Making Your First Apartment Feel Like Home

Whether you are moving away from college or just getting out of your parents house, moving into your first apartment can seem overwhelming. And as someone just starting life on your own, you may not have a ton of furnishings to help fill up the new place. Well we at Aspen Square have found some cheap and easy was to help you make your apartment over, from dreary and bland to a style that suits your personality.

Rental Decorating Digest put together an article which can be used as a helpful jumping off point when planning your move and deciding what you need. They suggest following the 5 ‘S' list for where you’ll need to get some furnishings. “Where you Sleep, where you Sit, where you Snack, Where you Study, and how you will Sanitize.” The list includes everything that would typically come to mind and a few things that should not be forgotten, for example, side tables, mirrors, hangers, coasters, and cleaning products! It may look clean when you first move in but you’re going to need them eventually!

Don’t have all the right furniture quite yet? An article from the Economic Times suggests shopping flea markets, and we couldn’t agree more! This is a great way to stay in budget while still being able to pick things that suit your style. The article encourages you to “mix different styles and periods. If you buy what you love, the pieces always end up working together.”

Remember that although your budget is important, quality and practicality are equally as important. Shop for items that can be brought with you if you change locations and will last you long term. The Economic times admits “it’s hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don’t own—but it’s equally difficult to live in surroundings that don’t reflect your style.”

Make your new apartment into a place you can feel comfortable in and proud to show off to friends! Keep the apartment however makes you happy with it, and most importantly, get rid of the monotony! Most apartments are prepared with neutral colors which can seem to take the individuality out of it, but try and see it as more of a blank canvas. Neutral colors mean you can make just about any style work in a room. Check with your landlord before making any permanent changes, but add something special to each room. “Break the monotony with one rare piece per room that can be put in the focal point of the room. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories.”

Check out great property photos, floorplans, and more at Aspen Square to see your potential new home and start getting ideas about what you can do with it! Although you may feel like you are only going to stay here for one or two years, be sure to make that time enjoyable! Happy decorating!