Moving Up & Out

Although I've always been a frequent redecorator, it wasn't until I recently moved that I realized just how expensive decorating a place is. I'm lucky to have good furniture, but with most of it being neutral, I still feel like I needed that extra "pop" of color here and there. 

So, welcome to my apartment tour. It is by no means finished, but it's definitely starting to come together. I didn't pay over $100 for a single item (not including my furniture, of course), so hopefully you can take away some cheap and chic decor ideas for your own place.  

Come on in! 

 

Thankfully, there's some plush landscaping on the grounds of my apartment complex, because I have a black thumb. Try as I may, I'm incapable of growing anything but basic herbs. So, I stick to things I can cook with. I have lavender in one pot and mint, parsley, basil, thyme and sage in the other. For just under $40, I made a cute and colorful container garden. 

{Herbs $3.99 each, Walmart// Yellow pots $5, Walmart}

For my bedroom, I wanted something grown up and functional. Hence the ratchet stuffed animals on the bed. #DontJudge. All jokes aside, my bedroom is the place I unwind after a long day, so I wanted to keep it minimal and relaxing. 

Clutter is a problem that I'm really trying to work on because even though I'm to blame, it stresses me out big time. I have the tendency to hoard things like shoes and purses, so organizing was somewhat of a challenge. Containers definitely came into play for this room. If you're anything like me, consider taking a trip to Ikea for some closet organizers, because they really are fantastic. 

Pinterest made me want a "dressing room" closet, but considering that I'm not a Real Housewife of Birmingham (yet), I have to make due with my two smallish closets. I used a small bookshelf to corral my shoes (yes, they're in individual plastic boxes…they're my babies). The hanging organizers hold smaller shoes like flip flops, as well as my purses. The boxes on top hold scarves, hats, and belts. My master closet is currently getting a facelift, so that picture will have to wait for another day. 

{Bedding, on sale at Target// Beetle pillow $25, Target// Succulent print on sale $29, West Elm}

{Bookshelf $29, Target // Hanging organizers and drawers $12, Ikea}

Can I just go ahead and say that I love the storage in my new bathroom? These shelves are flipping amazing. My last place had zero storage, so this has come as a very welcome surprise. I'm still working on getting all of my baskets to match, but for now, this will have to do.

{Shower curtain $20, Home Goods// Candle $10, Target// Wicker Baskets $10// WalMart// Apothecary Jars $5 each, Home Goods}

This right here was the selling point for me. I'm used to a cramped galley-style kitchen, so the idea of being able to entertain and cook with ease was definite plus. And it has a wine rack, so buying wine in bulk is no longer frowned upon (A win-win in my book!).  I need to get a few rugs in here, but you get the general idea. ;)

As I've probably said a million times before, I love to entertain. Personally, I think that having people over for a few drinks or a home cooked meal beats going out to a club any day. When I found my little bar cart at the flea market, I was so excited for the possibilities. Since moving, I've stocked it with festive drink stirrers, mason jars (hello, cheap glasses!), and cute cocktail napkins.  

{Bar cart $15, flea market find// Mason jars $9 for 12, Target// Tea Towels $10, Target// Pillows $20 each (blue: TJ Maxx, beetle pillow was a gift, chartreuse Home Goods)// Rug $30, Home Depot}

So, as my home-savvy readers, I'm posing you with a decor question: I have this huge space behind my couch, but I don't want to spend a small fortune on art and I can't paint the wall. What beer budget idea do you recommend to fill the space in a chic way?