3 Days, $1500, One Dramatic Makeover

When my friend Patricia left town on a weekend trip, her boyfriend, Brendan, decided to surprise her with a much-needed apartment makeover. Their one-bedroom Manhattan apartment was a hodgepodge of items and hand-me-down family furnishings accumulated during their 8-year relationship. Patricia had long been complaining about wanting an update, but with no real idea of exactly what they wanted, the space sat at a standstill.

My mission? Take $1,500 and give their 800-square-foot space a modern update that both sexes would love -- all before she returned home three days later. Take a look at what I accomplished and let me know what you think!



Living Room

The bulk of the budget went to the living room -- the most commonly used space in the home. The biggest drama comes from a horizontal paint line of sunshine yellow wrapping three out of four walls. A horizontal line helps bring the eye down and creates a cozier feel for this super-lofted space. Affordable furnishings and accents update the space, while a few "investment" pieces (the brown and cream Zigzag rug from West Elm, and dramatic arc lamp and Spoke Mirrors from CB2) bring the look to the next level, and the rug helps hide the scuffed-up drab floor. [Other sources: The coffee table, TV unit, drapery and throw pillows are from Ikea; the wall blocks are from Target.]

Entryway



Nothing about this entry said "welcome home." This first impression for guests needed to make a more exciting statement. Now the sunshine yellow (continued in the living room) on one wall turns the entry into an introduction of the rest of the apartment, while another wall in a graphic trellis wallpaper shows guests that these homeowners have some personality.

Living Room Nook



Patricia and Brendan weren't making use of this well-lit corner with a pretty view to a cathedral across the street. Even the shelf filling the space didn't serve a useful storage purpose, holding only frames and knickknacks. Now a once unused spot becomes a reading nook, relaxation spot and extra seating for guests. The shapely rocking chair (from Ikea) also serves a visual purpose of breaking up the monotony of the rectangular sectional. The pretty three-dimensional rose pillow (from Blissliving Home) adds a soft touch to the modern room.

Bedroom

On a whim a few years ago, the couple stopped at a paint store and purchased the first sample that caught their eye-without testing it first. The result? A sickly peach reminiscent of a hospital waiting room.

Transformation! A simple coat of mushroom-gray paint (my new favorite neutral) covered up the peach. I reduced clutter by removing the random wall hangings and created an art centerpiece by hand painting a headboard. This transformation took me 1 hour.