Best products from r/femalelivingspace

It's a cute place with good bones- but I see what you mean!

First thing's first, don't be in a rush. There's no need to go buying a bunch of extra stuff just to fill space.

My advice would be to start with what you have already:

• Unpack/clean up any boxes sitting around full of stuff. Clear off your fireplace area
  
  
• Find a place for things like the Febreeze that isn't 'sitting out in the open' Any cabinet will work :)
  
  
• Make the bed, hang/fold clothes in their proper spaces. Even if you want to get an external closet rack that's fine, just don't leave it draped over everything.
  
  
• Rotate the coffee table and rug so the long side faces the main couch and pull the couch out closer to the doorway. The lounge side is great for creating a barrier and separating the space into two rooms! But you've got it pushed too far into the wall so it makes the space feel claustrophobic
  
  
• I see a guitar beside the couch, get a wall mount (like this) and hang it on the wall (above or beside the couch maybe?). Still easy access, but now it brings some interest to the room
  
  
• In the bedroom, rotate the little bench next to the nightstand so it sits under the window
  
  Now for things you will want to add (slowly):
  
  
• Some candles! Don't need all that febreeze if you get a nicely scented candle (you can get a manly smell like 'Woodland' by Bath & Body Works, or 'Teakwood' or something just clean) Throw a candle on the coffee table or on that fireplace surface.
  
  
• Throw pillows for the couch. Even just one or two that have a different color or texture will be nice.
  
  
• Art! Maybe it's movie posters, or thrift store paintings or pages cut out of a pretty calendar, but hang something up on the walls. Frames don't have to be expensive but I always recommend them if you're going the poster route
  
  
• Plants will add a touch of life to the place, even easy care plants like a succulent or a cactus or some bamboo. It doesn't need to be a huge investment, but a decent pot will do wonders too- get it in a color or pattern you like!
  
  
  
  Overall, the space just needs some personality and an appeal for the senses. Adding some colors, some smells and some new textures will really elevate it without breaking the bank!
  
  

We got this bed frame and it's been great. It fits pretty good size plastic bins underneath so we have tons of storage.

We have a memory foam mattress we bought off Amazon for $150 that's also awesome. I can't tell the difference compared to my mom's 900 dollar mattress. Don't spend too much on a bed!

We got this rug and it's just okay. It's not soft and I can kinda tell it was cheap. It works and the color is nice. But we have an Ikea vindum rug in our living room that is a million times more cozy. If you're going to buy Ikea stuff, sign up for their account. It's free and gives you great coupons and discounts. The 8x10 vindum is like $160 right now (before a coupon) and it's definitely worth the extra money.

Another note, if you want bookshelves to actually hold books, the Ikea ones are generally the best value I've seen, even if you have to pay shipping. If you're planning to pay shipping at Ikea I think it caps out, so you might as well buy a lot.


Edited to add that this lamp has served us well. The gray is a really nice color when using a warm lightbulb. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Z643G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uQ40Db620CX0C

That layout is probably the most optimal for the space you have. I think putting the bed on the other side of the room would make it feel more choppy because of that indent next to the closet. It would be chunk of space at door/dresser > closet passage > chunk of space at foot of bed. If that makes any sense at all. The shelf thing - So you would have a 2-3 foot gap on that side of your bed to accommodate for that shelf. Is that a walkable, usable space for you? Does it crowd the closet/entry too much if you do that? Can that shelf fit at the end of the bed in the corner by any chance?

So! How to make it a little more grown up - I would suggest starting by updating your bedding. The feminine-industrial-boho-ish vibe you've got started is cool (yes I just made that up), just ramp it up a bit.

I believe you have a comforter? Swap it out for a new one OR get a duvet cover and use your existing comforter as the duvet filler (just make sure it will fill the cover, or just get a duvet insert). If you do a print, stick with a small scale print like the floral you have now, or an abstract muted pattern/texture - a bold medallion or stripes might eat up the "visual space" in there. Then you can do the "fancy people" thing as I call it, and get a coordinating throw for the end of the bed, folded neatly along the foot of the bed.. Look at some staged pictures of bedding you'll see what I mean. Sometimes people get a bed scarf specifically for that but a light weight throw or coverlet works just as well. Bump 2 of your pillows for square euro shams in the back and keep 2 standard pillows in front - and feel free to add in as many or as few decorative pillows as you can handle. If the big euro shams seem like too much then 4 standard pillows like you have is fine just prop the ones in the back up so it looks layered.

Something like this would look nice with blush/pink sheets if you want to stick with the colors you have - plus you already have a pink throw you can use at the foot of the bed. It's a lot of texture but its subtle, then splash more color in your future wall art & plant pots. Maybe your artwork/photos can be framed in natural wood to match your light fixture and/or black to match your bed.

I also see a woven basket hiding - maybe play off that with a round jute rug. Peek that out from under the foot of the bed i.e. if it were divided into 4, have 1/4 of it under the bed and the other 3/4 poking out. However it best fits. You have carpet so it's not like you need a beefy rug just something decorative. Lot of ways to play it!

Having an OCD sometimes it's like making you actually be more creative, I think you've done a great job here,

I agree that you've got to add just a little bit of accent like some indoor plants and changing the curtains like here or a checkered curtain, but I believe also that everything you will create would be awesome or an embroidered one just like here.

As long as you're happy with what you are doing, I believe that arranging or changing the designs of our homes can be exciting but if you're out of budget you can challenge your self on the amount of spending.

And when it comes to your stuff, you can sell it online like in the marketplace.

By the way, in terms of wall pieces, you can experiment it, you can have like sets or multi-panels like this one or you can have some nordic style or a DIY.

I used to share a room with my sister that was about the same amount of concentration of stuff on my side of the room. As many have said, I would highly, *highly* suggest that you take everything out of your room and getting rid of anything you feel you can. You have all the staples of what you need for your own space (couch, bed, closet, vanity table, entertainment center), but you have a lot of things that are crowding that up.

After that, you can go over the things you have left and keep going through them until you have a manageable amount.

As far as the couch goes (I'm not too much of a fan of the design, either) you can cover it with a couch cover. While not ideal, it would likely take over the design. Here's an example (you can find better designs). In addition, if they don't like that you are covering it, you can simply say you are keeping it in good condition.

It seems that the cocca-cola sign appears to be metal. If it is, you can try covering it with a poster held by magnets. If not, you might be able to move one of your tapestries to cover it. This would likely eliminate the majority of the design.

As far as the TV goes- can you move it, or remove it? If so, you may be able to find a working one at a local thrift store for relatively cheap. If not, a freecycle program if you are in the U.S. might provide you an opportunity to get a working one.

Beyond that, I strongly, strongly agree in getting sheets if at all possible. If you have to prioritize, a fitted sheet would likely be the best investment, both in comfort and style. Here's an example of one from Walmart.

Good on you for taking the time to invest in your life in such a way. It's difficult, but well worth it to do it.

Well, I say this a lot, but, really, go with whatever colors you most like. What are you drawn to? Because my answers are going to be colors I'm drawn to. :) Do you only want to emphasize one other color, or multiple?

If it were my room, I'd be adding some seafoam/aqua colors. The rug and chairs already add some nice warmth to the room, as does the fireplace (haha), so for me, some cool tones would play nicely. A nice fuzzy blanket (like this https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KQN9TUM/), for starters, a new lampshade for the lamp in the corner, , and some wall art with the same colors. If you're going to criminally under-use your wine rack like that, you could also just spray paint a couple of empty wine bottles with your accent color of choice and have them balancing the rack and bringing color on the shelves. An ottoman with the same accent color could be a nice combo piece serving as a coffee table between the chairs. You can often find some cheap ones for sale on local marketplaces (craigslist, facebook), and re-cover it yourself.

Is that an opening to another room? I looove curtains, so I'd run curtains across the entire wall, not just the opening, and they can pick up the same color or balance with a second color. Maybe pick the pale yellow out of the rug.

I might put another plant behind the sectional part of the couch, but hard to say without seeing a picture of what’s in that direction.

I personally would do a light colored rug with bright accents. I like a nice bright room. Something like this? https://ruggable.com/products/kenza-polychrome?variant=12527085092919

But you do have to be careful about taking your shoes off to avoid dirt spots.

With a fuzzy throw like this one https://www.amazon.com/Chanasya-Longfur-Blanket-Lightweight-Microfiber/dp/B01FVHT0FC/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=fuzzy+blanket&qid=1570835252&smid=A1WB700LJYWJ6W&sprefix=fuzzy&sr=8-8

Then you could go for a really colorful piece of art. Cost Plus has great stuff that’s super affordable. You could do a focal piece and then build your gallery over time.

WOW! Thank you so much for the information. I very much appreciate the advice. I personally actually really like the pale yellow with white, but that's just me! Unfortunately I can't do anything to change the wall colors/paint at all since this is a rental. And as for my couch/armchair, I don't quite have the budget yet to purchase anything else. Sorry to place these restrictions on you, I really hope its possible to work within those!

Here is the rug I bought, to replace the one that is currently in the room:
https://www.amazon.com/nuLOOM-Moroccan-Blythe-Area-Grey/dp/B07B3Z9PLN/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550272023&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=area%2Brug&dpPl=1&dpID=51fYsfS72xL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

And as for inspiration, I really love this, but I'd like to go not-so-monochromatic and more colorful:
http://www.thehuntergreenhouse.com/gallery/

What do you think of my wooden Oklahoma sign on the wall, is it too dark? Also on the subject of the gallery wall, is it crucial to frame them, or would something like this be okay? https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-mount-photos-cheap-easy-make-gallery-wall-collage-foam-core-DIY-5.jpg

Ok - so you're wanting to stick with the pieces you have. You said in another comment you're thrifty (me too!) and not wanting to spend much, so here's what I'd do:

Right now the dark pieces seem very harsh in the room. I'd embrace the theme of the natural wood accents, and tie in your black pieces by adding in some other natural textures! I was bored/procrastinating and did up a (very choppy) photoshop of what I would do with the space. Here you go! I edited out the clutter just for the sake of the design.

I'd love to see some sort of curtain (beaded?) in front of the vanity to make it feel like a more cohesive room. I think something like this would look really cool, although it's a bit pricy. This is more affordable. You could DIY the circles from the UO one if you like them, I'm sure!

I agree with the other poster about mounting the guitars to the wall and storing the stand.

I would make some dowel frames for your map, and hang it above the mirror. I'd also make a few smaller black and white cardstock prints at Staples (cost you about fifty cents or less per page), do the same with the frames, and stack them vertically along the space of the wall beside your closet door.

Are you crafty? You might be able to make a diffuser shade for your 'boob' light like these folks did.

I'd recommend going to Home Depot / Walmart etc and getting a couple more plants, and putting them in terra cotta pots (they're pretty inexpensive).

I would also get a few baskets and put them on the middle shelf of your bookshelf, to break up the lines and make it less overwhelming to look at.

I would get something for your makeup table to contain your makeup so it looks less cluttered.

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Heres some pieces similar to what I photoshopped in that you could pick up on on a budget, but a lot of them could be thrifted if you like hunting!

Beaded Curtain

Lamp Shade

Guitar wall mounts

Linen textured curtains

Basket for makeup brushes

Baskets for shelf organization

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I can't see what's going on in your bed area, but if you like my suggestions, I'd be happy to make more recommendations if you post a picture!

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Edit: fixed a link

Thank you! This is the rug that I got! I purchased it from amazon because it was a bit cheaper there at the time I bought it (and also 2-day shipping) but it is also available here at wayfair.com! I got the 7 feet 10 inches x 10 feet size. It's super plush feeling!

And yes my bed is a queen size. I believe the dimensions of my whole room are 16 feet long x 10 foot 1 inch wide.

Very cute apartment! I like the hardwoods

What do you think about something like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/Ottomanson-Collection-Non-Skid-Non-Slip-Backing/dp/B00EP05ZLA/