Apartment Living: My Bedroom Staples (That I've Never Had Before)

I have always had a small bedroom and an insane amount of things to cram into it. I never have enough closet space and no matter how hard I try (cough cough) to keep things organized and tidy, it's pretty much impossible. Partially because I'm lazy, but also because I just don't have ROOM! The bedroom I'm currently living in is probably my favorite by far (some reasons why: I bought almost all of the furniture myself, I love the light gray walls, it's the most private spot in my parent's home). The other two bedrooms I have had have been roughly the same size, though, so I've never gotten the luxury of having certain things in my room because there just wasn't room for them. This is one of the reasons I'm excited to move out! I refuse to live in a small bedroom, especially if I will be paying for it with my own paycheck. So for this installment of Apartment Living, I'd like to share with you some of the items I hope I'll be able to add to my new bedroom.

1. A comfy armchair: This is probably the one thing I'm most excited to finally have and if I can only choose one from this list, it would absolutely be the armchair. I want a big comfy chair where I cuddle up and read a book or browse the web on, with my soft blanket thrown over me. I'm sure my cat, Leyla, will make the chair her own, but when you have a cat you know that everything is fair game for nap locations. It will probably also turn into a spot where I throw my clothes and coats, but I will try my best to treat this sacred spot with the upmost respect.

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2. A big, roomy desk: I've always had a desk in my room, so I consider myself really lucky for that. Problem is my desks have always been on the small side because I can't fit a bigger desk. If you haven't gotten the hint yet, I have a lot of stuff. Also, as a blogger, a desk is super important and I frequently have an abundance of papers and notebooks and books thrown about. I also like being able to use my computer on my desk but also have space next to it for notepads, etc. Being able to have a bigger desk will definitely help me stay more organized and hopefully help my productivity level.

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3. A bookshelf: A tall bookshelf would be SO awesome to have. I would most likely only use one shelf for actual books, though. The rest of the shelves would work as fabulous storage space, however, and that is something I certainly want in my new room. There's also something really cozy about bookshelves and if kept nice and tidy it can really add something special to your room.

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4. A vanity cart: So I only recently thought of this one, but a vanity cart sounds like one of the best ideas out there. A place where I can keep all things beauty related (and preferably one with wheels!) would make my life easier (and neater...maybe). I've seen some really cool ideas on pinterest and can't wait to have this in my new room. It would definitely clear up room on my dresser top, which is currently jam-packed with all my beauty products.

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What's something you've always wanted for your bedroom but weren't able to have?

Apartment Living: Living Room Decor

Within a few months, I have every intention of FINALLY moving out of my parent's home and moving into my very own apartment. 2015 is the year, folks. It's not like I haven't lived on my own before (dormed two years in college, other two living in a house with 5 other girls), so this won't be the first time "on my own." But those four years of independence never felt 100% and of course were only temporary. I got used to it, though, and it was a difficult transition coming back that only grew more frustrating as time passed. As much as I love my parents and am so grateful for actually having a place to stay during this past year and a half of semi-unemployment, this caterpillar has long ago blossomed into a butterfly that needs to break free and fly away (even if it's only half an hour away).

While the whole apartment searching and saving up money aspect of moving out is already under way, it will probably still be a couple months or so until I'm actually in my new place. If you know me at all though, you should know I'm already planning, planning and some more planning. I get excited about future projects and get really invested in planning and coming up with ideas. I've been on Pinterest a lot more recently, pinning away every single picture I see of apartments, living room decor, DIY furniture ideas, space savers, etc. This is my way of coping with my utter excitement that has got me just a tad bit impatient. I've been dreaming of my independence since I was like 12, so you can only imagine.

I decided I would turn this excitement and crazy amounts of ideas into a new series for the blog called "Apartment Living." For now, I'll mostly be posting inspiration boards or things I want to see in my new apartment. Once I finally do move, I'll probably be posting my attempts at constructing Ikea furniture and failed attempts at DIY decor. I also want it to be a way of giving advice to any twenty-somethings who are moving out for the first time and need help budgeting. I have tons of ideas for this new series and I'm SO excited to start sharing with you!

Living Room Decor

Something that I really love about interior design is your basic neutrals with colored accents. When I picture my future home in general, I definitely want to stick with this kind of design. I'm a huge fan of having colors that pop (but not too much!) I also believe a living room should be one of the most comfortable places in your home, so that will definitely be a part of my design as well.

Here's a list of some things I want in my future living room:

• A big comfy couch, preferably in the "L" shape. Like I said, I need a comfortable living room and you can't have that if you have a stiff couch. The L shape couches are perfect for lounging, too.
• A soft throw blanket (or two). You can never have too many blankets, especially soft and cozy ones. 
• A few accent pillows. I think these really help put the room together, especially if they're contrasting colors and designs.
• A "coffee table book." Is it just me or have these become really popular lately? You know, those books that are apparently meant specifically for your coffee table so that when guests come over they have something to look through. At first I thought it was such a silly thing, but now I can't wait to find the perfect "coffee table book." Or several.
• A painted "DIY" coffee table. Can't have the books without the table right? Ideally I want to either find a nice sized coffee table at a thrift store or buy this one at Ikea and paint it a funky color to make it look nicer (and of course, accent the place up!) This is an example of someone's redesign of that table: 
  
  I love it! And the black cat, too. Helps me picture Leyla next to my future table.

What are some things you love about your living room? Or something you'd like to add/change to it in the future?

Stay tuned for future installments of "Apartment Living"! 

In the meantime check out my Decor board on Pinterest.