Decorating my New York City apartment *WALL DECOR* (doesn't go as planned...)

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Hi friends!! Great to see so many of you at my live on Tuesday! As far as this video goes... please help 🤣🤣you'll see why in the last quarter of the video lol. Have a great weekend! 💘

[@Inesramadaviana]

Hello Chelsea, I usually don't comment on your videos, but I love to follow your journey and see them. I'm an interior designer, and I work with Design for Wellbeing! I would love to help you if you want or need it! I totally understand and relate to how we envision things in our minds, but then in real life, they don't quite happen as we imagined. Here are some suggestions/tricks: we can create a sketch of the wall and the paintings to see how to place them, determine the distance, and how they flow together. This gives us some space to think, envision, and then apply it in real life. We can also create a mood board with the colours to see how they match together and how we feel about them! Another thing you can do is think about what you want to feel in the different spaces, and then look into the furniture, colours, textures, paintings, and everything else to choose the ones that make you feel that way. For example, for the bedroom, since it is a place to sleep, bringing in calming colours and images will help you with that. If you have a lot of activity in the space, it may impact your sleep. I would love to help you and make you love the process and the result! Our homes are so important and have a huge impact on our wellbeing! If you have any questions or anything else, let me know! I'm here if you need me!!!

[@dashdhash]

The best part of your new apartment decor video's are watching the kittens help. I've always loved your authenticity and now the kittens add a new dimension to it.

[@feliciaford9696]

@ChelseaCallahan Hello! I am still on the floor laughing. I've done the same decor mishaps. I t will be okay. Love the haircut. Keep the $120 stylist. He's worth it! For hanging the pics, look at the layout styles that look like your walls which are framed. Then lay your art on the floor and just play with arrangements. Desenio may have an app or folks who can help. As for that heavy, crazy shelf, call your friend who helped you paint. Sometimes you need a second pair of hands. I'm an introvert too, so I get it. Call your super to fix that closet because Chelsea, girl, you're paying for that. Keep up the good work. Love your Gordo and Deli.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Well, I'm sure your walls are uneven/not level ... which would cause pattern match wallpaper to be "off." You just have to do what you can.

[@honeybee519]

Hey Chelsea you can fix the closet doors, just take the screws to the hardware and match them to something longer. The longer screws will grip deeper into the wood and hold the door in place. Your place is great! It's coming together nicely and everything ties together. Just some ideas: Try putting the print above the bed instead. I'd put a small floating shelf above the bed with some fairy lights and a few metal pieces to tie in the brass rod. Maybe the weird shelf could go above the desk? Or the print could go above the desk to make the room more cohesive bc all the colour is on one side of the room. I'd also do a gallery wall behind the sofa, I see a lot of NYC apartments with gallery walls full of different size frames and it always looks so cool. Can't wait for part 2.

[@jenniferflannery764]

So refreshing to see the reality. I get so discouraged when everything falls into place on other videos.

[@Phaagraphic]

Centering the pictures in the box that’s created by molding on your walls can be a nice look. And for the pictures on your wall above your couch the same idea is good, but hang them equal distance from ceiling/sofa and centered in the molding. Just take your time designing your space! And maybe ask a friend over to help get a second pair of hands, eyes, and emotion support! You got this girl, your apartment is beautiful!

[@Cheri94]

Exactly what I was trying to scream at the screen🤣🤣🤣

[@LisaLisa-mx3hq]

Yes definitely move the picture on the left above the couch over to the left more to center it!

[@Terese0247]

YES!!!

[@ivettabauman]

definitely agree with this! at first help: emotional, and also who can hand that shelf above washing machine! but all is so NORMAL to think, rethink, dod mistakes, don't worried, i loved video, so real!

[@FAC321]

totally agree about the moldings , they create a frame for anything placed on the wall - maybe for the living room to get around the molding issue is to create an art wall so filling each or one molding square with prints/ pictures

[@dontatme319]

For the art in your living room, cutting paper that matches the size of your pictures and then taping them to the wall, and playing around with the placement, is a great way to figure out where to hang pics!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

great tip! thank you :)

[@Charnnna]

Great idea! I was going to suggest this.

[@marlenadn3364]

I hate to say this…but I also think the size of the art is too small. It needs to be to scale of the wall and the moulding on the wall is screaming for a big piece. I would suggest either 2 BIG pieces on the wall behind the sofa or 1 big piece and then 2 medium pieces would be nice.

[@brisams1622]

As someone currently decorating her apartment, this is the realest video i've everrrrr seen lol.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all the great advice so far! Definitely feeling better about how to approach Part 2! Much love xx

[@nattiemae]

I don't THINK I saw and comments, (but there were A LOT!) about perhaps getting a cat hammock that attaches to a window sill? They would LOVE looking out the window! Also, heck yeah call a task rabbit for that mondo shelf! Vertically AND horizontally?! Lol, trash directions!

[@adelecaroline3614]

Okay, I know they were being mischievous but I laughed out loud at both kitties climbing. Especially when Gordo made a leap on to it!

[@melissaeastman7281]

Oh I laughed so hard at that part out loud at work lol... Oops

[@adelecaroline3614]

@@melissaeastman7281 hey, if any of your colleagues had seen that clip then they'd understand!

[@honeybee519]

Me too! I was a bit jealous tbh they were having so much fun 😊

[@adelecaroline3614]

@@honeybee519 they were! With one copying the other one. True siblings!

[@Jenny.Franklin]

Okay, I’m certainly no decorator, but my thoughts! Overall, if you’re looking for cohesiveness, this is my suggestion on colors: You have a lot of gold accents in the dining room, and the kitchen has a lot of warm tones. Stick with that - don’t bounce between cool and warm tones. That flower picture in the dining room is really pretty, and I think you should base your color pallet for the kitchen/living room/bedroom off of it. Focus on warm earth tones, maybe off-white, beiges, golds, muted peach, sage greens, yellows, burnt orange, muted reds, and browns for those rooms? Living Room: •The pictures in the living room look weird because 1) yes, they’re too low, and 2) they’re not centered in your beautiful existing trim details. I would center the large picture on the left in the middle of the trim. The other smaller pictures could either be centered in the right one, or offset each of them (smaller one high up and slightly to the left and the larger one lower and slightly to the right). •PLEASE get those armrests attached to the couch. They’re just taking up space in the living room and making the couch less functional. •The TV should be slightly higher. I would suggest mounting it, and you can put decorations on the TV stand below it. If you did some cord management with some wire covers, you could even put two cat beds atop of the TV stand as a little spot for them to lay under the TV. •I believe you’ve had plants before - I would suggest hanging a few from the ceiling near Anne Hathaway’s window (but not low enough for kitties to get at!). Bedroom: •Get a headboard for the bed! My suggestion would be some sort of "rattan" headboard that would go with your blinds. •The gold mirror in your bedroom is very pretty - I would play off the gold and beige! Return that purple rug, it goes with NOTHING in the apartment. If you’re looking for cohesiveness, get a rug with some gold, beige, & brown tones. The fuchsia duvet cover you ordered is not going to solve the problem of the purple rug. You’re just going to end up with 3 different random shades of purple in the apartment. I would suggest neutral earth tone colors - maybe play off of the picture you just hung in there: the camel color of the leather and the desert tones of the background. Dining Room: •The shelf above the larger shelf in the “washer corner” would make sense and would be functional. Another place for it too would be above the computer monitor. Basically anywhere where you couldn't bump into it. •The blank space above the cat feeding area (betwen the kitchen and the living room door) would be a nice place to hang a photo of the kitties! Either having one printed, or going to Etsy and order a drawing of them. •The funky black & white waiter picture doesn’t go anywhere super cohesively. I’d donate it or put it in the bathroom where it would be kind of silly. •Lastly - best place for finding affordable throw pillows and bedspreads? Homegoods! I totally understand that paralizing feeling when trying to decorate. The most important thing is for it to feel like home to you! Good luck!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you!!

[@RnR-Rebel]

@JennyFranklin-f4v - I was going to suggest exactly the same as you! Jet 🧡🎸🎶⚡️🤘🦋🏍

[@RnR-Rebel]

@@ChelseaCallahan- An idea popped into my head when Jenny above mentioned headboard. An easy, fun fix would be to get a matching shade but in a size to fit the wall where the bed is. Hang it from top of wall & let drop behind your bed. You could cut off the cords if you like; it’d be cohesive & you could have fun clipping little mementos to it, hang art😊! One other thing, I think when you’ve got such a warm palette going you need little punches of vibrant colour in accessories, it can be warm like a beautiful bright sunny yellow, orange or choose a complimentary colour in something bright as it’s unexpected & gives a room some panache. Hope that helps- I’m the master of chaotic decor😂, my house is a riot of colour (🫣I wear black, get my “fix” at home😂) & styles so I’m not very traditional when it comes to décor but people say our home makes them feel comfy & happy🤷🏼‍♀️. Jet 🧡🎸🎶⚡️🤘🦋🏍

[@Sugaduga02]

Omg you stole all of my thoughts I swear! Definitely a warm tone theme throughout. The sofa arms!!! Invite a friend over to help or task rabbit that. The 3 “floating” shelves could go over your Mac. I’d also swap where the Mac & Washer is. The top of the shelf would make a great entryway drop off zone & also kinda creates a lil defined work zone

[@lizzabbott]

Wow , Jenny great ideas !

[@taylor2602]

i cracked up when you snapped your fingers and the bedding was back but you were exhausted. 😭

[@maurcher]

After watching your sweet adoption videos, I took the plunge and decided to adopt two kittens who needed immediate rehoming. As a single woman (also 32!!), I am terrified to lose my independence and also have two lives dependent on me. But your videos have really inspired me and made me feel like I could face my fears (because I ultimately do want to have cats, so why not now?).Thanks for continuing to share sweet moments from your life

[@mmmarloes]

So happy for you! Same, and I'm so happy I got my cat almost 3 years ago while living alone. In all this time I've always easily managed to find someone to stay at my place to cat sit. And it was also a nice little push to get better acquainted with my neighbors, who now have a key to my home so they can feed her in emergencies. Wishing you all the best and a lot of fun with your little friends!

[@maurcher]

Thank you for this sweet response! 🥺 I love hearing about your experience.

[@Asthzr]

Hi Chelsea! As an art student, I needed to learn how to showcase my paintings (I get the struggle). My professor told me that when you hang a photo or a painting at least one corner should be at the same level as the piece next to it. For example ( 20:25 ) the bottom of the landscape painting should be at the same level as the bottom of the bouquet painting. I hope this helps! You got this!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you!!

[@alleycat2502]

Honestly your face when you heard the screaming kid next door, punctuating your statement of rising from the ashes 😂 Dude same

[@phamasta]

Frustrations and melt downs are included in every apartment package. 😂 you got this!

[@novaleelmw]

Caroline Winkler has a bunch of great videos on decorating, one of them is like a 'ultimate guide to wall decor' and she just dropped one about finding your decorating style that might also help. You're doing great! Love the bedroom wallpaper and picture!

[@ashley.mastin]

When I was designing my gallery wall, I took a photo of my blank walls, and a photos of each picture. I placed them all into procreate and saved various layouts I liked. So much easier to plan digitally and move things around! Gallery walls are so tough (coming from someone with an art/design eye). Loved how real this vid was

[@heathermorrison1295]

OMG! That was hilarious when the cats were climbing up your bed! That totally made my day!

[@stephb3321]

I’m still laughing. 😂 Such kitten-y behavior. 😊

[@moda78z]

And another thing, just buy them a big free standing cat tree to place by the window. It’s the perfect spot. Maybe even wait until they get bigger. The whole apartment is a cat tree for them at this age. What you can do now is buy a hammock with suction thingies that you can stick to the window. They can lay there and look out the window. And don’t stress yourself out! It doesn’t all have to be done at once! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nadineshamatta7420]

“I’m dead inside” you’re so real for that. I truly lol’d

[@marcelalopezlira7105]

I am not going to lie. I laughed so much watching this. Not at you but with you. You are so funny! And the cats didn't help...the way they were climbing on the mattress...LOL! Chelsea, not everything has to match. What you picked looks great! It's ok to have explosions of color and funky decor. Get what you like. It will look great as long as it brings you joy. And yes, get someone to hang the shelves for you. Life's too short. 😂

[@adriennehilll]

The cats are just the most perfect addition to your home + this channel 🥲🥹🫶🏼

[@suefitz2498]

You’re a trooper Chelsea with all the decorating and placement of pieces. I love the trial and error, it’s how we learn. You always go the extra mile to make things work really well. Can’t wait to see what happens next week. Maybe set a timer for shorter periods of time for working on it rather than sticking with it for many many hours in one go. ❤❤❤

[@saraj.442]

The feeling you describe around the 23 minute mark has 100% been me trying to decorate. It wasn't until recently after living in apartments for the past decade that I realized that it's okay to not have a fully flushed out plan for how I want a space to be designed and that sometimes over time as you accumulate things, the space starts to fall together. I used to avoid even hanging artwork on my wall until I had a complete set to fill a space, but then I realized I was just hoarding away things that I really enjoy and want to see on the wall! I've been happier taking the time to hang a piece here and there that I like (even if it's just one small piece on a wall) and eventually finding the flow of the room rather than putting the pressure on myself to completely design a room in one go or forcing the space to come together just for the sake of it.

[@tadahoov]

The kitties racing up your mattress gave me life!!!!

[@jayoleary8655]

Hi Chelsea , I think you should put the arms on your couch and center the couch then hang the bigger pictures in the center of the framing around your walls so they will hang over your couch . the smaller pictures should be for a small wall area . In your bedroom you should hang curtains to make the room look more cozy . I would take your dresser out of the bedroom and put it in your dinning room you would have so much more room , love the rug .

[@anitacarter8060]

You gave it a good effort, I’m sorry it was hysterical!!! This is how my decorating goes also !!! 😆😆😆🤭🙌🏻

[@nathalie5064]

I feel you Chelsea. I've been trying to decorate my home for a while now, and I had to accept that 1) it's no easy task, 2) it takes time (a lot). My opinion: you'll get there 😉 but only through trial-and-error. You'll find pieces you like, envison them in your space and then the result will not be what you thought, but sometimes it will! like your wallpaper, the print in your bedroom, the flowers print in the living room and so on... Take the wins and try not to focus too much on the things that didn't work (as) well. You'll get there eventually. Take the color of your kitchen as an example. The second choice was the good one 😉 but you had to commit and try one to find out what you like and what looks best. Anyway, as always, thanks for sharing with so much honesty. I love your content, and as a cat mom and cat lover, I have to say that seeing the 2 kitties in your videos now, warms my heart and cheer my mood even more. Take care.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement 💕

[@LSChestersMom]

One of my favorite sayings is "bloom where you are planted". I used to be a world traveler and loved it. Now I love my roots and home nest base and my dog son! Happy for you! You sweet kitties made me laugh out loud!

[@du_ogmog]

There are some absolute gems on youtube for interiors, Paige Wassel, Caroline Winkler, and Architectural Digest. Watching these channels has helped immensely with my home design. Paige and Caroline give wonderful advice, guidance, and insight on how to decorate, and AD is for inspiration, and to get ideas on what you can do with a space. Perhaps laying out your art on the floor first, so you can play around with positioning, and layout before it goes on your wall might help.

[@bree8150]

Caroline is an absolute gem ❤

[@RebeccaHunt-wv8bc]

@@bree8150 Yes, Caroline is great, and a hoot as well. Paige, on the other hand , has questionable color preferences in my opinion. Her line of pillows, for instance, I find very boring. Everything is stripes and plaids, in browns, mustards, and odd greens. I'm sure it appeals to many, but I'm not a big fan. I like her furniture but not the fabric choices.

[@victoriahamilton1989]

Also Alexandra Gator! She also is so good at designing apartments and gives great tips!

[@melaniejohnson606]

@@victoriahamilton1989 I totally agree! Alexandra is awesome and her designs are renter friendly.

[@bree8150]

@@victoriahamilton1989 omg yes! I love the AG team! 😊

[@joannelop4072]

I loved watching this train wreck. It reminds me of my projects It's nice to see normal stuff rather then other perfectly curated videos that cut all the bad stuff out. I loved your cats going crazy on the bed lol

[@VioletStar3]

1. Love how realistic this is! 2. I cooed out loud at your little mischief makers multiple times. 😻😻 3. You got this! The wallpaper is perfect, and after watching this through, I think an extra art print or two could potentially help with more of a ‘gallery wall’ feel in the main living space. And I agree with one of the comments suggesting paper cutouts of the art print sizes to move around to test the layout. 4. For my tiny NYC studio, it took a *while* to like my eventual art placement…and it involved lots of do-overs and rearranging. You’re in a great spot, and making everything so cute. 😸

[@melaniejohnson606]

All my love to you Chelsea. I feel your pain. I’m no decorator by any stretch of the imagination but the one suggestion I have is to place your art work centered inside of those wall moldings. You may need to rearrange your couch or other furnishings to get everything to work. The struggle is real! Love you!!! And the cats are the best! Cat mom here! 🐈‍⬛ ❤

[@guancial3]

Agree! Treat the molding as if it’s a border and base your placement on that. The molding adds an extra element to consider because if it was a totally blank wall, I think what you started would work well! Also maybe try taking still photos of the space and play with designing on the computer ❤ you got this 🎉

[@micap.4268]

cant stop looking at the kittens, cutest things ever

[@Tmp130]

You managed the hardest job - getting the wallpaper up! Hang the pictures, live with them for a few days and then maybe decide where to put the shelf. There’s no hurry, take your time. You’re doing great. 👍

[@rachelwilson9480]

GIRL- I FEEL THIS SO HARD!! I have literally been this same way... same process and everything! I typically end up deciding that if I am crying about it, something isn't right with what I'm doing. Go slow like you have been. Instead of doing a big transformation put up 1 small area at a time. Then maybe all the pieces will fall into place and you'll feel less stress! Loving the real and raw content. Life doesn't always look perfect. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@persephone07]

First off, you are doing great Chelsea! The video was fun to watch, and don't fret, one must get frustrated ~at least~ once when decorating, it's a rule I'm afraid. I'd like to say that "cohesion" is not always required, don't fall into eg sad beige traps, etc. If YOU want it cohesive, great, if you want eclectic, also fun! Whatever feels right/calming for you is the ticket. I think all your wall art is beautiful and it will look good together. It's a work in progress, it always feels overwhelming or looks "off" when the whole room is still a mess, just power on - you can always change it! I've moved four years ago and still change things that I now wouldn't do anymore, bath mats, wall art, bed sheets, rugs etc! That's just fine. You've already gotten so many great suggestions, one thing I'm thinking, maybe get a simple like 1.5mx25cm-ish long floating shelf for above the sofa, could be a great bookshelf for "pretty books"/ souvenirs and maybe a plant towards window for a pop of green, all out of kitty reach. Then use all the wall art for the second molding frame 😊 (and if you can get someone to help pls mount the arm rests 😅 it will look so cozy and instantly put together, I know the pain of unfinished work ugh) Please continue filming your projects, I love it ❤

[@s.478]

Hi, love your channel!! As other people have commented already, the moulding in your living room is a major factor in hanging your art. Don't put anything too close to the moulding edges, it will always look a bit off. But all your art does go together and it will look lovely soon. And he way you hung that one painting at the end looks good! Sidenote: Whenever I move (not often, thank heavens), it takes about two years to get a 'settled' look. And whenever I get anything new, like a big thing; new couch or big painting, half the room needs redecorating/shuffling stuff around. 😄 It's just a thing! Looking forward to the finished rooms, and oh my, the kitty content. The climbing on the bed thing... 😊

[@LiveitlikeLauren]

Using a slider for the wallpaper is excellent! I am very very proud of you x

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you sm 🥹😂

[@sarajeff444]

The kittens crawling up side of mattress is my favorite part! They are so cute.

[@olbird7647]

Love a relatable decorating melt-down!😅 Maybe ask your pal who helped you pick your throw cushions to cast her eye over the picture placement. I'm sure it'll all work out 😊

[@ChelseaCallahan]

glad we both survived!! lol edit: my comment was related to your comment before edited haha

[@StefanieHurtado]

Aww Chelsea! I totally empathize with your frustration! NYC apartments are sooo tricky to decorate. I have a kind of extreme suggestion for your living room 🙃 Since you already have dark furniture, decorative molding, and gold accents, if I were you, I'd go full dark or light academia decor in there! I would repaint the walls a darker (or same beige) color all the way up to the ceilings (maybe even the ceiling!). And I would instead place 1 larger print with an ornate gold frame in the center of each of the frame moldings over the couch. I'd probably also go for a less modern bookcase and fill it with books and plants. And I'd put all the other cute prints you already have together in a gallery wall over your new wallpaper. But that's a lot of work! 😂Main suggestion: larger art in chunky gold frames in the living room. That alone could tie everything together a lot more 🫶

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Screenshotting this!! Super helpful thank you :)

[@StefanieHurtado]

@user-zk5rt3gb3e Yes, you're so right! They're def more expensive initially, but one or two big frames might be cheaper than alternative options in the long run. Great point! I was actually looking for gold frames on fb marketplace today (because I want to take my own advice now 😂) and I'm seeing some in the nyc area from $30-$100 (with a painting inside). Not too bad!

[@Erinba]

The two cats playing together on your bed❤❤❤❤ melts my heart

[@brendasnow8255]

I love seeing the kitties playing together.

[@hlatemyfoot]

You’re doing an amazing job. The best thing to do when a project gets frustrating is just step away. All the pieces are there, just try starting again and give yourself a break. The wallpaper in your room looks amazing. Can’t wait to see how everything turns out!

[@alohamrhnd]

For your living room: paint the insides of the molding-framed squares with a neutral color & then make a mini gallery wall inside each square. Buy a few decor pieces that aren't pictures to mix in with the pictures on the mini gallery walls. Oh and if you get the itch to do peel & stick wallpaper again, I'd suggest getting decals instead - there's more room for error, less of a need to line things up, etc. Also, just buy things you like & don't worry so much if they "go together" - being too matchy doesn't seem like your vibe, so go with that & just get whatever you like!

[@Wally535]

Painting the inside of the molding is genius!

[@jupeter24]

Oh, I love this!!! Paint inside the moldings, brilliant!!

[@madigagliardi]

Preach to all of this!!

[@annheck7702]

Love your vlogs. So proud of you for tackling all your projects! It is frustrating when you have no help, but just walk away and come back to it later. Things usually go smoother the second time. Love your kittens!!!! You make me smile 😊

[@nigelgwini4776]

Your sound editing was on a whole new stratosphere this video! I kept wondering if I was watching a vlog or a film festival award winner! Great job! I hope some filmmakers come across this brilliant work of art!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you so much!

[@lella587]

The kitties climbing up the mattress is the cutest thing in the world!!! 😻

[@contessaola5501]

Hey Chelsea!! Loving the new bedroom!! If you plan on hanging a singular print within the wall moldings, I would recommend centering them. As for the living room, maybe you could do a gallery wall? By adding more photos, prints, and thrifted art, it would make the design look more intentional and you don't have to worry too much about symmetry. Also, the cohesion in everything that you picked is there because it all resonated with you--adding other decor and tchotchkes will help pull everything together. Honestly, I love your videos and the transparency in your content. Your apartment is looking great!

[@Dannii97]

Chelsea your styling is so on point 👌 I love seeing you as a cat mama 💗 I’m also in my thirties, single and ready for a fur baby. Thanks for normalising being single, having fur babies & being happy 🥰

[@mountainash84]

I just finished with the wall decor in my new(ish) apartment and this video made me grateful for my small apartment with relatively little wall space 😅 I also decided to get a projector instead of a TV which left me with an excuse to keep some of my walls empty! But I like the art you have a lot and people have some great suggestions here; I'm excited for part 2!

[@gailm1122]

Love the way the bedroom turned out. Looks great. I also like the oddity of the 3 prints in the living room. They look good together and are not too low. When you hang prints the middle of your print should line up with your eyes looking straight at the wall. Being that you are so tall, you'd have to lower that a bit. So they're perfect. Most people hang artwork wayyyyyy to high. Drives me bonkers. Good luck with the rest. Can't wait to see it.

[@shannonfisher3654]

I just found you and your channel and I am loving it. You are doing a fantastic job on your apartment. Take few days to appreciate your work. Sometimes a day or two helps to hone in on what you want to change. Your kitties are soo fun to watch play. Also, really loved you Christmas 🎄 idea to keep the kitties busy under the tree...such a great idea!! Have an awesome day!😊😊

[@moda78z]

Chelsea, I absolutely LOVE decorating my home. I think it’s so much fun, and it’s my way of being creative. With that said, I always change my mind! 😂🤣 And I often get it wrong! Especially when I hang up art. I have so many nail holes from where I got it wrong 😂🤣. Most importantly, it’s a process. It can be difficult choosing where to put something, like the wall art. For me, it’s best not to stress things. I do exactly what you did, go from room to room and back again, and try to find the right spot. And more often than not, it takes me days, sometimes longer. I’m saying this so that you know that it isn’t that easy making a decision. So don’t be discouraged! Sometimes you just have to stare at it for days. And leave scruffs and marks from where you got it wrong 🤣😂 Ps. I’m a Swede and I have many Desenio prints around my apartment. Most of them aren’t where I intended them to be when I first bought them 😂🤣🇸🇪

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you for the encouragement! :)

[@loissmit9247]

Lovely video Chelsea! And the posters look really good :). I think what might help is to leave more white space between the posters and the moulding. As you have already done in the dining room. Good luck❤

[@Simplylakesha]

Great Vlog! It had every element in it we all love! Gordo and Deli cracked me up jumping on the rug to climb over n over. As a fellow virgo, I agree 100% with one space at a time, When I redid my home I started out exactly like this, even have prints from Desenio-love them but nothing was finished, coming together and my mom told me get a notebook, write down your vision for each space, every detail, color, back up plan…for each space then work on one space at a time do not touch another space until you are done with the last. That centered me and my break downs and it did the trick❤

[@Amanda20248]

My favorite part of your video! was the cats trying to climb up your mattress had me laughing 🤣🤣🤣❤❤❤❤❤

[@meaganiddings598]

You got this Chelsea!!! Maybe doing more of a collage of the three pictures all scrunched together above the couch but centered in the molding? It is all things YOU love and thats what makes it special and homey to you! You are doing amazing!

[@coleashlynn]

for future, you can use a credit card as a squeegee for wallpaper! for the art in the living room, you need to centre the photos within the moulding on the wall. it's also such a large space, spread out the pieces! you have them so close together and low to the couch. you don't want people to hit their heads on it

[@summerpieretti3932]

I love how real you are. Getting irrationally frustrated at incoherent instructions is part of being an adult. Life is a work in progress. Take a breath, step away and know you're gonna change your mind 1000 times and that's ok.

[@susannee.colella6109]

How to fix the closet screws falling out. Use a chopstick and gorilla glue. Clean out the old holes, buy slightly longer and wider screws. Put the chop stick in the hole with the glue (lots of glue) cut off excess sticking out of hole. Wait for it to dry at least over night. Then line up the hinge with the holes you had the screw in the screws. This should work 👍

[@AlexisViele]

Hi! Your apartment is so lovely. Don’t panic!😂 I think we all go through such similar journeys as we find our style and learn how to put a space together. The most helpful advice I got was choose four colors and find ways to weave them throughout. It’ll help create a cohesive energy. As for the living room…. I’d almost encourage you to go BIG with an art piece and hang it in the middle of the two molding rectangles (centered above the couch)… I’ve seen this done in spaces and it works. I promise! And, don’t be afraid to go high. It’ll draw the eye up and help balance the room! I Love this kind of stuff. And have had my fair share of learning along the way. You’ll get it!

[@thoughts3897]

You got two little kittens!!! Yay! So happy for you. I have two of my own and everything else is second to that. Keep up the good work. Love your channel. Love what you say about travel. I am much older than you are but travelled a lot in my life (alone). You should not be hard on yourself. You are living your own best life and putting yourself out there. Very real. Kudos to you. The rug is nice. I, too, have struggled with that. Doing those things as one person is tough. I think you are on the money though with picking up the color in pillows and/or pillow cases. That would be perfect. (P.S. Trust me with the cats. No matter where you put something, they can get to it. Welcome to the cat world. I have a little calico, too, btw. The sweetest>)

[@tammysarlo2590]

I love the BR wall! You're doing a good job just go with your gut.. it only matters if you like it you're the one that has to look at it everyday. I love the carpet too. Things don't have to exactly match to go together. Don't stress out too much it's going to look great. Love the kitties❤ thanks for the great videos🥰🐾🐾

[@waleskadavis895]

You have the right idea when u said u can tie in the color of the rug with wall art and throw pillows or blankets ❤❤❤❤

[@mligon]

I was in my late 30's before I did solo travel (Barcelona, Spain) and then did a series of almost annual solo trips to NYC in my early 40's [my last solo trip to NYC was before 2014], and it was an exhilarating time. But I got to a point where the novelty wore off. So your thoughts on losing interest in travelling / solo travel are totally relatable. Perhaps the main lesson is I would totally recommend solo travel if you are at a stage in your life that it feels right to do it - it will be memories that you will cherish.

[@brittneyperry8026]

It's super fair and normal to be discouraged when a project doesn't come together like you had hoped. I often find just the act of changing something can make it feel "off," and once my eye gets used to it, I start to love it. Great design takes time. You achieved so much just getting the wallpaper up and the carpet under your bed BY YOURSELF!!! Don't sell yourself short, you're killing it!

[@laurenwoodyard7667]

Hi Chelsea!! 1. The kitties are amazing 2. My suggestion for the art would be to think *outside* the literal box. I really think ignoring the molding and arranging the art with some of it on top of the molding would look really cool and intentional in breaking up the symmetry of the room. I love your channel so much as a fellow 30-something 💛💛

[@Pix3ll]

Chelsea, for the pictures, use the moulding as a frame and hang them in the center. I think the flower bouquet on one side and the Paris roofs on the other side above the sofa would look very nice :) You got this !

[@nikhitakujur6931]

Hey Chelsea I have a couple options for the art work - The Paris building picture (the one that’s the same size as the vase one) and the floral vase side by side in your living room and then the little yellow one on one of the side walls like the one right outside your living room. Second option: the vase one in the centre above the couch in the living room like in the middle of the moulding and then build around it with the yellow one, the Paris landscape one and you might need a few smaller ones so it’s a bit more symmetrical.

[@ajm9256]

Hey Chelsea, this has to be the most honest, real and tbh most relatable video ever! I appreciate the fact that you are transparent and raw on here. You don't gloss things over and edit out the real stuff. I see so many "influencers" be fake as heck and post "come shopping with me" or "lets decorate my pad" and it all falls into place easily and without flaws. That is NOT real life! Thanks for you being YOU and for sharing it with us!

[@opalsmith2816]

Hi Chelsa, I love your content, including your gorgeous kittens. I notice that you have picture rails in all of your rooms. We hang our paintings that way, and it is relatively straightforward and helps you play around with placing etc. ❤

[@tflynn6175]

Ahhh the timing of this is amazing! I've never used a YT code before and I've literally been waiting to fill three empty frames I've had since I moved in a year ago - the irony that I'm also Swedish and this was the ad to do it haha. Love you xxx

[@ChelseaCallahan]

haha oh yay! lmk what you think!

[@Shop-Girl]

Ok first off Gordo and Delilah are hilarious. I have been cracking the entire time. I think wallpapering the center of the boxes and then centering. The pictures in the boxes is going to make a huge difference. Our eyes are used to seeing things like centered. So once you get it centered, I think you’ll love it. ❤❤❤❤

[@nicolem7194]

You can do a gallery wall in the living room! Just buy more wall art of different sizes and it'd be gorgeous. I love how the bedroom came out. The wallpaper looks great. So happy you pushed through and did as much as you did! Looking forward to part two.

Hmm, I’d put the art with the purpley tree in the bedroom above the bed to tie in the cool colors from the rug and the new bedding. The cafe art I would put in the kitchen because the color works and the theme in the kitchen! Love the flower art where you put it!

[@jessicabrasseur]

Hi Chelsea! I meant to comment on an earlier video about having also recently adopted two kittens. Mine are also siblings from the same litter and they have been such an amazing addition to our life and our home! They truly thrive on being together. It makes me feel a lot better about being at work all day or if I have evening plans out of the house knowing that they have each other for love, playtime, and cuddles! I looove the wallpaper by the way! And arranging the posters and artwork will come in time. I find it to be a very intuitive process and better to not force it.

[@rockyrocks1457]

Poor Chelsea , I feel for you because you’re not the only one that gets overwhelmed at having so many decisions to make that you just put it away or put it off, I was going to suggest getting someone from Task rabbit to come and hang the shelves and stuff that’s what we use here in Chicago 👍😃 good luck 🍀 you got this! Cant wait to see how it all turns out in the end

[@Allykatze]

Im sorry these things didnt go as planned! I know that can be so frustrating for sure. I wanted to say maybe a small print and the fun shelving thing could go over your desk area? Also a print over the shelf that will be over your washer? You could do a couple more prints over your couch instead of the 3 and make a gallery wall 😸 Hope that helps in some way! I am also currently decoratiing so going though similar decisions! 🤍🤍

[@katherinew1538]

I think it’s totally fine that the pieces aren’t cohesive! Eclectic art walls are beautiful. I would probably arrange as if you have two walls within the big wall if that makes sense so that you utilize the white frame trim that’s part of the wall (no idea what that trim stuff is called 🥴). So move the flower up and over more towards the center of left section and then move notre dame and the little one up and more towards the center of the right section, rather than having everything on the center of the big wall. I would recommend moving everything up though so that it’s more eye level at a minimum but that said, it’s your space so whatever you like will be the right thing!

[@mctesoma]

Hey, for the big shelf over the washer: 1. Get a spirit level! 2. With the spirit level, use a pencil to draw a straight horizontal line from the first hole you already made and use that to mark the top hole for the other bracket on the other end of the shelf. 3. Draw straight vertical lines down from the top hole for each side and mark the other holes on those lines by placing the brackets on top of them. It's easier to do than explain, but I hope this helps more than the included instructions 😅

[@MKB31]

When I saw your cats climbing the carpet, it reminded me of my cats climbing their six foot tall carpeted scratching tree. Two kittens, like your own, with three perches on the tree. Fun to watch!

[@misswales9229]

Hi Chelsea, don't fret or worry, you are doing really well!! Personally, I would think about where you want your eye to focus on in the living room - the way you want your eye to travel throughout the room - and find focal point in each picture, or colour continuations.... lay them out on the floor in different height ratios... take your time. Often, going up a wall, lowest, middle, highest is a nice combination, or all the same level on the top or big smal big same height... there are so many ways. The kitchen one looks great and the bedroom one and the vase of flowers looks lovely over the dining table, too. I personally am not sure about the small print in the living room - perhaps it's more kitchen or hall - or on a small wall. Another way is a "gallery" with all different size paintings all over the wall - it's also cute 🙂 Kitties are soooo cute - climbing up the carpet lol

[@Aliceinjonesville]

This video made me love you even more! I might suggest you hang the living room pictures aligned with the top of your couch as a baseline… but hang em anywhere on that wall…working your way to a wonderful collage of art over your couch!! Add more meaningful pictures over time❣️👍🏼

[@Tims75312]

Yes definitely centre the pictures in the mouldings

[@heyojacko6533]

Hey Chelsea!! Looks great!! I love the molding in your living room. It’s hard to put photos around molding but if you’re still wanting your wall to feel like you, you should find a color you love and paint it around the wall with the molding, leaving the molding white. I think it would make your wall stand out and give it even more character! You’re doing amazing and I love your videos!! ❤❤❤

[@FindingFunAgain]

For the closet door hinge, squirt some gorilla wood glue in the hole and stuff as many wooden toothpicks in as you can (use a hammer to tap them in). Once the glue is dry (over night), trim off the toothpick parts that are sticking out beyond the wall (use a multi tool or small saw/knife) and then just screw the screws back into place! It really is that easy! 😊

[@lisaengle6384]

I came here to say this exact thing! Lol

[@FindingFunAgain]

@@lisaengle6384 😂 Great minds think alike!!

[@Michele-kn9kv]

Chelsea!!! I just have to give you a big high five 👋🏻 for getting through that....if that was me, I'm telling you most pieces would be in the middle of the road, lollll. Me and decorating are not friends, but I absolutely love the process. I agree that the kitty hammock is too big. I'd definitely avoid "climbing" spots when hanging their bits n bobs. The flowers look amazing in the living room. I think the waiter would work over the shelf that will be put up at another date....or by someone else 🤣🤣 but I'm not 💯 sure what you're doing with that space. So I could be wrong. Your bedroom rocks!!! You did amazing with that space. What is important to remember is that this is a reflection of you and your space. It is a continual work in progress because even those who have perfectly put together rooms will at some point redecorate. You've got this!!! I absolutely LOVE the idea of a part 2.....can't wait ❤

[@abbiebeeebeee]

I definitely agree with the other comments that centering the pictures in the living room inside the trim will help them look more balanced. I also think that the flower picture and the picture with the buildings/balconies make a really nice pair, since they’re the same size and similar colour palette (maybe flower picture on the left and buildings on the right, both behind the couch and centred in the trim).

[@mirjamforster5432]

First: The wallpaper looks beautiful - well done! Second: I liked the waitor better than the flowers, it was a real eye catcher. Third: it would look cute, if you place the big pictures right in the middle of the wall moldings like others already suggested. Try to place uneven amounts of pieces in one molding space, for example 1 big or three smaller ones. Fourth: ask Your friend with the decorating eye to come by for making it more fun and possible some fresh ideas. Take care 😊

[@rachelmcbride5654]

Every home project I do turns into a trainwreck, too. You're doing great! You picked amazing prints, they'd look good on any of your walls. Just pick a spot and enjoy them!

[@carollee2078]

With my 20 years of design experience, my one suggestion to you would be to focus on one room at a time. Hopefully that will prevent you from being overwhelmed. ❤❤❤

[@joannebaker4925]

Hi Chelsea, love what you are doing. Don't stress yourself, it's all good. Here an observation, in your living room on the wall, I think you need grouping of pictures to hang on both square spaces. Perhaps grouping of 3 pictures. The other stuff you can figure out later. Happy designing 🥰🤗🥰🤗.

[@EyeDigress]

You're doing great, and I hope you realize things looked sooo cozy in your place even before you made these changes. Also, you're putting yourself out there for people to judge and it's commendable. The art in your living room: great pieces! Centre the large one in the molding where you have it. The other smaller ones, similarly off-set them, maybe diagonally, in the centre of the other molded area. Your instincts were right that they were a bit too low (to my eye) - but also, if you enjoy that, it's a vibe as well. Just do what YOU like. Your bedroom: the rug colour is amazing (to me!), and the tone goes well with the beige (although it's hard to tell on camera). I also loved it with your old bed comforter!! It seems, like most people, you're a bit afraid of colour or thinking they clash. But to help ease your trepidation, you can just add some more pops of that same colour (or other colours in the same family) as accent pillows (like you said), wall art, or things you collect. It's OK if one element is colourful or sliiightly off in a muted colour scheme or not, just make it intentional. What you did all looks great! Just remember this stuff takes time - decor evolves and changes and you may get sick of things or want to move things around to your liking, and that's how it should feel: to your liking.

[@jjamerican93]

Maybe some wider art pieces in the room where your couch is could work? And totally feel you on the traveling part. If I can take about 2 (maybe 3) weeklong trips a year, I’d be so happy. I love exploring, but I love being home too. 🥰

[@rabbitsandphilodendron]

don't beat yourself up about unfinished home projects! it took me at least 3 years to settle into my apartment, it's a process, and that's whats so fun about it i think :D

[@zanabanana27]

Ugh I lived in an apartment that had cement walls and it was sooo annoying to hang anything up. I feel you there. And decorating alone is hard work! I get it. Do what feels right and (try) not to overthink it. I know easier said then done. I'm just so happy you're finally decorating more!!! I'm here for it.

[@TheMrsMelton]

Genuinely looking forward to part two. I think what you’ve done so far looks amazing. I also struggle with picking art and then locating it. An artist friend of mine said to try to focus on artwork not being in that place permanently, you can switch it up as you feel, so get it on the walls and then move it later, if you want to.

[@michelle_nolan]

You could always have a second channel just about your cats! Them climbing up your bed outside when you were working on the carpet was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing and just thinking about the times that I’ve moved. I’ve only had a dog so a little bit easier and doesn’t climb up things (thank god), but it was amazing seeing you step on your bed walk all over it. I am not alone!

[@michelle_nolan]

As I kept watching, I’ve now discovered another channel you could start! Decorating with cats! It was so funny how everything you needed to decorate revolved around the cats. I have a dog, and I don’t really decorate around them, but I do make a lot of decisions around my dog. I love that you love your cats and I love you as a mom. Keep up the great work.

[@roycereidnm]

I have to say, your wallpaper job was quite inspiring. I'm working out my next home office design in the new place. There are some great comments about wall hanging in the chat. Load bearing on older rental units with questionable walls is always a hair pulling event. My mantra is always: divide and conquer, it will get there eventually and so will your space. Its come a lot way, just like your vlog. Congrats on 100k!

[@melissakey7038]

My sister is an amazing decorator and she always told me to hang things eye level. But I really love your taste and I see your vision ❤