Studio Unit Makeover (23 SqM / 248 SqFt) | Midcentury Modern | DIY | Studio Ploy

Hello everyone, my name is Joel. Welcome to Studioploy. I am so excited for you guys to see this as it's by far my favorite small unit project to date. It's going to be one of the longest videos that I've done as I wanted to squeeze in all the interesting details of the makeover. During my initial conversation with the owner she told me that she wanted almost the very same treatment that I did to my unit plus some upgrades but minus the cement finish wall. From then on I already knew the design direction that I'm going to do for the unit. I can't wait for you guys to see the upgrades that we've done to the unit so without further ado let's begin with the design and space planning process. Based on the initial dimensions and floor plan the request for a similar space plan from a previous project is not doable. Though the size is only a tad smaller at 23 square meters, the unit is a bit narrow and the kitchen placement is so awkward and bulky that it eats up one-third of the living and dining space. We then schedule a site visit and do some actual measurements to finalize the space plan and if we can fit in a two-seater sofa bed, a two-seater dining, a two-door wardrobe, and a queen-size bed in this tiny unit and still keep the space look airy and light. I came up with this final layout as seen here on the floor plan and mood board. The bed is now facing towards the kitchen since a huge column hinders us from having a decent legroom between the bed and the tv area. I was also able to comply with three major items especially the sofa bed. Usually, the client is alone but often visits his relatives and friends hence the need for a sofa bed. Jumping right into the makeover, I started covering the floor with a plastic draft cloth to protect it from paint spills since we are not going to replace the existing tiles. This also includes covering the window frame and outlets with masking tape to avoid painting it and for clean and crisp termination lines. I've done some paint testing on the actual wall before deciding to this specific tone of white. For this project, we are going to paint the walls with white on white. The code number for this color is 3002P in satin finish. From this shot, it's very noticeable the choice of paint color for the deliverables which is so yellowish especially on the actual that it doesn't even jive with the cupboards and the kitchen countertop that comes with it. A simple tip to those who also want to do a DIY on painting their units, start by painting the edges and corners of the whole unit instead of per section and it'll save you time and energy. By the way, I've done a total of four coats to cover the existing paint. Prior to work permit approval, I already purchased some of the furniture once I've done with painting, it'll be already available for pickup and I can start assembling and installing them. Normally, I opt to pick them up instead of waiting for the items to be delivered because most of the time, there's a problem with the schedule especially with the delivery permits especially now that it would take at least three days before a delivery pass or a work permit gets assigned. The same day, I started assembling and installing some of the smaller items so I can make space before I start doing the bigger furniture like the bed frame. Assembling the bed frame for this project is so crucial since it will be a challenge once the partition is being installed first as clearance to move around would be too tight. I only have three days to do it before the scheduled installation of the divider. Going back, I decided to put this shoe storage to maximize the space and to create some sort of foyer or a welcome area. The width of this area is too wide and it's spacious for an entryway but too narrow to incorporate a standard size cabinet. What's good about this hemless storage is it's flexible aside from shoes, you can also store other stuff like magazines or documents. And at this time of pandemic, it can serve as disinfection area since it's just beside the bathroom. I will also be creating a vignette on top of this to make this entryway more cozy and welcoming. I was supposed to install next the bed frame but unfortunately, I noticed that what we got is a single bed instead of queen. I reported it to the merchant right away and sadly got a reply after three days and they also insisted that what was handed to us was a queen based on their records which I repute based on the actual dimension of the frame. Long story, it took me a couple of follow-ups and ended having the replacement almost three weeks since I reported it. This caused me so much delay because at this time, Metro Manila was in lockdown again. Wasting no time, I move on assembling this two-door wardrobe. I actually used a specific cabinet on the previous makeover project as I find it very classy that it can fit a lot of design styles and it's durable unlike my prior purchase wherein the back part and the connections were flimsy. I also chose this cabinet for its dimension and it's a perfect choice for small spaces. It has its built-in drawers and a mirror which are really important add-ons. Before moving to the next item to assemble or install, I'm clearing up the unit for some clutter with the previous items assembled to give me an extra space to work around. Excited to use my newly purchased line level laser, I went on installing this surprise element of the makeover. The part where I'm beaming the line laser is not a typical wall, it's actually a column, a very huge column that it takes up a lot of space from the bedroom. I'd like to show you this part kasi ito yung pinaka-crucial, konting pagkakamali lang then it will ruin everything and I have to repeat the whole process. My purpose for having a different color for this part is because I wanted to create some sort of space within a space while adding to the aesthetic appeal and aside from that, this will also serve as our TV and vanity area so I decided on covering it with this self-adhesive wallpaper in gray. Why this light gray? It's because this color led a tranquil, soft, and moody feel to a bedroom. If your room receives little natural light, you can fool the eye into seeing the space as airier and lighter. The following day, I asked the help of the building maintenance in installing the AC. Originally, I would avail of the merchant's installation service but the available schedule are on a later date and would affect the whole project timeline. For the size of a unit which is 23 square meters, a 1 to 1.5 horsepower window type is recommended to cool the entire space. I went for 1.5 hp since based on experience, 1 hp is under capacity and won't cool quickly and efficiently while a much bigger one cools too quickly without removing the humidity. Also, taking into consideration that the window of this unit is facing the afternoon sun which is a little hotter compared to the one facing the morning sun. Just a personal preference, I don't like seeing window type AC with frames because instead of making it unnoticeable, you highlight it. For me, it's either you hide it or make it blend with the interiors. ACs are not an art that you want everyone to notice. The next day, Asibar came in to install the glass divider. I had to ask them days prior if they could make the installation schedule earlier than what was agreed because of the impending imposition of a two-week lockdown. I can't afford for this to get delayed as this will have a domino effect to the overall progress and timeline of the makeover. They were the one to also customize and install the extension for the kitchen though later I will have some adjustments for this. They also did the divider for the bathroom wherein I went for the frameless for it to have a very clean look and it gives this illusion of a bigger feel. This will also be the last day of work before the initial two-week Metro Manila lockdown which were extended twice. After six weeks of not being able to work, finally, I was so excited to work on the unit again. I started by installing the curtain rods. I had to install this prior to assembling the bed to avoid dust all over and under the bed frame. I covered the entire wall including the aircon part. The idea for this is if the AC is not in use, it can be covered by the curtains. During lockdown, deliveries were allowed so I was able to get the replacement for the bed frame. This was supposed to be one of the easiest to assemble if I was able to do it before the partition gets installed. Though it was challenging but I still had fun. I always enjoy building items. This to me is like playing lego. More on to the details of this bed frame. I think the name of this frame is Vince and Queen. What I like about this is it's simple, very straightforward design and the wood headboard element fits our theme and it's very mid-century. If you guys notice, I went for this low bed frame because of the ceiling height on this part of the unit. Also, it gives this effect that the unit is high ceiling. Since we have a very small unit, another consideration is to have a multifunctional furniture. That's why I chose this because you can make use of the underpart as extra storage space. With the large number of boxes and styrofoam, I have to clean up the unit again because the unit is full of trash and it's hard to move around. By tomorrow will also be the countertop installation. For the kitchen, I did some upgrades like this extended countertop, a subway tiled backsplash, and many more but won't be showing more details here as I have created a separate video for this. Similar to the kitchen, I also did some upgrades to the bathroom by creating a faux shiplap for the walls and added some accessories. I made it into a scandy coastal themed bathroom. Links for both videos will be on the description box if you want to watch more detailed videos for the kitchen and bathroom. The next day after the bed frame was assembled, I finally worked on the TV and vanity area. On my previous video, I installed the same floating shelf to take advantage of its compactness, function, and aesthetic which is very ideal for small spaces. As an added storage space, I also installed this lap floating shelf from Ikea but later on, I decided to switch it with another shelf that I installed in the bathroom. Most of you must have noticed that I skipped painting this part. I really intend to do it as I will be installing the tile mirror on this area. I aided the use of my line laser level The tile mirror were not cut identically. Some are smaller, others were also a bit bigger. I had to space it at least 1-3mm para may room for adjustments as you go on with the installation. Initially, the plan for this area was a full-length mirror but the cost is beyond the client's budget so it was declined by the owner. I told her of a cheaper option similar to what I did to my unit and instantly she approved of it. I really wanted to put a mirror since one of the client's requirement is for the unit to look bigger. One of the best solution to it is mirror. This was another challenging part as I have to cut out a hole for the outlet. The initial attempt failed at nabasag sya nung diniinan ko. I have to put a cushion around the cut out area para hindi na sya ulit mabasag. From tile mirror to round mirror, I had this mirror for a couple of months now and since it's brass framed, I immediately thought of this project at ito paagad na area naisip ko. For our lighting, since we are not going to do ceiling works that would make us create dramatic lightings and we can only do so much with existing provisions, pero syempre dapat hindi pa rin makompromise yung style. For the bedroom, I went for this flash mounted light in white para mag camouflage sya sa ceiling. I wanted to highlight this area of the living, dining, and kitchen by creating a statement with this chandelier in brass. Also with the receiving area, I thought of this round brass pendant light to keep with the theme and in frosted para hindi nakakasilaw. Since most of the fixed items were installed and we only have a week by this time before revealing the unit to the owner, I started to assemble the movables. First is this two-seater tulip table and wishbone chair, two of my favorite from the mid-century era. Finally, I'll be able to incorporate it with this project. The curtains also arrived on time so I immediately installed it para makita ko din how it will look kasi first time ko palang to gagamitin para if kailangan i-replace or adjust, meron pa tayong time. Last to install before we officially start the unit is this 43-inch smart LED TV. Also some final touches by sealing this part of the floating vanity table and finally unboxing the 7 cubic feet fridge. We are doing some accessory shopping today though actually may na-purchase na akong mga items for the styling kaya lang we still have a lot na kulang pa. I have to get a specific color I think some accessories or some vessels or vases na magagamit natin para may spruce up natin yung buong look ng ating ginagawang makeover. It's actually due for reveal sa client on Saturday so today is Tuesday. Tomorrow will be the styling and I'll be shooting on Friday and Thursday and Friday kaya kailangan natin matapos today yung buong pamimili and then tomorrow the whole day will be dedicated for styling para matapos na yung unit at maykit na isang buwan siyang delay. So I'll see you guys later sa destination natin. This one is another surprise element of the makeover. Whenever I would talk to the owner, I would casually ask her favorite colors and this time some of her favorite photos. Glad she didn't ask for some details though she probably have a hint but definitely clueless that I'm creating a gallery wall on the entryway. For the photos, I digitally edited some of it and printed it in black and white to contrast with the white frames and to have this modern feel and streamlined appearance. If you also notice, the location is so perfect that it's opposite to the round mirror in such a way that upon entry you'll see right away the gallery wall through the mirror. I wanted the whole space to be more cohesive and ever since I really wanted an all brass hardware for the furniture and here I'm finally able to do it. I replaced all the handles for the shoe cabinet in brass and of course with our wardrobe since I find it too scandy for this space. I also replaced all the hardware with a mid-century inspired brass handles. I've been contemplating on what painting to do for the unit. I actually had a different idea initially but whenever I would imagine it on the wall, it doesn't jive with the overall look as I find it over the top and on the second to the last day, I came up with this idea to do a minimalist painting. Though simple, I added this textured part for it to have a dimension. I had to dry it overnight before painting it over with acrylic. For the textured area, since I don't have a black paint with me, I created it combining colors. The textured area will not be fully covered but for the purpose of having more depth to it, I painted it over and wiped the excess. And then, the whole white part will be painted in deep dark blue. Blue and purple, by the way, are Klein's favorite colors. I place it on the left-most side of the bed since the size is a bit small to hang it on the middle part. Then, after I make the bed, I paint the rest of it in the same way, but this time, I'm wanting it to look very comfy and relaxing. I added some blue pillows and this neutral color throw blanket to elevate the look of the entire bed. This was an hour or two away from the reveal. I actually asked for extension of two hours for me to do some final touches and to clean up and disinfect the entire unit. Been wanting to incorporate an air rag to a space. The last makeover was a rental. Finally, I was able to do it here. And for the last part of the styling, I've added these touches of natural colors. These green apples will be for the kitchen and some flowers and silver dollar leaves that I got from Dangwa. I can't hide my excitement that finally, this project that I have been working on for the past few months, the third and last part of our anniversary makeover series, is finally out. Initially scheduled for release last November, but had to settle for a few more movements until finally this February. Of course, the hardest part would always be the editing, which by far our longest video with over 800 raw clips down to 408. Nevertheless, if you love what you do, the difficulty and hard work in it seem like nothing. I am lucky that our dear client, Ms. Glad, was so kind enough to trust my style combined with her personal choices. Definitely a combo of mutual trust and respect. Though COVID restrictions seem to be our number one enemy, the challenge in squeezing in all the stops and furniture in this tiny space didn't stop us from keeping it airy, light, and comfy. At the end of the day, overcoming number of challenges is more rewarding, especially when a client friend is happy and satisfied. Thank you so much you guys for watching. See you in the next one.