Apartment Tour: The Refined Graduate

 Last Spring I wrote my first story for the Iowa State student-run fashion magazine Trend.  My assignment was to tour a well-decorated student apartment and interview the renter about their design choices.  The honor went to Tyler Clarey, a graduate student in Interior Design. 

Tyler stuck to a neutral palette with pops of color dispersed throughout the apartment.  In the back corner of the living room, a vintage suitcase stores blankets.  A console table displays his books, a yellow toolbox from Found Things in Des Moines, and a green charging station he scored on sale for only $25 from Pottery Barn.

A big fan of typography, the numbers 1969 on canvas make a bold statement on the wall.  The chair is from Ikea.

Tyler continued the neutral palette through the rug, coffee tables, and couch.  Clutter is kept to a minimum.  And while the space is modern and neutral, it is anything but cold.  Patterned pillows, rich texture, and artwork warm up the room.

 Here's a nice view of the living room.  This apartment is such a perfect example of a typical college student apartment.  So it's great to see how you can be creative like Tyler in arranging furniture.  Putting the sofa, coffee tables, chair, and rug at an angle really opens up the space while keeping it cozy and inviting.  It's much better than pushing all the furniture up against opposing walls.

Tyler's work space is designed for creativity.  Cubbies in his desk keep clutter tucked away.  Design books are close at hand.  Clipboards on the wall allow for a rotating collection of art that inspires him.  And a styrofoam mannequin acts as an inspiration board. 

In his office, a bookcase near the desk holds past school projects, paint swatch decks, and additional design books.  Artwork decorates the wall above.

 

I really love the mannequin idea.  I'm on the lookout for one of my own. ;) 

An island with stools brings additional counter space into the kitchen.  Utensils and paper-towels are kept handy by hanging on the wall over the stove.  Colorful Orla Kiely canisters and bright yellow flowers take center stage on the island.  

Tyler and me having a chat in the living room.   In our convo, we got to talking about blogs.  And, of course, I had to show him Lovely Undergrad.  Tyler decided to start one of his own: The Refined Graduate.  You should definitely head over and check it out--he has great taste.

Thanks for sharing your apartment with Trend & Lovely Undergrad, Tyler!

And if that's not enough and you'd like to read Tyler's Top 3 Tips for Decorating... here's the story as it appeared in the Spring 2011 issue of Trend Magazine:

The photos used in this post were taken by Lei Zhang.  The story layout was designed and put together by Melissa Fallon (yes, of 20goingon80.com!).  Apartment was Tyler Clarey's.  And the words were written by yours truly!