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| Home > Modern Decor > First Apartment Decorating Ideas | ||||
First Apartment Decorating Ideas | ||||
| How to add personality to your first apartment without spending a lot of money. That first apartment after college, or even high school, is an unusual thing. Generally, it is stark, rather unattractive, and often shared but it is also the greatest place on earth. It's the first time many young adults are actually living on their own, or with roommates, and it's an opportunity to express yourself and tailor your environment to fit your personality. So, how do you take an ugly boxy apartment and turn it into your sanctuary from the world? Wall Color. Ask your landlord if you can paint the walls, as long as you agree to repaint with their supplied colors before you move; most landlords will agree. If your landlord doesn't agree then you'll have to be creative. Large, painted canvasses hung or even propped against walls with bright contrast and pops of colors, and you may even like this look better. Huge sheets of plywood can easily be covered in wallpaper and used behind beds as oversized headboards or focal points. There are solutions to adding wall color if painting is not an option; get creative. Window Treatments. Letting natural light into a small or stark apartment is key to giving it an open and airy feeling, but blocking out neighbors or traffic noises can also be very important. Decide what your needs are and then look for the window treatment that best fits them; don't be too quick to pick up matching sets at Target or Wal-Mart. If you'd like to save money, make your own curtains. Most fabric stores have deep discounts on older fabrics, sheets are fairly inexpensive and can be turned into beautiful curtains and shower curtains look great, especially when trimmed to fit smaller windows. Storage. First homes tend to have few storage options, so you'll have to get creative and find your own solutions. Modular shelves are available at most home decorating/improvement stores and don't cost much. If you want to boost their appeal, buy unfinished ones and paint them yourself. Step out of the box for other storage ideas and consider using storage cubes as footstools or coffee tables, or to hide things under your bed; put tables or storage solutions in unexpected spots: a storage box placed near a tub gives you ample storage for bath supplies and properly decorated, it totally belongs. Throw Color. To add punches of color and soften hard edges, add throw pillows, rugs and blankets in contrasting colors. Oversized pillows double as seating for guests when space is limited and they provide both visual and textural appeal. Personal Touches. Finally, it's time to add some decorating touches that are yours alone. Use collections, photo collages, hand created artwork, family heirlooms, or newly purchased items that just spoke to you. Whatever you choose to use as your personal decorating style, keep it clean, not cluttered. Small homes can handle loads of personality but not a lot of trinkets. With these tips you can turn a stark apartment into a beautiful and comfortable first home that is loaded with personality. By:Kristin Abraham |
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