There's an Elephant in My Room

I remember when I was little and living with my parents, my room was my world. Especially during those angsty teeny bop years, time spent at home meant being with myself doing my own thing in my room. I had awful blue-green shag carpet and mis-matched furniture, but it was a place where only I knew exactly what was in it and where I could do (and for the most part, act) how I wanted. Loads of diary writing, YA reading, emo sketching and later year-NKOTB worship happened in that room.

College meant roommates and shared spaces, and granted everyone seemed very open with their stuff and areas, but it was almost mandatory to make yourself known in your space. I hung up painting and sketches from my art classes, invested in loads of cheap Target and Delia's tchotchkes, and streamed the obligatory twinkle lights and paper garlands lest my roommate ever forgot which desk or single bed was hers from mine.

 

Out of school, I spent short periods living completely on my own. It was freeing/scary/confusing to have all of it for myself. Did you know that furniture costs money? That towels and bath mats aren't just there and floors don't clean themselves? In my first apartment, I did discover that I lacked the decorating gene and thereafter just kept things very spare, very neutral - lots of beige, white and black. I splurged on these ridiculous Marimekko floor pillows but had no dining table. When I suddenly had the power to do exactly what I wanted all over, I didn't quite know what to do with myself. But it was mine, all mine ...

Now? I live in a big enough place where we can openly have our shared spaces (living room, kitchen, bedroom) for when we want to be sociable and about - though I still can't decorate worth anything - but I also have a spare bedroom which has become my home office/overflow closet/room of general Lisa randomness. And where the general living spaces are results of ocooperation and compromise, that room is all my own. Jewelry becomes decor, big red Target baskets hide paperwork, novels mix it up on shelves with ceramic elephants and family pictures.

In your home, what are completely your own space(s)? What do you dedicate your space to and how much time do you spend there?

 

Top: Gap boyfriend popover (worn here - sim, sim)
Skirt: J.Crew pleated crepe (worn here - sim, pricey)
Necklace: The Circle is Cast via Etsy (worn here - sim, pricey)
Bracelets: J.Crew wildflower & Asos (sim)
Shoes: Michael Kors hamilton (worn here - sim, pricey, luxe)
Clutch: Kate Spade (worn here - sim, sim, sim)
Outfit inspired by M