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Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew gaining 400 square feet of living space would be a lot to handle, but it didn’t really hit me until I started looking at the prices of furniture.

It’s been three months and I’m ready for my apartment to start feeling like home, so I need to get serious about decorating. I’m eyeing a few big-ticket items that’ll help with this transformation. Let me show you what I’m saving for + a few styling tips!

P.s. while you’re enjoying this list of ridiculously expensive updates, I hope you know you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to make a space look beautiful. I’m constantly sharing affordable home decor pieces on LTK, but these are just a few pieces I’ve fallen in love with and simply have to have!

Fulawa Wallpaper by Otto Studio x Uzo Art

I’ve already ordered the Jamboree peel-and-stick wallpaper in Block Party to use in my bathroom, but when I saw this pattern from the Uzo Art collection, I knew I had to have it in my home.

I’ve decided to line the entire hallway (except for the ceiling) with this black and cream check wallpaper. I’m hoping this will bring much-needed excitement to an otherwise forgettable area of the apartment.

The longest wall in the hallway is a little over 30’, so I knew this project would be a big expense, but Otto Studio makes the best quality peel-and-stick wallpapers I’ve ever used, so I’m more than happy to make this investment. With help from their measuring guide, I’ve determined I’ll need 27 rolls of the 24" x 108" sized paper. At $121/roll the price is just over $3,200! 🤯

Wallpaper projects can get expensive quickly, but there are so many unique ways to use removable wallpaper and not spend a ton of money! Consider doing a half-wall installation with a contrasting paint color or opt to do a feature wall, instead of the full room. You can also use code IMANI10 for 10% off any Otto Studio order.

Fern Dressing Mirror in Black

Now that I have a top-floor apartment, I finally get to have bright natural light and I’m taking full advantage by getting a showstopping mirror for daily selfies. I didn't expect this mirror to cost $800, but it's so beautiful I just can't help myself.

The Fern mirror from Anthropologie is everything I want with an arched silhouette, balloon feet, and at 6 ft. tall this will take up almost the entire wall next to the window in my living room. A true statement piece!

Oh, and given the position, the Fulawa wallpaper will show in the reflection, which is just… Chef’s Kiss.

These two together is the project I’m most excited about!

If you’re wondering… Yes, you do need at least one full-body mirror in your home; check out this round-up of my favorite floor mirrors, most are under $400.

Custom Office From The Container Store

As a Container Store ambassador for 2023, I have the opportunity to work with a designer to create a custom space of my choice. Naturally, I decided to utilize the best of the Elfa system to fully deck out my office/DIY room.

I shared the plans in the latest What's New At Home newsletter, but let's get into the price... For two walls of custom shelving in the White/Birch colorway, plus all the accessories like a utility pegboard and a mobile DIY cart, the price comes to just over $4,000.

Unlike the Avera and Preston lines, the Elfa systems can be installed on your own, but I’ve opted to let the pros handle things for an additional $1,000.

My office is currently being used as a dumping ground and it’s causing me major stress. The good news is the final design meeting is this week, so look out for an update in late July and in the meantime, see how I used my favorite TCS products to maximize storage in my bedroom closet.

Fern Entryway Console Table in Black 

I'm keeping things in the Fern family by using this beautiful Black console table as a kitchen island.

I’m not a huge fan of cooking, but I’ve realized I actually do need a kitchen island since there is literally no counter space with the current setup. Those tiny slivers of granite on either side of the stove aren’t cutting it and my best friend, Derel, who makes most of my meals, says my kitchen is "horrible" and refuses to cook here.

The Carrara marble top and two pull-out drawers make this table a great option for a kitchen, I’m even willing to look past that this table is only 32” tall, about 4” shorter than the standard cabinetry height of 36".

An annoyance, but easily fixed with vintage-looking locking casters for added height and flexibility.

An island is great for added storage and seating, but make sure you have at least 36” of clearance, so your stove or dishwasher can open with ease.

And if you want an island as your primary dining space, consider getting the actual Fern Kitchen Island, which had lots of storage space underneath, and would look INCREDIBLE with two retro brass barstools and some beautiful kitchen towels.

58" Artemis LED Smart Ceiling Fans in Coal

While I have found a cute ceiling fan under $150, a friend of mine has the Artemis Coal LED Ceiling Fan in their apartment and they are fantastic! I always need a blanket because this fan really keeps the air circulating, but they do not come cheap at $570 a pop!

The plan is to get two, one for the living room and another for the office, which would help keep things cool since my penchant for Pre-War apartments means I don’t get amenities like central air.

Pairing these fans with the energy-efficient window units from Windmill Air (use code IMANI25 for a discount) I know I’ll be cool all summer long!

xoxo,

Imani

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