The Post College / Pre-Wealthy Pad

Christine,I've always wanted to write to your blog even though i have no money and nothing really to write about :) SO I thought of something. I have been buying stuff to redo my humble "fresh-grad" room. My furniture is limited but I've been saving my money to get it to feel a little like home and cute. So, I've been looking through some magazines and wanted to know how you feel about wall decals. I think there are some really cute ones, but just wanted your opinion and wanted to see if you have seen any great ones.Attached is the one I really like and I found it on Etsy.comhttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=16172871http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=16138647Anyways, Those are my thoughts...keep poor new career woman in mind.....and young :)Love ya!!Jenn
Dear Jen,

I LOVE your idea of decals. What a great way to make your place your own, without even putting a nail in the walls, or your wallet! The ones you selected are also very nice. Some thing to keep in mind:

• Scale. Look at the picture with the Dandelion. Terrific scale. Now look at the monogram. This one works ONLY because of the architectural niche. Without the niche, the "J" alone would be too small to put above a sofa. Make sure that the decal you select is a good scale for the wall that you plan on putting it on.
  

Make a long term plan. Even though you might not have the funds to furnish your whole place- make a plan before you start purchasing. What if you buy the red decals, and then find a rug that you love that has no red in it. Then you wish you would have purchased the black... See what I am saying? Think about your place. Hang a cool paper light, the one above is from IKEA- only $8- hang three of them, at different lengths, over where you would read. (cover your cords with cord covers, and paint them the same color as the wall.) Find a cool rug. If you don't have your own place, I can only guess that you have lousy carpet :) Cover it up with an inexpensive rug. This also goes a long way toward "atmosphere." The rug in this post is also from IKEA- $249. (7'7" square- hand tufted wool)Go as far as selecting furniture. You're a college graduate! You will be getting a raise any day now! :) How about the fun chair below (only $49!!!!) ? IKEA again, I am stuck on their web site! It is very fun!
Hey- make a plan! Then go get your decals! I love it!