Feeling at Home in a New City

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort. – Jane Austen

Comfort. For me, it’s probably the most important thing that a home can provide. And I’m not just talking about fluffy couches and oversized pillows. I’m talking about the feeling you get when you enter a space that contains some sort of calming, cozy, or balanced aspect. The feeling that makes you want to stay in that spot for awhile, and makes you think, “It’s good to be home.”

I really enjoy arranging and decorating a new place. Whether it was my college dorm room or my first apartment, I’ve always had fun making my “home” comfortable and representative of my personality.

My recent move to California provided me with yet another opportunity to put on my decorating shoes – otherwise known as perusing the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond. (And Target and Homegoods and Pier 1…)

I share my new home with two other girls. I lucked out for so many reasons:

1. They are both awesome and I feel like I’ve known them for years. (It’s been three weeks.)
2. The last time I lived on my own, I rented a (lovely) studio in Manhattan. This time around, I am enjoying a spacious condominium and much cheaper rent. #score
3. The place came almost completely furnished with a beachy vibe that I just adore.

There were, however, a few spaces that needed some attention. The first being…my bedroom! My journey to California was in the form of a cross-country road trip, and I was only able to pack my car with half of my wardrobe (ok, maybe 70%), kitchen supplies, some decorative vases, and a few books. That’s it. So when it came to my bedroom, I pretty much had to start from scratch.

First stop: the mattress store.

Obtaining the mattress was the easiest task. I walked in, picked one within my budget, paid, and had it delivered that day. Done.

Then came the fun stuff. Bedspreads, rugs, pillows. For a full week, I was in and out of stores, buying and returning, comparing and contrasting, coupon-ing whenever possible.

Finally, it all came together. (And the majority of my finds came from good ol’ Tar-jay.)

Comforter: Target | Decorative and Oversized Pillows: Target | Rug: Target (in store) | Lamp: Pier 1 Imports (old) | Throw: Tumi (a gift, similar here)

Coffee, flowers, and a good book always add some comfort.

Across from my bed, I placed this sweet dresser that I found at the Salvation Army. $40! (Totally worth it not exactly fitting in my car and the slow drive I had to make with it strapped to my backseat and half-open trunk.)

I’ve also (temporarily?) placed my shoe racks to the left and right since there isn’t room for them in my closet. I wouldn’t normally put them on display, but it’s kind of fun and now they’re super accessible.

I created a gallery wall above the dresser with recent pictures of me and my siblings, New York City tiles from Manhattan’s Union Square, and beachy signs I found at TJ Maxx. In addition to a small television, the dresser also makes room for some more flowers, a colorful jewelry box, an artsy statue, and my go-to form of comfort – a candle.

With my bedroom finished, it was time to tackle something new, something outdoors. After all, I’m in California now. One of the best ways to spend time here is outside in the beautiful weather.

The back porch quickly became my next project.

It was nothing a trip to the local garden center couldn’t handle!

“Welcome to the Back Porch.” The sign was purchased by my roomie, and just adds to the comfy vibe.

We already had four chairs, so I just hopped on over to my good friend Target and picked up a table, outdoor rug, and some lanterns.

The rug really just makes the space feel more complete and put together.

Since the chairs already had these reddish cushions, I added the blue accents to create a summery, patriotic theme.

Fourth of July party, anyone?

The back porch has since become one of my favorite spaces in the house.

It’s a lovely spot for my morning coffee…

…and such a comfort at night.