Let’s call this a lesson in looking past previous tenant’s belongings – for all of you who may be apartment or home hunting. We found photos of our place when it was available for rent years ago.
Three guys lived here before us. Of course I am going to decorate a bit differently.
Things to pay attention to when house hunting:
– ceiling height
– flooring (hard wood!)
– natural light
– architectural detail
Nothing else matters.
Things to ignore when house hunting:
– window treatments
– light fixtures
– paint colors
– all furnishings
That is all easily changeable.
Case in point, when you look at the photos below there are only 3 differences in the home itself (furniture excluded):
1. every room has a fresh coat of Ultra Bright White by Behr paint
2. we switched out the light fixtures (which I explain in more detail here)
3. we asked our landlord to change the carpet in the two guest bedrooms because it was in pretty bad shape (you can always ask this of a landlord assuming there’s a security deposit from the previous tenants – that’s the whole point of a security deposit).
Everything else is just a different vision and style for furnishings!
The Living Room Then
Our Living Room Now
SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM
The Dining Room Then
Our Dining Room Now
SHOP OUR DINING ROOM
The Master Bedroom Then
Our Master Bedroom Now
SHOP OUR MASTER BEDROOM
The Guest Room Then
Our Guest Room Now
SHOP THE GUEST ROOM
The Bathroom Then
Our Bathroom Now
What do you think? Are you able to see past homes’ furnishings when hunting? I know this is difficult for a lot of people.
Hahaha!! When I saw you post this one Instagram I knew it was going to be a hilarious read. Those poor boys. I wonder how those buys are decorating now or if they have lady or a gentleman in their lives that helps to guide them. Years ago, when my husband and I first started dating he sublet his apartment and moved into a condo I owned with me. We never stayed at his apartment because it was the funniest place, it looked like someone was either moving out or just moving in. And he had lived there for a year!!! But now he’s all about interior design and decor and has soooo many opinions. And he’s helpful in making decor decisions. How time has changed my sweet man. Thank you for sharing this it was to funny!
http://www.forthewonderer.com
WOW! You’ve really outdone yourself. The before and afters are incredible. SO much inspiration!! Do you have any more home projects to tackle?
I have stopped watching House Hunters because they drive me insane with “but we haaaaaate yellow walls” and I’m throwing things at my TV yelling BUY PAINT! Look at those windows! The price! The current home owners are taking the ugly couches, it’s gonna be fine! I realize it’s all for TV, but it’s crazy to think people can’t look past superficial things.
I’m loving all your home updates. I’m almost finished decorating my apartment; have the same dotted print (in your living room) and the one in your bedroom. I just love minted art so much
The dart board got me!!! HaHa! YOUR place is beautiful….
My roommate/bff and I just moved into a new 2 bedroom this past month and I think the apartment hunting was the funniest this time around. We probably looked at over 15 apartments and while I knew what details to look at looking at an apartment, it was too funny not to be a liiiiittle judgmental of the spaces we were looking at – mismatched furniture, clutter everywhere. Thankfully the place we ended up picking had photos online of tenants a few years ago and the pictures and furniture set up were amazing and basically were sold based on the photos we saw even though we had seen the apartment in person!
Love love loveee your space! So many amazing details.
xo,
Taylor
Love your place. The mirror over fireplace and the lighting are beautiful.
Love love everything about this and such great tips! My husband, baby, and I are moving into a vintage walk up in the city and trying to change what is very brown to a blank white palette. Great tips!
I love the stair runner! What size did you order and how did you have it installed?