The New Nest

Like many people familiar with the process of finding suitable dwelling in New York, I prepared myself for the worst shortly after I started apartment hunting. I probably looked at about 20 apartments total, during which a few common themes emerged. Tiny spaces. Weird locations. Bad renovations. Mostly, these spaces were small, ugly, awkward studios in Manhattan. In this sense, they were a lot like me circa 8th grade. With better skin. Which is to say, with no skin.

I’ll admit, I got myself a little excited in a sort of fucked up, masochistic way about working with something like that. I accepted that my square footage would be drastically decreased in the move, and all at once the task would fall to me to purge most of my things and devise innovative storage solutions for what remained. I’d edit down my stuff to include only the best of what I own, ultimately achieving a miniature, flawlessly curated version of my former glory on the Upper East Side. Slowly, I began to envision myself, dressed in a well-tailored, neutral palette, a veritable human embodiment of the existenzminimum. I would want for nothing. Finding myself thus transformed, my unencumbered, immaculately efficient lifestyle would be perpetually thrilling. Daniel 2.0 would spend long hours sitting in a single, awesome chair, thinking great thoughts. When the hours were late and my mind tired, I’d stand up, walk three inches to the left, retire to my bed, and succumb to the unclouded vista of my unconscious. Imagine the glamor! Imagine the fun!

Then this place popped up on Craigslist, and all that bullshit went out the window. I called immediately. I made an appointment for early the next morning. I put a deposit down and signed a lease the next day.

At heart, I’m not a minimalist. I try not to keep much excess around, either, so as a consequence I really love the things I have. Luckily, instead of downsizing, I’m actually picking up somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 more square feet than my last place, significantly more pre-war charm, and, well, a lot more work. That last bit is probably why this place fell within my price range at all. It needs some help. You’re just going to have to believe me when I say that the following terrible point-n-shoot pictures are actually incredibly flattering.

Upon entry, you’re greeted with one of the most hilariously long hallways ever. It just goes on, and on, and on. This is the view from the front door. Note the awkward shelf placement, if you can see anything past the paint job. Speaking of, the overlapping-quadrilateral scheme seen here is based on a technique borrowed from the ancient Egyptians, intended to confuse bandits who sought to ransack the royal pyramids. It was thought that the squares would cause confusion by inducing a dizzy spell, resulting in either an epileptic seizure or a lasting case of vertigo. True facts, people. Well, I’m guessing they’re true since why the fuck else would somebody do something like that to a bunch of innocent walls?

Once you turn that corner, look! More hallway! More squares, punctuated with squares of cork! Also, a window that’s all rotted and broken and painted over and filthy. I’m envisioning trying to replicate Anna from Door Sixteen‘s window restoration prowess before winter comes and the temperature of the interior of my apartment matches the exterior. Good thing I’ve hoarded an unreasonable amount of blankets (5? 6? I’ve lost count.).

See that open door? That’s the bathroom door. I love the doors in this apartment—huge, solid wood, paneled things… that don’t actually close. Add it to the list.

Here’s the bathroom. Not a whole lot to love or hate in here; I think it was renovated in the mid-90s, and luckily the landlords chose super-duper generic everything, which is much more workable than some of the bathrooms I saw that looked like they were paying homage to the interior design of Olive Garden. The walls are a sort of light lavender, which I hate. There is no storage beyond that ridiculous ledge and that ridiculously tiny medicine cabinet. As much as I might begrudge the former tenant’s taste, I guess I’m glad they left stuff like that faux-crown-molding-ledge number, since—once scrubbed clean—it’s a useful thing to have around until I tackle the bathroom.

In here, there’s another painty, rotting wood window. God give me strength.

Across from the bathroom door is the bedroom door. Another room, another bad paint color, another door that doesn’t close. But! It’s going to look great. I love the floors. The closet, though an ugly add-on, is spacious and I’m glad it’s there.

It’s a pretty big room. The previous tenants also generously left this super-fug lighting/ledge setup above where their bed was. So sexy.

What do I love most? These pocket doors between the living room and the bedroom! They make my heart go all aflutter. Who cares that the transom above it has no glass? Who cares that currently the doors are really hard to open and close (I’m hopeful that I can fix them)? They’re badass, big, and beautiful.

Which brings us to the living room. Which is also big. And is also red. Very red. Blood red, painted so, so badly (you can’t tell from the pictures, so just trust me. The paint job is a damn mess). But check out them sweet moldings! Check out my snazzy tin ceiling! Check out my fancy-ass floor! Check out my motherfucking non-working fireplace! I’m toying with the idea of just putting a grand piano in the middle of the room, hanging a gaudy chandelier, and roping off the room with polite signs that say “for looking only.” I’ll let you know what I decide, though.

Look! Big windows! The most awkward shelf placement you’ve ever seen!

Look! A big wall! The saddest IKEA Billy Bookcase you’ve ever seen!

And then, the kitchen. You’ll notice that it is ugly. It’s also oddly arranged, what with everything just sort of packed into that one corner…

…even though there’s, like, six feet of space to the side of the fridge. Things are going to get a little… “rearranged” in here to hopefully achieve a little bit more storage and prep space, but I’m still working out what the best way to go about that is without going crazy and just tearing everything to pieces as my crazy person instincts are telling me to. It’s hard living with these demo-happy voices in my head, let me tell you.

Obviously, I love this place, warts and all. I’m still a little giddy and shocked that I’m going to be living here, and I can’t wait to start fixing things up. This is going to be fun.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: welcome to my home!

About Daniel Kanter

Hi, I'm Daniel, and I love houses! I'm a serial renovator, DIY-er, and dog-cuddler based in Kingston, New York. Follow along as I bring my 1865 Greek Revival back to life and tackle my 30s to varying degrees of success. Welcome!

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114 Comments

  1. 6.16.11
    Lynn said:

    I’m speechless. You are going to work wonders – what a diamond-in-the-rough!

  2. 6.16.11
    Ginger said:

    Oh man, this is going to be GOOD. *rubs hands together*

  3. 6.16.11
    Jamie B. said:

    Holy crap! I mean that in all the best ways.

  4. 6.16.11
    Alyssa said:

    Hellz yeahhhh, check the giant trim and baseboards. Godspeed, young man, godspeed.

  5. 6.16.11
    Janice S. said:

    I swear, you are absolutely hilarous! I love the way you blog. Can’t wait to see you tear this place apart.

  6. 6.16.11
    Matt said:

    Dan, this is going to be sweet. I can’t wait to see the progress and all the things you come up with.

  7. 6.16.11
    Benita said:

    Wiiie! What a great place! Can’t wait to see the transformation.

  8. 6.16.11
    Venus said:

    I’m curious what the place looked like when the previous people lived there… I can wait for you to get the transformation started!

  9. 6.16.11
    Justin said:

    This is awesome. I can’t wait to see what you transform this place into!

  10. 6.16.11
    hg said:

    I love your new place! I really love that hallway too (well, of course when you get it all fixed up, not as is… but you know what I mean)

  11. 6.16.11
    hg said:

    ps – wish we had a floor plan to put all those spaces in perspective :)

    • 6.16.11
      Daniel said:

      Soon! I have to draw one up first, then give it to Anna to make all pretty and presentable!

    • 6.16.11

      I’m ready when you are, buddy!

  12. 6.16.11
    Brismod said:

    Your new place has potential plus!! Good luck! xx

  13. 6.16.11
    Janet said:

    Oh you lucky son of a blogger! The potential, that door trim, those sliding double doors, those FLOORS! Best of all? The mess it’s in! It’s just crying out for your magical touch. Want an intern to help? Just say the word and I’ll fly over, my man and the kids will understand. Pleeeeeease?
    Good things happen to good people.

  14. 6.16.11
    Hilde said:

    I’m fairly new to your blog but love it and am very excited to see your new nest. It looks fantastic, or rather it will look fantastic. I really love the floors in particular (and really hate the red walls in particular, although the lavender and the squares are horrible as well). I think you are lucky with this new appartment, but the appartment is even luckier to have you as its new tenant.

  15. 6.16.11

    This will be awesome! The lighting in the bedroom is actually a IKEA-lamp. Had one of those. Not very sexy, just cheap (that’s why I had it).
    Looking forward to this. And also, can’t understand that you could actually rent an apartment in New York – or anywhere. In one of the larger cities in Sweden, this would be almost impossible to get a hold of, or super expensive.

    • 6.16.11
      Lena said:

      Yes, I know! I am like all the time thinking, he’s a student living in NY and he can afford an APARTMENT? Not a flathshare in which you eliminate the living room to save money (like I do with my flatmates) but an APARTMENT! With wooden floors and nice doors and fireplaces. And I always thought NY was so expensive. Maybe Zurich is even more expensive, or Dan is just rich compared to myself.

  16. 6.16.11
    Monica said:

    For NY rental standard this is a Palace! Congratulations on your new awesome apartment. The bones are amazing and you will work magic!
    P.S.
    In Germany there is a TV show about a guy and his family that immigrated to the US. Germans have actually spent their vacation time helping him with his home renovations/building. Just sayin….

  17. 6.16.11
    Mom said:

    I just woke up and you’ve posted and have 10 comments already? Amazing looking place., I can understand your rush to grab it. I wish we could have just bought it. Please make sure the Landlord knows about the missing glasses, the rotting wood, the doors that don’t close so that he/she can appreciate your work in the end, instead of trying to charge you for it by subtracting from the deposit.
    Then, have at it, my talented son.

    • 6.16.11
      Kira said:

      Ahaha, I love mom comments on these design blogs! They are the cutest and remind me that you are all real people and not, you know, robots. Or something.

  18. 6.16.11
    Tania said:

    Selfishly, I’m glad you’re moving. It will mean more posts.
    “Daniel 2.0” Hilarious!!

  19. 6.16.11
    Jen said:

    I’ve come out of lurking status to say congrats on the new place! Those floors! I absolutely can’t wait to see what you do with it! And also: thank you for my morning laugh. *Who* would put a Billy *right there*??

  20. 6.16.11
    Christine said:

    Those squares. That red. Seriously, it’s almost twisted how it can be more fun to fix up a truly ugly place, and you are going to make this place look a-mah-zing. What are you starting with??

    • 6.16.11
      Daniel said:

      CLEANING!

      (everything is filthy with a capital filthy.)

  21. 6.16.11
    Tara said:

    I’m licking my chops in anticipation of being privy to your magic. Go, Daniel!

    I am selfishly paying extra close attention to see what you do with that kitchen. We’re moving into a new rental next week that’s wall-to-wall hideous oak cabinets that look just like yours. Ugh.

    You’re a mad genius. Create! Create, I say!

  22. 6.16.11
    Daniel said:

    Ha! I had friends who lived in Brooklyn Heights with a bedroom the exact color of your living room. Maybe it’s a BK thing?

    Anyway, congrats on the new place, Daniel 2.0.

  23. 6.16.11
    Sana said:

    you are hilarious,
    i love your blog and your new place and you and can’t wait for you to start working on it and i think someone should pay to you to move every 6 months or so and find another gem like this and do something with it, making us all laugh and amazed in the process.

  24. 6.16.11
    Caroline said:

    Out of curiosity…where is this located? (not like, what is your address, but what neighborhood are you in?)

    • 6.16.11
      Daniel said:

      Boerum Hill!

  25. 6.16.11
    Diana said:

    Oh my goodness, this place is awesome. Those rooms can only get better. Looking forward to see what you do with them!

  26. 6.16.11
    Sarah said:

    Ho. Ly. Shit.

    This place is so lucky to have you! Those floors are killing me.

    How much freedom do you have with changing this apartment? Judging from what the previous tenants left behind, I’d guess it’s a whole hell of a lot.

    • 6.16.11
      Daniel said:

      More than I was technically allowed in my old place! I have to re-read the lease to get the exact terms, but obviously paint isn’t an issue. The landlords are apparently very “hands off” and really don’t seem very concerned about the condition of the apartments (sad for the building, good for me!).

    • 6.16.11
      Lena said:

      Do you think you can paint the kitchen cabinets? I mean, they probably wouldn’t be first on your list but somewhere down the line I totally could imagine you doing awesome things with paint to these cabinets.

  27. 6.16.11
    Emily said:

    Really excited about this… Just the thought of new renovations by you, has put me in the best mood today. CANNOT WAIT!!

  28. 6.16.11
    TEM said:

    OH. MY. GOD. The floors! The molding! The doors! But also, the rotting windows! The paint jobs! The wonky kitchen!

    Seriously, I think our apartments must be cousins–all the old character, ancient and horrible windows, strangely laid-out kitchens, and horrific paint jobs! (When I was looking at my apartment, the kitchen walls were screaming sunshine yellow–which looked awful with the wood-color cabinets–and the living room was bright, saturated turquoise. Yick.)

    I cannot wait to see what you do with the place! And yay for being able to see the potential of a place that needs a whole lot of TLC! :-)

  29. 6.16.11
    Gaidig said:

    I’m excited to see what you’ll do with the place.

    Also, I’m having trouble understanding the layout, especially the crazy hallway. Looking forward to seeing a floorplan.

  30. 6.16.11
    jingooo said:

    I CAN’T wait to see how you will transform your space!!!! Oh my goodness, there’s so much potential! Congrats on finding such a space where you can unleash you creative powers to the max. We are gonna hop along for the ride, luck us. :D

  31. 6.16.11
    Alice D. said:

    Oh so exciting! I am in love with the tin walls and the pocket doors opening. Perhaps you can put one of those frenchy chaises with a low back, and lay out stretched, drinking coffee/tea with a beret on. While thinking grandiose, philosophical thoughts.

    Your timing is selfishly wonderful for me as I am moving in the fall and targeting a fixer-upper as well. Can’t wait to copy!

  32. 6.16.11

    Really love your effortless way with words. Always so excited when there’s a new post. Also, wonder why THIS landlord didn’t make the tenants put the space back together when they left. Sure does make the before and after potential extra great though!

  33. 6.16.11

    you had better document every thing you do, and blog every single day in this place beacuse its going to be fantastic! I see a full AT tour in your future…

  34. 6.16.11
    Laura said:

    Manhattan Nest 2.0?

  35. 6.16.11
    Erin said:

    I want to make love to that entire living room. Starting with those pocket doors, moving to the tin ceiling, then ending with the floor. What? That’s not weird.

  36. 6.16.11

    You are going to kick the shit out that place, and by “kick the shit out of” I mean “make it gorgeous with no remnants of its past atrociousness.” And we can’t wait to watch it!!!!!

  37. 6.16.11
    Amanda said:

    When do you move in? Have your current landlords seen the changes you’ve made (i.e. the vanity)?

  38. 6.16.11
    Hattie said:

    I’ve been in that situation too – that big screwed-up apartment is way too tempting to turn down. That’s what you have to remind yourself when you find the previous tenants have “insulated” the windows by packing old newspapers, plastic bags, and kleenex in the frame and you’re pulling it all out while wearing big yellow rubber gloves and shuddering.

    But seriously, lots of space is better than no space when you’re someone who makes stuff all the time. Can’t wait to see what you do with the place!

  39. 6.16.11
    Melissa said:

    What an awesome apartment! Congratulations and good luck! I can’t wait to see the transformation!

  40. 6.16.11
    Rose said:

    I totally understand why you signed the lease. Those floors, those moldings, those doors. I can’t wait to see more about you renovations!

  41. 6.16.11

    CONGRATS! The place has so much potential! You’re going to make it awesome. Please don’t let school get in the way of regular blog updates come fall.

    PS – how did you get through the walk-through without bursting out laughing? I wouldn’t have made it past the hallway with the interlocking painted squares and 6 foot high shelving. (I think just add a step stool to that space and you’re done. Right?).

  42. 6.16.11
    J&J said:

    Awesome place. I’m loving the idea of seeing what you are going to with it. My sister is in Greenpoint and has been slowly fixing up her loft and it’s amazing. I had never really been to Brooklyn and really loved it.

  43. 6.16.11

    That’s actually a pretty nice place for NYC. That’s an eat in kitchen and it looks pretty spacious. I can imagine it would look pretty good with a few coats of paint. I can’t wait to see stage one of how you have situated your stuff in the meantime.

  44. 6.16.11
    lisa said:

    soo…. even though the 150 extra sq. footage is all hallway, this is a pretty sweet place! loveloveLOVE the floors and ceilings! i can’t wait to see what you do to this place!

  45. 6.16.11

    Oooo! This looks like so much fun. So much space! You are a lucky boy and soon you will be very busy!

    Also, I love that you call everything ugly in an almost loving way.

    Congrats!

  46. 6.16.11
    Ross Bennett Brown said:

    Mazel tov, kid. And I love your mom’s comments, and how proud she is of you.

  47. 6.16.11
    trisha said:

    daniel,

    i loove those floors and am rather envious of that tin ceiling. congratulations on this gem, goofy hallway and all. quite excited for you, moving into a place with such potential and all. also excited for me, who gets to see what you do with the space. take care & good luck!

  48. 6.16.11
    Katrina N said:

    So much potential! I can’t wait to see you transform it! Document everything! :)

  49. 6.16.11
    Lucía said:

    Congratulations! The place sure has tons of potential… I’m sure you’ll make wonders as always :)

  50. 6.16.11
    Charlie said:

    That’s amazing! Congrats on the new space.. Those red walls, oh my. So bad. Are the halls as narrow as they look, or is there any hope for using them for some sort of storage?

  51. 6.16.11
    pixie said:

    First, I’m damn jealous! That place is huge as I type, rolled on my side from the bed to the computer desk while changing the channel on my TV with my toes.

    Second…what neighborhood if you don’t mind telling?

  52. 6.16.11
    lsaspacey said:

    Wow I am looking forward to this! That red is…well, something, isn’t it?

    I just thought of two new names for your blog, Manhattan Nest – Replanted or Manhattan Nest @ Brooklyn.

    • 6.16.11
      Portobello said:

      Or Manhattan Nest Flies the Coop :)

      The upside to the hideous paint job is that with the apartment looking the way it does, you are really NOT going to have to change anything back when you eventually move out. Ah silver lining. Plus I have a feeling you are really going to enjoy this demo, or at least we are going to enjoy reading about it.

    • 6.17.11
      Daniel said:

      That was DEFINITELY part of the attraction with this place… I doubt I’ll put ANY work into moving out unless I really want to for whatever reason. The language of my lease is a bit more loosey-goosey, and clearly the landlords don’t care how things are left! Not that I cause destruction or anything, but I do feel slightly more free to do things knowing I won’t have to just undo them later.

    • 6.17.11
      Janet said:

      Hmmm I’m a bit wary of loosey-goosey agreements, write up a state-of-the-place summary stating that anything you do will be an improvement and as such not reversable back to original state (or something clearer along those lines) and get them to sign it.

  53. 6.16.11

    So much potential!!… Have fun. :)

    ps: Your landlord can’t even imagine how lucky he is. :))

  54. 6.16.11
    Melanie said:

    Oh, I love it! It may have some dubious features & some not-very-you colours, it looks like it’s got great bones & so much potential! I look forward to reading about your reno adventures!

  55. 6.16.11
    Annika said:

    wow, this is going to me amazing! The floors, the cieling, the never ending hallways, the red! I have never seen an apartment filled with so much…. contrast? Potential? Weirdness? I think this post – and me now getting this to look forward to – actually made my day. Or evening at least. May the gods give you strength and perseverance.

  56. 6.16.11
    Erica said:

    Congratulations! I can’t wait to see all your summer reno projects. You realize you’re going to have to move every year or so to keep your reading public satisfied with these projects.

    • 6.17.11
      Daniel said:

      Oh GAWD, after this shitshow (to be discussed soon, when I gain the emotional distance to do so), I NEVER WANT TO MOVE AGAIN EVER. Blogging be damned!

  57. 6.16.11
    Jill said:

    You so lucked out. Craigslist?! Holy crap, that’s like a needle in a haystack and I imagine you got a great price since it’s in such scary condition, haha. BUT – those moldings! Those doors! Very exciting. Welcome to the world of old home renovation, where time stands still and your projects take 5x longer than you ever imagine they ever will. :D

  58. 6.16.11
    Nicole said:

    Long ago I had cause to see a TV show or movie or something in which a couple did that stereotypical “attack each other when they come in the door and make out all the way to the bed” thing and when they came in to whatever apartment they were in they made their way, lips locked and fumbling, down the most ludicrously interminable hallway. I actually laughed out loud going “where did they find an entry hallway like that?”

    WELL NOW I KNOW.

    Awesome friggin’ apartment, god the floors. I want those floors.

  59. 6.16.11
    Matilda said:

    SPETTACOLARE!!!! and yes, those kitchen cabinets really will keep me awake at night until you work some of your magic on them… but oh, the potential of the place? again, SPETTACOLARE!

  60. 6.16.11
    Rebekah said:

    Ha, love it. I can actually see the Filth from here – I’d be scrubbing every inch too. That kitchen sink – who/why/what the hell? Itching to reposition it, but obviously that’s from a theoretical standpoint.

    Good luck and enjoy! You’ve given me newfound confidence in ‘owning’ my rental too. Life is just too short to endlessly pester negligent landlords about rattling windows and broken fixtures. I live here, damn it..

  61. 6.16.11
    Maggie said:

    Craptacular, woohoo! I can imagine the awsomeness once you get your hands on it.

  62. 6.16.11

    Wow wow wow. I’m totally looking forward to your upcoming posts, and how sparkly and beautiful everything will be after that red paint and the rectangles are gone forever. I totally get the whole masochistic thing; it’s like a badge of honor when you can wrestle something heinous into something beautiful.

    Any ideas on where you’ll start? (besides cleaning, as mentioned above) Curious as to what bugs you the most, off the bat.

    • 6.17.11
      Daniel said:

      Probably paint (which really means sanding down all those damn squares!), after I get my stuff set up. I really don’t know how long I can live with these colors before gauging my eyes out.

  63. 6.16.11
    purejuice said:

    it’s wonderful — the light, the floors, the height — and i can’t wait to see how you do it and where you start. break a leg!

  64. 6.16.11
    Diane Campbell said:

    New to your blog (which I stumbled upon via Apartment Therapy) …. Am THOROUGHLY envious with what you’ve done so far with the previous place and – like everyone else – I cannot WAIT to see what you do to this one. It’s going to be a gem.

  65. 6.17.11
    JennaLis said:

    So excited for you! And for us to see what you do!
    Would love to see a floor plan for this place. Looks hilarious & awesome all at once.

  66. 6.17.11
    bliss said:

    “you’ll notice that it is ugly”

    oh my god, you are hilarious. i wish i were your neighbor because this is gonna be so fun!

  67. 6.17.11
    JS said:

    a-effing-mazing!

  68. 6.17.11

    How in the world will your get your furniture down that hall?!?

  69. 6.17.11

    Wow, it’s so fortunate that you found a place that is ready to move in to, and with such ingenious decor already (blood red walls! cork squares! I gotta get me some of that!).

    I jest. So excited to see what you do with the place :)

  70. 6.17.11
    Charlotte said:

    It’s wonderful. The floors!!!

  71. 6.17.11
    Eliza said:

    O.M. AWESOME! that place is positively rife with potential!

  72. 6.17.11
    Alicia said:

    This is going to make for some amazing before and afters. You can tell that the space has good light so I’m sure your white paint (I hope!) is going to make this place look humungous.

    I love that you do so well the two things I love and wish I could do, blog and renovate. :)

  73. 6.18.11
    Kelly said:

    Yay! Congrats! I’m sooooooo excited for you and to watch the transformation! It’s gonna be a real showstopper after you get your DIY hands on everything.

    I myself am currently looking for a new place. Too many break ins, stuff stolen and after the bullet hole in my bathroom window, I’m D O N E. So, the hunt in on, quick!

    *high five*

  74. 6.18.11
    Jesser said:

    Congrats on finding a true diamond in the rough! Can I ask how much the rent is?

    • 6.21.11
      Daniel said:

      I don’t really feel comfortable getting into specific numbers and things on the blog, but if you want to email me I don’t mind sharing.

  75. 6.18.11
    Care said:

    Good Lawd! I selfishly want you to start working NOW!!
    Can’t wait to see what you do with the place!!

  76. 6.18.11
    jm said:

    wow. this is going to be fun to read! i love looking at nyc real estate and redesigning it in my head… you are right, there is a lot of scary stuff out there. but your place has good bones. i know you are going to rock it out. i bet if you chatted up the landlord, showed them what you could do, they might give you a break on rent to actually fix the place up. i have read of a brooklyn architect who did this with his rental apartment.

    either way, looking forward to seeing it.

  77. 6.18.11

    Your new place is a dream. Like bekah@thenaughtyrenter.com I do wonder about getting furniture down that maze of a front hall but the light! the mouldings! the floors! Can’t wait to see what you do with this nest cutie.

  78. 6.18.11
    OneMoreInBoston said:

    I love filthy dirty fixer upper apartments like this! So much fun to make shiny and happy. You’ll do a great job like you always do, can’t wait to see it.

  79. 6.18.11
    helen said:

    You should, of course make it a white piano, find a suitably OTT sequinned blazer to wear and do your best Liberace impression. ^^

    Or Dr. Teeth…

  80. 6.19.11

    WOW. This is going to be good!

  81. 6.19.11
    Girly said:

    that hallway is hilarious and awesome…like something out of willy wonka
    makes me wish that lickable wallpaper was real

    and ditto everyone’s comments!
    congrats!

  82. 6.19.11
    Jacey said:

    So excited to see what you do with this place. It looks like it has insane amounts of potential!!

  83. 6.19.11
    mia said:

    I have been reading your blog for months now and am really enjoying it :)

    Even though we live in completely opposite parts of the world with completely different life styles I think that we have one thing in common…. our tastes in furniture and home decor !
    I have loved all your DIY projects and cracked up at some of peoples comments over at the apartment therapy about your desk and your round dinning table.

    I just can’t wait to see how creative you ll get with this not so white canvas of an apartment. Good luck

  84. 6.19.11
    Brij said:

    I have also been reading for a while now, but have yet to comment. However, this post was perfect and it really made me laugh! Thanks for all of your hard work and congrats on the new place! : )

  85. 6.19.11
    Liz Bock said:

    The painter man at my beach house always says, “caulk, putty, and paint can make it what it ain’t!”

    Good luck! And let me know if you want any help! XO

  86. 6.20.11
    harlee cole said:

    WOW Daniel, your Landlord,(or Lady) is going L.O.V.E you!! I am sure you will make it work and it will be fantastic!! Looking forward to the new posts and updates!

  87. 6.20.11
    Rae said:

    This space has huge potential! I was just wondering though, shouldn’t the window issues be something that you can get your landlord to address before you move in? Seems like something you shouldn’t have to tackle as a renter.

  88. 6.20.11
    Amanda said:

    Can’t wait to see what you do with the place!!

  89. 6.20.11
    Michelle said:

    oh wow- that place looks huge for a NY apartment! Can’t wait to see what you do with it! SO MUCH potential!

  90. 6.21.11
    Süsk said:

    I am literally tapping my feet like a hyperactive 3 year-old in school under my desk and making odd whimpering sounds scrolling through your new flat tour. The radiators are so lovely…gosh, the whole thing is. Project envy!

  91. 6.21.11
    Dusa said:

    Oh, now I’ve got the demo itch too. But where to start, where to start? And yes I snorted out loud at “motherfucking fireplace” – of course in my head, it sounded like Samuel Jackson…

  92. 6.22.11
    Bandita said:

    “The kitchen. You’ll notice that it is ugly.” oh wow, that had me actually laughing! excited to see what you do with the place, and of course… those pocket doors are amazing.

  93. 6.22.11

    What an amazing space! I totally would have been sold too, despite the funky paint and neglected windows. The pocket doors and fireplace also make me swoon, along with all the other original details. Bad closet additions can certainly be forgiven.

    Also, I’m feeling you on the awkward kitchen; I just signed the lease on a place with the entire kitchen (except the fridge, that’s in a wall nook across the “dining” (?) room) is crammed into what I think used to be the bathroom judging by the miniature window. Making the space work for two people who love to cook should be an interesting challenge.

  94. 6.23.11
    Kthro said:

    Question: did you end up getting your entire deposit back from the old pad? I can’t recall if you said or not. If not did your landlord give you any specific reasons as to why?

    • 6.23.11
      Daniel said:

      I don’t know yet! I’ll definitely tell y’all when I know!

  95. 6.23.11
    Aurora said:

    I ran across your Blog 8 months ago and have search for it high and low again (forgot the address) and finally found it yesterday!! I can wait to see your ideas for this space!!! I registered your blog with http://www.networkedblogs.com if you want to go there and claim your blog as the author. Can’t wait!!

  96. 6.24.11

    This apartment is amazing! I love all of the details like the molding and wood floors (although I’m not a fan of those squares on the wall). I saw an apartment in Montclair that looked very similar to this and they had VERY red walls too. They also had a dark blue bedroom, a bright orange kitchen, and a bright yellow dining room. So, it could always be worse.

    Did the landlord paint the walls white for you or do you need to do that?

  97. 6.26.11
    Gloria said:

    LMAO at the long hallway and the different colored rooms. I think that there’s so much potential though, so I can’t wait to see what you do with it. I also can’t imagine how people in New York survive in such cramped spaces! I’m used to big suburban homes.

    Anyway, on an unrelated note, I came across this blog randomly yesterday, and I’ve been reading post after post. You’re hilarious and also very talented. I know that you’re studying at NYU Gallatin School, but is there any way you can somehow tie design in? If not, what are your plans for the future? (I hate this question.. Sorry to ask it. It’s because I’m curious if this is going to stay a hobby.. :O )

    Good luck renovating the place!

  98. 7.9.11
    terrie said:

    More!what is happening?

  99. 9.16.11
    Naomi said:

    I laugh with you. I cry with you. I’m so happy for your accomplishments, seeing the apartment slowly but surely transform from THIS to what you’ve envisioned. A step at a time.
    My little studio apartment is around 400 square feet, and I’ve managed a quarter of what I had planned in the *year* I’ve been here, shame on me.
    Keep up the good work! Show us it can be done, if we just get off our lazy asses.