This is the very first post for 2ndFloorLiving(!) We are starting this blog as a way to celebrate something we love – decorating – and also as a way to encourage ourselves to learn more about it. And when I say “we” I am of course referring only to myself…is that weird? It just sounds more official to say “we” but in reality, this blog is being run by me and me alone. I am a 27-year-old graphic designer living in Brooklyn, which is probably not that exciting to you since 1/3 of Brooklyn seems to be made up of graphic designers. Also, my name is Lauren (which was one of the ten most popular names when I was born) AND my boyfriend is a musician which is probably the only thing Brooklyn has more of than graphic designers. So I guess we sound kind of generic in a cool, artsy kind of way. God, that’s depressing.

ANYWAY, 2ndFloorLiving is a chance to explore ways we can make our homes and therefore our lives better. And the catch is that it all has to be done on a budget.  So if you are young (or young at heart) and somewhat poor but refuse to live in an ugly apartment, then this will be the site for you.

We are going to try and cover a lot of topics from Design Hacks (ways to make something nice from something cheap) to Research which will be an easy way to learn about famous designers and styles of the past and present. I’m also looking forward to The One Thing I Can Cook* which will be easy (and inexpensive) recipes shared by special guests. And there are a few other things that are in the works.

I’ve learned that you should never promise too much in the beginning, so I’m gonna leave it at that.

Until then…

*These people will actually be good cooks. And I realize that recipes do not fall under interior design, but the other goal of this site is to improve quality of life and food definitely does that!