For anyone that is moving into their first apartment -or even their fifth apartment - they will know it's the little things that can make your new place feel like home. If you are renting your place, there are only a few actual upgrades that you can make to enhance your abode. If you are renting a small place, you know that only a few upgrades will actually fit in your house. If you're looking to make your apartment a place that you crave to be in, check out these 12 easy decor upgrades that anyone can do!
1. Removable Wallpaper
My roommate and I have a wall that is very empty. We call it our "crib wall." We have said that if we ever became accidentally pregnant, this wall is where we would put the crib. It has become my life's work, as of late, to fill the crib wall. I think, after months of searching, found the perfect filler for the crib wall. Removable wallpaper. There are so many really cool options for removable wallpaper. It's a little pricey, but so cool.
2. Get a storage ottoman
My roommate and I have very limited space and limited seating in our apartment. We have an arm chair and a love seat. We also have a storage ottoman. This is an absolutely perfect compromise for a lack of space and a lack of seating. When we have friends over, I normally pop a squat on the ottoman. We also hide our really embarrassing trinkets in the ottoman too.
3. Use vertical space
Don't ever deny yourself the ability to use storage above your sink and above your cabinets. Use your space wisely. I store my Crockpot on the top of my cabinets. I also used Command hooks to hang my coffee cups. Be smart and don't be afraid of creative storage.
4. Use a bar instead of a traditional table
If it's just you and your roomie, don't waste precious space with a large boxy table. Instead, think utilitarian with a long and skinny table. Add some chic bar stools like the above picture for a fun pop of color! It definitely will make your apartment more spacious and different than your neighbors. We invested in a bar that has storage in the back so when we have friends over, we push it out and serve drinks like true mixologists.
5. Let the sun shine in
Something that I have never covered up in any of my apartments is the light. I don't believe in black out curtains. If you are lucky enough to have natural light in your space, don't shield it with fabric. Embrace it.
6. Add some greenery
I truly believe that in order to enjoy your life in your apartment, you need to add a little life to your apartment. The best way to do this? Bring in a plant. I think the addition of a little greenery makes you calmer and feel more productive. This simple upgrade to your apartment will be a HUGE upgrade to your life.
7. Organize and keep it clean
It's not an obvious upgrade or a materialistic one, but it will vastly improve your small space. Just keep the lines clean and everything organized. Your tiny apartment will feel much larger.
8. Use your clothes as art
If you don't have the luxury of a large closet, don't be afraid to use your clothes as both pieces of art. Hang up a curtain rod, invest in matching hangers, and let your colorful wardrobe decorate your walls.
9. A corkboard wall? Really?
Yes, really. For all those little receipts or pieces of paper that you can't, for some reason, bear to part with, this corkboard wall is essential. You could hand reminders for bills, rent, and when your library books are due. Or you could just use it to write cute little notes to your best friend/roomie.
9. Shelves
Shelves are a tricky thing when you are talking about a rented apartment. They leave a very permanent scar on the walls, which may already be thin as it is. I have a shelf, however, right next to my bed that I put up. I used Command strips to hold it up. It works as a nightstand and I love it. If you pick the right shelf and are smart about you hang it, shelves can be amazingly perfect.
11. White is your friend
Some people think white interior design can be boring. I think it can be so incredibly chic. It also can make your small space appear so much bigger. My roommate hates our white couches and white carpet. Yes, it is not the most practical (especially since she spilled pizza on it within our first week of moving in). But, it makes our tiny NYC apartment look so much bigger. I love it.
12. Play with textures
Never be afraid to incorporate a little texture into your space. Add a faux fur rug or get a fuzzy pillow. It can turn your run-of-the-mill apartment into a luxurious sanctuary.
