80s Glam Meets Palm Springs in This Trendy (and Frugal) Apartment Makeover

Michael had several inspirations for his space. “Anything 70s or 60s I think is so cool. My ultimate dream is to buy a mid-century bungalow and totally redo it,” he said, “This apartment is mid century modern with a touch of bohemian and some 80s glam.” The shelf is an Ikea piece that he spray-painted gold at his old apartment in Toronto.

Glassware, Michael says, is one of his weaknesses. Part of his collection is displayed on this gold bar, which he bought second-hand in Hamilton.

One of the most expensive second-hand pieces Michael has ever bought is this mid-century dining room table, which can seat four.

Michael spruced up the dining room chairs by reupholstering them in cheeky shades of pastel pink faux leather.

The pink theme blends over into the living room area. The sofa is the only new piece purchased for the entire apartment, from GFURN, a Montreal shop that specializes in mid-century furniture.

The gold-and-glass coffee table was another $20 piece discovered in Michael’s online sleuthing. A shell (for $10) is used as a centrepiece with a whimsical air plant nestled inside. The patterned rug is from HomeSense.

While shopping, Michael spotted a pinkish coral velvet at the fabric store. He couldn’t get it out of his head. He decided to buy some, tack it onto a canvas and make his own tapestry-inspired piece of art, which now hangs over the mantle. He used tassels and trimming to finish the piece.

Cacti are a common motif throughout the space. These ones on the mantle are displayed alongside some earthy pots Michael found in thrift stores and, as always, a touch of gold.

Michael found a pair of these woven chairs on Kijiji and instantly fell in love. Unfortunately, someone else was interested too. The seller said that whoever got there first would get them. “I said, ‘I will be there in 20 minutes,” Michael said.

A few design books are placed on the coffee table, atop which sit two deer-themed candle holders that Michael says he bought during his Etsy phase. A gold plant mister is tucked in front of a no-fuss snake plant.

This mid-century record stand was another second-hand buy. To make it a bit more modern, Michael swapped old the old knobs for two simple, gold handles. The record player (and its stylish patterned box) are from Urban Outfitters. Amongst Michael’s music collection are Ace of Base, Heart and Father John Misty.

Michael discovered the “tuxedo kitchen” style on Pinterest – darker paint on the bottom cabinets, lighter up top. The effect: an open, airy space in otherwise cramped quarters. He finished the look with gold knobs, found on Amazon.

Two more Kijiji finds: the kitchen island, which is originally from Ikea, and the two chairs, which were $10 for the pair. A quick coat of jungle green spray paint added some fun freshness to the seats.

No space goes unused in Michael’s apartment, and this nook at the back of the kitchen borrows design elements from the rest of the flat. A $10 oak mirror reflects the mid-century pieces throughout the home, and the hanging planters (from Urban Outfitters) and glass greenhouse offer fresh earthy touches.

Pinks, golds and greys offer subtle, cool accents in the bedroom. The headboard is a solid-wood piece from Gibbard, a Canadian company well known to vintage seekers. Michael’s mom sewed the throw pillows from leftover pink velvet from the mantle art.

Desert themes are a constant throughout the apartment, but they’re particularly apparent here. More plants are contrasted with a gold lamp, and a muted cactus photo framed on the wall ties the Palm Springs vibe together. The side table was found on sale for $40 at HomeSense.

Another original piece of art: the macrame on the wall, which Michael made. The dresser, from west elm, is made from reclaimed skid wood. Michael personalized the dresser with a few cool knobs he found at Anthropologie.

One of the most dramatic pieces in the apartment is the bedroom chandelier. Besides looking like it came straight out of Cher Horowitz’s mansion, the piece cost a cool $40. “It has that art deco vibe but is a little more modern,” he said. The only downside? He had to clean every single crystal. “It was kind of a nightmare.”

Michael’s eye for design is in the details, and he decided his front door needed a makeover, too. He painted it nautical blue and added more gold details to match the rest of his space.

For more of Michael’s designs, check out his personal Instagram, @michaeljblige, and his vintage design company, @bephihome.