studio apartment redesign.

recently i paired up with my friend claire to freshen up and redesign her studio apartment.

anyone who knows claire can speak to her bubbly, bright personality.

her space reflects her cheery disposition in every way: 

it is an eclectic mix of colors, patterns, and pieces.

here's the catch with this redesign:

we used only things she already had (minus two thrifted mirrors) & just rearranged everything.

total cost of this makeover: just $13!!!

 scroll below to see the transformation...

previously, when you first walked in her front door, her bed was directly to the left.

this is what you would have seen:

from the foot of the bed

{the front door is on the far left; the other door is not used & leads to the closet}:

this is what you see now right when you walk in the door:

we created a lovely little living space that helps section off the large, open room

and is also a nice welcome to her home.

her bookshelf used to be directly in front of you when you walked in the door, 

lined against the right side wall. 

the shelves were packed with books stacked on top of each other, cards/letters, & little knick knacks.

her book shelves now...moved across the room to where you see them above:

top of the bookcase:

much better!

{and a place to corral all those cards & letters.}

again, here's the (old) right side of the room:

 {a lot going on here.}

and now:

we de-cluttered everything; added some additional shelving she already had; and then moved over her suede, tufted ottoman and mirror so she has a place to throw bags etc. when she walks in the door. 

it's also a place for one more mirror-check before leaving the apartment!

this, along with the sitting area, opened up the entry way significantly.

the big woven basket by the front door also offers a place for coins & keys,

as well as hidden storage for scarves, hats, and gloves.

the desk up close:

this is the view now when you walk in the front door:

versus this:

did you see that mini gallery wall?

before:

after, with the help of 2 mirrors & some spray paint

{again, under $13}:

and her little nightstand:

and now, the kitchen...

before's:

after's:

finally, the walk-in closet.

here's the entry...

closet on the left, bathroom on the right.

she has some beautiful jewelry boxes and a sweet mirror on her dresser,

but they were not popping out amidst all the debris.

we again went through everything {adding to the "give away" bags}

and this is what i created out of the chaos:

we found homes for most of the shoes lined up against the wall {except for the pairs she wears every day}

and hung up a "fashion inspiration board"

(just a spray painted bulletin board with fabric!):

 i think it gives her dressing area/closet the perfect touch.

so there you have it, people!

a $13 re-do.

just think of the possibilities if you had a little budget to add new pieces...

or if you were able to paint...

{claire is renting and will most likely be moving soon}

...there is so much we could do!

claire absolutely adores her new space. 

she's said that she wants to hang out at home all the time now...and in her own words:

"beth, i am totally feeling the positive energy flow in the apartment. thanks for the love and the re-design. i feel so much lighter and rejuvenated and so much more that i don't yet have a vocabulary for it!"

we've talked about how a decluttered & beautiful space you love can transcend 

into your emotional and personal life too. 

i really believe that lightened & rejuvenated spaces=lightened & rejuvenated people!

if you're interested in freshening things up & adding some new touches to your space,

please let me know!

so what do you think of her new studio? 

{thanks for joining in the tour!}