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Design

Orcondo: Living & Dining Room + Get The Look

YOU GUYS! IT’S ME! ORLANDO! WE MADE IT!

In case you are wondering ‘who the hell is this dude Orlando, ’ here goes: Orlando was my assistant/sidekick on Secrets From a Stylist (RIP) and then became an associate designer that worked with me on design projects for close to 4 wonderful years but then HE LEFT ME to become the West Coast Creative Director of Homepolish, which makes design more accessible, streamlined, and enjoyable to clients all over the United States. Take it away, Landy.

After blabbing about my condo makeover to you for the past year I’m stoked to be able to FINALLY share the results of the funnest interior design project OF MY LIFE. I know that sounds terrible and selfish. Yes, it’s fun doing design projects for other people. But I’m sorry, doing it for yourself is just more fun. Basically because you get to do whatever you want and you don’t have to deal with the aesthetic constraints of other people’s needs. Because, let’s be honest. THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN OTHER PEOPLES’ NEEDS. JK. I have the funnest clients and I love them. But my favorite client is MYSELF.

But enough about me. Let’s talk transformation. I have to say I’m very pleased with the results. When we started, the condo was a depressing, out-of-date, relic of its 1984 birth. There was so much shiny parquet flooring, horrible dark industrial carpet, orange peel textured wall everywhere. As a little refresher, here’s what the living room looked like before I came over and waggled my Homepolish magic wand all over the place:

orcondo-livingroom-before

I know, gross. I’m actually a big fan of 80s design, but this place needed some help. First thing to go were the orange peel walls. I think texture has a time and a place, and I’m not here to shame you if you have textured walls. But the minimalist look I was going for meant the texture seemed out of place. Skim-coating the walls wasn’t cheap. It cost about $12, 000. But it was worth it because it completely changed the look of the condo and quieted my desire that EVERYTHING BE PERFECT AND SMOOTH.

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One of my favorite transformations is the spiral staircase. We had the whole thing painted matte black and had new solid wood stairs cut (it was previously plywood covered with carpet) and stained black. The effect truly transformed the stairs from DATED to DARLING. In case you’re curious, here’s what they looked like before:

orcondo-diningroom-before

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I’ve always loved going to museums and art galleries and had secret fantasies about living inside one. Thus, I wanted to create a neutral, monochromatic palette in the living room that would allow art and accessories to be the true stars. The chairs I originally planned on using did not end up working out. Basically, my boyfriend Edouard had some cool-yet-gross-green-brown mid-century chairs that he loved and really wanted to use. So I had them reupholstered in grey linen and all was fine. Until the sofa arrived and was grey (not white like I had originally thought it was from viewing it online). My living room seemed to transform into a sea of grey, despair, and nothingness. Here are some pics of what the chairs looked like before:

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We actually had the chairs facing the fireplace for a while. We rearranged the living room five times before we got it right. Turns out figuring out the layout for a triangular living room can stump even an interior designer. The solution to the too-grey situation was to sell my chairs to a designer friend who needed them for his new Palm Springs house and to get new ones. We chose these woven cutiez from AllModern because they stayed in neutral territory while also bringing in some desperately-needed warmth and texture.

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You’ll notice that the flooring is diagonally-oriented in the living room. This is because we decided to keep the direction consistent throughout the condo and the living room is the only space that diverts from the orientation of the rest of the home. So in the bedrooms the flooring runs parallel to the walls but in the living room it’s diagonal. I was originally kind of opposed to this but now that it’s installed I like the movement.

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Before we can get on with our lives I think we all need to take a seat and chat about this chandelier. It was designed by the amazing Park Studio and I love it more than I love drinking margaritas while floating in a swimming pool, laughing with my friends, thinking about the future. This LA-based company has a huge collection of beautiful ready-made pieces AND does custom pieces as well (I custom designed this one with them). As far as high-end custom chandeliers go, their prices are pretty great. If I were to marry any light fixture, it would be one designed by Park Studio. Oh, PS, here’s the lighting that was in here before:

livingroom-ceiling-before

It was super cool and mega 80s but it made me feel like there should be birds up there perching on it, judging us for having such outdated, crazy lighting. Also, I had a secret fear that the wires would somehow fall down and electrocute me.

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The sentence I’m about to write is going to make you want to wrap me in rancid garbage and throw me down the world’s longest staircase, but I have to write it because it’s something that actually happened in real life. I found this Cleon Peterson print with my boyfriend whilst attending Art Basel in Miami and had it framed in a simple white frame by my go-to cheap framer. I know, this is terribly unrelatable and obnoxious, but it’s what happened and we all need to come to terms with it. The dresser is from Blu Dot and I love it. Mostly because I love putting dressers in non-bedrooms. BECAUSE WHY SHOULD BEDROOMS GET TO HAVE ALL THE STORAGE AND PRACTICALITY?

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I’ve literally never opened that Vanity Fair book. I bought it because it’s large and you can stack another book on top of it and put a piece of art upon that book. The interlocking rings sculpture is from MQuan Studio and I love it because it reminds me of the desperate, codependent relationships I have with everyone I know.

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I love pretty much anything ceramic, so this tray by Richard Carter thrills and delights me on a daily basis. Usually, I use it to store my ephemera, such as postcards and love letters from my boyfriend. The two poufs were Edouard’s. I had them recovered in more neutral fabric and added an extroverted welt to give them a little more character. Here’s what they looked like before:

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If you look closely at that pic you can see Emily’s book on my coffee table, under that mercury glass candle. I read it to Edouard every night before we go to bed. He LOVES the surprise ending!

Okay, now I’m going to show you something totally fun and satisfying. Look at this pic:

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Then look at this pic:

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Notice any difference? LOOK AGAIN! The stools in the first pic are totally a different height than the ones in the second pic! HOW FUN IS THAT? Well, not really. I’m an idiot. I completely messed up and ordered the wrong size. Luckily, the right size was in stock and I ordered those and everything was back to better! The stools are by Noir and I love that they’re both modern and accommodating. LIKE ME.

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Do you hear that sofa calling your name? It’s all “HAY BOI,  COME LOVE ME.” And I’m “YES GIRL.” It’s the perfect combo of chiseled and comfy.

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Like many of you, I’m very fond of succulents and try to have them around me at all times. The most important thing to remember about succulents is that they hate living inside (except maybe for some extreme cases where you have the brightest room in the world that gets TONS of direct sunlight). So I like to rotate mine inside for a week then back outside to come back alive. Are you glad you came here today so I could give you succulent advice you totally didn’t ask for? You’re welcome.

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See? More succulents. Right after this photo was taken, Succulent was all “LET ME GO OUTSIDE.”

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ORCONDO-LIVING-ROOM---GET-THE-LOOK

1. MIXT Union End Table 2. Atwood Sofa by Gus Modern 3. Silky Road ‘Vintage’ Trellis Rug 4. Rustic Ceramic Extra Large Vase by West Elm 5. Vintage Chrome Waterfall Coffee Table from Paddle 8 6. Throw Pillows by Loloi 7. Richard Carter Ceramic Butler Tray from Nickey Kehoe 8. Cleon Peterson Artwork 9. Noir Saddle Bar Stools 10. Custom Chandelier by Park Studio 11. Lucerne Mirror 12. Shale 4 Drawer Dresser by Blu Dot 13. The Sungar Arm Chair 14. MIXT Ashley End Table

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YOU GUYS I’M NOT FINISHED! We still have to talk about the dining room. You might remember from previous posts what a disaster this space was:

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In all fairness, this pic was taken after Edouard had already moved into my place and we have put a lot of his furniture into storage. He gets mad at me when I show these pics to people because it makes it seem like he just lived like a caveman with random chairs just sitting in the middle of the room for no reason. In all honestly though, he’s so lucky I saved him from what this place used to look like. I mean, CHECK OUT THOSE MINI BLINDS!

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One of the biggest improvements was the window treatments from Decorview. We did simple white Designer Roller Shades in the living and dining rooms and they look amazing and kind of just disappear when they’re open, which is exactly what I wanted. Also, they’re all mechanized so they open and close with a remote which makes me feel like I’m a robot who lives in the future.

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I wanted a place where I could invite people over for dinner, because having friends over to eat it is one of my favorite things on earth. I love dining and drinking and friends, but I hate restaurants because they’re so loud and restauranty. I’m basically a cranky 95-year-old man who hates going outside. I wanted a great space for entertaining where I could fit 6-8 of my friends around a table so we could talk about guys, shopping, and the mall. Edouard wanted a place to store all his books. So I designed this super swell built-in cabinet with tons of storage for our books and objects. I even designed it so we could store ugly stuff in the cabinets below and we’d never have to look at it!

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Many people are terrified of putting a rug under their dining table. For me, it’s like you can’t live your life in fear, you know? You have to be free to have a cozy place to put your feet while you dine. So I selected a relatively sturdy sisal to go under the dining table. It’s the kind of rug where if my friend drunkenly drops a meatball covered in marinara on it I won’t be like “GET YOUR GARBAGEFINGERS OFF MY $80, 000 PERSIAN RUG!!!”

ORCONDO-DINING-ROOM--GET-THE-LOOK

1. Mary McDonald Pythagoras Brass Pendant Light 2. LAXseries Edge Dining Table by Mash Studios 3. Maui Jute Wavy Chevron With Tassel Rug 4. Custom Roller Shades by Decorview 5. Crate & Barrel Lorne Wall Clock 6. The Wishbone Arm Chair 7. Dishware by Snowe Home 8. Crate & Barrel Beckett Natural Linen Table Runner 9. Wine Glasses by Snowe Home 10. French Kitchen Marble Wine Cooler by Crate and Barrel 11. Intersecting Pyramids by Z Gallerie

But that’s not all folks, stay tuned as I continue to reveal MORE AND MORE AND MORE of the condo, going over what I did to transform this place from BARFY to #BECKYWITHTHEGOODHAIR.
Want more Orlando? Check out all his Makeover Takeover Reveals here: Master BedroomGuest Bedroom Reveal | Kitchen Reveal | Bedrooms | Kitchen & Bathrooms | Bedroom Makeover
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kathrynjb
8 years ago

Oh Orlando! This is all totally gorgeous and you’re freakin’ hilarious. That is all.

So much to say, I don’t even know where to start. So here’s a fun fact: Spent a good portion of Saturday stalking your Instagram – because GORGEOUS. Speaking of gorgeous, your condo… I just can’t. I literally am not emotionally prepared to talk about just how it makes me feel – it is THAT GOOD. The winding stairs, the custom chandelier, the textured chairs, THE NATURAL LIGHT… So many ideas for our own little bungalow that we’re currently remodeling… my mind feels like it’s about to explode.

Anyway, can’t wait to see what else you did to this place. K, bye!

Abby
8 years ago

it’s beautiful–i love it! and i love reading your writing, so this was double good.

Jandy
8 years ago

LOVE it! Really nice work. Can’t wait to see the rest.

I’m codependent, but it makes me happy to think of you and your guy living happily in this beautiful space….

8 years ago

Amazing!!!!

I’m wondering if you can tell me what kind of plant is in the corner of your living room behind your couch? And where the planter is from?

Also, what is the story about those incredible bust sculptures?

Ally

8 years ago
Reply to  Ally

Hi! The tree is a Polyscias fruticosa. It’s meant to go indoors in a sunny space. I got mine at Sunset Nursery in Silver Lake. http://www.sunsetblvdnursery.com

8 years ago
Reply to  Orlando

I also got the planter there. I’ve seen similar on AllModern too.

Teresa
8 years ago
Reply to  Ally

I had the same question. Love the plant! (and the rest of the space too, of course!)

kellie
8 years ago

I love how it all turned out and am just curious if one of the dual pendants over the dining table is photoshopped in since there’s only one on the instagram sneak peak?

8 years ago
Reply to  kellie

Hi Kellie! Actually there are two pendants in real life. The preview pic you’re talking about might have been from another angle which made it look like there was only one. I loved them too much to just have one!

kellie
8 years ago
Reply to  Orlando

Gotcha- thanks for answering my question. You really have done wonders with the place and I have serious coffee table envy. Yours has to be the absolute best specimen I’ve ever seen! Enjoy your gorgeously revamped space!

Sarah H
8 years ago

YAY! SO happy to see this!

Saw the Design*Sponge article last week and loved the photos, but definitely missed YOUR voice! And just saying, your succulents are greedy little things if they need more than the light, bright space you’ve created. Love it!

8 years ago
Reply to  Sarah H

Ditto! The pics were nice, but definitely not as meaningful without your awesome narration. I love everything!

Emily
8 years ago
Reply to  Emma

Loved seeing you two together again on Facebook Live! Love everything about your space – incredible transformation.

Elise
8 years ago

Love love love everything about this!! But possibly my favorite part is when you showed the STOOLS. Because when I just saw the first pic, I thought “oh no, another instance of bar-height stools with a counter-height counter.” Because people do this all the time on HGTV and it drives me insane!! Thank you for showing that you did it, but MISTAKENLY, and course-corrected! And I do know (from reading this site) that when it happens on HGTV it might not be the designer’s fault but still…it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me.

Jess
8 years ago

Holy crud. Beautiful home and you are a GD delight. Thank you for sharing!

8 years ago

This space is stunning! I am freaking out over the round mirror, woven chairs, light fixture, and blue framed art – amazing!

http://www.shopthecoconutroom.com

Elyse
8 years ago

Yassss!

Lo
8 years ago

It’s really gorgeous and I can’t wait to see more!!
Do you mind sharing what white you used on walls?

chelsea
8 years ago

I actually appreciate the succulent info. I bought some for the first time and started to kill them. Now they are living on my porch but I want them inside. Nice to know I can rotate them!

Janice
8 years ago
Reply to  chelsea

Love the room. I have a similar space and have been struggling how to use the height of the walls (ceilings). Like the way you used the rope attached to the round mirror to add textural interest without adding a lot of bulk. Can you tell us a little more how you did it?

8 years ago
Reply to  Janice

Hi Janice! I was just slapping myself for forgetting to mention that! Basically, I found that wonderful circle mirror on AllModern and knew I wanted it above the fireplace. But that chimney wall above the fireplace is SO TALL and I wanted to engage the whole thing so I knew I wanted to mount it on some kind of chain or something. The solution was to use thick rope I bought at Home Depot and double it up for a more polished look. I hot glued the whole thing together (God bless hot glue) and wrapped the seams with leather I bought online. It helps so much to make the space above the fireplace feel engaged and not totally empty!

Jennifer
8 years ago

Orlando your home is stunning and you are hilarious. Can’t wait to see/read more! #victim

kim
8 years ago

Wow! Eye candy, sources and hilarity. Merry Christmas to US.
Gorgeous work, as always!! Thank you!!!

The place turned out great! And I’m OH SO jealous of all that natural light.

Diane
8 years ago

Hi Orlando! Love your space and your awesome personality! What color sofa did you order? And did you buy the print and enlarge it then cut it into squares for framing? Love it!
The other Orlando links are not working today…
Diane
Thanks

8 years ago
Reply to  Diane

Thank you! The sofa is the oxford quartz color, which I thought was whitish but is more light grayish. The print is an original screen print and came that size. The artist designed it as a grid. Oh no! Which links aren’t working?

Christine
8 years ago

Goosebumps!! It’s 80 degrees out and I have goosebumps! This is THE most incredible space I’ve seen in awhile. WOW! I would have perm-a-grin if I lived there! Congrats!

Kim
8 years ago

Beautifully done and I adore the fact that you make me laugh out loud every time I read your posts! Thanks for making my Monday!

Deirdre Cerasa
8 years ago

Gorgeous and you are hilarious! Holding my breath for more.

Sonja
8 years ago

Sources! Love that. Especially for things like the roller shades. Thank you! Curious about a couple things: 1. Is that a rope hanging the mirror over the fireplace? Think so. And 2. Is there a story around the long painting/photo in the dining room bookcase? Looks like maybe a vintage building(?). So glad you shared your space. Of course you were the funnest client!! Hope you make many great memories in your home.

8 years ago
Reply to  Sonja

1. Yes! It’s a hanging mirror! (You can see which one in the get-the-look below). I actually added the rope myself! Maybe I’ll have to do a step by step on how I did it! 2. Yes! Em and I bought that painting together at the Long Beach Flea a few years ago. My grandparents lived in a mid-century neighborhood that had a little strip mall that looked just like that so I always think of them when I look at it.

juliek
8 years ago
Reply to  Orlando

yes PLEASE to the rope tutorial. Dying for this but I’m a glue gun virgin with deep-seated DIY phobia. Help.

8 years ago

omg this post. so great.

and let’s not overlook the signoff — #barfytobeckywiththegoodhair

8 years ago

Are these tears of pleasure from this post?
No, really… I’m just cutting an onion. 😉

Really. A beautiful job all around.

Liss
8 years ago

Ahhhhh, YES! Everything about this (photos, decor, copy) is just so fab!

Landon
8 years ago

Fantastic post! Your home is gorgeous. But my favorite part about this is your voice, Orlando. I read your words aloud to my husband as I prepped dinner. Keep writing, please!

Rae
8 years ago

Orlando, these rooms are stunning. Your instinct to build a neutral museum to house your art is a good one — your artwork is fabulous!

Brittany
8 years ago

This was hilarious and I really enjoyed reading it. The gorgeous images = cherry on top.

Leanne
8 years ago

Orlando – you ROCK!! And I love the condo – fabulous!

Jennifer
8 years ago

So amazing!!!!
wwww.petiteandhungry.com

8 years ago

So happy to read your post about that..

Geraldine
8 years ago

I love Orcondo! I was looking forward to reading some news about it. Today’s a good day 😉

Thanks for sharing useful information for us.I really enjoyed reading your blog, you have lots of great content

Dena
8 years ago

The condo is gorgeous! Orlando can do no wrong! And his writing! So fun!!

8 years ago

I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.

Melissa
8 years ago

This looks AMAZING, Orlando! Holy smokes, I love everything about it… but your sofa is especially killer.

Also, “…it reminds me of the desperate, codependent relationships I have with everyone I know.” – this made me burst out into laughter. Your posts are the funniest.

Kaiulani
8 years ago

I grew up in a house with that identical spiral staircase and I so miss it. Love the Orcondo! Been following along on Instagram, but it is great to see it all one place.

Lynn
8 years ago

Looks lovely!

Sarah G
8 years ago

This looks amazing! I also love that it’s all shop-able (not that you should have to design your home like that) and there’s a good mix of high and low. And I love that I could very easily skim this at work and still love every minute of it. Love the Orcondo!

Kim
8 years ago

I love the Lolia pillows, but when I looked them up for a price, it seemed you had to be a dealer. Is there some way to get these without being a dealer. And do you know the price? Thanks.

amcninja
8 years ago

I really, REALLY wish there was an uncensored Emily + Orlando TV show. It would be my new religion.

Ivy
8 years ago

this post is everything

The content is effective. I love the information you share here. Its an well written blog post by you. This is awesome blog post. Keep it up..

Its really a good article. It gives me lots of pleasure and interest..!!

8 years ago

This website is good and always shares new thought….

vanessa
8 years ago

heart eyes x 1000000!

Amy
8 years ago

I adore the the plant and pot beside the couch. What type of plant is it and do you have a source for the pot? Thanks so much! Love this space!

TAYLOR
8 years ago

Orlando, I love the rug option you went with in the living space. Is it really the one linked up?! I liked the original too- before greymagedon. Where’s that one from?

Vanessa
8 years ago

What lemonade stand did you get those bathroom vanities from? I am head over heels in love with your work. Cheers and congrats on all your success.

8 years ago

there is nothing better than the occasional orcondo post on this blog. I love your writing, I feel like I am sitting around gabbing with my bestie while also getting some great advice + looking at killer design. emily’s blog is one of my favs and I hope we will continue to get a ‘fly-by’ post from orlando from time to time, even though the condo is now wrapped up.

– jaime

8 years ago

Hi Orlando! I just love this! I am very curious about the staining of your stairs – I am about to paint 2 stair cases in my home black and they do have solid existing wood that was under the carpet we removed (not plywood) but now I’m wondering if staining would be a better option?? Would love to hear more about this part of your project! Your spiral turned out AH-MAZING!