Improving the look of your space, even radically, needn’t be an expensive project.
1. Paint
There is no more immediate way to improve your space than by painting. Even repainting a white apartment a different shade of white can make a dramatic difference in how the space feels.
Experiment with different paint chips. Watch the amount of light that goes through the different rooms per day. How much light your apartment receives is an important factor is deciding which color will work best for your space. Repainting is one of the simplest, most affordable and most dramatic ways to transform your apartment.
2. Mount a large mirror. This is a well known trick to create the illusion of a brighter and larger room. Use large, antique-style mirror to beautiful effect the room.
3. Use storage smartly. Nothing kills the vibe of a nice space faster than clutter. If you live in a small space (which I do) this is even more important. Covered baskets, bins in the space under your bed, wall mounted shelves; these are all great ways to keep your belongings organized.
4. Craigslist is your new best friend.
I know this was already mentioned by another writer on this thread, but I want to emphasize it because Craigslist is a tremendously valuable resource for people redecorating on a budget.
5. Use textiles, antiques and personal items to add warmth and personality to your space.
Despite living in a very small apartment, I have textiles, art and antiques placed throughout my apartment. Strategic placement of art and antiques has made an enormous difference in how an apartment feels. They make your home into a place that feels special, a place that is a sanctuary, not just a space to eat and sleep. It may sound cheesy, but adding these elements to my space made it somewhere I really wanted to come home to, which is important when you’re busy, stressed and pressured much of the time.
