apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I definitely appreciate all the work they've put in, the improvement is huge, as is the apartment. I love the big windows, although it's not my personal style.

Thanks for sharing.

I like the use of soffits and built-ins. Adds a lot to a bland box apartment. Overall the decor and finishes are not my taste at all--but that's what makes the world go round and round.

I LOVE before-and-afters! What an improvement. That was an insane amount of mirroring.

Wow. I thought my house was bad having a mirror on most every wall. That's nothing compared to having every wall mirrored! Geez. Lovely reno.

I LOVE that China cabinet!!!!!! Sara, please tell where you found it!

I love what you have done Sara. Great renovation. You must have had a reliable and good contractor!

Nice job. The previous owner must have been in love with himself/herself :-)

really beautiful, am now inspired to get back to work

Absolutely beautiful built-ins and I love the pebble tile in your bathroom. Fantastic job!

Every before picture had me cracking up...just when I thought I had seen a room with a ridiculous amount of mirrors, the next room would trump it!

Wow!

Great built-ins. Nice colors. Very nice, and what an improvement. I can't imagine how much work that was

ACK!! Mirrors, mirrors, everywhere! How hideous. Especially around the tub. Ick.

Your style is a bit more traditional/contemporary than mine, but you've done an amazing job. I especially like the fireplace and the "floating" vanity in the bathroom.

And I am with amanda25... that china cabinet is spectacular. Where did you get it? I'm assuming it was a found item. If i wanted to find the same kind of thing, what exactly would I ask for?

Would love to know who did your built ins... love that media center.

I love the built-ins and the bathroom. The house seems like a Candice Olsen, Martha Stewart and design on a dime although more like Design on thousands, clash.

As long as it makes you happy ... good for you.

Great reno. I LOVE the idea of giving the youngest child the largest room. The thought and care just shine through. I actually appreciate seeing a more trad room on AT: not everyone is into mcm. Of course, I wouldn't be me if I didn't have one crit: although beautifully dressed, I dislike the dining room table; reminds me of the 80s but not in a good way. That said, this home is welcoming and comfortable and well thought out. Congratulations.

That remodel was worth every year of bad luck they earned getting rid of those mirrors. Nice job.

Wow, I love to read all those comments. It was a lot of work, but I have to be honest with you, it was such a pleasure to work for a client that I loved her taste, myself:)
"Amanda25" and "Als1", I got that China cabinet from a carpenter who used to work in PA making furniture from recycled wood. I am a "LEED AP" (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certify which is a fancy title for those who think Green when it comes to construction and renovation of buildings. Most items that I have in my place are like that even that 80's Granite dining table that "ebrown" doesn't like:)Anyways, thank you so much for all your compliments and critics, Sara

This tour should be titled, Carnival Funhouse Re-vamped. Imagine how scary to see your grimy, demolition-focused self all over the place as you work. Imagine the motivation to tear out all of those mirrors so you can't see the aforementioned self any more. Nice job, nice to see something a little different.

gasp

beautiful!

I am in Riverdale, too. Where is yours and does yours have a fire place? Nice job.

Love this - esp the tile and built-ins! And I am in 100% agreement re: bedroom size and assignments. Kudos!

Terrific transformation from a narcissist's shrine into a comfortable, kid-friendly home. Although Sara's aesthetic is more traditional than my own, I'd be happy to hang out here. Her son is a lucky little guy to have such a generous and thoughtful mom (okay, a little bit of envy on my part, not having had a room of my own, much less a large bedroom, until well into my 20s!) Brava!

Sara, i love it! it is very European/contemporary. my family is from germany, and it reminds me of the younger generations' homes and apartments of sweeden, germany and england. it's very calm and clean! and i happen to love the re-use of your dining table, there is nothing wrong w/ it and you really showed your creativity by throwing a linen cloth and traditional services. and that's what i call real life design.
:)
in my early 70's condo one wall is mirrored. i did a floor to ceiling open-backed bookcase, thinking that the mirror wouldn't be so bad. but, it ended up looking too busy, so down they went.
i think soon, i'll be following your example of dealing w/ mirrored walls!!!!

Am I alone in getting a seriously weirdo vibe from the mirror palace? Who has a "mirror room"? I can't begin to imagine what kind of person lived there. Blech, gives me chills. The new place is an incredible overhaul.

One thing you know, a vampire did not live there before!

Very well done. Thanks for sharing.

Ooh la la..love some of the built-ins...very French. Absolutely love the polka dotty tile...looks painstakingly done.

Love the China Hutch - where did you get it?

love the built-ins, can you share the name of the cabinet guy?

Sick. Your apt looks awesome! Are you sure your home didn't double as a club back in the 1970's? By the way, my favorite is your bathroom, with the glass pebbled wall. Well done!

I think the transformation and the work is phenomenal -- but it does the beg the question: how much time and, at least as importantly, money, went into this??? Details like that would be very welcome because this was obviously a full gutting!

Wow looks great... amazing dining table where did you get it?