The place you just rented isn't just an apartment; it's your new home. This is your respite from the outside world, so take the time to create a place you want to come home to. Not the decorating type? Don't worry. We have some great tips on how to get started creating your own space.
What's your budget?
Establish a realistic budget for purchases to enhance your new living space and stay on track with the money you have to play with. Maybe you have one thing that will be a big-ticket item, like a new piece of furniture or a rug. Decide what aspects of your redesign can be done on the cheap, using garage sales or eBay. Don't forget reasonably priced stores with plenty of style such as Ikea, Pier 1 Imports and Cost Plus. The best part of decorating can be the hunt for a hard-to-find item that will make your space just the way you want it, so don't think you have to do it all in a weekend.
Start with the walls
If you have the okay from the landlord, this step can be the most dramatic in putting your signature on your new place. Nothing defines attitude and style more immediately than color. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or furniture you'd like to match? Many home improvement or paint stores will try to create the paint color for you.
If your landlord isn't crazy about you changing the wall color, it's easy, even on a budget, to find pictures and posters that reflect the colors and mood you're aiming for. Get creative and try hanging things that don't fit in a frame, like musical instruments, vintage items or signs. Let your imagination run wild, but be sure to check with your leasing company on how things should be hung from the walls.
Look down
If your new place has hardwood floors, you're in luck! Area rugs can add warmth and color to the rich, neutral tones of wood. Have you inherited someone else's taste in carpet? Don't despair; even wall-to-wall carpet can be covered with large area rugs or mats made of woven grass or bamboo. FLOR tiles are a fantastic option no matter what your floor coverings are. You can cover an entire room or create your own area rug and take it all with you when you move!
Accessorize
You don't have to replace all your furniture to create a new style or theme you'd like your apartment to represent. Items like bed and window coverings, throw pillows and decorative items can say it all for you and for a fraction of the price. Have fun with the search for the small pieces that say a lot about you.
Light it up!
Lighting is important for establishing atmosphere. Experiment with illumination and consider dimmers to expand your options. You may be able to change out ceiling lights with the landlord's okay. Otherwise, there are endless tabletop and standing lamp styles to match any décor. Traditionally, the more subdued the lighting, the more inviting the space feels.
Green is good
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can add live plants to brighten any room and help clean the air. Plants and flowers are a wonderful way to add warmth and beauty to your space. A $10 bouquet a week can go miles in raising spirits and adding color to your home. (Read: Keeping Houseplants in Your Apartment)
Celebrate
Now that you have made your new apartment feel like home, there's no better way to officially warm it up than by introducing it to the people in your life. Having an apartment warming party is a great reason to gather with friends and family and to test-drive your hospitality skills in your new nest. Be sure to use the opportunity to meet your neighbors: give them a heads up on the party and invite them to join you!
Sometimes putting your personal flair on a new apartment can feel daunting when you know that somebody else owns the place. But with a clear direction and a few simple changes, it's easy to create a personal and welcoming space in your new pad.