You don't need an apartment redesign to go from plain to polished
Did you move into a rental pad that looks a bit "blah," or maybe you've suddenly realized your dated home decor needs an update?
We’ve got you covered. There are many simple ways to spruce up an unattractive apartment that won't break the bank or rental rules. Don't know where to start? Check out the stylish ideas below for inspiration.
1. Add a Colorful Backsplash
Want to give your kitchen a quick facelift while making it easier to clean those spatters of grease or sauce off the walls? Kitchen backsplash tiles come in various designs, and you can install them above the oven or along the entire countertop to add a pop of color to your kitchen.
These striking pink geometric tiles, chosen by Zoe Ball, complement the slate gray color of the cabinets. If you’re renting your apartment, consider using stick-on backsplash options that won’t put your security deposit in jeopardy.
2. Overhaul the Headboard
If you want to make a bold statement in your bedroom, you can achieve this goal with a one-of-a-kind headboard.
You can choose to repurpose an existing headboard, or hire an upholstery service to makeover your fabric headboard. To stay on top of the trends, consider switching your headboard to a rattan or patterned headboard.
3. Restyle Your Sofa With a Slipcover
Are you sick of looking at that beige sofa covered in hard-to-remove stains? While you might be tempted to buy a bright-colored sofa to spruce up your apartment, that might not be an option if you’re redecorating on a budget. That’s where slipcovers come in.
Slipcovers are a piece of fabric that you can stretch over your couch, giving it a makeover in minutes. It’s a great way to try out bold patterns or trendy fabrics without breaking the bank. Plus, they're washable, so they suit households with kids and pets. This example shows how you can give a sofa a facelift that fits perfectly among bold, eclectic decor.
4. Pull Your Space Together With Thoughtful Wall Art
Nothing puts your personal stamp onto a room more than wall art. If your apartment has neutral color schemes and rental rules restrict you from repainting, hanging curated and affordable art pieces can introduce color and texture while giving a room a personalized appearance. This retro gallery wall complements the room’s mid-century modern styling fantastically.
5. Harness the Art of Layering
Introducing layers of different fabrics in a room helps add texture, comfort, and interest. It's one of the key elements of popular and eclectic boho decor. This living room illustrates this technique perfectly by using layered area rugs and an assortment of throws blankets and cushions to create a cozy space.
6. Incorporate Bedroom Botanicals
Adding greenery to your bedroom doesn't only enhance the space’s ambiance; it might also improve your sleep. Indoor plants can help reduce stress and lift your mood, plus they're natural filters for air pollution.
However, that doesn't mean you have to sleep in a jungle. Pick your plants and their positions carefully to add pops of greenery to your room without overwhelming it.
7. Create the Illusion of More Space With Mirrors
Mirrors can work wonders for small, cramped apartments. A strategically placed mirror can help create the illusion of more space and light, and they’re available in practically any size or style to match your home design. If you have room for a full length mirror, it can create even more of an impact by bringing multiple rooms together.
8. Add Elements of Trendy Decor
We all know how quickly home decor trends change. Even if you love the latest style, you might not want to transform every element of your home to match the latest trend. Hannah Beamer cleverly used a neutral color palette as a base, and then added small boho-inspired items to reflect the trend. She also incorporates gold decorative accents to complement her beautiful rust-colored couch with modern gold legs, bringing the room together wonderfully.
9. Repurpose With Rustic Touches
Anna King took her love for rustic farmhouse design to the next level by repurposing a wooden pallet into stylish undersink doors. Repurposing items is a great way to save money and live sustainably, and there are plenty of budget farmhouse kitchen ideas that allow you to put your DIY skills to the test. If you live in a rental apartment, remember to consult your landlord or rental management before making any major changes to your kitchen.
10. Cover Unsightly Fixtures
If you live in an older apartment, you may have an unsightly radiator warming your home. To make your radiator less of an eyesore, consider covering this not-exactly attractive item through a relatively simple DIY project.
Annalise May created a cover that matches her bedroom's period styling and features. All it took was removing the slats from an ordinary radiator cover, painting the frame a terracotta shade, and then fitting the cane with a staple gun and adhesive.
11. Create Wall Art With Washi Tape
Regina Rosario perfectly demonstrates how you can use removable washi masking tape to make unique, modern wall art in your apartment. This technique is ideal for creating geometric patterns, lines, and borders. Plus, if you make a mistake, you can simply peel it back off.
12. Makeover Your Kitchen Cabinets
Updating your existing cabinets is a relatively inexpensive way to transform the look and feel of your kitchen. However, if you rent your apartment, don’t start your painting project until you receive permission from your landlord or rental management company.
Angie Talbot hired a professional painter to transform her black cabinets into card room green. Updating the cabinet hardware also makes a big impact, including these brushed gold handles that add personality to the kitchen design.
13. Elevate Your Storage Units
Clutter lying around a small apartment doesn't enhance its aesthetic. Organizing and tidying up your rooms will give your apartment an immediate polish. You can also incorporate creative storage solutions into your decor to keep items organized. Once your space is organized, personalize your storage units by surrounding them with eye-catching foliage or beloved trinkets.
