Whether you've rented one apartment or many over the years, you might not have taken the time to upgrade your space and apartment decorations beyond the college dorm look.
You know exactly what we mean — the chemistry textbook holding up one leg of the card table in the kitchen. Or maybe you have a milk crate that doubles as an ottoman or storage bin in the living room. It's time to step up your apartment decorations and take your space from dorm room drab to totally boss.
The first step is to get rid of everything in your apartment that screams “bachelor pad." The air mattress in the corner of the bedroom floor has got to go. The same goes for the lava lamps and your beloved thumb-nailed posters of Bob Marley.
Now comes the fun part because a ton of local big box stores are waiting for young, needy shoppers just like you. Find your closest chain store that has a wide assortment of trendy home furnishings. IKEA, Target, Walmart, HomeGoods and World Market all seem to have a loyal following.
Nothing compares to seeing and feeling new furnishings in person, but today, there are tons of places to buy quality cheap furniture. Decor for every budget is available online at Wayfair, Overstock, Hayneedle, Amazon and other sources. Most online retailers will let you return items so be sure to check the policy before placing your order.
The stores noted above are known for offering affordable décor, but if you're looking for deep discounts, consider visiting thrift shops, antique stores, garage sales, flea markets or even eBay or Craigslist. A fresh coat of paint or a little sanding might be necessary for some used items, but nothing beats scoring something old and making it look brand new!
Here are some essentials to help transform your space:
Nice apartment decorations can be expensive, so take it slow. Don't feel the need to completely revamp your apartment in a single day or weekend. Be kind to your budget, and add items to your space gradually.
Your best bet is to invest in items that really catch your eye. Just because you need decorative pillows for your sofa doesn't mean you should buy the first ones you see. It's OK if you don't find what you really want right away. Good things come to those who wait!
Take this redecorating experience as a lesson learned. You should now be able to show restraint — and lots of it. This means you won't get overly excited about finding totally random items like orange traffic cones or discarded lawn chairs that would have fit right in to your dorm-style apartment. Enjoy this stage of life, and choose decorative items that you won't outgrow so easily.
The look and feel of your apartment can say a lot about what type of person you are. Do you prefer modern, rustic or bohemian styles? What does your apartment say about you? Do some research on different apartment design styles to create a space that suits you best. Choose apartment decorations that make you feel most comfortable. And if you have a roommate, be sure to work with them to design a space that meets both of your needs.