Two Japanese girls lived here in complete squalor; they fled the country, leaving tons of ballet flats, a stained papasan chair, and a Klimt poster. I still get their bank statements.
It's probably more of a testament to my mental illness than any muse-like vision that I took one look and thought This Place Has Potential! -- been doing that since birth -- but the price was right and you still can't beat the location. Plus the landlord agreed to let me renovate which is a trickier proposal than you might imagine. So what if I covered up a vestigial fireplace only to fake one on the opposite side of the room?
That gap in the floor marks where a room divider once stood. Yes, the Harajuku girls inhabited side-by-side 6x11 closets! What they lacked in housekeeping skills they certainly made up for in fortitude. Until they left.
Anyway please don't call Health and Human Services on me but I just had to show off!
Posts
You're not an interior decorator, your a magician, a miracle worker a visionary!
ReplyDeleteOh me oh my. Very impressive. I wondered how you got landlord permission to go so red and shiny, plus painted floor. It's like looking at two completely different dwellings. From another time and space. And dimension. Very sci-fi.
ReplyDeleteThose before shots are truly horrifying. I would have taken one look at the place and run screaming and shuddering to the nearest bar. The transformation is astounding!
ReplyDeleteI am like you, I would grab a place just like that and make magic happen! You did, I can only wish I did.
ReplyDeleteDeath defying, truly. Only disappointed that we didn't get an "after" shot of your trash can. I keep fretting over the finish issues.
ReplyDeleteA perfectly fine apartment.
ReplyDeleteI really can't decide which is sharper--your design/renovation skills or your wit. It's truly a toss-up.
ReplyDeletegotta love a good before!
ReplyDeleteps. love the shots of your place on lonny. HAD to feature it on my blog because i LOVED the crap out of it!
you are fantastic.
xo
ashlina
thedecorista.com
I always adore before shots, OMG Nick!!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
You're a brave man, Nick Olsen. And now I know what 'vestigial' means. Tommy is right, too-when are YOU going to pitch a TV show. We're ready and waiting ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe question remains, "What landlord could justify taking money for an apartment in that shape?"
ReplyDeleteNick, you had no choice but to turn it into a space devoid of its former condition. Your landlord needs to be paying you for being such an amazing tenant. I conjecture that the Anonymous'haters' would have run away from this challenge.
Thanks urrybody! Like Cher in 'Clueless,' my main thrill in life is a makeover. It does give me a sense of order in a world full of chaos! I would also like to point out the fluorescent deli light covered in sheer polyester in Pic 1.
ReplyDeleteMrs. B, I'll get you a shot of my can ASAP.
Claire, I will pitch a teevee show only if I never have to watch it! My speaking voice doesn't exactly give James Earl Jones a run for his money.
This gives me hope. I'm looking for a new place and keep coming across all of these spendy hellholes. I keep saying, "But look! It has great windows!" or whatever...only to go back to my apartment with the about to expire lease to drink away my pain. Maybe I won't go opium den, but I can at least make a little home for myself.
ReplyDeleteSo...did this place also smell as rank as some of the places I've seen?
Speaking voices are overrated. Just ask Jackie Earle Haley.
ReplyDeleteYou can turn it out.
Holy hell that place was a shit hole!
ReplyDeleteBut maybe if it werent such a dump you wouldnt have been so bold in your makeover?
wow.
ReplyDeleteSheer alchemy and a great deal of mind-numbing hard work. Always love a well red room.
ReplyDeleteYou are my hero
ReplyDeleteYou are my harajuku lover. You make me laugh. And you inspire me. There, I said it.
ReplyDeleteTres magical. Your xanadu is so you!
ReplyDeleteI'm hugely impressed. I also hope it's near takeout.
ReplyDeleteNick, congrats!! This is amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad we got to see the befores. I don't know how on earth you were able to envision such a thing when you moved into this little former-hovel, I'm soo impressed.
ew--did you have a hazmat suit?! fantastic transformation--that landlord owes you his first born...
ReplyDeleteHoly moles. This makes me want to find my own hellhole immediately. Totally inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou're a miracle worker! I need to keep this in mind when I'm looking at horrific apartments on my current apartment hunt.
ReplyDeleteHoly oh my god. I was impressed when I saw the Lonny spread, but now seeing the before, I'm.... whatever more than impressed is.
ReplyDeleteThanks y'all! The apt definitely still has issues -- bathroom is Phase III -- but she's come a long way, baby.
ReplyDeleteYour signature phrase should be Hellholes R Us.
ReplyDeletehaha love it. Love, Angel, Music, Baby
ReplyDeletehttp://ladulcivida.blogspot.com/
I got a very helpful blog. I read your blog daily. Extremely this is a lot a good motivation blog.Teeth whitening kits
ReplyDelete