(Part 2) Top products from r/DesignMyRoom

Hello! I, firstly, want to tell you that I think your layout of just fine. I'd like to help you make your space feel more cohesive. I think this can be accomplished very inexpensively, but it will require a little work. I'm going to suggest a color palette that has the elements of your room in it with an added color of stone grey. Palette here: http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/3058398/Livingroom_pallette

I'm going to address the things that you don't like.

• Flooring: I wouldn't be too concerned with this. As it appears in your rendering, the rug is going to take up the vast majority of the floor. Changing a floor, although it can be done, can be rather costly. I think that if you get the rug and live with it for a while, you won't be so bothered by it.
  
• Sofa: I say let that be. Leather can be pretty modern and the brown with the lime will be fine. I would get a grey throw and a couple of pillows. Throw: http://www.overstock.com/Bedding-Bath/Jefferson-Zig-Zag-Fleece-Throw/7859835/product.html?refccid=SAQB6JHCVKNZL6CBXWXPLCZKS4&searchidx=5
  pillows: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Chevron-20x20-inch-Cotton-Pillow/6731570/product.html?searchidx=2
  http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/50245298/
  
• DVD Cabinet and Bench: If I were you, I'd paint these an accent color. As you have a lot of Lime, dark brown and white going on, I'd go for a modern stone grey (as in palette). Keep these pieces, as they're serving you well, and make them feel more uniform by painting them the same color. This can be accomplished for very little money.
  
• Bikes: if there's no window above where the bikes are currently and the ceiling is tall enough, get bike mounts and mount them there. I'd recommend these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delta-Leonardo-Mount-Mounted-Silver/dp/B000ACAM06/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_4
  
• Leave the printer. We all have to function in our lives.
  
• You need a coffee table. I like this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essentialz-Cubes-Coffee-Table-Microfibre/dp/B00BTIV2SQ/ref=sr_1_87?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1380727898&sr=1-87 but if it's too much, you can get something else. Maybe this one: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/10065958/#/10065958
  
• I'd also put a tall plant behind the couch in that corner or, if you have the funds, an arc lamp like this might look wonderful there: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Arch-1-light-Stainless-Steel-Brushed-Nickel-Floor-Lamp/5457825/product.html
  
• Artwork on the walls will really make it feel home-like. If you don't already have some, I'd look into getting that. I don't know what you're into, but your DVDs seem important to you, so here's a few posters of Stanley Kubrick films that are on sale for very very little money: http://www.allposters.com/-st/Stanley-Kubrick-Director-Posters_c1833_.htm
  With the lime wall, I'd go for some of these mod white frames. The white/lime look is really awesome. http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60177091/
  Or get cool posters/photos and use no frames.
  I think you can accomplish all of this on a tight budget. Here's an inspiration board. I hope that helps. http://imgur.com/CH5SiNn
  

For Curtains: I love this fabric http://www.joann.com/home-decor-sheer-fabric--iman-zahra-leaf-luna/13072806.html#start=9 - It's sheer and bright.

As for placement: I agree keep the couch where it is, but maybe take the blanket off the seat cushions and fold it neatly on the back of the couch?

Place some decorative throw pillows on the couch and scoop chair : maybe these? http://www.amazon.com/Pillow-Perfect-Decorative-Damask-Square/dp/B0062YKBKW/ref=sr_1_17?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416252112&sr=1-17&keywords=throw+pillows or these http://www.amazon.com/ElleWeiDeco-Modern-Cadetblue-Damask-Pillow/dp/B0036J86NA/ref=sr_1_179?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416252361&sr=1-179&keywords=throw+pillows

For above the couch you can either buy some canvas wall art or you can search some of your local shops for cheap basic wooden canvas or frames and cover them with fabric you like and stapling them on the back. http://www.brit.co/fabric-canvas-art/

Other items: Near the entry way where the plant is sitting on the floor, Can you hang the bike there? Not too high, just keeping the tires a few inches from the floor.

How to hang a bike: http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/interior-design/10-ways-hang-your-bike-wall-work-art/

TV: I would wall mount the TV high (eye level when standing) between the windows and hide the cords, you can fish them through the wall or get a kit to run them alongside the window frame and down to the outlet. I would aslo place a floating shelf under the tv for your dvd player and other media: http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Enterprises-Chicago-Floating-24-Inch/dp/B004Z2N6AU/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416251794&sr=1-3&keywords=floating+shelf

Here are a few ways to hide the cords: http://www.ehow.com/how_5163459_hide-wall-mount-tv-cables.html

I would move the trunk and place it on the floor below the TV.

Take the electrical spool and stain/paint as you mentioned in one of the comments and use it as your coffee table.

Take the plant from the floor by the entryway and place it on a decorative stand in front of the window where the bike was with a few other plants you have: http://www.amazon.com/Gifts-Decor-Rustic-Finish-Planter/dp/B008YQ57QE/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416251930&sr=1-5&keywords=plant+stand

I would ditch the small book shelf by the door. Place a wall mount book shelf above where the bike is hung and another small one above the scoop chair on the shared wall with the kitchen. Go to a local consignment shop and look for some nick knacks and things that speak to you to use as book ends or get a shelf with ends like this: http://www.amazon.com/Set-Floating-Shelves-Walnut-Finish/dp/B008AD0JAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416253781&sr=1-1&keywords=wall+shelf

I would hang wall mount coat hooks above where the book shelf was by the door and sit a small shoe rack on the floor. Like this: http://www.amazon.com/Amerock-H55662-MORB-27-Inch-Mahogany-Oil-Rubbed/dp/B003UYU1LQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1416254946&sr=1-1&keywords=coat+hooks and http://www.amazon.com/ClosetMaid-Stackable-Horizontal-Organizer-Espresso/dp/B001UTRUOY/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416255049&sr=1-2&keywords=small+shoe+rack

Leave the dining table where it is. Above the dining set I would look for a brightly colored wood or canvas painting or funky clock.

Maybe: http://www.amazon.com/Today-New-Wood-Wall-Marla/dp/B00JRC24QA/ref=sr_1_16?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416253056&sr=1-16&keywords=canvas+wall+art

It looks like there is a guitar in a case in the corner by the bike/window... If so, maybe take it out of the case and display it on a stand- it'll be easy to access for random play time and look cool when not in use.

I know you only mentioned the living room, but I can't help but notice the kitchen. I see you have what looks like a small strip of drywall between the tile above the sink and the start of the sloped ceiling. Maybe place a wall mount paper towel holder on the strip above the sink? http://www.amazon.com/interDesign-Classico-Mount-Holder-Chrome/dp/B00004XSFE/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1416252733&sr=1-7&keywords=wall+mount+paper+towel+holder

Buy 2 of the wall mount towel holders. Use one over the faucet for paper towles and put the other one to the left of the sink above the counter. Use S-Hooks to hang you coffee/tea cups there.

To the right of the sink between the sloped ceiling and the window? it looks like you have a little bit of was space. Maybe add some small floating shelves there to help keep items off the countertop.

Intsead of the metal dish rack I would place a brightly colored drying mat to the right of the sink and put the cutting board where the dish rack was. This will help give you some counter space to prepare meals and drinks.

Since this is a rental, painting the walls and changing the fixtures is probably not allowed, right? So let's see if we can work with what you have.

First thing: put the plunger and the toilet bowl brush in the cabinet, or hide them in a tall basket or something.

Figure out which colors you'd like to use. Since you want to make it feel cozy, I'd suggest a soothing green or blue or even plum.

Since you can't paint, have you considered covering the walls with fabric? It'll look almost exactly like wallpaper, but you can just pull it down when you're ready to move and no one will ever know it was there. Here's a tutorial on how to do this. Use 100% cotton fabric and if you pick a pattern, one that uses whatever colors you like along with a bit of the tan that's the color of your countertop would look nice.

Hang some art on the walls. If you're on a budget and don't want to spend a lot of money, pick up a few inexpensive 8" X 11" frames. Stop by your local craft store and get some scrapbook papers in your color scheme and frame those.

Get a new trashcan and perhaps a tissue holder and soap dispenser. These have kind of a cozy feel: Trashcan or set

Frame your mirror. Since a permanent mirror frame is probably off limits, try putting some small hooks along the top of the mirror and drape some fabric around the mirror, as if it were a window. Or use ivy or some trailing flowers. I don't know how hot the lightbulbs on your vanity strip get though, so if they get very hot, this could be a potential fire hazard. In that case, you could try some contact paper. Try using long strips of contact paper to get an effect similar to this one or just space some contact paper cut-outs, like circles or leaves, along the outer edge of the mirror.

If you can remove the towel bar above the toilet, get rid of it and use an above-the-toilet shelving unit. Something like this one. If you don't want to remove the towel bar, use a shorter stand or just hang a small shelving unit above the towel bar. Fill it with pretty items, like folded hand towels, a covered box of tissues, a perfume atomizer, a basket of potpourri, fancy soaps, and some nice scented hand cream

Yes to the rug and possibly the candles. The problem with candles in the bathroom is that you aren't going to want to run and check them all the time, so flameless candles might be nice.

Try a vase of interesting twisty branches on the countertop, or go outside and pick some fresh flowers when the warm weather gets here.

Personally, I hate houzz (pronounced whose), they are greedy, steal ideas and are primarily an advertising/sale site (sure to get down votes from houzz fans). Though occasionally they have good ides. I am not a fan of pinterest, either, also because they steal content and often don't link back to the provider. Thankfully there is still a lot of content on YouTube that they haven't managed to co-opt.

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To Decorate on a dime you need to remember TIDE: (Thrift, Inspiration, DIY, Education)

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books at the library

American Junk by Mary Randolph Carter.

Amazing Furniture Makeovers by Jen Crider.

Big Design, Small Budget: Create a Glamorous Home ... by John Ha Betsy Helmuth.

Better Homes and Gardens Flea Market Style: Fresh Ideas for Your Vintage Finds.

City Farmhouse Style: Designs For A Modern Country Life by Kim Leggett.

Easy Flea Market Style: Creative Ideas & Fabulous Fix-ups by Alan Caudle

Found, Free & Flea by Tereasa Surratt.

Flea Market Chic: The Thrifty Way to Create a Stylish Home

Flea Market Decorating, by Vicki Ingham

Flea Market Style: Decorating with a Creative Edge by Chris Mead, Emelie Tolley.

Flea Market Fabulous by Lara Spencer.

Flea Market Finds Before and After: Home Decorating with Makeover Miracles

Flea Market Finds: Instant Ideas & Weekend Wonders: Matt Matthews.

Flea Market Secrets by Geraldine James.

Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers, Ali Hanan.

Flea Market Style: Ideas and Projects for Your World Tim Himsel

Furniture and Accessories by Amy Howard.

I Brake For Yard Sales by Lara Spencer.

The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes; by Justina Blakeney.

Paris Flea Market Style by Claudia strasser

Rescue, Restore, Redecorate: Amy Howard's Guide to Refinishing Furniture and Accessories by Amy Howard.

Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves by Emily Henderson.

The Whimsical Home: Interior Design with Thrift Store Finds, Flea Market Gems, and Recycled Goods.

Vintage Fabric Style: Stylish Ideas and Projects Using Quilts and Flea-Market Finds in Your Home by Lucinda Ganderton , Rose Hammick, et al. | Apr 1, 2003


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design videos

thrift interior design

Tips for Decorating Your Home With Thrift Store Finds.

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painting furniture:

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paint furniture DIY.

boho painted furniture.

Mackenzie painted furniture.

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Hope that helps!

Just a few suggestions. 1 your tv needs to go up a bit. I like this stand. I hate the tiny feet. It’s easy to attach. Universal Swivel TV Stand/Base Table Top TV Stand 27 to 55 inch TVs 80 Degree Swivel, 4 Level Height Adjustable, Heavy Duty Tempered Glass Base, Holds up to 99lbs Screens, HT04B-001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9PLP48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_q-J2Db2JB3PCE For the bed. Bed skirts don’t tend to work out. Use a fitted sheet instead. It’ll give a better look at a cheap price. If you decide to get a bed frame you could put your tv on the dresser. A shelving unit might help. I use boxes with lids to keep things uncluttered. FURINNO Turn-N-Tube 5-Tier Multipurpose Shelf Display Rack, Single, Light Cherry/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FK57S2P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_QcK2DbB9YZPJ8 If you want a entertainment stand this would be reasonable. Furinno No Tools Tube Entertainment Center, Light Cherry/Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083IYNSG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_8dK2DbQJ2ZV0S the Furrino is lightweight so I recommend furniture anti tip straps. While these are listed for dvds they are good for organizing. Snap-N-Store DVD Storage Box, 6" x 8.25" x 16.5", Holds up to 26 DVDs in Cases, Black (SNS01524) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EFJY3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ChK2DbYPZ7H31 There are also these. Household Essentials 84-1 Foldable Fabric Storage Bins | Set of 6 Cubby Cubes with Handles | Teafog, 6 lbs, Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756P72MW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_6iK2Db1TD89GG A cube storage system if you need more space. SONGMICS Cube Storage Organizer, 9-Cube DIY Plastic Closet Cabinet, Modular Bookcase, Storage Shelving with Doors for Bedroom, Living Room, Office, 36.6 L x 12.2 W x 36.6 H Inches Black ULPC33HV1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLVVPF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_ZjK2DbZ933MEM .If you want a bed frame something like this might be an option. Zinus Dawn 14 Inch Easy To Assemble SmartBase Mattress Foundation / Platform Bed Frame / Box Spring Replacement, Full https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6OXIFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LmK2DbP1RHTQR if you add a frame be sure to measure. They can get tall fast. Something like this is nice but make sure you don’t tend to hit toes on the posts. If so many buy black pipe insulation from a hardware store that looks like pool noodles. Just some organizing suggestions to get started.

That was a really good idea about the non-patterned curtain. I think I'll go with grey (I love grey), and do pops of color. I really love the mustard/grey/white porcelain accessories look. I have some like this, only mine are more round/full...

So now looking for a grey waffle-weave shower curtain..

Transforming these crates into something beautiful is going to be wayyyy more of a hassle than it's worth. Honestly. That said, yes, it's a total eye-sore.

Keeping items that shouldn't take humidity in a bathroom is also not the best, but I'll assume you have nowhere else to put this stuff.

My suggestion would be putting [a piece like this] (http://www.amazon.com/South-Shore-Acapella-Wardrobe-Black/dp/B00C86WULQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1409936841&sr=1-4) where the crates are. The piece should match the hardware and color of the bottom of the vanity. Then, you can use this space to take some of the items out of the crates and store them in the armoire. If it's better, take the things that are currently under your sink and put them in your new armoire and then put the crate contents under the sink. Whatever is more convenient.

As for lessening up all the products on your sink, here are two options, one that would need landlord approval, but would be "nicer" and another that is renter friendly. First option is to put up [two of these] (http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mercer-glass-shelf/?pkey=cbath-wall-shelves&cm_src=bath-wall-shelves||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-) -- one above the toilet, and another above the towel rack (or stack both in either location). Get the polished nickel to match the hardware on the vanity. Now, you can put some of your products on those shelves. You can also get the [three shelf version] (http://www.potterybarn.com/products/mercer-triple-glass-shelf/?pkey=cbath-wall-shelves&cm_src=bath-wall-shelves||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-).

The renter-friendly option is to get one of [these bad boys] (http://www.amazon.com/Products-2501W-Freestanding--Toilet-Shelving/dp/B000H8U4VU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409937224&sr=8-4&keywords=above+toilet+shelves) for all your tolietries.

I say let the whole thing be your bar since it looks perfect for it, with the stemware racks, etc. I like the idea of wine crates or a peg wine rack like this one configured to fit the space, or maybe half of it with a shelf on top for various other accessories like a bottle cooler/ice bucket, etc.

You don't even have to fill it with wine, just a few bottles, maybe some mixers for all the liquor.

Oh) you can add some plants or statuettes, compliment the rooms with your personal items. It will be better to hang the towels. You can also cover the floor with an area rug. It will create the cozy and warm atmosphere))

I don't have any pictures of my furniture but here are some similar pieces I found online:

vanity https://i.etsystatic.com/7825084/r/il/30bf36/1645205487/il_794xN.1645205487_5260.jpg

mirror https://a.1stdibscdn.com/archivesE/upload/1121189/f_91066011511171514130/9106601_org.jpg

lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FGYWRB/?coliid=IW4A2SWQ74JJ9&colid=3514RPJIH72JQ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

statement chair https://www.audenza.com/gatsby-pink-velvet-petal-armchair

and I'm going to have to get a new bedframe and mattress, but I'm thinking I'll just go with some basic white jersey sheets and either no bedframe or a black one without a headboard or end

Other than that I'm minimizing the amount of furniture I have. Books stacked in piles on the floor, homework done in living room, I want to pretend I'm a bohemian east coast scholar for a minute

i also have a ton of plants and artwork in peach/green/red tones (looks like this https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AcNxXbFB8GvUvXBYbZr0JC6Mcp6fp_nrspENVtuE57bKpzkKnXzzoaU/). I want to put in a projector screen across from my bed (so a big white sheet essentially)

Interestingly enough I was thinking about royal or sky blue shag too, kind of ironic/dramatic. The lighting in the room isnt terrible (it's in Oregon, so I mean, as not terrible as it gets when it rains every day) you can't see it in this picture but there's another window and a closet along the same wall. I think the drabness is just the colors that it's painted.

This:

https://smile.amazon.com/POSTER-STOP-ONLINE-Pink-Floyd/dp/B000CPGOHQ

I've had a copy over my mantle for years. :)

(Heads up: I think photo 18 is the unedited version of photo 7, so if there was stuff you were trying to hide...)

To be honest, the first thing you need to do is downsize your possessions. Beach themes rely on largely clean lines and open spaces, but you just have so many things currently that it's going to be hard to pull off a beach theme (or most any theme, tbh).

Spend some time to pare down on your possessions ("The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo has helped tons of people, if you need help), then I think you can start trying to figure out decorating themes.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Privacy-Filter-Standard-PF14-1/dp/B00006B8A9