To the untrained eye, or say, the casual Angie Away reader, it might seem like I’m on the road exploring new destinations absolutely all the time. Those of you who’ve been with me since the beginning know things have changed quite a bit around here over the years, and while I used to live out of a suitcase, nomadically wandering from place to place, nowadays I have a base in Florida that I appreciate more than I can ever convey.
In 2011 and 2012, my adventures had me zig-zagging the globe, never staying home long enough to need my own space. I lived in a small room at my parents’ place when I was home, much like poor little Harry Potter did at the Dursleys in Little Whinging. When 2013 dawned and I felt myself starting to grow tired of the go-go-go travel lifestyle, I knew I needed to slow down my hectic pace and put down roots.
When I finally settled on a 1-bedroom apartment, my most important goal was to decorate in a thoughtful way that would always remind me of my journey and my favorite places. You might remember the tour of that first place, the one designed to evoke a Moroccan feel, with patterns and colors I found on my Intrepid trip to the country in late 2012. After a year, I outgrew the 1-BR and upgraded to a brand new apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and plenty of space for my souvenirs & photographs.
Since you’re always with me on my travel journeys, I thought I’d invite you in for a cup of tea and a peek at where most of the Angie Away magic happens.
Come on in!
In my new space, I’ve mixed (somewhat inadvertently!) Moroccan influences, hints of the UK (note the TV stand & Downton/Hogsmeade prints flanking the windows) and tiny Eastern details. I like to keep the color palate relatively neutral, with a few splashes of brightness here and there, and lots and lots of maps and globes.
See that white rail with framed maps and photos from my RTW trip? My brother built that for me. (And if I failed to mention that fact, he’d whoop me. Every time he comes for dinner, he says, “I made that!”)
You might notice some of my favorite DIY projects sprinkled here and there throughout these photos – the drafting desk in the photo above was a remodel, as was the bright coral Mod Podge dresser in the bedroom, the two nightstands and the London Tube Map TV stand in the living room.
I keep saying I want to focus on furniture projects more in the future, but PR and social media consulting gigs, plus the day-to-day insanity of blog maintenance has kept me from digging in as much as I’d like. (Perhaps you’d like to commission a piece for your house? Maybe that would motivate me!)
My bedroom looks so crisp and clean in this photo, but to be honest, it’s usually in a state of disaster – either from packing or unpacking. When it’s neat like this, it makes me so happy!
The tree decal and hanging lanterns are new additions – what do you think? In my last apartment, I painted the back wall charcoal, and I think it just made the space seem too small and dark. I’m enjoying a brighter, sunnier space this time around.
For several months, my little sister lived with me and the 2nd bedroom was her domain. But the moment she left for college, I Febrezed the teenager out of that space, built a big corner desk and created the home office I always wanted.
It still needs some work – for instance, I don’t love the world maps where they are – and maybe I could use a big cozy chair and some new curtains eventually. For now, it’s just what I need to get my work done.
You might not know it, but I LOVE entertaining! I wish I could have you all over for dinner, but since I can’t, you can imagine what a dinner party might be like in my cozy little kitchen.
And just because it’s there, here’s Bathroom No. 1. I forgot to snap a pic of the guest bathroom… but basically, it’s a bathroom. Not much design going on in these two rooms… just functionality!
So… what do you think of my new space? It’s taken me several months to sort it out just how I want it, and I’m really happy and cozy! And of course, now that I’m settled, I’m thinking of how I can switch it all up and start over with new colors and patterns.
Perhaps next I’ll go bold? I’ve been thinking of painting the TV stand London Phone Booth Red. Thoughts?
