COTE DE TEXAS: BEFORE & AFTER PROJECT and A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY!!!

BEFORE & AFTER PROJECT and A WONDERFUL GIVEAWAY!!!

 

Last February I shared photographs with you of my blogger friend’s apartment.  Artie, of “Color Outside The Lines,” had just moved into a new apartment (actually, his second new apartment) and the photos of it were so nice I wrote a story about his interiors.

Artie was in the new apartment because he and his partner had broken up after 8 years together, during which time they had lived in an older bungalow.  That house was dark, with an oppressive, orange toned, wood trim that Artie was not “allowed” to paint.  Instead, he tried to make it all work with his decorative style, but eventually he gave up and furnished the house in a way that wasn’t his aesthetic, but instead was the house’s aesthetic.

The Bungalow:  Here you can see how Artie used a persimmon and gold scheme to work with the dark woods with orange tones. 

In the end, after the breakup, Artie was excited to move into his own space where he was finally able to decorate the way HE wanted to:  all white, all fresh, all light and bright.  It doesn’t take a psychiatrist to see how much his new space represents the freedom he was feeling:

Apartment #1

Here in his new apartment with its hardwood floors, he chose seagrass and white slipcovers with a zebra rug and curtains paired with a textured shade.  It was so fresh and wonderful. I just loved it!

 

Across from the sofa, he placed an antique Swedish armoire which became the focal point.  He painted all the apartment doors black.  Artie has said this apartment truly represented his aesthetic.   The decor was wonderful and I was so thrilled for Artie and his new life!!

Then…he got a dog.  Since pets weren’t allowed in his apartment,  he had to move, again.

Apartment #2

In his new apartment, he chose to install wood floors instead of the carpet that came with it.  I loved the new apartment, as much as the old one, and in fact couldn’t tell them apart that easily!  He did furnish them a bit different – particularly with the large, custom ottoman that he designed, along with the mirror tiles behind the sofa. 

 

Across from the sofa is the Swedish armoire and a pair of antlers.   Love!

Inspired by Mark Sikes, Artie painted his bedroom black, and added a large suzani.  This bedroom went through quite a torturous route to get here – including a time with a hand-made canopy that lasted just a few days.  

All of us who know and love Artie, know how often he makes changes to his apartment. Things never stay quite the same for very long.  For years – we watched him change the decor at his bungalow, over and over and over again.   I used to think it was because he wasn’t happy with the house, but when he moved to these two apartments – that couldn’t be the excuse any longer.

For whatever reason, Artie never seems to stay with a decor scheme for very long.  And he is RUTHLESS about it!   He just ups and sells everything and then starts anew.   Personally, I think he needs a few more design clients to satisfy his need to create!!

When I wrote that story last February, I assumed Artie was happily settled into his apartment, but I knew better, when I wrote this:

“I just can’t wait to see the dining room/library finished and then I’m sure he’ll probably be moving to another place soon and the cycle will start again.”

Truer words were never spoken!

As soon as my story was written last February, the decor bloodbath started.  First, Artie decided to sell his wonderful slipcovered sofa for some unknown reason (a decision he says he still regrets.)   For a time he had a day bed.  Then he sold the French chairs and the beautiful Swedish armoire(!)  He claimed the chairs weren’t comfortable and this decor just wasn’t “him.”  Gone, too, were the antique mirror tiles behind the sofa and then the custom ottoman was sold.  The puppy ate the zebra rug.

New was a bamboo dining table set and a cowhide rug.  These were all sold in a flash.  The white bookshelves came out of the bedroom, and he spent days making doors for them.

He then bought these vintage chairs, and quickly sold them, too.  He had a new coffee table for a while.  And then there was the fabulous antique chair he  restored, but that was soon gone too. 

Eventually Artie settled on a new scheme he was happy with – and who can blame him?  It’s wonderful.   He bought an Anatolian rug and a Pottery Barn sofa and placed it underneath a new mirror, flanked by antlers.  He slipcovered two ottomans and added a gate-leg table, along with two vintage Savonarola chairs.   To me, this was a perfect second design scheme for the apartment.  But, remember now, this is Artie we are talking about!! 

This all changed when Artie made a new purchase:

Inspired by Mark Sikes, Artie bought this Oriental chinoiserie Wedding Cabinet which became the focal point the apartment.  In one final decor scheme, he moved the furniture around, sold the seagrass, and added new tables.

And then as I predicted, Artie decided to move to a bigger apartment.

Apartment #3   

For the past few months, he has worked tirelessly on his new space, turning it into his home, where he swears, swears, he will stay put...for awhile. 

Here is the story of the Before & Afters.

The new apartment was carpeted, so Artie asked the complex to remove the wall to wall in the living and dining room.  The plan was to install the same wood-like tile floor that he had installed in Apartment #2.

He was shocked when he walked into this scene, above.  Under the old carpet was sixty years of dirt, dust, and glue.  The concrete floor was littered with original nails from old carpet.  In other words, it was a total disaster. 

Artie, put on his mask, and got to work. He scrubbed the floor clean, a task which took much longer than he had anticipated. After it was finally ready, he tried to install the wood tiles, but they wouldn’t stick to the concrete.  At this point, bone tired and way behind schedule, Artie frantically changed plans.

Inspired by designer/artist William McLure who had painted his own apartment floor, Artie decided to paint the floors instead of putting down the wood tiles.  Hours later, he hated the results.  The newly painted grayish-white floors made the apartment look cold and too modern, and it clashed with the warm toned seagrass, which looked terrible.   At this point, out of ideas, Artie threw up his hands and was about to ask the manager to just install the carpet. 

Instead, a friend suggested he try the wood-tiles once more, thinking the new paint would cause them to adhere better this time.  Success!  His friend was right, and finally, the apartment, with the new wood floors, was ready for Artie to move into it.

And, here is his living room in the new apartment!  Against the window is a new, tufted Kravet sofa. Artie had a new contrasting slipcover made for the bottom cushion, along with matching pillows.  The wedding cabinet takes on the role of focal point.

When it was finally ready, Artie arranged a photoshoot to capture his new apartment. 

 

A selling point to the apartment were the extra large windows which make the rooms very sunny and bright.  He dressed this long window with a textured shade and curtains that were hung up at the ceiling and past the window’s frame to make it appear even larger.  There is also a new glass waterfall coffee table.

For a similar glass waterfall coffee table go HERE and HERE.

 

The wedding cabinet is accessorized with blue and white china.  Part of Artie’s large art collection flanks the cabinet.  The new area rug is layered over the seagrass which is layered over the wood floor.

The sunlight pours through the window and illuminates the Oriental cabinet.   The bedroom is through the door on the left.  This apartment has such a different look from his two previous apartments.   I love the new decor!

Before & After – the living room.  By placing the sofa in front of the window, Artie hid the unattractive radiator.  The placement of the shades and curtains make the window look larger and architecturally important.    But the biggest change was removing the carpet and putting down the wood floor which is actually a faux wood tile.  It looks fabulous!!

 

The waterfall coffee table is decorated with books and a collection of boxes.

 

At the left side of the sofa is a new leather chair and the gate-leg table. 

To the left of the chair is a brass chest.

 

Another view of the brass chest.

 

Artie’s red and black suzani was bleached and its new colors in tan and orange blend perfectly with the new decor scheme.

Artie accessorized the gate-leg with coral and blue and white.

 

The dining room is off the living room.  Artie installed the chandelier and a gallery wall of his art work.

Before and After.  Here you can see how small the window actually is.  Artie placed the shade up at the ceiling and then flanked the window with the curtains, therefore making the window look larger and more important.

The window, with the proper placement of the shade and drapes looks larger and more important.  Great placement, Artie!  What a difference the curtains make all the windows look like.

 

A bar is set up on the chest in the window.

 

Two slip covered ottomans are pulled up to his new dining table.  I love this view into the living room.  So pretty!  This looks like a large house rather than an apartment!!

I love that the art work is all monochromatic. 

The foyer on the left opens up to the living room and dining room.  I love the gallery wall.  Look how perfectly Artie hung all the art work!  The heavily weighted art work on the right is balanced by more art work to the left of it.  It’s asymmetrical and it is just perfect.  Great job Artie!!

The antique chest in the dining room doubles as a bar.

So pretty!!

Doesn’t the floor look great?  All that hard work and aggravation was worth it.  And while I love painted floors, the seagrass and the wall color looks perfect next to the floor.  Just beautiful!

Before & After – the view from the dining room into the living room.   Again, notice how small the window looks before compared to how it looks now with the placement of the shades and the drapes.

And I love Artie’s new tufted sofa and coffee table – but the Oriental cabinet is to die for!!!

Want to see his bedroom?   Come on!!!  Let’s go!!

After first using a canopy on the black bed frame, which proved too short, Artie opted for this look in the bedroom.  Totally eclectic, it’s a mix of classic, Oriental, English and cozy!   To the left is an Oriental round table with a blue and white garden seat.  Silk velvet tiger print pillows mix with white linens.  Curtains and a shade cover the window and two framed Oriental paintings flank the window. 

 

An antique chest sits in front of the large window.  On the left of the chest are a collection of the cross bottles that Artie creates.

The view towards the left.  Blue stripe fabric covers the bed frame at the headboard and the footboard – which adds another nice decorative detail.

 

At the front are the white bookcases, along with his flatscreen and a collection of books and more blue and white.  One design rule to follow:  you can’t have too much blue and white!

A large mirror on the left reflects the bed.

A night time view shows the two framed paintings.  In this photo, you can see the original canopy that ended up being too short, so Artie removed it.  I have to agree, the bed looks better without the canopy.

Blue and white striped fabric covers the footboard and the headboard and the stool.

On the left side of the bed is this round chinoiserie table.  Featured is the book by Mark Sikes, the designer that has inspired Artie so much.

To order Sikes books, click on the picture.

 

The sunshine pours through the windows.  The apartment is so light and bright which is one reason why Artie moved here.  He also chose it because it was so large and spacious.

 

Awww.

Finally:

Design Rules That Artie Followed:

1.  Start with a good basic background:  white paint and wood flooring (in this case a faux wood tile) creates a base upon which to start.

2.  Create architectural interest where there is none:

Using both shades and curtains, Artie made the windows larger and more important by installing the window treatments at the top of the wall and past the window frame.  He did this perfectly.

3.  Hang art correctly – at eye level, rather than too high or too low.   Hang symmetrically or asymmetrically, but either way balance is the key.  Study the way Artie hung his art work – he’s perfect at it!

4.  Can’t afford pricey antique oils or fabulous contemporary art?  Collect prints and student body art class works, like Artie did.  Collect monochromatic art so that it blends together – and use similar frames in either black or gold. 

5.  Blue and white vases and urns and garden seats add a lot of style and don’t cost a lot of money.  You can’t have too much blue and white, in my opinion!

6.  A few pillows made of pricey silk velvet tiger go a long way and add so much style.

7.  Seagrass, seagrass, seagrass.  I’m a seagrass fanatic.  It doesn’t stain or wear and it’s fabulous for pet owners.  Plus it creates a great base to layer rugs and skins over.

8.  A piece of chinoiserie, small or large, adds a touch of luxe.  Search second hand stores for a bargain.

9.  Mix in a piece of modern – Artie’s glass waterfall coffee table updates his look for today.

10. Finally – Artie buys and sells on Craig’s List.  He’s always buying the most fabulous things on it!   Tired of something?  He sells it fast on Craig’s List and moves on to the next thing.  I think he’s on to something!

A huge thank you to Artie for letting us into his new apartment.  To see more, please visit his blog, Color Outside The Lines HERE.

THE GIVEAWAY:

When not designing interiors….

Artie creates the cross bottles seen in these photos.

The winner of the giveaway will receive a $100 gift certificate from The Cross Bottle Guy aka Artie.

To enter the giveaway, visit The Cross Bottle Guy site

HERE

and pick out your favorite bottle.  Come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite bottle is.  That’s it!   You have until this Saturday at 11:59 pm to enter.

 

AND:

Michelle Nussbaumer has a huge sale right now on OKL HERE!!  Hurry!!!

AND…

Go HERE for the Mecox sale!

80 comments :

  1. My pick would be LMRCR. But truthfully they are all fabulous and I'm sure if I got one I'd want to start collecting them! Beautiful work! dsophie@bellsouth.net


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  2. I LOVE his new apartment....it is sooooooo gorgeous!!!! Everything he does is just AMAZING!!! It is hard to pick just one bottle, they are all so beautiful. If I have to pick one though it would be RCTO1......
    ~Des

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  3. How wonderful to see all the latest shots of Artie's new apartment, thank you so much! I discovered him here on your blog and have been following his blog and IG. It's inspiring to learn from someone who has taught himself design principles by studying designers and their work. And just as inspiring to watch Artie keep trying -- even when it means selling something -- until he achieves just the right look he's going for. I also love his discipline in that earlier apartment, decorating for what the house wanted, rather than for what Artie wanted. Thank you again, to you and Artie, for sharing his new home.

    Becky

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  4. All the cross bottles are beautiful, but FOF103 would have to be my favourite. PC

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  5. His creation of cross bottles are amazing. APC240 touches my heart. Not only does Artie transform his houses and apartments, but he also has physically changed his appearance. He continues to persevere in everything he does.

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  6. Honestly, the current apartment is a marvel. It looks like a home, not an apartment box. It's elegant but not stuffy. It is far more interesting and varied than the earlier apartments (I like monochromatic palettes and lots of white, but these seemed a little bland; maybe it was just the photos that didn't convey the place well). I actually like the first place, too, and I can almost understand the desire to keep the original wood.
    He certainly is in the right career.

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  7. Amazing post. This is why I subscribe to your blog.
    Artie's apartment transformations were such a dramatic change
    from the bungalow.
    Absolutely love his style.
    Looked at all the bottles on his site and would buy most.
    Making a decision to go with lfan1.

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  8. APC3D6 This bottle is so subtly perfect. Can't you see this bottle filled with Holy Water tucked inside the Monsignor's vestment as he makes his way on horse to give last rights to a dignitary.. this is the bottle that needs to perch with a copy of my old brittle pocket bible, and my olivewood rosary. Sometimes less is more, and in this case, its in a stunning first place. ...but really, he had me when I saw the dog.
    Deb Steady

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  9. Practice makes perfect--that last apartment is my favorite. Adorably puppy too!

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  10. I hope you have folk around to constantly tell you how accomplished you are! By far and away Cote D'Texas is the most interesting blog in the sphere. I don't think anyone can beat you at research, detail, and knowing your audience - not even to mention design, writing, and photography! You give the same attention to Artie's apartment that you give to British Manor houses. Honest to God, your blog maybe the only thing I read that makes my time on the computer enjoyable. And speaking of God, Artie's S004 is my favorite. It's diminutive size is perfect solace for the morning remembrance of yesterday's news. I love all of Artie's apartments. I particularly admire the fact that he's energized enough to make his vision a reality, and that he doesn't give up on his newest creative ideas even though he's barely finished envisioning the previous one. Isn't that what all real artists do? The ideas keep flowing and each one costs a bit more of thought and effort and time - and you do it because you have to. Joni and Artie are certainly in that category. Thank you both. Well done!

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  11. My absolute favorite just happens to be the big on that is there on open of his site. Maybe it's the large cross, the rosary or the bottle that reads: "14 1/2 OZS : LYDIA E PINKHAM'S : MEDICINE". How fitting that the cross is our medicine for life.
    Thanks for the chance and I love that you showed all his places. I have always loved Artie, his looks and his places. So real, the things he has shared with us and so open about his design dilemmas.
    Thanks!

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  12. What beauties - LFAN1 is my pick but actually I would want a small collection. Thanks for sharing Artie's talent with us all. Sue

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  13. 4SC7R. Love his work. Great work with his windows.

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  14. Reading your posts make my Friday mornings! I thought Artie was crazy for selling off such classic pieces but when I see the final apartment, I swooned! so elegant, comfortable, classic -- the pair of blue chairs, velvet perhaps are gorgeous. I need an Artie in my life so weed out my stuff and arrange my condo. I have great stuff but I can't figure out to tie it all together. As a child, I would 'redecorate' my 10 x 12 bedroom and drove my parents nuts. As a 65 lb 10 year old, I knew how to move furniture due to sheer willpower! No need for me to select a cross bottle, I have way too much stuff now and want someone else to win. thanks! Lorrie

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  15. APC240 is very nice. The blog post was great, a perfect primer to show people how it's done. The creation of "architecture with the proper dressing of windows and furniture placement was perfect, as were the examples of art placement. Artie's last iteration of his apartment is the best. The before and after images really show the true nature of the transformation.

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  16. Love his work. LYDIA E PINKHAM'S : MEDICINE bottle is just gorgeous!!! Would look great with my Milagros. Thank you for turning us on to this amazing design artist. I am trying to get inspired to purge.... where does he get his energy?!

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  17. I can't believe how talented he is both as a designer and as a metalist. I absolutely loved LFAN1 but it is also a tie with SISB. I loved to see the progression of his apartments. I shows him really coming to embrace where he is.

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  18. I would love any of the aqua tinted bottles. I have admired his bottles for awhile, ever since you did your first story on him! I do have a question about the seagrass. You say it is good for pet owners but one of my pets soiled my seagrass rug and I was not able to clean it up at all. So, maybe I don't have the right type?? Loved this entry on Artie!

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  19. Artie's new apartment is FABULOUS! I could move right in! Will he help me with new home in Georgia, lol?? Genius, just genius...

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  20. Wow, just wow! I love reading your blog, so informative and beautiful! Artie's apartment is amazing, thank you for the tour! I love all his crosses, would be so honored to be able to have one of his original pieces of artwork. The FOF103 is my favorite of the ones available. I would love to proudly display it in my home and tell everyone about it. Thank you!

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  21. Wonderful post! Each and every apartment was so fun to see. The pops of rich colors and blue and white pieces on the white backdrop are so wonderful together. This has inspired me to make some changes in my own home. I have struggled for years with keeping my colorful Persian rugs. Seeing how wonderful and fresh the seagrass rugs look has convinced me to take the plunge. I could never sell these rugs but I am fine with putting them in storage for when they are the hot item again...hahahah. The cross bottles are all very pretty and I plan on starting a collection as they are all so beautiful. I have to say my favorite might be the most humble one...RR004...the single decade rosary ring. This post was filled with great, realistic ideas. I am helping a friend with décor in her home and seeing the simple but fabulous window treatments in this apartment has given me the confidence needed to suggest something similar in several of her rooms.

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  22. I love Artie's work as an interior designer and an artist! If I had to choose only one (torture!) I would go with APC211. If I won the lottery I'd buy them all!!

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  23. WOW! I have been dying to see this newly finished space and am thrilled that you have showcased it here. This guy has talent in SPADES!!!! A true artist. The way his rooms make me FEEL keeps me hooked into looking at each one, over and over again. So many elements I now feel I MUST have in my own spaces: that brass chest....the chinoiserie cabinet....and OMG that gorgeous tufted sofa!!! Talk about making a silk purse out of a sow's ear!!! The floors underneath that old carpet would have sent me running for the hills and a new leasing agent....instead, he works his behind off and turns the entire square footage into a little slice of heaven on earth. I need to see these images in a BOOK! Artie definitely has a very bright future ahead of him and I will be following closely, with a sharp eye! I am so proud of his accomplishments here. A very entertaining post to be sure. As for the cross bottle choices....ALL of them! Such gorgeous pieces, but my fave is SIM7A, already sold, of course! Is there ANYTHING this man can't do? He is probably a great cook, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  24. I love how Artie's taste has evolved. From naive to sophisticated! His finally transformation was perfect. The right amount of accessories and restraint. I love all of his bottles. I will become a customer for sure. I really like the petite APC240. I think it could be tucked anywhere in a vignette for a little sparkle. Plus, it is so much more unusual than the rest. Not an expected "cross bottle." It is simply adorable! I would love to have it and proudly display it!

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  25. I love FOF103, I am a fan of Artie and love love the cross bottles. My collection is small and I'm always hoping to add a new piece. Hope he never stops making his Cross Bottles. His new apartment is perfect and looks more like a home than a apartment.

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  26. That LAST one...that NEXT one....the last one...franki

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  27. I love them all, but would choose 4SC7R, the pretty aqua one with the rosary hanging in front....stunning!!

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  28. Artie's apartment and his bottle crosses are fabulous! I understand the aggravation of remodeling, especially while living there! I did a blog about that not long ago. His use of color and sense of design is wonderful. I especially love the dining room and the bar. Like Arnie, I've started over with some of the pieces I really love and am putting them together with new pieces. A mix of 18th C, Mies van der Rohe and a glass waterfall table just like Artie's! My best to Artie as he continues to design and redo. Sounds like it's part of his DNA. My favorite of his bottle crosses is RCT0l. Thanks for sharing Artie and his talent with us! Brenda

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  29. Actually a hard task to choose one bottle because they are all so very beautiful. LFAN1 is gorgeous with the crystal cross.

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  30. Thanks for sharing! I love the new apartment! So nicely designed! I think he's found his perfect spot!

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  31. I like the blue bottle however when I scrolled down and seen the APC240 small inkwell jar,That's the one I want.
    I follow Artie's blog and have purchased an item from him when he was moving, Love his new apartment and Louna.


    Janice

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  32. I love, love, love Artie's current living room! It's stunning. Thanks so much for providing outstanding content on your blog. I always look forward to your posts. It was so hard to pick a favorite bottle, but LSCCA really speaks to me.

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  33. My favorite is NPC2. They are all wonderful. I've enjoyed seeing Artie's bold changes. Thanks for introducing his blog to me. You are right--he is fearless. In with the new and out with the old! I wish I could be that brave.

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  34. I thought CV11 was cute. Read his blog all the time and was anxious to see the apartment when done. it looks very lovely. Wenda Scott, maggieandme52@yahoo.com

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  35. Joni, how wonderful of you to feature Artie(ben) as like yourself for many years I have followed his journey in honing his creative abilities as well as his instincts in interior design. With respect to the draw; my favourite is SSA1 (8" Tibia Shell)which I would be honoured to display in my home. In closing; thank you Artie for your generosity and for the updated tour. (Keeping my fingers crossed ... with no pun intended .. ☺) -Brenda-

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  36. I love, love seeing Artie's rooms evolve over time. So many times it seems like a space is instantly transformed, so I love when a designer shares all the iterations. It's a process!

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  37. 4SC7R my absolute favourite! Loved reading about Artie! Going now to check out his blog.

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  38. 4SC7R love, glassy-eyed over all his bottles..this one is unfortunately sold. love his blog thanks to you! I never get enough of either one of you. hugs and blog forever please

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  39. I love RTCO1 - so many gorgeous designs. love your blog Joni. Vxx

    Victoria
    vhopkins101@hotmail.com

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  40. You are truly the Queen of Detail....this post and the one about the Oval office!!!Thank you for the time you take for us. I only have one bottle from Arti so truly, anything he makes would be a wonderful addition to my beginning collection. Thanks to you both!

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  41. His New apartment is wonderful But so were Apartments 1 and 2 Such Talent Love how he's hung his artwork His bottles are Great and its hard to choose But I'd pick APC 304 pewter cross with a lovely shaped bottle Thanks for sharing his apartment and for the giveaway

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  42. Love your blog, first time comment. The final apartment is so beautiful, love every part of it, loved the previous two as well, however the third
    one is divine. As I live in Australia won't choose one the beautiful bottles.

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  43. hey Joni! I agree with what Stephanie said above... you give the same detail to Artie's apartment as you do to the English manor homes you feature. That is your gift and we are so lucky that you share it with all of us, thank you.
    Like you, Artie is a close friend of mine. I can't count the number of conversations we've had over the years about design and his constantly changing decor;) I used to think that he wasn't comfortable yet in his design-skin since he is so young, but I have realized over the years that it is just his outrageous talent that just HAS to find a way to come out, so he continues to redecorate... ALL the time!!! With every new space his style becomes more defined and refined. It has been a joy to watch his knowledge and his great eye develop over the years. I'm always shocked that he is not more well-known and celebrated as a designer, as he definitely deserves it and all the above accolades and more. I, also, hope more people find him and his talent and he becomes so busy with new clients that he can finally sit back and enjoy this amazingly GORGEOUS space he has created. Love you both. xxojoan
    (please do not enter me in this generous giveaway, someone else should enter one of his soulful bottles)

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  44. Wow I think this last apartment is where Artie really shines, beautifully appointed and it all looks collected over time. It looks as if someone has traveled afar and brought home beautiful treasures. Very sophisticated and well edited. He is a master at wall groupings love how he hung them low to the ground a beautiful touch Love it!!

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  45. Artie's style is so inspiring! Thanks for putting the spotlight on his newest project.

    Choosing a favorite bottle from Artie is like choosing your favorite child. They're all wonderful. I love the ones that feature a rosary and then there is the inkwell bottle and the seashells and last but not lease the Ball jar! Can't wait to see who wins, thanks Artie!

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  46. Seriously? I love every single change! Well done, Artie! I've already sent this post to two clients. I'm not usually a fan of gallery walls, but his is TO DIE FOR! I mean, PERFECTION! And the Chinoiserie!!! Tell me, Joan, WHY did I sell my chinoiserie? I know! I know! But I kind of regret letting it go. Should have put it in storage. Oh well, now I might have to look for more. Artie, if you sell that little round side table.... :) One last thing, I absolutely agree with Joni. A beautiful post, as always! xox, Emily

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  47. Such a great post, Joan. You bring to our attention the most interesting looks and people. Artie has vision. His fearlessness is inspiring. It was difficult to choose but I am in love with SHWR2.

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  48. This guy is so good and he should be famous! I follow his blog, and I got so confused with all his moving, etc. Each place looks better than the last, and I really hope he gets "discovered" or whatever it is that happens to get him where he needs to be. I love his bottles, too, but I don't need any more stuff either, so I won't put my name in the hat. Thanks for sharing all the great photos.

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  49. I believe this is my favorite of Artie's apartments yet! Absolutely stunning! My favorite bottle is MFC09.

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  50. My choice would be APCj3. It was hard to chose just one!

    Love Artie's sense of style. Thanks to him and you for sharing his lovely homes. Enjoyed reading about his continuing journey.

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  51. RR13 with the Basque soldiers rosary would be my pick. It is great to see how Artie's apartments have evolved and getting better (to my liking) all the time.

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  52. Lfan1 is my favorite but they are all so amazing! I have followed Artie since the beginning and love to see how his style has evolved! This latest apartment is to die for! I am such a fan of his work, and his personality and he made my day when he liked me on Instagram awhile back!

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  53. Love Artie's bottles. Got to TD06 and stopped. Love it!

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  54. Thank you for this post. I love what Artie can do to place, his apartment is beautiful. I have been collecting Artie's bottles for a couple of year now. I have 6 and I think item MFC09 would make a nice addition. Thanks again!

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  55. love this post on Artie's apartment (s). I too have been collecting his bottles and following his adventures in decorating. All of his work is beautiful but I think SIM7A is unique with the ribbing. For the first time since 1991 I am in a rental and it just amazes me how much work Artie puts into his. He is a special person and I thank you CDT for introducing me to him through your blog. Have a wonderful weekend. Sarah

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  56. I love Arties apartments!! Thank you for sharing, I will check out his blog as well. I love the RR13 - I have a very small collection of cross bottles and this one would be a great addition!
    Annette

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  57. Such a treat to see the evolution of Artie's designs! He had turned a bland rental into a stunning space! I am drawn to RCT01 from Artie's site. The cross design beautifully integrates three crystal shapes. The rosary compliments the design in theme and adds a contrasting texture to the crystal while linking to the rustic feel of the medicine bottle! The combination of praying and healing reference are touching!

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  58. All the cross bottles are lovely! I've never seen anything like them. My favorite design is RR13, with APC240 as a second favorite.

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  59. Although I've purchased 3 of Artie's stunning bottles, I have none left in my house! Friends and a daughter have been so enamoured of his creations, I had to gift them with mine-- and was happy to do so when I see how they've been so pleased with the cross bottles. PEA090 would be my choice to attempt to repopulate my house with his work, though ANY of them would be treasured-- and this time I would keep it!

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  60. I love TD06 ( our president's initials backwards) I also love Artie and appreciate his talent.

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  61. PEA090 is gorgeous! Thank you for the chance. I love the look of his new apartment! So pretty!

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  62. I truly love the cross bottle 4PSC5 - the beautiful design of the crystals in the cross and the aqua (favorite color) bottle. Perfect! I enjoyed everything about this post - the current apartment is so pretty and inviting. Artie just keeps on getting it better each time.
    Thank you,
    Debi in Amery WI

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  63. I LOVE you, Joni. Thank you for making you place so special. Maybe we can meet one day here in Houston, I would LOVE that!

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  64. Gorgeous!!! So elegant and charming! LOVE his latest apartment! Thanks for sharing such wonderful designs and tips! LOVE the dog too!

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  65. Beautiful apartment and have always loved his bottles. PEA090 is a winner for me.

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  66. Great style, Artie! APCJ1 is my favorite!

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  67. Absolutely beautiful - home and bottles! Thank you, Joni for your wonderful blog! APC305 is my fave

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  68. I like the RR13 very much...The article was wonderful as are all of your writings..I think your extensive research into your posts, especially the ones about the castles and the homes of the royalty are outstanding! They should be required reading in design and historical architecture classes. thank you!

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  69. I really liked so many of the bottles, but might choose APCj2. Very interesting to see the changes that Artie made to all of the apartments. Number three was very pretty.

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  70. Artie is very talented and his place is gorgeous.

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  71. Quality content is the first step to attract the visitors and the stuff your blog is presenting has won the heart of mine.The pictures you shared are beautiful. keep it up. Thanks for sharing.

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  72. Love APCj3!
    Joni, I would never have thought to hang those large framed prints so low on the wall, especially on either side of the chinoiserie cabinet--but it works!

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  74. SISB would be my choice. It would be great with my collection. Thanks for sharing Artie'so apartments with us.

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  75. Joanie this post is wonderful. I just left a comment on Artie's blog. I have been a lurker for a long time. This apartment is by far his best work. Joan is right he has evolved. I so enjoyed your post about decorating "at our age". You and I as you know are the same age and at the same point in life!

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  76. I've loved watching Artie develop each new home. No matter where he goes he will create an oasis. He has great style.
    Thanks for highlighting the journey.

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  77. Oh, I just looooooved your good friend Artie's new apartment decor!! So lovely. Great style, indeed. He has your love for sea grass rugs as well! Two decades ago (or more, perhaps) I used to admire the work of a designer whose signature seemed to be very large mirrors leaning against a wall. I loved it and bought one of such mirrors which has (surprisingly!) survived two cross country moves. I am writing about this because Artie has a similar mirror on his bedroom wall. I think mine might be a little larger and the dark molding is textured with rococo designs. I have it leaning against a wall in our master/mistress bedroom (I am old-fashioned but I think my husband is just as much my master as I am his mistress) lol. Well, I digress. Artie reminded me of this designer but for the life of me, I cannot remember his name. I have seen his work on AD and House Beautiful? as well. His style tends toward the masculine and mostly clean lines. Please, tell me you know who this designer is. Letty

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