There’s nothing like moving into that new-to-you apartment. It’s a chance to decorate unadorned walls, cook in a new kitchen and see if the furniture looks better in a different setting.
If you’ve fallen out of love with your place, there are some things you can do to get that new-apartment feeling back. To revive the magic, follow these suggestions and watch yourself fall in love with your home all over again.
Work the walls
If it’s okay with your landlord, repainting the walls can make a dramatic difference to the light, atmosphere and even the perception of space in your apartment. Or maybe it’s time to cycle out the old posters and framed items hanging throughout your place. Choosing a new theme, era or style scheme for your decorations can make everything feel new.
Revamp the floors
Whether it’s a good steam cleaning for carpets or new area rugs, dealing with your floor coverings can make a big difference in bringing back the charm of your current pad. Flor.com offers some great options, for instance, from wall-to-wall carpeting to lightly-adhesive area rugs, all of which you could take with you someday if you were to move.
Makeover your bed
In most bedrooms, the bed is the most prominent part of the scenery. Make it work for you! Splurge on a new bedding set and create a sanctuary. Go with the fabric’s dominant colors or style and build around it, making a space you can’t wait to get to at the end of the day.
A few new pieces
Is it time to ditch the cinder-block and wood bookcase for something with more style and staying power? Your local thrift store, garage sales, IKEA, furniture outlet or scratch-and-dent store could offer plenty of reasonably-priced options for redecorating — or you could splurge on new furniture! Search for items that can be picked up locally and you can even save on shipping. And don’t forget eBay and Craigslist for even more options. (Read Finding Cheap Furniture, as well.)
A simple slip-cover and new pillows can completely transform your current sofa, as will a new finish or coat of paint on your bookcases and tables. Also ask friends and family if there are pieces they want to get rid of or may have in storage. You never know what treasures you might have passed on to you, even if only temporarily.
Details, details
Plants, candles, ceiling fans and lighting can also work wonders in creating a new atmosphere. Consider moving things around and swapping items between rooms. With a small table, chair and your laptop, a corner of the kitchen could become your new office, freeing up a spare room for guests, perhaps. A window view can lend a new perspective to all kinds of things.
If you’re bored with your apartment decor, don’t despair. There are plenty of ways to breathe new life into the place and make you feel like you’ve just met your apartment for the first time.
If apartment decorating doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t worry: you can still create great-looking apartment decor by modeling your interior after a popular decorating style. Here is an overview of common apartment decorating styles to use as a guide. Contemporary A modern or contemporary look has sleek lines, minimal frills and neutral colors with ...
Plants add to a room’s decor and even help freshen the air circulating in an apartment. But if your previous efforts to maintain a plant ended in brown disaster, you may be wary of acquiring a leafy housemate. Fortunately, there are a number of plants that can go leaf-to-leaf with even the blackest of thumbs. Here are ...
Don’t hide away inside your apartment during summer’s warm days and breezy nights. Why not step outside your balcony door and relax on your apartment porch or patio? It may be small, but with these patio decorating ideas, your slice of outdoor life can be a sweet one. What’s allowed? Before you begin your project ...
There’s nothing like moving into that new-to-you apartment. It’s a chance to decorate unadorned walls, cook in a new kitchen and see if the furniture looks better in a different setting. If you’ve fallen out of love with your place, there are some things you can do to get that new-apartment feeling back. To revive the ...
Refreshing your apartment’s look doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Incorporating a few creative touches can spice up your décor and reinvent your style. Check out these quick and easy home decorating tips and give it a whirl! Add unexpected color Often décor advice includes painting an accent wall or an entire room. Sure, ...
When you’re considering renting an apartment, you’ll want to know what to expect from a prospective apartment community. That’s why asking the right questions of an apartment community manager is so important. Ask these questions during your apartment search to ensure that you have a clear picture of what it will be like to live in your ...
If you want to make sure you’re getting the best apartment for your money, you will need to focus on several details. Here are some important apartment features to consider when you are looking for your new apartment. Layout When checking out an apartment, don’t just look at the square footage in each individual room. ...
Like a home mortgage, monthly rent is a serious financial commitment. Before you get in over your head, know what you can afford. Follow these simple steps to calculate how much rent you can afford before you sign the lease. What’s coming in What you make each month will be the biggest factor in what ...
Finding a place to live that is accessible and comfortable is more challenging for disabled apartment hunters. But with an awareness of rights and a clear idea of what is needed in an apartment community, the task can be made easier. If you or a loved one are disabled, you should know that there are a number of laws ...
Not every landlord or management company requires an apartment walkthrough when you move into a new apartment unit, but it’s generally in your best interest to do so. Request one before you move in, if it’s not initiated for you, and check to see that all is well in your new home. If the owner is ...
Where do you get ideas on how to decorate your apartment?
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I love to “re-purpose” stuff. Most recently, I found 2 brand new stainless steel laundry baskets with an open spiral design & lid – paid $7/ea. Took a ceramic pot I had & painted with Home Depot’s hammered silver spray paint. Placed the pot in the hamper, put a thick round glass on, placed the lamp & Bam! Something unique & satisfying to my creative spirit.