Newlyweds Lindsey and Jesse were in a decorating state of emergency. We're talking bland walls, shredded furniture, and mini-lights as "curtains." What's more, Lindsey wasn't thrilled with Jesse's handyman fix-its. "These are the lanterns that my husband hung using gold chain, and he super-glued the hook into the ceiling," explained Lindsey. "I know that there is only one man out there that can help me solve my decorating dilemma: Thom from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
Thom Filicia to the rescue! The Queer Eye decorator took in the newlyweds' New York City apartment with his characteristic friendly demeanor. "You know when Oprah calls, it must be bad," he joked. "You have an amazing apartment and some cool pieces," he added. "But I'm not really seeing that the room is being utilized in the best way."
Thom had little love for the plain white walls. "If I were to name this color, if I worked for Benjamin Moore, I would call it Institutional White or Elder Care Facility White," he jokes. Adding bold stripes is a great way to keep drama high and costs low.
Thom used Benjamin Moore paint in HC-145, Van Courtland Blue and AC-38, North Hampton Beige (www.benjaminmoore.com).
Before, Lindsey and Jesse's entertainment area was a cluttered corner. Thom cleaned things up by using stacking cubes. A 30-inch flat-screen television from Best Buy (www.bestbuy.com) looks sleek, not clunky.
Thom replaced the couple's oversized furniture with pieces from Crate and Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com), giving the room a look that's clean, classic, and modern. By shifting the furniture, he opened up the entire room. "The room looks 3,000 times larger," said Lindsey.
Thom also created a sentimental centerpiece by adding a fresh coat of paint. He used Benjamin Moore 2004-10 Deep Rose (www.benjaminmoore.com) on a broken mirror. Accessories from Pier 1 Imports (www.pier1.com) give the room soul. "These accessories have so much of your personality," he explained to Lindsey and Jesse.
Say goodbye to the super-glued lanterns. Thom replaced them with an elegant chandelier of candlesjust great for dining.
Once, the apartment was a decorating dilemma
Now Lindsey and Jesse's apartment is city-chic. Keep clicking to browse through some stunning before-and-after shots.
Another view of apartment before the makeover…
After Thom Filicia worked his magic.
"Okay, guys," Thom said to Lindsey and Jesse. "You can no longer pick on
each other for your decorating issues. I think we're pretty good
now!"
