New Apartment Sneak Peek!

by Kaylah Stroup
I’ve been living in my new place for just about a week now. Other than the furnace going out on my second night here it’s been amazing. How ironic is that since I was just complaining about my old place having a furnace I couldn’t control that was always set WAY too high. All my things are unboxed and for the most part, placed in the general area where they’ll stay. This place is going to be SO cute when I finally finish decorating.

My apartment has two bedrooms which is great because I can now have a separate room for my office. I chose the larger of the two bedrooms for my workspace. It’s actually the biggest office I’ve ever had (except for when I was working in the basement of my old house, which kind of doesn’t count) Aside from being massive, the room has two big windows that have a view of … wait for it… MY PORCH. Maybe that’s not a big deal to you but the one thing I really really missed moving to Cleveland was having flowers. At my old house, before I moved to the city, I had tons of plants. Each spring that was what I looked forward to the most. Now I finally get to have plants again. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed after looking at a few of the photos, it’s… a bit colorful.
The funny thing is, I didn’t even notice at first. After my first tour of the place Jeff and I were talking about it in the car and he mentioned something about the yellow walls to which my response was “what? yellow walls? where?!” I guess I was too busy checking out the general space and layout to even think about the wall colors. Then I kind of freaked. I planned on asking if I could paint it. Who could say no to white or beige, right? My next time in the place the landlord was raving about how great the colors were so I didn’t mention it. The next time was to sign the lease which clearly stated “no painting” so colorful walls it is! 
I’ve actually really come to love the colors already. They aren’t something I would choose but they’re working out really nicely with my things. My plants and maps look awesome up against the yellow. I’m pretty sure when I finally get everything hung I’ll like the colors even more. Builds character! This place is kind of quirky, and I’m digging it.

The other thing I’m over the moon about here is that I have a laundry room! At my old apartment there was laundry in the building but it was down four flights of stairs. After hauling your laundry down all those stairs there was then the possibility the only two machines down there might already be in use. (I also had neighbors who were great at leaving their wet clothes in the machine for days at a time) Even at my old house laundry was in the basement. This is my first time with same floor, in suite laundry. I’m so pumped to be able to wash clothes at my leisure!

I’m also excited that the washer and dryer are in a pretty decently sized room. The one thing this apartment is lacking is closet space. I don’t have a ton of things to store but I do have a few odds and ends – like my tent, sleeping bags, etc – that need somewhere to be placed. Right now I’m thinking the laundry room will be a catch all storage room. There’s also a chance I might turn it into a massive closet / dressing room. We’ll see!

And of course, the animals! They’re adjusting to the new place much quicker than they did to my old apartment. Squid hid in the litter box the first night but after that has been completely comfortable. Professor has been exploring since a few hours after his arrival. As for Klaus, I’m not even sure he realized we moved. As long as he’s with his two favorite people, Jeff and I, he’s a happy pup!

I also think the move brought the animals closer together. Klaus has wanted to be friends with both cats since day one but they’ve always wanted nothing do with him. In the past few months Professor has been warming up to him, and even laying in bed at the same time as him – never touching, of course. But Squid, she’s always kept her distance. If he’s even in her sight, she’s gone. This last week though? They’ve been hanging out a lot more. They were even caught laying on the same rug enjoying a ray of sun together. Slowly but surely they’re all getting more and more comfortable. I’m overjoyed! Above is the very first picture I have ever taken of the three of them together.

I’m looking forward to making this place my favorite yet. It has such potential. I keep wanting to type that I can’t wait to show you more but really, I just can’t wait to see how this place turns out. After a year in my old place I was finally just figuring out exactly how I wanted things. Hopefully this apartment gets put together a lot more quickly. I’ll be sure to share more pictures as I finish off rooms!
xoxo

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77 comments

Jason Unoriginal January 15, 2015 - 2:00 pm

It already looks like an entirely new place! I love it! And that laundromat sign is ideal! Awesome find.

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 2:58 pm

Can't wait to have everyone over soon-ish to show it off! Thanks again for helping me move. Couldn't have done it without ya!

annainternational January 15, 2015 - 2:06 pm

You look so settled already! Impressive!
So glad you said that about your animals – I moved a month ago and I swear that there's now some sort of detente between the dogs and the cat. A couple of days ago I had a pug and a cat on my lap and the other dog right by my side – that would have never happened in the old place, the dogs would've chased the cat off if he got within a foot of the sofa! It is so lovely to see, I would love for them to play with each other! Enjoy settling in. x

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 3:01 pm

Yeah, I'm pretty happy with my progress so far but I guess I'm making good time!

It's seriously so exciting to see your animals getting along better. It made my month to see my critters co-existing happily.

Claudia Schieve January 15, 2015 - 2:39 pm

Looks great! I love how you decorate. It really inspires me! I need to get to doing my spare room (it's become storage! – but it is supposed to eventually become my art studio!) – Looking forward to seeing your office space when it's done!

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 3:02 pm

Thanks, Claudia!

Oh yeah, stop putting off your art studio! It seriously feels so amazing to have a room dedicated to whatever your passion is.

Bree Lopez January 15, 2015 - 2:56 pm

Ah, I always love when people do apartment tours, I can't wait to see more, your photos are great. Thank you for sharing your lovely home!

dragonballbree.blogspot.com

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 3:03 pm

Thank you so much, Bree!! 🙂

Lela Bungard January 15, 2015 - 3:09 pm

Congratulations on your kids! Strangely enough when we moved last month the same thing happened. I have one cat that usually turns into a wolverine for a couple weeks after a move, it's quit sad. But this time (even with two more cats tossed in) the whole tribe is harmonious. Its fantastic!

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 4:07 pm

That's so awesome to hear!!

itsajennthing January 15, 2015 - 3:27 pm

Love it! I actually really like the colored walls. It gives it more character and just seems to fit your personality really well 🙂

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 4:07 pm

Thanks! Yep, exactly. I'm not sure why I, of all people, was freaked out by a little color. Definitely digging it a little more every day.

Kim Topolewski January 15, 2015 - 3:30 pm

I can't wait to see more! My apartment has shared laundry, but when I moved in after a week of hauling it down (& up!) 3 flights of stairs and out to a separate building.. I decided to rent a W/D. I'm hoping this year I can save enough to buy my own so I can stop renting them, but it's so nice to have it in my apartment. 🙂

<3
kimberrleigh

Kaylah January 15, 2015 - 4:10 pm

Maybe a silly question, but have you looked on craigslist? When I bought my house a few years back it needed a washer and dryer. We found BRAND NEW set on craigslist for around a hundred bucks for the set. The couple had bought them, then immediately divorced and no longer needed them.

MicroscopeBeauty January 15, 2015 - 3:31 pm

Can't wait to get a full tour!

unravelcat January 15, 2015 - 3:48 pm

It surprises me that you were initially freaked by the colourful walls! But hey the place looks great 🙂 Congrats!
Astrid x

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:36 am

Haha, right? Me of all people afraid of a little color! 😛

Sammy Scott January 15, 2015 - 5:13 pm

Looking fab Kaylah! Love all the little details already and I look forward to seeing more of your apartment very soon. Glad to see your pets are settling in well! Big relief 🙂

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:36 am

Thanks, Sammy! 🙂

Celeste Marie January 15, 2015 - 5:16 pm

Love your decorating skills. That bright sofa really is eye-catching. Also, all those plants! I need to get my hands on some succulents to green up my dorm room.

Celestralite.blogspot.com

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:36 am

Thanks!!

YES. Everyone needs more plants in their life! 😉

Faye January 15, 2015 - 5:24 pm

I really love those blue walls, it really makes all of your stuff pop!
Moving is such a killer, you've done brilliantly for just a week!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:37 am

I'm definitely thinking it makes my stuff pop too! Love it!

Jennifer Shaw January 15, 2015 - 5:52 pm

Your new place looks terrific! Colourful walls seem just perfect for you! Awesome about having your own in suite laundry. Sharing laundry space with people who leave wet clothes in machines would not be fun at all. The furry friends look so cute together. So true about dogs.. they are all about the people and never mind going to a new spot. Looking forward to seeing more photos later on. 🙂

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:37 am

Thanks so much! 🙂

A little bit of Sunshine January 15, 2015 - 5:59 pm

Love everything! So bright and colorful! Quick question- where did you get the black and white chevron rug?

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:40 am

It's from amazon.
http://amzn.to/1B0Pevk
It is an outdoor rug though. I bought it a long time ago for my living room. When it arrived and realized the material was weird I just tucked it away in a closet but it actually feels perfect for my kitchen.

Kaitlyn Petry January 15, 2015 - 6:02 pm

Haha, I know how you feel about wanting the animals to be friends! I remember how excited I was to one day see my dog and cat curled up in a little space beside me on the couch with their bums touching. Not cuddling mind you, not really looking at each other, still ignoring each other, but their tails were kinda entwined and their bums were touching. I was thrilled. Haha.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:41 am

Haha! Oh, I don't blame you. I would be SO excited to see my animals doing that.

I fell asleep watching a moving last night and apparently miss Klaus sleeping with his head on one of Jeff's legs and Professor on his other leg. I'm so sad I missed them being that close.

Kelsea Echo January 15, 2015 - 6:09 pm

Beautiful! Man, you move in and put things nicely away FAST! It is so nice having laundry in your house (laundry rooms make me nervous).

<3 Kelsea | Kels Shark

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:42 am

Hah! No reasons to delay putting things away. I'm chomping at the bit to get more done, but there just isn't enough time in the day.

nocturnalmistakes January 15, 2015 - 8:35 pm

Your new place looks totally cozy! And so great with Klaus, Squid and Professor 😀 Growing up I had both a yellow bedroom and a blue in in different houses, but my yellow room was totally my favorite. It looked so sunny alll the time. I liked it so much that I will probably make a room in my future home yellow too!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:43 am

Yep, I'm noticing that! My office always looks so much sunnier since it's yellow. The lighting in here is awesome.

esochko January 15, 2015 - 8:43 pm

Not one but two ManMan vinyls on display!!! Love that. Everything looks great!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:44 am

What can I say? I love me some Man Man! 😉

ivonne January 15, 2015 - 9:08 pm

Oh man! what I would do to have my own room for an office/workspace. Congrats on the new digs!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:45 am

Thanks, Ivonne!

Heather Sander January 15, 2015 - 10:05 pm

It looks super cute! I can't wait to see your post on the rest of it. I actually love the wall colors.

Heather
The Nerdy Fox

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:45 am

Thanks so much, Heather!!

Paula A. January 15, 2015 - 10:49 pm

Your couch is so freaking clean, how do you manage to do that?! lol. I have 4 cats and I go insaaaaane trying to "unfurr" my house – specially the couches, chairs and linens in my bed. Please teach us your secrets! haha
I absolutely adore the cushions and the color of the couch as well, really lovely. You have a great decor sense. 🙂
http://www.paulaabrahao.com.br/blog/

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:49 am

Lint brushes, LOTS of lint brushes! 😛

Allison Dauw January 15, 2015 - 10:54 pm

Wow! Your new place looks awesome! And a porch?! Can't wait to see it 🙂

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:56 am

Thanks!

Yessss, I am still so excited about my porch. Can't wait to work out there when it warms up.

Elif January 15, 2015 - 10:56 pm

I'm excited to see more of your place. I really liked your old apartment the big windows were the bomb but seeing these photos I know this one will be as awesome and cool as that one or maybe even more. I think it's the way you decorate that really makes the place perfect. I'm so glad that Klaus, Professor and Squid are getting a bit closer to each other :))

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:57 am

Yep, all about how you decorate and I'm already loving how this one is turning out. Those big windows were definitely awesome but they weren't awesome enough to keep me there. My new place is pretty dang awesome.

Panduh January 15, 2015 - 11:48 pm

Your couch matches the walls.. kinda sorta! 🙂 My office is painted a similar blue shade and I love how my prints/art and whatnot just kinda pop because of the darker blue behind it.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:57 am

Hah. That's actually something I was worried about after I realized the living room was blue. But I don't mind the two blues together too much. Looks pretty cool. 🙂

Rae - Say It Aint So January 15, 2015 - 11:56 pm

there is nothing like having laundry stuff in your actual space. i hope i never have to go back to laundry mat living!
I'm glad your animals are hanging out together. i still dream about my cats and pugs snuggling, but it has never happened. it's still cute when they are all sitting on the couch together though.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:58 am

Saaaame! I never ever want to not have a washer and dryer again. Feels so good to just throw in a load and go back about my business instead of having to make a day of doing laundry.

itsjpei January 16, 2015 - 2:05 am

Yay congrats on the move! Your decorations inspire me to deck out my (future) apartment like no other!

https://itsjpei.wordpress.com/

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:58 am

Thanks!

Candice January 16, 2015 - 2:13 am

This is so exciting! I just added a multitude of books to my 'to-be-read' list after scanning the photos of your bookshelf! 🙂

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 1:59 am

Well that's awesome!! All the ones in the first photo are my absolute favorites. Enjoy! 🙂

Tara Hammond January 16, 2015 - 3:49 am

Wow! Your new place looks awesome. Sounds like you hit the jackpot – porch, laundry, and two bedrooms?! Dang! I can't wait to see more pictures. I'm impressed by how you settled in so quickly. I'm such a lazy bum when I move, haha.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:00 am

I certainly feel like I hit the jackpot.
🙂

Elizabeth Than January 16, 2015 - 4:57 am

OMG LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:00 am

Hehe, thanks!

Annika January 16, 2015 - 9:10 am

Love the pictures of your new home and am excited so see more. I want your couch. Seriously. Am decorating my flat, too right now and I love to look at how other people with good taste do it. Thank you for the post!

Greetings,
Annika from themuffintop-less.blogspot.de

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:00 am
Elise January 16, 2015 - 9:37 am

This place looks great, the colours don't look bad at all. I love the picture of the animals watching each other 🙂

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:00 am

Thanks!

Rebecca January 16, 2015 - 9:38 am

Having the opportunity to do laundry whenever you want is great. After 10+ years with laundry having to be carried down stairs and even to other buildings I now have it all in the apartment. Another + is that on cold days I can run the dryer for extra warmth and my cat loves the warm bathroom.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:01 am

I didn't realize how much I'd miss laundry until I didn't have it. I never want to be without it again!

Eni January 16, 2015 - 10:54 am

I love that laundromat sign!
My cat just yells at me for couple of nights after moving but otherwise he seems to be fine with it.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:02 am

Thanks! I thought that was pretty clever placement for it. 😉

Random_Hi_D January 16, 2015 - 11:50 am

Congratulations in moving into your new home. I'm so loving it.

http://heidepadilla.blogspot.com/

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:02 am

Thank you!!

Marine January 16, 2015 - 12:33 pm

Yay! Can't wait to see some more! It sounds so sweet – two rooms, laundry, and a porch?! Talk about a dream. We had laundry in our last place but we gave it up for a second bedroom… now we're regretting that decision. Though, our closets are almost non-existent here too and it has been a great motivator to purge!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:03 am

Moving in general is an awesome motivator to purge. I got rid of so much stuff while packing just because I was like "I don't really feel like packing this, guess I don't need it" Hah!

PS. Did you spot Lloyd on my fridge? I sure miss that kitty! 🙂

Marine January 17, 2015 - 3:29 pm

I totally missed that!! So cute!! You know you can visit him whenever you want 😉

Rosie W January 16, 2015 - 12:56 pm

Looks like you have a great space there 🙂 I can't wait to have my own space too.

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:04 am

Thanks, Rosie. 🙂

Natalie Britton January 16, 2015 - 4:47 pm

LOVE these pics! Also, thank you so much for showing the section of your bookshelf featuring Bukowski. I like you already. ♥

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:05 am

Hah! Love me some Bukowski!

Lostvestige January 17, 2015 - 1:55 am

I love it! The colorful walls are so much fun. What a perfect start to the new year 😀 And it must be awesome to have such a convenient laundry room. I don't have a washer and dryer and it's maddening!

Kaylah January 17, 2015 - 2:09 am

Thanks!! 🙂

Linzy February 4, 2015 - 5:32 pm

I am moving in with my boyfriend soon, with his dog and my cat, out of main city of Philly, and into the sorta-burbs, and i just wanna say i aspire to mimic your house style. i've been following your blog for years and i'm so happy to finally get a chance to try it out for real. Keep being awesome!

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