Making an Unfamiliar Place Home

Home for me has always been in Denver, Colorado.  That was until 2 1/2 years ago.  I moved to Milwaukee to be with a guy I had fallen in love with.  I was nervous, worried, but most of all excited.  Although I hated the idea of leaving my friends and family, I was ready for the sudden and drastic change that would come with moving somewhere new.  

Of course, at first, living in a new place was fun.  However, the thrills of experiencing something different quickly wore off, and I was left feeling homesick and lonely; two things that do not make for a happy relationship or life. My parents constantly reminded me of the commitment I made when I moved here, and suggested I make the most of it.  
Great, thanks.  That's just what I wanted to hear.  
After about 6 months, I knew I needed to find a way to make this place feel like home.  I think maybe this is when my obsession with home decor and interior design started.  I have always loved watching HGTV and DIY Network, but I had never felt that excitement that comes with buying the perfect lamp or table top accessory.  How lame do I sound now?

Suddenly, I owned, okay rented, my very own apartment where I could make it the home I'd always wanted.  Lucky for me, my boyfriend's mom does Interior Design, so he is completely used to giving up all say on what the home looks like.  

I gradually collected pieces from my favorite furniture stores, World Market, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Pier 1, and began creating my dream apartment.  We moved multiple times, so that made it difficult at first.  However, for the last year, and the next upcoming 18 months, we have lived in one amazing apartment.  

We have finally put some paint on the walls, purchased furniture and wall decor for specific spots, and created what truly feels like a home.  I will gradually put up many posts of different areas of the apartment, and show you just how to take that unfamiliar white-wall-box-apartment to a home you can't imagine leaving!