Rustic Chic Apartment

Happy Thursday, friends! Today I have another exciting post for you all.  This weekend I went to visit a friend from college and I helped her transform her adorable South Carolina apartment into a sophisticated space fit for a grad student.  With the the rustic elements, wooden furniture, and the shabby chic mixing and matching, we're calling this apartment "Rustic Chic"

Note: This is only Part One to this post.  Stay tuned for Part Two tomorrow!

Before (the process of moving in)

Living Room:

Dining Room:

I'm sure we can all imagine the amount of studying that goes into being a successful grad student, right? This dining room space will double as a desk/study area when the extra table space is needed to cram for exams.

Hallway:

Now, If you've made it this far [which I hope you have] you're in for a treat.  I tested my skills in creating a gallery wall for the hallway/living room area and let me tell you it came out amazing! Everyone loves it - I also think it creates a great focal wall for the apartment and LOVE how it mixes so well with the delicacy of the other walls!

Hint on how to create your own gallery wall:

Clear a space on the floor and lay out your artwork against a tape measure set to the desired width you wish to create.  I used the exact width of the console table in the images above. [48"]

We also got creative with the metal hanging piece which is actually a plant holder.

Does this make you want to take on the challenge of creating your own gallery wall?  Don't forget to check back tomorrow to see whats in store for Part Two of this South Carolina apartment!

Wish List Wednesday

Joss & Main... the best place [I'm very biased] for 3-day flash sales on affordable home furnishings and more! Looking through the items and the prices, my first thought was it's too good to be true. These items are affordable, [even for my post grad bank account] and I don't have to meet minimum orders to hold an account like at furniture market or even be a designer to get these deals!

So what's the catch?

[Everything is up to 70% off]

[You don't have to pay to be a member]

[They hold awesome specials on shipping]

The only catch is that before you know it, the sales are ticking down to their last minutes and you need to make your decisions quick. Which we all know brings out the impulse shopper in everyone.

[Never a bad thing in my opinion]

I've chosen a few of my favorites from today's sales! Sign up HERE and get them before the time runs out!

[Rustic Reverie] Ending Soon!

1. For everyone looking for the perfect chalkboard for your photo walls...

2. Patterned trays to make your living room, porch, or kitchen pop!

[Mixed Bag] Ending Soon!

3. The perfect nautical weekend tote

[Posh Patterns] Ending Soon!

4. Nesting side tables perfect for anyone's style

[Garden to Table] Just Added

5. You can't go wrong with these drink dispensers for any summer event!

[The Tuscan Kitchen] Just Added

6. Wine, Wine, & Wine! My roommate and I need these drink coasters!

[Brooklyn Limestone] Ending Soon!

7. I LOVE this bedding set, so simple yet sophisticated.

Side Note: The [DENY Designs] sale was just added today and they are featuring my favorite graphic artist, Valentina Ramos and her pillow/ bedding collection! Great for everyone going back to school and looking for new dorm bedding!

How To: Photo Walls

I've recently been hearing from a few friends that it's very hard to narrow down what to put on your walls without having it [1.] look tacky, and [2.] not wasting most of your existing things i.e. picture frames and wall art.

I have put together a little "How To" for today's post! Hopefully this will help everyone out there with this dilemma.  Just follow these few simple steps and you'll have yourself a nice looking classy photo wall in no time!

Remember: Don't over think it, and when in doubt, keep it simple!

Here's a little hint for those of you who are interested in the Mix & Match but are scared or don't know how to mix different items.

Tip: Download a free level app on your phone to help you hang your things!

Tip: If you're really nervous, tape out the space on the ground and lay everything out first!

Now that you have the basics down.. Here's some inspiration!

Ikea; frames, black shelves, white shelves, wood shelves | West Elm; frames & shelves