GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW WHEN DECORATING YOUR FIRST APARTMENT

Author: Harmony Sense Interiors Ltd. |

A well-lit room with a couple of armchairs and a wooden desk.

Being a proud owner of your first apartment is a life-changing experience. Apartment decorating may appear overwhelming due to the limited space available, as well as a limited budget. Don't panic if you've put your valuable belongings down and it still doesn't feel like a home. Even with limited resources, you can make your first apartment feel like home. Here are some guidelines to follow when decorating your first apartment.

Decide on a budget

Any sort of long-distance move can be quite stressful and lead to many restless nights. This is especially true when it comes to your first-ever apartment. If you are yet to settle into your new space, your budget will likely be a bit tight. Because of this, it is crucial to decide on how much can you put aside. Make sure to think about your priorities. If you have more than one room in your apartment, prioritize the one you use the most. Once you have a rough estimate of how much you can spend, you are on the right path!

A woman counting dollar bills
Making a budget is one of the most important guidelines to follow when decorating your first apartment because it will show you just how much you can spend.

 

Don't fully decorate right away

You might feel pressured to immediately jump into decorating every room in your apartment, but avoid doing that. There's a strong possibility you'll spend money on decorations merely to have the area filled up as fast as possible. When you take a step back and buy things gradually, you'll have more time to look for discounts, and more importantly, find unique items for your apartment. These special items will add value to your new apartment and showcase your personality.

Plan ahead

Before any purchase, you must decide how you want to decorate your new apartment. To know which items you will need, you can slowly figure out the aesthetic you are going for. You may determine which elements are most necessary based on your style. However, your style is not the only thing you should consider. You also have to consider which items are essential and which items your apartment lacks. Make a checklist of all the rooms and items you want or need to have. If you have the time, think about what kind of color scheme you want to have.

Refresh your walls

The first thing you should do is refresh your walls. This can be done in various ways. A fresh coat of paint can make a massive difference in the appearance of your apartment. It is a low-cost and simple method to make your place appear exactly as you want it to. If you have already decided on a color scheme, you may either paint all of your walls the same color or create an accent wall. However, if you cannot paint your walls, you may want to consider various wallpaper solutions that are easily removable.

A paint-roller covered with paint on a stepladder with a wall in the background
You can paint the walls yourself or ask for some help from family and friends.

 

Do not shy away from used furniture

Since this will be your very first major relocation, you need to do it properly. You must take the necessary steps to adequately prepare your household for the move. Moreover, you would want to get everything ready quickly! However, do not forget to repurpose your previously owned furniture or furniture your friends or family do not need anymore. This crucial step can help you save a significant amount of money. By making the older furniture look brand new, you can reduce the amount of money you spend. Also, you will be left with one-of-a-kind, unique pieces. To repurpose old furniture, look for inspiration online and get some help from friends and family.

Avoid buying unnecessary items

The purchase of too many unnecessary items is something that nearly always happens to new apartment owners. From all the excitement around the big move, it seems impossible not to overspend! However, it is possible. You must be cautious of items you put into your apartment, especially if you lack space. There are many ways to create more storage space in your apartment, but one key element is getting rid of all the items you do not need. Everything in your new apartment should have a purpose. And as time goes by, you will see which things you frequently feel you lack and which ones you never use.

Think about the details

Now that you have looked through every room and have a plan for the items you might need, it is time to discuss the details that put everything together. Having mirrors are an excellent idea since they can make any space seem larger. Rugs can also give your new apartment a cozy look and separate different areas in your place. Paintings or even pictures of your family or friends can spice up any dull wall. Plants can add life while also bringing the outdoor in. Curtains can make your apartment seem more put together. And proper lighting can make it look brighter, and in turn, larger. These details should not be overlooked.

Eight different pictures hanging on a beige wall
Implement some artwork or pictures on large portions of your walls to make them seem less empty.

 

Give it time

Once you go through all of the guidelines to follow when decorating your first apartment, look around. If your place still does not look the way you want it to and still does not feel like home - give it time. It isn't easy to make a new place feel like home after spending your entire life in one location. However, over time, as you add items that have meaning to you and spend more and more time in your new apartment - you will start to feel at home.



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