Tiny art gallery turns into home via stealth kitchen/bedroom

Lawrence Blairs has hosted up to 90 people in his small gallery and few of them would guess that behind closed doors lie his bedroom and kitchen. Blairs bought the condo because of the good light and high ceilings for hanging art. He added opaque glass sliding doors on a track system to close off the bedroom.
To hide his very slim, compact kitchen, he lowers a white projection screen which not only serves as a blank canvas for art, but also for projecting movies. To divide the space further- for more intimate gatherings- Blairs created a sliding shoji screen with rice paper and barn door tracks.
The entire space is run with thin tracks along the ceiling from which hang transparent nylon cords to mount art; even the bathroom uses the system and Blairs continues his exhibits into the loo to provide a continuous experience. Blairs boasts that his events force a special interaction that is both cultured soiree and intimate house party.
Blairs’ design boutique: atomicdesign.ca/

[@RamblinAround]

Frosted glass panels to hide the shower would make it feel more like a typical public bathroom and hide the fact that he lives there.

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

I love the use of space, and the dual-use design.

[@anandrew6641]

Agreed, very nice

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Wow! Living in a real Art Gallery! It reminds me of the one night I did sleep in the 'depot' of an art gallery. I helped the owners paint their walls white and then it was to late to return home. That night I slept surrounded by works of art. I enjoyed it.

[@apricotblossom2991]

beautiful story. thank you for sharing

[@peri3818]

I absolutely love this space. This was gorgeous with those great big windows and everything screams art including the refrigerator. The whole design was so clever and thoughtful for both the home dweller and clients. I could live in that space very easily. He’s someone I would love to talk with. Love the way his mind works.

[@klgherkin]

This is amazing, and you can tell how happy he is living and working there!

[@silverlicious2086]

To see the use of a level and beyond, shows his dedication as a curator to works of art. Very interesting and clever design. Well done.

[@mlight6845]

Of all the places you have shown, this is my favorite. The space is livable without clutter. The functions are well hidden.

[@alisonnorcross951]

Mind no wife no kids

[@HeyMJ.]

Agreed, it’s a very livable, workable space. Very different from other spaces filmed. 1) Minimum automation. ie Manual pulleys used for screens. Not remote-controlled. 2) Limited motion req to change space’s function. (Others always in motion; add’l moves req’d to perform basic tasks.) 3) Smart,simple design. Utilizes easy to find build materials.

[@yeahbee8237]

Wtf? Livable where People can just look right into your livingroom/kitchen ?

[@mlight6845]

@@yeahbee8237 Did you seen the blinds he pulls down at night, also well camoflaged?

[@yeahbee8237]

@@mlight6845 yeah but still, street level in a big city like that? Horrible, Imagine the sound

[@cecilianagy3562]

This is phenomenal, I am so happy for this guy. You can see he really loves living there and also loves what he is doing. Great video!

[@imspacedout]

Can't get away from thinking that at 0800 this guy is lounging around this place in his boxers and at 2000 this guy is in a suit trying to sell the art for hundreds to thousands.

[@abundancelivingtv1463]

I love how organized he is.

[@wikkidselekta]

I like the use of the window blinds to act as a facade hiding the kitchen, the opaque sliding panels for the bedroom, and the barn door style shoji screen.

[@jmk1962]

Very clever design. Love the way he can keep his bedroom completely private and still let guests access the bathroom.

[@sayididit2930]

I would magnitize the ends of the bedroom doors so they connect and "lock" together

[@truechampoftrance]

I am not an artist, yet you made me appreciate art. I am impressed with how much you have managed to get out of that small space, excellent job! Thank you so much for sharing your home, art, and ideas with us!

[@carlvlaeminck2171]

Very clever ideas. Love the barndoor that divides the space and it almost looks like art. The kitchen idea is wonderful. I love black and white interiors.

[@gladdheart3030]

I've long thought that there is a lot of missed potential for residential living within commerce spaces. Such a great idea!

[@justinransburg5560]

This is one of my favorite spaces you all have posted. I’m an artist so this use of space is brilliant to me.

[@ardianworld4129]

First I was sceptical, but I love what he did with the space. Great styling too

[@ferminmorales6564]

In the >5 years I've been watching your videos, this so fsr, for me, is the best because of how it masterfully combined a workspace (a public one at that!) and privste living space. AND the fact all the important details were packed in 15 minutes is really amazing editing work! Congrats!

[@D90-BELL]

The area is cool... gallery space beautiful....great modern Kitchen!!

[@emeraldsperidot9095]

😍 I absolutely love this design!!! A live in fully functional art gallery & living space. Genius, just genius!!!😍👍🏼❣❣❣

[@smallfootprint2961]

Amazing double duty liv/work space. I love that he's made is fairly simple to transform it into a gallery. You know what 'they' say. Find something you love, and find a way to make money at it. Very neat.

[@borisbetkin9827]

The displayed art is quite transcendental! Layout is well thought out

[@jeffharmed1616]

A living space surrounded by beautiful things

[@SABOREAME68]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An ideal arrangement, plus makes money & he can write it off when tax time comes along.

[@jochemmm]

Wonderful setup! I really like how he hides the counter top with the blinds. To save more kitchen space, he could've gotten a 'European' oven/microwave combination as well!

[@ScarlettKitsune]

This is so clever! I feel like it could have been slightly more space efficient by having the bed fold up and have a lounge in the private area. Then there'd be more room in the gallery / reception space and he wouldn't need to haul the sofa every time he needs more space. :)

[@ripmomcovid4678]

[@matthewosborne8384]

"If you do what you love, then you will never work a day in your life."

[@mynahlu977]

I like the idea, but I wonder if moisture and heat from cooking and the bath could harm the artworks?

[@alisonnorcross951]

I think he probably eats out a lot

[@zeeah4088]

Yes I was thinking about this too. Other than that, it’s a lovely design.

[@revanelson8810]

You probably can’t cook turkey or bacon because the smell sticks around.

[@jackstrubbe7608]

As a former curator, my thoughts exactly. Love the design theoretically, but hold concerns about conservation.

[@andrewaway]

I haven’t slept for weeks worrying about this.

[@joanntukes5878]

I enjoyed yet another video. I like his space, doesn’t seem claustrophobic but airy and movable. His bedroom is so mice with the cloudy sliding doors

[@christinecamley]

This is actually really interesting. Excellent use of space. I like the design of where the bedroom is, and the opaque sliding doors. Less of a footprint.

[@nertis2408]

"I have a very compact fridge... I have a very compact freezer." *opens a standard european fridge and freezer for a whole family*

[@BTgla]

I was about to say lol. Oh well to each their own haha

[@dannyr4246]

Well compared to typical American fridges and dishwashers, his are quite compact.

[@ja553]

@Cavsome rightly said to each their own.

[@CyclingSteve]

He called it a European style fridge, this was clearly his translation for the 'mericans.

[@DMills-un1tl]

Nicolas Roger but VERY tiny by American standards. My kitchen is the size of his entire apartment and I have two refrigerators in it, and I live alone.

[@allegrosotto2126]

Great find, great inspiration on thinking widely beyond the 'normal'.

[@lalakuma9]

If you think about it, he doesn't have an apartment inside a gallery. Rather, he has a gallery inside his apartment.

[@mamemckee2190]

Smart use of floor space and wall space. Great job, Lawrence! Thanks for sharing.

[@elderyehudahwatchmanoftheg8425]

Very Unique and well done. Thanks for sharing Kirsten.

[@angelajim428]

I absolutely love all these ideas, your passion can be reflected in your home's decor.

[@melodyyang5604]

Wow, this is the first time I'm seeing something I actually like coming out of my hometown. Thanks Kirsten!!

[@RatedRGameGuy]

Such an interesting idea to hiding the kitchen 👌🏼

[@Panini529]

Love that the micro loft space is also an active gallery. He is making money where he lives doing what he loves. Every inch of this space is utilized. Such an efficient and effective layout.

[@mateuspimenta8518]

I’m in love with this space.

[@EDTHEWATERGUY]

Drink every time he says "exhibition". lol

[@alystair]

No thanks I rather live

[@allim.5941]

I feel tipsy and I’m only 5 minutes in.

[@marvintyson]

Or "space".

[@hedvaplotkin5330]

😄

[@jcb0818]

E.L.Dorado I counted 20’ish times

[@tonilogairee5839]

This is brilliant. I like it. The only thing I’m concerned about is cleaning and disinfecting after loads of people visited your home.

[@secondact7151]

I'm allergic to perfume. I'd have to get a hotel for the night after that many people in the house. Maybe he has a huge air cleaning mechanical filter he runs after everyone leaves.

[@tonilogairee5839]

YAH B exhibit ends late at nighttime, you need to clean up sweep floors etc before you can count on sunlight the day after. His space is cramped too, hence I wouldn’t feel comfortable living/sleeping in the art gallery cum living space... maybe that’s just me tho lol

[@tonilogairee5839]

Second Act yeah make sense. That’s a perfect idea.

[@tamcon72]

All those people tromping around in their _outside shoes_ . . . [faints]

[@evyrichard553]

Thank you Kirsten and co. Inspirational as usual. Love the scroll down screens and pocket doors, so simple and effective😊👍🏾

[@crazywisdom2]

Love this Vid ! I am always in awe of these amazing people who bring us there special homes. thank you !

[@PiersRippey]

would love to see more multi function spaces like this

[@icesilverwind]

It must be a relief to spend money on rent for one place instead of two. The small room just looks like an office from the outside, tbh. Very lovely design. The public can see his artwork all day, and he can have privacy in his bedroom. Minimal door clutter, clean neat lines and decor. And yet quite lived in. He could try a Murphy bed if he wants to convert his "bedroom" into a study during the day.

[@user-we5ch5qr2j]

I really cant believe that such appartement exists, so interresting and beautifull and also good for living. The most interresting KZbin Chanel!

[@carltonanderson8489]

Another wonderful episode with incredible use of space.

[@SarahWelstead]

There are a LOT of condos in downtown Toronto that have the bedroom closed off with sliding glass doors + and the single-wall built-in kitchen like he's got here - they were probably already there when the condo was first built. However, I will say that this is the first time I've seen them embraced as an actual good design element rather than something you have to accept because Toronto real estate is so crazy expensive. And that sliding Shoji door is awesome.

[@apricotblossom2991]

I love it. Thank you for sharing. So inspiring

[@trishhue5603]

Thank you for so many helpful ideas!

[@wrightuniverse3952]

Absolutely FANTASTIC! So inspiring!!

[@vivianramsay2527]

Love the versatility!! Beautifully tasteful!

[@paolabueso]

Wonderful space! Thank you so much for sharing this. 🙌🙌🙌

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Wow we really love his space. The design is amazing.👍👍

[@margiepeary8003]

Lawrence is a design genius!!! What a brilliant multi-use plan ... so beautifully and tastefully done! Absolutely stunning!~!!!

[@timeandplace4114]

So refreshing. He is a person who knows himself. He fulfilled and happy. I would like to know him because I believe he could help me reduce the chaos in my life. Help me separate the essential from the virus of constantly being overwhelmed. I need more "wall space" for my collected art. Perhaps I will get rid of my large & useless formal dinning room & put in sliding walls. I adore this show. I meet such interesting people. Thank you.

[@RufanaDenmark]

Clever and well thought out.

[@4everu984]

Brilliant! So organized and clever.

[@ursa4212]

Genius! Love each and every detail.

[@crd7876]

Gorgeous home, great idea and lovely lifestyle

[@cartograp]

I love this! Thanks for the fantastic video as always

[@pheabe]

CLEVER! Love it!! 💚

[@saikrishnaarch]

Thank you for such informative videos and sharing your exploration Kirsten!

[@NationandState]

*he needs some cord management on his ceiling, he'll appreciate the comment, let him know! It's cheap to get a white tube that the cord can go into and managed on the ceiling so it's not messy black cords which are distracting in such a perfect space. he knows this. the second he realizes it, he won't be able to ignore it...

[@NationandState]

@Ferd Ferd.D Yes I am. I do, and I did. And now when he reads all these comments, he'll go out and get a cord manager. Thinking about something and doing it are not the same thing.

[@breetai78]

haha, I believe it is intentional, to distract the crowd from his living areas.

[@NationandState]

@@breetai78 lol it's true. one minor thing out of place to appreciate the perfection of everything else.

[@JyuzouNT]

@@NationandState, Shayne Punim was agreeing with you there, buddy. The comments he made was for Ferd Ferd, who was being a prick and attacking you. I agree that the cord should be hidden. But I also agree with Ferd Ferd in a way; looking at how the place is meticulously done, he had most likely already thought about the cord not fitting into the white theme of the space. "Thinking about something and doing it are not the same thing", I agree, but just because it hasn't been done doesn't mean he hasn't thought about it and wasn't going to do something about it. We're all just assuming here.

[@NationandState]

@Shayne Punim I'm also dumb about anything that isn't visual like cords. :) Forgive me.

[@dtec30]

i like that he has made the space livable

[@user-hi9cv1sc2i]

I love this home the most from all the other videos I've seen!

[@stephaniefields4743]

What a fantastic space! How lucky to live in an art gallery. The space itself is art.

[@debbieboring3422]

Wow, what a cool setup.

[@GeorgeWMays]

Extremely cool. I am very impressed. Thank you for sharing the video.

[@miadifferent7306]

I love that flat. Now I‘m thinking about what double use I could install in my (rented) flat. 😁

[@fannycraddock99]

What an amazing space, I could live there very happily.

[@BeefPanda85]

This is awesome!

[@ARTWITHAIM]

You make me miss living there! I love Toronto. LOVE IT!

[@careychen7275]

It's interesting to see that in city of Toronto that there are so many interesting living space solutions. Some of the other places you've done in Toronto I really loved also. Some see Toronto as a boring place but look deep enough and you'll find a lot of gems.

[@givememore4free]

I don't understand the venetian blind in front of the kitchen. He puts down a screen over it. It's a really nice kitchen but I mean he's too obsessed with trying to hide it. It's hysterical. 😂

[@humbertotovar695]

Wonderf ul Kristen! Got many tips for my studio in Manhattan! Beautiful art pieces and an excellent taste!

[@natalieitliongfechter6073]

Wow great use of space!!

[@kre8iveingenuity228]

Awesome set up: Love it. Wish it were mine!!

[@lavondacarter7228]

Such a nice place, great he can live where he works, works where he lives, doesn't have to have two separate places, as i'm sure rent is not cheap, enjoyed this video, but I enjoy all your videos !

[@lsamoa]

I'd go nuts being in the same space all day though. But he did create a very nice home and gallery in one.

[@AustinAllen]

Don’t be afraid to just crank up your ISO and just keep your shutter speed twice your frame rate! The camera visual stutter is a little more prominent than in your other videos. It’s super distracting. This space is amazing!

[@Progan666]

I love this!

[@violahamilton782]

What a talented man! Ingeniously used space !

[@KerrieRedgate]

Great way to cut overheads: live in the space! Very enterprising!

[@elizabethnavarro4267]

Your whole entire world is awesome indeed. I love it. Congratulations 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤🙂

[@karenknowles1537]

Love, love love!!

[@knmonlinemedia]

Very awesome use of space and design!

[@maruparra1963]

I love the lamp that’s at the end of the corridor, seems to be an led floor lamp,

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Very cool Space both Gallery and home Ive lived on boats in my life so i liked the little kitchen / Galley Space quite well

[@suetoronto9993]

What a brilliant use of space.

[@RichieRouge206]

Really liking what he has done with this,, great use of space

[@niveditashankar1168]

Brilliant!

[@NovaDeb]

I like it all. Very clever! !

[@allim.5941]

Talk about taking your work home with u, lol. But wouldn’t they know when they saw a shower in the bathroom? Damn this is smart.

[@designunlimited6215]

Would be great if he could install sliding obscure glass doors (like the bedroom) to hide the shower. If it was lockable then he could quickly transfer any personal items from the vanity to the shower area before he has an exhibition. Not criticising the space overall. It's an amazing home/work space and offers a lot of ideas also for those who have occasional clients into a home office. Really liked this video.

[@allim.5941]

designunlimited I liked it too, and that’s a good idea that you have, and I was surprised he didn’t do something like that. I didn’t mean to come across as a hater.

[@petera.4707]

one of my top three

[@earthishome1866]

Love it!!

[@DesertPepper]

I want to collect art. This guy's passion flows!

[@quietandsun]

Love it!