new city, new space
step un : old tenants things…
step deux : clearing and cleaning
step trois : a fresh coat of paint
step quatre : and viola! a comfortable living space.
i love love love decorating. my room is about 1/3 the size of my old room, so decorating in a tiny space was a challenge. i have a lot of junk. so minimizing the objects, yet still keeping my personality was a bit mind boggling.
let’s take a tour, shall we?
okay, so i’ve used this colour for my past three bedrooms, i just love it so much!!! i’ve gone from a more blue-tint to a more green-tint. tiffany blue against white always makes me happy. i know painting is such a huge pain, but waking up every morning and seeing these walls instantly makes me happier. so the point here is…. the pain of painting = worth it.
let’s admit it. we all spend more time at our computer than anything else, so the space better be comfy and cozy.
though there is a lot to look at here, i really think the rug defines the space. my eye is instantly drawn to the floor with the light grey dots. without this rug, this space would feel empty.
computer chairs are so out. this is actually a dining room chair and not only is it comfortable but it’s beautiful. you can see that i’ve used gold accents throughout the room and this chair is a big statement piece.
my desk has an “antique” feel too it, but it’s placed with modern objects, so the space isn’t too polished nor too country.
the inspiration board is a must and i believe everyone should have one. it’s a daily reminder of your goals, dreams, and the things you love. (but these can be tricky, you can either go very simplistic like me, or overly crowded… just not junky!!!)
photos are a must must must!!! i always revisit my time in paris or memories with my friends when i look at these photos.
if you are going to splurge your money on one thing, then i suggest a fantastic mattress. mine is an extra soft serta with jersey knit sheets. you spend 1/3 of your life sleeping, why not do it in comfort and style? (cute bedding is a plus also.)
i am a candle nut. i always have candles burning (even as i type) it is scientifically proven by me that candles are relaxing because a.) happy scents always makes for a happier you and b.) the bright, warm orange glow is hauntingly memorizing and always interesting to look at.
patterns are a must!!!!!!!! they can be found in simple things such as pillows or even your mouse pad! don’t go for one, go for all, just make sure the colours are all complementary. (hint- yellow and grey are totally the “in” colours this season) in fact, once i get my next place, with enough money, i’m totally going the bold, wallpaper route.
coming from the hills of tennessee, nature and space is a big plus for me. since i get neither of those in the big apple, i have little hints all around my room. from the owl on my desk, to a pine cone on my beloved books.
here you can see a crystal hanging in my window. i am a big believer in feng shui. when you move into a new space always clean it. (mop the floors, wipe the walls, and fabreeze the !@#$ out of it.) i even went one step closer and put the crystal in the window to invite good energy and i performed a sage ceremony in my room. sage removes negative energy and invites positive energy (just make sure you open the windows and shower afterward because it’s not the most pleasant scent.)
lamps are huge this season. don’t get a small, plain lamp that just provides light, get a bold, bright statement piece.
i constantly question myself everyday if this is where i need to be right here and now. keeping things like my film camera and idol, charlie chaplin, in sight all the time remind me why i’m here.
mirrors can take a small space and make it bigger.
don’t bore down your bed! spice it up with some unique pillows and a comfy throw!
small art and photographs are out. make big statements with big photos…
alison goldfrapp is not only an awesome musician, but she is a strong and inspiring woman.
even the smallest details need attention! this glass doorknob from anthropologie cost me $6!!! now every time i enter my room, i am instantly happy and transported into the space. (handles, doorknobs, light switches, and fan pulls should never be plain and ignored!!!)
so maybe you got a little crazy with the hammer and nails and put a few too many holes into the wall. easy fix? photos!
personality!!! my books are my personality in the room. here i have a mixture of my most beautiful hardbacks to the books i read the most.
(hint, don’t have time to light candles? aroma’s are instant and always within the space. my scent is “provence” which is lavender. it instantly transports me back to my time living in france.)
so my room isn’t completely complete. i still need a frame for my klimt artwork and my puffy frame from shop scad is currently en-route to me. but let’s just pretend these things are really there and my space is complete.
so make a big statement in a small space!!!! you don’t need to hire a professional to take your space from frumpy to glam. just put your imagination to the highest degree and you can have a more comfortable and visually pleasing space in no time!!!
xoxo.lindsay
