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updates - liz's apartment

By 6/30/2009

we made some major progress on liz's apartment in detroit.

we had a $500 budget to make the changes ... and 3 days!

we're still waiting on the curtain fabric for the living room to show up, two chairs to get reupholstered and a brass headboard for the bedroom- and then, BAM. until then, here's a peek

{before}
before

{after}
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liz
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Cherry TV Stands in glass and metal.

About the Author

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76 comments

  1. MagchunkJune 30, 2009 at 12:41 PM

    Wow! What a beautiful transformation! I love that you introduced a cohesive color scheme that isn't too rigid. Love the pillow on the couch and the green boxes above the desk. And the bedroom knocked me out. Gorg.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 30, 2009 at 1:44 PM

    A freaking mazing. You are a genius!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shea McGeeJune 30, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    I'm really glad you switched careers. Seriously, this is more than fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Brooke @ Blueprint BlissJune 30, 2009 at 2:06 PM

    It looks so good! I love b&a's!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Allison HaselJune 30, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Fantastic! I absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. lilyJune 30, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  7. MarthaJune 30, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    WOW. Awesome. WOW.

    ReplyDelete
  8. KatyJune 30, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    it's gorgeous. way to go! i love how colorful it became.

    ReplyDelete
  9. kayduhJune 30, 2009 at 2:22 PM

    The apartment looks great! Any idea where the 'I heart Detroit more than ever' poster is from? As a die-hard Detroit lover, it would be a great addition to my house.

    ReplyDelete
  10. UnknownJune 30, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    i made the print for her -- if you're interested, just email me.

    i can also make other cities!

    jamie.meares @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Chelsea JungetJune 30, 2009 at 2:26 PM

    Nice work! Goes to show you don't need a huge budget to make some big changes.

    ReplyDelete
  12. WaxyJune 30, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    Wow - brilliant makeover!!! If you are ever in MPLS and itching to do another makeover...

    ReplyDelete
  13. ZakaryJune 30, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Wow, you were busy!

    Looks nice!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kimberly JulieJune 30, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Um... Oh my god. It's like a whole other apartment! You're absolutely phenomenal. Seriously.

    ReplyDelete
  15. LisanneJune 30, 2009 at 2:39 PM

    A star is born!

    Congratulations on answering the call!

    It looks G-R-R-R-R-E-A-T!

    ReplyDelete
  16. everytimeyoucloseyoureyesJune 30, 2009 at 2:41 PM

    Fabulous Fabulous Fabulous! Makes me wish I had more color coordinated books! I love it, great job!

    ReplyDelete
  17. linseyJune 30, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    i have had my eye on that urban outfitters rug online, can you report its in-person feel/quality? thanks. beautiful work, by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Piper JacquelynJune 30, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    Wow, you've made such an amazing transformation! Fabulous job, I'm jealous!

    ReplyDelete
  19. EBJune 30, 2009 at 2:55 PM

    What the what!? That is so fantastic. Let me tell you, I was not feeling that gold mirror in your previous post, but I bow down. It is genius. Jamie, if you're ever in Chicago I want to buy you a cocktail!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Jenny B.June 30, 2009 at 2:55 PM

    hot damn!

    i spy an ikea duvet-turned-curtains in that bedroom... i know b/c i'm in the process of doing the same thing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. DevonJune 30, 2009 at 3:04 PM

    Smart move on the career change. You have clearly found your calling. Great update.

    ReplyDelete
  22. JenniferJune 30, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    it looks SO good, Jamie! really. the bookshelf is perfection -- just enough undone.

    ReplyDelete
  23. MFAMBJune 30, 2009 at 3:24 PM

    *tears...nuthin' but tears.


    (of course they are tears of joy you knuckle head!!)

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJune 30, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    I love that David Friedman print! I have the same one hanging in my kitchen!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lovely Little NestJune 30, 2009 at 3:33 PM

    #1 - Fabulous transformation - so bright and colorful!

    #2 - I love love LOVE the Anchorman quote at the bottom of your page!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. JackieJune 30, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    You totally just blew my mind right now. You did all that for $500? Amazing job.

    ReplyDelete
  27. JessicaJune 30, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    Um, super awesomesauce with freshly grated cinnamon.

    ReplyDelete
  28. suzanne cabreraJune 30, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    NICE job Jamie!!!! Very nice!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Auntie PocketsJune 30, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    $500!?!?!?!? SIGN me up!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Maison LuxeJune 30, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    AMAZING!! great job jamie, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  31. AnonymousJune 30, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    you girls have got it goin on! that may be one of the best before and afters i've ever seen - especially on such a tight budget. no lie.

    ReplyDelete
  32. AnonymousJune 30, 2009 at 5:15 PM

    Amazingness. Sheer amazingness.

    ReplyDelete
  33. tanisJune 30, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    there are no words. truly phenomenal. let me know if youre ever in los angeles.

    pure genius.
    and beauty.
    and awesomeness.
    and on the cheap! wowowowow!

    ReplyDelete
  34. katJune 30, 2009 at 5:22 PM

    WOW. Awe winning out over jealousy, it looks fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lindsey MichelleJune 30, 2009 at 5:25 PM

    wow, what a great redesign! everything is looking awesome!

    { Lindsey }
    http://greatfullday.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Jill GGJune 30, 2009 at 5:33 PM

    love, love, love. job super, duper well done! now if we could just get you to West Michigan...

    ReplyDelete
  37. The CurmudgeonJune 30, 2009 at 5:59 PM

    It looks gorgeous!! What a beautiful job! Congrats.e

    ReplyDelete
  38. JenJune 30, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    Yowsh!!!! The apartment is bangin!!!! Love the green accents!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Haven and HomeJune 30, 2009 at 7:43 PM

    I spy about 1,000 things in that apartment I want and I am not exaggerating!

    ReplyDelete
  40. emilyalaneJune 30, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    dang... you need to come to my house. shit.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Rebecca (Dog-Eared)June 30, 2009 at 9:59 PM

    $500 budget?! you are magical.

    ReplyDelete
  42. megJune 30, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    i need to know more about the poster/print in the bedroom on the wall with the window. love the rugs and the punches of green. awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  43. jenniferJune 30, 2009 at 10:54 PM

    wow, i am blown away. terrific job.

    ReplyDelete
  44. The Mighty RandRJune 30, 2009 at 11:19 PM

    Wow, girl. As an architect who likes to think (perhaps not so humbly) that I have an "eye" for design, I must say you've got what it takes! Beautiful, really. Even the photos ooze a certain level of professionalism. Good work!

    ReplyDelete
  45. djnekokittieJune 30, 2009 at 11:21 PM

    What a fantastic job! It went from looking like a college dorm room to a chic pad! It's amazing what $500 and a good designer can do!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Paris Hotel BoutiqueJuly 1, 2009 at 12:59 AM

    FABULOUS job! And with that budget? Kudos to you!

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousJuly 1, 2009 at 1:11 AM

    this is absolutely aweSOME!

    ReplyDelete
  48. THE BRICK HOUSEJuly 1, 2009 at 2:06 AM

    cute beans!

    love the girly kilim and that fab gold mirror.

    ReplyDelete
  49. AnonymousJuly 1, 2009 at 2:14 AM

    I know you're not done but I need the lowdown on how you did it! How did you spend the money, what did you repurpose from what she already had, and was there anything that just HAD to go?

    I could really use your magic touch on my place! Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  50. AnonymousJuly 1, 2009 at 2:50 AM

    HOLY S*&! !

    This looks amazing. Definitely - can you tell us what your budget went into? I can hardly believe $500 could transform my apartment in the same way.

    ReplyDelete
  51. MegJuly 1, 2009 at 9:05 AM

    Wow! Totally amazing!!! I think your new business is going to soar!! Congrats! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  52. luciteboxJuly 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    Make a cute vintage desk into a vanity!! What a GREAT idea!

    Come see me in Chicago please. I need help. Too much crap in here.

    ReplyDelete
  53. JessieJuly 1, 2009 at 12:34 PM

    I think this honestly might be one of my favorite before and afters I've ever seen!

    I'm already trying to think of ways I can get you out to Kansas City to help me. :)

    Also, I really love the "Detroit" print you made... might have to custom order one for myself!

    ReplyDelete
  54. nikinikinineJuly 1, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    okay I have to know how you are reupholstering a chair on that budget. Are you just talking about a cushion or a full on chair?

    ReplyDelete
  55. ThaoJuly 1, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    Holy cow, that's amazing. Great work! I would love to have such a beautiful little space. I'll definitely keep hopping over to your blog for design inspiration for our new condo.

    ReplyDelete
  56. LalaJuly 1, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    I can't even tell you how impressed i am! Awesome job!

    ReplyDelete
  57. LeahJuly 1, 2009 at 1:56 PM

    Can i ask where you got the rug? FAB!

    ReplyDelete
  58. LindsBJuly 1, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    I cant believe that was only $500!! What an amazing before and after, it is beyond beautiful, awesome job!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownJuly 1, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    rug is urban outfitters

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousJuly 1, 2009 at 6:22 PM

    I love what you did! Where did you get your inspiration from? Very cool.

    ReplyDelete
  61. RachelJuly 2, 2009 at 9:43 AM

    Oh my gawd, Jamie. You are too freaking good. I've known this and yet I am still stupified. I mean. Really. How did you do this for 500 dollars? Will you go with me ... shopping?

    ReplyDelete
  62. Tiina of livingConceptJuly 2, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    that carpet is very beautiful! i really would love ta have a like in my living room. have a lovely day!
    Tiina
    http://liviaconcepts.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  63. ottobearJuly 2, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    you are a genius! love your blog. any chance you could give some details on the artwork/print seen in the bedroom? i'm obsessed. thanks for making my turning on the computer everyday worthwhile!

    ReplyDelete
  64. UnknownJuly 2, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    ottobear, shoot me an email and we'll discuss...
    jamie.meares @ gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. DeodandJuly 2, 2009 at 5:15 PM

    Your customer really got her $500 worth! Dang!

    Her place certainly had some potential and you went and made it shine. She has great baseboards, moldings and a lovely floor. You can't go wrong spending your initial investments there.

    ReplyDelete
  66. The September DiariesJuly 3, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    Hi. Is the multi-colored runner from Urban Outfitters? Did you get it in the store? What location? I can't find it online.

    Thank you
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  67. UnknownJuly 3, 2009 at 10:36 AM

    Nope. Runner is eBay. Living room is uo

    ReplyDelete
  68. AnonymousJuly 3, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    I have that same uo rug and mine looks dark brown and cream. Yours looks black and white. I want yours. i thought it was black and white when I bought it. grrrr

    ReplyDelete
  69. The September DiariesJuly 5, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    Thanks for letting me know about Ebay. What did you search? Or do you know the seller you bought it from?

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  70. UnknownJuly 6, 2009 at 12:48 PM

    try seller pakobel rugs.

    and search for kilim

    ReplyDelete
  71. JHillJuly 6, 2009 at 8:06 PM

    amazing

    ReplyDelete
  72. SamanthaJuly 10, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Fabulous fabulous bookcase.

    Is it possible to make a living just as a bookcase stylist?

    ReplyDelete
  73. UnknownJuly 13, 2009 at 10:13 PM

    i keep coming back to this post- i am moving in a few weeks and want to do it up right with the shiz i already have. amazing how subtle color and organizational changes transforms a room.
    p.s. i am addicted to your "looking at ebay" posts- they do it for me

    ReplyDelete
  74. RobynJuly 17, 2009 at 12:18 AM

    I'm curious - where did the bird prints come from?

    They're beautiful, as is the rest of the apartment. Lovely job.

    ReplyDelete
  75. s.August 16, 2009 at 3:40 AM

    are you f(cking kidding me? I'm speechless.

    ReplyDelete
  76. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 8:19 PM

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    ReplyDelete