Moving into a new apartment can be an exciting fresh start. You can decorate it to show your personality while making it functional and comfortable. With a few smart choices, you can turn any rental into a stylish, welcoming home.
Some careful details can make your rental a cozy and stylish place. Remember, the key to decorating is to balance your style with functionality. Here are some simple ways to decorate a new apartment:
Start with the Walls
Your walls are a blank space ready for your touch. While many rental agreements don’t allow painting, you can still add color and texture without making permanent changes. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a great option for renters. It lets you try different patterns and colors. It’s easy to put up and take down, so it makes a strong statement without commitment.
If wallpaper isn’t your thing, you can hang art or framed photos. Use Command hooks and adhesive strips to avoid damaging the walls. Create a gallery wall or use a large piece of art to make a focal point that brightens up the room.
Choose Functional Furniture
When decorating a rental, focus on furniture that saves space and offers utility. Look for multi-functional items, like a sofa bed or an ottoman with hidden storage. These adaptable pieces are perfect for smaller apartments, providing both practicality and style.
Select neutral furniture as a base and add colorful cushions or throws for personality. Modular furniture is also a smart choice because you can rearrange it easily. Invest in quality furniture so it lasts, even if you move to a new place.
Improve Your Apartment with Lighting
Lighting sets the mood, especially for luxury apartments. Most rentals have standard overhead lighting, which may not look great. Use floor lamps, table lamps, or string lights to create a warm and inviting feel.
Use different lighting sources together. For example, a stylish floor lamp in the living room can be both useful and decorative, while bedside lamps can make the bedroom feel cozy. Smart bulbs are a good upgrade because they let you change the brightness and color for different moods.
Add Plants for Color and Freshness
Plants can brighten up your apartment. They improve air quality, create a calming atmosphere, and add natural color to any room. If you’re new to taking care of plants, choose low-maintenance options like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.
Use hanging planters or wall-mounted shelves to save space. Group plants of different heights for a lively and dynamic look in your home.
Highlight Luxury Features
If you live in a luxury apartment, you already have a beautiful space. These apartments often feature high-end finishes and modern designs. When decorating, focus on enhancing these elements for a cohesive and elegant style.
Choose décor that matches the apartment’s style. For example, if you have marble countertops or hardwood floors, select accessories in similar colors to highlight these features. Add soft textiles like velvet cushions or faux fur rugs to enhance the sense of luxury. Small details, like a stylish tray for your coffee table, can also make a big difference.
Make the Kitchen Work for You
The kitchen is often more about function than looks, but you can have both. Use matching containers for your pantry items to create order and style. Add a few decorative items, like a colorful fruit bowl or a nice utensil holder, to brighten up the space.
If your rental allows, change cabinet handles or use peel-and-stick tiles for a quick, temporary update. These changes can make your kitchen feel more personal and polished.
Add Textiles for Comfort
Textiles are an easy way to bring warmth and texture to your apartment. Use area rugs to define spaces, especially in open layouts. Rugs also add comfort and help reduce noise, which is helpful in rental units.
Make your bed inviting by using soft linens, throw blankets, and various cushions. In the bathroom, choose plush towels and a stylish shower curtain to improve the look.
Set Up a Personal Workspace
If you work from home or need a study area, create a workspace that is both functional and stylish. Use a sleek desk with an ergonomic chair for comfort and productivity. Personalize the space with a framed photo, a small plant, or colorful desk organizers.
Install wall-mounted shelves or a pegboard to keep your workspace organized without losing style. Good lighting, like an adjustable desk lamp, is essential for a productive setup.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
