Saturday, May 17, 2014

Apartment Tour

So I entered Apartment Therapy's small cool contest this year.  I'm both excited and nervous; they didn't choose to accept my entry last year & I have fingers crossed that they'll change their minds this time around.

Looking over previous years' winners, I know that I have no chance. Some people have such amazing places.  But I'd love to get critical feedback on my home. (hint hint- if any of you brilliant readers have ideas, gimmee!) Though there is huge room for improvement, I think I've run out of ideas of my own (that fit my budget & time constraints).

Anyway, I'll post the link here if I do get chosen. In the meantime, here's a more complete (than the 5 photos they allow) tour of my little sanctuary.

vote for me please!
vote for me please!
vote for me please!

thanks :)
Here's the contest link: Katherine's Tropical Sanctuary







































































































































































































































16 comments:

  1. I love your place. I love that you put so many things that you love in your space. It is original and untrendy. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the people on Apartment Therapy, despite professing quite the opposite, only love the trendy. A home that is not MCM seems to have less of a chance of winning. However, I do believe that there are going to be many people that love your place for the same reasons I do. I just hope that you do not let the people who will criticize it bring you down.

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    1. You've given me such an awesome compliment! I'm as susceptible to the latest trend as the next person (with the exception of chevron, I HATE chevron) so reading that someone thinks my place is untrendy- despite the ubiquitous Moroccan lanterns, ethnic rugs & masks, makes me so happy. I had worried that I was a trend step away from the Keep Calm posters and dead animal heads. Some people can carry trend off with aplomb but, unfortunately, on me, it just looks sad.

      I'm not too worried about the inevitable criticism. I've definitely arranged the flat with a amateur's aesthetic. I'm not in a creative field so really don't have any sensitivity to critical feedback. Now, if they criticized my scientific acumen, then we have problems :)

      It would be nice to hear ideas on what to do differently. I confess that rearranging my furniture is a often used procrastination technique when I study. I'm running out of ideas.

      Anyhoo, thanks again for the fabulous compliment!

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  2. I just 'favorited' you on the AT site. I could absolutely envision myself in your space; it's charming, well thought out and lovely! Especially enjoy the lion picture, the sofa placement and the entire room and love the kitchen all the way up to what's on top of the refrigerator. So many elements to like. Good luck!

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    1. Thanks Donna! I love my little home & it's thrilling that it appeals to other people too! It's definitely been an ever evolving work in progress.

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  3. Just voted for you and reblogged too, hope that is okay xx

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  4. Lovely place. Am dreadfully envious.

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  5. Wow! I followed the link from Moon to Moon. At the moment I am dog sitting at a couple I know's house. They are not minimalists, but not much "extra stuff." I was thinking that when I return home I should probably clear away a bunch of my things. After seeing your space, I see that I am wrong, just wrong. I realize once again that I love my beautiful things and have a large tv/family room that I keep fairly pared down (bright aqua walls and red love seats tho). I can go there when my eyes need a break. Thank you for such loveliness!

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    1. Thanks LauraC! I too am always inspired by the serenity of not-maximalists but I would never be able to get there. I consider it a win not being a hoarder. :) It's lovely to have my packrat tendencies validated.

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  6. Oh I followed the link from moon to moon too! Your house is gorgeous, I'm just doing my first home up and it's such an enjoyable experience. It's so lovely to see other colourful and joyous homes!

    Lally
    lallymacbeth.blogspot.co.uk

    p.s I'll vote for you!

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    1. Thanks Lally! I hope you have as much fun doing up your home as I did. It's a never ending endeavor.

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  7. I too followed the link from Moon to Moon. I adore your home. It is so cozy and warm. I love the personal touches that tell me a bit about you, your travels and adventures. I think this makes a home inviting. I believe a home should be a sanctuary, reminding you of the things, people, and places you love. I know I do this in my home. I feel relief when I walk in the door, and such affection for my little nest. I voted for you and wish you the best of luck! pop over to my blog and see my little Hobbit hole. It too is tiny though absolutely loaded to the gills... especially with books. They definitely reproduce in the night time!
    Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you C.w.t.M :)

      I'll definitely check out your place. I love it when someone's home reflects the journey that they're making in life. It's what I tried to accomplish here & I've always been inspired by the choices of other people (particularly fellow bibliophiles & Tolkien fans!).

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  8. Oh my ! I just love your place...it's so beautiful with the colors abound and the warm welcome home feeling that just pulls you to come in and stay awhile. So delightful, so lovely. Books and plants...a must :)

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  9. Hello, I keep seeing images of your place on pinterest labeled as bohemian and I just had to click over to see! I know it can be a vulnerable feeling to put your home out there, especially on AT. I'm not brave enough to do that, as there are some harsh critics! However, what a compliment to be featured by Moon to Moon!! Even though I don't personally know you, I can see that your place reflects YOU.. your interests, your life. This is a one of a kind home... never to be replicated. That is how much personality and love I can see. My favorite elements include your gorgeous plants, hanging lanterns & travel artifacts. I love the white walls, natural light, shelving and mantel. It really is a cool place! As a maximalist myself currently trying to simplify my space I can truly appreciate your sense of style. I will always be a maximalist at heart! Thank you for sharing your creation with the world!!

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