I haven't found the perfect way to define an office, craft/dining space, packaging/shipping station, and merchandise storage in one "great room" attractively-- while buying as little "new" as humanly possible! It keeps getting better, though. Here's my current progress and a wish list for the future.
I hung my favorite piece (maybe a post on that someday?) above a spot where I probably spend the most time, in front of the computer editing pictures, writing, listing...
I hate the 2nd non-mod couch, looking for a mod sectional maybe for the living room space. The "ugly couch" will host visiting butts for now. I recently re-staged the art to help define the living room space. Needs something horizontal like a tall lamp or plant to break it up. I used to have the art stationed all around but I like having 2 large gallery walls and 2 small ones for interest now.
This corner of books I need to scan/photo backdrop just sucks. I tried to make the white shelf hold packing materials but I have way too much for the shelf to hold well. I'm looking for some cool vintage lockers or a large cabinet to put here to hold the supplies.
My expedit unit (stuffed with more books to scan, craft/art supplies, some merchandise, paperwork...) kind of divides the living room and working area and having the dining table right in front of it now gives me a spot to craft, since I sure as hell never eat at that table. Bad me.
As detailed in this post, I use the top of the expedit unit as a photo-taking station for all online listing needs. Love how the shades keeps it tidy yet easily assessable.
It still needs some work but I love my spacious, super-light-filled apartment and living/working here every day. I really want to transform it to a more completed state this year and will update you throughout the process. Perhaps with some design info to go with it.
The Yuko always enjoys it. She has ample space to explore, many things to destroy...
What improvements are you trying to make to your casa this year? What's on your thrift wish list? I'm looking for area rugs, a mod sectional couch, tall lamps/plants, lockers/storage cabinets, and kitty-proof fiberglass chairs...
Yes, you need area rugs! (I am so big on area rugs, I spent at over 12 years trying to convince my clients to invest in area rugs. they always hemmed and hawed about it, but when they eventually got area rugs, they couldn't thank me enough! Instead of the one sofa that you want to dispose of, would you consider a large chair? (only to free up space, sofa size works too) I love those rolls that you got from Ikea. How are you able to take your photos so high up? I am going to get those roller shades, but I am wondering if there is a certain benefit that I am missing from not hanging them high? Storage for packing goods is a big challenge for me too! I buy in mass bulk to save money. My bag of packing peanuts is about the size of a refridgerator, but it only costs me $20! My bubble wrap roll is the size of a monster truck wheel. (okay not quite that big, but seriously large!). Then all the randoms, boxes, tape, tissue, scissors, cleaning supplies....I have no idea how to keep that neatly in some sort of storage thingy...if and when you find a solution, do share!! (I know everyone says this, but I do so love that lamp!)
ReplyDeleteI had one large white chair but threw it out, showed dirt too well. Have definitely been looking for a good mod chair to replace it, great minds think alike. Also looking for more statement pieces like the ever-loved lamp. I pick up free packaging from friend's work/people save it for me/I ask local store so I always have a giant trash-bag full or two that can be stored no where else but my bedroom closet for now.
DeleteThey're hung high because the window cuts the wall space and I had no choice but to hang it above the window, they were too wide for the wall. I shoot while standing on a chair or ladder with my tripod. I may think of a better solution but it works for now. Couldn't exchange them for a smaller size because I ain't driving 4 hours to to-from Orlando just for that.
Oh by zee way, any recommendations for hunting down good/cheap area rugs? I'd love to shop all second hand but may just go with some cheap WalMart ones, hm...
DeleteBjs Warehouse club has some good inexpensive ones once in a while. Target also gets cute ones, Home goods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls. And there is always craigslist.Good luck, Area rugs can be complicated. Stay away from burlap, sisal type rugs with a cat. Suko will thank you!
DeleteI bought a couple from the flea market but no matter what I could not get all the sand out of them, they were like an exception to the Matter is Neither Created Nor Destroyed Rule with an infinite supply of dust that would never, EVER leave so now I'm jaded to 2nd hand rugs. Will likely get new ones even though it hurts me to buy new.
DeleteBest Yuko photo ever.
ReplyDeleteThis one is my fav, the perspective makes for a high-laaarious shot: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J4r9sFBfJR4/UfkJLASHnwI/AAAAAAAAo7Y/CpXdXtTKZIY/s1600/cute_funny_white_cat_3.jpg
DeleteYuko is so beautiful! :) i saw quite a minimal apartment with some great rugs te other day. They really brought the space to life
ReplyDeleteBeautiful but evil! May have to do a post on how mean this cat is to unknowns one day. She's only warmed up to me and the roomie and she tolerates my boyfriend. Anyone else will get side-eyes and hisses.
DeleteI think you are doing great! I can't figure out what kind of organization I want to use for sure with all my vintage paper. I change it so much, and when it is not uniform, I change it again. I need to go to IKEA and just get it over with. Ha. Yours is coming together...I agree...area rugs would be great!
ReplyDeleteI did the same, drove hours to IKEA to get the roller blinds, storage boxes, and expedit unit and they've REALLY HELPED. Sometimes you just have to invest for your business and not make ghetto organization out of what you can find...like what I do, haha.
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ReplyDeleteI hope Yuko doesn't pee on the area rugs like mine does. Better get machine washable ones.
ReplyDeleteThose orange pitchers were 1970s promos from Tang. I have one I inherited from my grandma. It must be packed up someplace but now I want to find it!
She does! I've had to wash that rug pictured so many times...she had a puking problem recently too but a recent vet visit seems to have cured it. I wanna write a trouble shooting post on both issues with information I got from my vet. :D I think it's so awesome that the pitchers are by Tang, too.
DeleteI got rid of every single area rug in this apartment for a long while because of the cat-pee, fur, dust problems but I think I'm ready to have some again. She's been good lately.
I'm personally hoping to do something to my hideous kitchen this year, but like you, I make small changes all the time. I think I just have a short attention span when it comes to decor. I love seeing your constantly-changing space!
ReplyDeleteThanks, glad to hear it from you 'cause your home is gorgeous! Great taste! I like to use what I have/casually. Hard to create the well-curated space I want this way so it's gonna take some more persistent hunting work.
DeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Still a work in progress but it's getting better...
DeleteIt looks great my home us such a mess
ReplyDeleteRetro rover
My mess always ebbs and flows, whenever I work I usually trash the place and have to clean it back up.
DeleteYour place looks awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Samantha, this is phase one, more to come :D
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