A Long Distance Palm Springs-Inspired Makeover (That *Gasp* Came in Under Budget)

Project by: Michelle Gage
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey

Michelle’s work with her client Natalie was done entirely over the internet, which makes this already impressive project kind of unbelievable. Thanks to Instagram and the One Room Challenge, Michelle and Natalie decided to collaborate on her living room from different cities, bonded together by a love of color, pattern and bold choices. The end result will make you want to throw on your finest caftan, plop some ice in a gold-rimmed tumbler and just bask in all of the living room’s fabulousness.

From Michelle: Since Natalie had incurred a lot of expenses with her move, we wanted to keep the costs for this makeover modest. Her budget gave us plenty of room to get our desired look, but we kept things balanced by shopping through affordable retailers like Target, Article, Wayfair and World Market.

During this six weeks, we made minor changes to the design plan. We wound up coming in under budget, so we added this glam lucite and brass bar cart, instead of a metal one we had been eyeing. We snagged a 20% discount code and within days, Natalie’s dream bar cart had arrived! To avoid painting, we brought the WOW in through this colorful wallpaper. It went with the whole Palm Springs vibe, but it wasn’t any of the same old palm print styles we were used to seeing. Bonus, it was removable, which is a renter’s dream. The wallpaper was originally intended for the opposite (fireplace) wall, but we were short some so we flipped the script – AND I’M SO GLAD WE DID! Hiccups happen in design all the time. It helps to be nimble!

To get this stunning look for yourself, check out Michelle’s resource list on her website.

Thanks so much, Michelle Gage, Natalie and Kyle!

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