's impressive to have four burners, an oven, microwave, full size fridge and dishwasher in such a small space. But it was so traditional with the molding and inset panels that I knew if the cabinetry stayed (and it was, since that would have blown my renovation budget) I could not really make the space modern. I'm going with an industrial steampunk look. A little Victorian science laboratory thrown in for good measure.

The first thing I did once the keys were in my hand was call The Shade Company to get an estimate for motorized shades for the two windows that face west. 

Motorization was not only conceptually integral to the steampunk idea but was actually practical. When you live in one room, the window treatments are important as you need privacy every time you undress. Motorized shades, where BOTH window shades, can raise and lower at the same time, will make it quick and easy. Plus it kind of has a James Bond like wow factor that's hard to get in a space so small.

They are scheduled to be installed on January 18th.

My interior design guru and dear friend and now neighbor, Marla Weinhoff came to visit and help me with paint color selection and general good advice. The plan of action is to have the floors refinished and stained darker. Ceiling, trim and walls all painted (wall color: "coastal fog"). New lighting fixtures. Bathroom completely redone, new faucet, sink, vanity, shower panel, tiled walls and floor. 

Along with the cabinetry knob and lavender sparkles there was another, and perhaps for me the most tragic, design decision. Here's a photo of the brick that surrounds the fireplace:

It has beautiful depth, color and texture. Here's what was done to the two brick walls:

Here are the two types of brick in situ:

Marla suggested hiring a scenic painter to get the dumb "perfected" brick to match the fireplace surround. So today, I will be enjoying a visit from the über talented Steven Hammel to take a look at the space and see what he can do.

So, first things first. I'm going to get my west village home in order. I spent ten years on the upper east side but it never felt like home. It feels great to be here.