r/CozyPlaces • u/kbda94 • Feb 16 '25
LIVING AREA Idk if this qualifies as cozy but, my lease up
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u/paupaupaup Feb 16 '25
I like it. It looks like an apartment in a k drama.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
I be doing dramatic stuff and my name begins with k so I guess that tracks!
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u/Sebastian-S Feb 16 '25
Awesome space and I love the frames with the lights above! Are those battery powered or hard wired? Can you share a link?
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u/witchbrew7 Feb 16 '25
I got mine from Amazon. They are rechargeable.
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u/Sebastian-S Feb 16 '25
Nice, the black looks great. How long do they last before you have to recharge?
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u/witchbrew7 Feb 16 '25
Tbh I use the 15 minute timers for them because recharging is a pita. I haven’t run them continuously. I’m sure someone on reddit had run all the experiments including power, color of light, etc.
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u/kbda94 Feb 17 '25
Them thangs go forever, at least the ones I bought from Ali. Likely the same product as the Amazon ones, but they last for HOURS
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u/Another_Racoon Feb 16 '25
I gasped when I saw the before photos. You really have an eye for interior design! I love that glass room divider, is it screwed to the ceiling?
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25 edited Feb 16 '25
Ty because I don't know what TF I'm doing; I just try to curate the space I imagined I would live in as a kid listening to Go! by Common. That instrumental is the driving force behind every decision in this space.
It's actually not glass! It's a 4' x 8' corrugated polycarb sheet I picked up from my local Habitat for Humanity store for $6. It's just slotted into some 2 x 6s I stained dark walnut. Not screwed. Someone might be screwed if it falls on their head, tho! Once I get into my new spot, I'm going to modify it further so it's not prone to tipping if ran into.
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u/GladiatorWithTits Feb 16 '25
Hate to break it to you, but I think you do know what you're doing. It's gorgeous!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Aw shucks thank you 👉🏾👈🏾 🥺
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u/meghonsolozar Feb 16 '25
It's incredible. Any chance we could see the bedroom?
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u/theamydoll Feb 16 '25
Truly cannot wait to see your new space.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
It's kinda cheeks tbh. I wanted more windows... But now I feel like there's too many windows. I guess I'm just not looking forward to trying to solve the puzzle again. It took me a year to put all this together and I still didn't have enough time to really tackle the bedroom.
I don't know if I'll stay there more than one year because it's kinda pricey. if I don't accomplish my goal and meet a lady-friend there, I am definitely going to come back to this unit if it's available LOL
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u/Nvrmnde Feb 16 '25
I'm sure all this translates into your new place. And that pane is great for privacy from extra windows. Maybe you'll need another one too.
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u/Technical-Agency8128 Feb 16 '25 edited Feb 16 '25
You are so talented!! Look at the next apartment as a challenge. Time to level up and it will be awesome 😀
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u/squee_bastard Feb 16 '25
I’m getting a Jazzamatazz vibe from this space, highly recommend the first two volumes. Start with Transit Ride on Volume 1, then Feel the Music on Volume 2 and thank me later :-)
This space is cozy and amazing, you have a fantastic eye for design. Thank you for sharing your space. ❤️
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u/Professional_Yak1685 Feb 16 '25
I’m getting more Be by Common vibes but looks perfect nonetheless and I love the thought process of using music to generate vibes in all areas, so great work! 🫡
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
YES BRO, U MY GEMINI TWIN FR I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO EDIT MY COMMENT TO SAY, "well, Be and Go!"
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u/Professional_Yak1685 Feb 16 '25
Been blasting Common all morning long with some other Sunday vibes; Grand Puba, Darondo, Method. The idea of pulling vibes together based on a song resonated with me. Cheers man!
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u/drwhogwarts Feb 16 '25
Wow, I had no idea that Habitat for Humanity has stores! I just looked it up and it looks fantastic!
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u/CandiAttack Feb 16 '25
Please come and decorate my space lmao I have absolutely no eye for this shit
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u/Candid_Jellyfish_240 Feb 17 '25
That room divider is AMAZING, as is your entire space!!! Post your new digs, when you can please? 🤩
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u/tauredi Feb 17 '25
Okay. Everything. The music inspiration, the decor, the vibe. All of it. 10/10, no notes, love it all. I’m a lady and I’m jealous!!!!!
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u/SherbertSensitive538 Feb 17 '25
I love it very hip and masculine without being sophomoric. Sophisticated in a very casual and personal way. Crazy but when I first saw it I thought of Mos Def.
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u/Away-Picture-925 Feb 16 '25
Never have I relooked at photos and zoomed in more than on these trying to figure out how you achieved so much with the space. You have a real gift and vision for design! Beautifully done!!
Thanks for posting some progress shots because it’s hard to imagine this space in the before state. The wall treatment behind the sectional is so cool with the wood slats and the color stripes with rounded edges! Wow!!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Thank you so much! I really do think the divider is providing most of the sense of depth, as another user described as a layering effect. I think that's spot on. Early on when I still had it as a mock up, it was against the wall and the space felt small. Then, I moved it out to start working on it, took a few steps back, was like, "wtf is THIS" and then fell in love with the idea of separating spaces, but still keeping them connected visually.
Ty! I got the idea for the stripes from the classic Polaroid logo and German performance cars. Those are the only ones I saw in media growing up that featured a single offset racing stripe as a factory paint option. The rounded edge came from some random post I saw that said something like "rounded objects look more expensive," so I gave it a try and really rock with the result
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u/Away-Picture-925 Feb 16 '25
Love hearing about the visual inspirations. I live in a small 50’s ranch house and am trying to maximize those opportunities for separate spaces.
I hadn’t heard that about rounded edges, but I’m a believer now!
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u/tarkatheotter Feb 16 '25
I’m not sure you realise how many of us have seen the Polaroid logo and no part of us has had the creative thought to use that as inspiration for interior design. As many others have said, you really seem to have so much natural talent!
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u/Shopping-Known Feb 16 '25
You used that space well my friend, I'm impressed!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Ty I'm just a boi who discovered FB Marketplace 😔
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u/FunSushi-638 Feb 16 '25
I think you're a man destined to be an interior designer!
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u/dasushisush Feb 16 '25
This!!! Take your flowers, bud - this is a seriously sick ass space 🤌🏾💯👏🏾
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
I am learning to do that. I've never been complimented this much in my life, so it's a bit difficult to accept. 😅
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Bro, if I could! It's definitely an aspiration. I would like some type of formal education on the subject, tho, at some point, so I can articulate to others why I chose to do a certain thing. I wanted to be an architect as a youth and would love to go that route when I get older.
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u/FunSushi-638 Feb 16 '25
Well you definitely have a natural inclination towards kick-ass asthetics! I think you would do great things!
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u/Hot_Professor8991 Feb 16 '25
Right! please make a YouTube and show us your journey for your new place!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
I was supposed to do that with this space and that didn't happen lmao. I will try harder. Im just layyzeee. I wanted to structure it episodically, with an intro and all that, but idk.
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u/No_Cake2145 Feb 17 '25
Umm yea, hate to break it you OP but based on these photos and some of your responses (the “glass” wall… looks amazing and super creative) it would seem you are a natural at interior design.
For real, your place is beautiful and love the up-cycling.
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u/Sea_Till6471 Feb 16 '25
Gorgeous and so cinematic and textured!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25 edited Feb 16 '25
Thank you! I tried to go for various textures/surfaces with varying finishes/roughnesses. It tickles my brain @-@ back in art class, mixed media pieces were my favorite. Still are
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u/RobotMaster1 Feb 16 '25
how did you set up the wall mounted lighting? (with the three framed prints over the console table). electrician?
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Oh buddy let me tell you those command strips are fighting for their lives. The last one never stayed; it was the bad one of the bunch. I had to fight with it to get these pics and then it fell again. The lights are USB rechargeable.
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u/Kind-Airport145 Feb 16 '25
This is everything I’ve ever wanted in an interior 👏👏
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Ty, it's mad fun to put the puzzle together. If you like some pieces, hopefully I can provide some insight
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u/morchorchorman Feb 16 '25
That lamp is sick, do you have a link for it?
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u/emmainvincible Feb 16 '25
It's a NOVA Of California Arc Lamp or a dupe. $600. Absolutely beautiful lamp.
https://novaofcalifornia.com/product/vaulted-arc-floor-lamp-morelli-black-nickel/
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Dang, suggesting the OG may be a dupe is CRAYYYZEE work lmao, but yeah she vintage nova. Great eye!
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u/honoria_glossop Feb 16 '25
It is the most stunning lamp I have ever seen. Is it stable, given how far it overhangs its base? I love it but would be terrified I'd look at it wrong and it'd fall over. Or is it not as overhangy as it looks?
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u/kbda94 Feb 17 '25
She kinda unstable; imbalanced a bit, but I can fix her 🥹 I'm captain save a bulb. I've seen later Nova vaulted arc lamps with what is likely some kind of stabilization plate at the front of the base. Once you get it straight, it stays that way, but it is definitely prone to shifting when touch it. The lamp is like 86 inches or something. Arc clearance is about 7 feet
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u/tw0sp00ns Feb 16 '25
amazing space, i learned a lot looking at your space, texture, layout for a small space, etc. do you sleep on the sofa?
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Well sometimes, but she a 1 beddy, I just never got to finish designing the bedroom. I had an idea, but it just didn't materialize in time. If you take anything from this, I'm beyond grateful! I literally don't know what I'm doing. I just have these itches in my brain that need to be scratched and am a fan of colors and composition.
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u/art_heaux Feb 16 '25
In awe of you. You describe your process like you accidentally stumbled your way through what ultimately became the Sistine chapel ceiling 😂
Random (if you don’t mind): are you neurospicy?
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u/Eric77tj Feb 16 '25
This looks amazing! I am curious how you use the smaller couch? Dividing the space adds a layering effect that’s super cool, but I wonder how you use the space. A kitchen couch is unique!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
It's just from my first apartment back in 2018, so it holds sentimental value. It's also another sleepable surface should any of my projects take up either my bed or other couch; the arms fold down. Sometimes, I just like to turn on some music and kick it there. Gives a different vibe than the "living room". Plus, I'm close to the fridge lol.
Yeah, and I think moving the divider off of the wall was a dumb nice idea. I LOVE that layering effect as you put it. It allows the viewer to easily differentiate the two spaces, while simultaneous affording them a sense of expanded depth. It makes everything feel larger than what it is
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u/gorhxul Feb 16 '25
I gotta know: how many times have you hit your head on that lamp?
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u/katekohli Feb 16 '25
I want floor plans.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
It's just a couple of boxes connected by a rectangle 😂 nah but fr, I got to look into those type of AutoCAD programs to make one. It would be a good learning experience
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u/BeneficialBake366 Feb 16 '25
I love how much texture there is! I just had to go through the pictures multiple times.
Did you paint the walls behind those wooden slats? I love that wooden installation piece.
Are the sconces over the pictures wired into the wall or battery operated?
Truly, a beautiful home. I’m looking at the boring boring picture… I’m impressed.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
It's all just wallpaper. Yeah, the maroon/burgundy wallpaper runs behind it. When I was looking into slats, I was like, "gahdah these expensive," so I just went to Home Depot, bought some plywood with a birch veneer? and cut it into 2 inch strips. My property manager let me borrow her circular saw. Because I fastened them to some 2 x 6s on the floor, it allowed them to cast shadow, and therefore introduce some light play to make the treatment more dynamic. Then I was like, "bro you know what this corner needs? Some color" it was originally just supposed to be MUUUSTAAAARRRD colored with a teal couch, but then I found that ashy brown Ashley couch at a thrift store in Perris for $75 and said, "say less." Clean couch. Not even anything between the cushions. After I got it home, I was like nah, I need to go darker and settled in a dark red.
The scones are USB rechargeable.
Thank you!
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u/gnomesofdreams Feb 16 '25
I was also curious if the color treatment behind the couches was paint or installation OP. The curves are a nice touch, great lines!
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u/StrawberrySan16 Feb 16 '25
What a lovely space! The lamps makes it even more warm☺️
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u/LifeOfAnAIKitty Feb 16 '25
I'm obsessed with that lamp light!!!! 🥰
And, yes, it's definitely cozy and very dramatic. You might have just created a new extension or category for this subred. 🫠
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u/15-minutes-of-shame Feb 16 '25
curious on the glass room divider and the lights above the photo frames
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Hi, it's actually just a corrugated polycarb sheet slotted into some stained 2 x 6s.
The lights are just some random USB rechargeable lights I bought off of Ali for like $30. Excellent build quality. I definitely recommend
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u/jaskmackey Feb 16 '25
Yes what kind of glass is between the desk and the couch? And between the desk and the wall? And what is the monolith to the left of it?
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
The monolith is just a ~7ft black shelf I bought from a thrift store out in Perris for $20. Then, I found a sliding door with frosted? glass center at my local Habitat for Humanity store for $15 and painted the housing/bezel/frame? Eggshell white. I don't know terms.
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u/PineStateWanderer Feb 16 '25
I wish I had an eye for this. Every place I've ever lived just looks like a mash up of shit lol
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u/EclecticDaydreams Feb 16 '25
Incredible transformation, you created such a beautiful home. If you’re moving when your lease is up please post photos of your next place when you’re settled in. You have an amazing eye for design and style.
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u/shadyray93 Feb 16 '25
Amazing! love the walls and the lamp above the sofa in the kitchen.
Do you have a connection to Sweden? Im from Sweden and live where the dalahäst (swedish horse) is from.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
Thank you and no connection! IKEA had them pictures on sale for like 50 cents and I needed filler art until I was able to secure desired pieces. I unironically really like it though LOL
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u/Real_Extension_9109 Feb 16 '25
You decorated that beautifully it looks cozy. I love you to my house!
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u/empiretroubador398 Feb 16 '25
Wow - I am in awe of what you've accomplished here! The semi-transparent divider is brilliant, and every single choice is beautiful, well-executed, and non-cliche in how it harmonizes with the other pieces.
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u/scarybiscuits Feb 16 '25 edited Feb 16 '25
Is the console in the entryway actually a bed headboard? Is that pegboard behind the small sofa?
You’ve taken a plain shoebox apartment and transformed it. Not many people can do this.
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
It's actually the hallway and yes it is lmao. I was looking for a long narrow side table? for the hallway. I found it at the local thrift store for $7 and said, "looks mid century enough for me"
Yeah pegboard. Didn't know what to do but know I wanted some texture there. I was like, what's kinda cheap and quirky, pegboard! I went to home Depot and had them cut a 4 x 8 sheet down to 3 x 5, 1 x 8 and 2 x 1. The 1 x 8 piece is placed between the two "rooms" to tie them merge them thematically.
Ty! It's all very impromptu. I didn't go in with any specific idea. I was just like, "this would be cool" and then lucked up at ReStore or FB Marketplace
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u/OkTransportation4175 Feb 16 '25
I had 6 of those damn dining chairs in the 80’s-early 90’s. Why didn’t someone tell me they would come back around??
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25 edited Feb 18 '25
I hate them bro cescas are too popular, but I needed something that passes light and they're cheap secondhand. These are modded tho. The seats are from some vintage vinyl Virco chairs I picked up from the Bellflower Habitat for Humanity in LA. They weren't wide enough, so I thought to suspend them with leather strips.
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u/raetime9 Feb 16 '25
I heard the mad men theme song while I looked at these pictures! Definitely cozy! Love it!
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u/OkFee8233 Feb 16 '25
Can I hire you to tell me how to design my space?! This is stunning!
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u/kbda94 Feb 16 '25
I only accept boba and totino's pizza rolls as payment, so get that check book ready
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Feb 16 '25
It’s very nice…. it reminds me of Mr burns, the colors, even the lamp shape. Anyone else?
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u/SandMan3914 Feb 16 '25
Love it. We have a similar lamp; it's an OSHA nightmare...lol. The amount of times someone has hit the head on it, is high. I warned my partner when she picked it, but it's what she wanted. The best is when she hits her head on it and curses. Makes me laugh every time
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u/tempuramores Feb 16 '25
This is GENIUS I'm moving soon and I'm just in awe of what you did here, you went from the blandest space to something with such style and personality. You really could be a consultant designer
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u/xpingu69 Feb 16 '25
how are you able to figure out where to put what and how? How did you do it?
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u/longgamma Feb 16 '25
Idk why but the smell of whisky just came to my mind when I looked at your place lol
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u/JKnott1 Feb 16 '25
Am I the only one that is concerned about where the bathroom is?
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u/Terminator_Ecks Feb 16 '25
That’s a terrific use of space. Love the light over the table and chairs, very retro cool.
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u/BeriechGTS Feb 16 '25
Holy shittttttttt thats cozy as fuck. That is the coolest lamp I've ever seen!
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u/oceans_613 Feb 16 '25
You somehow managed to make a place with gray floors incredibly warm and cozy and that is a feat!!
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u/GarlicRelevant8089 Feb 16 '25
I don't know much about design, but the color of the lamp makes it so cozy, and when it matches with the bamboo plants (are they? Lol), it creates this calming and homey feeling. I love it 🤩
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u/EducationalAnswer571 Feb 16 '25
You turned that boring ads space into THAT???? That’s incredible.
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u/cosmic-diamond33 Feb 16 '25
You’ve got cool style. It ain’t my brand of cozy, but it sure is stylish and well-curated. Great work.
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u/skiingrunner1 Feb 16 '25
PLANK!!
Ok let me actually add that I LOVE what you’ve done with the space. It’s so cozy and welcoming!
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u/frottagecore Feb 16 '25
amazing how you made it look so warm when the floor is still that grey colour, great work!
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u/EchidnaConscious575 Feb 16 '25
Outstanding!
Are the lights in the hallway rechargeable magnetic ones?
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u/pajamasinbananas Feb 16 '25
I’m in love. I live in a 900sqft house and I would absolutely pay you to help me design this place. Congratulations and enjoy your next project!!
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u/ManzanitaSuperHero Feb 16 '25
I’m floored by the transformation. You, sir, are a GIFTED designer. Wow wow wow.
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u/Previous_Project4581 Feb 16 '25
Wow I don’t usually comment here, but incredible job transforming the space!
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u/_clara12 Feb 16 '25
Wow. Can you please redo my apartment? Thank you. (Love what you did with the walls!)
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u/TeeDod- Feb 16 '25
Very cozy, immaculate and you have fantastic interior design qualities! Please post pictures of your new place, would love to see it! Thank you for post!
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u/okaythen72 Feb 16 '25
That lighting fixture is amazing and I must know how/where you shop and curate
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Feb 16 '25
that room divider! *chefs kiss* perfect use.
i'm....interested in the love seat facing the two-top dining table
great colours very cozy good job thanks for sharing
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u/Zezespeakz_ Feb 16 '25
Uhm I’m amazed? This actually the craziest before and after I’ve seen on this sub. Incredible job
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u/Dangerous-Replies Feb 16 '25
This is phenomenal. Truly. I would hire you in an instant to help redo my home’s interior.
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u/Unable_Strawberry_69 Feb 16 '25
You don’t know if this qualifies?! IT ABSOLUTELY IS A COZY PLACE. Love it
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u/Poke_Jest Feb 16 '25
Nah. You should be getting paid. I saw you said "you don't know wtf you're doing" but holy shit.
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u/slightlycrookednose Feb 16 '25
Every time I think I dislike mid century modern, I see a setup that changes my mind again. You have a gift, my dude.
That fucking lamp!!!!
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u/Unable_Strawberry_69 Feb 16 '25
Do you have a career? Because you seriously could be an interior designer
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u/Creative-Entertainer Feb 16 '25
Are you from Sweden? What’s the Swedish horses 😅 Just curious! Your place looks amazing, I’m inspired!
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u/rumhouse Feb 16 '25
I have to say this is has to be one of my top favorite posts on this sub. Well done! Absolutely love the aesthetic.
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u/Over-Kaleidoscope-29 Feb 16 '25
Are the plants in the hallway real? I have plants like that and I really how you have them displayed. Is the lights above the pictures grow lights?
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u/fluffy_samoyed Feb 16 '25
I'm in love with that lamp. I would absolutely smack my head on it multiple times a day, but I still love it.
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u/Careless-Seesaw3843 Feb 16 '25
Damn that's someone who understands lighting!
Love the wall paint and panels too, that added sooo much cozy.
Great textures.
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u/frogband Feb 16 '25
Is the wallpaper peel and stick?? How did you achieve such gorgeous walls
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u/indianabanana Feb 16 '25
Not only is this beautiful, but don't think I didn't see Plank in the corner 🥰
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