Before & After: Bold Color Livens a Mid-Century Apt
Restoration and modernization of a neglected 1960s New York City apartment with decades of wear, followed by a bold color transformation, makes for a compelling before-and-after.
Project Scope:
Location: Downtown Brooklyn, NY
Property Type: 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom Co-op Apartment
Size: Approximately 700 Square Feet
Services: Skim Coating, Plaster Repair, Surface Preparation, Priming, Interior Painting, Color Consultation, Color Drenching
Paint Brand: Behr Premium Interior Paint
Featured Colors: Violet Aura, Peach Sachet, Seed Pearl, Retro Pink
Notable Features: South-Facing Natural Light, Color-Drenched Living Areas and Primary Bedroom
When our clients purchased this two-bedroom co-op apartment in downtown Brooklyn, they saw something many buyers overlook: potential. While the approximately 700-square-foot unit offered excellent natural light and a desirable layout, it hadn't been updated in decades. Years of wear had left the walls covered in peeling paint, cracks, discoloration, water stains, and faded finishes from constant sun exposure. Before any new color could be introduced, the apartment needed a significant amount of restoration work.
The goal was clear: repair the damaged surfaces, create a cohesive design throughout the home, and use color to transform the space into something that felt vibrant, personal, and sophisticated.
The Challenge
Like many older New York City apartments, the walls told the story of years of deferred maintenance. Throughout the unit, we encountered peeling paint, cracked plaster, water damage, discoloration, and surface imperfections that had accumulated over time. The apartment also suffered from extensive color fading due to its southern exposure and abundant sunlight.
Before painting could begin, the surfaces required extensive preparation to ensure a smooth, durable, and professional finish.
Restoring Walls to Their Original Shape
A successful paint project starts long before the first coat of color is applied. Our team thoroughly cleaned, patched, repaired, skim coated, and primed the walls throughout the apartment to create a fresh canvas for the new design. The restoration process was critical not only for aesthetics but also for ensuring the longevity of the finished paint work.
By the time preparation was complete, the apartment already felt renewed. Smooth walls and repaired surfaces immediately elevated the space and laid the groundwork for the transformation to come.
Designing Around Natural Light
One of the apartment's greatest assets is its large south-facing windows, which flood the home with natural light throughout the day. Because of this, our clients had the flexibility to explore richer, warmer colors without making the space feel dark or enclosed. During the color consultation process, we worked closely together to test options, refine the palette, and evaluate how each color interacted with the changing light conditions.
After several rounds of exploration, we landed on a collection of warm tropical-inspired tones featuring blush, pink, purple, and mauve hues throughout the home. The final palette included multiple shades of Behr Premium Interior Paint, anchored by soft, welcoming tones in the main living areas and a dramatic Violet Aura accent in the child's bedroom.
Color Drenching for Cohesion
To create flow throughout the apartment, we color drenched the living room, hallway, and primary bedroom using complementary finishes and coordinating shades of pink.
Rather than separating walls, ceilings, and trim with stark contrast, color drenching allowed each space to feel immersive, layered, and intentionally designed. The technique softened transitions between rooms while highlighting the apartment's architectural features and maximizing the effect of the natural light.
The Transformation
What was once a dated space marked by damaged walls and faded finishes has become a colorful, sophisticated home filled with warmth and personality. The carefully curated palette creates a seamless flow throughout the apartment while giving each room its own distinct identity. Most importantly, the home now reflects the people who live there.
The clients were thrilled with the outcome, and the project stands as a perfect example of how thoughtful surface preparation, strategic color selection, and expert painting can completely transform an older New York City apartment without the need for major renovation.
Next Project: Sand & Re-Stain Flooring