Drab to Dramatic Condo Transformation

Designer Deems Brooks knows that if you want to make the most of a limited decorating budget, you have to do some of the things yourself. That's what he did when he remodeled and redecorated a dated two-bedroom condo. He scraped off the cottage-cheese plaster from the ceilings and covered the floors, countertops and brick fireplace with a special cement mixture for a sleek new look.

Brooks troweled the concrete mixture directly over the existing wood floors to bring an urban sophistation to his dated condo.

Instead of traditional tube lighting, halogen lights are spaced across the recessed ceiling on two wires.

The kitchen countertops were also covered with the cement mixture. They look expensive but only cost about $40.

An antique chest was converted into a vanity for the downstairs powder room. Pleated fabric stapled to the walls adds texture and warmth.

Reed fencing attached with staples covers the cottage-cheese plaster on the ceiling.

Brooks used the cement mixture again, this time over the dated marble used for the shower surround, countertop and sink basins for a cohesive concrete look.

Canvas tarps cover the walls and ceiling in the master bedroom. Brooks created a recessed space for the TV and firebox in the wall opposite the bed. A large candle grouping in the firebox simulates the warmth and coziness of a real fire.

An outdoor patio has been transformed into a beautiful space for entertaining with a large tent, paper lanterns, gauzy fabric and elegant furnishings.