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Let’s be real: we’ve all seen it. The new brand of “apartment”. Each unit has the same Ikea, cookie-cutter aesthetic. The apartments with the exact marble countertops and identical flooring that leave your place feeling like a nondescript hotel room. After years of trying all different methods to make my various apartments into a home that showcases my personality, I’ve come up with 6 ways to make your apartment feel like yours- and without breaking the bank!
1. Say no to overhead lighting.
Something about overhead lighting leaves a space feeling sterile and overbearing, like you’re living in a doctor’s office. Simply not using your overhead lights is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to bring life into your space. Opt for secondhand lamps and shades that look like they’ve already lived an interesting life — think vintage brass, sculptural ceramic, or a funky rattan shade. Scour thrift stores, check out yard sales, or Facebook Marketplace.
One of my favorite purchases ever was a floor lamp I found at a random yard sale one Saturday morning. I couldn’t hand over the $8 fast enough. That lamp instantly made my living room feel, well, feel more like me.
Dimmers you can plug straight into an outlet, and LED strips underneath or above cabinets make great options as well.
2. Make use of your wall space.
I’m a firm believer that your walls are a perfect place to showcase your personality. Feeling bold? Consider using an accent wall to add some drama to your space. Not in the mood to paint or use wallpaper? Try interesting shelving. Every apartment I’ve lived in the last 10 years has had these white floating shelves I got from Amazon. It’s an easy way to display my most loved items from trips and small pieces of art I’ve collected over the years. A few well-placed shelves can turn a blank wall into a mini gallery that actually tells your story.
Use art and posters of varying sizes and scales. You can hang one oversized piece of art or go with a gallery wall display, honestly whatever your heart desires. Remember, removable hooks and strips are perfect in an apartment!
3. Skip the overly trendy; opt for well-designed pieces instead.
It’s tempting to grab whatever is trending on social, but those pieces tend to go out of style quickly, while also making your apartment feel like everyone else’s. Instead, focus on well-designed items that you’ll love long after the algorithm moves on. Consider a simple, well-made coffee table that feels timeless or a set of sturdy wood chairs with great bones.
You don’t have to spend a lot for something to be well designed. Peruse thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets for pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy. If you want to play with trends, opt for smaller, easier-to-swap items like throw pillows, coffee table books, or bedding. This way, your apartment still feels current, but the foundation of your space doesn’t need to be replaced every three months.
4. Understand what you truly like.
This sounds like a “duh” moment, but it’s so easy to get caught up in what you think looks good because of what you see on social media, instead of what you actually like. Before you buy anything else, take a beat and figure out what you’re genuinely drawn to. Are you all about moody colors and dim lighting, or do you prefer bright, airy spaces with lots of natural light?
Instead of getting lost in the noise on Pinterest, try using Cosmos. Cosmos is an ad-free, visual discovery app built to save and organize your inspirations. You’re not bombarded with “related” products you don’t need (or have any interest in).
As you explore the app, look back through your collections and notice what you’re drawn to and why. Is it the same color palette, similar shapes, or certain textures? Whatever it is, that’s your personal style, and it should be your guide before you buy.
5. Layer in rugs and textiles.
Rugs and textiles are your secret weapon when it comes to adding your personality to your space. If you live in an open-plan space or studio, rugs can define different sections of your apartment, instantly making the layout feel more intentional.
Throw blankets and pillows are another easy way to create a vibe without committing to anything permanent (or too expensive!). Drape a soft throw over the back of your sofa to add a bit of color and texture.
6. Curate little “moments” instead of chasing perfection.
I know how tempting it is to want your place to feel perfect IMMEDIATELY. I’ve made that mistake repeatedly and ended up with items that needed to be replaced because they were poorly made or didn’t quite feel like me once they were delivered. Instead, focus on creating small vignettes that make you happy every time you see them. Nothing is too small or too simple if it brings a smile to your face.
The pieces you choose are a part of your story. These tips will make your apartment feel good to you- without having to go into debt to get it done!