Today I’m back to finish up Amanda’s apartment redesign! You’ve seen the colorful kitchen and dining room, now it’s time to check out the living area and bedroom.
BEFORE
I suggested Amanda paint the entire place a light and airy gray. This color acts as a neutral and unifies the whole apartment making it feel bigger.
AFTER
We used a lot of what Amanda already had buying just a few items to really add some pop and personality. The result is a cool and quirky eclectic mix that seems to take on this exotic, organic feel.
BEFORE
The heater vent was originally a yucky yellow color, which was quite the eye sore. By painting it black (with high heat paint) and using the metal’s magnetic properties we were able to make it a place for displaying photos and/or art. Now it adds to the space rather than being an awful distraction. (WARNING- DO NOT use spray paint to paint your heaters/vents. The vapors can ignite!)
AFTER
I love using lots of texture in my designs which you can see in these photos. From the woven blinds to the ruffle pillows and curtains, this space is overflowing with tactile interest. Speaking of the pillows and curtains, there is a DIY post coming up to show you exactly how I took them from plain jane to off the chain!!! (corny, I know)
Each space in the apartment is open to the other which makes privacy an issue. Rather than adding doors which would chop up the floor plan we opted to use simple curtains to keep things covered when needed.
OK, Let’s play a game- what’s wrong with the photo below?
Did you see it? Yes, I did put the bed in front of the fireplace which may be considered a cardinal sin in design. But great design is all about making a space function perfectly for the person using it while also making it beautiful. This room was not working well at all for Amanda, so we had to make a change.
BEFORE
By putting the bed in front of the fireplace we opened up the room to fit the rest of the furniture. And although we covered the majority of the fireplace, it’s still the focal point because it now acts as a fantastic attention-drawing headboard. The bed is supposed to be the focal point in a bedroom and the fireplace was non functioning- so this solution was perfect for this instance.
AFTER
You may notice the whole apartment is adorned with these small pieces of art. We were on a teeny weeny budget with this space and filling walls can get expensive. My solution? Amanda had a number of art related books. By cutting out a few of our favorite pages we not only saved some major mullah we put these inspiring creations on display where Amanda can enjoy them everyday!
Here’s a close up of the fun and frilly curtains I will show you how to create in the near future!
Don’t you just love that vintage green lamp!!?? I know some of you are thinking “Hideous” right now, but I think it’s great. It looks like a flower.
Speaking of flowers, tomorrow we’ll talk with DAN about the latest episode of DESIGN STAR where the contestants had to create a space based on the inspiration of a certain budding bloom. See ya soon!
What a great space! Do you mind sharing the paint color in the bedroom? That is the perfect gray.
I love the graphic pillows and those adorable curtains.
Hi Kara,
First off, I love your blog!! I was wondering if you could share the grey paint color you used. I’m painting my new bedroom this weekend and have been looking for a great light grey color. Thanks!!
Hey Ladies!! That light gray color is MINDFUL GRAY from Sherwin Williams. Happy painting!! 🙂
Love it! All of it! I like how it is still so neutral and calm but those pillows and ruffles and curtains add just the right amount of color. And oh, I will be sad to read your next post about Design Star because since I’ve started reading your blog, I’ve been a big fan of Dan! Last Sunday’s episode was not cool, not cool at all…
I especially love that bedroom! I am always amazed how little touches of color can really make a space.
And. . .there’s nothing ‘plain’ about some Janes! 🙂
Love that bedding! Where did the duvet come from?
Thank you for sharing the paint color. Now, who is going to break the news to my husband that I want to paint our open lofted (to the 3rd floor) living room that color?
Great job with the room as always. Can’t wait to see you on Design Star some day.
I always love when a (non-working!) fireplace mantel is used as a headboard. I’m checking out your blog for the first time and love it! Beautiful design ideas. I’ll be back. Best, ADD
Wow. I can’t believe how perfectly the bed/fireplace combo played out. I definitely wouldn’t have noticed from the pictures if you hadn’t pointed it out. What a brilliant (and liberating!) way to make the best of the room!