My client inherited a condo from his parents that was used as a pied-a-terre for many years. Professionally decorated before, it hadn't changed since everything was originally installed. I was shocked at how well things were maintained--the wallpaper, the fixtures, the mirrors...everything was still in great condition with the exception of some carpet fading at the windows and sliding glass doors.
Funny enough, when I showed some "before" photos to some female friends, they actually all loved the "befores" (a testament to the original designer and the clients' tastes.) But when they found out my new client was a young, single man, their reaction changed instantly: "Oh no. You've got to change it. This isn't for a single guy at all."
So we butched it up. Here the Living Room before:
And the Living Room after:
The Entry before:
And the Entry after:
Dining alcove before (pink) and after (green):
Bathroom before (salmon wallpaper) and after (deep blue):
The Bedroom before:
And the Bedroom after:
Quite a change, eh? The thing my client couldn't get over was how so many things that his parents had picked before had come back in fashion: the chrome, the lighting, the mirrors, the plexiglass. It was a great savings, being able to simply reupholster a few things and reuse as much as possible. The organic wavy entry wallpaper (I think it's real Maya Romanoff) was our starting point and inspired me to find taupes and browns that could really feel masculine and warm. Keeping everything else calm and neutral (including black and white photography and a now-vintage Edward Fields rug) allows the few accessories (green pillows, a bold Navajo rug) to really pop.
This was one of the most fun projects ever!
