Stylish Interior Design

Moody Mission Victorian | Dwell

Moody Mission Victorian | Dwell

Three Dragons House | Dwell

E&A 64 House | Dwell

Brooklyn Loft With 19th-Century Charm | Dwell

Emerald Star by Dwell Development | HomeAdore

Emerald Star by Dwell Development | HomeAdore

Budgets beget compromise when it comes to design, and Jon Handley of Pulltab Design is an architect adept at navigating the balance between splurge and steal. When he was commissioned by a young couple to maximize the space in their minimal 700-square-foot Manhattan apartment, his solution for the main living area was a clever table that easily stows away against the wall when not in use. “Architecture helps influence the mood and set the scene,” Handley says. “The transition becomes a kind of ritual: It goes up for a movie night—the TV is across the room—or down for a dinner party.” 

The inexpensive, lightweight MDF surface operates on a custom-built fulcrum system that utilizes lead weights like a see-saw. Once in motion, gravity is the only agent needed to engage the leg. A relatively pricey panel of fabric by Dutch designer Hella Jongerius functions as a “quirky surprise,” lining the back of the vertical box where the unit is housed.

"The C6 is a great step toward making an affordably, healthy and sustainable home. One that Glenn hopes will put the building industry on the right track, economically and environmentally. “We set out to make great design, really healthy and sustainable architecture much more cost effective. It’s been challenging doing that in the worst real estate downturn in US history, but I think we finally have something that delivers on that goal… I think we can even make this less expensively, but not if we don’t sell any. The more of these homes we do, the more cost effective we can make them."

Taking a cue from many Eichler homes, the C6 home is organized around a courtyard.

I have lots of ideas, but I'm curious about yours.

How would you improve this space?

The table, pantry doors, and sink backsplash are all made from simple wood forms the architects had wrapped by a metal fabricator—something anyone can do.

Photo by: Elizabeth Felicella

Choosing tile for the kitchen backsplash was the biggest struggle of the project, according to Brechbuehler. They settled on light gray horizontal bars by Ann Sacks.

Photo by: Jeremy Liebman