I have gone back and forth on the "Boardwalk' feel. I'm sure my opinion will change 10 more times, especially once I stay there in 5 Days!
One thing that I think they could have done in regards to the "theme" is to take a page form the Poly DVC. The theme"ing" of those are definitely Poly. For Boardwalk Theme they could have had roller coaster, carnival, ocean or other amusement type theming on the lamps, bed cover, murphy bed etc. Little touches even with the same new furniture might have solved the issue.
Just got back from BWV studio (dedicated boardwalk view).
Room was refurb'd. It looks nice "ish" . If you are looking for an updated, fresh paint, large TV you will be happy.
My most recent thoughts quoted above are ringing true for me. I am disappointed in the lack of theme. When I say that, it is not comparing the old studios to the update but the studios at other DVC resorts. If you stay at the Poly, VGF, Jambo, Wilderness Lodge you have a strong feel for where you are staying. At the BW I'm not feeling it, unless you consider two undersized pictures over the sofa. The photos by the way are in modern frames and have a modern artsy photos of a ferris wheel. I guess that is the Boardwalk feel.
Some of the random issues that I have with the room.
1- The coffee table is bulky looking with monster sized spindles. The top is a faux marble that does not match anything. The Kitchenette countertop is a different, not that it needs to match but I could at least understand the choice. The nightstand top is a different material (almost a corian kitchen countertop material)
2- the wood chairs with the fold down table are heavy straight legs are different design of table or faux wicker chair in corner. The legs seem to be scratching the foldaway bed base when not in use.
3- The hanging light fixture is hanging in between murphy bed and corner chair (due to that is where the old table was). Not only is it just out of place it is of a modern style high chrome. The Brushed chrome handles on the white shutter dresser is ornate in design. The handles on the murphy bed are chrome with a different modern sleek look. The nightstand has different knobs.
Disney always speaks of a backstory, a theme. I can't figure out what the theme might be. My wife thinks the story is a college student who randomly grabbed furniture from different friends for their apartment. Definitely not a Disney inspired story. I think it is a story of having 5 or 6 different people responsible to purchase and they were blindfolded and not allow to talk to other buyers. I say buyers because I can't believe it was a designer.
I took the Ballyhoo tour, which if you have time and are a fan of the Boardwalk I recommend. It is obvious that whoever did design or purchase they have no understanding of the Boardwalk story, or took the tour. Being modeled after a turn of the century hotel is lost on the designers.
I understand that we all will have opinions on room color, flooring, carpet choice etc. I just don't get why not keep it with the design of the hotel. Instead of sleek artwork, why not look at any of the 100's of framed pictures throughout the hotel and use them as inspiration. I don't know what you call the bed covers at the foot of the bed, but why not just have that themed at a minimum. The Boardwalk, carnival theme has to be one of the easiest on property.
Money was spent, i truly believe that adding touches consistent with the hotel theme could have been done within their budget. I am not one to call for people to lose their jobs but whoever designed it and whoever approved the design and purchase need to be moved to the custodial staff sweeping up popcorn in the parks. It just makes zero sense in my opinion.