In the Beginning… The Paris Apartment

Chateau

Took the morning train to Paris,

to look and measure the apartment.

"Oh la la," said in the typical downbeat French way.

The apartment needs more than TLC, it needs a ball and chain.

The walls have been spray painted silver, gold and green.

I don't know why.

 

Apartment remake

 

I wrote down everything that we needed to do:

Heat

Water

Electricity

Floor

Kitchen

Bathroom…

Two miles later, I was still penning.

 

A foot in the door

The bedroom. 

Can a bed actually fit in here?

Chelsea reassured that it could. She said, "Mom my studio is a closet. If a bed can fit in my studio twin beds can fit in this room."

I made a mental note: Anything is possible when you are a student living in 100 square feet.

Wall to wall bed.

 

Bathroom

 

When I saw the bathroom I knew the meaning a of pit. 

Poubelle is such a pretty sounding word in French, it means, "Garbage."

This bathroom needs a whole lotta love. 

A whole lotta everything.

 

 

Paris redo

 

Don't I look thrilled?

I had to think, rethink, and think again, and gulp.

Chelsea added, "If you can make this look like something, than you can make anything look beautiful."

"This is a fun creative challenge!" is what I keep telling myself.

 

 

Kitchen

 

A teacup kitchen.

The crew is going to love my list.

It is going to start with,

"Gut it."

 

 

Bedroom

And so it begins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Comments

95 responses to “In the Beginning… The Paris Apartment”

  1. Nancy in Solana Beach

    This looks like the beginning of an adventure. I am sure with your touch, it will be splendid!!

  2. I can’t wait to see…
    It is very exciting.

  3. Oh, my, you really do have your work cut out for you. But I have every confidence you’ll charm it into submission! Enjoy the ride ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. “But”, she added wistfully, “no matter what the inside, the outside is Paris.”

  5. It has good bones. You will make something beautful here.
    Nancy

  6. I can’t wait to see what you are going to do with your magic wand! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. You can do it, Corey, you can do it.

  8. It’s going to be spectacular. It can be nothing but.

  9. Think of it as a blank slate on which to paint your magic. It will be a thing of beauty once your are done with it! Any timeline for completion?

  10. Try to think of your apartment as a blank canvas!

  11. Great minds think alike, Linda! I was already writing mine while yours posted.

  12. So much potential…
    I have full confidence in your creative talents.

  13. I cannot wait for the posts on this project…how lovely the transformation will be!

  14. Massilianana

    While watching the pictures of how your apartment looks like right now, I thought to myself “yeah…oh la la the dowbeat way allright !”.
    BUT this poor paint sprayed apartment is in the hands of Magic Corey and within a few posts everybody will be going OH LA LA ! the upbeat-mesmerized-admiring way allright !!!
    You’ve got a lot of work but also a lot of creative fun and excitement ahead of you !
    Enjoy yourself !
    Take care !

  15. I laughed when I saw the bathroom but I do love those black and white floor tiles. I’m sure it will be lovely and it is in Paris!

  16. How exciting is that?!
    Nothing like a raggedy old canvas to get the creative juices flowing.
    What a fun project!

  17. Really looking forward to your updates Corey.
    I know the finished results will be fabulous & soooooooo Paris Chic!
    Regards Lucy from OZ

  18. Frank Purrkins

    Ruh-roh …

  19. i sincerely think you are just the RIGHT person for the job-like all the artists you feature on your saturday series YOU WILL CREATE SOMETHING FROM NOTHING-and it will be SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL and i for one am looking forward to the journey-ONWARD MARCH!!!

  20. I love following transformations whether it be of an apartment or an individual. It makes everything exciting and hopeful. I must disclose that I have a vested interest here, i.e., I hope to be able to rent your apartment in the future.

  21. Just from the glimpses you show us of your home, this place will no doubt turn out amazing in your capable hands. I just love your style. You will probably cringe at this, but I kind of like the mood of the last picture where the wall looks shimmery…but maybe it doesn’t look so good in person. Can’t wait to follow along with your progress!

  22. Oh, gosh, I could really sink my teeth into this project with so much inspiration on the other side of the door. You are so creative, Corey, with a great eye. Every minute of this rehab will be sheer delight to watch!

  23. I love it! This is right up my alley. We own a small renovation company and this is what I do all the time. Try to enjoy the process if you can. Blessings, Kimberly

  24. jend’isรจre

    Now I am even more thrilled I won the contest as a guest! Glad to be part of it.

  25. wow, i agree, gut it ~ love the green and red carpet, ha ha, and the pink water closet, too funny, blk & white checked floor is a positive though ~ I had one like this, the bathroom floor I saw dirt ~ holes in the plaster falling off the walls to slats ~ it turned out wonderful ~ wish I where there, I would get my gloves out with you ~ you shall be just fine ~ then ofcoarse there is the euros to consider ~ hey one step at a time they say! Merci for sharing I am sure it will be:
    Ohh La La ~

  26. The possibilities are as long as your fix it list. It looks like it could be a wonderful place. And, I might be a little crazy, but I kinda like the gold wall. It might go well with some of Corey’s treasures. Maybe….. : )

  27. As long as you stay off the ladder, you will turn this sow’s ear into a purse. It has good bones and with your creative mind, it will become a charming apartment.

  28. I love a makeover!

  29. What an opportunity!!

  30. It is going to be SO MUCH FUN to follow this transformation! Make sure you take tons of pictures and videos too! I know you will make it beautiful!

  31. That’s what brocante shoppers see….POTENTIAL! Don’t you just love a decorating challenge? When we bought our house (new) we bought all new furniture and that was so stressful because furniture looked wonderful in the store then we had it delivered and it didn’t quite work so I had them take it back. If I could offer any advice I’d say, don’t get upset if you change your mind a hundred times. It will be fun to watch the progress.

  32. I’m going to enjoy this. I’ve always wanted to buy and decorate a Paris apartment, and it will probably never happen! So Corey, I want to see the good, bad and ugly. I know what the ending will look like!
    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

  33. It is going to be beautiful when you are finished with it. I can’t wait to follow the progress. Have fun!

  34. If anyone can do it, you can! I can’t wait to see your ideas! Thanks for taking us on your adventure! karen…

  35. Oh how I wish I could be there to help you (not to design, but with labor). Corey,this project will be a piece of cake for you. Look at how beautifully you have decorated your home!

  36. You don’t like the silver spray paint??
    … I know you can make it beautiful for sure, but your expression in the first picture says it all.

  37. RebeccaNYC

    ooo I love this! Can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  38. I can’t wait to see how it goes – a lot of work ahead.

  39. My Dear Girl, we will compare notes in September when I arrive. We just acquired a small house that is in similar condition. Let our creative juices flow and no one will recognize that it is the same place when we finish.

  40. Oh Corey…Come on…Don’t you love a challenge??? This one is going to keep you busy for awhile. It’s going to be so much fun…Can’t wait to see the progress. YOU GO GIRL…Myra

  41. I am both excited and jealous! What a fun project and piece of property to own. You and your talent and treasures are going to create something fabulous.

  42. I’m so excited. Positive beginings. What I see from these pictures is black and white tile flooring, beautiful tall windows, whimsy, yet functional hand-held spayer in the tub, the reflection coming off the gold(?) wall, and even what appears to be a great layout. Paris/Old Hollywood is what I’m seeing. This is going to be fabulous.

  43. Cannot wait to see the ‘after’, Corey. Oh, to have a place in Paris … my dream forever.

  44. What fun you have ahead – the apartment does look like it has both great bones and natural light – would love to the see the outlook from the windows!
    No doubt it will be absolutely charming when you have finished. Wish I could help too!

  45. Looks like a lot of hard work ahead Corey. But on the positive side it is going to look amazing when finished. Lovely big windows, a good size bathroom, a seperate bedroom, the positives go on and on, and to top it all it is in PARIS! Look forward to hearing all about the remodelling. Are you getting professionals in to do the work, or are you doing it yourself? Wouldnt it be fun if a group of your readers could make it over and help you do it all!

  46. Karen Mitcham-Stoeckley

    Corey, Please please have an enclosed shower with the spray nozzle ATTACHED up high for tall husbands. Looks like everyone sees great potential. Do your magic! karen

  47. What great potential Corey! “WYSH” I could be ther to help you rodeo the apartment, between you and I with all your bro ante finds, it would be Magnifique!

  48. It will be georgeous. I’m sure you will document everything for us. Have you considered writing a book about the process? Like martha Stewart’s “Old House”. Will the map go there? Any French blue-gray? At least you can speak French to deal w plumbers!

  49. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

    Let the fun begin! Plenty of blood, sweat, tears and euros and then before you know it you’ll be featured in a magazine !!!Bonne chance

  50. I don’t know if I’d say this if the apartment were in any other city… But, what fun this will be! I am anxiously awaiting the finished product photos!

  51. I see good bones, beautiful city, and a creative lady to put it back together.
    I just love breathing ife back into a neglected home. It will be such a fun challenge.
    I’m sure you will turn the apartment into a lovely nest!

  52. Oh Corey, it’s in Paris.. It will be magnificent. But I agree lots of work. However, you can make it wonderful! xo marlis

  53. Starting from scratch with a blank slate…..and in Paris, no less…..how I envy you!! The freedom to be creative and bring beauty to a new space. I don’t envy you the $$$….but I have EVERY confidence the end result is going to be well worth it, with Corey at the helm. Have as much fun with it as you can!!

  54. Great high ceilings!

  55. You have the talent and ability to project and “see” the apartment and its many corners that will hold decorative finds from the brocante and because of the small space you will find many ways to compact and organize the small spaces into very workable, smart ideas…….You can do this and it will be fun to see the progress….a must is a chandelier somewhere and I know you will make it a Paris-Cozy-Welome-Home apartment to anyone staying there……Onward !!! Have Fun!

  56. i don’t now how i ended up reading this a day late but WOW! gutting and then decorating an apartment in Paris can only mean one word… FUN! i know it will be a terrific amount of work and costly, but with your eye for beauty this apartment will be a bit of heaven and a haven for all who walk within it’s doors. it already looks great with you there in it. many blessings on this endeavor. i do hope it will be enjoyable for you.
    xox jody

  57. Georgane Sullivan

    I love that we get to see the “before.”

  58. I love it! The Paris Apartment is going to look great with your bon goรปt!

  59. We all have faith in YOU!We will all be SWOONING at the transformation!Take a deep breath………..and PLUNGE!
    XXX

  60. It’s going to be so much fun to see what you do. A version of the American show on HGTV, International House Hunters for your readers. The difference for me is that I won’t be envious of someone decorating a Paris apartment, I’ll be thrilled for you! It’s going to be faaaaaaabulous and when you step outside, it’s Paris. What could be bad? You go girl!

  61. Note to Brother Mat with one t..
    The minimalist architect.
    Get yourself to Paris and help your sister….cause this is going to be good.

  62. I can’t wait to see the transformation! Happy Valentine’s Day, Corey!

  63. Patti Lloyd

    with all of us behind you..how could you go wrong? Wish we could really lend a hand..I love painting! Great light..it will shine!

  64. Carol in Calgary

    Corey, the bathroom is large, think of the possibilities. Can you rethink the dishwasher issue. I prefer to spend time in Paris not in the appartment doing dishes. If people don’t want to use it, they can choose not to. I think it might limit the number of people who would consider your renting your place.
    I’ve been following your blog for years and felt compelled to comment on this.

  65. Yes!! HGTV…House Re-modelers International or Dream Home – Paris (with the accent Paree’)… They have Sarah’s House which I DVR because I love to see how she and her cohort work through the creative process…why not Corey’s Parisian Apartment – I can only imagine all the “fun” you are going to have reworking this from top to bottom!!

  66. Irene Thomas

    On the bright side, you are not living inside. It is going to be simply fabulous, darling! I am so looking forward to seeing the process as you re-create!

  67. This is going to be so much fun for all of us–to watch this process unfold! You are going to make this a fabulous place, we have no doubt! And your creativity will be going crazy! You can post yourself on art Saturdays!

  68. I love “process”, so I am going to love seeing this come to life!

  69. Brother Mathew

    Send me a floor plan damn it!

  70. Corey, I’m sure this apartment will be beautiful when you have refinished it. You are very talented.
    And a bonus is that it sounds like you are going to hire people to do the manual labor. My husband and I both come from frugal & doityourself families and we always think we have to personally do everything; scraping, sanding, building, everything. I think from now on I hire people……

  71. I love before and after pics. I am sure that when you have finished Corey we won’t recognize it!

  72. Country French Judi

    Cory you do not need a DISHWASHER!! I do not understand some of these comments. The apt is in France, not America. It is a tiny apt that can sleep 2 maybe 4 so how many dishes are we talking about washing? Buy paper plates and cups if you are going to strain yourself.Cooking a full blown meal takes time and I would not want to miss seeing Paris because I had to go home and cook! lol There are no window screens in Europe and air conditioning is another thing most Europeans don’t use. When in France, do as the french do!!

  73. Once it has been gutted, the possibilities will bloom even more. Great light and location, location! This is like a spring cleaning make over. Thank you for sharing the journey, Corey!

  74. Hmm…the silver is….interesting…
    Can’t wait to see what you do with it; it will be fabulous! Not to put any pressure on you or anything ๐Ÿ™‚

  75. Can’t wait to see the after pics. When we were in Paris two years ago my husband came down with a flu. We never got to the top of the Eiffel Tower as he was sick. He has promised another trip so we can go to the top. I SO want to stay in your apartment when we return.

  76. Will you be modifying the bathtub into a tub/shower? Hope so. In any event, could you please install a safety bar on the wall of the tub, for those who have difficulty getting in/out? And stick anti-slip strips onto the bottom of the tub, for traction? Merci!

  77. Wow. I can hardly wait to see what you do with this space. Thanks for the “before” photos. We are all waiting with great anticipation.

  78. A challenge for sure! I know it will be wonderful when you are done. Have faith.

  79. Franca says that bathroom needs a bidet.

  80. French doors. Washer and dryer. Fireplace. All come before dishwasher.

  81. Well…it is almost a blank canvas. The silver is interesting. Once the walls are down the vision will come. Definitely A/C. Dishwasher…doesn’t matter.
    Love the windows. They are awesome!!!! Lots of light.

  82. what fun. It is beautiful (almost) Thanks for the “before” pics. Enjoy the process. I like the idea of a floor plan. Then the dreaming can really begin.

  83. Oh la’ la’ indeed Corey! What an amazing chance to start again, breathe new life into the wreck. A true blank canvas – few features to redeem it seems – to create a Corey Amaro pad in Paris. I will watch your progress closely for inspiration as we’re about to flat hunt in Malta’s capital Valletta. I know I’ll be viewing completely daunting places and trying to imagine them in x years hence, done up. In house-hunting for my old place, I was walked under the belly of horses once, by an ever optimistic estate agent – saying how nice a lounge the stall would make! It took us 3 years to do up our place. I am worried about taking on that flat too! Good luck with it! At distance can’t be easy to oversee either.

  84. It’s wonderful and is like a piece of clay that you can mould and sculpture into your envisioned work of art – bonne chance in creating your masterpiece!

  85. Corey – you are a SAINT for tackling that! It’s gonna be SO beautiful when you are done though – I am totally positive about that!

  86. A diamond in the rough. (:

  87. Corey,
    I cant wait to see what you make of it. Waiting with baited breath on more posts.
    I love fix it projects. Especially before and after pictures.

  88. I am very low maintenance…Corey, I will take it as it is…bring my own sleeping bag and I will feel as though I am in heaven!

  89. You, know, that gold wall is quite pretty… ๐Ÿ˜‰
    Actually, Corey, the green and silver, well, I’m over it now, but I did that to our bedroom. Not with spray paint mind, but I painted the ceiling silver, and walls green, inspired by a fashionable English decorator. It worked with some vintage leather and interesting textiles (velvet, linen).
    Did they paint the floor tiles too? I hope it comes off; I love the traditional tiled floors.
    I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

  90. I am so looking forward to this journey! I can’t wait to see what you will so with it!

  91. Wow…I’m blown away by your new challenge! I know for certain that your taste and creativity will result in a lovely lovely getaway. Thank you for letting us see your diamond in the very very rough. How fun it will be to the the progress over time. Brave amazing Corey!

  92. Love this post and the pictures, and I can’t wait to see how it develops!
    In past years I have been visiting Paris on regular basis, so I am dreaming of this as well. Oh, to have your own piece of Paris… how exciting! Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  93. Love this post and the pictures, and I can’t wait to see how it develops!
    In past years I have been visiting Paris on regular basis, so I am dreaming of this as well. Oh, to have your own piece of Paris… how exciting! Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  94. It will be such fun to follow along with your renovations.

  95. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    I’m tardy catching up with your blog of late, but here I am now.
    Enjoyed seeing the “before” photos of the apartment, and while I know the task is daunting (at least you don’t have to gut it yourself!) I’m completely sure that it’ll be charming, warm, and fun when you’re done rubbing money and time on it.
    Be sure to stand in exactly the same locations and take “after” photos!
    And I’d like a more detailed close-up photo of that red (-and-white?) floor in the third from last photo. Just to amaze myself.
    p.s. You don’t like all those silver walls??? just kidding.

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