Now that I’m an adult, posters of George Constanza no longer count as a great decor option. Besides, I threw my framed copy out when I graduated in 2010.

George poster, donned my bedroom wall from 2006 to 2010

As much as I tried to resist, I seem to have acquired my mom’s taste for antiques and rustic finds. And I’m slowly filling my apartment with things that are pretty, cheap and old.

First, there’s my coffee table. I had been whining about wanting a pallet-made coffee table for a few months when my dad agreed to shut me up make me one. I went digging through his shop and found this old wooden box with a latch that spools of wire used to be kept in. It  was love at first sight. Dad created metal legs via welding and painting and presto, an nearly free table that is the perfect size for storing DVD’s. And it holds a beer bottle well.

My homemade 26th birthday present from my dad – old wooden box coffee table

These shadow boxes I bought on clearance at Kohl’s and never did anything with them. Until Alex got a drill for Christmas and put them up. I filled them with random things that I’ll probably change my mind about but for now I love it.

Old camera from my parent’s basement and other trinkets

Lastly, I had been on the hunt for a giant map to hang on the wall for a few months. Since I’m a pirate at heart, I enjoy being around charts and maps of all kinds. I looked at the SWAP shop a few times but never found anything in great condition. This World Market map grew on me and after stalking it out a few times and coming to terms with the fact that I would be buying something new that looked old, I got it. Usually, on some weird purchasing principle I made up, I like to stick to very cheap and very old decorations because finding treasures is part of the fun.

Pirate decorating with world map from World Market

For now, I’m taking a decorating hiatus and giving my tiny apartment a break. If I don’t stop this rustic habit soon, I’ll end up being suffocated by piles of mason jars and barn board.