The first photo does not do justice to your space. The lighting is dark, the furniture feels dated, and I can't stop focusing on your oversized 1988 boom box. The second photo feel much more inviting. I like the way you've updated the look with modern artwork and I LOVE the mirror. My favorite photo is the last one. This has a very modern updated feel. The boxcase is lovely, especially with all white books. Your space has potential.

Definite potential (love the quilt), but 'not my thang' -- there doesn't seem to been anything that brings thee various pieces together, leaving me with a hodge-podge, disoriented feeling.

Furniture seems to be on the wrong side of the vintage/junky line, and ditto on that boombox. I like the bookcase in the first photo, but otherwise I'm just not feeling it.

You're working within your means and, while I wouldn't say this place feels really pulled together yet, it definitely has potential. It's warm and organised and very liveable.

Your space feels so warm and homey. I think this contest often favors entries that demonstrate architectural improvements, which, though they can be beautiful, praise-worthy and inspiring (and certainly belong in the contest), aren't always possible/practical for renters or even owners with very tight budgets. I think your space is a fabulous example of how far good color accesorizing and furniture/furniture placement choices can take us.

Some (very 'umble) suggestions:

Have you considered sanding or painting the table in the first photo? Getting rid of those rings would up the swank factor considerably.

Also in the first picture, the phone on the back of the chair looks really out of place.

In the second photo, a more fitted cover for that chair would neaten it up and make it sleeker.

Lastly, I would work on getting some cute area rugs to define your space and cover that yucky wall-to-wall, which I'm sure there's nothing you can do about.

It wasn't that long ago that I was living on a shoestring myself, and I know it's hard to make any sort of design statement when you can't afford squat. I think you've done a tremendous job with your limited resources.

And for all the boombox haters - not everyone can afford the latest iPod and speaker combo. A girl's got to get her tunes anyway she can.

Looooooove those barrister bookcases. My grandmother had some like that and I didn't make a move on them and now I am kicking myself. I don't dislike that paint color at all; whether it's just a color I would like anyway or you have done the best to showcase it I don't know, but it's working for you.

Nice! Eclectic and full of character... I love how you shop at "pre-loved" stores for fab finds.

LOVE that orange chair.

I love this entry. You manage to include elements, like the quilt on the wall and the art next to it, that look both quaint and modern. And most of your other pieces are beautiful as well--love those bookshelves and the round mirror. You have a great eye and it really shows, even within a small budget and the inability to paint or rip out carpet.

very warm and colorful and heartfelt. also living in west lafayette i have been looking for nice apartment spaces like this.

Don't listen to the haters. This is the only design in the batch that I would actually want to hang out in.

swendel - my apartment is currently renting for August!

i must say you are in desperate need of a new stereo. but i like the other pictures !!

I think photos 2 and 3 are very nice representatives of your cozy eclectic style...an excellent job of making lemon aide from what could have been an ugly space. I really like how the quilt and framed art projects interact with the paint color. Yes, I'd encourage you to try to get a more fitted slipcover for the chair but overall you have a very nice place. Congratulations!!

This is darling! I love your bookcases and how you seem to have organized books by hue. Very sweet details all in all.

So cozy! This is not my favourite design-wise, but it looks like the most liveable apartment so far. Like you, I never buy anything new. Old wooden pieces are classic and will last forever. Unlike the other entries, this is a place I could call home :-)

I love your grandpa's shelves.

Young people: that's not a boom box! It is a bookshelf stereo system: compact, functional and probably produces great sound, which would sound even better if the speakers were separated and balanced in the room. With the addition of two more speakers properly located, she would have surround sound. The taupe walls are a warm neutral tone that the white trim enhances neatly and cleanly. It also helps the space look clean and uncluttered though lived in. The wall recedes with the addition of art on it, emphasizing the colors in the prints without them appearing overbearing. Very well done, especially with a grad student budget and mature sensibility. I hope the hangings are some of your own fine art creations.

Love the third photo. I think that the first photo might be responsible for the lackluster voting responses. The chair looks outdated. Also, I know you're on a shoestring budget, but the stereo could be replaced with something MUCH more svelte. I actually had a stereo remarkablty similar to that one in my last house. When I moved to a studio it had to go.
I like the wall color, by the way.

Did you make your own slipcover for the chair in the second picture? I know several people have commented that it should be a better fit, but I LOVE it, that one element really makes me like your whole place.

I like this a lot. Shows sensitivity and restraint. Less is more, as they say.

I love how open the third photo feels... great shot! The mirror, the white books, and the sun coming through that open door (past the kitchen) make this small space feel delightfully airy. That lightness - paired with the coziness of color dotted around the apartment (great quilt!) - make this apartment both artful and comfy. Very nice.

I really like this apartment - and the way you've managed to put together stuff that clearly not new or expensive and make it look inviting.
And I agree totally with zelda139 - the loose slip-cover looks great! It works really well with the patchwork behind it.

this place has a great vibe, but that fugly shelf stereo is really ruining the first picture. great pattern & color.

Great things done with prints here (second pic). Seems a little disjointed with the other pics though...

I also like that you mention trying not to fall into the "trap of buying cheap throw-away furniture." Good point!

Excellent balance of cozy and classy. Radiates warmth! The second photo especially catches my fancy..original artwork?

The first photo doesn't show off your place as well as the 2nd two pics do, although I rather like the squishy orange armchair. I think the 2nd and 3rd pics show a great effort on a small budget to make the best of what you've got. I'd like to see more of this place!

I think the first photo is the best of the lot... charming, warm, sunlit... probably most truly evocative of the space itself.

And THANK YOU, XMNR, for the boombox/bookshelf system distinction. No need for a new one, just separate the speakers... at least by placing them on either side of the receiver...

Rebekah--
You are very lucky to have two floors. That helps make even the smallest space live larger.

that is incredible i'm looking to move in august! you should give me an email with details if you feel so inclined -- swendelll@gmail.com

I LOVE YOUR APARTMENT! I really do. The ONLY thing I might change is switch the livingroom and bedroom chairs. The gold chair would be a nice contrast to the bedroom walls and would help break up the small patterns.

The red/white chair would really brighten up the livingroom, and help spread all that pattern around the apartment more.

I REALLY like your style :-)