Been in this apartment a couple months. Advice/inspiration
imgur.com/a/az5Fq
imgur.comPosted Aug 27, 2014, 8:32 AM UTC
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imgur.comI'd try to clean up the TV cables, but otherwise seems nice.
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Definitely the cables. A few more items that OP should consider:
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Move your fridge spice holders/magnets to the side of the fridge near the counter (more practical and they just look silly on the front)
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Not storing all of your shoes in the entry way. I would limit to the actual spaces (not on top either) the unit provides and keep the rest in the bedroom closet. It is way too cluttered and almost looks like you are trying too hard to impress people
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The width between the two state prints should be no less than the width of their respective frames
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If possible, lose the tv stand (wall mount the sat box, anything else just below the tv on the wall with one of these) This will give you more space, allow for people to see the fireplace, as covering it makes it look like the room was just thrown together. You can even find a solution to go to the side of the tv if it can't be done above or below
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Unless you are playing both guitars everyday, put them in cases. I can't stress enough that guitars are not art to be displayed, and by keeping them as dust free and away from harms way as possible is just common sense for any musician. Otherwise it could be taken as, "Look at my stuff, or, yeah bro, I play guitar!" Plus trust me, an open fireplace with a nice get down to business rug will drop panties (boxers if that is your thing) faster than any guitars lying around will; keep your living room open as possible
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Rearrange your bedroom closet so that you can put back the closet door and so it actually shuts. If you don't have the doors, get a curtain system, otherwise it just makes that small hall feel cluttered and unorganized
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Get large pieces of art for above the bed and couch, those walls are just asking for something
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Total preference here, but that shower curtain does not fit with the rest of the vibe and should match the bedroom decor since they are connected and you have already done so with the bath mat
For everyone else here these are some items every male living space should include on hand:
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Spare toothbrushes sealed in packages
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Spare cell phone charges for iPhone and Android
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Plenty of condoms
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Candles (not necessarily out)
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Girly shampoo/conditioner/soap and not the cheap stuff either, go to a saloon and get whatever the person behind the counter recommends
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A clean towel and bath blanket (knowing the difference will blow any girls mind), hand towel and wash cloth, and a bath rob; they should all match (bonus points for putting them out nicely for your guest before they wake up with the above soaps and toothbrush)
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Other suggestions for this list are definitely welcome
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Thanks for all the suggestions man! As for the shoes and guitars I never really considered that it came off as me trying to show off to people.
And in regards to the TV stand, the bottom of the TV actually sits right at the top of the fireplace. I was considering getting a media tower for either side of the fireplace, but I was concerned it might feel like it's sticking out from the wall too much.
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It may come across that way to some, and may not, bottom line is that it is my personal opinion that guitars are only art when they are being played, but that both the shoes and your axes are more clutter than necessary. Clean, neat, simple, utilitarian, and classy should be considered for every decorating decision and finding the right balance of each is the goal.
A media tower shouldn't stick out more than the current tv stand, but it will definitely clear up some wall and floor space and make your fireplace usable.
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If you are not going to use that fireplace, I'd suggest bringing the TV down and putting it on the stand. That way you can zip-tie the cables behind everything.
My personal taste/opinion, but a TV over the fireplace is always tacky. Plus, depending on the distance between the TV and the sofa, you are always straining your neck looking up at it. Get a piece of art over the fireplace.
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Not using it now as it is summer, but I'll probably end up using it once it's a bit colder out.
Just wondering, why do you think TVs over fireplaces are tacky? There was already mount rails for a TV up on the wall (which a piece of art would have covered anyway), but I felt a bit stupid blocking off a fireplace.
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I am at the saloon now but they won't sell me any shampoo. Some guy called me yella. Shot him.
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Yup! I figured I was going to change that setup soon enough anyway, so I didn't bother cleaning that up just yet.
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I really like the place. The layout is amazing. I had a walk in closet leading to the bathroom in undergrad and was probably the best place I've ever lived.
Unrelated question? Did I see an airocide in one of those pictures? If yes, how do you like it? I suffer from some severe allergies and wondering if it's worth the $800 investment.
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You mean the fan at the door to the bedroom? Actually a Dyson bladeless fan. Other than being fairly compact, it kind of just does what a fan does...
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Oh alright.
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Awesome place man. Not too many suggestions. You already know what you need. Only thing i can really say is take the clock off that wall and leave the two mirror pieces by themselves. Also, if you could find a larger print of that DNA piece it would look better on that wall. If you cant find a piece for above the couch, go to Hobby Lobby and buy one of the really large canvases and watch a couple youtube videos on abstract painting and just make your own art piece. Itd be a story for guest and probably cheaper than finding something.
One question for you, where did you find that beautiful computer chair?
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Do you think keeping the clock and putting a fourth piece there would be too cluttered? As for the DNA one, that's actually a print of my own DNA and the largest size they would do. I thought it looked a bit small for that wall as well. I'll probably try and find some more stuff to put on that wall with that piece. I considered putting it in my room instead, but conceptually it seems kind of funny to put my DNA on my bedroom walls.
My friend did a Jackson Pollock-esque style painting on just a piece of canvas/tarp and pinned it up on his wall in college. Seems like it might be a cool thing to do with friends and put up above the couch.
The chair I actually got from Costco! I had trouble finding it on their website, but you might be able to find it at your local warehouse.
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I definitely think itd be too cluttered. Its better to simplify than to fill up the space. Bring the clock maybe by your desk area or closer to the tv.
That being your own DNA is awesome! ive never thought of doing something like that. Where'd you go for that? If you could go back and get more of yours to print, doing a 3 piece set would look really cool. Similar to this
Ill check costco for it when i get the money. Currently holding all my money for when i move to my new place in october.
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Another option might be moving the mirrors entirely? I decided to put the clock there since the only place that doesn't have quick access to time is the couch, so placing the clock above the computer kind of makes that point moot.
I got the print at http://www.dna11.com/ It's a bit pricey, so I probably wouldn't get another two to balance out the one already there. Maybe some other art pieces for that wall.
Make sure to leave us a post when you get settled into the new place!
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Yeah maybe move those mirrors to the dna wall and center the clock.
Thanks for the info on your pieces and ill definitely be posting once i settle in. Im excited.
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Wow! Great looking place man.
Don't worry too much about finding something to go over the couch and the bed. That color yellow can hold its own pretty well.
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Hello fellow Cap Hill resident!
I like the division you created between the desk area and the living area, but I agree with the guy that said you need to figure out a way to manage those cables.
Wall art is a problem I also haven't figured out. I like the idea of brick wall panels, but installation could be out of the question for anyone just renting. As for the bathroom, you could make an immediate improvement by getting a new shower curtain.
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Thanks for the compliments man. You should post some about your apartment! I'd like to see some more places around Seattle.
Yeah I'm wary of wallpapers and panels for the walls. Landlord is kind of particular about the walls. Wall sized cloth pieces pinned at the corners seemed like an interesting idea.
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That place looks incredible. That view from the living room is ridiculous.
Also, is your living room table a chalk board?
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Same view from the bedroom ;)
Yeah it's the smoothest piece of plywood I could find at Home Depot, sanded down more, and spray painted with blackboard paint. It's sitting on top of two mini leather ottoman pieces that also double as storage.
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Nice, I have a wall in my kitchen painted with the same stuff, it's a lot of fun. Never thought of a table or something.
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It was a nice solution to limited living room space. Can just move the table top and supports making the room look even bigger.
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'08 Ninja 250r I bought back in March. I like it since I mainly ride around the city. Means I don't just sit in first gear all the time :D
As for work, I'm a software engineer. The dyson fan was entirely too expensive.
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I'm guessing you just graduated from UMD -- SDE at Amazon?
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Good guess. Though, I've been out of school for a year. Just moved apartments recently.
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As a recent grad from UMD's CS program...interested in a resume? :P
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This guy has these typography watercolor prints for a bunch of states and a bunch of cool area map prints.
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Nice place! Where did you get the big mirror in the second photo?
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Beautiful place. Two questions:
- Where'd you get that table where you monitors are?
- How much are you paying for that size place, with that view, in Seattle? (Curious, as I am trying to compare it to what I am paying out on the East Coast)
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Thanks man.
- The table is from IKEA. Galant if I recall correctly. You can select different surfaces and legs separately.
- I'm currently paying $1600 for this place, but as a part of that I get a parking space and a storage closet in the garage. Rent includes utilities except electricity and internet.
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Wow, that's phenomenal. I know this isn't r/personalfinance, but I'm curious how you can afford that. I'm a software developer, no formal education and entry-level right now, so obviously I'm not the best counter-example. And I know I wouldn't be able to afford it.
Looks like you bike, instead of drive, I'm sure that's quite a savings. Any other tips or tricks you can share?
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Honestly, I feel like I'm definitely not a shining example of r/personalfinance
I'm pretty sure I just lucked out in terms of career. My sister did give me a pretty smart tip in terms of budgeting out for yourself. Prepaying credit cards so that you have a positive balance sitting on it. Logically, it's not much different from using credit cards the normal way, but psychologically it'll help reduce the amount you spend to the budget you want to keep. Plus you get all those tasty bonus points.
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Damn. That's almost nyc prices...
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And that is really cheap for a one bedroom in that area, most are going for $2k+.
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Yeah, it's actually a pretty good deal for the area. Though the square footage of the place is definitely on the lower end of the 1 br's around Seattle.
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Jesus... Why so high? What's the economic climate like out there? Doesn't really seem to be a destination for/of anything.no offense. Unless my ignorance has kept me outta the loop.
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Nice Dainese jacket. What do you ride?
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Thanks man. '08 Ninja 250r. How about yourself?
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We have the same couch, how much did you pay for it?
Edit: I ask because I got mine used and I'm wondering what it went for new
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Got it from IKEA like a year ago. I believe it was $200 or slightly less than that.
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only $200? what couch is it?
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Couldn't find it on their website. I might be completely wrong about that price.
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Ok I have to ask, the bathroom with 2 doors. When people are over and you are in there do you lock both doors or just the one to the living room/kitchen?
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I just slide the door to the bedroom closed and lock the door to the hallway. I think it might have confused a few people the first time they used my bathroom too lol.
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- The little "Mudroom" entrance is cool, I'd say buy another of the shoe things you have and put them side by side and hide all those shoes.
- Some pictures or art for the opening hallway would be nice
- Kitchen is good. Maybe a wall-clock?
- I see you chose no dining area besides the counter. That's cool usually I ding for that but it's a smaller space so whatever works.
- You have to clean up those tv cables everywhere. Velcro zip ties.
- An LED light strip behind/on the tv would really help for the back lighting and giving it a theater feel
- That couch needs art or some large canvas print above it. Look into 3-panel canvas prints they could be awesome there.
- DNA print is cool. Is it your strand?
- Bedroom is great! Maybe art or a mirror of some sort over the bed
- Bed could use a headboard.
- Might be worth hanging a curtain rod and hiding the closet stuff if people pass that often to the bathroom etc.
- Bathroom's great. Don't touch a thing.
Killer view of Seattle man. I'm jealous.
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Yeah, I think I have too many shoes for my own good, but that's a whole other discussion. They do make the space look a bit cluttered just sitting about.
I was thinking about getting a black glass board for the wall across from the fridge for neon dry erase.
Dining area: yeah, the space is a bit smaller and I didn't want to get rid of my desk. Does make it a bit awkward when I have guests over and serve them food though.
The DNA is mine! It's pretty cool if not a bit expensive though.
Headboard still necessary with a piece of art above the bed? Also, I'm considering a bed skirt as you can see the box spring right now. Or should I just go for a bed frame?
There's actually a door to the bathroom basically across from the kitchen.
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Dry erase is awesome or you could look into chalkboard paint, and have everyone add something fun in when they visit!
Headboard is always necessary. Keeps the wall clean.
Go for a bed frame AND a dust skirt. Go all out.
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I think a bench with shoe storage underneath is a better bet. Hides the shoes and is functional.
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Oh I really like that. Thanks for the suggestion man.
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Where did you get those bar stools? Really like the look of those.
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Bought it off a coworker and the only link she supplied was http://www.fishpools.co.uk/clarke-bar-stool-walnutchrome/p664
Googlefu does bring up some eBay listings.
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Ah nice, thank you! Wish they had these in the US, they look great in your place.
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Check out the eBay listings! They might be legit.
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Personally, I would move the shelf unit in picture 14 up against the wall under the dna print, because I hate the claustrophobic feeling of narrow walkways and closed in areas. But you may prefer your areas more boxed off than open. Either way your place is awesome, though. I wish i had your floor plan
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Awesome place. I knew you were an Amazon geek as soon as I saw the area.
Wanna go riding? PM me.
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I love everything but the shower curtain. And I'm only pointing it out because I'm so jealous of everything else.
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I always kind of liked it because it was so silly. Yours and other comments about it are right in that it doesn't really match everything else though, so maybe it's time for it to go :(
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MARYLAND!!!
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DC!!!
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Sorry don't have any suggestions, but just want to say you have an incredible view of Seattle!