From the Beginning, The Paris Apartment

From the beginning of the renovation… Feb. 2013,

I took the morning train to Paris,

to look and measure the apartment.

When I arrived with excitement and a runaway sense of thrill, I was soon

greeted by reality:

"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 of the expression an armpit. 

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 began.

 

Months later, and nearly three weeks into the project I can happily report, it is starting to look like something! I have Chirstmass music! singing in my head. I don't know why!



Comments

20 responses to “From the Beginning, The Paris Apartment”

  1. Barbara from Sydney

    If anyone can create beauty its you Corey. So excited watching this transformation. Thank you for sharing with us.

  2. Barbara is right..if anyone can do it…it’s you!!! Wish I was there to see the transformation in person. Just keep reminding yourself that you are very very close to so many flea markets. Lucky you!

  3. Ooh, I hope the Christmas music isn’t an indicator that’s how long the apartment will take. I’m sure it will be amazing when you finish with it.

  4. Christmas music is perfect for celebrating the transformation of this little apartment. I can’t wait to see it then.

  5. So fun (and educational) to watch the progress being made. I believe it will be amazing under your guidance!

  6. I know you will do a fantastic job of it, Corey, and can’t wait to see the photos when it is finished!

  7. I am loving every single second of this rehab. Maybe, cuz mine has been a 22 yo project. I am sure yours will end soon. All my best . . ..

  8. Now I’m questioning if I have bad taste??? I kinda like the silver and GOLD walls ( So…Versialles !!!) I also like the “Frenchie” bathroom black/white floor. I’m sure it’ll be “to die for” when you do your magic, Corey.

  9. Corey maybe you have already said……and I missed it…when was the last time someone lived in the apartment?

  10. Bonne Continuation, Corey!

  11. TEXAS FRANCOPHILE

    What a fun project! I love the oooolala approach. That beats “hair on fire!” With your great taste and boundless resourcefulness it will be fabulous! Can’t wait o make a reservation.

  12. Linda P.

    Congratulations! May the excitement continue to build.

  13. I applaud you, and relate with you! These are the conditions I work the best in! I am enjoying this so much, and of course the brocante updates!

  14. I cannot wait to see what it is looking like now!

  15. Corey, is this the apartment you lived in with French Husband when you first moved to France, or has this always just been an investment property?

  16. Oh, Corey — your challenge is amazing. I can’t wait to follow along!

  17. congratulations are in order for you + the apt. can’t wait to see the finish project. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

  18. YOU can do it!KEEP GOING!YOU HAVE A BOOKING BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!I’m very impressed already!Now if we were in ITALY i think I would have given up by now!

  19. Corey, i am so glad to see the former photos again. i was looking the other day on the blog but didn’t remember the date you posted them. Yea, the before , and next, the after! Am i happy and singing Christmas carols with you? Yes! Talk about a gift! Happy for you, happy for me if my husband and i get to rent from you!
    xo jody Merry Merry Merry!

  20. Bet it will be lovely, and does look V E R Y challenging.

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