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[Oznell]

....am interested in your ideas, for YOUR theoretical space.

Claire Randolph lives in this modern L.A. high rise rental, and this is some of what she's done, in her style--

The two bedroom apartment has a combination of big and small spaces, with curving walls, big windows, a huge structural pillar.  So, some great things to work with, and some not-so-great.

So, back to the view--

It's almost unbelievable.  But all those windows, and curving walls, perhaps a challenge. 

I like a lot of what she's done, but...  I'd want light, airy curtains-- maybe sheer linen ones.   Has anyone here ever curtained a curving wall of mulitple floor to ceiling windows?

(But, maybe there are automatic, retractable shades in the top that come down at will?  If so, my apologies Claire, and I'd be fine with that.  After all, it's the view that is paramount here. )

Below, in the hall leading to living room.  She describes herself as southern/ traditional ( she's from Dallas), but there are contemporary accents as well, and midcentury accents, like the cool wine glasses here, and the black-and-white art photo of JFK.

 

The way she carved up the vast space, with her sectional serving as a "boundary" for the 'living room', makes sense.

Beyond it, is the pillar and then the dining area, and to the left, the kitchen.

The whole couch area is a way of bringing "softness" to the hard edges of the contemporary apartment.

She's definitely a "pillow person",  and has beautiful, coordinated taste in fabrics.  The patterns are a way of enlivening the large stretch of neutral, solid couch.  A number of the pillows are custom made to her specifications-- 

The conversation area is completed, on the other side, by paired, oversized slipper chairs, also softened with pillows and throws.  Love the midcentury style, oversize plaster mirror--

I enjoy her eye for details-- the lovely crystal vase, fresh flowers.  Her Diptyque candle on the left, is even nestled in a vintage milk glass bowl, in the wavy Silver Crest pattern.  That's the kind of layering I can get into... 

Did you notice her gorgeous, antique mahogany

serpentine chest in the background?

The small dining area also shares an exansive view, and has a garden feeling, with her prized, faux bamboo vintage chairs, her favorite ruffled vase, and ever-present hydrangeas.

The kitchen is lo-o-o-ng, and with rather hard edges, as even some luxury apartment kitchens are.  But Claire's little touches bring her personality--

Admits to being a MacKenzie-Childs fanatic-- her perplexed boyfriend said, "you don't even drink tea"?   

More little treasures at her coffee bar. Who remembers those large, carved midcentury brass plaques, often displayed on rustic brick fireplace mantels?   I'm sure my parents had one....

She brings her feminine style to the bathroom, with fabric shower curtain, vintage dressing table area, and framed Chanel print...

Smallish, but cozy master bedroom...

Love that she hung twin mirrors over the handsome burl night stands, and her swirly blue and white lamps...

Closer in again, on the bed and windows.  Looks so comfy to me, and with that view at night, twinkly lights....  Yes, I hear the pillow complaints-- I'd just toss them off at night, but by day, they are so aesthetically pleasing to my eye, along with soft duvet--

Her outdoor space may not be large, but comfortable woven seating, and flowering plants and topiary, make it a welcome perch from which to drink in the city vistas....

Given this spacious, but in some ways, sterile and box-like apartment, I think she did great.  She's an eclectic traditional, with maximalist tendencies, and saw her job as needing to "warm it up".

I think I'd go either one of two ways with it.  I'd go either soft, eclectic and airy, like she did ( but with some fewer accessories--- she has the exuberance of youth, ha),  OR, I might go with a more library-like, cozy Ralph Lauren look, to counteract some of the strictness of the modern architecture.

Whichever, you'd still have that fab view and all that light, love.

[Desert Lily]

My upstairs has a loft that overlooks a pond, not the city. I made it into a quiet reading spot with plenty of books on the shelves, 3 comfy chairs, lamps, an ottoman, & side tables. It's also a more private spot for guests who travel here.

My style differs from the one in the pics because I think sometimes less is more. Too much stuff in the pics for me.

[We rescue cats]

Several years ago a dear friend designed and built a loft in a historic building in the heart of downtown-top floor. It was lovely, she had floor to ceiling windows that were covered with white sheer draperies-motorized to open and close with a click. Her bedroom had a glass wall that also had the same sheers. The loft was done with lots of white including a white baby grand. We had so much fun there it was huge so there were often 50 or 60 people there, but we didn't feel lost if there were only 2 or 4 of us. Great design work. Such a beautiful space. . . I miss her smiles and laughter so much. Thanks for bringing that memory back.

[AZfem]

I think she did the best she could with the layout. Her kitchen is the darkest room & in my house it's the brightest room (3 large bay windows & a fourth window over kitchen sink).  Would like to see more color either in wall paint or furniture. Almost too muted for my taste.  The JFK picture is interesting.  This seems more like a NYC apartment. 

[DSD2]

@Oznell I'm admittedly a country, not a city girl.

The city view is not appealing to me. I almost always love a lot of windows, but these leave me cold, I feel as though I'm at the airport. The pillar is just a "no".

I would opt for light and airy curtains as you suggested to alleviate some of the "sterile" look of the room. 

Some very pretty elements, the chest, pillows, and the JFK print. 

I'm sure she is very happy there...

[FancyPhillyshopper]

To me this is a very lovely, stylish city apartment for this young, single professional female.

The decor looks comfortable and cozy, yet has a very serene modern look.

I think she should be proud of her design, and I am sure she feels great living there. 

I need a lot more color and design in my decor, but I have only lived in an apartment for a few months in my life, because I love pets, so I have to have a house with a yard.

I also prefer more traditional furniture like antiques, but that is because I have very formal, old-world taste!

[kaydee50]

Didn't look at all the pix--too much clutter/pillows--but one thing I would change is I would have the sectional looking out the window not away from it.

[spiderw]

A loft is not my taste.  While this is nicely decorated it still appears cold and unappealing for me.   Also I would have drapes on all the windows for privacy, to much openness. I do love the city having spent most of my life living in one.  But I always loved Brownstones and that rather than a loft would be for me. Just my taste.

[faeriemoon]

There are a couple of photos that are quite appealing, but for the most part I'd say the space is underwhelming.  The sofa areas, the kitchen and the bedroom seem rather uninspiring to me.

[just bee]

@Oznell 

Couldn't miss that mahogany chest. 

But there's way too much cr@p on it.