Cuteness- Plates!

Who new that salad plates could be so cute?! Well I have always been a little crazy about home furnishings, but I am completely smitten with some new plates I just bought from Crate & Barrel

Sorry the picture is dark- the lighting was funny and I was using my antique iPhone

They were on sale for $3.95 a plate which I didn't think was too bad. You can't really tell from my stellar (sarcasm anyone??) picture but it has adorable little dots all in a row along the rim. Precious.

Lately I have been in a hibernation kick to save money for my upcoming move because for the very first time ever I get to set up my house! I am so excited! Before, in DC, I always knew it was only temporary so I didn't want to buy too much (this fact probably drove my roommates crazy, sorry girls). And in my current residence I moved in to a completely furnished house and every time I tried to bring something knew in I would get "scolded" (take that term lightly) because storage was a slight issue because there was already so much. But now something BIG is on the horizon. Are you ready for it? Boyfriend and I are moving in together. On my twenty-third birthday to be exact. On Monday, this coming Monday, to be even more specific.

We are both very excited about it. So this adds a new level of interest to my story.

Now how do I we combine his masculine "I like black, straight lined furniture" (please read that in a man, similar to a caveman, voice. Oh and no Boyfriend doesn't actually sound like a caveman) with my more girly taste?  

Source

This is Boyfriend's bookshelf/store everything shelf just to give you a visual. Don't get me wrong it is not bad. I shouldn't really be complaining. It's just the fact that all of his furniture is the same style, which seriously isn't a bad thing, it's just not very neutral to add a feminine component.

But the truth of the matter is he has most of the furniture, since like I said before I have never had the chance to purchase much, so we will have to beautify (real word? I'm not sure...) with his boy furniture as the base.

So  I we have a pretty substantial project on our hands. Not only do I get to set up my home but I also need to keep in mind his taste and feelings. And I am one lucky girl because my man likes IKEA :) He is excited to go once we move in to pick stuff out. I think it's adorable.

Anyone lived with their man before and have some helpful hints for a girl? Would LOVE to hear them!

(Oh and apparently Crate & Barrel's summer sale is on right now and you can save up to 60%)