Taking a peek into the homes of others is always something I loved to do. Hence I became an interior designer.
It’s interesting to see how someone styled their homes. Everyone has their own style and style their homes with the items that makes them feel great inside. Ultimately that’s what it’s all about.
Last time we took a look into the gorgeous home of a flight attendant. Today I’m sharing the home of Tittel, an all-around creative, art school teacher and student counselor. She shares her home with her roommate and two adorable cats. She created a vintage palace in her interior. Let’s take a look.
THE LAYOUT
The house has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, a home office, and a patio, an open concept for the living and dining room and a kitchen.
What I love about this apartment is that it’s very spacious, because you wouldn’t tell from the outside how spacious it might be. This apartment really gives me the feel of going in apartment in the Netherlands. She lives on the second floor of the building, which is a monument, so knowing that this was once a full complete house is mind blowing.
When moving into a house, you’ll always have to ask yourself how you’ll give every room the proper function. With a 3 room apartment, you have the space to create a home office, just like Tittel did.
Here is a tip to maximize a room:
If you are in need for extra space for when family or friends need to stay the night, it’s a great idea to give the home office a double function. Turn it into a guest bedroom, by putting a futon or sofa bed. When there are no guests, you have a great sitting spot in your home office, where you can brainstorm.
jenpen studio – city life island style – hometours – tittel – tittel tattle_13V
LIMITATIONS TO EXPRESSIONS
Most of the times when you have a rental home, there are limitations to what you can do to make this new house completely your own. In many cases you are not allowed to paint. Tittel has had this challenge to deal with.
What can you do to still create a difference? Below some tips:
- Hang frames on the wall. Sometimes you can’t drill in a wall also, so my advice is to use Command picture hanging Strips. These are a life saver and won’t damage your walls.
- Or you can use masking tape and tape different pictures and posters on the wall.
- Make use of furniture that have bright colors. This way without to have painted a wall, the furniture adds the color in to your space. And because this is mobile, you can exchange that piece more easily then when you have a painted color on the wall.
- You can’t go wrong with plants. All types of plants, real and faux. Plants gives you an outdoor feeling but will also give extra character to your space.
So, basically, just embrace what you have and create around it.
THRIFTED, VINTAGE, SECOND HAND, HAND ME DOWNS
There are many fancy names, but when you receive a piece of furniture or décor piece that has been in the family for years, it’s just magic. Or maybe you found a great piece on the side of the road and you are making it beautiful in your space.
Because thrifting has become a trend, thrift and vintage stores have become more expensive than usual. But there’s no shame in that game to keep searching for that one great piece.
What are the benefits of buying something second hand (or finding it on the side of the road)?
- You’re reducing waste. Yep! I know buying the latest can be very satisfying also, but finding a piece of the 70’s and still has its charm, it’s actually more satisfying.
You’re now seeing a shift in the interior design industry. Designers are designing more with the sustainability and the green factor in mind.
- A vintage piece can be your next DIY project. If you’re good with your hands and can call yourself the queen or king of DIYing then you really need to seek out some second hand pieces and create one of a kind piece for your own. Or you can of course sell them.
- You can find a good deal in the sale section. I mean more money in your pocket for other necessities.
If you think that 9 million tons of furniture goes to landfills every year, you’ll definitely start looking into vintage pieces.
I hope you enjoyed episode 02 of this home tours series ‘City Life, Island Style’. You’ve got tips shared from the homeowner and got extra advice from me on how to style your rental.
SUBSCRIBE to the YOUTUBE channel, so you know when the next episode will air.
And if you are struggling with your space and need a helping hand, you can book a one-on-one consultation with me.
Thanks for reading!
