Hey friends! Unfortunately I didn’t muster up the energy to get anything posted last week, and I’m not sure anyone noticed – but I did! I took two days off to move homes and given that it was the first time I’ve ever moved from apartment to apartment, it was hectic to say the least.
Originally, I planned on drafting a sappy post including all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that came with leaving my first apartment: the fact that it wasn’t my choice, I was leaving the same building as a friend and that I just loved it so much. But, I never wrote it, and by the time I was moved into my new place I was so excited and honestly started to feel like my feelings were a bit dramatic. No need to look back instead when you’ve already moved forward. Although I was sad to leave, I couldn’t be more excited for a new persepctive in a sort-of new neighborhood that’s still not far from friends, my bus route or most importantly, Mariano’s (but seriously).
This cozy apartment is also a studio. And although it’s a bit more updated than the place I previously lived in, it has it’s own set of challenges. Let me first say that I’m by no means talented when I comes to interior design or decorating. I become oddly indecisive and feel like if I hammer a nail into a wall, whatever hangs there will be chained until I move. (It’s something I’m working on with this new place!) And while I’d say my style is more minimalistic – you really have no choice when in a studio – I didn’t even get anything hung in my old apartment. This time, I hope hang some minimalistic art, and incorporate black accents with lots of greenery #plantlady.
Of course, I’m extremely grateful to have found such a rare gem in terms of location, price and size – and that these challenges can be easily fixed (at least I think!) I’m hoping this forces me to get creative and not be afraid to make decisions and take risks when it comes to revamping this space.
1. Wall-To-Wall Dark Grey Carpet
Oh yes. It’s everywhere, and it shows everything. (Okay, it’s not everywhere, the entryway, kitchen and bathroom have very nice tile.) Since I’m always a little creeped out by carpeting in rentals, I was luckily able to steam the carpet before I moved in! Now that I feel great about the cleanliness, I’ve realized it’s not exactly visually appealing given that my couch is the exact same color. The couch just kind of, “floats” there. I’m hoping a nice, neutral, thin area rug will help to add some contrast. I’m quickly learning these aren’t cheap. I’m loving the inspiration in these rooms…
2. Lack of Overhead Lighting
I shouldn’t complain given all of the gorgeous natural light that this place gets during her day. But when the sun goes down, it’s hard to see. There’s zero overhead lights in my bedroom/living area (LOL not sure what to call it when it’s all one room?). Even the little overhead lighting in the entryway, kitchen and bathroom is so dim. Clearly I’ve already improved a bit in the decisiveness category given I ran out to Target and about this floor lamp in black without researching any others. It makes such a difference and I love it already.
I’ll definitely need another table lamp and possibly something by my bed. I love these little cord and bulb things that can hang over your bed – no idea what to call them! But they work so great in these spaces…
3. Lack of Storage Space
A given in any studio. But, I’m not lying when I say. my old apartment had about what would equal 9 single-door closets. Yeah, that space was so well-designed, no square foot went to waste. Here, I have about 5-6. I know, it seems like a lot, too. But I never realized how many clothes I actually have until I had to pack them all away and carry them into my new space. Funny, because I seem to wear the same few things to work every week. Thankfully I’ve been selling my life away on Poshmark, but that’s another story for another day.
I think a great solution is to buy a cheap white bookshelf – or two – that’s open and not overwhelming, but warms up the space and can double as discreet storage. These are styled so well…
Of course, those dilemmas are small issues in the grand scheme of things. I’m grateful to have a roof over my head! But, I think they’ll force me to get creative and decisive and for that reason I’m excited.
Any ideas I missed? I’m up for all suggestions and for hearing what you’ve done to make your rental your own. Happy weekend, y’all!
Miriam
Thank you for the excellent article