"A MESSY MISTAKE AND THE LESSON I LEARNED About redecorating My Apartment"
Last week, I had a terrible experience in my search for temporary decor packages. On a sunny afternoon, my localiques neighbor dropped by with a bouquet of flowers arranged in a $50 vase. I was so excited—flowers, a cozy throw, and some throw pillows were on my mind. I thought, Why not? It’s temporary, right? But boy, was I wrong.
I decided to go all-in on a bold, geometric patterned rug, a statement lamp, and a bold artwork. The rug was a disaster. It left my hardwood floors looking like they’d been dipped in coffee. The lamp, which I bought at a flea market for $25, had a hidden cord that snagged my lampshades. And the artwork—well, it’s still up on the wall, but I’ve been avoiding eye contact with it. The total cost? $250.
Here’s the thing: I thought redecorating was about adding warmth and personality. But instead, I ended up with a cluttered mess. I tried to fix it by hiring a professional cleaner for the rug, but it cost me an extra $50. I tried to rearrange my furniture, but it only made the space feel more chaotic.
Then came the light bulb moment. I remembered reading about low-contrast lighting and how it reduces glare. I called an electrician to install under-cabinet lights. The new setup? A $75 fixture. I also found a temporary decor package from a local DIY shop for $40—a tiny throw, a few decorative pillows, and some floral prints.
Three weeks later, I’m moving out. The rug? It’s being donated to a shelter. The lamp? It’s in my garage, collecting dust. The artwork? I’m still waiting for the right opportunity to hang it.
But wait, here’s the kicker: I saved $190 by not redecorating properly. I also realized that temporary decor is only effective if you curbside your expectations. So, next time, I’ll plan for temporary decor convenience by keeping things simple.
lesson learned: Sometimes, the mess is worth the clean.