Thom Filicia's Apartment Makeover
![Lindsey explains her decorating problem. Lindsey explains her decorating problem.](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_01_350.jpg)
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 reacts to an apartment with mock horror Thom reacts to an apartment with mock horror](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_02_350.jpg)
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 shows off a painting technique. Thom shows off a painting technique.](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_03_350.jpg)
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).
Thom used Benjamin Moore paint in HC-145, Van Courtland Blue and AC-38, North Hampton Beige (www.benjaminmoore.com).
![Before and after of entertainment area Before and after of entertainment area](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_04_350.jpg)
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.
![Crate and Barrel furniture Crate and Barrel furniture](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_05_350.jpg)
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.
![Before and after of entertainment area Before and after of entertainment area](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_06_350.jpg)
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.
![Before and after of dining room lighting Before and after of dining room lighting](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_07_350.jpg)
Say goodbye to the super-glued lanterns. Thom replaced them with an elegant chandelier of candlesjust great for dining.
![Before Before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_08_350.jpg)
Once, the apartment was a decorating dilemma
![After After](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_09_350.jpg)
Now Lindsey and Jesse's apartment is city-chic. Keep clicking to browse through some stunning before-and-after shots.
![Before Before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_10_350.jpg)
Before the makeover.
![After After](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_11_350.jpg)
After the makeover.
![Before Before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_12_350.jpg)
Another view of apartment before the makeover…
![Thom reacts to an apartment with mock horror Thom reacts to an apartment with mock horror](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_13_350.jpg)
After the makeover.
![Before Before](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_14_350.jpg)
Before the makeover.
![After After](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_15_350.jpg)
After Thom Filicia worked his magic.
![Thom and newlyweds Thom and newlyweds](/g/image-resizer?width=670&link=https://static.oprah.com/images/foodhome/home/decorating/slide/200402/home_20040224_thom_16_350.jpg)
"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!"
Published 01/01/2006