Renting your first apartment? Turn it into "home sweet home" with these tips 🥰

How exciting! You've just moved into your first apartment, but it's a little "blah". Making a new space feel comfortable and familiar can be a challenge at first. Discover some ways to make it feel like home!

A house becomes a home when you start to put elements of yourself into it:

• Fill your apartment with photos of friends or family.

• Find your style! Do you like bright colors or do you prefer more neutral colors? Which colors speak to you the most?

  • Organic modern style: Whites, beiges, soft greens, light woods

  • Earthy tones: terracotta, olive, rust

  • Traditional, warm decor

  • Contemporary/Modern glam: Black, white, gold, jewel tones

  • Boho/Eclectic style: Bright, bold colors and patterns

• What scents make you happy? Do you like calming vanilla or something more fruity and cheerful?

Questionnaire

Answer the following questions to help you determine what decor to use in your space to help you feel at home.

Choose a moment that feels perfect:

1. reading with a soft lamp light

2. snuggling on the couch

3. journaling or crafting

4. tidy, organized room

When you picture your dream home, what stands out the most?

1. comfort

2. emotional connection

3. self expression

4. order and simplicity

What do you want to feel when you walk into your space?

1. warmth

2. peace

3. inspiration

4. energy

If you answered...

Mostly 1s

• You like calm and cozy.

• Use: soft lamp lights, candles, and soft blankets in your space.

Mostly 2s

• You have more of an emotional connection to your space.

• Add: photos of family and friends, and use warm, soft, more familiar scents.

Mostly 3s

• You need to add more of a personal connection to your space.

• Use: bright colors, unique art pieces, and design a hobby/interest space, such as a craft table.

Mostly 4s

• You like a tidy, organized space.

• Use: baskets and/or containers to create organized spaces. Try to make sure everything has its place.

Photo by Decima Athens on Unsplash

Decor is one part of the equation when thinking about your new apartment, but layout and organization are just as important when trying to make your new place feel like home.

1. Traffic flow

• Make sure your furniture is arranged in a way that there's ample walking space.

• Arrange seating so the space feels open and inviting.

2. Functionality

• Think about the spaces that are important to you-eating, sleeping, reading, crafting, etc.

3. Shared vs. private space

• If you have a roommate, think about how to decorate the shared spaces (living room, kitchen, bathroom) vs. private spaces (bedrooms).

• Are there any spaces "off limits" to your roommate?

4. Storage

• Think about how you can control clutter. Use baskets or bins.

• Over-the-door organizers and vertical cabinets/shelving are helpful for small spaces.

5. Cleaning and upkeep

• Will you have an alternating cleaning schedule with your roommate?

• Perhaps each day of the week is dedicated to cleaning one room.

• Don't overcrowd the spaces.

6. Personal comfort

• Consider whether your roommate needs a quiet space.

• Is someone sensitive to light or noise?

Having a roommate can have its pros and cons.

How can you approach two styles clashing in a smaller space?

1. Discuss each other's priorities or "must haves". Maybe you each pick one to two things that are important to include in the apartment space.

2. Think about how you can combine styles. There might be a way you can make both styles work. For example, if your roommate likes bright colors and you like more neutral tones, you can create a room that includes neutral paint colors with splashes of brightly colored decor.

3. You might need to learn to compromise. For example, your roommate gets to choose light fixtures and you get to pick out the artwork.

Creating a mood board is a great way to see what your style is and help to find decor and furniture to make your apartment feel more homey. It can help you gather ideas and visualize what your apartment could look and feel like.

Photo by Mohammad Lotfian on Unsplash

1. Pick a vibe:

   • earthy

   • cozy and calm

   • colorful

   • "Boho"

   • modern

2. Choose colors and textures:

   • choose a color palette

   • choose a texture (smooth-glass, rough-burlap or wood, soft-plush or velvet, matte-wallpaper or ceramic)

   • choose furniture (more minimal or larger pieces)

3. Gather materials:

• poster board

• magazines

• glue/tape

• scissors

Find items in magazines that fit your vibe and preferences before decorating your apartment so you can make sure you will feel right at home.

Creating a mood board is a great way to see what your style is and help to find decor and furniture to make your apartment feel more homey.

1. Look for inspiration. Pinterest.com and instagram can be great resources for design and decor ideas.

2. Start with the main pieces. Couches, sofas, coffee tables, dining room/kitchen tables, etc.

3. Add smaller decor items. Rugs, lamps/lighting, wall decor, etc.

4. Add accessories. Candles, towels, throw pillows, and blankets, etc.

   

After adding these items, wait a little bit and see how the apartment makes you feel. You can always add more items over time — not everything needs to be complete right away.