ABOUT ME/MY BLOG:
I used to classify myself as decorating-challenged. But when I finally got my own place after college, I decided it was the right time to start caring about how I designed it. Stumbling upon young, stylish blogs such as the Lovely Undergrad changed my outlook on how to find new creative inspiration. I began The Funky Bear to share my home decorating finds, ideas, and do-it-yourself projects with my own friends and anyone else who happened to read. I hope you come visit the blog and enjoy!
ABOUT MY ROOM/STYLE:
Everybody’s personal style continually evolves and mine is no different. Currently I would describe my design tendencies as traditional yet eclectic. I am young so I have a lot of hand-me-down furniture from my parents that I love to mix with unique pieces to spice things up. Thrift stores and Craigslist have become my best friends to find the newer items in my life - it is surprisingly easy to re-furbish old pieces into something great. This is something I have become extremely passionate about and am thinking about turning into a business venture. I’m not a designer and I won’t pretend to be, but I truly believe you do not have to be a professional to create a stunning home.
I live on a budget every day so I thought it would be fun to decorate my favorite room in the house - the living room - with no budget in mind :) I've always been drawn to bright colors like the Suzani fabric and Moroccan-inspired patterns. Colors bring joy to a room but I always buy my larger furniture in neutrals so that they can pair with any look I choose in the future. Unfinished and reclaimed wood is gorgeous and so hot right now. The apothecary multiple drawer look and wood paired with industrial metal is super trendy. I would die for a huge apothecary console like the one from Terrain. To me, that is a forever piece - a “modern antique.” Gray is another obsession of mine and can act as a fabulous neutral, especially the pale dove gray seen on this cabinet. I swear it magically goes with everything. But my most beloved decor right now is a recent personal creation: the nude silhouette line art. The simple white lines on flax linen are mature and feminine - the words I hope will describe the next steps in my evolution of personal style.
I'm actually about to move into my very own flat (yes, I'm British!) so I have been thinking a lot about interiors just lately! I have quite an eclectic taste, so I hope to make each room a little bit different. The pieces I've put together here are consistent with my vision for my living/kitchen space. I included a mix of budget and expensive items, but I will most certainly be working to a budget when I am doing up my new place! I think what makes it 'me' is the quirky, slightly mismatched, retro feel. I really have to try not to go too 'old lady' when it comes to decors: here I tried to pair vintage things that I might find in charity shops (the place where I'll be buying much of my new homewares!) with modern pops of colour and clean white furniture.
I love bold type and sweet messages, so that's why I picked the 'Make Yourself at Home' cushion - I also like playing 'hostess with the mostess' so that's another reason! One of my favourite things to do is have friends round for coffee, and I love vintage sets like the one shown. I'd like to fill a whole wall with photos of friends and family, so that is the reason for all the colourful frames. And the popcorn maker is for movie nights cuddled up on the sofa!
I couldn't really say what inspired this set, I think mostly it's a mix of my love for all that is shabby chic (the bunting and jar) paired with a penchant for scandinavian style (the white desk and chair) topped off with a current fondness for the 1970's (the clock and coffee set).
Megan writes weekly fashion and lifestyle tips at Charade, a blog for stylish, successful students surviving on a budget.
