Art, Arts and Culture, Community, Living, Real Estate
Apr 10, 2020
Astoria Interiors: Eclectic Urban Image Overload On 33rd St.
BY ANNA DORÉ Welcome back to another edition of Astoria Interiors, a series where we go inside neighborhood homes to showcase design on the most local level. Today we head (…)
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BY ANNA DORÉ
Welcome back to another edition of Astoria Interiors, a series where we go inside neighborhood homes to showcase design on the most local level. Today we head inside a storied apartment where collector Bis Kirschner has lived for over two decades. Over the years, Bis has transformed her apartment into a “museum for the imagination,” covering her walls, shelves and surfaces with found objects from the streets of New York. At a time when we’re stuck inside with limited access to the world around us, allow Bis to transport you to a much different space— where there are no rules.
Remember, if you’d like to submit your home, please send a selection of six well-lit photos (including captions!) and a series of responses to these questions. All types of homes are welcome and encouraged. Send your submission to dore.anna@gmail.com with “Astoria Interiors” in the subject line. Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis.
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Name: Liz Kirschner AKA Bis Kirschner
Social handle: @thehouseofbis
Location: 30th Avenue & 33rd Street Astoria NY
Years lived in: 21
Size (# of bedrooms, bathrooms): 520 square feet, 1 bed 1 bath
View of the apartment once you walk in the front door into the entry of the living room.
Tell us a bit about you and your Astoria apartment:
It is a museum for the imagination, an idea factory where I create art and live. At least half of what I own I find on the streets of Manhattan on big pick up day, I simply refurbish and modify to fit my space and aesthetic. This is over 20 years of collecting.
Partial Object collection on Boombox shelf in the living room.
Describe your design aesthetic in 5 words or less:
Eclectic urban image object overload
Living room main wall with part of my art collection and couch
What’s your favorite room and why?
It is all one space to me so I don’t have a favorite room
Living room corner with Basquiat throw pillow
Most prized piece? My most prized piece–a tough question but definitely at the top of my list is the commissioned black and white oil painting of Theodor Geisel who is one of the most brilliant and inspiring imaginations to have ever lived.
Corner of my living room with a shrine to my Father and the Theodor Geisel Painting
What part of your home are you most proud of? That I fit this much stuff into my place and you can still walk in and think the apartment it is larger than it actually is.
Bathroom Door showing the 3-D fabric on the side wall creating the illusion of a Library
Favorite local element? The Astoria & Queens signs I got at the 30th Avenue street fair and the neon lips from Lockwood Home.
Full shot of the bedroom with my favorite Grace Jones pillow
Bedroom Corner showing part of my art collection and neon lips from Lockwood
Bedroom wall with part of my art collection
Best apartment advice? When living in a small apartment, pay attention to visual space, open shelves, clear glass coffee tables, smaller furniture and don’t be afraid of color!
This is absolutely delightful. Love the colors and the collections, a really inspiring home.
What an amazing space created by an amazing woman. I’m a big fan of her jewelry creations. Bis is one of a kind.