How to Decorate an Apartment like you Own It

Whether you just moved into a new apartment or you’re finally ready to make your space feel a little homier, there are plenty of ways to decorate an apartment like you own it. It doesn’t matter where you live -- even if you’re renting a sublet -- you shouldn’t have to sacrifice some of the basic comforts that make you feel at home. But since it’s technically not your space, you probably have a budget and want to make sure to get your security deposit back. After all, you don’t own the space and the living situation is temporary. If you have plans to move into a bigger place in the future, I suggest that you invest in things you can move with you… you know? Buy as if you’re buying for your future home. You should consider your temporary space “free storage”, as you pick up pieces you will love for years to come.

Apartment Living Room Decorating Ideas

If you’re renting an apartment, you probably don’t have a lot of living room space to work with, especially if you’re occupying an efficiency or studio apartment. In any case, my suggestion would be to first account for all your total living room space. If your apartment is already furnished there may not be much you can do, but there are still ways to personalize it (I’ll get to that soon). However, if you’re working with an empty room, the first thing you’re going to want to do is come up with a floor plan.

Staging your furniture around your focal point

When decorating a living room, the first thing you want to do is establish your focal point. This can be done by determining what activities you want to promote in your living room. Will it be used for entertainment, study, congregating, work? A focal point can be a TV, fireplace, art, or chandelier.

The most common focal point for the living room is a television. In this case, you’ll want to set your sofa about 8 feet across from your TV set. Since you’re most likely dealing with a small space, it’s best to add chairs as extra seating or a sectional. To save even more space, a large ottoman can double as a footrest and coffee table. Use throw pillows or an area rug to tie your theme together.

 

     

In small spaces, you should focus on functionality more than anything, being careful not to add any unnecessary pieces that don't contribute to your overall comfort.

Decorating a living room if your space is already furnished

If your living room is already furnished, the best you can do is rearrange the furniture to fit your promoted activities. Add character with pillows, throws, pictures, and accents.

Feel free to change the window treatments and swap out any decor items (and hide them in the closet) that clash with your style.

 Here are a few pieces to help you get started with your living room. 

How to Decorate Your Apartment Bedroom

Your bedroom is as important as any other room in your apartment, if not the most important. When you're sleeping away from home, you don't rest as well as you do in your own bed, so this room deserves your personal touch more than any.

You would obviously want to start with bedding, adding your own colors, textures, and pillows to fit your style and comfort level.  

To make your space feel even more at home, add wall decor like pictures, wall art, and wallpaper. To hang pictures use small nails that are easy to patch or sticky hooks to make sure you don't damage the walls. 

There's also an easy remedy to add character to your space with peel and stick wallpaper that can easily be removed. 

 

Decorating an efficiency or studio may be a little more challenging, as you may want to create invisible lines to separate your different living spaces. For example, shelves or wall units are commonly used to separate the sleeping area from your living space. You can also divide your space with different color schemes or decor styles. 

How to Decorate Your Apartments Kitchen

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen will instantly give your space character and a personal touch. Peel and stick wallpaper is easy to remove and comes in a variety of styles, including metallic patterns. 

Although your kitchen space may be small, you can probably work in a few pictures, wall art, signs, or even a mirror. If there's any counter space you should definitely add bar stools just to have extra space for a quick bite or coffee. 

Another great idea, if you're a little tight on space, is to add window shelves for extra storage space. You can also add potted plants and herbs for cooking.

 

Here are a few kitchen decor pieces to help make your space homier.