He Spent 23 Years Transforming His NYC Apartment – FULL TOUR

Step inside Mike’s incredible Uptown Manhattan apartment, a space he purchased in 2002 and has spent the last 23 years transforming entirely by hand. What started as a standard unit has become a custom Mid-Century Modern masterpiece, proving that with enough patience and DIY skills, you can build your dream home in New York City without a millionaire’s budget.

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Mike is the ultimate DIYer. He didn’t just paint the walls; he tore them down. From completely gutting and rebuilding the kitchen with standard cabinets to installing French doors to maximize natural light, Mike has touched every inch of this apartment. Interestingly, even though he owns the place, he loves using renter-friendly hacks like peel-and-stick wallpaper and vinyl tiles to add texture and character without permanent commitment. His home is a curated mix of family heirlooms, street finds, and clever budget buys that come together to create a warm, cohesive sanctuary.

Follow Mike:
Mike's Band Channel: ‪@mikevfaraci‬
Mike's Interior Design Channel: ‪@RocketDesign1972‬

Highlights from the tour include:
A 23-year transformation story of an NYC apartment purchased in 2002.
A complete DIY kitchen renovation done with big box store cabinets and ingenuity.
Clever architectural hacks, like building a faux chimney to hide TV wires.
How he installed French doors himself to double the natural light.
A stunning collection of Mid-Century Modern furniture and decor found on a budget.
Unique "renter-friendly" DIYs like faux wood paneling and wrapped bathtubs.
A look inside his home recording studio and massive Lego collection.

Welcome to The Art of Interiors, where we explore unique and inspiring homes in cities like New York, Montreal, and Toronto. We share stories of how people turn their apartments into deeply personal spaces that reflect who they are.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro & Entryway Mudroom Hack
01:29 Dining Room: The "Free" Fireplace
02:46 MCM Dining Area
04:08 DIY Kitchen Renovation
09:06 Living Room: Mid-Century Modern Finds
11:02 Building a Faux Chimney & Mantle
12:00 How to Style Your Living Room on a Budget
13:56 Installing French Doors for Light
15:25 Home Studio & Lego Collection
18:46 Hallway Storage & Sharpie Wall Art
20:33 Bathroom: Embracing Vintage Tile
23:02 Bedroom: Faux Wood Paneling DIY
29:28 The 23-Year Journey & Outro

In this NYC apartment tour, we showcase one of the most impressive DIY home renovations we have ever filmed. If you are looking for inspiration on how to renovate an apartment on a budget or how to style a Mid-Century Modern home, Mike’s 23-year journey offers endless ideas. He demonstrates that you don’t need a contractor to achieve a high-end look; you just need creativity and the willingness to learn. From detailed kitchen remodelling tips to simple home decor hacks like painting thrifted frames, this video is a goldmine for DIY enthusiasts.

This tour is particularly valuable for those interested in renter-friendly upgrades. Mike uses removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick floor tiles, and smart lighting hacks that can be applied to any rental apartment in New York City or beyond. We also explore how to mix high and low decor, incorporating Facebook Marketplace finds and street treasures with replica designer furniture to create a space that feels curated and expensive. Whether you are living in a studio apartment or a larger pre-war building, Mike’s approach to space planning and storage will help you maximize your square footage.

The Art of Interiors brings you the best New York City real estate tours and interior design inspiration. We feature everything from Uptown Manhattan co-ops to Brooklyn lofts, focusing on real people and their unique design stories. If you love Before and After home makeovers, room tours, and architectural digest style content, make sure to subscribe. Join us as we explore the best of NYC living, small space design, and the art of turning a house into a home.

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