Apartment Rehab in Under A Week.

I dove in head first when it came to constructing my new studio apartment.  In attempt, to keep my life as simple and minimal as possible I opted for the tiny bachelor apartment with the small price tag.  I had my doubts at first, I usually hate small places.  I need to have freedom in my environment to roam or to get away and escape.  Somehow even though it is just one room, I feel like having the tiny hallway in this apartment allows me to have a bit of that freedom.  I've taken my time settling into previous apartments, but not this time.  I was on a mission to get it up and running in no time flat.  Luckily, I had a vision instantly as to how I wanted it decorated. There is no time to waste when you have a million different projects and goals to accomplish.  My move in date was on the 1st and I finished phase 3 on the 5th and for under $500, including my new TV!  Since I'll be saving almost $250 a month on rent compared to what I was paying, I had a little splurge.  I still need a few things: some cool chairs, a sideboard, hanging pendant lamp, barstool, and a little kitchen caddy/shelving unit.  Here's a little tour of what's happened so far..

phase 1

phase 2

phase 3

phase 1

phase 2

phase 3

phase 3

phase 3

phase 1

phase 2

phase 3

phase 1

phase 2

phase 3

phase 3

phase 3

phase 3

phase 3

Gettn' Thrifty With It.

You have to know how to play your cards right.  And you can't be afraid of a little elbow grease if you want to say money.  In order to get want what you want and the most for your dollar, you have to know when to cut corners and when to splurge.  And I've learn over the years, the easiest way to throw away your money is buying all new furniture.  Now I turn to thrift stores, craigslist, garage/estate sales and heck, I'll even scour the sidewalks.  Of course, it's all timing, but if you do a little leg work your bound to come across some amazing finds.

Here are two mirrors I found on craigslist, both I got for $35.  Not too bad.  I painted the floor mirror with some left over turquoise paint I had once painted a previous apt kitchen in.  Then I left the second mirror as-is.

Before

After

Kept As Is

Ikea Table I found at Out of the Closet.  I waited a few days, and got 35% knocked off.  It cost me $35, and retails for $170.  With a little cleaning and spray paint, it looks brand new.

Before

After

Then I bought a 1x12 and a 1x10 and got them cut at 69" to fit in my closet.  Two coats of glossy antique white spray paint and a couple 1x4 support beams underneath and it was ready to go.  It makes for a great desk and workspace in my closet.

Before

Before

After

Up Close

 Now I just need a barstool for my workshop.

My pieces in action. Tah Duh!