Ok, I’m finally ready to say I’m 100% moved in… 2 months later. The truth is, it was way more work than I thought it would be (not to mention the 3 impromptu DIY projects I completed). Moving itself was a three-day ordeal with many back-and-forth trips, my family and boyfriend helping me, and accidentally forgetting my butter dish in one of the cabinets at my old apartment.
The bright side was that after moving boxes, unpacking, organizing, and reorganizing, I had a sauna and a hot tub to help me unwind. And while this article was on the back burner, I’ve been making great use of all the new amenities at my disposal.
Just a few days after my last lease ended, I threw my birthday party in the reservable movie theater room. We watched “In Time” (2011) because the characters stop aging at 25. It was so fun to have the girls over in a dedicated space where it didn’t even matter that I was halfway unpacked. We were living it up in reclinable movie theater seating!
So what changed between this apartment and the last? Besides lounging on the pool deck and cruising into my allocated garage spot (street parking was half the reason I didn’t renew my last lease), I downsized. Yes, it’s surprising considering the last space was only 392 sqft. What can I say? I love my little life.
Meet Bookshelf Bar
This project is my first furniture flip, please don’t look too close, it is full of mistakes! However, the $20 FB marketplace find looks like a million bucks after a fresh coat of paint and shiny handles to match the kitchen cabinets. Is it part of the kitchen or is it a zone of it’s own? When you live in a studio, everything must be multifunctional! Where my hallway widens, there was a recess in the wall that was perfect to nestle in a small bookshelf.
When I saw the type of cabinet this bookshelf had, I knew it would be perfect for a hidden bar with easy access to my glassware and cocktail recipe books. The bookshelf perfectly blends and transitions between the kitchen to the rest of the apartment. When I’m ready for another round of DIYs, maybe I’ll add some contact paper for an added pop of color.
The 15-Hour Painting
Like the heading says, my next DIY took the entirety of Good Friday/Easter weekend. Luckily, I had Good Friday off to get a head start on this ginormous endeavor. I love having art on my walls, but I knew I wanted to have some of my work on display. That’s when I realized the Ferris wheel down the street would make the perfect subject. It’s pink, picturesque, and holds some sentimental value to me.
During my job search and before I moved to Minneapolis, I would drive past the marquee sign frequently and it gave me hope. The simple message “I know that something good is going to happen” gave me faith everything would work out.
Where I didn’t capture photo realism, I like to say I captured whimsy. The pink and green give life to the space, and the positive message reminds me to stay optimistic. I wake up every morning able to look across the room and remind myself how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am and how lucky I am to live here (we will see if that sentiment lasts during the winter).
You can watch me complete 5% of the painting in this podcast episode:
The Headboard Fiasco
One of the last things that came together for this space was the headboard. I scoured the internet for a queen-sized headboard that was small enough to fit the 59″ wall. Unfortunately, the smallest I could find was 61″. No biggie, I thought. Jutting out a few inches surely would not be a big deal. The item I received from Wayfair was accurate to the picture and accurate to the measurements. After I assembled it, I realized 2 inches looks like a lot when your hallway is a mere 40″ across. I had to ship it back. This is when my hero boyfriend offered to build me a headboard.
The DIY headboard is functional and tucked out of the way. While it’s not a wood working masterpiece, it’s the right size, has two shelves, and Bobby loves cat walking across the top. I’m thinking a little lamp or some sconces might complete this corner of the studio.
Finishing Touches
Projector Upgrade
My favorite thing about my last apartment was my projector set up and I’m pleased to say it’s better than ever over here. Because the best place to project was a wall of windows, I splurged on a motorized projector screen. It feels like pure luxury to watch the screen lower down and then roll back up at the click of a button. The final result is amazing but hanging the screen was another thing.
Attempt 1 was a fail. I was balancing on a bar stool while my BF was on the edge of the mattress. He was tall enough to hammer in the mollies but even on the bar stool I was on my tip-toes. At the end of the night the screen was hung but extremely crooked. The next day I picked up a three step ladder and a level. With my newfound height, I leveled the screen and secured my projector to the ceiling.
Pegboard
My new favorite thing about my apartment is my pegboard. I love displaying artifacts from all my hobbies in one place that is both functional and a focal point. The trickiest part of a pegboard is making the chaos look organized and intentional. Honestly, don’t be surprised in my next edition of Barbie Dream Apartment I have an entire wall of pegboards.
More
Patio Garden
Over Memorial Day weekend, I kickstarted my patio garden. The patio is a huge upgrade from my last place and I’ll be working all summer to maintain my little poolside oasis. Check out my corresponding zine “Patio Garden Tour” below.
The First Barbie Dream Apartment
I miss my floral decals so much from my last apartment! Read my last article about my first studio decorating attempt below.
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