I voted "Insta-Finalist" and I'm proud to say that I did, all you "Not my thangs" out there! I think there is much creativity and successful DIYing going on here. And that pass-through window from living room to kitchen is reason alone! The paint colors are a daring, bold move but I think they work (except for, maybe, that red panel section next to the fireplace).

But, over all, cheers, fellas! Keep up the rockin' (lo-budget) style.

I like the reception window...

but the colors, the rest of it...

and I understand the quirkiness of the salon chair, but...

just ain't my thang.

Um, but I like your handwriting on your floorplan!

i can tell you are a kindred thrift-hunter, you live life a little to cluttered for your own good.

i LOVE your 3rd photo. it's so moody yet very comfy.

Ain't my thang. Thrift hunting is all and good, but this just looks like a Sally Ann outlet. (in a similar fashion to those who criticize the Pottery Barn catalogue look)

I would have also liked to see more use of the strong architectural features, especially the receptionist window (has great potential as a bar)

Enjoyed your pitch. Once I knew that was the receptionists' window I was charmed. I'd like to visit. Great chair, amazing student-plus apartment.

The monster eyes from beneath the bench in pic one have told me to vote insta-finalist.

But really, I do like the space. It shows a lot of creativity & not just more of the same that we're used to seeing around here. The colors are happy & bright & I find it refreshing that it's not a DWR wannabe.

Homey & comfortable with a kick. I like it.

It's nice to see items reclaimed/reused/resurfaced so creatively. I'd love to see the place afterwards-if you guys win one of the prizes. Good job.

sorry, but this looks like college housing.

The mirror and red panel in the second picture seem to be really out of proportion with the rest of the space. You have so many cool little things in there, that the size of those two pieces sticks out and make the room feel top heavy. A smaller mirror and some of your decoupaging skills on the panel would help them to fit in.

ehh, im not crazy about the colors and the cluttterrr. but its not so bad :)

i think it's pretty kick-ass and different.
refreshing to see more diy.
i enjoy people who have to make do with what they have, instead of going over to dwr and buying up the place.

Be still my heart! I love vintage and you've made some great finds here. Love the ribbed glass between kitchen and living room. Love the fabric curtain on the bookcase. So cool.

I feel like I can smell it here at my computer.

I'm so sorry I wrote that...Salvation Army chic is just not my thang.

I feel like we're being dissed a bit for thrift store shopping...the thing is that we put this apartment together on a shoe string budget....not out of a Sally Ann/Salvation Army aesthetic, but out of a desire to build an apartment we love that is also within our means. and if we had the money to buy high-end furniture, we would still heavily re-use/recycle because it reduces waste and is ecologically sensible.

I understand that some of our design choices ain't everyone's thang, but come on...give me a break on the thrift store thing. we make do with the resources we have, and are thrilled with the quirkiness and hominess of our crib.

but really, i do appreciate all the advice and encouragement. especially the "monster eyes" comment. our monster doesn't help with the rent, but he's furry, loves carrots, and thinks you should vote insta-finalist!

Love the vintage. Love the fact you guys do what you can and reuse objects that are out there. Love the creativity and the personalization of your home. I can actually tell you live there! You get my insta-finalist vote!

I do like it. Feels like it needs more work though. I am no expert, but isn't there a way of selecting vintage pieces that look elegant? Feels somewhat incongruous to me...

quirky original and fun

I dig the thrift store finds, but I think hanging pictures above the receptionists window and doorways is a mistake - you can't see them properly and it makes the place look random rather than eclectic. The salon chair is great, looks very comfy!

Overall, I think I like your space. I like the "salon hairchair" in the living room as it looks like a lot of fun. I also completely love the reception window and ribbed glass-I can imagine the nurse peering around the frame! My issues here are: The green/blue combo in those tones are too dark for me; maybe if they were a lot lighter the space would look airier. I'd also change the red blind in the living room to something much lighter, and look for a different desk lamp as it looks too visually heavy for the little space. That said, good work on the teeny bugdet, and I hope you enjoy your home.

You have some great vintage pieces and it's colorific!! I love it when people are not afraid to go bold on color. Seems like a happy, cozy place.