Design Answer: Too Much Stuff

Erin,

Not to worry!  You are not alone and can easily do a few things to brighten and de-clutter your space.  Because you won't be living in your new space for very long I want to suggest some temporary fixes that could help alleviate the clutter and chaos in your room and not break the bank.  All these items can be taken with you into your new home as well. 

1.  The Closet:  Maximize on storage capabilities!  This is the one area of the room you can "hide" what you can't part with.  What about a pretty sheet or tapestry to hang as doors so you won't be staring into the closet clutter every morning.  You can use a simple cable and ring system by attaching clipable loops to the fabric of your choice and then hanging it from cable you can buy at your local hardware store.    Ikea has the cable and clips for $4.99, and even sells fabric by the yard or drapery panels.  Check this out:

2. Open Shelving:  This area is always going to be something to keep clean so why not put something beautiful on it to enjoy!  Have any favorite books, artwork, or vases you would like to display?  Arrange them in threes- by color, shape, and size.  Meaning if you want it to look somewhat cohesive repeat one of the three design features at least three times.  Even better invest in some cute baskets to put loose items in and then stagger them on your shelves.

3.  Wall Art:  From your pictures it looks like your room in general is very white washed.  Why not add some fun color to liven up the room!  Because you won't be there long the investment and time into painting the walls doesn't seem to be worth it in your case.  However, it sounds like your an artist and might have some paintings or personal images you could use to bring some life into your room.  Try to pick items that will relate to each other in theme or size. Here are some cute wall tiles from Crate & Barrel:

Another trick is to use mirrors as art.  In small spaces mirrors bring in more light and add depth to your room.  Go to garage sales or your local thrift shop and start your own collection.  Here's an example from Pottery Barn:

4.  Pillows & Thorw:  Love your wooden canopy bed!  For splashes of more color you can purchase some fun throw pillows & matching throw.  Try to coordinate the colors with your new closet drapery.  For example these pillow from Hable Construction would look great with the Ikea drapery:

5.  Doggie Pad:  And of course you'll be squeezing your dog into this room so why not make their home as lovely as yours.  Check out these dogs rugs from Molly Mutt.  Your pooch will be the neighborhood envy!

Good luck Erin!  I hope some of this design advice can help your space be somewhere that you don't ever want to leave without a smile on your face :)