When you live in a rental home or an apartment you don't have as much freedom to decorate as you would in a home. There are some steps you can take, however, that can make a large impact on the feel of your home.
Usually, apartments lack character, color, and personality. Having such a blank canvas without much control over it can seem daunting. It might not even seem worth it to invest too much into a (probably) temporary home. But it's important to make a home YOUR home. Here are some steps to take to make the most out of your rental!
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The first step you need to take is to talk with your landlord about what you can and cannot do in your apartment. This will set up clear boundaries and help you get a clear plan started for what you want, and can, to do in your apartment. When you are chatting with your landlord talk about not only what you can do but what they would expect your apartment to look like when you leave it. If you make changes, you might have to return the apartment to the way you found it when you first arrived.
1. Paint if you can
One of the first things you can do in your apartment is paint... if you can. Painting is a great way to add color to your apartment that probably is all one color throughout. Adding just subtle color in one or two of the rooms will add a warmer, more personal touch to your apartment.
2. Add color in other ways
In addition to painting or if you can't paint you will want to add in more color into your home. Pillows and throws are a great way to introduce bold or subtle colors and textures. You can add a lot of personal flare and exude comfort with the pillows you choose. You can even get pillow covers to change throughout the year for different seasons and holidays!
3. Opt for wall paper
While you cannot put up permanent wall paper.. there are a lot of removable wallpaper options now! You can create a statement wall or make a bold statement in the bathroom with fun wallpaper. Scroll through different sites and find one that expresses your style. If you get sick of the paper, you can just take it down!
4. Add nature
Plants are a great way to add color and personality to an apartment. Whether real or faux, plants will bring a natural flair to your home.
5. Focus on lighting
Lighting is key regardless of what type of home you live in. Take advantage of all the natural lighting you can. Making sure your window treatments don't cover any part of the window that would bring in more light. If you can change the light fixture to something that will be brighter that might be the way to go in some rooms!
6. Change the window treatment
Most apartments come with standard basic white blinds that are not very easy on the eyes. Taking these down and swapping them for curtains or other, prettier blinds will go a loooonnggg way. This will transform a room quickly.
7. Ask if you can swap the hardware on cabinets
This one you might not be able to do in your apartment but it is worth asking your landlord. Again, also make sure to ask what they would like you to do with the hardware you remove. Getting more interesting hardware that fits with your style will give more flare to a room than the basic hardware the landlord installed. Just the small step will give your bathroom or kitchen a major facelift.
8. Change plumbing hardware (kitchen and bathroom!)
This is a little bit of a bigger DIY but changing out the facets or the showerhead can be a beautiful update. It might even be a functional change that could make your water flow better!
9. Add more storage
Invest in some furniture that can be used as unique extra storage. In most apartments, the biggest issue is that there is never enough storage. You will need to be very intentional about the pieces you choose to purchase for your apartment in order to gain the extra storage space.
10. Invest in a rug
Lastly, purchasing rugs for different rooms can bring a lot of personality and character to your home. Whether you want to add more color, texture, pattern, or all of the above, a rug is a great way to pull together the design of a room.
Have any other apartment q's? Let me know in the comments below!
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