New Apartment Pics
by habituallychic
07 . 28 . 11
It’s been challenging to say the least to work on decorating my apartment while keeping up with all my other work projects. That’s definitely why only one side is finished or maybe I should say mostly finished. I am sure I will make more changes and move things around as I continue around the room.
I am so happy that I purchased the John Widdicomb dresser or commode depending on how fancy you want to sound. I love that the word commode comes from the French word for “convenient” and the drawers on this piece are very convenient. I like having place for your eye to rest when hanging art which is why there is a bare spot above the lamp but that might change as I add more artwork to my collection.
I also tried to make the television blend into the art installation so it is less prominent. The piece in the black frame might be swapped out after I get another piece of art in my collection framed.
I bought this painting from Belgium on eBay and it is one of my favorites. The little brown leather box with the gold embossed lion contains two sets of playing cards from Piatnik and were made in Austria. I’m going to have to pull them out and photograph them because the face cards feature royalty including Marie Antoinette, Louis XIV, Maria Theresia, and even Count Axel von Fersen.
Kelly Wearstler’s book Hue is also a favorite.
I couldn’t think of a better place to hang my Marie Antoinette etching than above my favorite blue chair. Technically it’s from Belgium (via Jayson Home & Garden) but looks French enough. There seemed to be too much space between the chair and picture so I hung one of my new red Willow plates that I bought while visiting home recently.
As I mentioned, the drawers in the John Widdicomb dresser are very convenient and the second drawer now holds all my stationery, paper products, and ribbon.
I tried using this chair at my desk but it’s a bit fragile which is fine. I think it’s more fun to look at it than sit on it anyway.
In my move, I finally found my calligraphy pen and ink. I also can’t wait to use my new orange Smythson notebook that was a lovely gift from the company.
The bench fits perfectly in front of the bookshelves as I knew it would when I picked it up at the flea market this weekend.
I bought this little painting on eBay as well and wish I could find the artist again. I just love looking at it. I just read an article that mentioned scientific research that concluded that “looking at art induces the same feelings of pleasure as being in love.”
My bookshelves again. I’m waiting for a pair for the other side of the room so I can finally unpack the rest of my books.
My prized pile of old Domino magazines. Yes, I have doubles of some issues and no, you can’t have them.
There is a funny story about this painting of a house on the other side of the room. My parents own this same painting and when I asked if I could have it, they said no. But my mother commissioned the artist to paint me my own version. As an only child, this means I will have two of the exact same painting someday which always makes me laugh.
I bought the painting on the left also on eBay for probably not more than $30. It reminds me of Van Gogh and also makes me happy when I look at it, or maybe it’s love if that recent research is to be believed. The back has a stamp from the Thompson Art Gallery c/o Thompson & Basile, 20 Cornelia St. NYC. It also has tape on it from the Tribune Subway Gallery with the phone number Wisconsin 7-4899. Very old school and dates the painting to around the mid 1940’s. The other is just a post card in a vintage frame.
I love the sound of my Bose iPod dock.
More books.
My current inspiration board near my desk. I need to work on that area next and have the skirt made.
I think the chicest thing you could buy for yourself or as a gift are monogrammed matchboxes from ForYourParty. I love giving them out at events and using them in my apartment. The absolute best thing about my new apartment though is the south facing front windows. They certainly make up for the one that faces the brick wall in the microscopic kitchen.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic
76 Comments
LOVE it!! i need you to come help me unpack this weekend. you are a total pro 🙂
You are such a natural stylist – these photos look like they were torn out of Architectural Digest! It’s wonderful when a new house really starts feeling like “home”, and a beautiful one at that. Can’t wait to see more.
PS I never thought to look on eBay for art (don’t ask me why?!) – thanks for the tip!
I love your bookshelf. I’ve been avoiding unpacking mine for over a month, but now I’m feeling eager to get it done!
Absolutely gorgeous! I really love it.. Greetings from Miami 🙂
This little space is amazing! It really does look like something out of Architectural Digest. You have a great eye for traditional pieces but your styling is modern and fun. And that chair is nothing short of perfection!
Marissa
http://www.roost-home.blogspot.com
Looks beautiful so far! Love, love, LOVE that blue velvet chair!
Like the matchbook idea. Apparently Joan Crawford used to do the same thing!
Lovely, lovely, lovely.
It’s coming along swimmingly.
Alcira
nerochronicles.com
I love the original artwork and the way that you arranged it!
I am loving everything about these shots! So great – from the TV blending into the art, to the little touches of the personalized matchbook and inspiration board. Definitely inspiring me to do some re-decorating!
Love the new apartment so chic!
I can’t believe how much you’ve accomplished in such a short time! You’ve inspired me to restyle my whole apartment. Gorgeous!
Amy
It is so fab I want to come visit! I love that pic with the blue chair as well, I am such a freak for chairs. Love the art arrangements, your collection of great books, just love it. Makes me happy.
Congratulations! You are so neat and organized. I wish I can be , even just for a day…
Wow! It looks so great. I love your bookshelved and how you place your books. Can’t wait to see the other half! xo
You’ve put together a lovely space so far, Heather, it looks great!!
Hi Heather, can you share where you purchased your inspiration board from?
Thank you!
I can’t wait to see more of your apartment as you finish more of it. I simply loved looking at your stacks of books and seeing what titles we share; which are many. Your collection of Domino magazines was fun as well. I too have several duplicate issues. I am curious about the painting of a man on the top row to the left of the lamp. What’s the story behind this work of art and its selection?
-David
What a spectacular sneak peak, Heather! You have such a wonderful collection of vintage paintings–I really enjoyed seeing them!
Everything looks beautiful!!!!
Just beautiful! And I love the shoes!
Lovely! And I adore the shoes!
Very cute. Love the idea of cards from Piatnik – only Austrians have playing cards featuring Count Von Fersin. And smythson too – all favorites around here!
What a great place. I love how you’ve used common items such as books to make shelves and to create symmetry in their own shelves!
What amazing pictures!!!!! You work fast too. I am in awe over everything from your beautiful shoes all lined up like little soldiers to your beautiful and very orderly collections of books and magazines. Love your John Widdicomb chest, own a few of his pieces myself….so beautiful and I love that chair! Gorgeous color…congrats!
I can tell you are having a good time making your new apartment your home. Your pictures are great and I love your book selection. I am going to have to put the titles I don’t have on my list!
Keep the apartment photos coming! I LOVE your style! Congratulations on the new place. Isn’t that interesting how well you “hid” the TV and cable box in plain sight! I will have to try that myself.
What an amazing book collection and a creative way of displaying each and everyone one of them. Love it!
I am definitely getting some ideas for my next apartment. Thank you for sharing.
Hello,
Your attention to detail is stunning, and I really enjoyed how you told the story behind the pieces you’ve collected, especially your atrworks. You have created an amazing space full of the things you treasure and enjoy, this is what a home is all about! Can’t wait for your book!
Bravissima Heather! I love these vignteres and particularly the Marie Antoinette and the blue chair. I also love your collection of books and accessories. Well done!
Thanks for sharing, everything looks great!! I love looking through people’s book shelves, it’s as though you get to peek inside their brain and see where they come from and where they are going.
Love your new apartment!!! Thanks for the “sneak peak!”
chic indeed! i don’t know how you got it done so quickly. great job heather! love the chair. – blue
http://www.styleintel.com/
hello Heather
I love the way you have styled your possessions. Everything looks like it was made for the place they are in. You certainly have a very good eye for sourcing beautiful things that talk to each other. Now for pics of the rest of the apartment. Take care
Oh my, I want to go and live in this apartment! I LOVE it! Love all the books and the art, the magazines collection and an antique chair used as a part of décor.
I´m definitely in love!
xx Ivana
http://styleinthecityen.blogspot.com
Hi Heather, I am very glad to know that viewing art evokes the same feeling as falling in love! Your apartment is beautiful. Love the blue on your favorite chair!
Thanks for much inspiration. Catherine
I absolutely love what you’ve done so fair! I really like how the tv looks like one of the pictures! Lol.
Beautiful! You are the best stylist I’ve seen! Can’t wait to see the other side.
Beautiful! I love the blue shoes beneath the blue chair and how you incorporated the TV into the artwork. Brilliant!
Best of luck in this new space.
I never thought to search ebay for artwork or paintings. What do you use in the search field?
I could never organize my books like that.
Looks fantastic! Where did you get that great bulletin board with bands?
HC – just looking at your apartment as it unfolds and you put it together makes me happy. thank you so much for sharing. it’s gorgeous! I do love the shoes placed elegantly here and there too. thanks again, and happy weekend to you!
Stephanie
Now you are really giving me a reason to get more organized and to get those bookshelves in order! Love the shot of the chair and matching blue shoes.
It looks like you are having a ball with the chic decor.
LMF.
Wow Heather, I don’t write very often, but just wanted to say that your apartment is absolutely beautiful! I love it all and I wouldn’t change a thing! – but how on earth can we (designers) ever leave anything alone in our homes for too long… without feeling the need to change them up! ha ha ha! Enjoy what you’ve created!
Kim
You are so organized! I’m moving in two months and you are definitely giving my Loads of inspiration! Thank you!
Great job, you are a master at tablescaping! I adore the first picture, it looks like a little painting!
You are so darn cute! I am really inspired by your blog! I want to redecorate my house, now! Now, if I could just find my old Domino mag copies…
Nice job Heather, looks amazing!
Absolutely fabulous Heather! You have such incredible taste and style!
I liked seeing your John Widdicomb chest. It would look great painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. When I want a vintage furniture piece, I always look for John Widdicomb or Karges because they are so well made. I always paint mine.
Beautiful things + Perfect taste =…
your lovely home…
that chair is perfection!
So nice! I can’t wait to see the rest of it.
I love that your TV is tiny, and I love that you’ve blended it into the artwork behind. That’s definitely going into the inspiration file.
Very inspiring! I love what you did with your bookcases. Gives me some much needed inspiration.
these are just so beautiful and inspirational! i cannot WAIT for your book and for days of ruminating and dreaming over the pages of inspiration that you have worked so hard on. you have such a gift. SUCH a gift. when i have a hard day, i can come to your blog and even feather through the archives to find something worth making me smile. thank you for sharing this beauty. as i have posted on my blog, “one can dream so much better in a room where there are pretty things”. and it’s so true isn’t it? cheers!
http://www.betsymeetsworld.com
Your apartment is beautiful! Your bookshelf styling is amazing! Can’t wait to see the completed apartment!
K.H.
I love everything in there. I cannot say something that I just don’t like =D. I’m looking forward to seeing more pics! Oh, and I have also heard of your upcoming book… I cannot wait to see and get it! Congratulations! =)
http://bloobreyplace.blogspot.com
I love the apartment posts! You have such great taste! The commode is beautiful and so is Marie Antoinette!
Keep them coming!
xo Lauren
P.S. What is your wall color, it looks like a very very light/warm grey? Or is it just the lighting?
I adore the vignettes you created. So beautiful and inspirational. You’ve also inspired me to start looking on eBay for paintings! Enjoy the space! Mary Ellen
Those decorations are just so beautiful! Thanks for sharing, I totally fall for it. Keep up the good work!
Tom – Saigonstay
Hi Heather
I have just read your posts about negative comments and I am at a total loss as to why people would post anything negative about your wonderful blog ! I am a regular reader based in Dubai and I follow your inspirational posts on a daily basis. I think your apartment photos are absolutely gorgeous and a huge inspiration for me right now as I will be moving into a new apartment at the end of August…I only wish that I will be able to inject half the style into my small place that you have managed to put into yours! I am in awe of your talent……ignore the negativity and small mindedness…it serves no purpose whatsoever! I cannot wait to see the next lot of images of your new space and your book….
Heather did you move?! These pictures are stunning and I can’t even recognize your apartment and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I always loved your place but the new pieces of furniture and the colors are wonderful! Hurry up and finish so I can see the rest of it 🙂 XO
I’m a little late to this party… (heh) nevertheless, thank you for sharing! Also, I love the shot with your shoes. I love that they are all along the same hue.
I love your new pad! I’ll have to incorporate the trick of blending the TV with artwork. And as always, you have one of the most stylish shelves. Thanks for sharing!
wow, I love it!
Heather, your apartment is just beautiful. Everything looks perfect in it’s place and the blue chair is so gorgeous!
Heather, on your inspiration board, there is a really cool postcard or art print on the bottom- Abstract circles, 2nd from the right. Can you tell me the name of the artist?
Thanks so much!
Your apartment is absolutely stunning! I love the blue chair and all the color. And your photography is gorgeous too!
Thanks everyone! I’m really enjoying my new apartment and can’t wait to finish ir so I can show you the rest of it!
Kirsten – the artist is Sonia Delauney who I profiled on the blog. She just had an amazig show at the Cooper Hewitt. Definitely check her out!
I love your apartment, I keep looking at it over and over, It has given me some great ideas , Please post more pictures.
Hello,
I love your blog. Especially this post. I love everything about it. We have SO many of the same books, and some are arranged the same way. Both my “bright you things…” are stacked on top of each other, as well as my 2 Vogue “houses, parties…” That’s not earth shattering as it makes sense to have them together – logically – but I still like that we think the same. I also like that you’ve arranged your books by color (that’s the way it appears), I think I’ll try that next. I’m always playing around with the arrangement of my books. Anyway, thanks so much for the bog – it’s such a great escape.
Wow you have such gorgeous style. Your new apt. is really amazing, love your collection of books and how you have arranged them. Congratulations, your blog is a lot of fun.
I am really envious about your domino magazines…… Love your bookshelves and your book collection above all. thanks for sharing an intimate place like your home! Laura
I was looking for a painting subject and I think I may have found it with your chair vignette! its gorgeous!
Karolyn