How to brighten living space?

I just moved to Germany yesterday. I arrived last week but finally moved into my apartment last night. It is a shared flat, with a shared kitchen and bathroom and we each have our own room. Mine has a couch, shelf, desk, bed and dresser. Literally nothing else.

Since I moved from the states, and am likely staying only a year, I only brought one larger suitcase and one carryon, filled with clothes. I have white walls and (fake) wood floors and it just feels empty and cold. So I suppose I am looking for cheap ways to make it a bit more livable.

Cheap is really key because I will probably have to just throw it out when I leave and I am earning pretty much just enough to survive.

Pictures?

Cheap art, plants, etc

find you a redhead.

shell add color, warmth, and decoration.

in all honesty, curtains and a poster or two make a huge difference. same with a bookshelf and books. tv and stereo.

Some combination of the following: Cheap poster/picture, recliner, lamp, rug, coffee/tea maker, stereo, guitar, plants, mirror, and coffee table.

I'd be hitting up estate sales if they have them there.

Yeah I guess I just dont know how much of that stuff I can find here cheaply. In the states we have craigslist and I had a truck and the like, plus everything was cheaper.

I think a rug and a redhead are at the top of the list.

go to the ring every weekend, tape your wristbands to the wall.

Mirrors.

Are you allowed to paint? Also, pay lots of attention to lighting. A lamp or two with 3-way incandescent or LED bulbs can change the warmth of a room more than you might credit.

In reply to captdownshift:

My stepmothers friend actually is a race photographer and might be able to get me some cheap tickets to races. There is a race track pretty close too.

I've also forgotten about online shopping, I am usually against the idea because buying local is good, but my bank account takes precedence

They've got IKEA out there, right?

fritzsch wrote: I think a rug and a redhead are at the top of the list.

That sounds so dirty

Is there Cvs type photo place? We could each have a photo printed out there and you'd just have to pick them up and hang them.

Wally wrote: Is there Cvs type photo place? We could each have a photo printed out there and you'd just have to pick them up and hang them.

Those are probably some of the most terrifying words I've ever read.

I didn't think of that at the time but I wonder what kind of decency laws the Germans have.

fritzsch wrote: ... I only brought one larger suitcase and one carryon ...

I read the whole thing and kept thinking why would someone take a crayon to Germany ... it was all I could think of until I reread it.

NOHOME wrote:

fritzsch wrote: I think a rug and a redhead are at the top of the list.

That sounds so dirty

I'm still trying to figure out the non-dirty interpretation!

I thought Germany is supposed to be a cold and and empty society.

alfadriver wrote: I thought Germany is supposed to be a cold and and empty society.

1. Grab a free map from a tourist station. Lay it down on the desk and put your stuff on top.
2. Do you have access to a library? Could grab a few books too.
3. Take a couple of your american rock and roll t-shirts and pin them to the wall. You don't need them all to wear anyway.
4. Grab a bottle of wine or two and place on shelf. When empty, add fake flower, christmas lights, use your imagination, etc. Instant art.
5. Ask your mom/dad/brother/sister/best-friend/sig-other to send a framed photo. You will get the photo, and they will be so excited that you asked.

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Are you allowed to paint? Also, pay lots of attention to lighting. A lamp or two with 3-way incandescent or LED bulbs can change the warmth of a room more than you might credit.

I'll vote a big thumbs down for painting. One of the worst feelings in the world is the one where you just finished packing up a bunch of crap and then realizing you have to paint all the walls back to the original color.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: They've got IKEA out there, right?

They do, and that's where I used to go (well, still do, just not in Germany) for cheap furnishings.

Ability to paint really depends on the rental agreement and the fact that it's a shared apartment complicates matters. Normally, if you rent in Germany you are generally allowed to paint the place, but you usually have to put it back into the condition it was when you move out. Heck, even if you didn't paint the place you often end up having to paint it before you move out anyway.

I'd go to Ikea for some throw rugs and some additional furnishings.

Dusterbd13 wrote: find you a redhead. shell add color, warmth, and decoration.

He wants to add warmth, not set the place on fire.

German car parts as decorations? BMW engine block as a wine rack?