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Thank you. I just spent last week helping a friend find a new apartment for her daughter, and some of those ideas would be great.

These are nifty decorating ideas for any home, rented or not. TFS.

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am new to this message board and am still figuring out how to do everything, but I'm a fast learner! I will be moving into my own apartment in November. It's small (between 520-612 sq ft), but it's just me and eventually a pet, so I don't need much space. I am also working full time and about to start grad school courses, so I'm on a budget. I would ideally like a fresh, cozy, beach themed living space.

If anyone has ever seen "Nights In Rodanthe", that's a great example of how I'd like my apartment to feel. Clean, organized, but lived in. I already have a few furniture pieces (deep chocolate love seat with matching ottoman, dark wood bistro table with four chairs, and a queen mattress for a bed. Not much, but it's a start. I would like to find more furniture that's not crazy expensive that will go well with my theme. (Dining room table, couch, a few coffee tables, etc.), as well as any other sweet decorating ideas that resemble a cozy beach home in North and/or South Carolina.

I would really appreciate some advice and ideas

Hi, Ashley -- Welcome.

I never saw the movie you mention, but I looked it up, and it seems that the interiors were simple, unpretentious and eclectic with vintage elements, such as the carved wood headboard in the blue bedroom.

If it's this beach house look you are after, you are in luck: no need for a big budget; just a good eye and some DIY skills. Scour your local thrifts stores, yard sales or Craigslist
for gently used pieces you can spruce up or repurpose.

The main thing is to prioritize what you do based on your budget, time, needs and wants. And patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to creating a whole-house design scheme.

Become familiar with all the wonderful design blogs out there. Read Pinterest, houzz.com, Coastal Living and Country Living magazine websites for more ideas and inspiration.

You'll be getting tons of good ideas and advice from this forum, so don't be a stranger. Post pictures as often as you can to help us help you.

Welcome Ashley. Have patience and a keen eye out for pieces or design inspiration and a sense of savvy shopping to save bucks. If you have some basic tools and some simple skills, you can save a bundle while putting your personal stamp on things. Here are some sites that may get the ball rolling:
http://www.myhomeideas.com/dec...ting-10000000784758/

http://budgetdecorating.about....tyle-On-A-Budget.htm


http://homeguides.sfgate.com/b...partments-38772.html

Check out this slideshow chock full of beachy touches in an apartment...

http://gallery.apartmenttherap...-retreat/item/265394

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

I haven't seen "Nights" but off the top of my head the colors of the furniture you own do not say "beachy" to me. Don't know if they are hand me downs or your choice. If your choice, are you sure you want beachy or could it be woodsy?

Anyway another movie to check out for a great beach house is "Message in a bottle" (think its also by the same author) And of course that great favorite "somethings gotta give"
http://hookedonhouses.net/2009...e-in-somethings-gott

Think sky sand and sea for inspiration. Seashells, sea glass, books on same, cloud scapes, pastel colors esp pale blue and green. Wicker things, etc.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lady of shallot,

Under the bed, there are things with built in shelves. Kitchen cupboards above the counters, it's a small apartment so you probably won't invite over a lot of people so you just need enough for you and the husband. Under the sink cabinet for cleaning supplies, and a mirror cabinet for above the bathroom sink to hold all your toothbrushes and stuff. Hope it helps

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AlexisSalazar,