Updating an apartment for a young adult who uses a 15'x15' space as an office/bedroom/living room. These shelves, built-in side by side, are 7' and 5' (12 feet wide total). They need to hold the TV, video games, DVDs, books, plants, and collectibles, and still provide hidden storage space.
Painting is permitted, but the budget won't allow it, so only accent and decorative paints will be applied. The owner is a big horror movie fan, so there's lots of spook and dark furnishings to work with.
Design inspiration comes from "We Bought A Funeral Home", a television program on Discovery + where designer Heather Blumberg confirms what some of us have always known; creepy can be quite beautiful.
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
I painted the closet door black, sponge painted the bottom shelf, and added a short, black curtain. It provided so much hidden storage space, another black curtain was requested, and will be installed next week. A lacy spider web curtain is draped over the edge of the top shelf. Two new media racks hold all of the DVDs and video games, with room for a few more.
New black storage containers have lids. They hold game items, fill empty spaces, and elevate unusual items of interest, like pottery, and...skulls. I rehung the drama masks with long black ribbons. A collection of vintage books and candles are mixed in with art for good measure. The ottoman has a new throw blanket, and a new decoupaged serving tray.
All of the small plants, remaining books, and collectibles were rearranged and placed in the shelves next to the window. The ladder was painted black and gold so it could be used to reach needed items or water plants.
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
Black and gold tassles were hung from the ladder's hinges. The ladder holds a plant and watering can.
 |
Full view of the 'plant corner' and ladder in sunlight.
The working barber chair is comfortable, and will be reupholstered soon! All of the mismatched furnishings that could be painted, were painted with black satin paint (Valspar ®). Everything that could use a new touch of gold paint (FolkArt ® - Metalic), got one.
The bed got new fluffy black throw pillows, and new area rugs.
The cats gave their approval on the design changes, and will allow things to stay like this, for now.
