Sophisticated Styling: A Narrow Mantle

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Today I'm sharing a seldom seen area of my living situation. I've mentioned before that I live in a student building where I have my own studio-style apartment, complete with living room/bedroom area,<a href="http://tiffanyleighinteriordesign.blogspot.ca/2014/05/my-walk-in-closet-makeover-reveal.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> large walk in closet</span></a>, and my own <a href="http://tiffanyleighinteriordesign.blogspot.ca/2014/07/update-basic-boring-beige-builders.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">bathroom</span></a>. My kitchen accommodations, however, are shared with the five other girls living in my building. Beside the kitchen, there is also a small community TV area. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I was inspired by the mantle (on the non-working fireplace) down there the other day and decided to give it a quick makeover using found items from my apartment. Before, it was covered in junk mail and strange odds and ends such as batteries and a spool of thread. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's amazing what a ten minutes of styling can do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DA54IWYV9Vzwsx373LVwsXeo-Yt4ICGI2snyB6hcq3chHjrhwLhf7t5ALHITKKHI5GwDSi9fQQlxIm7Mh1Lcyu-gh0_Kr1NessabUYBA-501lQiwnZSjGNIoUfV7ZhxkSY5OQhyKxvI/s1600/027+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DA54IWYV9Vzwsx373LVwsXeo-Yt4ICGI2snyB6hcq3chHjrhwLhf7t5ALHITKKHI5GwDSi9fQQlxIm7Mh1Lcyu-gh0_Kr1NessabUYBA-501lQiwnZSjGNIoUfV7ZhxkSY5OQhyKxvI/s1600/027+copy.png" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_02nd3-ld8B0HG75chF7x8gwtxlRasgiIKQNeeFWUVVMfz-mgkFVIFaFEczE6iXaPZNE8LSC1iIBkx9QKxwAmjVFGrfS6bWb6B0AsMBm_pNHLF4mhzj5fIBvygylyn3NiHDM3mb0lMv0/s1600/023+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_02nd3-ld8B0HG75chF7x8gwtxlRasgiIKQNeeFWUVVMfz-mgkFVIFaFEczE6iXaPZNE8LSC1iIBkx9QKxwAmjVFGrfS6bWb6B0AsMBm_pNHLF4mhzj5fIBvygylyn3NiHDM3mb0lMv0/s1600/023+copy.png" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1EthCV91XVxgb92dxtoZ1zOBptEu0o864Kc2ov1G4yW5_q2LkISZ5hJ2p4qTn7I1G4mpCcrNXv0AXPRaoxp7tsh964H4FtIzkiuFsUlzfbej9OUYdSL-KXTiS0kAXMYX0PLjUlPzlHw/s1600/020+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1EthCV91XVxgb92dxtoZ1zOBptEu0o864Kc2ov1G4yW5_q2LkISZ5hJ2p4qTn7I1G4mpCcrNXv0AXPRaoxp7tsh964H4FtIzkiuFsUlzfbej9OUYdSL-KXTiS0kAXMYX0PLjUlPzlHw/s1600/020+copy.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tricky part about styling a narrow mantle is that you only have a few inches of depth to make it count. This eliminates the possibility of any big, sculptural pieces. Instead, I've chosen to layer leaning art for easy switch-out in an asymmetrical layout to break up the formality of the more traditional fireplace. All of the art pieces used are my original paintings. I've added one small, interestingly shaped vase to the vignette to add some 3 dimensionality and a curvilinear form, and threw a couple decorative match boxes to complete the vignette with a 'lived-in' atmosphere.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is there an area in your house that could use a little extra styling love? <br />xox</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/?action=view&current=Tiffany-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/Tiffany-27.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>

Sophisticated Styling: A Narrow Mantle

Today I'm sharing a seldom seen area of my living situation. I've mentioned before that I live in a student building where I have my...

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Old Parquet - Yay or nay?

<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">One thing that I love to do in my spare time is apartment hunt online. Is that weird since I have no immediate plans of moving?....Probably. <br />Hopefully by next summer I will be getting a new rental (with my very own kitchen that I don't have to share with five other girls), and I love seeing what my predicted budget will get me. Most of the apartments I'm drawn to (and can afford) have one thing in common....old, square parquet flooring. If you had shown me this a few years ago, I would have cringed, but now, I don't mind it at all! I actually kind of like it. Think about the craftsmanship and time to install that! There is something kind of charming about it and miles better than the laminate I have in my current rental.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwWNkxHWU2-PsPS6XuDJRx6L3K-LEGwx1F3SGdb4mFZG98hl85VBwZoBUFCN0x0G9uYj6cXrzujCFzL_CsPf4dj3bvGU7N6DCHmeyyOY8bYlWInauTg4uJXspoK8tbZ3ylBOGOqqa6u0/s1600/parquet+flooring+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwWNkxHWU2-PsPS6XuDJRx6L3K-LEGwx1F3SGdb4mFZG98hl85VBwZoBUFCN0x0G9uYj6cXrzujCFzL_CsPf4dj3bvGU7N6DCHmeyyOY8bYlWInauTg4uJXspoK8tbZ3ylBOGOqqa6u0/s1600/parquet+flooring+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via Lonny Mag May/June 2011</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU2gE8BoMbeJz37JVFtdruaK7qqTViS-DT0t9q-y0LVr6Mh9zmq8B_u8Z5WHd3hjMFWHGsVxHb7o5aX7lkDCnKTzDv_llf8gyjAyjSbUjF7UlVP9wdKAQudxYFs_vuvyGNZYWtgO2zeo/s1600/parquet+flooring+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU2gE8BoMbeJz37JVFtdruaK7qqTViS-DT0t9q-y0LVr6Mh9zmq8B_u8Z5WHd3hjMFWHGsVxHb7o5aX7lkDCnKTzDv_llf8gyjAyjSbUjF7UlVP9wdKAQudxYFs_vuvyGNZYWtgO2zeo/s1600/parquet+flooring+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decor8blog.com/2010/04/13/eco-friendly-chic-via-lonny-magazine/">Michelle Adams via Decor8</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsrR7TY370HrIUg5P5iu8ERXLXvSUQIZwCDjBfoU-iKw0A97CvRM-jq8BGauHYGh9qvSauCW3VZuZFOITz0PuH4OmQZRps1qVTye3CMK1hyphenhyphen6VFsJoDM72xK21OyVm3n3NcmeUwu6_xPo/s1600/parquet+flooring+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsrR7TY370HrIUg5P5iu8ERXLXvSUQIZwCDjBfoU-iKw0A97CvRM-jq8BGauHYGh9qvSauCW3VZuZFOITz0PuH4OmQZRps1qVTye3CMK1hyphenhyphen6VFsJoDM72xK21OyVm3n3NcmeUwu6_xPo/s1600/parquet+flooring+6.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decor8blog.com/2010/04/13/eco-friendly-chic-via-lonny-magazine/">Michelle Adams via Decor8</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUAIYbpCA9zy7L4FhkoBYGYPUIAqJnevTeZlClm4BUq5e1G_skrWxz2DVDmihLJKE0BRpac9gPliPyvkgks0Mt7yE4mdN1NflJ6zGioVNQpZDm_BgH8OYsiEVZUGyNw0yKSmHxsobgqU/s1600/parquet+flooring+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUAIYbpCA9zy7L4FhkoBYGYPUIAqJnevTeZlClm4BUq5e1G_skrWxz2DVDmihLJKE0BRpac9gPliPyvkgks0Mt7yE4mdN1NflJ6zGioVNQpZDm_BgH8OYsiEVZUGyNw0yKSmHxsobgqU/s1600/parquet+flooring+7.png" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://leestantonblog.com/2013/11/05/brooklyn-simplicity/">Elle Decor UK via Lee Stanton Blog</a><br /><br />So what do you think? Has parquet flooring come back into style? Or do you still consider it outdated?<br />xox<br /><a href="http://s1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/?action=view&current=Tiffany-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/Tiffany-27.jpg" /></a></div>

Old Parquet - Yay or nay?

One thing that I love to do in my spare time is apartment hunt online. Is that weird since I have no immediate plans of moving?....Probably....

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Rental Dilemmas: My Basic Beige Bathroom

<div style="text-align: center;">There is a part of my apartment that you all haven't seen much of, and that's my bathroom.<br />Functionally, my bathroom is perfect. Firstly, it's giant. It's got a large soaker tub, a huge shower, and a decent sized vanity. There is also a large window so I have ample natural light. The layout is also ideal, and the fact that I don't have to share it is pure bliss.<br /><br />Aesthetically...it needs a bit of work. There is nothing really <i>wrong</i> with the way it looks. It's <i>fine</i>. My instinct as a designer is to replace all the tile with something fabulous and paint the vanity blackt, but let's face it, this is a rental and the fixed elements are not changing. Not only would my landlord say no, it also doesn't make sense for me from a financial perspective. But, I am thinking I could spruce it up for around $100. <br /><br />Take a look at its current state:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2yRePW80Mq74bw0QV0UIr37MUMZept9VKb0nAeBCwUYkZSX5YcoXOXzb0r_iLnFEm-5rWzwcI7ax5-DgvbU0gf2ivFOF-ZEznm01ekjloovsWv4ONk1YtNgEOhf0q18QDXFYD3zreVs/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2yRePW80Mq74bw0QV0UIr37MUMZept9VKb0nAeBCwUYkZSX5YcoXOXzb0r_iLnFEm-5rWzwcI7ax5-DgvbU0gf2ivFOF-ZEznm01ekjloovsWv4ONk1YtNgEOhf0q18QDXFYD3zreVs/s1600/039.JPG" /></a></div>^ Call me crazy but I actually kind of like the light fixture. I know it's super outdated, but it reminds me of an old Hollywood starlet dressing room. Things I don't love (but cannot change), are the  plain mirror, the counter top, faucet, light oak vanity colour, and the boring beige tile floors....so pretty much everything.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVK2VlfNOF9q30n67vndhtT1FI3N9E3eZSsBR1x031C18tAqPzDnuddGG9Rq3i4frodzdOeIAMedhlC7U0XZVo4jUhB1mpHCfSGIktaPufDqiVLHonYlZ1tvs8nTkwYhqIIoWWUES4VQ/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVK2VlfNOF9q30n67vndhtT1FI3N9E3eZSsBR1x031C18tAqPzDnuddGG9Rq3i4frodzdOeIAMedhlC7U0XZVo4jUhB1mpHCfSGIktaPufDqiVLHonYlZ1tvs8nTkwYhqIIoWWUES4VQ/s1600/046.JPG" /></a></div>^ I do like the toilet. It's fairly small and nice looking.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGW2lNhToRNyN2xUpbAWBt4KEVUk86TE5psELnhq781i20g_Z4S3SVi0HZVRgOHGckDis2RvuQbiU1aI8ZNzFFdEI7gfjOKoV6EIRfeqXx2XE-rNB-lBx34l5M_O-p_I-_2IQGubxpgc/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGW2lNhToRNyN2xUpbAWBt4KEVUk86TE5psELnhq781i20g_Z4S3SVi0HZVRgOHGckDis2RvuQbiU1aI8ZNzFFdEI7gfjOKoV6EIRfeqXx2XE-rNB-lBx34l5M_O-p_I-_2IQGubxpgc/s1600/042.JPG" /></a></div>^ I love my tub and the big window. Again, the tile is not my favourite but atleast it's neutral.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRjokIUBj8kZ2aWPJRGm2euXLxNRY99-Upf1idqXnlCshMb_y80K3xXQx2zE2htnfF0omvFB2rbKfdCodm-HJ1iDYOZcCCkvCUaDNnHtenT_Sy-NuuZTNXJ_9pJtKmtw1goxvNBqTj0w/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRjokIUBj8kZ2aWPJRGm2euXLxNRY99-Upf1idqXnlCshMb_y80K3xXQx2zE2htnfF0omvFB2rbKfdCodm-HJ1iDYOZcCCkvCUaDNnHtenT_Sy-NuuZTNXJ_9pJtKmtw1goxvNBqTj0w/s1600/045.JPG" /></a></div>^The view of my shower.<br />I also currently have pinky corally bath towels hanging on the wall opposite my vanity:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm thinking it needs a few minor tweaks to make it look a bit more cohesive, and a lot more styled.<br />Even though it's perfectly clean and tidy, it looks kind of hodge podge and cluttered to me.<br /><br />I saw a small graphic black and white rug at The Home Depot that I am considering to replace the boring brown one I currently have. I put my black and white pillow down to get an idea of how it would look, and I'm liking the contrast:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLq9A7qAH7I_DtBM1hb3ol4EtaUPd4rooF-JoSExrGCKzrbNUCzPGFJPK5bnxp1MX-D6eCqO-aWFp9Ehby2jF-fPIEU9TuJFtfuGe4RBvjK_rVHTL8Qj6xzD7pp8wJITa3S7sMe6rB4w/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLq9A7qAH7I_DtBM1hb3ol4EtaUPd4rooF-JoSExrGCKzrbNUCzPGFJPK5bnxp1MX-D6eCqO-aWFp9Ehby2jF-fPIEU9TuJFtfuGe4RBvjK_rVHTL8Qj6xzD7pp8wJITa3S7sMe6rB4w/s1600/048.JPG" /></a></div>I also think that the black and white help to make the fixed elements feel more 'goldy', which I like.<br /><br />I also know that I can't change the mirror, but lately I've been seeing a lot of 'mirror on mirror' in bathrooms.... I wonder if there is a way I could put my octagonal mirror on top of this one in a non-permanent way....<br /><br />Lastly, I'd add some chic accessories, and paint and hang a couple of abstract black and white paintings. I did a quick twenty minute brainstorming sketch:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ha1m_DaMb6EQCXQrzeAkwqEsAUTXD7eegQ0eYclAesb7H3av2xjPc1oWue1VPRwnuqVpVYWM-h2F55x9U5YCIWhkiTmUR47DqKJKQf1iEOP0DGgZiNh-EsMdRDve1asACFDyDOCJUaE/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ha1m_DaMb6EQCXQrzeAkwqEsAUTXD7eegQ0eYclAesb7H3av2xjPc1oWue1VPRwnuqVpVYWM-h2F55x9U5YCIWhkiTmUR47DqKJKQf1iEOP0DGgZiNh-EsMdRDve1asACFDyDOCJUaE/s1600/053.JPG" /></a></div>What do you guys think?<br />xox<br /><a href="http://s1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/?action=view&current=Tiffany-27.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh609/tiffanyleighinteriordesign/Tiffany-27.jpg" /></a></div>

Rental Dilemmas: My Basic Beige Bathroom

There is a part of my apartment that you all haven't seen much of, and that's my bathroom. Functionally, my bathroom is perfect. Fir...

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New Lease: Planning the Layout

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">If you all saw <a href="http://thedesignerlifestyle.blogspot.ca/2012/04/big-news-signed-lease.html" target="_blank">yesterday's post</a>, you know that today, I'm continuing to discuss my new rental!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Here are a few more details: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I move in in September.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I'm sharing a house with five other girls (none of whom I know yet!). We have a common living room, kitchen, dining area, laundry facility and backyard. While I'm sure I'll get along with everyone, I also like my personal space (and I'm not sure they will share my love of watching HGTV 24/7). That's why I'm happy that my room is big enough to create a studio style space that will include my bed area, office area, and own personal living room area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Last night, I whipped up this floor plan quickly to track my ideas so far:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4o-qhXu3KVGNEOkKpEwJnTPY2bVpDRG9Q1mQ5kGD5Ms5H4TFq7ofLDx4VPZlqwBQTQWph76aCy1yDMkY8lnUjILs2AW3IO14Lk1F7J_uqAI7QgGZXGc3RoGcQw33LGmsImObLzi3nwk/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4o-qhXu3KVGNEOkKpEwJnTPY2bVpDRG9Q1mQ5kGD5Ms5H4TFq7ofLDx4VPZlqwBQTQWph76aCy1yDMkY8lnUjILs2AW3IO14Lk1F7J_uqAI7QgGZXGc3RoGcQw33LGmsImObLzi3nwk/s640/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">What do you guys think of this layout? Stay tuned because tomorrow, I'm going to show you my fabric scheme options!<br />xox Tiffany Leigh</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">ps. If you need help mapping out a floor plan, send me an e-mail at thedesignerlifestyle@gmail.com. I'd be happy to help! </span></div>

New Lease: Planning the Layout

If you all saw yesterday's post , you know that today, I'm continuing to discuss my new rental! Here are a few more details: I move ...

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Big News: Signed a Lease

<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Besides my first year at university which I spent living in campus residence, I have lived in the same house since I was born. It has been a blessing which has allowed me to save money, avoid student debt, and not have to worry too much about daily tasks such as cooking and grocery shopping.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Pursuing my dream career in the big city, however, means <span style="font-size: large;">big changes</span>. I've been on the hunt for some affordable housing in Toronto close to my design school for the fall. Recognizing that my own apartment was not realistic financially, I settled on student housing. All I wanted was my own washroom. </div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I may have gone slightly over my planned monthly budget (oopsy), but I've found the perfect room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aWa8usHd8TLfSjRSj0cNYsjDHysvqt5LNkQqNkVXztxoNdEJva0OFdekB7PVqHkoqJRoL0nqbneQFmmLT91W6z2BG5L1ibMkjsEl3eK2SlFmJrwE6cNK4j2yidjDiAjKLWAsOgjlVwM/s1600/Master_pic1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aWa8usHd8TLfSjRSj0cNYsjDHysvqt5LNkQqNkVXztxoNdEJva0OFdekB7PVqHkoqJRoL0nqbneQFmmLT91W6z2BG5L1ibMkjsEl3eK2SlFmJrwE6cNK4j2yidjDiAjKLWAsOgjlVwM/s640/Master_pic1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EX3Kf_0aSWZpbjVW3RUDvC6J0zEE1onnU_RJtofRPF733EQfALeWx7o2utxaVH8pPeytYtEON61Zar42FeNvRw8sESXaU8DYl2KL7sf9N4cG1inDjso8oyTG_RJMBugZAzsVzZlst4/s1600/Master_pic2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EX3Kf_0aSWZpbjVW3RUDvC6J0zEE1onnU_RJtofRPF733EQfALeWx7o2utxaVH8pPeytYtEON61Zar42FeNvRw8sESXaU8DYl2KL7sf9N4cG1inDjso8oyTG_RJMBugZAzsVzZlst4/s640/Master_pic2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The room is 12' by 19'. Lots of room for all of my design ideas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hIMvDicXZV3N1Um_3l8qW7b39JA8tjR0EL3cfQ3nme0I6z_aeMylPDC6qYuay6kQNWsjBmJee7Pq94b5tk95Vo7IoztdY5ZftBvZGPa2Y8kxIcFrjP6xFiN1GpyrYtJOvK171RXGMXk/s1600/Master_walkin_closet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hIMvDicXZV3N1Um_3l8qW7b39JA8tjR0EL3cfQ3nme0I6z_aeMylPDC6qYuay6kQNWsjBmJee7Pq94b5tk95Vo7IoztdY5ZftBvZGPa2Y8kxIcFrjP6xFiN1GpyrYtJOvK171RXGMXk/s640/Master_walkin_closet.JPG" width="424" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">This picture doesn't do it justice, but this is my extra large WALK IN CLOSET, maybe big enough for my very own <a href="http://thedesignerlifestyle.blogspot.ca/2012/04/dream-house-alphabet-d.html" target="_blank">dressing room</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3smWUlkIGF-VamMqxY_U3c3CyDH7OLuJnXS2ocdzGYwNzZoukxdoqLz0_OJXPcCZX_ujXFRgM7-C6J4Vn_GvWqC_sB3Vf_mFnbY0M0tv5mTnCPSi1I_B9qxryk3ft38uRZglJhLIuaU/s1600/Master_bath_pic1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3smWUlkIGF-VamMqxY_U3c3CyDH7OLuJnXS2ocdzGYwNzZoukxdoqLz0_OJXPcCZX_ujXFRgM7-C6J4Vn_GvWqC_sB3Vf_mFnbY0M0tv5mTnCPSi1I_B9qxryk3ft38uRZglJhLIuaU/s640/Master_bath_pic1.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Here is the huge shower in my private washroom! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc47d4jLEl79ckFMQlawRgdQoQzw9A3IOoWkqfQOYU4hz1jI3apT8-hlid0gnHDYwNUya0YRRrU69NesAu3NktCK4UWVUHAg4SPAza9Qz2CkithqwfwCXyrqsq9QHINCNkwoUybpRH9o/s1600/Master_bath_pic2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNc47d4jLEl79ckFMQlawRgdQoQzw9A3IOoWkqfQOYU4hz1jI3apT8-hlid0gnHDYwNUya0YRRrU69NesAu3NktCK4UWVUHAg4SPAza9Qz2CkithqwfwCXyrqsq9QHINCNkwoUybpRH9o/s640/Master_bath_pic2.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">And my big soaker tub! I love bubble baths after a long day.</div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I can't paint the walls or change any of the fixed elements, but I think it's a good blank and neutral canvas to create a space that is completely me. Stay tuned each day this week where I discuss my design ideas for the different areas of the room!<br />xox<br />Tiffany Leigh<br />ps. I feel so grown up! Ah! Tell me about YOUR first rental.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All photos sent to me by my future landlord. Better quality pics to come when I move in and redecorate.</span></div>

Big News: Signed a Lease

Besides my first year at university which I spent living in campus residence, I have lived in the same house since I was born. It has been a...

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