Oh, Curro...
Sometimes we think that living in a rental or not living in our own house would make any efforts to make the place 'ours' an exercise in futility. I have always refused to accept that premise. Because rentals are not permanent and they are not our places, many people do not feel the need to make that space their own. Ot think it will be too much work to erase themselves from the place once they have to move to another apartment or house. But why not, I wonder? Is it because when we rent to have to 'return' the place as we received it? That is, all-white walls and basic fixtures?
I have lived in rentals for many, many years, and I have always tried to make the space 'mine'. Thing is, I don't mind white walls if push comes to shove, and well, there are many ways to spruce up a white box to make it livable and homey. I also agree with Maddie, who I think mentioned that having someone taking care of the minutia (water heaters, creaky floors, the roof!) is nice. I have what my man friend calls 'Mickey Mouse tools' (I got them at Ikea and they were part of the Virgil Ablow line) and they're perfectly functional for what I need them: hanging artwork and tightening a screw or two. If I need a big drill, I'll call somebody who owns one.
The only thing that you need to take into account when renting is not trashing the place so you can get your deposit back. I've always used that money for the move to the new place. Once they asked me if I had indeed lived in the apartment! I kept those carpets and walls like fucking new. Thank goodness I'm good at nailing things to the wall.
So this apartment is a rental and it is a perfect example of making a place your own even if you don't own it. The use of furniture we've gotten from people and our own personal touches always liven the place. Also, the high ceilings and the fantastic light (not to mention those wood floors!) are absolutely selling points. I can see how they fell in love with the place. I don't know if I could manage to live with two roomies, but hey. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. This flat looks fantastic and I'm sure it's not cheap. The max for me is one roomie, even though I love living on my own. I don't mind the solitude. I have discovered that I really enjoy it.
Also, did you check that bathroom out? Dreamy! Probably original to the apartment. Love the kitchen (I'm all for open shelving) and I think the ceramic collection is super cute. And what you see in his bedroom is what I was talking about: white walls does not mean a boring space!! Also, I feel Curro when he says he knows the fireplace works but has never tried it. Same.
XOXO
I live in a rental now. My partner had always wanted to buy a place. And I dug my heels. But buying right now is a nightmare. I always get outbid and the appraisal gaps--don't even get me started.
ReplyDeleteI feel you.
DeleteMy sister-by-law is selling her house. Too big for her now. Hopefully she'll be able to get rid of it and get a smaller place. And the whole being outbid is a bitch. Nice houses go fast.
XOXO
I've owned homes for years and years, and much prefer it.
ReplyDeleteAs for that apartment, let's be queer, strip everything out of it and you still have those gorgeous windows and moldings and floors, a bathroom I would kill for, and a gorgeous kitchen.
I think some people prefer it, yes.
DeleteAnd the windows, the high ceilings and the floors are dreamy. Same for the bathroom.
XOXO
This is quiet the place. It is “homey” with the way it’s decorated. White walls are not an impediment. I have no color sense so a white wall is fine by me. And the thing that caught my eye was the see through teddy bear at about 51 seconds.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I don’t think the solitude would be a problem. I’m not afraid to be alone with my thoughts. And there’s no fighting over what to watch.
XOXO 👨❤️💋👨
Your right Huntley...some frown on all white walls. I have both in my place. Thing is with white walls, when one gets bored and needs a make over...all you have to do is change drapes, add new toss pillows, and change some or add in accessories, perhaps re-arrange the room and volia...a new mood and look. People don't always have the time to paint.
DeleteYes! And they've done a great job joining their styles to make it feel like home. And they have some cool art there. Some of it probably 'good art'. And white walls have never stopped me from doing crazy shit. just look at my place now LOL.
DeleteAnd I don't mind being alone. I actually rather like it sometimes.
XOXO
The home I own is my retirement. I don't want to have to pay rent when I'm 80 years old.
ReplyDeleteOh, absolutely.
DeleteOld people need to think about old age. It's an insurance policy. Pets are not children and won't be able to take care of anybody.
XOXO
I love the wood floors! And,...those matching green velvet sofas are to die for. He obviously does not have to deal with pet hair. This apartment would make a wonderful weekend get away place.
ReplyDeleteThose floors are probably original to the flat. Did you see the design? And those green sofas are fantastic. Super cozy. No pets, though.
DeleteXOXO
Given a choice, I will always buy. We're in our 3rd house, and the walls are white. Yes, we have small feature spots of color. But our stamp and color comes in the artwork. If we were to move out, it would pretty much look like a blank canvas, ready for anyone to put their personal touch.
ReplyDeleteWe had wood floors when I was a kid - ours are variegated grey tile. Carpeting in key rooms, the couch is purple, one chair is also purple. Kitchen - I could handle one or two open shelving units, but the rest need doors. Otherwise it would seem too cluttered - not to mention the dust! LOL. XOXO
Buying is good business if people have the money. At a certain time in life, it's a necessity, I think. And I don't mind white, seriously. Like you and Maddie said, white walls just need a touch of color here and there.
DeleteHahaha I feel you with the need for some doors. I don't have any in my little pantry, though. I kind of like it.
XOXO
We built this one and moved in 22 years ago. Avoided all the overpricing. Paid less for this than people who bought existing or from a developer. 3 years after we moved in, friends visited from LA and were amazed; they said a place like this would be well over $1M in S. Cal. When the market crashed in 2007, we were never under water. The market is almost back to pre-recession values. XOXO
DeleteThat's the way to go.
DeleteI think that when I get a house I'm gonna go the rehab way or if I have enough money, I'll have it built from scratch. Earth-friendly, of course.
I have thought about it, but I'm not ready to take the plunge.
XOXO
With my lifestyle...Im not ashamed to say.....I don't require nor desire or have the responsibility. it takes to run a home, nor do I. I can be gone in a snap and traveling is far more important to me. But this place....I 'd move in quicker then a New York Minute!!!!!!!!!!!!! The parlor! Those oversized window with doors...that bathroom is stunning!!!!!!!!! He gets what Im talking about as you. I know friends in apartment, and aren't happy about , but it doesn't have to be miserible. There are always things one can do to make a place your own, even if painting and such isn't permitted. When and if I ever move, my landlord has already he is not repainting or doing away with anything I've done. And when something break down, or an issue arise, he in there very quickly to repair it or replace it. No worries for me.
ReplyDeleteOh Six....lets get a place like this and be roomies!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I kind of agree with you.
DeleteEspecially because I'm not very handy and I could hurt myself if I grab a powertool (excluding Jeff Stryker's). I like small projects but I think I'd rather depend on contractors (plumbers, gardeners) for big projects.
And this place is fantastic. It's also either Barcelona or Madrid so it's most probably a building from the twenties or thirties. And he's rooming with two friends because it probably is not cheap.
Bet your landlord is happy with what you've done with the place. Taste, honey.
And I can imagine the fun if we'd be roomies! Woot!
XOXO
it's so nice to hear the description en español! and what a beautiful voice! and he's so cute! (¡que guapetón
ReplyDeleteHahaha
DeleteMe encanta el español peninsular!
Si, vamos, que es guapo!
XOXO
I understand the need to nest. That's why a good bed is the most important pc. of furniture one can invest in. My nest? Well... it very functional. I tend to like warm earth tones and white. Wood is always warm. That said... I am glad I own homes. I don't have to worry about increases or yucky neighbors or weird food smells. I can also do anything I like. I just haven't wanted to do anything. I have a list of possible improvements, but refuse to pull the trigger. Some day, maybe. For now... I treat the bunker like my clubhouse. The one in the vid? Oh, no... to high maintenance for me. And you know that little pink powder puff runs around all day picking lint off stuff and chastising his roomies. No. Not for me. I'm like you. White walls work. You just need to bring yourself into the room. P.S. If I need a big drill, I'll call somebody who owns one. (Oh, I laughed.) Sigh. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteYep. I think it comes down to nesting.
DeleteI think everybody feels the need to do it at one time or another. And owning a home IS an advantage. Not only because it's an investment, but because there is more freedom. I think I'd rather like to have a smaller house. I don't need much. Maybe two bedrooms or three, tops.
Hahahah pink powder puff huh? The roomies look like they can keep their side of the bargain. The three are young, creative types.
And I'm with you when it comes to big drills, bae.
XOXO