5 Budget-Friendly Tips to Transform Your Apartment

There are a ton of reasons why you should dive into designing your apartment. Start here with five budget-friendly tips to transform your apartment.

Home is home. It’s where you eat, sleep, wake up, work, play, lounge, and everything — it’s your mecca. Since its where you spend a majority of your time, its worth making sure you like what you see.

The apartment may be temporary – but most people stay for at least 2 or 3 years. I stayed in a rental for about two years and the entire time, slept on a futon because I refused to invest in bedroom furniture because it was “just temporary.” Besides regretting that temporary situation, I also regret not investing in a bed that would support my spine. “Invest” doesn’t mean it has to be expensive – “invest” in this case means finding quality items. And quality is not tied to a price tag. The most important thing to consider is the fabric, the sturdiness, the durability, the versatility and the style.

I wanted to incorporate my style in various ways throughout my space. My favorite colors are dark, but I love a room to be bright, inviting and fun – so those are the type of pieces that filled my living room and bedroom.

And remember, you’re the one that has to live there. it’s not about what other people will like.

Now that you are convinced you must renovate (you are), it’s important to note that you have to find a balance between being a spender and being a saver.

For example, you can pinch pennies for curtains, but you’ll want to spend more for couches or a bedroom mattress since both are used more frequently. You need a good couch for guests that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. And remember my twisty spine? Well, a good mattress will guarantee a good night’s rest and decrease the chance of back pain. But no worries. You can find expensive pieces for chump change at the right thrift stores.

You want to save money, but you also want your pieces to survive your rental for a few years and move easily to the new place when the time comes. My lovely friend Eva helped me design my place for less than $600 (that included designer furniture, decor and fix-ins for the entryway, living room, dining area, and bedroom. We thrifted in-store, on LetGo and Craiglist. Besides being a Godsend – she has undeniable style and saw potential where there was none to the naked eye. I wanted to share some of the tips and tricks she shared with me, in hopes that it will inspire you to take the plunge.

Here’s what my lovely friend Eva did to transform my rented condo into my home:

1. Eclectic statement pieces are better than matchy-matchy: You definitely don’t want your love-seat, couch, coffee table, and side table to all match. Cohesive pieces are more stimulating and adds personality to the space.
2. Bring the eye up: Even if you have low ceilings, installing a curtain rod with flowing panels “raises” the ceiling. You can also bring the eye up with shelving, mirrors and an art gallery. Doing this produces an interesting layered look.
3. Add a pop of color: You don’t want the room to look like a busted bottle of birthday sprinkles – yikes! The best way to add color is to place wall art strategically, add throw pillows, flower arrangements, lamps, or a great throw rug (these options are especially great for renters who can’t paint).
4. What goes up, can come down: Use poster strips like these to hang photos/art (no drilling required). And if you do make holes with a nail, it can be easily fixed with a little container of hole filler from any hardware store before your move-out. I used white command strips to hang up these white frames.
5. Used can be just as good as new: Browse online with Letgo, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Choose upscale areas to find incredible quality deals for half the price.

Sidenote: Not pictured above are the modern stools I added to the bar; they replaced the need for a matchy-matchy dining table. My favorite piece in the room is my red IKEA Strandmon Wing Chair and the large, gold-finished European-style mirror. Believe me, after a little smart scavenging, you can piece together the place of your dreams. I hardly wanted to leave my humble abode; it was perfect for what I needed. That’s what a home should feel like, right? Your home should be a place that’s so essentially you and comfortable that you never want to leave. Cheers!

Have you tried any of these tips? What worked for you in your place? If you enjoyed this post, drop us a comment below!