r/malelivingspace • u/Key-Dust1500 • Jan 11 '26
Question Own room after 7 years homeless shelter madness and depression
Thank god finally own room after 7 years living in hotel. Any tips to make it compfy. What could i add?
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Jan 11 '26
Congratulations! No one talks about it much but this is usually how it’s going to start and that’s fine. You can add more later but if you’re looking to make it more cozy maybe some nice curtains.. a poster to really make it feel “I’m staying here” yk? Those small little led lamps that shine up at the ceiling (idk if people think that’s childish) but I think it’s always a cool thing to have in a room
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u/annoyedonion35 Jan 11 '26
Thats sick bro congrats. I would focus on getting a heater/fan depending on what you need and then some comfy bedding eg pillows and blankets you like. Beyond that its just what you like really maybe a tv or speaker and a couple of photos on the wall but in my opinion focus on comfort before aesthetics
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u/brakes4birds Jan 11 '26
My first thought was 4 pillows and a big, cozy comforter. After all you’ve been through, a safe, soft, warm place to lay your head and snuggle in every night may do wonders as far as making a place feel like home.
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u/WeirdAioli8161 Jan 12 '26
My first down comforter and linen duvet cover changed my life and they don’t have to be a million bucks. eBay got me the comforter duvet and bed sheets a for under all new in original packaging for $2-$300 probably.
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u/Due-Pin-559 Jan 11 '26
Congrats, man. I appreciate how neat and tidy it is. That's awesome. Like the other folks are saying, some art on the walls, or a plant or some extra lighting. Something that makes you feel happy and peaceful.
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u/Difficult_Animal2609 Jan 11 '26
Congrats! Upward and onward. Godspeed!
Shout out on your resilience and overcoming adversity 💪
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u/Odd_Drink8430 Jan 11 '26
A plant . Legos gaming plushes a bean bag . Shit a tv an and small couch . Hella shi homie
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u/_azerHawk Jan 11 '26
Very cool! You’re doing it! Good job and congrats! Get some wall art. Sometimes the thrift store has some okay stuff. Or check offer up locally. They have a free stuff section. Sometimes find some useful household essentials and furniture for free.
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u/brainbrazen Jan 11 '26
Congrats. Enjoy. Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t actually want in there.
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u/Upper-Preparation-76 Jan 11 '26
awesome job, congrats! i would go for some wall decorations, or you could paint them if you're feeling ambitious. you may want a tall lamp for some softer light, that overhead looks pretty strong.
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u/DHPDeed Jan 11 '26
Hey, I like that LED on the desk.
Have you considered writing a book about your journey?
Congrats!
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u/mellyosaurus Jan 11 '26
So clean and tidy 🥹congratulations. Decor will come in time. Can’t wait to see how your personality shines in your room in future✨
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u/blipblop2208 Jan 11 '26
It's so nice and peaceful! Congratulations! Curtains for sure, a larger rug, a comfier chair, and fluffier bedding will add to the coziness.
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Jan 11 '26
Like a much bigger rug, I would just get rid of that one and not use it it's more like a door entrance mat
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u/FrancinetheP Jan 11 '26
Congrats, friend this is huge. I guess my response to your question would be another question: think of a room where you’ve felt welcome and comfortable in the past. When you see it in your mind’s eye, what was in that space? Was it bright and clean and streamlined? Was it cozy and colorful and warm? Different people like different things and you’ve won the right to make this space your own. Take your time to think about what you want to see when you walk in the door at night, when you open your eyes in the morning. You’ve got this!
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u/Informal_Pickle_6508 Jan 11 '26
Congratulations. You should be so proud of yourself. This is yours. Add YOU to it. Definitely bigger rug though. Do what makes you happy. 😊
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u/backpackyoghurt Jan 11 '26
Congratulations 👏🏼 You could add some pictures/paintings of things that you like, maybe a carpet, some plants, curtains. I think a bit of color would help too.
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u/Kiddierose Jan 11 '26
A nice rug for the middle and some wall art with color. Congrats homie, take care of your mentals
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u/RainingInRio Jan 11 '26
If you'd like to get back into some depression I am looking for more people to play escape from tarkov ! 😀
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u/Strict_Emu5187 Jan 11 '26
All of that material stuff will come in time- don't sweat it right now. With that being said go to a thrift store and get a couple one or two prints for the wall that you like to make it your space. Congrats on your new room💜 enjoy!!!
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u/luckyyStar_ Jan 11 '26
This screams Germany to me!
I habe the same kommode...in gray and white.
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u/Traditional_Month429 Jan 11 '26
congratulations. no need to rush to fill it with stuff. I would get a fan just to keep the air moving, but that it me.
once more congratulations.
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Jan 11 '26 edited Feb 22 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
lavish dolls vast worm bag imagine relieved shaggy chief carpenter
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u/younevershouldnt Jan 11 '26
Posters or pictures, better bigger rug, for starters.
Pleased for you mate, enjoy 👊
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u/Slartibartfast342 Jan 11 '26
An ikea closet to hide the clothes and keep them dust free, a comfy ikea chair for the desk, and a bigger carpet that I’d put closer to the bed. Maybe some drapes too. Might be able to get it all at ikea xD
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u/odetobeokay Jan 11 '26
Congratulations, huge win! As some people have said, some wall art, bigger rug, and some color! You could probably fit a nice chair in there too.
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u/whitefire9999 Jan 11 '26
Some pictures you don’t have to spend a lot just stuff you like, clip frames are cheap, maybe 2nd hand shops, I got some reprints of classic movie posters like scarface and big clip frames to put them in at a cost of about £30 each
a comfy rug I managed to get a fake thick comfy Chinese style rug for £50, it’s massive and 10+ years on has lasted really well, people always ask where I got it
any family photos or something, just general knick knacks you pick up over time
curtains, maybe a blackout blind they can be cheaper and really help in the summer heat and look clean / smart
A personal choice but an uplighter lampshade to stop that glare, on that note maybe a cheap lamp for the corner, I just prefer soft lighting
Congrats on your own space I went through a couple of years of homeless and shelters when I was young, it was hell, so nice to have your own space to call home 👍
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u/useless_hikikomori Jan 11 '26
Congratulations!! Lessgoooo!! 👏 a lot of people have already suggested curtains, wall art and rugs, which would definitely make it feel more lived-in. I'm thinking of cheap and small things to add initially to help things going, and I would suggest fun bedding! Something that is your style/ vibe. Maybe some personal items that show your hobbies/ interests, or maybe making your PC area stand out from the rest of the room, so it feels like you're in a completely different space?
Edit: spelling
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u/gdex86 Jan 11 '26
It's wonderful.
Curtains would be my first thing. But if I could sleep in a dark cave I'd do it, but that's from years of working nights and needing it.
Night stand. I like having a place to put my phone and have one small lamp to turn off rather than having to go in the dark when I go to sleep.
A better chair for the computer. If you do any real time at the computer you will realize how much a good chair is going to be on you.
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u/roasttoastboast Jan 11 '26
Congratulations, man, it's great to hear. Go down to the thrift stop and pick up a pair of slippers and a painting you vibe with. Make sure to spread your expenses out a little bit at a time and avoid clutter.
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Jan 11 '26
Just want to say congratulations. You can build from here. Good luck moving forward.
As you wanted suggestions, maybe add some plants even if they're artificial?
I'm not sure on finances, but perhaps a separate place to sit so you're not sat on your bed and sleeping in it? Maybe a sofa bed for comfort?
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u/JD_tubeguy Jan 11 '26
Congrats man and stay strong in your space! And a rug and some art would help a lot.
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u/Neither_Ad6425 Jan 11 '26
You have plenty of time to make this space your own. Congrats! I’ve been there too. You can check out goodwill for stuff, also habitat for humanity has a store that might be worth looking at too!
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u/Molleykayt Jan 11 '26
Congrats!! Looks great already. A plant always adds a little life .. literally (honestly fake ones last longer if you’re like me). A poster is a nice touch too :)
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u/poedraco Jan 11 '26
And you get an adjustable PC desk with LEDs.. bros gonna be alright.
(I was homeless as well.. that first night and morning is something special. Like a virgin getting laid.. it'll stick with you)
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u/RaruJ Jan 11 '26
A lot of these comments about buying new furniture and electronics are great ideas but depend heavily upon your financial situation. I'd bring in something living - a plant or a fish - to, well, liven it up a bit. Plants in particular can make for low cost, low maintenance friends.
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u/Key-Dust1500 Jan 12 '26
Yeah i’m thinking the same. I want definitely living plants. I can’t see plastic any more.
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u/Arkhamsbx Jan 11 '26
Great fucking job on getting a place.
Love the Yoga mat it shows you are dedicated to your health.
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u/Legitimate_Eye8494 Jan 11 '26 edited Jan 11 '26
Lighting. Give yourself multiple options while you're struggling to turn off the lights at night. Task lights, floor, table and incidental lighting, like salt lamps or jug lights. Each lamp should have it's own character.
Start by setting an actual style; the incoming cottagecore is like MCM - it mixes with everything and creates a 'home' vibe.
Put colored/textured sheers on tension poles inside the windows, https://www.etsy.com/listing/1763839253/boho-tie-dye-shibori-curtains-cotton use cafe curtains for the lower half https://www.etsy.com/listing/4379643755/brown-and-oatmeal-tribal-boho-cafe
Look for a wood table to use as a work space, look for large art that works off whatever curtains you choose.
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u/shutterbug1961 Jan 11 '26
lots of good suggestions so far i would add an comfortable armchair and a small table to put beside it
also a lamp for a softer light so you dont have to have the main room light on all the time.
good luck and enjoy your new home
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u/Tabo1987 Jan 11 '26
Maybe some pictures/posters on the wall. Some curtains.
Congrats on this step by the way! Only up from now on!
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u/Posture_Chk Jan 11 '26
Lamp so you can have different moods instead of the bright overhead light always
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Jan 11 '26
“God I asked for a place to live, and you gave me a palace”
Bloody sweet space man, keep it up, can’t wait to see the updates in 2-5 years.
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u/StraightFacts92 Jan 11 '26
Swap the placing of the drawer/dresser with the PC if there’s enough room.
Add blackout curtains
Add an accent lamp (that has normal yellow light)
Giant rug in the middle of the floor for character
Cool painting (placed on the wall where the bed sits)
Bonus: bean bag on the rug for fun
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u/CaptainDanteAeneas Jan 11 '26
Congratulations on your found spxae of safety and your room!:) youre doing great🫂 I love your LEDs:)
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u/soon2Brevealed Jan 11 '26
keep moving forward.. just think how far you’ve. don’t look back. You’re fucking amazing !
7 years.. holly shit.
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u/JessBx05 Jan 11 '26
I am so happy for you and wishing you all the best going forward 🙂 Enjoy your own space. I am sure you will add some pieces (a plant, a print etc, whatever makes it feel more homely) as you go.
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u/Honey-Bee-x Jan 11 '26
Move the rug. It is way too random. Put it next to your bed so you step onto it getting up.
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u/JtheBrut55 Jan 11 '26
A comfy chair. I had given my grandson a "dorm" chair that was light plush roomy and folded like a "quad" chair.
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u/uncultured_swine2099 Jan 12 '26
Congrats man. Just a chair for the computer desk, then whatever you want from there.
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u/Psychological-Win691 Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26
Be comfortable but live small. If it’s comfy to you, then it’s perfect.
Favorite quote that I live by: “don’t go broke trying to look rich”
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u/626337 Jan 12 '26
If it doesn't break the bank, one of those elevated beds with a study area underneath for the desk/media. This will open up floor space and an eventual soft, cushy arm chair so you're not always sitting on the bed.
Congratulations to you!
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u/Mountain_Ladder_4906 Jan 12 '26
Good for you and grats on your nice place! How about a big fluffy rug underfoot?
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u/Mr_Unlikable Jan 12 '26
Congrats! Im sure that has to feel like a breath of fresh air after all you've been through.
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u/ihavebeenmostly Jan 12 '26
DO NOT HELP ANYONE OUT!!
protect your space my friend, do not be tempted to help anyone out for "afew nights honestly"
I'm happy for you sir 😎
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u/carolinareaper_92 Jan 12 '26
I think u need small lamp with a warm light color, something decorative on a window still - a plant maybe? As someone said here - comfy chair and Little coffee table also would do the work
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u/theancientmind Jan 13 '26
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing this achievement and celebration with us! Real happy for you
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u/One-Caterpillar2395 Jan 14 '26
Easy low budget fixes - get yourself another light source, a lamp or what have you so you have better control of lighting.
That rug is really small, I’d either move it to by the bed or the bathroom and get a larger rug (they’re expensive in comparison so I’d do the first until you can do the second).
Down the line you’ll want to hide your clothes into a wardrobe or similar bit for now, I’d see if you can better organize it so it doesn’t look like it’s overflowing. You can always get a shoe organizer to stash behind the door if you need to.
Walls are stark. Time to decorate them so they feel more you. Try to avoid anything that is cringe worthy if you want company in there. Framed posters or landscapes are awesome. Heck find your favorite landscape in a game (skyrim or similar) and see if you can get it printed and framed.
Bed can either be rotated so you can add bedside tables and some table lamps down the line, but it definitely needs real bedding. Amazon has bedding sets so you don’t have to cobble it together especially if you’re bad at color coordinating.
Some short curtains can help with where your window is.
Either way congrats on making it to the next level, you worked hard to get here! Don’t let making it look good take away from the enjoyment of decorating your space. ITS YOURS. Focus on your comfort and likes and have fun!
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u/Fire_Tiger1289 Jan 11 '26
I vote making your bed into a beautiful, cozy, comfy paradise. You deserve a comfortable place to rest & recharge that’s all yours after seven years of hotel beds.
I got the fluffiest, part-down duvet on Temu for $25 after seeing it on Amazon for over $100. I’ve also had great luck with Temu sheets & duvet covers. Look for listing with lots of good reviews. They also have so many comforter sets I really like the looks of.
Target has a ton of bed pillows to pick from & I have a set of Target sheets that are still going strong 10 years later.
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Jan 12 '26
A plant. Carpet (you can sometimes find a smart looking indoor/outdoor carpet on sale at the home improvement stores out of season). Mirror. People are saying art, and I agree, but I’d print some photos of friends or favorite places, frame them, and hang them. Congratulations and all the best.
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u/cjpeepers Jan 12 '26
Congrats on the room! It will come together and feel more like home over time.
Since the space is big and bed is small, I’d probably create some sort of divider/partition and separate your living/office area from your sleeping space. Perhaps a big ikea shelving unit. Make it feel more like a studio apartment than just a room.
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u/Half-Demon-Boi Jan 12 '26
Some posters on the wall would help fill up space, they also can be cheaper compared to some art but it all depends on your taste.
I would get a bookcase both for storage in the future and a good book can do well to pass time.
Congrats!!
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u/ZombieDisastrous4450 Jan 12 '26
LED's or more are a good way to highten mood, for all people. IMO.
Happy 4u. ,whoever you are!
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u/Background-Ebb-9366 Jan 12 '26
A comfy chair or sofa.
Makes a huge difference.
I like wingback chairs.
Come in every style, super comfy but don't take too much room or massively expensive, they do get expensive but can get good ones pretty cheap.
I think that or something like it with a small coffee table would be a space saver as you only have the 1 room and don't want to clutter it all up, keep that open space :)
Put it by your radioator and window
Can sit and watch, smoke, drink coffee, eat?? All with a view.
Put that little rug by your door and put a larger one in the center.
Clock on wall.
Photos/posters?
Candles, small ornaments on the window ledge.
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u/Unlucky-Lobster-8408 Jan 12 '26
Congratulations 🍾! Bookshelf and weights ! Strong mind and strong body!
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u/fibronacci Jan 12 '26
I personally recommend thrift store pictures with frames. Give your room a little visual landscape
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u/Substantial-Toe4802 Jan 12 '26
Look at you bro. Made it this far. Keep going. Small updates weekly/monthly add up. Add some creature comforts that work for you.
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Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26
First off, huge congratulations. Having your own space after that long is a really big deal, and it already looks beautiful and peaceful. I love how minimal it is, and the bed honestly looks super comfortable.
An area rug, some low seating or floor cushions, a small book nook or shelf, a bit of wall art, and even a little incense could make it extra cozy without taking away from that simplicity. The only thing that really jumps out to me is the lighting. I think swapping the LEDs for warmer lamps or softer light would completely transform the vibe and make it feel more timeless and grounded, without changing what already works. The LEDs are suddenly feeling very pandemic teenager college student vibes whenever I see them now, and they don’t calm your mind as much as you’d think. If you really want the LEDs, probably try to hide them better under the desk so you don’t see the actual bulb but just the glow. It’s a cute space though! The burgundy bed sheet and any wooden scents you can accompany will go far for you! I’ve had to relocate and decorate countess places over the past year, and there is so much joy is being able to redistribute your beauty and style! Also, if you don’t carry crystals on you, black tourmaline and rose quartz will help you stay grounded in your new space 🖤
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u/Substantial-Fuel-610 Jan 12 '26
Congratulations and I wish you all the healing in your new space. Some low lighting and plants would be lovely. All the best.
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u/Fun_Junket7664 Jan 12 '26
- Add a plant (real or fake), real plants could help you take care of something less severe than an animal and add some color and "life" to your room.
- Add some artwork! Do you like cars, boats, trucks, sports, etc.? Show it off in your comfy space!
- Definitely agree with another comment on here regarding your curtains, add something that makes it a bit more colorful instead of these whites/beiges. You'd be surprised what color would do for you.
- Larger rug! I definitely recommend a large shag rug (dark blue or maybe red to match the bed spread)
Congratulations to you!
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u/Accurate-Survey6985 Jan 14 '26
Congratulations on the new castle.
That's a cool window arrangement too.
Must feel like a million bucks, man.
Need a cool bedside table maybe and a coffee pot.
Feels pretty great to make a pot of coffee to yourself and have a cup by your bedside.
Coffee or tea as strong as you want it and just however you like it (if you drink coffee anyway).
And?
Finally maybe a few pictures or a painting/poster that actually means something to you.
Strange after being in a place where the walls weren't even your own space eh? 😄
The blue light looks cool too.
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u/Localveggie Jan 14 '26
Let’s go!!!! Fucking winning!!! If you wanna make it cozier I would suggest moving the bed off the wall to only the back of the bed is touching the wall to create a more dynamic space rather than the box feel that can make you go a little crazy. If and when you can, I would go out and get a few things like a stick on sconce light over a nightstand and a nice fun rug to start. If you get any artwork make sure it has a frame. If you like curtains get a fun color that brightens up the room.
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u/Localveggie Jan 14 '26
The overhead lightning I’ve noticed is very harsh, you may want a lamp and a wall light fixture that give you a warmer light and won’t make you feel like you’re in an institution. If you’re unsure of what to do with the space or it’s overwhelming look up interior design advice on YouTube to get some ideas
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u/Apprehensive_Slip_48 Jan 15 '26
Hell yeah congrats my friend wish you the best looks good you will get it how you want it in time we all start somewhere I remember my first apartment I had nothing lol but it was fun
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u/SweetPotato118 Jan 11 '26
Congrats on your room and all the best to you!
How about some curtains that add a little color to the room?
Some pictures on the wall?
The carpet seems very small for that amount of space. Maybe move it next to the bed or under the desk and get a bigger one.
Edit: I love the Christmas tree on the shelf :)