apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Art work. Personally I find the things that add the most character to a home is art work that speaks to the owners sense of style and vision.

Try going to thrift stores. I've found some great pieces for under 50 dollars.

I have to be honest.
I think it's looking really great right now. You could rush into a lot of "stuff" to feel more finished, but you might not get the effect you want. It's very calm and peaceful, which in NYC is great. I'd like to suggest you just take your time and pick great things up as you come across them in stores, flea markets, ebay, hand me downs, etc. Maybe take your friend out looking for something? I really like where it's going, take your time it'll be awesome.

seems to me the thing you're missing isn't more furniture, but rather, lack of personal effects. blow up personal pictures for artwork, or head to a street fair to get large colorful canvases - that'll brighten up both your bedroom and living room - and allow you to work with the various color schemes.

It looks plain because you have nothing in there that says "Someone unique lives here". Instead it says "Nice Store Display".

You need artwork, framed personal photographs, souveniers from your travels, collections, books, fleamarket finds - Things that don't come from the closest catalog/retail outlets.

I think you need some color. Doesn't have to be explosive. On the bed you could try adding a cotton blanket under the comforter and folding the comforter lower toward the foot of the bed. Or maybe a striped or pattern rug next to the bed? A framed print over the bed? Flowers on the table? A couple of books? You need something to soften it a bit and make it more inviting.

Can someone tell me where that bed is from? It is exactly what I'm looking for!

Laura
http://www.grafxnerd.net

Get some artwork, vases, flowers, and pull out some books. I wouldn't worry as much about furniture, especially since you have a tight budget.

Holy gorgeous apartment, Batman! :-) Kudos to your landlord/association for keeping the place up so nicely!

As for decor.... I like to go on the cheap. Find some cheapy wrapping paper you like (dollar store, book store, etc.) and frame it up in a relatively cheapy frame and hang. If you want to get ultra fancy, use the paper as a background for another piece of art or even another corresponding piece of wrapping paper. You can also do this with fabric remnants. Got a sweater you just love but it has a grease stain on it so it's unwearable? Frame the good parts!

You can find shadow boxes on the cheap at stores like Michaels. A coat of paint will make them match whatever you'd like, and inside you can put just about anything. (I have several "tacky toys" shadow boxes around my house, which are a big hit. I also have several "important tchotchkies" boxes hung as well.)

You can also hang found-sticks and branches. They look quite pretty on the wall. You can further turn them into picture pieces by tying ribbon to the branch and attaching an alligator clip to the end of the ribbon for a photo. Hang a bunch at different lengths. Or hang bobbles and pretties.

I find blue to "cool out" a room. Too much will ...well, be too much. :-) I'd also add complementary shades of a warmer colour. Taupe can be warmed into all sorts of sandy brown shades, even yellows and sages.

Also, don't rule out the ideas of your best friend!! Perhaps part of the weekend fun could be a decorating/styling project?

what stt64 said.

A mirror that reflects the bed is very bad feng shui.
How about papering the headboard wall with a graphic black and white pattern that would compliment the bed and bedding?

Yep--artwork and accessories. You're off to a terrific start. I moved into a new loft about two years ago and I've had the same challenge--I bought furniture that works fine but it just takes time to discover and collect the quirky and personal items that make it home. But it happens!

You have very attractive furniture that gives you a good base. My gut instinct is to add bright, cheerful colors, but it is your space, and you should do what you love. Fast, cheap and easy: hit your major chain store of choice and pick up a new duvet cover, pillow shams and throw pillows for the bed, smallish vases to fill with fresh flowers on the bedside tables, something to hang on the wall over the bed, a bowl to fill with fresh fruit and place on the end of the eating counter, a lamp for the end table by the sofa, something to hang on the wall over the sofa, maybe some window treatments, and maybe some pretty kitchen linens or dishes.

I totally agree with stt64. If you try to go on a decorating binge right now because your friend is coming, you might not end up with stuff you REALLY want. And I LOVE the idea of asking your friend to tag along shopping...it's always nice to have an extra set of eyes with you. But artwork and person effects will definitely do a better job of taking things in the homey direction.

the blue is fine. use the red on that accent wall as your third accent color in pops (one throw pillow, a vase or bowl, a throw blanket on the sofa.

maybe add some red trivets in the kitchen and gray/blue towels with some red in them.

hang that big mirror across the wall behind the couch.

your bedroom looks fine. perhaps add two euro pillows with contrasting shams? forms are cheap at ikea and west elm is selling these covers cheap: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb358&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1SLEBED&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1SLEBED

or these in Chili: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb440&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1BEDDUV&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1BEDDUV


the rug you like is cool for your style: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODr661&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1RUGRUG&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1RUGRUG

i would also suggest Urban Outfitters' Bird Scallop rug, Tropical Stamp Printed rug, or Round Circle Stamp rug.

also UO has some great black, white, grey and silver wall art.

First, I love your bed. Where is that from? Second, I agree with the other posters. You need some artwork. A great piece above your sofa would look amazing and add so much to the bare walls. The kitchen, personally, I would leave as is (simple clean kitchens are my thing). Looking at your bedroom, I would also say that maybe you could try and thrift a bench for the end of the bed. Something that you could even rehab and paint another color. It would add to the room and be a simple quick project that wouldn't take much time or money.

I agree with stt64. Take your time collecting artwork you truly enjoy, collecting accessories that speak to you, things that you will enjoy seeing every day. Maybe for now just add some color with textiles. Throw pillows, curtains, and blankets, even area rugs can be layered over your current wall to wall to add some color and personality.

above our bed we have 9 ikea malm mirrors in 3 rows of 3. they are like 2 bucks a peice and it looks awesome.

Something that might be cheaper than getting the cube or the rug, is getting some cheap yet interesting art. Etsy has a ton of options for that sort thing. Posters might also do the trick. It seems to me that while the red section of the living room makes it warmer, there is a huge space above the sofa that isn't doing anything, and putting some artwork above that would make the space feel warmer. If you did that, that side of the room wouldn't be totally dominated by the windows. And, it would draw the eye up more, rather than focusing on the floor. Plus, if the artwork featured the color blue, you'd have the visual contrast between the red section of the wall and the blue artwork.

I agree with stt64. I think your apartment is lovely as is even though it is still a bit spare. I think you should let it evolve over time as you use it and as you find those objects that call out to you. I don't think you can rush the process without ending up with stuff that you will soon grow tired of. I think you have just enough to entertain a close friend who really cares about you (then again, two milk crates would be enough for a my best friend). If you just have to have something, why not wait until yor friend arrives and go out looking for it with her?

BTW - You mention that you're considering a 3x5 rug...
...is your intention is to place it in the kitchen or next to the bed? Because it's far too small for placement in your living room - you need at least an 8x10.

As far as replacing a side table w/ a WestElm item and getting a rug from them - You already have far too much stuff from those places. Broaden your horizons.

I think you have all of the right elements in your apartment (though I may be biased since I have those same bedside lamps). Like others have suggested, all you have to do now is personalize your space and maybe add some texture. I agree that window panels would look great on your windows.

A few other things I'd recommend:
- bedroom: a colorful throw blanket at the end of the bed, maybe in blue to tie it in to the other areas of the apartment.

- living room: I agree that art work over the couch would be great. In terms of quick solutions since your friend is visiting soon, I've personally ordered same-day 8x10s from Walgreens and put them in PB frames (with matting) I bought on sale. You could also take the mirror from your dining area and hang it horizontally behind the couch.

An area rug in the living room would be a nice addition, though I think you'll need something larger than a 3x5. Since your couch looks big, pairing it with a small rug might not work visually. Something like a 5x8, with part of the rug under the couch, could work.

Two small, patterned ottomans under the window is another idea. It can function as extra seating but also provide a footrest for when you're sitting on the couch.

Last idea: a table lamp on the side table in the living room.

I agree with the others: you need some personal touches, not more furniture. Accessorize with stuff from your life...things that you collect over time that you enjoy and make you happy, things that you use everyday... Maybe some plants, rugs, and throw blankets as a starting point.

You have a great apartment and great furniture for just starting off on your own though!

Also for artwork, check out Ugallery.com and oncampuscreations.com. They both sell original artwork by students. Prices are pretty good and you'll have something original. I've bought a few pieces I'm really happy with.

I'm in my 1st apartment and because I live and work in new york city, I want my apartment to truly feel like an escape. My key ingredient has been charm. I want my apartment to be charming and it took me weeks to figure out that that was what I was going for. Thoughtful details like small flower vases filled with pencils, a comfy rug, nice linens and great art are super important to me. Also just painting a single wall in the room adds instant personality!

Chris Toronto, maybe feng shui isn't the main goal of that bed/mirror combo for this young lady!

That said, go to Pearl River if you're on a budget. In the basement you can pick up some nice (colorful!) items to decorate with for very little money!

You have a lovely apartment and the furniture has good style, but with all the neutrals and empty wall space I think you really need some artwork and pieces with color (as opposed to more silvery beiges and blues). Resist the temptation to try and do it all at once - take your time and only buy what you love.

Rather than spend a tight budget on replacing furniture, I'd look for something fairly big to go on the wall over the sofa. I think a rug for that area is a good idea and will help define the living room area as separate from the kitchen, but I think 3x5 would be far too small. You need a rug that is a wider than the sofa and comes well past the coffee table to pull the grouping all together. Try taping newspaper into standard rug sizes and placing it in the room so you can see what size looks best.

Happy shopping!

Go to the Strand, second floor, and pick up a book of B/W photography, Elliott's New York is a great one ($10). Pick you 4 favorite shots and get 4 inexpensive black wooden frames from Ikea ($6 each). Hang them horizontally, equally spaced above your headboard. Also, add a potted orchid ($14 on W. 28th St.) on the night table or on the windowsill. In the living room, get a huge piece of white foam core from Pearl Paints ($8) on Canal St. Pick up a jar of flat black acrylic paint ($6). Get a wide paint brush ($4) and just paint a few abstract strokes on the foam core. Hang above sofa.

You have a lot of cool tones going on, so maybe think about adding some warmer colors. Warm taupes, wheats and oranges would look lovely with the grey-blue and silver. Don't get too bold with your colors, keep it muted.

Another who agrees with stt64!

Flowers, plants, and photo enlargements are your best bets to liven things up before your friend arrives. Then shop with your friend! Thrift shops are good for colorful pottery as well as art.

Etsy is also a great idea. I'd go with that or original art from thrift shops or flea markets over posters, unless the poster is absolutely calling out to you and/or reflects an important part of your life.

I think all of the good ideas I thought I had have already been covered, but I really want to stress that I think you are off to a GREAT start. There's a lot be said for not over-decorating, which I think is where a lot of people go wrong in their first place. Good luck!

Everything is so...new. It's like old imaginations of what the 'future' would be like - everything looks the same, clean, neutral, shiney. You have many pretty furnishings. Don't you have things that are yours from before the move? Books? Toys? Art? Fabric? 'Things' of any nature? It's all fine (and fun!) to run out to find new or new-old things to add this 'style' you seek, but why not incorporate the style of YOU and your history and your existing personality? (It's free!)

A second for artwork and personal items. Right now it looks a little staged, simply because there is no personal element.

In full agreement with stt64. Bepsf last comment is right on too. I would avoid west elm for quality purposes as well as you already have that look with the basis, now is time to stay away from the catalog chain stores and branch out. BTW- I bought a small rug from West Elm it fell apart in six months.
Go to flea markets, take a ride out to Conneticut and upper state NY where you find used and interesting pieces from second hand, consignment and antique stores. You don't have to go traditional but just be on the lookout for items you love and suit your style.

Don't be in a rush to buy stuff just to fill in the spaces. I would visit design blogs, clip pictures from magazine and start an inspiration folder. Then take with you when you have time to explore. Travels can always bring you to unexpected pieces you will treasure forever.

For now I would just pick up some vases different sizes from a thrift store and go out get fresh flowers- One large glass for tall stem flowers, a couple of bud vases to place on smaller tables like bedside and maybe a big bright bowl to place on the counter in the kitchen fill it with lemons or fruit.
Find a good used bookstore and see what interesting colorful coffee table art books you can find. Ones that you will like to look at and ones that can bring some color. Stack a couple on the coffee table or side table with a vase of flowers next to it. Group your candles in one area.
This would be a easy fix to add some interest and color.

Congrats on your first place.

Yes indeed, the place looks great. And, I did not mean to imply that you should rush and buy the first thing you see. Look around before buying. Use the obviously good sense in color and layout you have to guide you find a piece you love. I will also echo others saying that etsy is a great resources for great original artwork.

Great start on a lovely place, but I agree that you need something that doesn't come from a big box store, and perhaps something vintage rather than squeaky new.

For the bedroom, why not get an old quilt on ebay, and perhaps a striped rag rug? Or, for a different look, a threadbare oriental rug and a large paisley shawl?

In the living room, I think all you need is art work.

It's a really nice place. No need to rush to make it "presentable" -- it's already better than 90 percent of NYC apartments.

Very blank-looking, like a model home.

Like everyone said, you need artwork, plants, vases, books, personal items. Don't run to the mall and load up. Look through AT's vast home tour archives and figure out what kind of accessories you like.

Then start keeping an eye out for cool stuff at flea markets, thrift shops, interesting home decor places, little shops and places when you travel.

You've got a really fantastic foundation to work with. I'm very jealous!

I agree with everyone who said adding personality. You could frame some interesting fabric or scarves, too. There are several fabric shops on the LES in Manhattan that you could check out.

Also, you definitely need something "alive"--some cherry blossom branches, bamboo--something! And the suggestion about hitting up Strand is great, an interesting book on that coffee table would be a smart way to go.

Take the train up to Hudson, and then take a walk down Broad.

I agree with the flowers comment, and bringing in colorful art and accessories, rather than adding/changing furniture. If you are in a hurry, plants and flowers will make an instant impact and add that missing natural element. Do you have any friends that would loan you a framed print or accessory from their storage? I had someone offer us a few things to stage our home to sell, which was great. This would get you by til friend leaves. Really, bringing in a little color and texture in each room will do a lot to warm it up. A throw on the sofa would work if you like them. What a nice canvas you have to decorate though!

have you ever read that feature in Dominos where they take a photo or an outfit, and make it into a room? it was the coolest thing -- maybe you can do something similar? like take an industrial element inspired print, and select accessories to reflect aspects of that print?

plants plants plants!

I understand wanting to get your place decorated before your bff comes to visit, but if I were you I'd take the decorating slowly. One, so that you can find the right pieces for you and two, so that you can shop sales.

I framed some vintage posters that represent my hobbies and got some pictures from my travels blown up and framed. Consider hanging a large quilt or afghan blanket on the wall for artwork

You could buy a beautiful arrangement of real flowers, which always makes a grand statement. Then how about telling your friend you want her advice on your apartment. It's always fun to browse with a friend.

quilts and afghans don't seem remotely her style but some textile on the wall could work. perhaps one of those lightweight rugs i suggested

Super cute first apartment!

Just to chime in here, I wonder if your color combo could be widened a bit. I personally don't find that dark red with the light blues and taupes really go together- orange is complementary to blue and so is green- I would repaint that wall in the kitchen either a nice orange or green, or go with a deep chocolate brown.

Since it appears you can paint, I would also paint just the wall your headboard is on- maybe the bold, almost teal blue in one of the pillows on your bed. If you put those pillows on your bed, it might make a nice soothing colour palette in the bedroom, then you could go bolder in the living room/ kitchen area. Actually, if you wanted to keep the living room wall red, go with it, and just toss those blue/beige pillows on the bed, where they would probably go better, and go with red in the living room! It doesn't appear that anything else is really blue/ beige in there now.

And, of course, what everyone else said about finding some art... take your friend on a cheap art hunt!

I've liked those bedside lamps ever since I saw similar ones in Miranda's apartment in Sex & The City. Anyone know where I can get them?

Paint the walls with some colour and then put some artwork on them. Don't worry so much about adding more stuff, that will come over time on its own.

Someone posted this was a great canvas to work with.... I TOTALLY AGREE! Everything is perfect to start. I guess all pictures were taken from the same angle. Which i guess it is a super narrow apartment, am I right? I see you like red and "dared" to paint just a tiny bit of wall with it... (and then cover it with a mirror). I would extend the red to the whole wall. That in itself would liven the place right away. And will go beautiful with the taupe sofa. The light fixture above the counter i would try to make it more substancial (try beryll lights, from ikea, about $40) same modern aluminum look but far more interesting. The mirrors, both of them, i would definetely hang. You need artwork, and a couple of plants. There needs to be life. (I'm sorry for other opinions but i'm very up for feng shui on live plants against cut or dead).

Sorry this is getting too long. You basically need: Color wall (also bedroom), plants, artwork and bold prints on your bed and cushions. The rest is gorgeous.

Remember you should LOVE everything since it's you who is going to live and see it everyday for a long time.

Be patient, you'll run out of space in no time, it happens to all of us.

Plants!
Art/Posters that convey who you are.
A few items from your travels that you like.
Photos of friends and family?
Drapes!
Color!

We just moved too and I felt the exact same way...it didn't feel like home. But we found a few touches made all the difference.

-Hang a mirror (check out used furniture shops for cheaper options)
-Non-overhead lighting (you already have some great lamps!)
-Make your own affordable art:
I framed these tea towels from Ferm Living http://www.fermlivingshop.us/towels/teatowel_apple.html and http://www.fermlivingshop.us/towels/teatowel_pinetree.html.
We have some great art that fills a lot of the wall and total cost was under $30 each!

Before we knew it cozy, comfortable and most importantly HOME!

I agree with everyone who said not to rush into buying new pieces just because your best friend is coming. Take your time to get it right. I think what you've got is looking great so far and your friend will be impressed, but definitely agree with adding your personal belongings.

I would add a throw rug or pillows to your bed, a small vase of flowers on the bedside table and a stack of nice books underneath. A plant or vase of flowers on the table next to the couch will also make a big difference. Maybe you have some small statues other objects that you could put on the window ledge. Apart from a plant/flowers you probably already own things that will add interest and give your space a much more homely feel.

textiles!

Clearly we all think alike. I agree with the other brilliant people, this place has some great bones. My two cents would be to paint those walls. But if you have a full time job, and don't want to sleep in the sweet smell of drying paint, then get some artwork and maybe a shelf or three. The Salvation Army has nice cheap artwork. Get a bunch of those and you can hang them all over the walls, or just hang all of them on one wall.

You can pick up whole branches with lots of little branches attached (from the forest) and denude them. I have two such branches and they're in different corners of my apt. Kind of like this, but thicker so it can stand on its own. http://www.greenspirational.com/fill_a_corner_with_something_natural_-_wire_some_tree_branches_to_wall.JPG

Oh NY! I moved to DC/VA a year ago and there are trees everywhere. I forgot NY doesn't have easy access to forests you can hack branches from. Central Park...or Bryant Park...Maybe you should go at night, with a buddy/male friend.

If you try and 'decorate' your place too fast, you'll end up wasting lots of money on stuff you won't LOVE. You might like it, but soon you'll still not feel the place has character. The personality of your home has to develop more slowly than in one weekend. You can stuff it with little knick knacks, vases, pics, and more stuff, but it'll mess up the clean cool lines you already have going for you. Your apartment right now lacks grit -- it is too controlled and tight. It needs some funky, quirky pieces to add interest and texture. I would take your time as others suggest, be really patient, and look for oversize pieces that you will have forever. Big pieces of art, large scale plants, tall skinny sculptures. Each might cost what 20 or more smaller pieces cost, but you'll still have them in 20 years and they will always have presence in any space.

You have very beautiful taste and I admire the simplicity of your place. CONTINUE TO KEEP IT SIMPLE. Don't worry about impressing your friend, buy as the years go on and you find something that speaks to you.

As to your friend, just make sure you have an extra toothbrush in intact packaging, a travel size unopened tube of toothpaste, sample size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and a fresh bar of soap. If you have a pretty small box, write her name in your best handwriting on some plain color paper that will stand out, and cover the scrap of paper with her name with clear packaging tape and put it on the box. (Or if you have a blank decorative label, even better.) (Or if you have a blank decorative label, even better.) Leave it on the bathroom counter or vanity where she will see it. Make sure you have orange juice, coffee and tea stocked.

Back to the decor of your apartment. If you want something for the living room walls, I think on the Pottery Barn website -- in the sale section -- there is a pair of framed letterpress printed bird prints. One print is an owl, and one print is a sparrow. On the print is some letterpress scrollwork close to the figure of the bird that is in a subdued color, different on each print. They are hand-printed from a Brooklyn studio and marked, so will increase in value. I got a pair of them and I absolutely love them. I think the pair (on sale) is around $125.00. They would add some subtle color and certainly some interest to your living room.

The other thing you could do is look around for some inexpensive ethnic scarves. I found a beautiful rayon scarf in a muted brown print ($31) that really added some subtle interest in my living room. I used it on a low table used for plants.

You might like to use some decorative ceramic pieces to add interest to the walls. Samkaufmangallery.com has some incredible ceramic pieces from the 50s and the 60s, if you have some money to spend.

There are an infinite number of rug choices out there. The ones I am liking right now are the ones with lettering on them. You can find a variety of colors and styles on a variety of websites. They would work well in a place like yours because you don't have a lot of busyness going on elsewhere.

My compliments. You have done incredibly well for a first apartment.

Where is that couch from??

beautiful! I would recommend flowers! lots and lots of them. The color and type will depend on your taste and thus reflect your personality.

Gorgeous first place - I love your bedroom set. To be honest, I like all your furniture - which is quite a compliment from me.

Realizing you do have a budget, maybe hit a thrift store to try to add a comfy side chair to the living area - or even a long ottoman to go under the window. Only having the sofa makes it look a little empty and less pulled together.

Paint! The paint color is pretty enough - but maybe an accent wall behind the sofa and another one behind your bed. Or even paint the wall behind the sofa and the one across from it.

Accessorize a little - like a nice dark throw at the foot of your bed. Maybe a vase of flowers on the breakfast bar. Then a coordinating lamp on the side table since one lamp really wouldn't do it at night unless you wanted to use the lights too and then it's pointless to have a lamp at all.

Some kind of window treatment would be greatly appreciated too. Even simple sheers would look great.

I agree with some above - don't decorate too fast or just because a friend will be there. Though if you want to paint, it's the best time to do it since you can ask them to help.

I agree not to rush it and only buy what you love.

We went out and bought a bunch of knicknacks super cheap to decorate our condo after we renovated it, and now one by one, those items are getting tossed because I never really loved them.

When you have your guest, I love the idea of just doing it up with some great fresh flowers and maybe doing some shopping together!

Oh, and another good rule of thumb for you might be to ban yourself from purchasing from any of the major catalogs/stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, etc. so that you avoid the showroom/catalog look. Unfortunately, I'm guilty of hearing from friends about my condo that "it looks like Pottery Barn." Even though it would have been more accurate to say it looked like a Crate & Barrel, that wasn't what we were going for!

These days, I'm dedicated to trolling Craigslist and Etsy. Mixing vintage and handmade with some of the more contemporary stuff should give it more of the personality I'm looking for. (Although I still can't rule out Ikea...)

You've made a wonderful start, great furniture choices so far. As others have said, don't make any expensive purchases in a hurry. You already have all the basics to make your place beautiful, all you're missing is some accessories and some color, both of which can add personality. Here are a few suggestions for a quick and easy fix:

Bedroom
- Take the three cushions from the sofa and put them on the bed, add a lovely blue throw across the foot of the bed.

- Add a small silver or aluminum vase for a posie of flowers on one of the night tables. Add a blue clock.

- Find three black or sepia-colored sketches on white paper, no bigger than 8" x 10". Architecture, nature, caricatures. They can even be greeting cards. Buy 3 11" by 17" clip frames, and some fancy paper from the art supply store to act as your matte". Lined up over the bed, they'll help give the room a finished look. Fabric, such as linen or burlap, can also make a good matte. (I have six black ink sketches of jazz musicians, a set of greeting cards I bought for $10 at our Jazz fest years ago, framed this way with a bronze linen fabric matte, arranged in two rows of three. I've had more compliments on those over the years... everybody wants them.)

- If that is a ledge up near that high window above the mirror, add a row of plants in simple porcelain pots. Solid blue or solid white, or alternate the blue and white.

Living Room:

The light in that room seems cool to me, so blue might not be the easiest choice to work with if you want something warm and welcoming. OTOH, that deep red in the little accent wall is gorgeous. Carry that across the whole wall, if you can, and you'd instantly see a difference in your living room. If you can't do that, just work with that red and bring it into the living room in accessories.

- New accent cushions for the sofa in warm deep red/cinnamon patterns.

- Artwork: For now, I suggest you visit a fabric store. Tons of color and patterns to choose from. Buy a yard of something with at least a hit of that red in it, and mount it on a stretcher frame from an art supply store. The whole thing might cost you $15 or $20, but it will be original and will give you a punch of color on that wall behind the sofa. When you find some real art you love, it won't break your heart to toss or recycle the fabric.

- A nice bushy little plant in a colorful pot on the side table would give it a little life.

- Two side panels to soften up the window wall. A soft oatmeal linen would be perfect.

Not much missing really, just a little color. You'll be surprised how amazing your apartment looks because right now you're only noticing what it lacks, and we're seeing how great all your furniture is. :)

Am I the only one having a hard time reconciling the pics of a very nice NYC apartment with the phrase "I am on a tight budget"?

That said, if you want a quick fix then I would echo the suggestions for artwork -- if you don't have the time to search out permanent pieces that you love before the bff gets into town, look for something on Craigslist that you can resell later (or ask friends/family, they may have something in storage or have something they are looking to replace and will give you the artwork they no longer want). A new more colorful duvet cover and lamp shades would also be a way to liven up your rooms.

Congratulations on your first place! You are to a good start - much better than most of us! As others have said, making a home takes time -- don't try to hurry the process along for an artificial deadline Let it evolve gradually -- you'll be much happier with it that way.

Just make sure you have some nice bedding for your friend's visit -- that is more than enough!

From now on, try to avoid buying furniture and household accessories from the same store (or similar stores) -- check vintage places (check out 1st dibs for the sort of stuff you like, and then keep your eyes open), estate sales and auctions, craigslist...

You could use a couple of comfortable chairs opposite the sofa for guests -- here are some ideas for you:

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=276921

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=311821

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=309169

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=308290

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=234767

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=302968

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=302131

Getting something vintage, with patina, will change the whole feel of your apartment -- it will give it greater depth and richness (imagine that beautiful old leather in those vintage Corbusier club chairs... mmm....).

Given your red wall, I'd say that traditional deep red Persian rugs would looks great (try checking estate sales for some vintage ones)... or something like this would be amazing:

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgrubiapages/rbi523.html

http://www.wovenlegends.com/lgsardispages/7994.html

You could perhaps pick up some of the blue (and bluey-green) from the above rugs with some velvet throw pillows:

http://www.kirstenhecktermann.com/pages/currentstock.html

And through to the bedroom with wallpaper on the wall behind the bed:

http://www.interiors-europe.co.uk/catalog/collections.php?cPath=25_80 (in the green shade featured)

http://www.grahambrown.com/uk/product/18346/Chinoise/38?show=

Wallpapering the wall in the bedroom will take some of the pressure off having to fill the emptiness.

As for art, I would advise against framing posters or stretching fabric, or other quick fixes. Posters and fabric are "cold" -- they are machine-made and available in large quantities. There is little touch of the human hand. They will make your apartment feel impersonal and more like a hotel.

Instead, make it a point to attend the graduating exhibits from art colleges and schools -- they should still be hanging now. Often times, you can get some great work of emerging talents relatively inexpensively. Look for large bold pieces, and start developing your own personal taste as well as a sense of the local art scene.

Good luck -- you are off to a great start!

I ache to put something funky and ethnic on one of those blank walls. An African mask or nubby South-American textile or some kind of crazy art made out of multicolored tin cans. Something with lots of color and texture. The whole place is so restrained - it would be really refreshing to have something that just explodes into the room with crazy energy.

You have a great base, but it doesn't look lived in yet. The quickest and cheapest thing to do before your friend arrives is buy striking flowers and big lush plants.
The rest of the personal effects can come later if you're cautious about hanging art, etc.

Firstly, congrats on you first apartment and a nice one at that. Secondly, what is my couch doing in your living room LOL (seriously I have the same exact couch). I would suggest some artwork or painting the walls, and some decorative punches of colors. On my couch I have some burnt orange throw pillows which looks great against the neutral colors( blue and greens looks great against the couch too). A colorful area rug would look nice too. I think you did a great job with the basics buy picking neutral colors, that way as trends change, you change up the accessories which would be cheaper than buy a brand new couch or bed for example.

Oh I forgot to add I agree with the above comments, don't rush take you time and find what you like, believe me you will enjoy it much more.

Looks great so far! I think there are a few things that you can do that might add some insta-fun without a huge cost. I like shopping at Anthropologie for small, colorful kitchen items. Their dishtowels and oven mitts add a touch of fun without being too costly. I also got a few fun pieces like a creamer that is a bird (the cream pours out of the birds beak).

Also, bring the outside in. You can find some nice, classic vases from Crate & Barrel or a mis-match of older jars from thrift shops for minimal cost and fill with flowers. I usually just go to my grocery store and can find colorful arrangements for $5-$10.

If you want to add color quickly but at low cost, you can always frame fabric and switch it out with art or something else later. Ikea has some cool, colorful fabric that looks great framed - though, I'm sure just about any fabric store will have some good stuff.

I've also found a few cool pieces for cheap at urbanoutfitters.com They have some cool coat hangers and such.

I wouldn't over-do it. I think most of us would kill for a clean, uncluttered space like you have!

You have beautiful things! What about a few found objects as art on the walls - an old boat oar, a rusty advertising sign or maybe a scrolley piece of old iron work or bed railing?

I agree with aquagirl on the mirror on your dining area. Is there an entry-way/hall that you can leave it on?
It's to take a good look on yourself before you leave the home. Not sure whether it'll work for you but in my culture we don't store shoes in hall's shoe rack rather than the bedroom closet - so it works for me. However if you don't find this a good idea, either follow aquagirl's suggestion, or you can put it somewhere else (maybe hang it on that red wall instead of resting it on it) and put a nice artwork on the wall space above the sofa instead.
Also, if you don't like the flower idea, plants, or fake plants would work! you can get green looking plants, or even just branches (large ones).
Just another idea, a sticker/plaster work on the wall (for your bedroom). I'm not sure if I'm allowed to put this link on or if the link will work...look in the bedroom 'after' picture..luv the wall decal
http://channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/slideshow_ajax.aspx?sectionid=10381&sectionname=showhomemade&subsectionid=153583&subsectionname=hunt

Typo: supposed to be: "in my culture we store shoes in hall's shoe rack rather than the bedroom closet - so it works for me."

I'm the Founder of www.oncampuscreations.com and I just came across this site. I beleive that art can make your apartment a warm and inviting home. I would like to help, e-mail me at joe@oncampuscreations.com and I will set you up with a gift certificate that you can use to purchase any artwork of your choice!