Trust me when I say I've done my fair share of moving. The process of getting it all there? Horrible. Packing for days, having to throw out pieces you just won't have room for, and living out of boxes. Ugh. But the best part? When you're in a new space, with a clean slate, and all the possibilities in the world...
The last apartment I lived in was in LA - and let's just say that you don't get much for what you pay there - but even this junky old place felt like home by the time I was done with it! The trick? Thrifting, getting creative, and holding out for the good stuff. For example...
The bedroom I had was teeeeensy. The walls in the space were all beige as was the carpet (of course) and there was a huge ugly heater that was just left of center over my bed. There was no way I was investing in any pieces for this room since I knew I'd have a bigger space someday, so the name of the game here was Ikea. I purchased fabrics to hang from the ceiling to the floor behind the bed as a 'headboard' and to cover the heater. The other fabric I tossed on the bed as a coverlett. The colors in the room were inspired by my Anthropologie pillow (my one little splurge) and the bedding was all WalMart and Ikea as well. The bedside table was my favorite Ikea find though - from the office furniture section! The drawers looked lacquered and the handles were acrylic. So chic!
One of my favorite little corners of the apartment was the 'bar area'. This bar was an investment for sure. A gorgeous MidCentury piece. These are much easier to come by in LA, and finding something similar on Craigslist would probably have happened eventually, but the black acrylic top is what sold me! Every single other piece on the bar is a thrift store purchase! And the framed 'artwork' was actually a fashion editorial that I ripped out of a German magazine and framed.
The bedroom I had was teeeeensy. The walls in the space were all beige as was the carpet (of course) and there was a huge ugly heater that was just left of center over my bed. There was no way I was investing in any pieces for this room since I knew I'd have a bigger space someday, so the name of the game here was Ikea. I purchased fabrics to hang from the ceiling to the floor behind the bed as a 'headboard' and to cover the heater. The other fabric I tossed on the bed as a coverlett. The colors in the room were inspired by my Anthropologie pillow (my one little splurge) and the bedding was all WalMart and Ikea as well. The bedside table was my favorite Ikea find though - from the office furniture section! The drawers looked lacquered and the handles were acrylic. So chic!
One of my favorite little corners of the apartment was the 'bar area'. This bar was an investment for sure. A gorgeous MidCentury piece. These are much easier to come by in LA, and finding something similar on Craigslist would probably have happened eventually, but the black acrylic top is what sold me! Every single other piece on the bar is a thrift store purchase! And the framed 'artwork' was actually a fashion editorial that I ripped out of a German magazine and framed.
The high-low mix is really what I do to make a space not feel 100% store bought and cheap cheap cheap, and this little vignette is a great example. The luxe Mongolian lamb pillow? $80. The chair? Ikea (again). Contrasting textures and styles? Priceless! Oh, and the artwork (such a cheap way to spice up any space!) is covering yet another heater. Who needs that much heat in LA, anyway??
While moving can be a pain, moving in should be a joy! Don't rush the design process, and don't feel like you have to spend a ton of money to get what you want either. Filling in the gaps with thrift store purchases or Ikea pieces is a good way to save a bit, but be sure to mix in a few investment pieces along the way!
4 comments:
A really great post Cassandra.. you know it's a love hate relationship with Ikea. But they really do have so many cool little "hold you over" items..:-)
love that midcentury bar piece and great idea of having a fashion editorial as your framed art....one thing i like about moving is "unpacking" and starting w/ some fresh new ideas in the new space.
GREAT advice for readers! I've moved 5 times in the Boston area and although the process can be daunting, I always enjoy a clean slate and new options!
Agreed- thrifting, Target & Ikea have served me quite well as I've moved 10+ times in the last 5 years! I'd also add that ebay can be a great resource- If there's something I'm lusting after I always prowl around there and often get it at a fraction of the price! Huzzah.
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