Simply, Shabby, Black?

My "design on a dime" skills will come to full fruition this spring as I move into my new apartment and venture into my new city life! Follow my blog as I take on this crazy/fun project of building a new home with design, with style, with comfort, without a ton of money!

So what do you get when you mix an ultra modern style and a simple, French country girl? Something beautiful and timeless I'm hoping! Some ideas I’m thinking about are below:

Damask Wallpaper to tie together the modern black furniture and shabby chic white furniture we already have. I’m researching the cheapest way to go here, but am finding that Wall Papers to Go may be the best find. (Tip: Be careful of the size of the rolls you order! Too small and you may spend hours lining up the paper)

Hang a black mirror in the living room to visually enlarge the space. Check out the mirror from Ikea for inspiration.


Printing my photos in black and white to add to the classic theme but ensure the loves of my life, my family, my dog, my friends – are constant reminders of the blessings God has given me. Check out Shutterfly.com or Snapfish.com for free prints when you sign-up!

Organization in a small apartment with a girl who loves consignment stores and good deals is crucial. I found these great covered baskets that I can stack at Ikea. They are inexpensive, feminine, and of course, go with the black & white theme.

My favorite part of my new apartment is, to no ones surprise, my closet! It is big enough to put a piece of furniture in it. I am (Drum roll) finishing my white washed cabinet this week. The freezing rain and snow has slowed me down but I will not be deterred. I am putting down an old sheet down in the apartment and finishing it! I promise to post progress and finished photos. Here’s hoping I don’t drop my camera in the paint  :)