I’ve been pretty vocal with my negative opinions about HGTV designer Vern Yip’s work over the past few years. My trash talkin’ reached a fever pitch over his recent appearance on the Home Shopping Network. But I have to give credit where credit is due. The Chicago apartment he’s put together for HGTV’s 2011 Urban Oasis Giveaway is TO. DIE. FOR.
When I look at these pictures, I feel transported to another time and place. There’s such an interesting combination of history and modernity–I’m blown away. The mood created with color and lighting is really attractive to me–I imagine myself spending a few evening hours daydreaming on the tufted sofa, cocktail in hand, watching the city light up around me. Don’t get me wrong, it looks like an excellent spot for entertaining, too. But I’d love to sit there with my thoughts, taking in all of the rich woods and saturated greens, the variety of art and those gorgeous Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired light boxes.
It’s hard for me to reconcile the fact that this stunning showplace was designed by the same designer who chucked such trash at the old ladies who routinely shop HSN, but I will bow down and worship Mr. Yip over this apartment.
Especially if I win it.
It’s a poor excuse, but maybe he was designing for his audience. Thinking that the people who shop HSN wouldn’t appreciate high design but would drop some cheddar for a duvet the color of organ meat. Just a thought. We all have work we’re not especially proud of. Still, if I was to take on a job like that it wouldn’t be in my book, let alone on TV. But everyone’s gotta pay the mortgage. Maybe HSN is one of those clients whose mom/wife/husband/brother/etc says our audience loves this color. Do something with that and it’ll sell. Vern shakes his head and pukes into the garbage then wipes his mouth on his way to the bank to cash that fat check. ALright, I’ll quit rambling now. Only a couple hours sleep last night.
Is it bad if I pray for you to lose? Lol. I mean, this place would be freaking sweet to visit…but I can’t lose you to Chicago!
Really though – I’m shocked. I didn’t know he was capable of this quality of work. It helps that almost every single piece in that place is somewhat of a budget buster. That New Breed coffee table alone is $1,000. I mean – I guess that’s why it’s a “dream home” type thing. Still. I’d love to see some high/low versions of these rooms.
The only thing I’m really not digging is the bathroom flooring. But those light boxes and the bed even things out. (:
Now wait a minute. I was hoping this would stay my little secret, so I have a Chicago get-away. And now you’re out there flaunting it to the world. Darn shame. 😉
Yeah, I’m digging all the little touches as well. Very cool spot.
Don’t worry, Claire. I would never move to Chicago–but I sure would decamp there through the summer months while Texas melts. I don’t think I have the chops to take their winters…
Eric, I’m sure you’re right. I was talking to one of my Design Star buddies and he mentioned the same thing. I was with you–I would never be able to put my name on it publicly. My pride would get in the way of my bank account, I guess. My DS friend said he would do it in a heartbeat for the dough. Diff’rent strokes for diff’rent folks.
Jason, if one of us wins, we have to share this fab apt with our friends, right??!!