Settling In
So, I’ve been in the new place for two weeks (and a day). I’m still not fully unpacked but I have my necessities where I can reach them…and plans. I never like to rush into putting things away in a new space. I like to live in it a little bit, see how I really use the space before I commit things to new homes. Some might say I’m just rationalizing my procrastination but I think I have valid points. And this way works for me. There’s nothing I hate more than doing the same job twice – or, doing and then redoing. Measure twice and cut once and all that!
Anyway, I thought I’d give you a little look-see at the new apartment in its current state…as well as this cozy cardigan I had from Gwynnie Bee this week. Sadly, I got a bit of a late start so it was quite dark in the apartment and I had to use flash, which is not my favorite. OH WELL.
I’m sure I’ve told the story of this old door many times and I won’t bore you all with it again, but suffice it to say it has moved with me many times. And it’s a heavy sucker! Movers are always like, uhmm…really?? I know the fairy lights are a little dorm-room slash juvenile but they cast such a nice gentle light at night I’m not ready to let them go just yet.
This set-up, the old door with the handcrafted bench in front, was going to be my zen meditation corner at the old apartment, with plants, mirror, candles and a buddha statue. I don’t know that I’m quite feeling that same way about it here. I certainly don’t know how happy plants would be in this dimly lit room.
That Guy made the bench for me so I’m always a little unsure what to do with it. I’ve thought of just leaving it on his doorstep…I’m just not ready to do that yet. Someday, when I’m downsizing to only the things that will fit in my car, it will certainly end up back with him.
Doesn’t this sweater look cozy?? It was very soft, fuzzy and warm. Warm enough that I was able to wear a non-turtleneck for the first time I think all week! It’s by Kerrick, which is a company I never heard of before subscribing to Gwynnie Bee. I see several cute Kerrick tops at Neiman Marcus Last Call, though I only see this cardigan at Gwynnie Bee.
In addition to being cozy it is also showing a current popular trend of color blocking*, which is a nice variation from solids if you’re not quite into full-on stripes.
You can see from all my empty shelves that I wasn’t kidding when I said I was taking a break from unpacking. The reason for no living room unpacking is that I don’t have a sofa yet. And the sofa size will dictate where it goes. So until I know that, I don’t know what furniture will move or even be sold. And until I know that, I’m certainly not cramming all those shelves and cubbies with heavy books and pottery that will just need to be moved…when the sofa finally arrives. So, for now, these two chairs are in the middle of the living room for me and Janey.
It’s making me a little crazy that I didn’t notice the crooked blinds when I took this (below) picture! But, I love finally having a landing strip again when you walk in the front door. This slightly Asian-inspired console table was Janey’s dining table in the last apartment…and a holder of boxes in the apartment before that…and a nice vignette staging area in the apartment before that! Now it’s a place to set my keys and mail when I walk in. My Brooklyn landladies were getting rid of it years ago so I adopted it. It’s sort of a luxury item as it has zero storage benefit, but I just love the lines of it. If I was someone who had lots of guests I would get two little poufs or square ottomans to sit underneath it so there was always seating for everyone.
That pagoda lamp is a favorite of mine, from probably the 1940s or 50s, needs rewiring and a shade. I’ve had it 15 years or more and have never been able to use it for those reasons, and I still consider it one of my favorite things. This finally feels like the perfect spot for it and I’ll get the work done.
The cream ceramic vintage planter holds favorite photos, greeting and postcards from loved ones, announcements from events I’ve attended, etc. It’s fun to browse through the contents and remember fun times and favorite people.
I’ve always wanted to collect Lucky Cat figurines but this is my only item. I got it last year (this very week!) in Chinatown in Los Angeles when Katie and I were out there visiting.
The bedroom is not really a room, it’s just the space between the sunken living room and the kitchen. There are folding doors but I have never closed them.
I haven’t quite worked out the best place to get dressed. I’ve always had a private, dedicated bedroom and/or dressing area. Here, the bedroom area is so open to the living area and some windows that I never pull the blinds down on, that I feel a little exposed. I’ve been dressing in the large closet but it’s a little cramped and awkward. Plus, there’s no full-length mirror anywhere. There’s a large dresser mirror over on the other side of the bed which is what I’m using to check my outfits, but it’s not ideal. I’ll need to keep working on a better solution.
I will say, I was not thrilled with the concept of wall-to-wall carpeting, but it is nice on the feet. The hardwood or tile floors of the last few places were way too hard on my painful feet but the carpet here has a little give and cushion to it. And I love my new vacuum cleaner! I never thought I would say those words, but it truly makes vacuuming a pleasure. It adjusts automatically from the tile floor in the kitchen and bathroom to the carpeted areas in the bed and living rooms. And it’s rechargeable, so no dragging around a long cord, or having to plug into several locations to reach everywhere. I’m sorry if I sound like a commercial, but seriously, I’ve been raving about this thing to anyone who will listen!
The “office” is against the wall between the bedroom and the living room (that half wall where the black console is). I have a view into the living room from the half wall (I never close those shutters – I wish they weren’t even there because they’re always sort of messy looking) and can see a sliver of sky out the front door window.
I’m also looking for a new desk chair. This one is so old. *I* took it out of a dumpster at my old job, and I left there in 2005! So I’ve had it 14 years and it was trash when *I* got it. It’s missing two wheels so it was awkward at the old place and now I’m afraid it will pull on the carpet (bu-bye security deposit). This was actually slated for the trash when I moved and I didn’t have the movers put it on the truck. But I spent the next two days sitting on a straight-backed hard wooden kitchen chair and was like NOPE CAN’T DO IT and went back for it. And I spend a LOT of hours in a chair at my computer, both at home and at work, so I really appreciate a good chair. But one that will also look nice, because it’s really in my bedroom.
My “desk” is really a vintage vanity that I’ve had for a long long time. It’s a good desk height for me and has two small drawers. It just really needs the top either sanded down or painted or a glass top cut to fit, because the unevenness due to large areas of missing paint cause the keyboard to wobble as I type…so I usually have something stuck under one of the keyboard legs to level it up…an expired credit card or folded napkin. Ha, I feel like if my life had a title it would be “Making Do.”
This is the prettier, “non-office” side of the bedroom. A dresser I took out of the across-the-street neighbor’s trash at the old apartment, an etched vintage mirror, a pair of 1930s glass dresser lamps that I have also never used and which should also be rewired. A green velvet chair I think I got at an auction in my ebay days…and is probably the only piece of furniture slated to go with me when I eventually move cross-county.
Ha ha, I’m such a derp.
I will take pictures of the whole place once I have it more prettied up. Really all there is now, mostly, is furniture.
*More color blocking!
What I Wore:
- Kerrick Marled Color Black Duster Cardigan, via Gwynnie Bee, size 1x
- Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Classic Tapered Jeans in Callisto Wash, size 22W short
- Avenue cream long-sleeved tee, old. Comparable here and here.
Photos by me.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you click on them and/or buy something as a result of clicking that link.
Nancy
And the view? Have you got a great view? And do you have a outside space?
Enjoy your vacation. And I am looking forward to see more of your room.
bettyewp
It’s a nice view from outside. The way the windows are, you really don’t see the view from inside unless you go stand at the window and look out. And it’s pretty but it’s always the same. NOTHING moves around here. I see No Activity or people or motion or anything. I know some people like that, but I like feeling like there’s LIFE going on around me. When the weather gets warm, if I can get a table…and a laptop (!) I can at least do some work outside and that would be nice. Don’t worry, there’ll be more pictures!
Jacki
Okay, get a new chair — soon, if not sooner. That one may be comfortable, but it’s sad and somewhat dangerous looking. I don’t envy you getting settled in tho, I think that’s one of the main reasons I don’t even consider moving out of my place — 15 years in one place is a long time and change is not my friend
bettyewp
Ha ha, Jacki! I don’t know about dangerous, but it *is* sad. But new desk chair is on the list after sofa, cuz at least I HAVE a desk chair. Sitting in the old rattan chair to watch a movie has gotten old really fast. At the end of the day I need to go horizontal!
Yeah, I was in my last house for 14 years so I know the feeling. But I already know I’m not TOO long for this place. I give it a year and then I’ll start looking for something at a lower price. At least by doing it on my own terms and in my own time, I’ll have the luxury of waiting til something Just Right (or close to it) comes along. I have a month-to-month lease here so can go at any time…but for my own finances (moving is expensive!) and mental health (GAH! MOVING!) I want to give myself at least a year.
julia
I always feel the same way about waiting to see if you can figure out a better set-up than the most obvious one for furniture. However, I’ve been known to not hang pictures up for years so there is that problem. We have hard backed dining room chairs and I tried sitting n them with a pillow and then couldn’t even do that. Now, we have some surprisingly comfortable Ikea chairs that have some give and the dining room chairs are in a closet until we have company. I’d love to see your views out of your windows since I remember how excited you were about that at the last place.
bettyewp
Ha, I’m the same with hanging pictures and stuff. Mr. Landlord has mentioned to me twice that he’ll be happy to come down and hang anything for me and I’m like just calm down, it’s gonna be awhile. If ever! I’m pretty happy with just leaning most things up on a bookcase or whatever. The Transient Life. Same with window coverings. I’m usually fine without so I’m not in any rush.
I’ll be sure to take some “out the window” pictures for next week’s Week in Review. It’s just not the same here. Plus, it’s a diffferent setup here. At the old place my desk was in the living room with that big bay window. I could see what was going on outside from my desk. Now my desk is essentially in the bedroom, where there *is* a window, but it’s high up on the wall and more behind me…and the living room windows are so far away all I can see is treetops and a little sky. I miss seeing the mail carrier, the kids across the street playing basketball, people walking their dogs, etc. AND hearing all that. It is SILENT hear. Maybe it will be better in the warm weather, obviously people aren’t hanging out outdoors now in the cold weather…but this yard backs onto two backyards sort of below us…and that’s it. I can’t see or hear the road from the apartment. And it’s not that kind of road anyway.
I’m complaining again. I’m grateful to HAVE a home. And I’m complaining about the VIEW and the surrounding activity. But living in isolation does things to me – I know this from past places I’ve lived. Not good things. And this is my HOME. We want to feel good in our homes. So. There’s room for improvement in the next one.
jodie filogomo
I’m terrible when we moved. I put things in places, and then moved them again and again. Even what was in the kitchen cupboards. Obviously you are much smarter about things like that. Or more experienced….or both!!
Except for hanging pictures…I do wait to do that. Heck, I still don’t have many up in our office and it’s been 3 years.
My mom rewired a lamp once. I remember she took some kind of class about home repairs, and she learned a lot!
And I thought those fairy lights on that door where fabulous. If it is a juvenile look, then maybe I’m regressing. And that’s just fine in my opinion!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Yeah, I’ve watched tutorials on rewiring lamps and it looks relatively easy once you have all the proper tools…and if everything goes according to plan. The pagoda lamp also has a loose top so I may not want to experiment on that one, but I’ve got others in need of rewiring and I may give it a try (translation: I’ll never do that). Will keep you posted!
I know, I love the fairy lights.
Susan Marinelli
Let me add my comments to your taking time to hang pics and move furniture around. I feel absolutely the same way. That is compounded by the fact that my walls are plaster, so when I hang something, it’s gonna STAY there. I also have a green velvet chair, and you have inspired me to move it into my bedroom. It looks cute in my office, but I am moving that too, now that I have more space.
Yesterday, my friend came over, and I couldn’t wait to show her all the work I’ve done on my new third floor digs. She didn’t see it, and said it looked like I moved in yesterday or the day before. Harumph! Yes I still have a few boxes, but I don’t want to move/unpack over and over. She is one of those people who wear themselves to a frazzle getting things all done the first week or so. I am not. Hold your ground, Bettye, it’s YOUR place.
Now, about hand-me-downs. I am the only girl on my mother’s side of the fam, so I got ALL her furniture, and grandma’s too. It’s taken me 18 years to weed some of it out (and dump lots of it on my brother/nieces). Hand me downs are good. Except for that desk chair. I did find mine at Walmart for $59 if that helps at all. Also bought a full length mirror there for $11. Haven’t hung it yet (plaster!) but it’s propped against the wall and helps me check my outfits.
I love Janey’s little brown spot at the very tip of her tail. So cute…
bettyewp
What are “the new third floor digs”? And THIRD FLOOR?
Trust me, I have been the receiver of hand-me-downs all my life, nothing wrong with that. If you actually LIKE the thing. I’ve reached a point where I’d rather wait for The Right Thing than make-do with something I don’t really like. What’s the saying about “Mr. Right” vs “Mr. Right Now”? But for furniture 🙂
When Janey first came to us and I took her to the vet for all the vet things and the receptionist was taking down all her information to make a card for her, she asked me what color she was and I said “pink and grey.” She didn’t put that (grr) but to me, that’s what she looked like. Her tan spots were a little more peachy when she was young. And yes, her tail tip is very cute 🙂
Every time I see your email address with your comments I crack up 🙂
Susan
I call that coloration tortoise shell, and have had two tortoise shell cats, Clara and Pooh. Oh, and Wedgehead, although she was more calico. I love their orange bits! Cats just find me, and attach themselves. Janey’s tail looks like she dipped it in peanut butter..
bettyewp
I did have a true tortoiseshell once, Katie (not my daughter, an actual cat) – she was all black and orange and cream. Hers was a sad story…I adopted her (and her sister) when my husband and I bought our first house and we still had indoor-outdoor cats…and one time Katie disappeared…we hunted and called and hung up signs…and after about a month I gave up hope. Six months later she came back…pregnant (!) and with feline leukemia 🙁 She had three little kittens, each cuter than the next…and each with feluke 🙁 I seem to remember the one, Trudy, lived to maybe 6-9 months, but she was the longest-lived…and I eventually lost Katie as well. That whole episode was heart-breaking.
Only one of her babies was a tortoiseshell.
But I had her (Katie’s) sister Stephanie for 18 years. In fact, it was right after Stephanie passed away that I said NO MORE CATS (I still had 2 others at the time, and Caleb)…and like 2 days later my one cat, Clyde (who was never REALLY ours), brought home the teensiest kitten. and that was Jane. I couldn’t resist her. But SHE was REALLY the last. And now she IS the last. And as sad and lonely it is to think of a life with no animals in it, when she goes, I won’t get another. As a renter, it’s just too difficult. Apartments are harder to find, and more expensive. Maybe I won’t always be a renter, but…we’ll have to see how that plays out.
How many cats do you have?
Susan
Oh, I moved from my second floor bedroom, and took over the entire third floor of my house.
bettyewp
Well, that sounds exciting and like a big change.
Iris
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!! Reading your update and all the comments I’m apparently the only person on the planet who wants EVERYTHING in it’s spot and ALL (that would be ALL – and there’s a lot of them) pictures hung immediately. Understand, I’m old and haven’t moved in a very long time (I was 50 when we moved here), but we moved a LOT before that. I threw Chuck out and said just leave me alone – I had it all done in a week. Of course I didn’t sleep or eat and was exhausted when I finished, but I’d made it a home.
Lots of family furniture around here too. Most of the antiques I grew up with and can’t bear to part with. I do change things around from time to time – but not very often.
Anyway, didn’t mean to get on my horse. Everyone needs to do things at their own pace and what makes them content and happy. Enjoyed the update and pictures.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
Oh gosh, Iris, you are certainly not the only one who approaches decorating with a “wait and see” perspective! I know people who jump right in, open all their boxes, set things out, boom, they’re done. And everyone does things in their own way in their own time, there’s no right or wrong. I admire someone who can make those decisions and get right on it! They NEVER live surrounded by boxes…and I have been living surrounded by boxes for the past 10 years! No real joy in that. It’s just the only way I can do it.
SOMEDAY I want to have a gallery wall. But at the rate I make decisions and put nails (or whatever) in walls…it may never happen!
Debbie@debbiestyleslife.com
So glad you are getting settled in your new place! I’m looking forward to our next “Match Made in Seven” theme!
bettyewp
It was another challenge for me! I guess that’s the point, ha ha!
Daenel T.
I agree. Live in the space, figure out how you’re gonna use it then set it up. Especially when it comes to decorating. Uhhh, yeah, I’ve had to patch a hole or two. Or three. LOL
I love all of the older pieces you have. Especially that door. The Hubs and I like to mix antique finds with new stuff for an eclectic mix.
That sweater is super cozy looking. I have similar one that I wear around the house like a robe because it’s just so ahhhhh.
Anyway, happy settling in and stay cozy.
bettyewp
I watch all these apartment tours on YouTube and the vast majority are like, “I got this from Target and this from Home Sense and this from World Market and this from Urban Outfitters and…” you get the idea. There’s nothing wrong with those places or the stuff they sell, I lust after a lot of it, too 🙂 But there’s nothing like a home developed over time, with personal and sentimental treasures and items with a HISTORY.
Have you ever done a home tour on your blog? I’d love to see that 🙂
CiM
I know the fairy lights are a little dorm-room slash juvenile but they cast such a nice gentle light at night I’m not ready to let them go just yet.
*****
I hope you keep them. Fairy lights are lovely. Yours look so nice on the door!
Gentle is good. A few small strands around our house make evenings cozy. Not too bright or obtrusive, soothing, pleasant, inexpensive ~ does the world have enough of those things? I’ll say no and vote in favor of your fairy lights every time.
bettyewp
Thanks, CiM. One more vote in favor of fairy lights. I just started watching a vlogger, not new, but new to me, and I’m binging her Vlogmas…and she has MILLIONS of fairy lights around her apartment, it’s darling. BUT, she’s 26.
I dunno. It’s one of those things I shouldn’t care about.