Have you ever had a series of disappointments that made you hesitant to announce when you were actually really excited for something? That’s what happened with this apartment my bf and I were planning to get. It was a fairly short term lease, which was perfect for us (and very hard to find), but we felt the change would be just enough to make us feel refreshed & happy after a tough year of adjustments. We’d had a disappointing search with apartments last fall, so when we were told we could move in last weekend, we were so excited! Then I had to go and jinx it by announcing it to friends, family, and here on the blog! I’m only a little superstitious. The whole thing fell through at the last minute, and here I am at my family’s house again. Not that I don’t love them, but I’m almost 23, I thought I’d get an apartment (and subsequently a kitten!) for my birthday.
Thus began a 48-hour period full of surprise, confusion, and plan-making. Ultimately, I thought better than to rush back out into the cruel world that house-hunting is, and we’re going to wait a bit, save our money, and figure out what we really want–most of all where we really want to live.
Saturday we went to Ikea anyway as planned before the big letdown, and we bought a few things for when we do move, and I focused on getting things that would get me out of my creative rut. I wish I had taken before pictures! I moved my teeny bed underneath my inspiration board, formerly above my desk.
I bought a pretty rug to center the room with, and it really makes a difference!
Then I traded out my bulky desk for Ikea’s simple table, which I customized with a brown top and gray legs. I still don’t have enough room for all my books, so I stacked some beneath it. The little gray cart is also from my Ikea trip–super amazing for crafty goodness, but kind of a pain to put together!
The focal point in the room is my DIY of the weekend, a cheap clothing rack in white for $9.99, that I spray painted (I used two cans) mint green (it’s Catalina Mist if you choose DIY!) which matches my vintage-style bird art and other wall art, and is also my favorite color. After I do all my laundry, this will be filled with spring dresses–there is most definitely not enough room in my closet for them.
I spent about $100 at Ikea, and got a ton of stuff that helped me organize my space a bit and feel a little more comfortable not having my own private apartment for the immediate future. I’ve been really interested in styling small spaces lately (see: upcoming feature!) so this was a nice lesson in design.
Sorry about the apartment let down but that only means something better lies ahead. I’ve done quite a bit of apartment hunting in my day (may have to do it again in August) so I understand the frustration and slim-picking all too well. But hooray for trips to Ikea! 🙂
Living situations are always the most difficult! One with finding the place, two with filling it up and creating an inspiration place that is both beautiful, you, and organized. I wish you up the best luck in finding another apartment. With house-related issues, it is definitely best not to rush into it!
Your items look great! I love everything you purchased.. especially spray painting the clothing rack. I used to have a clothing rack and I loved having my clothes displayed. It’s like its own little gallery.
wow, i love what you did with the place! it feels dreamy and homey 🙂 the stacks of books, little bits of inspiration, and display of dresses are great details that give it personality! great job!
xo,
kristyn
This is so gorgeous! I’m in love with how fresh and clean this room looks!
<3 Melissa
wildflwrchild.blogspot.com
love your room! the inspiration board above the bed is lovely! wonderful job-
Your little desk space is so cute, and I love the poster and the rug! Also, where did you get that $9.99 clothing rack?! It looks great after painting it! 🙂
Just know that all things happen for a reason, and something better is out there waiting for you. ♥
I’ve been there and I know what it’s like to hesitate to share something until it’s final. We looked for a house for almost a year before we found this one. Even after we put in an offer, I was scared to tell people in case it fell through. We fell in love with several houses that we lost out on over that year. It’s hard when things take longer or are more complicated than you thought they’d be. But if it’s something you really want, it will happen! 🙂
Also, I love that you painted the clothing rack mint! xo, Mary