Me and My Loft-y Ideas

I think I'm beginning to run out of square footage to decorate and redecorate.  The Goat Loft is looking better than ever.  Over the past few weeks, I've been making some much needed purchases and putting the finishing touches on my pad.  I'd love to add a kitchen backsplash, some wainscoting to the bathroom and a built-in litter box cabinet, but let's be honest, I probably won't be living here for too many more years.  Even though I have carte blanche to improve as I see fit (says the landlord), I'd rather save my hardcore DIYing for when we buy.  That said, I have been thinking about splashing out with some color on those cream walls...

Here are a few of the projects I've been working on at Casa Tray, as shown in the above mosaic.  (Click on the pictures to enlarge).

OFFICE SPACE
First, I decluttered the office quite a bit. I donated a bunch of books (circa college days) to the library to give my bookcase a cleaner look. This allowed me to incorporate some of my larger scrapbook albums--formerly being kept in a basket on the floor--into the shelving.  And did you notice the new globe's permanent home on my desk?  I love it!  A few months ago, I got those wicker baskets (tucked in the desk hutches) to hold all our odds 'n ends; it's hard to believe the baskets are meant for storing bread!  Never fear trolling the kitchen supply aisles for office goods.

PILLOW TALK
I had to buy a new tropical plant for the bedroom, to replace the wilting one that died--or rather, that I overwatered and killed.  I preferred the old, now deceased greenery, but know that I just don't do well with high maintenance foliage. In addition, the black sheets that were formerly on the bed got swapped out for tan linens.  Not only does this lighter color camoflauge hair better, it really softens the bedroom.  Black was just too harsh.  I also placed my beloved silk pillow from West Elm front and center there, then draped an already-owned tan throw on the foot of the bed.  The pedestal stands on either side of my bed got a little makeover too.  I gave the lamp an extra boost by propping it up on some carefully chosen books (Classics of Horror, anyone?) and then livened it up with some cute accessories.

ONE BITCHIN' KITCHEN 
My kitchen was getting a little overwhelmed with countertop clutter.  I cleared everything off and started from scratch, leaving behind a few items that get used often or that lend themselves to my mid-century modern, urban cozy aesthetic.  Chris remarked that the kitchen looks "sorta bare," which is just what I want when I'm spreading out and packing fifty ingredients into my bento.  Clutter belongs in antique stores, not on my precious prep space.

WINE 'N DINE
I've had an extra set of retro-inspired starburst dinnerware waiting to be opened since my bridal shower over two years ago.  I asked for a spare box as backup, should any of my other sixteen square plates of the same pattern break.  In that time, knock on wood, we haven't had any casualties.  Not one to let something so pretty sit in storage, I busted out the place settings and added them to my dining room for a welcoming, already made table 24/7.  Can you tell we hardly dine in our dining area?  Anywho, I'm now on the prowl for a low-profile, high-impact centerpiece to jazz up the orange-ish tablescape.

Do you have any home improvement projects in the hopper?  Spill the beans!