Florida Joyce's Profile

I wouldn't be as concerned with messiness and clean-up as I would with working with chemicals in a small enclosed space with inadequate ventilation. I think you'd probably need to use a paint stripper on that, then sand it. If you can get somewhere with open windows and plenty of fresh air coming in, it may be okay. Otherwise, do you have a friend who'd let you use his garage or driveway for awhile? I don't remember what you said in your post. If you are a city dweller, it may be difficult to find just the right place to work with it.But I like the idea of your refinishing some old pieces for your place.

Buy the furniture you want. Choose basic pieces with simple, clean lines. Don't forget about Craigslist, Goodwill, Salvation Army, consignment shops and thrift stores as you furnish your apartment. You may find just what need for little $$. Stick with neutrals and basics in upholstered pieces, and let your accessories do the talkin'! Bright pillows, area rugs, throws, plants, artwork, textiles - you can make your space so attractive with just the right pieces. Check out the places I've mentioned for good deals. Good luck with your new place.

If possible, I would switch sides with the couch and the tv, as some of the others suggested.. I also like the idea of the fabric that someone submitted - fabric as artwork above the sofa. Right now, I think your artwork is hung a bit too high. I would add some books and accessories (not too many) to the tables.

I like your floors and the light coming into the apartment. If it were me, I would keep it warmed up with a sunny tone. Now I don't mean yellow - I'm talking a pale gold or a beige with gold undertones. I don't know what that shade Oak Straw looks like that someone suggested, but just the sound of the name, I'm thinking something along that line.

I wouldn't go with gray or blue. It's too hard to find just the right shade that would look good in all kinds of light - and seasons.

It's a cute apartment. I wouldn't worry about the kitchen. The landlord would probably not let you do anything to it anyway, and if so, it would be a lot of work. So I'd just brighten it up with rugs and accessories. Tie it all in with your dining area and other rooms.

Good luck. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Everyone has a different style and taste in decorating. What may look "effortless and lived-in" to one may look like a hot mess to someone else. Personally, I prefer a neat, organized look for my own home. I think comfort- for both the occupants and the visitor - is of the utmost importance. I like the idea of cozy throws, blankets, and textiles (I have a scarf draped over an ottoman) and plump throw pillows to tuck behind one's aching back. Adequate lighting for reading or the glow of candlelight to create a mood is a nice touch. And pets - who doesn't like to see a cute dog lounging on a sofa, or a sassy kitty curled up on the bed? What could give a home a more lived-in, loved look?

I used to live in Key West. It's a magical place. And you must love living there as a senor citizen.

I love your garden. Key West is known for its abundance of lush, tropical vegetation and showy plants.

Your place has a little too much "stuff" for my style, but isn't it wonderful that we are all different?

Wonderful in every way! I love the front door. Your narrative on small space living is inspiring and timely. Love it all! ♥

It looks like a really cool space, but I would have liked to see the living room, as some of the others mentioned. I'm not a fan of the blue swag curtains in the bedroom and red Roman shade in the kitchen. A simple, tailored panel would look so much better. I do like the colorful framed poster in the area where we get a glimpse of your living room.

Cute as a button! You must love living there. I would! Love the living room, and you've done a great job with the shower curtain matching the tiles. The only thing I would do is add a simple window treatment to the larger window in the dining/area of your kitchen. Really a nice place.

Your place is fabulous! I love the way you've decorated the living room - the art work propped in the window, the mirror over the little antique oak table, the bare tree branch - all are fabulous. The little lamp with the yellow base is awesome! Love the kitchen sink. Looks like you've got a lot of cupboards in the kitchen. You must enjoy the lovely light that pours in through the tall windows in the living room. I think your place is perfect! I ♥ it.

Very attractive and cozy. I especially like the tall,narrow floor lamp that doubles as a nightstand. And that little kitchen - neat as a pin and cute as a button! It is small, but it looks perfectly functional with its full-sized appliances and quite a few cupboards.