[September 10th, 2008]
Deep-clean everything. Your landlord didn’t, so get down on your knees with a toothbrush and make that ’70s linoleum shine.
No number of light bulbs will make up for a lack of sunlight, so ditch the midcentury-brown bookshelves or spruce them up with some glossy paint.
Try an accent wall to enliven a dull room. Even if your manager forbids it, one wall is easy enough to repaint before you move. Burgundy, kumquat or light turquoise should do the trick.
Metal blinds are depressing. Make (or buy) a set of curtains or Roman shades to add some cheer.
Toss the modular Fred Meyer shelves you’ve had since college and buy a pair of full-size ones made of real wood. They don’t cost much, as furniture goes, and they’ll make you look like an adult.
Break up the endless expanse of worn, excremental carpet with a bright area rug. Rugsale.com has a nice selection for $50 to $100.
Paint a low ceiling bright white and move your lamps to the corners to make a low ceiling less oppressive. Magic? Nah, son, that’s light diffusion.
Buy a plant. Philodendrons and cast-iron plants are pretty, require only moderate light and are almost impossible to kill. The extra oxygen is good for you.
Get rid of the clutter. Check out the Feb. 13, 2008, edition of Habitat for help.
Invest in decent frames. You know, the kind with mats and glass. A professional framer can make a worn-out poster look like a masterpiece.
At The Ride-In
The Little House That Can
Shelve After Drinking
