apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


House Tour: Peter's Light Loft Living
San Francisco

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Name: Peter Reis 

Location: SOMA - SF 

Size: 1024 sq. ft 

Years lived in: 4
>>See Slideshow
tour2009.jpgThe moment we walked into Peter's apartment we were struck by the wall of light emanating from the space's gigantic windows. Well, actually it might have first been the homemade "Mr. T" duct tape portrait that struck us... then the horizontally mounted Ikea mirrors in the front hallway. As it turned out, though the layout and design of the place were top-notch, we couldn't help but be sidetracked by all the thoughtful details that had been worked in to the space...

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2-24-09 peter house tour 18.jpgFrom big projects to small space-saving solutions, there are clever, creative ideas all over. Notice the kitchen island, which on closer inspection is actually two shopping carts on end, fronts cut off and welded together. Or the jigsaw tables in the living area, a DIY project that can be easily reconfigured to form anywhere from four tables to one. On a smaller scale, the magnetic spice jars attached to the microwave save space and add a few little pops of color. Also, Peter's DVD player is housed in a drawer below the TV, effectively cutting out any clutter, and his "gym" is easily stored in a nearby bookshelf. These things add up and contribute greatly to the open, balanced feeling of the home.

Judging by these creative solutions, it may come as no surprise that Reis is from a family of artists (sister Klari's artwork can be seen throughout the house), and though Peter began his career in tech sales, he's now starting a consumer products company to put his creativity and design interest to further use. We just hope there's a home decor line in the works!

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>>See Slideshow

My style: I try to follow some of the tenets of good logo design. Clean. Balanced. Everything having a reason for being there.

The inspiration for my home: George Hauser (architect of the building), Orla Kiely, Warhol, Rocky III. Maybe some OCD.

Favorite element: Invisible Gym:

- Pull-up bar that blends with decor

- SelectTech dumbbells (great space saver)

- Exercise ball doubles as work chair

Biggest challenge in designing my home: Being patient. Waiting for a sale or for a desired item to pop up on Craigslist

What friends say about my home: “I like the colors.” “Are those shopping carts?”

Biggest embarrassment in my home:

- Purchasing shampoo/conditioner based on whether or not it matches the decor.

- Not completely painting under the bathroom sink (only visible from a...uh...certain angle)

- dead plants on the patio

Proudest DIY: Coffee Table(s)

Biggest indulgence with respect to my home: Definitely the headboard.

Best advice given or received:

“Buy fewer items, but of high quality.”

“Buy heavy things.”

“Make your bed.” - Mom

Dream source for stuff: Limn
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>>See Slideshow

Resources:

Bedroom:

Dresser/Bookcase/Console Table/Bed-side tables - Craigslist importer

Bed - Ligne Roset, Lumeo headboard paired with West Elm platform bed

Bed-side Lamps - Crate and Barrel

Art - “Ritalin” - epoxy polymer on aluminum, Klari Reis

Mirror - IKEA Hovet

Main room:

Kitchen Island - This thing is weird. Didn’t want to spend big bucks for an island, but needed more counter space and a way to break up the open layout. Keeping with the trend of bringing the outdoors in, I made the base out of shopping carts to reflect my “up and coming” SOMA neighborhood. It’s Derelique. The carts were cut above the wheels, turned on-end and re-welded. The top is part of an IKEA butcher block table flanked by some donated granite. Hanging stemware racks complete the rolling, kitchen island bar thing.

Cube Ottomans - DWR

Console Table - CB2

Sectional - Creative Fine Furniture

Coffee Table(s) - Wanted a table that would accommodate multiple configurations for entertaining purposes. The bases were found at online restaurant supply store. Wood is Boos butcher block found on Craigslist.

Shelving - Elfa

Credenza - Quovis DWR

Planters - Crate and Barrel

Art:

“Adderall” - epoxy polymer on aluminum, Klari Reis

“Pity” (Mr. T) - duct tape on formica, Peter Reis
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>>See Slideshow

Thanks, Peter!

Tags

House Tours, DIY, SOMA, lofts, Peter Reis

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Comments (59)

Wow wow wow wow!!! I love the space. The colors, the simplicity, the use of space you wouldn't think of using (the bike comes to mind). It's gorgeous, and the light coming in is a breath of fresh air!

posted by grafxnerd on February 24th 2009 at 12:55pm
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Nice Peter! Love the metal cabinet with two turn tables, drool. The living room is cozy and airy. Looks like a fun place to hang out on a Sunday listening to music.

posted by LoriSF on February 24th 2009 at 1:01pm
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Your kitchen island is the most brilliant thing I've seen in months.

posted by Cupcakecemetery on February 24th 2009 at 1:02pm
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Really creative kitchen island.. I am impressed with that!

posted by Jmack1 on February 24th 2009 at 1:15pm
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wow, I second cupcakecemetery, the shopping cart island is incredible. did you think of it yourself? and the Mr. T, you're exceptionally talented. thanks for sharing!

posted by LeahDC on February 24th 2009 at 1:20pm
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Very ingenious coffee table idea! Nicely executed.

posted by supriya on February 24th 2009 at 1:24pm
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Love it. An overlying theme of light-hearted creativity tied together by cacti. Who woulda thought.

The coffee table, kitchen island and that beautiful art by Klari Reis (are you guys related? nice.) are highlights.

Also, Arrested Development on DVD is a hell of a choice. Awesome pad.

posted by photomike on February 24th 2009 at 1:26pm
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Why Mr. T?

posted by nazrd on February 24th 2009 at 1:39pm
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Favorite upon favorite. Almost speechless, here.

It's all so creative. This home makes me giddy.

posted by Splomo on February 24th 2009 at 1:42pm
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I pity the fool who dares question the beauty of The Mr. T!!!!

posted by Monica on February 24th 2009 at 2:05pm
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"why Mr. T?"

QUIT yo jibba jabba, fool!


VERY inspiring loft, from top to bottom....great job, man!

posted by btoddster on February 24th 2009 at 2:06pm
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I love it. Especially the kitchen island.

posted by alisonK on February 24th 2009 at 2:17pm
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This is nice. Well done--understated yet direct. This provides inspiration for the Mrs. and me. It really seems to speak to both of our sensibilities. We'll probably refer to it often as we work on our place. Thanks!

posted by jef613 on February 24th 2009 at 2:48pm
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I love the art pieces by Klari! Simply beautiful.

posted by eddie p on February 24th 2009 at 2:49pm
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This caught my eye...i don't usually read the whole interview/session but i particularly liked this one. well done AT/Peter.

posted by ericbjones on February 24th 2009 at 3:06pm
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LOVE the mr. t diy. that alone was enough to make this an inspiring post!

posted by lovelyrita on February 24th 2009 at 3:19pm
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I pity the fool who doesn't like this place! Gotta love Mr.T! Awesome space..thanks for sharing!

posted by suzy8track on February 24th 2009 at 4:14pm
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Wonderful. "Clean. Balanced." says it all. Very warm and inviting. Your apartment is spare without being Spartan. I wish I had your discipline.

posted by taritac on February 24th 2009 at 4:33pm
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The Klari Reis artwork is stunning.

posted by Kathryn on February 24th 2009 at 4:50pm
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There are so many wonderful, unique elements in your home.

And yet, I'm drawn most to your Elfa setup, which is not necessarily unique, but somehow the most elegant use of Elfa I've ever seen.

posted by heather77 on February 24th 2009 at 5:17pm
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Love your kitchen, the island and turntable setup especially.

posted by coconuts on February 24th 2009 at 5:44pm
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I'm glad I read the comments because I didn't get that they were shopping carts. Very unique. I also really like the coffee table.

posted by peachpie on February 24th 2009 at 6:20pm
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Personally I pity the fool who has to water the plants in the kitchen and over the desk. Is Peter's maid 12 feet tall or does she just bring her own ladder?

posted by Blandwagon on February 24th 2009 at 9:12pm
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whoa, great stuff! love the artwork.

posted by kaycan on February 24th 2009 at 9:52pm
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What a great space! I love all the creative and unique touches throughout. I'm so interested to see what the new company's all about!

posted by christiana on February 24th 2009 at 9:53pm
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Yeah, I'm diggin it. Kitchen island--very cool. DVD player in a drawer--why didn't I think of that?

posted by pammyfay on February 24th 2009 at 10:41pm
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Peter, please....the brand and color of paint in your hallway. Photo #35??


Great Loft!

posted by omegarae on February 25th 2009 at 1:33am
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There is a lot about your place that I love. The plants above the kitchen cabinets are a nice tough, I've thought of doing something similar so it's nice to see it done well.

posted by Automatic Blonde on February 25th 2009 at 8:10am
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Great place, so creative! Love your coffee table!

posted by LaurieLu on February 25th 2009 at 10:23am
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I agree that that is the most attractive use of board and bracket shelving of any kind that I ever saw! If you can make that stuff look worthwhile, you definitely have talent!

posted by SherryBinNH on February 25th 2009 at 12:12pm
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Thanks to everyone for the kind words and to Lily from AT for your help with the tour.

omegarae - The paint color is Sherwin Williams' "Leapfrog."

posted by reiskid on February 25th 2009 at 1:11pm
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Where did you source the shopping carts?

posted by faith on February 25th 2009 at 2:40pm
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I second, third and fourth everyone's "well done" comments.

posted by kambykitten on February 25th 2009 at 2:52pm
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faith - Economy Restaurant Fixtures here in SF. You will probably find shopping carts at your local restaurant supply store as well.

posted by reiskid on February 25th 2009 at 3:27pm
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What a creative loft! I look forward to your next art piece "Concerta".

posted by etslee on February 25th 2009 at 4:11pm
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Awesome restraint. Excellent eye. Green thumb, good for your air quality too. Clarity, cleanness, comfort, creativity: BEAUTY.

posted by justjude on February 26th 2009 at 12:58am
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Perfection - truly! You have an amazing eye and damn boy - you are crafty! That kitchen island is inspired.

posted by BlondeinBrooklyn on February 26th 2009 at 7:21am
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This is cool. Tell me, where did you get the Floor Lamp next to the couch and how long did it take for

posted by rUSHmoRE on February 26th 2009 at 12:59pm
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I MISSed Ur last q rUSHmore, but the floor lamp is from CB2.

posted by reiskid on February 26th 2009 at 1:57pm
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btoddster - LOL

posted by nazrd on February 26th 2009 at 4:48pm
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Beautiful loft Peter. It has a very warm and welcoming vibe to it and I love the coffee tables!

posted by sun74 on February 26th 2009 at 6:50pm
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Love Klari's artwork, your coffee table, the colors you used and all the plants/cacti you have around. Great place!

posted by fineur on February 27th 2009 at 3:40pm
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Gorgeous colors. Mr. T is amazing, and I love the shopping carts. I assume the wiring for the DVD player in the drawer requires coaxial cables and/or a smart technical mind, correct?

posted by Shillx on February 27th 2009 at 4:09pm
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Does anyone know where I can find the San Francisco print in the bathroom? Thanks!

posted by pixelbruin on March 1st 2009 at 10:24am
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btoddster- hilarious.

I love the way those shelves look... so simple, could definitely have looked cheap or tacky in a different context, but there they look so retro and awesome here. I'm wondering if I could pull that look off in my own place.

posted by -haley- on March 1st 2009 at 2:26pm
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pixelbruin - www.orkposters.com

posted by reiskid on March 1st 2009 at 4:47pm
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The use of this space is great! I agree that the shelves are not the fanciest - but you really know how to arrange objects on them to make the whole thing seem amazing.

I'm also going to put the dvd player in the drawer (duh!) but am interested to know what you did with the cords? Tell me there's an alternative to drilling holes...

http://www.fthats.wordpress.com

posted by misscorinne on March 9th 2009 at 4:40pm
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misscorinne - I just balance the dvd player on top of the opened drawer and plug it into a nearby outlet.

posted by reiskid on March 10th 2009 at 1:09am
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curious about the siesta records on the wall? just art or more to it.

posted by dhue on March 31st 2009 at 8:23pm
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dhue - Siesta was one of my favorite house music labels while going to school in San Diego. The album colors and cactus theme go with my place.

posted by reiskid on April 2nd 2009 at 12:16am
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REALLY enjoyed this one...thanks for sharing.
and where did you find those magnetic spice jars?? they would work so well on the side of my fridge!!

posted by ichelemay on April 11th 2009 at 11:53pm
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thanks, ichelemay. got them at the container store.

posted by reiskid on April 15th 2009 at 2:05pm
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The bicycle pully system is the most magical thing I've ever seen. I love my cruiser, but boy is it in the way a lot!

posted by BetterBombshell on April 22nd 2009 at 3:03pm
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What a creative and beautiful space. Thanks for the source for your art work too, though I doubt I could indulge in a painting of that quality. Many thanks.

posted by zoo on April 22nd 2009 at 3:09pm
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This is great. Really nice sense of creativity and personality that comes through here. I don't really see why it's described as MCM in the lead-in. Is that what it becomes just because of the Eames chair?

Love: Coffee table(s), sofa (really works), Hall table, Metal sideboard, pull-up bar, KITCHEN ISLAND!

Not So Much: Shelving in the main room is a bit 'nick-nack'y: I would have preferred to see them full of books to add more weight to the overall area. Right now with the spindly Eames chair and thin shelving it all just seems a little rickety; Wish he'd done more with the outdoor area, which looks to have BRILLIANT potential; the TV doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the style; The plants don't seem to have a lot of personality - I'm not a big fan of greenery that's 'architectural' only.

Regardless, I still really like this tour, and this place.

posted by adamliaw on April 22nd 2009 at 6:11pm
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Job well done! Simplistic in design and functional. A lot of emphasis on height, which is difficult to achieve. Love the shopping cart island, artwork, coffee tables, loft bedroom, furniture choices and bike "storage".
Personally not into Mr. T, but then not into Warhol's Marilyn either, so go for it!

Response to adamliaw: I have a feeling the shelves are not thin as appears, but if are, may sag under weight of heavy books. Placing the tall cacti next to shelves would give a sense of height. On the flip side, placement of "stuff" to symmetrical for me.
And, every home needs live plants, so make it architectural!

Tv area seems clustered but could have been just the pic.

Your mom gave you the best advice ever!

posted by callisondesigner on April 24th 2009 at 7:56am
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Awesome desk idea using shelving and I love the puzzle table.

posted by colleen2009 on April 24th 2009 at 8:54pm
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Love it!! That elfa shelving is exactly what I have been looking for for my room! And the Ikea mirror, I love it. Thanks for the inspiration!

posted by christie on May 4th 2009 at 3:54am
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I really enjoyed every posted picture. Thanks for sharing them!

posted by baileyb on May 5th 2009 at 6:57pm
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