October 29, 2009

My Apartment Inspiration File


I arrived back into Chicago last night at 1am after a fantastic week long trip to the D.C. area. Although nothing is better than the feeling of being home, I couldn't help but be disappointed at how terribly undone my new apartment is as I walked through the front door. It's high time I really finish decorating it and these are some of my ideas and inspirations!

Since I live alone, I figure this is my opportunity to be as feminine as I want. So, I'd like my living room to be a calm oasis of soft colors, muted pastels, and of course a touch of pink...maybe in the form of a throw pillow. I already have a white sofa, so I plan to build around that. I also adore picture gallery walls and will be creating one of those, too!
I'm still searching for the perfect mirror to place above my console table. I want it to be big so that it commands attention when you first walk through the front door. And, I may just have to paint my current console a fun color for a touch of whimsy!
I would love a dedicated office space like the one in the first picture. Those built-ins are not only practical but so gorgeous, too! I like the light pink inside the shelves and cappuccino brown on the walls. But, more realistically, the second picture is what I'll end up with. And that's not a bad thing as I think the little vignette is adorable. 


For my eating nook I plan to purchase a settee or love seat, pair it with a tulip table and two chairs just like these two spaces. I love the warmth of a sofa in a kitchen nook! Plus, the circular table is the perfect way to accommodate a small space and provide movement around the room. 

20 comments:

Chicago Chic said...

Oh I love all of this - and I really like the purple furniture in the 4th photo, such a lovely touch! The last photo is so pretty too!

xoxo
Rachel

Mise said...

The round mirror in the office space is lovely - such a disarming and unexpected touch.

TBB said...

beautiful inspiration photos! can't wait to see what you come up with.

Lala said...

i love all your inspirations! I had so many plans for my apartment, but I might be moving soon, so now I must wait... oh well! Patience, patience! And I really want a white couch... but two black cats say NO!

Flavia @ Estilo Home said...

Glad to hear you had a good time in DC. Fall is definitely the best time to come. I love your vision for your apartment - and yes, take full advantage of living on your own to decorate as you wish! I can't wait to see what you do.

Alina said...

fab!!! i love each and every room haha

paula said...

love all the inspiration. The second pic is one have been drooling over.

Hobnail and Brass said...

As long as you give yourself appropriate library/book space anything you throw in there will look chic. I love the inspiration images though, it's making me think of my own under-designed spaces.

Blair Friedeman said...

Oh, wow! Absolutely stunning inspiration! Especially love the first image--so clean classic and fun.

Fargerike Dagny said...

Love all of it! Great, inspirational pics! :D

TERI REES WANG said...

There is nothing better than a booth or a bench to bunch around in, to share breakfast.

arlene said...

Once again, one of my favorite posts!

Unknown said...

Great pics - especially love the cute chairs and table in the last pic - I need some of those!!

Jess LC said...

Hey Crystal,

I love all of your inspiration pictures! I know what you mean about the place feeling undone, I feel the same and I'm rapidly trying to change that.

Also, you reminded me that you are in Chicago too- I live in East Lakeview, we should get together sometime!!!! Email me if you're up for a glass of wine sometime :)

the gardener's cottage said...

i love all your ideas. i've always dreamt about decorating a place just for me. what a wonderful luxury.

~janet

Living It At Home said...

Hello, thank you so much for visiting my blog and your wonderful comments.

I thought I would stop by... and I love these images. They are very feminine and pleasing to the eye. If you are looking for a big mirror above console, check out Restoration Hardware's reclaimed wood mirrors and Wisteria has a large gray mirror that I would love to put somewhere but don't have the height in my house for it. Also, I am sure you know, that Ikea has a inexpesive Tulip table that you can mix with other styles. I have seen it used in glamorous homes.

Love your blog~Good luck with decorating!
Nice meeting you. Jamilyn

Anonymous said...

hello crystal ^=^!

very nice to meet you. thank you so much for your recent visit and following of my blog, really do love and appreciate comments such as yours. glad you liked the clutch. it was love at first sight for me. i actually found out its called YMail and it comes in different styles and colors. again thanks and hope to see you around again and again...

love these images full of ideas and concepts, i especially liking the touch of pink and the giant mirrors. GREAT taste.

have a wonderful weekend.

ox

Monika said...

good luck with it!! I am also decorating (as always(, but I think the most difficult part is patience! I hope you will be able to achieve what you want!

escapade said...

I say go all out! I have such fond memories of my last 'single girl' space - I had my bedroom in a really pale pink with a billowy white canopy. I don't think my husband would let me get away with the excessive girliness, so glad I did then :)

Anonymous said...

Oh the joy and the terror of lovign interior design. Makes you love changing things, makes you want to keep changing things. Satisfaction - momentarily guaranteed!

Love it!<

Elena

http://www.ideainteriors.blogspot.com

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