frances's Profile

I went through that a couple of years ago. I couldn't let the place go because it was charming with absurdly low rent. I had already put a lot into it - painting, gardening, replacing hardware, etc. It was rough for awhile. The first thing I did was go around and collect everything of or from him and put it in a box in the darkest corner of the basement. I also slowly moved things around. Not house related, but I also cut off contact with him entirely, which probably helped the most. Eventually, as I started to get over the break-up, I did a big overhaul. I started switching out all the furniture, linens, and artwork. It eventually felt like mine again, but it did take a long time. I don't think there's a fast solution. After a really significant break-up, you have to re-invent yourself, and it's a process. My house was very much an external mirror of that process.

What a great and affordable idea! I really like the patterns too. It could even work for some renters who have permission to paint. I'm a perfectionist, but this doesn't look difficult to me. You just need to do some planning and measuring ahead of time, like you would with stenciling. Any DIY project is only going to look as good as the effort you put into it.

This is one of the most beautiful, soulful house tours I've seen. Clearly this home is inhabited by artists! Thank you for sharing.

I don't have a specific resource, but you can try looking for "quilt backing". It comes in extra wide rolls. Also check places that specialize in home and upholstery fabrics, which come in extra widths.

If you can only find regular width fabric, you could try making a duvet and shams instead of sheets for a luxury effect. It looks nicer if, instead of sewing two pieces together, you split one piece and put the other piece in the middle of the two split halves (that's a quilter's trick). This website has some beautiful linen fabrics:
http://www.nyfashioncenterfabrics.com

I think it depends on the room. I painted my large attic bedroom, including ceiling, all gray. It's more of a blue gray, but similar in darkness to sharkey gray. I absolutely love it, but not sure it would work in a small room. I wanted to bring the walls in and make the room feel cozier. My bathroom was already painted exactly the color in the above photo--ceiling, cabinetry, shower stall---everything turquoise. I hated it. The color was way too overwhelming in such a small room and gave me claustrophobia.

If you extend curtains across the length of the whole wall, you can at least hide that the wood stops suddenly. That might be enough. And I agree about other focal points. What about some dramatic area rugs? That green vase really compliments the oak. Maybe think about other earthy/tropical tones that appeal to you?

You could also try making or commissioning a floor to ceiling oak bookcase to fit precisely into the corner where the wood ends. It will look like a built-in and make the oak seem more intentional.

I know it's terrible when a rental home doesn't match your ideal, but I think you'll get better results by working with what you have instead of fighting it. Sometimes a decor challenge results in a moment of true genius.

AAH! I lived in an apartment with that same color carpet AND faux/pressboard wood paneling on the walls. Ugly, but so cheap. Rather than fight it, I went for a tongue-in-cheek hunting lodge look. My friends loved it! I suggest you let your mind go wild and brainstorm some ideas of what the color and apt remind you of. It doesn't have to be outrageous, depending on your tastes. For example, how about a clean northwest modern look with lots of natural woods, whites, and 1 or 2 pieces of beautiful oversized nature prints. Maybe something like "Derek's Blank Earthy Canvas":
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/fall-colors-2007-northwest/6-dereks-earthy-blank-canvas-033024

Definitely repaint though. The walls aren't working with the floors.