How to Make an Apartment Feel Like Home: 10 Temporary Decorating Ideas
Discover “how to make your apartment feel like home” with our expert tips! Transform your space into a cozy sanctuary effortlessly.
Hey apartment dweller! Ready to banish that “temporary” vibe? As a seasoned renter and designer, I’ve helped many renters turn their temporary space into a cozy haven with easy-to-follow decorating and design tips. Let’s make your apartment feel like home, effortlessly!
Tips for creating a well-designed temporary space without spending a lot!
Many of my friends and clients are military spouses like me and often ask for help decorating their temporary place. I often see matching sets of furniture, bland walls, and not much decor.
They are usually overwhelmed with how to create a home that feels more permanent without going over their often limited budget (and managing kids and deployments!) and are unsure whether its worth the effort.
Creating a space you love is my business slogan for a reason. I firmly believe creating a decorated, organized, and tidy home surrounded by things you love is necessary for mental health, relaxation, productivity, and many other things.
So here are the best renter-friendly tips I suggest for them and you too. These rental-friendly decorating tips are easy to do and work with limited time and budget. Let’s get started!
1. Embellish Your Walls with Creative Treatments
Painting walls is a fantastic way to infuse personality into your rental, but if it’s not an option, consider temporary wallpaper or a striking geometric design using washi tape. Focus on one wall to create a captivating focal point that reflects your style and sets the tone for the entire space.
2. Personalize Your Space with Unique Artwork
Skip the generic prints and opt for something truly special by framing captivating patterns or pages from vintage books or check out the free art prints at the New York Public Library online archives.
Hunt for hidden treasures at thrift stores, where you can discover original artworks like student paintings or pieces by emerging artists. These unique finds add character to your walls without breaking the bank.
3. Bring Nature Indoors with Lush Greenery
Plants breathe life into any room, creating a welcoming atmosphere and adding a touch of freshness. Embrace easy-to-care-for varieties like aloe, snake plants, and peace lilies to effortlessly enhance your space.
Mix real and faux plants strategically to maximize the impact of your green decor, infusing your apartment with vibrant energy.
4. Define Spaces with Versatile Rugs
Rugs not only conceal unsightly floors but also serve as versatile design elements, defining zones within your apartment. Explore a myriad of affordable options to suit your style and space requirements.
Dive into our comprehensive guide for expert advice on rug types, sizes, and placement, ensuring you find the perfect rug to tie your room together seamlessly.
5. Streamline Your Space with Clever Cord Management
Tackle the challenge of unruly cords and cables by concealing them under furniture. This simple yet effective solution keeps your space organized and clutter-free, allowing you to arrange furniture with ease and maintain optimal lighting.
Enhance the visual appeal by incorporating decorative baskets or plants to disguise cord chaos effortlessly. Consider using rope or other decorative extension cords if concealing them isn’t possible.
6. Curate a Unique Aesthetic with Eclectic Accessories
Embrace a mix of decor elements from various sources to craft a curated look that speaks to your individuality. Blend high-end pieces with thrifted treasures to add depth and character to your space.
Organize your decor with trays, baskets, or books for a cohesive and thoughtfully designed aesthetic that reflects your personal style.
7. Transform Your Windows with Stylish Treatments
Elevate the ambiance of your apartment by dressing your windows with elegant curtains that create a sense of height and space. Opt for tall and wide curtains that sweep the floor for a luxurious look. Utilize extended rod brackets to cover existing blinds or remove them entirely for a fresh, updated feel.
8. Customize Cabinetry with Personal Touches
Revitalize your kitchen or bathroom cabinets by swapping out generic pulls for ones that reflect your personality and style. For a bold statement, consider applying patterned contact paper or wallpaper to cabinet fronts, adding a pop of color and visual interest to your space effortlessly.
9. Refresh Your Furniture Arrangements for Added Interest
Inject new life into your apartment by rearranging furniture or experimenting with different color schemes. Mix and match pieces from various rooms to break up sets and create a dynamic, personalized look.
Opt for versatile neutral tones like white, taupe, and gray to complement any wood stain and enhance visual cohesion.
10. Illuminate Your Space with Thoughtful Lighting
Combat harsh rental lighting by upgrading to stylish fixtures that enhance the ambiance of your space. Swap outdated overhead lights for affordable yet chic alternatives that reflect your design aesthetic. Store rental lighting in a safe place so you can reinstall it when your lease is up.
Before switching out ceiling lights, always ensure that the power to the fixture is turned off at the circuit breaker to prevent the risk of electrical shock. Additionally, use a sturdy ladder or step stool to safely reach the fixture, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation. If you're unsure about any aspect of the process, consider hiring a qualified electrician to assist with the installation.
Supplement overhead lighting with strategically placed table and floor lamps to create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout your living areas.
Commonly Asked Questions for Decorating an Apartment
What are some budget-friendly decorating ideas for apartments? Consider DIY projects, thrift store finds, and utilizing inexpensive decor items like throw pillows and curtains to refresh your space without breaking the bank.
How can I personalize my apartment without making permanent changes? Opt for removable wallpaper, temporary wall decals, and decorative accents like removable hooks and adhesive picture hangers to personalize your apartment without risking your security deposit.
What are some space-saving tips for small apartments? Choose multi-functional furniture pieces, utilize vertical storage solutions, and minimize clutter to maximize space in your small apartment.
How do I choose the right color scheme for my apartment? Select a color palette that reflects your personal style and complements the size and layout of your apartment. Consider light and neutral colors to create the illusion of space and brightness.
What are some renter-friendly ways to add personality to my space? Incorporate removable decor elements such as wall art, throw blankets, and accent rugs to infuse your unique style into your apartment without causing damage.
How can I create a cozy atmosphere in my apartment? Add soft textures like plush rugs and throw blankets, incorporate warm lighting with table and floor lamps, and include personal touches like family photos and candles to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
What are some DIY decorating projects I can try? Explore DIY projects such as upcycling furniture, creating custom artwork, and crafting decorative accents to add personality and charm to your apartment on a budget.
How can I maximize storage space in my apartment? Utilize under-bed storage, hanging organizers, and modular shelving units to maximize storage space and keep your apartment organized and clutter-free.
What are some tips for arranging furniture in a small apartment? Experiment with different furniture layouts to optimize traffic flow and functionality in your apartment. Consider multi-purpose furniture that serves dual functions, such as storage ottomans or sleeper sofas.
How do I make the most of natural light in my apartment? Keep window treatments light and airy to allow natural light to filter into your apartment. Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of space.
With these 10 decorating tips, you can turn any rental into a lovely haven to enjoy no matter how long you live there. Have you tried any of them?
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I’ve followed you for years and I’ve read this article or a combination of these articles before and they’re some of my favorites because a) I love your style and b) I live in an apartment! I took things a bit further and replaced the kitchen and bathroom taps, just store the apartment taps and switch them back before you move out. I also asked the manager for a small container of the wall paint they used when I moved in. This allows me to make holes with nails for hanging pictures and I can easily spackle and touch up the paint which comes in handy when I’m rearranging which happens pretty regularly!! I mean, moving things around until you find the right setting is an absolute must, right?! Anyway, just wanted to pop in and express my appreciation for your advice and blog… I’ve always found you to be a breathe of fresh air in the world of decorating… very down to earth and practical yet, able to pull-off elegance and lots of personality in a very unique and affordable manner. Thank you…