(Re)Decorating Our Entire New York City Apartment. Two Creatives. A Very Small Apt. Making NYC Home
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- After living in our rent-stabilized apartment for thirteen years, it's undergone a few transformations. This year, I committed to a complete overhaul. A new breath of fresh air for new phases of life!
Join me as I paint and repair every room in our 500 sq. ft. apartment to bring new life into the space and pour back into our Brooklyn home that has held us through so many of life's transitions.
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Instagram: / paperforthepeople
All music from Epidemic Sound.
#nycartist #NYCVlog #nycapartment #apartmentmakeover #brooklyn
Thank you. I found your video very relaxing. Your voice too. I am totally in awe of the hand-painted 'wallpaper ' wall that you created. You're clearly very talented. 🎉
Thank you for being here! ☺️ I truly appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching the video and for letting me know what you think!
I ❤❤❤ the bedroom & the Morse Code design of y'alls song! That is very romantic!
Thank you! It was fun! And, I was ready for something a bit different 😂
I cover the front of my "garage" Kallax shelves with Schottis shades. Sometimes I roll them up but mostly keep them down to quiet my room. I have also in the past used curtains to cover my shelf area and create a large closet so to speak. Just an idea if you don't always want to expose all the contents of your shelves. You have a very nice home!
I Love this idea. I’ve thought about a few solutions for “hide” the overwhelm from eyes, but haven’t yet settled on one enough to do it. Thank you for sending your solutions! And, thank you so much for your kind words. I truly appreciate you.
I’m impressed you did all of that edging freehand with no painters tape. I’m a painter (art) too, but I make a mess of my edging.
I grew up with a grandmother and mother who painted rooms *very* often and learned real quick to have a steady hand. Every time I’ve tried tape I have to go back over it with my freehand. 😂
Paint is magical, isn't it? I also painted the window trim in my teeny kitchen a green-leaning teal and it changed the whole spirit. Recommended :) Your West Elm painted knockoff is lovely - well done. Tip for future: Make a spraypaintng tent for spraying small items - painting dropcloth or cardboard as construction so you can contain the spray. Wear a mask. Happy continued decorating!
Yes! I *love* a gallon of paint. When I taught, my supervisor and I would laugh at every every break because she knew I'd be stopping at the hardware store on the way home for a little painting refresh! lol
A spray painting tent is brilliant! I definitely should have thought it out more! Thank you for the tip!
A tip to keep spray paint contained is to put your item inside a large cardboard box. This will create a paint booth.
Yes! It seems many people know this trick! 😂 Honestly, I considered it. But, I did not have a large enough box and creating some sort of shelter through construction was daunting so I just went all in. I’ll have to better plan for the future for sure!
Yes. Get a large box and spray paint into that you can also improvise with a plastic tarp for larger items and make a little spray paint tent. Sometimes I’ll do it in a bathtub where I can drop all the walls with plastic and then put my items in the tub, and have a plastic curtain that I can pop my hand through
That’s smart! I’ll definitely have to have a better solution moving forward😂
Love what you did to the space. Next time you can spray paint in a big box to eliminate the overspray.
Thank you! And, yes! I will def try a box or a “tent” should their be a next time. I really should have thought it out a bit more…😂
Your wallpaper reminds me of a stage play I set designed for, where one of the lines is, "Nice kitchen. Looks like a Thermos," which meant I had to hand-paint a Thermos plaid over three walls on a set that I'd used forced perspective and a raked stage to look much bigger than it was. It was lots of math, lots of laser level use, and a LOT of swearing, but I loved how it turned out and was sad when we took down the set at the end of the show.
Set building is a bit like the sand artwork of monks is it not? Great effort to create something beautiful and temporary. I bet it looked incredible!
such interesting paint ccolors! Seeing your video, I was deeply motivated to explore more unique colors. especially that avocado green was soo pretty!
Thank you so much! I’m all for colors that have just a little *oomph*☺️Good luck finding those that speak to you! They always make a space a bit more fun!
Love this. And now I know the Classic Avocado is the answer to kitchen cabinets. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation.
Hahaha! Thank you! I appreciate your kind words. Classic avocado is definitely a winner.☺️
The wall you created in the kitchen is Off. The. Hook!
Thank you! Definitely worth the work, even if it had me cross eyed😂
Wow, I'm exhausted just watching you, but you've made a very eclectic colorful home and put a lot of love into it. Good job!
Thank you! It *was* exhausting 😂 By the time I got to the office I was dragging! But, I’m so glad it’s done.☺️
You did a lot of work. Everything turned out so beautiful.
Thank you so much!
I really was questioning everything by the time I got to painting the office 😂
So glad to have done it and glad it’s done!
Wow. Amazing redo! Love those 70s greens, though not all of the ones that were made back then. There were two types: the ones that lots of money bought and the ones created for "the masses". It was a real thing! That's where those grayish avocado colors came in. Mostly when I was young I lived where I could not paint, and when I could, there was no money for that. I've always dreamed of a 70s herb green kitchen. Ah, the-sort-of-good old days. Most of us had tons of plants, too. Spent a lot of time watering window length plants in a Victorian twin turned 2 unit apartment that my first child came home to as a newborn.
Thank you so much! And, that’s really interesting. I never knew that about the greens, but it makes sense! We saved up for a min to get all the paint- in the middle of a big life transition, but really wanting a new space to grow in and with. Thankfully we could get most of it for less than $40 a gallon. Your Victorian windows sound so dreamy. I dream of more, Big windows. I’d love more space for more plants!😂
@@AlexisViele yes, I missed those big ceiling to floor windows when we moved into an apartment a relative had just redone. And my beautiful Wandering Jew plants died because we moved in early December and lost our Eastern exposure. Our new windows were tiny in comparison! This was 46 years ago, lol. But I can still see that apartment.
Your voice is so so soothing! I love how you get to do this fun reno, nice end job!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.☺️
Loved all the changes that you did. You are so talented . And your voice is so relaxing.
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your kind words!
Thank you bunches, from your newest subscriber in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for sharing such a detailed & lovely view of how you refreshed your home's ambiance! Beautiful, inspirational choices! 😀
Much appreciated.
🙏🌿💐🌿😊💚😘🌿💐🌿🙏
Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the updates and are a part of our community here!☺️✨✨
Such a great video...and fantastic job. Love the greens andgGolds.. am condiering some avocado tile (maybe leaning more chartreuse) checkerboard tile for my kitchen backslash x
Oooh!! I Love a good chartreuse! It will be so lovely!
hi. this is so cool. change is always good for the soul. you are amazing, i think your apartment is Excellent. thanky for sharing, you are a delightful Personality...cheers
Thank you so much for giving it a watch and for spending a bit of time with me. I truly appreciate it!
Sometimes people use little tents as a spray booth. Love your colors and activism.
Very smart! I really should have thought about it a bit more before diving right in. Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’re here!
Thank u for original content! It’s a breath of fresh air in an ocean of homogenization
Thank you so much for your kind words. I truly appreciate it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I completely understand the excitement of fresh paint and the eagerness to just get on with the new color, BUT, I've painted a whole passel of rooms many different colors, and the one consistent piece of advice I would give is to prep the walls adequately. That means washing them, patching them if needed, and priming them, unless you're painting over a really light color and haven't patched anything. The primer gives you a fresh base for the new color and will keep it pure, rather than skewing the new color by painting over another hue. As for painting trim, often it's been painted with semi-gloss or even gloss paint, and needs to be de-glossed with a light sanding or a chemical deglosser or the new paint won't adhere properly and will tend to peel off eventually.
And I would recommend covering furniture and floors with something to prevent the inevitable accident or drip. And painter's tape isn't a bad idea.
I'm also pretty sure that a frame can be hand-painted. Spray paint isn't necessary. But if you want to spray, do you have roof access?
Excellent advice all around!
I've used an old sheet to cover things in the past, but with space being a premium, I no longer have it. I kept a bowl of water nearby to help with the little splashes- it worked well.
I'm definitely not a professional!
I *wish* I had roof access. I can go out on the fire escape, and have done that in the past with small items, but they just repainted it last fall and I didn't want to take any chances and mess it up.
Someday, I'll have access to an outdoor space!
Good work. Really freshened up, and the greens with touches of red are exciting.
Thank you so much! All colors I have not played with much in my home, but I really am glad I took the leap! I appreciate it!
Painting the wallpaper ….is amazing. I am plucking up courage to do the porch but not nearly as elaborate as yours.
It was such a Beast. Thank you!
I am so glad I attempted it. I do really love it. I'm excited for you to get to your porch! A little paint really makes an old space feel new!
Love your makeovers!
Thank you so much!
Well done! All the finishing touches make a difference! ❤ as for spray painting indoors, I put the items in a large box while spraying; it contains the mess.
Thank you so much! I agree- it really is in the details!
Moving forward, I'll keep this box tip in mind. Super helpful. Thank you!
This was nice to watch as I've just started painting my house,it's going to be a lot of hard work as there's only me but I'm already seeing results,colour is so wonderful isn't it,you've done a great job! now I'm off to paint a frame red lol 🙂⭐🌸
Color truly is where it's at! I am excited for you to bring some new life into your space. It truly is a wonderful thing to do! It's a *lot* of work, but so worth it. Sending you all that good energy that it goes well for you and brings you all you need it to! Cheers to red frames!
Use acrylic craft paint vs spray paint. Or paint ina plastic bag or bin
Definitely should have thought it out a bit more.😂
Your apartment looks lovely. This is the first video of yours I've seen. It showed up when I was looking at other 'home tours.' The second your face showed up, you looked so familiar. I can't for the life of me think who you remind me of but its an actress. Hoping someone will come along and say yes, she looks like... 😅
Thank you so much! And, I get that a lot!😂 I’ve heard it referred to as “cousin face” because I always look like some one’s cousin. Thanks for giving the video a watch!
Marisa Tomei!
Hahahaha I get that Often. Listen, she is STUNNING. If there’s even a shred of resemblance I am *lucky*!
And so began the "Say Creative" drinkng game
Lol did I say, “Say Creative” often in this video?
What you needed when painting, was a tarp that would’ve helped a lot.
😂 I did just fine without it. Tried it in the past and with how small our space is it caused more problems than solutions. I keep water nearby for the occasional drips.
When spray painting, you can do it in a large box. It'll save you on clean up.
100% should have thought this one out a bit better 😂
Now, your whole aot is cohesive!
Yes! It feels so good in here! It went through a bit of an identity crisis 2020-2024😂😂
Off topic, but I love the gray stripes in your hair. I wish mine looked like that.
Thank you!😂 Being raised by women who were *always* dyeing their hair to cover theirs, I knew I’d never want that rigamarole!
If you must spray paint indoors, use a box. It will protect the floors from overspray and floating particles. It won't be 100% perfect, but it will help.
Yes, I really should have thought it through a bit better😂
Spray paint inside a cardboard box.
Yes! I will definitely keep this in mind for next time.
Paint the brackets the same as the wall maybe? Might look cool😊
Yeah! We have that in the bedroom, but I’m a sucker for gold accents…😂
Its easier to spay paint smaler items in a carboard box when you have to do it inside, so you create less mess !hope this helps next time
Yes! Thank you so much. I really should have thought more about it before I jumped in. I really underestimated how far it would spread. 😂
You should use silicone in the shower. Use the corner of a credit card to get a clean finish
Yes. We used a silicone based product. We used a tool the last time, but with how wide some of the gaps are due to the settling, a finger was a bit easier to navigate. Thank you!
@@AlexisViele you are doing a great job!! No criticism here, just sharing tips as a designer and artist living and working in Chicago. I love apartment makeovers!! You are very talented. Keep up the fantastic work!!
Of course! No worries! I know there’s *always* room for improvement and truly appreciate your advice. Thank you for watching the video and for taking the time to respond! Cheers from one artist to another! Sending you all that’s good!
spray paint in a large cardboard box. less mess on floors
Absolutely. I should have planned better for sure!
Can you do a tour of the apartment? I would love to see properly because I love creative interiors
Oh! I’ll have to get on that for sure! There are a *couple* of small things I’d like to do first but it’s on my list!
@@AlexisViele Good to know thank you
Use a box to place items to be spray painted next time. It contains the paint better
Absolutely! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for large boxes before I begin.
Wish you would have shown each room at the end.
I did. They are very small and narrow so they were panned shots. But, at the end of each room I showed the finished product. I’ll do a tour soon!
Maybe paint in a big box
Indeed! I should have thought about it more before just jumping into it
You’re a great inspiration but you need a tarp
😂 I know. And, I’ve used them in the past, but they just get in the way. Our space is so small and difficult to navigate with a ladder- i just get tangled up.
I keep a bowl of water nearby to wipe up any unintentional splashes. Luckily, in all my times doing this, I’ve not yet had a large spill… I hope I didn’t just jinx it.
Next time you want to spray paint, put down painter plastic sheet and if the item is small, like those brackets, spray them in a box.I don't have a yard so I spray painted a bird cage with stand out in the parking lot on top of painting plastic sheet. It was fun because it was windy that day and our lawn guys decided to spray our bushes and rocks with insecticide two feet from my freshly painted project, but it got painted and no spotting from their spray. I have a couple of smaller items that I am going to spray in empty boxes. To spray you need the area well ventilated (windows opened) and then leave the stuff outside (if possible) for a few days to get rid of the fumes.
Yes! Windows were open and fans were blowing full speed. I’m glad your project survived the yard work!
Just like me. Takes shelves down or paint around them. Ha. Ain’t no one got time for that. ❤
Glad I’m not alone!
I went back and forth one this one… I was afraid if I took them off the wall, we wouldn’t get them back up- old construction worries😂
It would have saved so much time while painting!
@@AlexisViele I used to paint around things too, now I treat the skirting and doors etc as walls. I paint all the wood and radiators as walls. Paint them all the same colour. In England special radiator paint turns a horrible yellow after a year or so, which resembles nicotine stained Painting them with a flat wall paint it never changes.
Listen! We gotta find the tricks that work for us! I’m into it!
Next time, instead of acetone, try Hand Sanitizer. It has rubbing alcohol in in but doesnt have the same fumes!
Oh! Smart!! Hopefully I won’t have too many more doors with permanent marker?🤞🏻
......there is a thing called "painters tape"
😂 I don’t need it. I’m excellent when the wall edges are straight.
How long have you been in your apt. I’m originally from NYC/ you just answered my question lol I wrote ahead loved the color
Hi! I’ve been in this apartment since 2011 and have been in the city since 2008! Definitely feel very lucky to have had such a long standing home in what can be such a transient city. Are you still in the city?
❤
If you have to paint inside use a box as a spray station
Yes! Others have recommended this as well. Should I ever do that again 👀 I’m better prepared. Thank you!
u didnt do a walk through after
You’re right. I will do a tour soon! I showed each room as it was finished, and I now realize how many people would like a proper tour. Getting to it soon
Did you declutter as you re did the apt…l whoop spoke to soon again lol 😂
Hahahahha. A constant state of underconsumption and releasing what is not needed for sure! Space is a premium!
Was it possible to move the plant???
Hahaha I should have! It’s a double pot so when I move it, it has to stay hanging. I’ll usually move it to one of the mounted bike stands if that’s the case. I would have had to have found a spot for the second bike and I think at that point I could move around it. It was just on that section of trim that it kept getting me 😂
where your pendant light comes from? :D
The gold ones in the living room?? I love them so much😂 They we’re my splurge from West Elm!
@@AlexisViele the paper lighting one :D
I got you! The one in the kitchen is Ikea. The Big one in the office I think is Amazon!
All you had to do was put down a drop cloth in the kitchen!
I don’t have one and was impatient! But… it really was all over like the stove top, too.😂🫠
if yuo spray next time, grabe a box- not just flat cardboard!
Yes. Thank you!
Try painting inside of a cardboard box, not flat cardboard
Yes! I most definitely should have thought it out better😂
Boy, I hope your stove is electric; as spray painting near a gas stove is very dangerous!
An example of “Do as I say, not as I do!”Don’t spray paint in your apt.😂
As a child of the 70’s …. It amazes me the younger generation has seemed to embrace the aesthetics of the 70’s….. no offense but I hated it then and I hate it now.
Hahahah that’s okay. Style is personal. For as long as I can remember I’ve been into it. I hope you can create a space that brings *you* joy!
I laughed out loud! Give it time…I was a child in the 50s, have traveled the world, very ecletic home, leaning trad, but find myself yearning for the simplicity of mid century. I saw my mother do the same, gorgeous MSM, & suddenly pieces of Victorian era appeared, I thought WTF? I do have
Oops…a son who’s leaning towards the 70s as he ages, & wondered about the influence of childhood memories. Alexis is SO talented, that “wallpaper!” In fact all those wallpapers!
Thank you! It is indeed all cyclical!😂 My earliest memories are of that 70’s color scheme and I’ve always had such a soft spot for it. I honestly didn’t realize my space read “70’s” until the comments. Hahahaha. I suppose “classic avocado” was a given! Thank you for your kind words and for being here!