Post college digs

So you just graduated college and moved out of your four bedroom house (with six roommates of course) - only to leave behind the barrage of date party cups, sorority trinkets and "I love college" posters that are ever so common in a student rental.  Now that you're a big kid in a new city, it's only natural to want what all the other big kids have when styling your new digs.  Well I can say from personal experience that the transition from college slum to full-time employee doesn't necessarily mean a cooler more grown up abode.  So taking small steps and thinking creatively can help turn a small one-bedroom apartment into a chic living space.  Please turn your attention to Lauren McGrath's (from Good Bones Great Pieces) first apartment.  And take notes why don't ya...

Flea market lamp and tables - painted in fresh new colors.  A tiny ticking stripe sofa fits the space perfectly.

Curtains from Ikea are cost efficient and the muted colors keep the playful pattern light and airy.

A hand-me-down dresser was painted white and adds extra storage to the living area, while a chair found on Craigslist gets a shiny black paint job and new upholstery.

A cafe set is the right size for this tiny room - and the shelf from Ikea with flea market finds adds personality to a plain wall.

More flea market finds (desk, lucite bench, alabaster lamp) and a great mirror (similar ones can be found at HomeGoods) suit the corner of this bedroom quite nicely.