Anonymous asked: My name is Sara,17, I'm from the suburbs in PA. My parents have been going through a rough divorce so, my mom and I are moving about 30 minutes from where we live now. We are on an EXTREME budget and are moving into a strange old school cottage on a farm-owner's property, it's super small and my mom and I will be sharing a bedroom!! Ouch. I need a fresh start. A space of my own. I'm sorta preppy, an artist, I love bright colors and a mismatch boho look. How do I make it all work?
Oh man, I’m really sorry to hear that. I do think that an old school cottage on a farm owner’s property does sound kind of cool, or if not cool, at least interesting. I’m relieved to hear that you’re an artist, because hopefully that means you can channel all of this into your work—take lots of pictures, draw, keep a journal, etc. If you and your mom are going to be sharing a room, ask her if you can hang a tapestry down the middle to divide the space and give you both some privacy. Urban Outfitters sells lots of cool, bright colored ones that are huge, and when they’re on sale, they’re less than $20. You can also probably find some good stuff at a thrift store—I once found a beautiful rose tapestry for less than a dollar. Cool old sheets or tablecloths also work. If you like a mismatched boho look, that’s great, because you can probably also find cool pillows, blankets and wall art at thrift stores too.
A string of multicolor lights can also bring color to your room without having to paint the walls, which you probably can’t do. You can tack them up around your bed to make it feel really cozy. You’re probably also going to have to edit what you can have in your room, so make sure it’s all stuff that you really love and that has meaning. I also think it’s worth having a very grown-up conversation with your mom, and ask if there’s any other part of the house that you can designate as ‘yours’—a corner or nook where you can keep your stuff. Chances are, she wants to have her own space as much as you want yours. Good luck!xoxo
