Before and After: “Queer Eye” Gave This Bare Loft a Bold Transformation
Editor’s Note: Spoilers for “Queer Eye” Season 5, Episode 9.
The latest season of “Queer Eye” premiered on Friday, and it’s a beautiful gift to start off Pride Month. This time, the Fab Five are taking over Philadelphia and making over a new batch of ten heroes. There are tears, tender moments, and of course, dramatic transformations.
In episode 9, we meet Dr. Lily Yi, who has recently finished her residency and just moved into a loft apartment with her husband and toddler that’s close to her new job, where she’ll be starting as a pediatrician. They’ve only been in the place for about a month, and many things are still in boxes and bins. “You’re our first guests,” she says to Bobby, Jonathan, Karamo, Tan, and Antoni.
There’s not much in the way of personal style for Bobby to work with, except that popular dorm staple, the papasan chair. “Nothing makes me happier than a papasan chair,” he says. “I’m throwing it out anyway.”
Since Yi has been in school and residency for the past 11 years, her trip to West Elm with Bobby was one of the first times she got to explore her design style. They decide to go with a calm and “not too overstimulated” look.
Bobby gave each room a statement wall, to define the space and give each a focal point. The living room in particular features flexible furniture that can be moved around, as well as a modern chandelier that adds warmth and light, making the high ceilings feel a little cozier.
In the dining area, Bobby makes use of a large, blank wall by adding a big art piece and surrounding it with planters. And with a toddler running around, all of the storage pieces keep items that are at her level appropriate for her to grab.
Both the bedrooms have wallpaper accent walls; faux wood in the master, and a teal floral in the toddler room. Bobby also brought in a classic daybed that can grow with little Annabel, and also includes a drawer for hidden storage.
During the reveal, Antoni remarked that it’s now “loft living at its best.” Agreed!
Check out more details from the makeover on West Elm’s blog.