Name: Melissa
Location: Cole Valley — San Francisco, California
The unit I purchased in 2008 was last updated in the 1970's, and it looked like it was stuck in a bad time warp. The place was covered in vintage paneling and wallpaper. I know vintage is in, but not all vintage is good.
The unit got amazing light, but you wouldn't know it with the dark paneling. Every surface needed to be retouched.The kitchen and bathroom needed to be gutted. The only thing I kept was the fireplace mantle and dining room chandelier.
I bought the place with my eyes wide open but knew this place had huge potential. I knew I could put my personal touch on it. This building was built in the 1940's, and while I love Deco, I didn't want it to be too literal, so I tried to make subtle references to the Deco influence. For example, the coffee table is an authentic piece. The dresser is new, but deco inspired.
Thanks, Melissa!
• HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE Check out past house tours here
• Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
Shoe Storage Solutions: Under $100
Marisa and Peter's Playfully Eclectic Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
10 Low-Budget Pantry Items Everyone Should Have
Summer Recipe: Gluten-Free & Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
Hello neighbor, I'm in Cole Valley too.
This is lovely and cozy you did a great job with updating but still keeping it unique. The daybed room is beautiful with the colors , light and furniture.
Where did you find the table tray, what a nice piece.
House Tour!!!
When I saw the first pic, I literally sat up and took notice. I'm not sure I get how the last picture of the shelves in the last picture fit in with the rest of the decor I am seeing. I find the other four pictures to give an impression of a really classic and sophisticated space that I would love to see more of. Very nice!
The picture of the dining room is stunning!
Melissa thanks for sharing. Great job:) A house tour would be fun, because i would love to see before pics.
That daybed room is such a quiet charmer. Immediately grabs you.
simply lovely. i second on HT, too!
The paintings above the bookcase in the last pic are GORGEOUS! I want to see more of this place!
Beautiful!!! Would love to see more!
Looks so relaxing and comfortable! Would love to know where the day bad is from. Thanks for sharing!
sorry, meant "daybed"...
Fabulous! Love the dining room and the art. I agree...House Tour!
House tour! It's cute. I want to see more.
I lived in CV for years and it's still my top choice for a livable, entertaining, fair weather spot.
Hi everyone. This is Melissa. Thank you for the kind comments. If you're interest in seeing more, including the before pictures, check out my blog at http://goodlookingthings.blogspot.com/
Wanted to answer a couple of questions/comments:
1. The tray was a $25 garage sale find.
2. The daybed is from Charles P. Rogers. I bought it 10 years ago, but they are still selling it at http://www.charlesprogers.com/iron-brass-sleigh-daybed-p-91.html?cPath=2_182
3. MsDonnaGirl, I agree with your comment about the paintings in the last picture. They are not in the same tone as the rest of the house, but I fell madly in love with the paintings and had to buy them. The console is an Ikea piece. It's not my first choice, but it's acting as a placeholder while I find the perfect piece.
What a gorgeous dining room and bedroom! House tour please!
Great place. The upholstered dining chairs are beautiful--can you say where they're from?
Thanks for the comment on the dining room chairs. They were a craigslist find. Only $25 per chair. Almost everything you see in the dining room is from CL - dining table, chairs, rug and mirror. I put the room together for less than $500 thanks to CL.