Evolution of an Apartment, Part III

Lighting has been an almost constant problem in my apartment. Since Amber and I have two windows in each of our rooms, that leaves zero windows for the kitchen, living room and bathroom. And with nighttime now arriving at about 4:45 each evening, the apt has been a bit dark. Sure, there's the overhead light in the living room, but man, I hate overhead lighting. It's so stark and it creates all the wrong shadows. Lamplight is so much better for everyone involved.

I made my first public transportation trek to Ikea in Brooklyn today. I'd been before when Jenny was looking for a bed and her parents were in town and drove us in their van, but I'd never made the journey on the subway. It was actually pretty quick – about 35 minutes – getting to the Borough Hall station in Brooklyn on the 4 train. Then a free shuttle comes every 20 minutes and drives shoppers to the Ikea, which is another 15 minutes or so. So all in all, the entire trip was about an hour, which really isn't that bad considering the distance traveled and money saved.

So, check out the loot:

The first thing was some kind of small lamp for my room. I bought a floor lamp for my room a while back, and while it's been amazing and I use it all the time, when I want to read before I go to sleep, I always have to get up and turn it off. But no more! This amazing little lamp is perfect for my built-in shelves and will easily move to a higher place when I get a real bed. And for $6.99, I mean, why not?


Also for my room, I needed some black frames for these amazing prints of my dog Zoe that Christine made me fore my birthday. Sure, it was a little over two months ago, but it was well worth the wait. The wooden frames were $1.99 each and will have a place on my wall as soon as I figure out where I want to hang them.


The floor lamp was my main goal for the evening, and I think it is my favorite purchase. The colors are nice and neutral, and it puts off a surprising amount of hazy light for what it is. I'm ecstatic about it, and though I originally went to buy a $10 plain old floor lamp, this contemporary paper-shade lamp was worth the money. And at $24.99, it was a great deal for the look.


Oh, and did I mention that it has two little buddies? I saw these first and knew I had to get them for $9.99 each, and when I saw their larger friend, it really completed the look and tied the room together. First a couch, then side tables, then lamps. And while I waited in line (for 20 minutes), I also picked up a much-needed lime green pillow for $3.99. At least the couch will be a little more comfortable now.

After five energy efficient light bulbs, my total came to just under $80 before tax. I originally set out to spend about $40, but for four lamps, two frames and a pillow, $80 is not bad at all. Especially when it's as tasteful as these things are.