Upside of apartments...

In this snow-globe weather we're having, all I can think about is how can I take control of the mess that is my home. I'm a pack rat. Love-hate relationship with clutter. I know i'll never be a minimalist, I'm far to frivolous for that. And of course, hellooo, I run a vintage shop so I'm always, always on the hunt for the good stuff. But it's true collections become clutter so easily and I just can't function under all that junk.

We recently, my man and I, moved into a new apartment back in December. I find the hardest part about moving is trying to fit all the furniture from the last place in the new place without making it look too much like the last place. And there's always the issue of storage space. This new apartment doesn't have as much cupboard space and no built-in shelving like the last one. Ultimately I don't really like the idea of hiding all your stuff away, but there are things that aren't so aesthetically designed and hence don't need to be in plain view. The food processor to be exact. But the biggest problem so far has been the books/movies/music that has little or no where to live. So the hunt for shelving has begun, and where I can't find it, I'm trying to rejig or attempt DIY projects. Ultimately I want pieces that I can take with me, preferably modular so that when the space changes the pieces will still fit. Is that too much to ask for?

So to solve the shelving problem I've been internet/magazine prowling. For the office we picked up a bunch of old apple crates that are currently stacked and do the job for now, holding books and mags, but I'm not super happy with them. Some ideas are a brewing though. I spent the night obsessively reading every post on The Brick House blog, and found this project she did amazing.

I love the sleek, airy look. I don't want to copy it exactly but I think I'll incorporate it into something.

I also decided I really wanted a Tomado Holland shelf or a vintage copycat. So after much ebay watching, I decided to check out some other online shops and I ended up with a beaut from DesignLover. It's not a real Tomado, but I love the quirky simple colours and since this shelf is going in the washroom, I think it will blend well with a mix of colours.

And of course I'm also pretty sure I need to purge. My tastes are often scattered, which I like, but there are things that aren't getting no lovin' sitting around aimlessly and maybe need to find a new home. I always kinda liked the idea of starting fresh when you move into a new place, but alas my pocket book doesn't reflect that mindset. And maybe that's the silly consumerist inside me talking. There are definitely pieces of furniture that I own that I adore, so I'll make do indeed.

I leave you with a photo of the Eames Case Study House. I draw so much inspiration from these two, it's really unbelievable what they could come up with. The ability to really define oneself through their living/work space with such a positive outlook is just so beautiful. Trying my best not to be jealous. That doesn't get me anywhere now does it.

mike.