How To Decorate A Rental Apartment On A Budget

If you’re about to move into your new place and you find yourself wondering how you can make it feel more homely then here are some top tips to get you started! Often we can get so caught up in the practicalities of the move that we forget about the little touches that can really bring a new apartment to life. Just because you’re renting, it doesn’t mean that you can’t personalise the space more to make it feel like yours. There are some easy design tips that you can follow to start getting excited about decorating your apartment and they won’t cost you much. Home stores like Ikea can help you reinvent your space, even on a budget!

 

Use Plants To Make The Place Come Alive

Urban gardening has become a bit of a craze and for good reason! Not only are these green friends the best air purifiers around, but adding plants to your space can actually have a positive impact on your wellbeing and help you feel more relaxed in your new home. We all know that being surrounded by nature is good for us and designers everywhere are harnessing this power of plants to incorporate asymmetric, natural elements into the chiquest of designs. While plants do require a little attention every now and then, you can start out with succulents, air plants and cacti if you’re not particularly green fingered. Have you considered keeping an herb planter in your kitchen? By growing your own produce, you can save money, spice up your cooking, and make your space look more vibrant!

 

Let Some Light In: Assess Your Curtain Situation

Did you move into somewhere with ghastly net curtains or are the curtains a garish colour that doesn’t go with your furniture? If your property isn’t majorly overlooked then removing the net curtains can be a great way to let more light in and make your apartment feel more connected to its surroundings. Curtains are relatively easy to change too so if you don’t like the existing ones then it might be worth investing in some simple, inexpensive curtains that go well with your space. For example, if you find yourself confronted with some bright red curtains but the rest of your room has a bit of a coastal theme then investing in something more neutral is definitely going to make a difference. Just be sure to store anything you take down so that you can put it back up when you move out.

 

Soft Furnishings: The Devil’s In The Detail

Whether you’re renting a furnished apartment, or you are bringing/buying your own furniture, soft furnishings can really help you make the place your own. Statement pieces like some giant sofa cushions or an interesting floor lamp can add a personal touch and make your lounge more homely while a mirror can make any space feel larger. Plus, mirrors don’t necessarily have to be hung on the wall so avoid damage from knocking holes in your walls by leaning it elegantly against the wall. Don’t like your flooring or is there an unappealing carpet stain? Cover it up with a cute rug that could really tie the room together. Soft furnishings are an easy way to express your personality and style so this is an opportunity to go as funky as you like!

 

Have You Considered Painting?

We’re not saying that a repaint is always necessary as there are plenty of ways to redecorate without the paint; however, if you really think that it needs it and your landlord isn’t keen to do a full repaint for you then you could consider getting permission to paint the property yourself. Getting stuck in with the painting yourself is far cheaper than hiring professional painter; a few tins of paint won’t cost very much and might just be what is needed to brighten up a space. We recommend choosing light, neutral colours to make the space look larger and brighter! Just make sure that you cover any floors or furnishings carefully – it’s also best if you can get the painting done before you move in with all your clobber!

 

Want To Strike A Minimalist Vibe? Storage Is Your New Best Friend

If you’re moving into a smaller space then you’ve previously had then you might be concerned about where all your stuff is going to go. However, using some savvy storage solutions can help you keep your living spaces clutter free – and reduce the amount you’ll need to dust. If you need somewhere to stash the nick-knacks you’re not ready to get rid of yet then invest in a few under the bed storage boxes, use some handy folding techniques (such as KonMari) to optimise your closet space, and tidy your shoes into stackable shoe boxes. If you aren’t able to hang photos in our new let, and don’t want to risk command strips, then get a bookshelf unit and use this to house your favourite pictures!

 

Small Changes Can Have a Huge Impact

You don’t need to take all of these steps to make your apartment space feel fresh. Most importantly, you should be able to have fun with your decorating! It’s the little touches that can make your apartment feel like home. If you can upcycle anything or find new ways to get creative with your space then this is an added bonus! It’s not about how much you spend on the space but how you feel when you’re in it. Your apartment should be somewhere that you can relax, share moments with friends and family, and cosy up with a warm cuppa – so keep this in mind when you’re decorating.