How time flies! You may remember that way back in May we put out a call to guys around the country who needed help with one room. We then chose five guys, and I set out on a cross-country trip in June to visit with each one, write them a prescription and set in motion a COMPLETE Apartment Therapy makeover. Now it's September and all the work is done. You've probably seen all five final photographs roll out over the past month, but now I want to know which job you like best? (See them all, with links, below the jump.) Which Inside Man are you?
A lot of work went into these five rooms and they're all different, because the guys and the rooms and cities are all different. The goal was to make the room work and look better, BUT to keep it very much a man's room, which can be somewhat of a challenge in the decor world. So, I want you to let us know how I did and which room you'd like as your own. Enjoy!
David's living room in Brooklyn, before and after
Jarrett's basement in Chicago, before and after
Barney's loft in Los Angeles, before and after
Michael's living room in Dallas, before and after
→ Michael's Design District Home
James' bedroom in Atlanta, before and after
Before & After: Emily Henderson Transforms a Senior's Studio Space
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Four-P...
How To Cook Fluffy, Tasty Quinoa
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I think these were all really nicely executed designs. In my opinon, really good design is unisex. And as a woman I could see myself enjoying every single one of these rooms. They're great!
I love James' bedroom, even though I don't care for the paint color. The essence of having a calm, serene sanctuary is so well done, and is easily translated to a different color scheme.
Frankly, I didn't like any of these very much, and had to vote for the one that I disliked the least rather than one I would want for myself!
I gotta go for the bar -
It had almost Nothing in it and Zero function - yet it became a great & inviting space primarily from the use of color.
Jarrett's basement is the best one because we've all been faced with that starting basement. UHG! Dark lighting, low ceilings, and depressing. What I like is that it looks so much brighter, but there doesn't appear to be new lighting wired. Awesome.
well... I thought that I am original but I voted like most of the people ;) I looove David's room!
I love the clean design - great colors, bright, inviting, intersting!
I especailly like the living room and dining room` what a great place for Brie and wine! Lovely make over!
Adding to OB's comments - my vote is for Barney's room ! "Love the clean modern look! "
more of a merge between david's and barney's collor palette and furniture pieces.
the orange apartment is tacky.
the purple one is cheap looking.
the peach is downright ugly.
voted for the lesser of five evils -- david's living room. it was just okay. but looked like a lot we've seen before but not as nicely done. the bedroom was a close acceptable second. the rest-- i think these guys got totally punked.
oh, and i think barney's was a ringer. one of those "it's the magic of valspar!" moments.
David's place for me. But I'm all about gray right now.
definitely Barney's loft.
I liked Michael's..lots of family and meaningful memoribilia. Isn't that what "home" is all about?
I loved aspects of the bar and the loft, but the purple paired with the warm wood furniture in James' bedroom really won me over.
That being said, BARNEY is crazy cute.
Well you asked several questions that do not necessarily have the same answer. I ended up voting for Barney's loft, because that's the one I covet. The one you did the best job on was Jarret's basement bar. The one I'd want to implement in my own home: Michael's bedroom, by a mile.
Whoops, I mean James' bedroom...
Michael's place is a home.....
I really loved David's LR. Interestingly, in the early stages I thought it would be... meh. Happy it turned out so spiffy. I also really like James' bedroom.
What I can't figure out is how you upgraded the view outside of the L.A. loft. It looks like you redesigned the city's skyline, including adding several skyscrapers! Well done.
Love Barneyʻs and Jamesʻ rooms - love the color accented with white and black.
The bar is outrageous - love it for a party place. And if the orange gets too much down the track other coloured objects can be used for accent pieces.
Barney's loft just has that wow factor now before it was really boring.
I voted for Barney's loft, great color choices with accents of black.
They were all great redesigns, but I felt his made the most dramatic statement.
I dont get the love for Barneys room - it looks like he moved some furniture - painted 1 wall and just took a photo during optimal daytime lighting vs an evening..
Jarrett's room has definitely the most class and innovation - with David's living room as close runner up.
I LIKE'N BARNEYS...8-)
Barney's room is my favorite. I could easily live in that space.
I have to agree that Jarrett's basement room needed the most work though.
I like the living rooms of both David and Michael. Here's why: I am on the north side of 69 years old. Decor is in my blood. At this stage of life, I constantly have an identity crisis...I love the warmth and eclectic mix of Michael's living room (my past and really me) and yet, as I go down the road, I find myself attracted to subdued and simple (my future?)...as in David's living room. Both rooms exude comfort -- one of life's great luxuries -- and both are eye candy for me, I can imagine myself in both spaces. My daughter-in-law, Landis Carey, is a contributing writer to Re-nest; partially because of my age and also because of her, and the beautiful, clean and clear design of the wonderful home she shares with my son, I have become a fan of divesting things I thought I should collect!
villages sally