Changes Over Time

It takes a very talented designer to design a room that can literally stand the test of time. To be able to design an entire house in 1998 and in 2009 the room looks like it could have been done yesterday takes some talent. That is exactly what Thomas O'Brien has, lots and lots of talent. Although his personal apartment has changed some and it no longer looks as it did in 1998, it is beautiful and looks like an apartment designed for today. I love looking at the way designers live, especially one of my very favorites like O'Brien.

Working from this office, O'Brien seems to have his hands in everything these days. From Target, to Hickory Chair, Safavieh and much much more his designs are impeccable.

Aero Studios in Manhattan

Looking back to June of 1998 his apartment was featured in The New York Times Magazine. His 1100 square foot prewar apartment with 18 foot ceilings and white floors was beautiful. He had a modern, yet traditional space with not alot of clutter.

the living room with a table he designed himself

The other end of his living room with another table designed by O'Brien and a turn of the century American armoire.

Just off the living room is his terrace- quite the view!


This corner of his bedroom is home to 18th century American cupboard, a lamp made out of a coffee urn and a turned coat rack.

The kitchen was designed to have a 1930's look

As with lots of designers, or designers who are consistently looking for change and evolving such as O'Brien, his apartment was published in House Beautiful in November of the same year (1998) and was changed up just a tad.

Same table in his living room

beautiful fireplace with a chair and sofa placed on either side

Navy tile on the walls in his bathroom

The corner of his bedroom has not changed much, the armoire and coat rack still in the same place

his bedroom

another view of his bedroom with a framed celestial chart hanging over a dresser.

The kitchen looks the same too.

as does the terrace

The next time his apartment was published in detail was in the 2006 July/August issue of Elle Decor. His minimalist decor was out and the cluttered collection of art, furniture and accessories was in.

The major change is that he decided to move his bed into the living room and made a study out of his old bedroom.

His bed is now in the corner of his living room.

He created a little nook area

A much noticeable difference, his living room is now filled with lots of beautiful things. No minimalist look here.

The fireplace is now covered with a table and a large white secretary next to it.

An over sized cork board is his new inspiration board

The same celestial chart now in his study

Same armoire but with lots more accessories for a layered look

another view of his study

Kitchen looks the same, just with a few more things around

Not much you can change about this amazing terrace- its still just as beautiful

In November of 2007 House and Garden featured O'Brien's apartment and a it looks as if his collection of items has grown a little.

The art is growing up the walls, a larger rug and items changed out here and there.

A new home for the celestial chart high on the wall above his bed

Same coat rack but updated with an egg chair, sleek armoire and lots more art.

So there you have it, the same apartment four different ways and I'm sure its not the last we'll see of his personal space. I would love to live in a space like his, always changing, always fashionable and always with the latest and greatest in design ideas. Thomas O'Brien is on the top of his game right now with all his different design collaborations and it doesn't look like he is coming down anytime soon.

(Photography by: William Waldren for Elle Decor, Martyn Thompson for House and Garden, Laura Resen for House Beautiful & Thibault Jeanson for New York Magazine- all photos via Aero Studios)