Sometimes when you're making over a space it's not because there's anything horrible about the 'before', it's just because you're ready for a change. That was the case for Derek, a 2-time House Tour-er we've featured. From one House Tour to the next, he took his apartment from "Mid Century Kitsch and Colors" to "Monochromatic 70's".
Check out these befores and afters of Derek's living room, the first from Derek's Gidget Gets a Sex Change and the afters from the more recent Derek's Gidget Goes Disco. He shed most of his mid century colorful kitsch for a streamlined approach. He changed out the carpet, simplified all the furniture and artwork, got vertical blinds and stuck to a palette of red, black and chrome and the difference is striking.
Have you totally made over the style of your space?
Images: Gregory Han, Laure Joliet
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i want all of derek's old furniture. could that be arranged?
I think the retro decor is too literal.
Sad about that black sofa and chrome-and-glass coffee table. The pieces before had much more charm and personality, imo. But the other loveseat in the after is pretty fun, too.
Incredible style.....you certainly have an "eye." Thanks for sharing!
I can't believe I'm going to say this but I actually like the before better, even though the after is more my style. There's more coherence to the room while the after seems scattered.
Although the before is very bright an' happy, it flows, everything is tied together in perfect harmony... The after seems to be... forced, almost like the pieces were picked out to fit the look, but not the feel.
I love both looks and I love that he's not afraid to play with his furniture as he pleases. Well done!
I love both decor styles! I like the idea of the after, more streamlined look, but mixing in some of the colorful before furnishings and pieces. One thing's for sure - Derek has great taste!
While both are lovely, I am totally digging the 70's vibe.
I love looking at homes that are filled with mid century decor. Though my own home stays a bit more contemporary, modern and mid century pieces are snuck in here and there. I do love the first look, but for me the second looks more calmer and relaxing.
everyone is correct in a way but preciousmetal said it best -
way to literal.
It was better before in my lame ass humble opine!
wait, what is the before??
I adore both styles, but the Mid-Century modern room seemed a bit cluttered, with stuff in every corner. The 70s room is definitely more streamlined and appealing to my eye. That coffee table is totally groovy and would love to know more about it!
Beautiful cat!
Is the after couch this one: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/fud/2197891386.html ? If so, it actually looks better in a home than in the ad.
Cheers!
How interesting. I wonder if there were any big life changes or a shift in mental mind-set between the two decors. They just "feel" so very different!!
I know that when I am going through various things, my style will change along with it....
Before > After
I'm so torn. I love how streamlined the after is, but the furniture in the before is so awesome.
@modestalmond, Agreed.
Derek, I love your home. I loved it before and I love it now. Two questions: Do you have a shop? I often wished I did, I think it would be the best for recycling items. I love switching up my apartment too.
And, can you please tell me about the art (of bridges?) over your sofa. Very interesting. Thanks.
P.S. Please contact me if you ever decide to sell that purple genie bottle!
yep, those bridge paintings/prints are the best bits.
Ha ha, Mtlyorel; I totally agree.
The before photos are much more appealing. I'm getting awfully bored of the onslaught of white that has been popular for the last several years. The after photos show a room that feels stiff, uninviting, and downright uncomfortable; like being on the set of 2001 Space Odyssey, while the before photos showed imagination and humor. Also, that orange chaise was pretty awesome.
Derek, May I please have your green chair and red couch from the before pic? I am seriously lusting after those pieces... (LOL... I'll do anything) And I love your beautiful Siamese cat... He looks like he could be the sibling of mine :)
I liked the "before" way better : )
Derek definitely has style! That said, I do prefer the "before" -- it was one of, if not, my favorite of all the house tours! So Derek, if you decide to sell ummm.. like ANYTHING from your "before" apartment, we're interested!!!
both different, both gorgeous. fabulous job!
some say style is INnate, in your genes, predetermined like height, features, or eye colour.....couldn't agree more. both designs are outstanding !
what kind of chair is that? the sea foam one in the before pic?
I always prefer mid-century. Terrific job anyway.
Thanks, the blue mirrored wall are probably late 70's early 80's pieces.
I do like both styles I just get bored and I like re-doing things every now & then. My swap meet addiction keeps me off the streets and I do have fun changing things. In another year or so I'm sure things will have evolved a bit.
The 70's look is more upscale. Sadly all of the old furniture was sold on craigslist.
I forgot the green chair everyone loved is a Plycraft Lounge. I see quite a few mostly black, I had that one recovered in a pea green. Plycraft did offer many colors on that chair, if you watch "What a Way to Go" with Shirley MacLaine her psychiatrist in the movie has a powder blue Plycraft chair.
I like the before better but maybe too kitch and I hate to say that as I sooooo love bright colors and mid century modern decor. It's only furniture and since you enjoy decorating I think it is great you switched it out like you did. Personally I get very attached to my furniture.
I like the before better. Especially the green chair and artwork.
I like them both but I'm with those who prefered the before :) Sorry :) You know, since you don't need the other mid century furniture and stuff, you can ship it to me :) :) :) I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands !
I don't get what I'm looking at. Two different rooms? Different views of the same room? A before and after of the same room? If so, which is which?
The same two stacked pillows are in both "rooms." Right?
Like the after, really liked the before..wish I could have a few of those items:)
Agreed - Before makes me smile; After is a bit meh. Not bad, but nothing inspiring.