My Daughter's First "Adult" Apartment - Coastal Meets Lilly P.

My daughter, Ashley, graduated from college this past May.

{You can probably still hear the echoes of her dad shouting "hallelujah!"}

Within a few weeks after graduation,

she landed a JOB!

{...can we get another "hallelujah!"}

 

Now mind you, it is an entry level position in the field she's pursuing.

But one in which she can possibly advance quite quickly.

And she'll have that necessary "experience" needed.

We're very proud of our girl!

A homebody, and one that school has not always come easy for,

she went away to college two hours from home at 17 years old, 

 graduated  with a BS in the allotted four years,

(with no summer school classes),

and found a job not long after graduation. 

She is a very determined young lady!

But enough bragging!   :)

On a very serious budget, 

Ashley and I, set up her first "adult" apartment.
She was going for a toned-down Lilly'esque, coastal vibe in her decor,
(as in Lilly Pulitzer).

And yes... I so made up that word!

With graduation money from grandparents, 

she made her first big furniture purchase, a sofa from Big Lots.  

Her dad and I bought a new chair for the living room, 

and one for her desk.

Other than that, her furniture was an ensemble of hand-me-downs

and second hand finds.

The coffee table was a $20 local thrift store find that was updated

 with a couple of coats of navy blue paint.

The white vase with "elephant head" gold handles, brass rimmed glass coasters,
and brass drink opener in the white leather tray were antique mall finds.
{Golden Leaf Antiques Mall - Mullins, SC
 & Marion Emporium - Marion, SC}

She found the gold table (above), for $10 at the same thrift store as the coffee table.

The lamps were reused from her college apartment.

A few night shots...

The mirror was also recycled from her college apartment,

transformed from silver to gold with a little spray paint.

She sewed several of the pillows for her apartment,
including the coral print ones, below.

Moving into her little dining nook...

The dining set was a hand-me-down that was her great-grandmother's. 

We sanded down, re-stained, and poly'd the wood top.

The chairs and base of the table were painted a semi-gloss off white.

The chairs, each in great, very sturdy condition, 

were recovered in the pretty blue geometric fabric.

Night shots...

{Although a serene space, it is very hard to photograph.

Pictures in the post are made up of photos taken with a camera, ipad, 

and Iphone, and at various hours.)

 

The kitchen area...

The last room I'll share in this post is her bedroom...

The bed and dresser were also hand-me-downs from her great-grandmother. 

For graduation, Ashley's boyfriend ordered her

 a Lilly Pulitzer duvet cover from Garnet Hill.

A month and a half later, she still hasn't received it.

They have gotten the run-around from Garnet Hill and USPS...
very disappointing. 

Hopefully, it will be straightened out soon.

Did you happen to notice the Lilly Pulitzer look-book on the coffee table?

The Lilly prints below, that hang over the bed, 

were cut from that book and framed with 5x5 inset frames from Michael's.

Lilly for Target Chair...

Just a few night shots of the bedroom,
including this $5 auction chair painted navy, with new upholstery.

Doesn't this bamboo design, green glass lamp just scream L.I.L.L.Y!
We came across it at the antique mall, Marion Emporium, in Marion, SC.
{Gold and white stripped lamp shade - Target}

Thanks for hanging in there with me,

I know this was a long post!

I'll save her little porch and office niche for another time!  :)
~Rhonda

...update...
The Home Office Niche can be viewed {HERE}

 


_____________________________

PS...
I would like to extend a big, heartfelt "Thanks" to Sandy,
from Shadow Meadow Cottage Blog!

She featured my post,
Southern Charm in Full Bloom Garden Tour,
along with several others' in her Sharing Saturday post,
all featuring beautiful home and garden inspiration!

I may have to "borrow" your post idea, Sandy!
Check her out, she has a wonderful and charming blog!

_______________________________


Linking Post To:
Coastal Charm - Show and Share No.271
Our Home Away From Home - Tuesday at our Home
Cozy Little House - Tweak It Tuesday
Worthing Court - The Scoop