When you come home after a long day of work or weekend activities, you want your space to feel uniquely yours. It should feel like a safe space for you to relax and recharge after draining your social battery, but it should also be a source of inspiration for you, too. If your space is looking a little duller than dazzling these days, check out these 6 affordable design tips for studio apartments and apartments.
1. Hang art and personal photos
One of the easiest ways to breathe your personality into your space is by hanging up beloved art or photos of family, friends, pets, and memories. If you’re going for a super chic look, consider crafting your own gallery wall. Here’s how to DIY a gallery wall on a budget:
- Measure your wall space and determine what size and shape you want to create for your gallery wall.
- Customize cheap canvas or thrifted frames with your own personal photos or print versions of your favorite art.
- Lay out each piece on the floor to figure out which order looks best. If you want a more polished look, you can space out each one equally in rows, or hang organically for a more eclectic appearance.
2. Freshen up with new paint
There’s something about the stark white walls of a new apartment that feels so devoid of personality. If your landlord is okay with it, you might consider spicing up your space with a new color scheme! Most property managers will ask you to opt for neutral colors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reinvigorate your rental.
A light golden yellow, pale olive, or dirty chai hue can be just the tone to help you personalize and please your property manager. Before you start taping and brushing, take a paint color quiz to make sure your pick suits your style and space.
3. Change up the lighting
Most rental units come with outdated and overused lighting fixtures that can totally clash with your aesthetic. The good news is you don’t have to live with them forever!
Changing out the fluorescent bulbs for a soft white light is a quick fix that makes a huge difference. Or, replace the fixture entirely with a cool pendant light instead. These simple solutions can bring cohesion and comfort back into your humble abode once more!
4. Dress up your windows
Just like the antiquated lighting, many apartment rentals come with cheap plastic blinds that can really distract from your expertly curated space. By changing out the blinds for an upgraded set of shades or soft curtains, you can elevate any room without breaking the bank. For a feminine, boho look, lacy or sheer curtains are ideal; and modern, masculine spaces pair well with heavier window panels.
5. Feel free to mix and match
Just like a funky piece of art can reinvigorate your living space, so too can a cool chair, retro rug, or sweet side table. It’s a common design misconception that all of your furniture must match perfectly or else it looks messy, but it’s simply not true!
Just keep these guidelines in mind as you mix and match:
- Remember that colors create cohesion — stick to a defined palette and you’ll find your way!
- Think about textures, too. Offset unique textures like velvet and leather with neutral linens, cotton, and canvas.
- Find your balance. Think about where you’ll place big and small pieces and try not to overcrowd one side.
6. Search for vintage treasures
As you’re curating and personalizing your space, think about whether your accents and main furniture pieces have a story. Choosing one-of-a-kind pieces over mass-produced items is a great way to infuse your own style and story into your space. Plus, unique finds make for wonderful conversation starters.
Luckily, there are tons of places you can go to find cool vintage accessories, including your local swap meet, thrift stores, and garage sales!
Wrapping up
Your home should be a beautiful reflection of who you are. Use these 6 tips to help you infuse your apartment, condo, or home with your individual taste and personality. And don’t forget to share your own style tips in the comment section below!
