In the dining area, an early American wood pedestal table mingles with contemporary Arne Jacobson chairs. The chandelier, a Louis XVI knockoff, was spray-painted green.
Steal the look: Chairs, ICF; $334 each (1-800-237-1625).
The hallway displays thrift-shop discoveries. An antique sideboard is left unfinished- imperfection is part of its charm. Elegant details: a gold rimmed mirror, a footed iron vase and a Victorian photo holder.
Steal the look: Anthropologie sells a similar photo holder for $24 (1-800-309-2500)
Quirky and unexpected. Two words that describe our heroine- and her home. In the large, loft-like living room, a spare veneer coffee table provides an interesting contrast to the plush green velour sofa and matching chair. Muslin curtains, which pull up from the bottom, allow for more light... and privacy.
Steal the look: An almost identical velvet sofa, $1,299, and chair, $899, are available at Pottery Barn (1-800-922-5507). Coffee table on casters, IKEA; $79 (1-800-434-IKEA)
A graceful steelframed bed, plaid Ralph Lauren linens and soft lighting make Ally's bedroom as cozy as a pair of flannel pajamas. The walls painted in muted tones of ocher and beige, add to the soothing feel. Confident touches: painted nightstands topped with mismatched lamps and a modern painting hanging over the headboard.
Steal the look: You can find an equally charming lacquered steel bed frame at IKEA; $299 (1-800-434-IKEA)
The narrow spiral staircase and brick fireplace make a statement in the spacious living room. A fun touch; the Jetsons-style purple damask recliner.
Steal the look: IKEA sells a similar chair; $180 (1-800-434-IKEA).
The yummy kitchen includes custom designed island, sleek KitchenAid appliances and a funky 1950's pendant light fixture hanging over the work area.
Steal the look: Kitchen cabinets, IKEA (1-800-434-IKEA). Knife holder with a set of seven stainless steel knives, Fortunoff; $200 (1-800-FORTUNOFF)
Ally's at-home bathroom is every bit as unique as the one back at her office. A checkerboard tile floor, porcelain pedestal sink and old-fashioned claw-foot tub impart a vintage look. The '30s-style mirror (perfect for rehearsing those clever closing arguments) is yet another thrift-store find.
Steal the look: You can get a look-alike pedestal sink, $249, and bathtub, about $980, at Renovator's Supply (1-800-659-2211)
The Real McBeal
How much would a place like this actually cost?
We asked Greg Jackson, a broker at Boston's DeWolfe real-estate agency, what the rent would be for a similar two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in Beantown's trendy South End district.
The sobering news: somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000 a month. Since the typical young lawyer in Boston earns about $80,000 a year, that rent seems a bit steep. (Aaah, the magic of television......)
