We've lived here for about a month and a half and are pretty settled in. We searched for an apartment for what felt like an eternity. We have seen some UGLY places and met a lot of really shady landlords. Our current apartment actually wasn't that gorgeous or anything when we first toured it (as you'll see from the pictures - Barney bed and dirty stained curtains anyone?). We chose this place because it was in a great location (even closer to my office than before) and the rent here is actually cheaper than our previous two places even though it is way bigger and has a second bedroom. Also, our new landlords are the sweetest, most helpful people. Now that we've fixed things up, we feel really at home here.
We still have some things we want to do so I thought I'd say what we've done in each room and what we still plan to do.
The Living Room
Before
After (It's really hard to take decent pictures in here because of the light/window placement)
What we've done: This room is the most complete of all the rooms in the house. We painted the walls a dark muddy gray, bought some fun new pillow covers from Etsy, made a frame wall above the couch and bought and transformed a mirror at the flea market to hang next to our armoire. Because this room was so big, I decided to make it a dining room/living room combo and turn the dining room into a office/library.
What we have left to do: Like I said, there isn't much left to do. I would like to find a more interesting fabric and make some curtains and I wouldn't mind some side tables for the couch to put some lamps on. I also would like an urn or something to put to the right of the armoire. But, none of these things are necessary so they are at the way bottom of the to-do list.
The Office/ Library
Before
After
What we've done: Besides putting the furniture in here and hanging curtains we haven't done much (besides utilizing this room for a different purpose than was intended).
What we have left to do: You can't really see it in these picture but the light fixture in this room is super ugly. It's a ceiling fan which is really useful since this apartment doesn't have air conditioning so I think I am going to spray paint it one day and buy new light bulb covers. But, if I find a really cheap alternate option, I may go with that. I also am looking at thrift stores and craigslist to find a chair or chaise for the corner to replace the second white chair (which would be moved to one of the bedrooms) to make a reading nook. Also, like the living room, I'd like to find some fabric out of which to make different curtains.
The Kitchen
Before
After
What we've done: I had every intention when we moved in here to paint the cabinets; I had the color picked out and everything. But when we double checked with our landlord to see if we could do it, he said we couldn't soooo we are just going to have to live with these puppies. We did buy a stainless steel cart for our pots and pans cause there wasn't enough cabinet space for them.
What we have left to do: I found this neat tutorial for no-sew roman shades which I am going to make for the window above the sink.
Second Bedroom
Before
After
What we've done: Got ride of the terrible terrible curtains and the creepy Barney bed, painted the walls a steely blue-gray, and hung some curtains and lamps.
What we have left to do: Find some fabric to make new curtains (seeing a theme here?). I am picturing this, but we all know I am waaaay too cheap to spend that much on curtains. We need to cover up the cords from the lamps like we did in our last bedroom and change the light fixture. Also, call me crazy, but I really really want something like this to hang above the bed.
The Master Bedroom
Before
After
What We've Done: First we took down the HEINOUS wall paper from the closet doors. We painted the walls a creamy off-white, made over the lamps, and built a headboard. We also hung pictures from our wedding day on the wall. I was happy that while we bought a new duvet we were able to utilize the same pillows from our first bed and our old living room, and our craigslist dresser has a proper home now.
What we have left to do: I want to make/find some decent sized art for the wall to the left of the bed. I also think I am going to move the chandelier from this room to the second bedroom because it is black and nothing in this room is black. Also, Matt hits his head on it on a daily basis because it is so low. I am either going to make something or do something simple and inexpensive. I wouldn't mind a ceiling fan in here either cause on hot days it gets HOT.
The Bathroom
Before (sorry for the poor quality photos)
After
What we've done: I cannot tell you how nice it is to have a functional, big bathroom and Matt loves that the bath tub and shower are separate. We hated our last bathroom (there was no storage for anything, we kept all our toiletries in the hall closet). There is only so much you can do to a rented bathroom, but we took down the ugly, weird curtains and put a frosted film over the window for privacy.
What we have left to do: I want to find some kind of art work and then I want to get a little table for the side of the tub so there is a place to put things when your taking a bath like magazines and a candle. I had every intention of painting the cabinetry in here too, but alas, it has to stay as is. I am looking for new hardware for the drawers.
I didn't post any pictures of the hallway but I have some fun plans for in there (right now its all white and plain). Also, I plan to do a couple of posts explaing some of our projects like our mirror and the picture wall.
Hope you like the new abode. We are really liking it here!
3 comments:
Love the new place! Really dig the photo of the Alabama Theatre over your couch too, reminds me of home. :-)
1) You move more than anyone I know.
2) Will you come decorate my house?
3) We are hanging out for like, the entire month of November. This is ridiculous.
I agree with Mary on points number 1 & 2 and I wish I could join you for #3.
Lovely, lovely home. I love the new pillows on the couch.
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