(Part 3) 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
  

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.

Ok, Soo.. obviously I have no life but I browsed your apartment therapy classifieds and saw some really cool stuff. This is what I'd do:

Starting at the back towards the kitchen. To mix industrial & rustic I'd get these stools A guy local to you makes these so you can put them on your wishlist and not worry about getting them too fast if you like them.

Following from there, the half wall in front of the brick pillar just to the left when you come up there stairs, I'd put a small console table with maybe some books, candles, frames and a bowl to throw your keys in. Something almost like this But I wouldn't buy that exactly, it's over priced. You can easily make your own. Something very slim and only just the length of that wall. Maybe you can make your own legs like this or buy an old table take the off legs, spray paint them red and make your own console table top. It's really easy I just made made my own coffee table top for $50. It was very easy and home depot cut all the wood for me. I'd guess about $100 for you. Again, that can wait.

I'd put your TV on this killer vintage credenza that's a total steal at $280 with a cool $9 vintage owl I'd jump on that if you like it. It's a total steal I've seen that exact style run for much more.

I'd grab this baby for $700 first thing Along with this chair

I'd still keep the original coffee table and side table I posted.

cool storage for that nook/half wall by the stairs $180

I thought [these](As for wall decor these marquee letters would be cool framed and mix vintage and industrial.) were industrial and cool.

And this light is a cool industrial touch too


Also, it's always been a dream of mine to hang globe lights from rafters.

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.

Really annoying when you're not given a light switch, especially for a bedroom! My suggestion is to [purchase one of these] (http://www.amazon.com/Westek-RFK100LC-RFK101LC-Mounted-Receiver/dp/B000HJBE68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409074101&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+switch+outlet) and then use this for your "main light" in the room.

Next time for some window treatments. Since you're renting, I assume you don't want to invest too much, so how about some drapes in a color (other than grey) to give the room some umph. Here's three examples ([one] (http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/sailcloth-blackout-panel/?pkey=cwindow-panels&), two, three) from pottery barn kids (they're having a sale), just for examples. That said, drapes come in all colors and price points, so find something that makes you happy.

Now, lastly, lets get some stuff on those walls of yours! Get 3-4 pieces that compliment eachother. Maybe all [vintage travel posters] (http://www.allposters.com/-st/European-Travel-Ads-Vintage-Art-Posters_c50076_.htm) or [old concert posters] (http://www.allposters.com/-st/Concert-Poster-Posters_c17941_.htm). If budget affords, framing makes these things look SO MUCH BETTER. Ikea has cheap wall frames, if needed. Really, find a genre that you find visually interesting and get a few pieces that match. If you're totally lost, Ikea has sets of posters (some already pre-framed) that you can pick up when you're there. Makes it pretty foolproof...

Pro tip: drapes should match the color scheme of the pieces on the wall.

Ninja addition: get a throw pillow or two for your bed in a color that compliments the drapes and the new colors from your artwork.

The mirror you mention, sounds good if you like it. The mirror will help bounce light around the room, which is good, but doesn't add color. You need a little color in that room to help it out.

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))

>Why do you suggest no carpet?

A few reasons, but mainly cause they get dirty and smell. People trip on them and in a small/high-use area it's going to look old fast. Also, many people think its good for winter, but with modern heating this isn't an issue.

> engineered hardwood which apparently gets damaged quickly.

Well, yes and no. It does get damaged more quickly than hardwood floors and you really only can sand it back once before you expose the cheap crappy timber under the veneer. But it is still very durable. In fact I've had a rental, wasn't meant to be a rental when I put the stuff down. But after one year of my use and 8 years of tenants. Sure, it's looking a little tired. But nothing that isnt part of wear and tear and it's yet to be sanded once. With tenants!!!

>speakers without an entertainment cupboard?

I've got these, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VRREPG and they work great. Also, consider getting a projector. I'm currently in a space which is a foot or so wider than yours. Hung a projector and project onto the painted wall. I've got an tiny entertainment unit - cause I'm dumb. But I wish I had of put all the electronics into a always empty cupboard and used something like this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OVAPS3Y. It just keeps everything out of the way and allows you to live your life.


Looking at the photos, my space is a fair bit wider, but it all would work and allow you to enjoy the space more.

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.

A quick amazon search yielded a few decor ideas: 1, 2, 3

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