My first “home” post!

Major introvert here, so home is peace. It is “safe” and is a space to recharge my batteries for another day revolving around “home.” So for me, making it pleasant is of the upmost importance. It’s also really important here to note that I am extremely indecisive until I’m not, and that’s kind of how it goes all of the time (just don’t ask H about the rug debacle…sore subject….for him).

Part of being in this lifestyle is getting somewhere to stay in whatever country we’re posted to for two or more years, and most times the furniture is provided to us, thus not at all my choice or style.

It’s made for a very big struggle.

Want to know the kind of style this furniture is? Just watch The Crown on Netflix. You don’t know how often I spot our furniture or colleagues furniture in that show. It’s a little weird right?

Like why would we fight a a whole war to be free from the UK many moons ago, to only recycle their furniture style in AMERICAN homes?

Beyond me….

If I had to describe my style, I would say it is aspiring desert minimalist, but with a twist of French minimalist. I love vintage pattered rugs, but with more modern furniture. Think Chris loves Julia (but brighter), or Amber Interiors (GOALS).

It’s also important to note that we sort of have an idea of what housing we’ll have, but mostly no. It’s difficult to get dimensions of rooms, or ideas of housing until very close to departure, or until you get there to see all the quirks. So while we were in DC, I scanned and scanned Facebook Marketplace for deals on some furniture to turn a place that not at all is my home, into a space that feels more mine.

I sourced inspiration for this project from the blog, The Next Dinner Party, and her blog is seriously goals. Her home(s) is (are) outstanding!

GOAL: Entertainment Space (jokes on us because our entire living space has been called a hotel lobby).

But let’s get to it! Drumroll please……..

Did you know this entire project only cost $100?

If you’re thinking the most expensive part of this project is the bar itself? Wrong. I found it free on Facebook Marketplace. I didn’t get the before photo, but I did take this Instagram story of it when we finally got it moved into the apartment :0

It was actually the top to a desk, which we got both pieces, but donated the desk very shortly after picking it up. I only wanted this hutch!

Next came sourcing the removable wallpaper for the back. I was back and forth between Ben Franklin blowing a bubble with gum, to something tropical. Ultimately, the Ben Franklin wallpaper was $100 by itself (I’ll get it one day), so I went searching for the latter. I couldn’t be happier.

The flamingos are not at all too bright, but a perfect light pink, with a perfectly muted but textured tan background. It was only $30 from Target, but I’d charge extra for the labor of applying removable wallpaper.

It is a doozy! Never again…..till again happens…. 🙂

The stools, are swoon worth green velvet, were the perfect height, and only $60 on Facebook marketplace, but $215 from Wayfair initially. Score!

While enormous and heavy, it moves for ease and use during a party, and also still has all of the shelves, so it’s wildly functional. Right now it looks out (past the barred windows) to the pool, so it’s got a pretty nice view where it is too.

Caspian is also a major fan.

I know, it’s all a little out of the “norm” for me….but it is a conversation piece in this room, and it definitely brings some life into this place.

Oh, and any Drexel owners, here is my proof it exists in popular culture:

I think I’ll share the guest room and bathroom next, and how I hacked this furniture to be “decent” while I live here for 1.5 more years. Can you believe it’s been 6 months already?

Neither can I.

I hope you’re enjoying your Sunday, and as always, thank you for following along as I bounce around content ideas. I may have also found a way to keep me busy in the meantime, stay tuned!

Until next time,

Carrie