I think you should subscribe to some deco blogs if you're not reading them already (there are some great ones coming from young adults and who are on a budget...lots to learn from them -- where to splurge, where to save) and also find some home magazines and/or decorating books to look at. Not so much because I think that you should try to copy what you see, but so that you can get a better sense of what your own style is. You'll get a feel for what you are really drawn to. And you might be really suprised at what you find your style to be...

Don't just go out and buy the first leather couch you see because it's leather, brown, and on sale. What style of couch do you really want? Something with straight/modern lines...or big and poofy? That's the sort of thing you should be thinking about before you start spending cash.

There's not much worse in decorating than realizing that something is absolutely not your style after its been in your place for just a few months but now you can't afford to replace it!!

Save your money, get what you really want the first time...or what you can live with for a set number of years. Take your time. You are lucky because you have a few things to hold you over until you can afford different.

I would keep everything - I could see the papasan in the bedroom bay window.

The floor plan is a 2-bdrm - will there be a roommate, or will you have a spare room? Unfortunately, the designer did a lot of things that will make furniture placement less than ideal - especially in the living room. But the apartment is a good size, with amenities. Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions! I will definitely look at some of the deco blogs. And I agree with you, barelythere, about not buying the first leather couch I see. I am bad about that sometimes! I spent a full day this week sofa hunting, and saw a couple I liked, but in the end decided that none was perfect and didn't make an impulse buy! Do you have any tips on how to tell if a sofa is really good quality? I'm looking for something that will last a long time. Also, I have started looking at some magazines and books, and I really am surprised by what I love!

gwbr54, I won't have a roommate, but I have two beds that will work for now. And, I agree that furniture placement could be challenging in this living room! Do you have any suggestions on incorporating a television in this living room without taking away from the fire place too much?

Thanks again!! I appreciate all the helpful advice!

If it came down to "furniture in a good spot but I have to walk around it" or "furniture in an awkward spot but traffic routes are clear" which would win?

What is the width of the wall between the fireplace and the right-side entry?

What is the width of the wall on the other side of the fireplace? And of that width, how much is window? And what's the vertical placement of the window? (How much wall before you reach the window, how much wall above, etc.) Is it a functional/opening window, or just a pane of glass?

Please describe the fireplace. How wide is it, how high up the wall does it go, is there a mantel, etc. Better yet, if you could post some pics, please do.

I can see the layout that the designer intended. Unfortunately the designer did not seem to consider the routes people will naturally want to take through the space.

Thanks avesmor! I see your point about the designer not considering natural traffic routes through the space. I think furniture in a good spot would probably win, so long as I don't have to climb over anything. I am getting the keys to the apartment tomorrow. I will take all measurements then and post them, along with some pictures! Speaking of pictures, can someone explain how to post pictures directly into a post? Thanks!!

By the way, I just realized the the entry shown on the floor plan is not actually an entry, it's really just another window. Otherwise, the measurements of the living room are the same.

The papasan is very cute and I agree, would be best in your bedroom. The tables are nice and I would use those in the living room with the couches you want to buy. The book cases would be good in your living room, but since they are dark you may want to put them in your extra bedroom.

Here is a link that might be useful: leather sectional

Ah, the wonders of the web... there are a few photos of similar units on the website.

Here is a link that might be useful: photos from website

That's MUCH better with a window, not a door in your living room! Definitely helps with traffic pattern.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone! I got the keys yesterday and took some pictures!! I'll try go get them all posted on here.

Here is a link that might be useful: Living Room