Before & After: An interior designer tackles her own home renovation

Colin King, a 33-year-old Brooklyn Heights-based interior stylist, spent a year living in his 1830s brownstone apartment before the Covid-19 pandemic provided him the time to truly consider his own living space. Prior to March 2020, King's professional life involved extensive travel for design stories and advertisements for brands like Hay and Benjamin Moore, leaving little opportunity to focus on his personal environment. His 500-square-foot second-floor walk-up retained many original features due to his landlords' commitment to historical preservation, including six-over-six windows, a working marble fireplace, oak flooring, and 12-foot ceilings. Despite entering through an 1980s-era galley kitchen and nondescript bathroom, the classically proportioned living room, illuminated by nine-foot-tall shuttered windows, immediately captivates the eye. King's professional work aims to infuse elegance into mundane spaces, and his Instagram showcases his distinctive style through poetic still lifes in a palette of off-white, dark gray, and brown. These compositions often feature groupings of ceramics beneath a lone branch or understated details from his projects. When King began redecorating his apartment, it primarily contained a Mario Bellini Le Bambole sofa, a 1970s travertine round marble table, and a 1960s LC4 chaise by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier, and Pierre Jeanneret. The existing white walls in the living room appeared too yellow, and other areas were bland. His collections of design books and contemporary art were stacked or piled, and items he sourced for clients, such as ceramic vases, houseplants, table lamps, and mirrors, were largely absent from his own home. After a meticulous repainting process, which involved three attempts to achieve the perfect murky gray in the bedroom and an off-white for the rest of the apartment, King began furnishing his space. He acquired a blocky white Utrecht armchair designed by Gerrit Rietveld from Cassina, a velvet and walnut stool from Green River Project, a custom table lamp by Danny Kaplan, and vintage midcentury woven rattan Pierre Jeanneret chairs on loan from a friend. In the living room, he placed a hand-thrown Modernist vase by Lucie Rie next to an old mirror on the mantel. Unlike his fast-paced styling projects, furnishing his own apartment was a deliberate process, allowing him to "listen to the space." The resulting aesthetic is stark yet layered, subtly blending 1970s Italian design, early American architecture, and French Modernism, a sophisticated approach not always seen in younger designers prone to eclecticism. King's apartment exemplifies the minimalist aesthetic he has refined over the years, a journey that included various detours. Raised on a farm in rural Ohio, he discovered dance at 13 and moved to New York at 18 to pursue it, later relocating to Los Angeles where he faced similar frustrations in the performing arts. He then worked as a fitness instructor and estate manager before finding his calling as a digital content producer for Consort, a design firm. There, he gained experience in styling and photographing vignettes for social media. In 2017, King returned to New York, initially juggling multiple jobs, including personal training and managing social media for One Kings Lane, while also pitching stories to magazines to establish himself as a stylist. Within months, he was fully booked, allowing him to concentrate on his styling career. His apartment continues to evolve, as he seeks a large oil painting for his bedroom, a vintage Joe D’Urso side table for his living room, and his first plant, a black olive tree. The home stands as a testament to the power of a light touch in revealing a space's innate beauty and the patience required for its realization. #InteriorStyling #BrooklynHeights #MinimalistDesign #HistoricApartment #MidCenturyModern #DesignProcess #ColinKing #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalPreservation

This article details a recent remodel project undertaken by Studio McGee in Maryland, focusing on transforming a client's childhood home to better suit her young family. The project involved a comprehensive renovation of a Cape Cod-style house, aiming to synthesize the client's long-held dreams for the space with the design team's expertise. The scope of work included significant structural changes, such as moving interior walls, along with the installation of new finishes and the selection of furniture tailored to the client's unique aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in respecting the home's inherent character and 'good bones' while introducing modern functionality and style. The article emphasizes the collaborative process between the client, who brought a deep personal connection to the house, and the design team, who translated those sentiments into a cohesive design plan. It highlights the importance of balancing preservation with modernization in heritage remodels, ensuring that the updated space feels both fresh and deeply personal. The remodel aimed to create a home that not only accommodates the practical needs of a growing family but also resonates with the client's nostalgic attachment to the property. The project serves as an example of how thoughtful design can update a home for contemporary living while honoring its past. The successful integration of new design elements with existing architectural features demonstrates how interior design can evolve a space without erasing its history, offering valuable insights for individuals considering similar renovation projects. The transformation showcases how a well-executed remodel can breathe new life into a beloved family home, making it suitable for future generations while retaining its cherished heritage. The article implicitly suggests that such projects require careful planning, a deep understanding of the client's vision, and a creative approach to problem-solving, especially when dealing with pre-existing structures and personal attachments to a space. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #HeritageHome #CapeCodStyle #FamilyHome #DesignProcess #ArchitecturalPreservation #Modernization #StudioMcGee

This article highlights various home renovation projects where designers successfully transformed problematic spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. Each case study presents a unique challenge and a tailored solution, offering insights into effective interior design strategies. The first project addresses a cramped kitchen in a 1969 raised ranch/split level. The homeowners, who both enjoy cooking and entertaining, found their original kitchen lacked space, functionality, and adequate lighting. The solution involved a complete gut renovation, maintaining the kitchen's original width but extending its depth by 16 feet and adding a 9-foot covered porch. The layout was reconfigured with an island replacing a peninsula, creating distinct functional zones and ample space for multiple cooks. The design incorporated classic yet unique elements, showcasing the homeowners' art collection and drawing color inspiration from the outdoors, resulting in a functional, artistic, and timeless space. The second renovation tackles a dated 1980s bathroom. Characterized by green-and-white tile, gold fixtures, a traditional cherry vanity with a green marble top, and a large, unused corner Whirlpool tub, the bathroom also suffered from insufficient storage and excessive grout lines that detracted from the overall aesthetic. The objective was to modernize the space without clashing with the home's traditional style. The designers removed the soffits to enhance ceiling height and replaced the Whirlpool tub with a soaking tub positioned to face a private backyard. Large 24-by-24 glossy tiles were installed horizontally on the walls to balance the room and reduce grout, while a dark, raised-panel vanity provided storage and a contemporary contrast. A third project focuses on a contemporary Pittsford home where the kitchen was isolated and the living spaces were awkwardly configured, despite ample square footage. The main issue was a lack of connectivity and inefficient use of space. The designer undertook a radical approach, gutting the entire main living area and raising the ceiling from 8 to 9 feet. The kitchen's location was shifted to create a well-proportioned living room, and a previously sunken family room was raised to the same level, forming a mudroom. This rearrangement, without adding any new square footage, resulted in an open-concept floor plan that better suited the homeowner's lifestyle. The fourth set of challenges involves a historic 1835 farmhouse. The first problem was a small, 88-square-foot bathroom shared by a family of four, featuring a large Whirlpool tub that consumed valuable space and made traffic flow difficult. The renovation aimed for a farmhouse-appropriate aesthetic while maximizing space. The solution involved removing a small window, eliminating the tub, and building a large shower where the window once was. Light colors, such as off-white ship lap and bead board, along with tile planks resembling bleached wood, were used to create a spacious feel. Custom mahogany vanities provided much-needed storage. The second problem with the farmhouse was its architecturally unbalanced exterior and a confusing, indirect main entry. A two-story, 400-square-foot addition was designed to balance the house and create a clear, welcoming entry from the driveway, complete with a copper roof and period fixtures. The interior entry was designed with a double-height ceiling and materials like distressed ship lap and hexagonal tiles to maintain the rustic aesthetic, while also incorporating ample storage. Finally, a 1978 contemporary home in Webster had an isolated kitchen tucked behind a wall, disconnected from the main living areas. Additionally, the homeowners faced a unique challenge with low doorways, particularly problematic for one homeowner who is 6 feet, 10 inches tall. The solution involved gutting the kitchen and back hallway, reconfiguring the mudroom, laundry room, and kitchen. The popcorn ceiling was replaced, and windows were relocated to optimize the appliance layout. An L-shaped kitchen design allowed for multiple work areas. Crucially, without adding square footage, the remodel connected the kitchen to a usable family room, transforming the home's flow and family life, and raising the doorways to accommodate the tall homeowner. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #BathroomRenovation #SpaceOptimization #OpenConcept #FarmhouseDesign #ContemporaryHome

The article details a home staging project undertaken by Molly Marino for a 1950s Chicago raised ranch. The property, initially featuring a dark, cramped kitchen with outdated wood cabinets, presented a challenge due to its unappealing aesthetic, despite other desirable features like a large lot and a good location. The objective was to modernize the kitchen and increase its appeal to potential buyers without undertaking a full, costly renovation. Marino's strategy focused on a cost-effective, high-impact transformation centered around painting the existing kitchen cabinets. The original cabinets were a dark, stained wood, contributing to the kitchen's dim and enclosed feel. To counteract this, Marino chose a bright, light-colored paint, specifically Sherwin-Williams Pure White. This selection aimed to significantly lighten the space, making it appear more open and contemporary, a critical factor for attracting modern homebuyers. The preparation for painting involved a meticulous process to ensure a durable and professional finish. The cabinets were thoroughly cleaned and degreased to remove any buildup. Subsequently, they were sanded to create a smooth surface, essential for paint adhesion. A high-quality primer was then applied to seal the wood and prevent the dark stain from bleeding through the new lighter paint. Finally, several coats of Sherwin-Williams Pure White paint were applied, transforming the appearance of the cabinets. Beyond the cabinet repaint, other elements of the kitchen were updated to complement the new, brighter aesthetic. The original, dark countertops were replaced with lighter-toned alternatives, likely a neutral quartz or laminate, further enhancing the kitchen's luminosity. The outdated backsplash was also updated, probably with a simple, light-colored tile, to provide a clean and cohesive look. New hardware, such as cabinet pulls and knobs, was installed, opting for modern designs that contributed to the updated feel. The flooring, if not replaced, was likely thoroughly cleaned or refinished to match the improved brightness of the space. The overall impact of these changes was substantial. The formerly dark and enclosed kitchen was transformed into a bright, airy, and inviting space. The combination of freshly painted cabinets, new countertops, backsplash, and hardware created a cohesive and appealing modern kitchen. This strategic renovation significantly improved the home's marketability, demonstrating how a targeted staging effort can yield impressive results without extensive expense. The success of the staging was evident in the rapid sale of the property. The house received multiple offers within a week of being listed, indicating that the aesthetic improvements resonated strongly with prospective buyers. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of thoughtful home staging, particularly when addressing key areas like the kitchen, which often play a decisive role in a buyer's decision-making process. The inclusion of a nicely sized fenced yard was an additional attractive feature that contributed to the property's quick sale. #HomeStaging #KitchenRenovation #CabinetPainting #DIYHomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #PropertyTransformation

This article addresses the common dilemma faced by homeowners and renters encountering undesirable, dated design features in otherwise ideal living spaces. It delves into practical strategies for dealing with three prevalent design elements often disliked: wall-to-wall carpeting, drop ceilings, and popcorn walls. The piece aims to provide solutions for individuals who may not have the time, money, or permission to undertake extensive renovations. Regarding wall-to-wall carpeting, often perceived negatively, the article acknowledges that removing it can be a significant investment with unpredictable results. For renters, removal is typically not an option. Hema Persad, an interior designer at Sagrada Studio, suggests layering rugs as a versatile solution. This approach allows individuals to introduce personal style through graphic or abstract designs and neutral palettes while also defining different areas within a room. Furthermore, rugs protect the underlying carpet, potentially safeguarding security deposits for renters. Keyanna Bowen, host of 'Rental Redo,' advises that for long-term renters, engaging landlords about replacing carpet with more durable, sanitary, and low-maintenance options like wood or wood-look laminate floors could be beneficial, as it presents a long-term cost-saving for the landlord. Drop ceilings, frequently associated with institutional or un-homey environments, are another challenge. Persad recommends using paint to create an illusion of increased ceiling height. Painting both walls and ceilings the same color causes the ceiling to visually recede, making the space feel taller. She suggests opting for moody, deep colors such as lush greens, inky blues, or rich burgundy to transform both textured walls and drop ceilings, potentially giving a basement an 'Old Hollywood' ambiance. A crucial piece of advice is to avoid painting drop ceilings a different color from the walls, as this can inadvertently emphasize their low height. Finally, the article tackles popcorn walls, also known as textured or acoustic walls, a midcentury design feature that many find unappealing today. The removal of popcorn ceiling texture is noted as a laborious task best handled by professionals due to the potential presence of asbestos in older applications. If removal isn't feasible, Bowen suggests distracting from the texture by filling the room with beloved items that draw the eye away from the walls. Persad agrees, proposing a gallery wall of cherished art and photos or a hanging plant display. She also introduces a philosophical perspective, encouraging acceptance by recognizing that many people share similar challenges with dated interior design choices. The article emphasizes making the best of existing conditions when direct alteration is not possible. #InteriorDesign #DatedDesigns #HomeDecor #RentalSolutions #DesignTips #DIYHome #SpaceTransformation #HomeImprovement