Renovating my Paris Apartment

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Hello angels !! In this episode in the artist in paris diaries I finally got my apartment in Paris and am beginning the renovation process! I've shared with you my hunt over these last six months apartment hunting in France and I finally found my forever home. Now it's time to transform my Paris apartment and I'll share the journey and struggles with that process. Today I am working on making a custom bookshelf and other renovations :) It’s been quite the adventure so far and I’m excited to share this new chapter with you!!! If you enjoy you can subscribe for Paris vlogs and Art content every tuesday
I would love to hear your thoughts xo
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[@julzgulz1992]

For your fireplace interior - get a can of matte black spray paint and paint over the inside bricks. It makes it look super uniform and seals up the old soot. 💪 There's so much to do diy with homeownership - a labor of love that never ends!

[@tisa6193]

Great idea! And if fireplace is usable, they have the fireproff spray paint for that as well in black matte!❤

[@sallywashington3691]

Or turn the fireplace into a storage area. Add cabinetry?

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Home renovations are sooooo expensive. Which is why i am so glad i was able to get my new house which is completely renovated, all i'll have to do is decorate and figure out where to put stuff. My old house necessited at least 200K of repairs, and i'm talking the deck is falling apart and dangerous (a safety hazard, and i had to walk one it to get out), no lightx working in the kitchen, bathroom to redo entirely downstairs, no tile in the hallway since 7 years, etc... and it was huge, hence the cost. I'm so glad i found a person who bought it and will enjoy doing the work lol, it's an old retired guy who seems to love remodeling homes. Also, he is hiring the lady who i'm buying the new house from to re-do my old one LOL. She bought and flipped a couple old and dilapidated houses in my neighbourhood (including one 2 doors from my new one that was built by my great-grandfather and is where my dad was born and grew up), and they all look so fabulous now. There were orher buyers who wanted to just bulldoze everything and build duplexes on the (large) land, including cutting down my 100+ year old maple tree Hector. I'm glad that the tree gets to stay and the house will be rejuvenated and repurposed to its true purpose, because as a self-employed person whose priority in life is to travel, i did not see myself putting all this money and work repairing it, and it would have taken me 10 or 20 years. Plus it's too big and there are so many areas of empty spafe i don't use. The new house is still big for one person (or two if my husband ever gets help for his mental health problems, but i'm not comfortable having him in my home now, and we dont even know what continent he is on atm). i think 14K is a fair price for that work, but you can also do it yourself and you will enjoy the process. You'll have sore arms at night, but it will be worth it ❤

[@WoodlandStrawberry]

Maybe just wait until you painted the room yellow and then you can decide if you want to paint the shelves.

[@oohlookatthatdoggo]

Agree!!

[@kassikleinworth]

My dog passed recently. The part where your friend was helping you with the bookshelf and then y'all hugged made me cry hard. It's so beautiful and perhaps the most special thing in the world when people help each other. It made me feel even more grateful for my friends who helped me through my experience. Such a heart-opening moment.

[@demigreen6495]

So sorry for your loss ❤ it’s gets better with time and maybe you can give another pup a loving home one day

[@victoria2939]

I’m so excited to see how your home turns out! I can’t remember how long I’ve been watching you but to look back and see how far you’ve come is so amazing. You’re inspiring. You’ve actually changed my life, I started seeking help and talking to the universe because I saw just how much you believe and trust in the process. Anyway, hope what I said isn’t super cringe but please never change ❤

[@SatiricalSarah]

Not cringe at all, she's changed my life as well! She's showing us all how to trust ourselves and become creators of our own realities. I've manifested so many beautiful things this year because I've trusted my connection with myself and my guides!

[@sara61696]

Omg please do a full apartment tour once it all comes together - it's gonna be so dreamy !

[@barbarazimmermann1314]

Lovely that you're creating this new abode with assistance from a wise friend. Creative homemaking is a spiritual path. And there's such helpful commentary, so keep us alongside you as you make your way through the layers of story that your apartement holds.

[@avxks]

Personally I would dye the shelves white to match the room. But if you're going for yellow, maybe light blue or orange shelves would be a nice complimentary touch?

[@g0dhatesemma]

purple shelves i think would be perfect! complimemtary color to the yellow and just purple is so pretty

[@estellar.367]

me too

[@rilappurin]

Just had my heart crushed by losing the apartment I've been trying to get... Thank you for these videos. They give me hope. 💞

[@Emi_72]

I am so sorry. I’ve been through this as well and the one I got is even better. Good luck and don’t loose hope 🍀🍀🍀

[@cryingdoge5378]

in situations like those I always tell myself that it wasn't meant to be even though it really hurts.. I believe that you will find another apartment that will be even better and you will reflect on how waiting and the "heartbreak" was worth it!! I wish u the best of luck!! 🌷

[@ameliafgallagher]

This vlog made me so emotional. I was an au pair in the french alps last year and it was truly the most amazing year of my life. I’m back home in the U.S. now and I miss France so much. I’m hoping to save up some money and go back more permanently next year. You make me feel like it can happen! Thank you for giving me comfort and trust that the universe will help make it happen

[@virginiacreager4331]

I’m renovating my mom’s old farm house I grew up in (old for American standards;) we don’t have very much funds and no credit so I’ve had to learn how to get creative and watch a lot of KZbin as well as ask family and friends to lend me their skills and wisdom. It’s been a beautiful process. What I’ve been learning, don’t rush things Trust your instinct/gut on what will work If it costs a little more but will be better in the long run, go for quality when possible Bijous babe, you got this! 😘

[@tisa6193]

When you said you were painting the green I said out loud "Thank God" 😂😅! Your shelving is beautiful and suprised at how straight you both got them. My house is 106 years old and not one straight wall so I get it! Love all your ideas and cannot wait to see! The price quotes were outrageous! It's very easy to put up new sconces. Many tutorials on YT. I was terrified but did it so sure you can too! Projects are never ending with home ownership but I'm sure you'll enjoy doing them!... and we'll enjoy watching❤

[@fareebug8439]

I think natural wood (maybe saint/seal it) against the yellow would be such a lovely pair. 💛💜💛 Well done!

[@pauladixon9003]

The bookshelves are wonderful! You needed a project like that amidst the jobs that you need outside help for, like the electrical. The decorating ideas in that loft spaces magazine that you were looking through…wow! I remember a lot of DIY when my husband and I moved into our house, because that was what the budget allowed. You’ve got this! Be good to yourself and have fun! 🤗💜🤗

[@littlefluffiescloud8461]

Congrats!! Btw, your hair and makeup look fab in this vid

[@tisa6193]

Agreed!

[@tinysadpenguin]

Im so excited let the angels guide you all the way always❤️ Im so proud of you, the growth and the journey, thank you for taking us with you✨☀️

[@aleksandrasmiech8861]

I'm so thankful for finding you on KZbin. The way you share your life and experience with us is truly inspiring. Your kind words and unfiltered expression that you show in your vlogs are so precious to this community 💖 can't wait to see your exhibition in the future. You are my angel and I'm YOURS 💛

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

i went to have a picnic and watch fireworks with a friends on Thursday (i could watch them from my house, but we went to an event better vantage point where we were right in front of them), and he gave me apples he picked and really cute hot cocoa mugs! I gave him a sundae cup i found in a thrift shop in Vancouver because he collects them! Gifts rock!!! ❤

[@kmichalene]

The place is so cute. I can see why you wanted it. I’m sure it will be gorgeous when you finish. One note about the yellow…while yellow is beautiful in a room, it also has the propensity to make a room so energetic that you may find yourself agitated while in the room. People paint guest rooms yellow so guests won’t stay too long. I know you’re an artist and you probably know about color theory, but I just wanted to give that input. I hope you don’t mind. Enjoy your new adventure!

[@estellar.367]

Im agree light colors like white or light colors will keep the fresh airy almosphere she likes she can inject color with decoration, or can have aligh pale green ob the wall the one that lok like old and big tropical plants but yellow will be stressing, shee needs a peacefull free vibe that make her feel relaxed and not chaotic full of stuff and walls that are stressing

[@GaiaGalaxy420]

I think it depends on the nuance. A pale yellow like architecture in Spain will give a relaxing vibe. Im considering the same for my new walls cause it's calmer than the hospital white I have now 😊 Remember some long flowy semi-seethrough yellow curtains! 🤩

[@estellar.367]

@@GaiaGalaxy420 it is true maybe a very pale pale yellow could look nice, but yellow is trycky. tones like tea green get a nice old light relaxig tone, a pale tone of yellow will be less relaxing that that colour, or if combined wrong could give a sad feeling instead of a happy feeling and somehow make the space feel smaller

[@jecamartinez]

Watchibg your videos make me feel a warmth and comfort I cant describe like everything’s gonna be okay 💖

[@luccamagic]

I met my crafts man who helped me with my Lucca flat through the people in the antique market. I would buy things from them and told them I was in a new place...they offered Maurizio. He and I are the best of friends now-but four years ago, he was just a guardian to my journey of owning my first old bones flat. He loves the work and is fair priced. I wish you could have him...really. He works all over Europe and has worked in Paris a lot...right now he is here in Tuscany. But he can do ANYTHING and if he can't, he has a staff of helpers who understand the old lovely things of Europe. I hope you find your own Maurizio. Love. Thank you for the share.

[@designingdakini]

What a lovely video! Adore your space and your creative, DIY perspective re: réno. Imagine spending 14.000 euros to clean & paint the crown molding...and 10.000 for a bookshelf??!! C'est fou! Your friend Joséane is a God send. Maybe you could paint the space first and then see what color (if any) you want to paint book shelves. Perhaps just a clear varnish? The natural wood is beautiful & neutral which will go with any wall color. Good luck and can't wait to see as you continue the rehab!💫

[@ciel4308]

You're doing a great job! I'm so happy for you! As someone who's also going through the process of renovating their first home, all I can say is to take things one day at a time. It's such a rewarding experience, and you're going to make this house your own!

[@heathpeer7222]

You inspire me every time. Aak for your angels to support you. Consuder getting a cat ❤ when the appartment settles.

[@puk8691]

Taking your time renovating is so much fun, youre gonna (hopefully) live here for years, building a Home takes time and you'll grow into it , Cant wait to see what it becomes :) x

[@Alina_drugego]

Hi I think shelves will last longer if you varnish them. Even with no additional colour

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

Yes, i also have lighting fixtures hanging from ceilings and walls by bare wires LOL!!!!! My dad was 93 and wasn't repairing stuff anymore. I lived in it for a year and a half thinking i'd repair it, but the new house appeared at the best timing, so i'm off to a greener pasture! (literally 3 doors down LOL. I'm going to use a WHEELBARROW to move my stuff down the sidewalk, door to door. I'm serious! )

[@beawilderment]

Just woke up from my nap and straight to this 🎉 weee! Shelf looks awesome, excited for your new palace 💛

[@ThrivingNotDying]

How exciting!!! I love that you are renovating with a friend. You will forever have those memories and be more connected to the transition.

[@alexbernovici4485]

Seeing u into this stage of ur life makes me so happy

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

LOVE THOSE SHOES.... I got my journal Friday and gonna write all my plans for the new dream house in it! Je vais faire des plans sur la comète dans ce journal!!!! I'm so glad we're going through a similar process together!!!!! ❤

[@Emi_72]

Love the shelving you made and the vibes of Josiane 😌💜 She is so nice, I like her 👌🏻 Also, when I finally got a bookshelf that fitted all my books (+500 😅), I felt my life was accomplished ☺️

[@Jasmine-in-my-mind]

I love the concept of the type of assistance that your friend is providing. I wish I could find someone like that here!

[@1888starz]

Painting the walls: white to me is a good colour and then using other colours throughout the room will give a vibrant feel. White always looks fresh. Furniture can be dark woods, canes, materials etc and will always look good against white. Just use yellow to do one wall as a feature. If you love yellow but don't want to feel overwhelmed with it buy decorations in yellow ie pillows, flowers, pictures with yellows, yellow flowing curtains. Oranges and softer apricots would go nice with yellow too. Just my thoughts. Love your apartment.

[@estellar.367]

agree with you

[@WillsCamera]

shayna, this apartment is STUNNING!!! so happy for you 👏✨

[@gabrielleszafir]

So wholesome to see you nesting and making the space your own 💛 - I make KZbin videos in a similar spirit as you but find myself in a very different chapter of life (currently living and traveling around the continent with my cats haha) but am hoping to find the next place I hope to call home... it feels like I get to vicariously live and be inspired through you. I really hope you're truly letting yourself HAVE this huge step (girl you just bought your first place!!!) amidst jumping into making it your own. Also, (on a practical note) make sure to get multiple quotes from contractors - seriously you will get a full spectrum of offers but just because the first guy quoted 14k or 10k for certain things, you might find others that will do it for what you can afford. Sending love from my corner of the world to yours!

[@demigreen6495]

You’re so wholesome ❤ I hope everything works well for you

[@gabrielleszafir]

@@demigreen6495 aww thank you friend!

[@avxks]

The shelves are sooo so beautiful!!! And it's so admiring to see you learn so much from this experience

[@hollamonE]

Your apartment is so cool, Shayna!!! I think you are going to make it the perfect palace. I am sonexcited for you and the evolution of artistic, beautiful sanctuary ❤️

[@hypnoticfig6085]

really into this series, cant wait to see where it all goes, i just know ur space is gonna be so lovely

[@brianfeeney4067]

I would personally paint the shelving either the same colour as the colour you want to paint the walls, yellow would look so cute it would be so cohesive. Or else I would paint them a contrasting colour. the wood finish doesn't do much for the space it might end up looking a lil crafty. you've already done such a good job I could never!

[@scarletr.7753]

What a beautiful place you got Shayna. Beautiful classic space in what seems like a beautiful neighbourhood. If you think of painting the walls yellow, I would probably paint the wall behind the book shelves in that same colour and perhaps leave the book shelves in their original wood colour. Or otherwise paint them in the same yellow as well, or even in white. Would look beautiful if you can fill that entire wall up bottom to ceiling with your books and art works. I do wonder, where is your bed going to be? In the same main large space? Or is there a bedroom tucket away somewhere? In any case it has a grand loft feeling and so much light and space, I'm sure you will make it look even more gorgeous.

[@IfTheLydFits]

I loooove love love that you have a friend helping you!! Her energy seems so great and she seems so wise!!

[@kaitlinmeadows6273]

Lovely! Leave the shelves unpainted! Your hair looks fabulous! You ROCK optimism and enthusiasm. You can do this wild woman!

[@virginiacreager4331]

I think they should be painted -it will make them look more cohesione with the room and the eye will be drawn more to the items you are displaying. I think with the wood color and all the items it could turn to visual clutter vs intentional art display. ;) love the apartment it’s absolutely gorgeous

[@onelove7707]

You should paint your shelves different pastel colors! 💗

[@demigreen6495]

And thanks for showing outside your window and the Parisian neighborhood, I know it’s not safe for content creators but i really appreciate seeing the view and the beautiful buildings and life in Paris, it helps me romanticize what i want my future life to look like and inspires me so much ❤❤ just be careful but thanks for sharing

[@carolyn_r]

I love your attitude!

[@bronwynlandis]

I would paint the shelves white so they look like they are floating! Either that or whatever color you paint the base boards. I’m so happy for you!! The Millennial dream of owning a home CAN REALLY HAPPEN!? SO INSPIRING!

[@vgadgetsmx]

Love the way they are turning out, i love wood so I would leave it natural ❤

[@victordillet672]

I love your new appartment !! Im so glad that you are so respectful of the old architecture thank you❤ So happy for your new place to cocoon at ❤

[@erinr8566]

I love that you left the song playing at the end of the video, I was caught in such a vibe and didn’t even realise it lolol 🩵 thanks for sharing your beautiful home w us shayna

[@jjessicaisabelle]

Yay I really needed your happy carefree vibes to turn my negi thoughts to wonder ✨🌟🌈🤸🏻‍♀️ you are going to rock this DIY

[@Kat-gi9wi]

paint the shelves white, it's more sleek if they blend in with the wall and they will look more like built-ins :)

[@samwullems6102]

Ouuuu I just finished the last vlog, being very excited to see the next one and here it is!!! Congratulations and proficiat with your new home! Sending love from Rotterdam

[@hollyw2901]

So happy for you! Can’t wait to see what you do with your new Purple Palace. Wishing you many little gifts along the way! ❤

[@michellemeyer1649]

I’m very happy for you! To do or refurbish those crown molding is a dying art. There are not many craftsmen left that truly know how to repair crown molding. It’s a lost art and it makes me a little sad. Wishing nothing but best n your new chapter.

[@drawingsimpleton4827]

you look so happy! 😊

[@caecilia4177]

I got teary eyed when you talked about using the wood from the convent. It’s so cool that you had no idea when you bought this wood 2 years ago, that it would be the shelves in your own apartment 🥹

[@damondominique]

taking notes for when i buy a place 📝

[@amandabeeeeee]

seeing you renovating your new place has really inspired me to start looking for a new place. even though i have felt like i’m stuck in my current situation. thank you for always sharing these moments ✨

[@fortunaastral]

I'm invested in the crown molding. That will be tricky but right up your alley!

[@etharhamid]

your eyes are the bluest blue I've ever seen. so pretty

[@thereversepolarbear]

I'm glad you decided to DIY a lot of it - I totally agree that as an artist you have quite a lot of the skills already or have contacts that do (like your friend). It's a better approach for sure. The shelves are lovely and I love how you are working with your friend together, it's so cool. I'm sure what ever you choose in terms of colour will look good. As some others have said - once you paint the skirting boards and walls yellow it will likely make that decision clearer.

[@estellar.367]

white or tea green tonality would look very nice relaxing and airy in your walls, yellow can make it darker, more stressing and less airy. green is a relaxing colour, tea green would give a old style vibe but light with big plants and some old forniture mixed with new will look with alot of personality but also relaxing with a old vibe but also classy, relaxing and airy, you can do the same with white, place lamps in diferents strategic points floor or table lamps even wall lamps at night will be cosy and romantic. on the book shelves you can have books alternated with plants also lights like led white on the shleve so they iluminate the books or the plants at night, in case of cortines long light cortines that give atramatic at sam etime airy old classic elegant vive to the apartment

[@estellar.367]

I mean a very light tea green colour or very light mint colour

[@keatsiann]

sooooo beyond excited to see this place grow with love darling!!!

[@michicrj]

Love it! I would paint the walls and the shelves the same color, and paint the fireplace + wall above it a different one.

[@Lavenderinspirit]

This was such a feel good video. 🥰 Bravo on getting those shelves put together!! 👏🏻

[@susannag1712]

Beautiful home. I understand how overwhelming it can be wanting to get so many things fixed. It took me roughly six years to renovate my apartment but the satisfaction afterwards was so worth it. I would leave the shelves raw, or you could lightly white wash them so that you can still see the natural grain underneath. If you leave it raw perhaps use hemp seed oil on them to protect and bring out the grain. They look beautiful. I can’t wait to see how your home evolves x

[@r.wilder2086]

My beautiful Parisian. You are living the best life out of all of us. Thank you for sharing. Live on beautifully and forever.

[@Alexismbordeaux]

What a beautiful space! Yellow is always a good idea, I am bias as it's my favorite color💛💛

[@zewaytogo]

Love the pace of this renovation. It’s good to see that good things really do take time !!

[@sophiadesjardins4136]

The most calming home renovation video I have ever seen

[@angelashippenmakeup]

congrats on your new home, I can't wait to continue following your journey

[@startpage717]

YES. DIY is sometimes challenging but so Fun, and the results are YOU! OHMYG! Treasure those beautiful Folks!! Agree. Whoever cut your hair did a great job in the past because the reward is showing now or even better. Great Loft mag...

[@AnitasDreams]

I'm so glad that you a place. It's been a long journey. You can paint the mouldings yourself. Just get the right kind of paint & paint them White. If you are considering Yellow for the room color I would go with a really soft Yellow. The bookshelves came out great. If I painted the bookshelves go with White or Cream or stain them. As artists we love color but use classic restraint in wall colors & then bring in all your colors in textiles & artwork.

[@StopJazz]

So exciting, you can totally DIY many things there 🥳

[@EvaUnit_01]

Can’t wait to see the finished product❤

[@Laura-rx9mp]

YEY. you are making it your way! Cheers

[@emmelinesprig489]

Wow those prices were a sign you needed to build those shelves yourself ✨❤️ I’ve always been drawn to woodworking, but I’ve never had the chance to build something like that. I think you should stain the shelves, instead of painting them. The more natural materials in a space, the more grounded it will be.

[@LidiaDaMataTravassos]

Hello Shayna, get in touch with Nathaniel Drew, he's recently renovated his apartment in Paris. The person who did it for him seems quite nice and a hard worker. Who knows, I think it's worth the try! Kisses and hugs from Brazil!

[@thepurplepalace85]

His person is the one that quoted me an insane amount ! Haha but anyway thank you for the comment 💗

[@LidiaDaMataTravassos]

Oh, sorry to hear that@@thepurplepalace85! Anyway, I know it's going to be fabulous!

[@BATgirl57]

Yaaaaaah Shayna!!🎉❤ A whole new adventure begins!!! Your beautiful creative spirit is a joy to follow!! All the Best from the northwest corner of Washington state!💚

[@tas655]

Img we are here for it

[@maurawhelan3530]

Lovely music and video content. Nice to see happiness for the small things

[@KellyM123100]

I love your hair! Makes me want to layer mine, so pretty

[@rayna463]

I think you should paint the shelves white to have the items on them speak for themselves

[@florencechase5772]

i'm so excited for you shayna i adoreee the book shelves!! i am actually moving to paris in 1 week and i am so so excited and you inspire me so much with you carving out a life there completely independently

[@kateejott]

Obsessed!!! With your hair, love love love the color - it’s your natural coloring as well isn’t it?

[@CoolInOlympia]

Very exciting!

[@LSChestersMom]

Tiles in the fireplace ( artists ones) could be gorgeous :) It's all art!

[@incrediblefelis]

Ahh this came out just in the right time for me to watch why I eat my lunch

[@jankadebnarova9040]

Your videos and energy are one of the highligts of my day! I'm so excited and happy you found your dream apartment. Can't wait to see more of your new home videos❤ wish you only the best, Shayna!

[@sergiopenate6717]

so many small yet beautiful things and moments in this video. Can't wait to get help from a friend creating my dream home and creating memories from the firsts days there, creating your dream home must be exhilarating even more that getting it given

[@alguedemer]

I don't like mixing business with pleasure either. Beautiful flat, congrats!!

[@Shine01440]

paint the whole room including book shelves the same colour! 😍

[@phyllishigley6161]

Paint the shelves. Definitely.

[@alguedemer]

He's asking 14.000€ because he's got a lot of work and doesn't care if someone says 'no'. His target is well-off people, obviously.

[@Fatimasroots]

Great quote “I don’t need a lot. Just give me a tomato and some balloons you know?”

[@dianasiegel3887]

i adored the green, actually! would look lovely with the vichy yellow, maybe if you painted over it but left some green pars visible? like a canvas :-)

[@nodice8312]

Wonderful Video shayna...happy for you having your OWN place!.....thank you

[@uenostation5445]

omg i love your haircut! you should try platinum blonde hair with wispy bangs or baby bangs that would be so cute on you i think. i think you should paint the shelves maybee