![\"The](\"https:\/\/blog.irvinecompanyapartments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/villas-mission-valley-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nNot only does decorating make your home look pretty but it also is an external expression of your inner self. Paint, furniture, light fixtures, window treatments, and wall hangings are elements that, in one way or another, reflect your personality and interests. The d\u00e9cor in your apartment makes a statement \u2013 intentional or not.<\/p>\n
Decor need not be expensive to be effective \u2013 or tasteful. A creative decorator can do more with $1,000 worth of thrift store knickknacks than $100,000 spent carelessly on over-the-top kitsch. Good decorating is about having intention, and then making the most with what you have.<\/p>\n
Because renters are unable to make permanent changes to the floor plans or light fixtures in their apartment, they are often limited when renovating their space. However, living in an apartment doesn\u2019t have to hold you back from releasing your interior designer self.<\/p>\n
Here are some basic apartment decorating tips to help you decorate on a budget:<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nWhether you\u2019re a seasoned apartment dweller or first-time renter<\/a>, it\u2019s probably no surprise to find the walls of your apartment to be painted a shade of off-white or beige upon move-in. However, if you\u2019re longing for a fresh pop of color, review your lease agreement to see if you\u2019re permitted to paint one or more walls. Chances are you\u2019ll have the freedom to paint, as long as that paint can be later covered over with a single coat of off-white or beige.<\/p>\n If possible, upgrade to a designer shade of blue, green, gray, yellow, brown or gray for a chic, modern look, or try a soothing powder blue to brighten up your space. You might want to rethink that navy blue accent wall because darker colors are not easily covered without needing extensive primer and extra labor time.<\/p>\n Flooring in an apartment is not easily replaced. However, if the linoleum tile in your kitchen<\/a> is not meshing well with your style, consider covering your floors with a throw rug or two<\/a>. Ideal for renters, throw rugs are usually lightweight and easy to clean. Whether you want to conceal dated flooring or add a little flare, throw rugs can revamp a space by creating a focal point and adding a touch of personality to your apartment.<\/p>\n If the living room is the hallmark of your home, a vibrant rug will easily lure guests to gather on the sectional sofa for game night. Throw rugs can be remarkably helpful when decorating a studio apartment<\/a>. Define separate \u201crooms\u201d with different patterned rugs in a similar color palette.<\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s a print of classic artwork, a photo of a city skyline, or a poster of your favorite movie, wall art is the easiest, most budget-friendly way to express yourself. The decorating possibilities are limitless when adding wall hangings such as a:<\/p>\n Mirror: <\/b>Open your space by adding a large mirror above your sofa or headboard.\u00a0 This optical illusion will make your apartment appear more spacious, bright, and stylish.<\/p>\n Make a major impact on your apartment\u2019s aesthetic simply by installing curtains. Floor-to-ceiling curtains will elongate the walls, visually adding more square footage.<\/p>\n Table-top and free-standing lamps can add light and atmosphere to any size room without adding permanent fixtures. As with window treatments, check your lease or ask your apartment manager if you can replace the standard-issue fixture in your dining room with something that might fit your taste \u2013 as long as you put the old one back up when you move out.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s where you can really make a personal statement and create a living space you can really enjoy. In addition to choosing a style that reflects your personality \u2013 traditional, transitional, contemporary, or ultra-modern \u2013 incorporate time-tested design tips to optimize the space you have available.<\/p>\n Choosing furniture with lots of curves, including round-edged chairs and sofas as well as circular or oval tables, gives visual variety to a boxy apartment. Buying furniture that is intentionally undersized increases the feeling of space and prevents overcrowding.<\/p>\n If your space is particularly limited, invest in furniture that performs multiple functions, such as a captain bed with built-in drawers, sleeper sofas that transform into guest beds, and bookshelves with built-in work surfaces to double as desks.<\/p>\n Free-standing shelves and bookcases give you another opportunity to combine style with function. They can also move with you from apartment to apartment. When possible, coordinate your shelf style with your furniture to make a strong, consistent aesthetic statement.<\/p>\n As a renter, you may not be able to rip out floors, install permanent fixtures, or enhance your bathroom with a polished marble shower stall. But that doesn\u2019t mean you don\u2019t have creative design options to make your apartment an expression of yourself. Being a successful designer with a rental will make it a breeze once you graduate to being a homeowner.<\/p>\n Are you looking to make your mark in Orange County<\/a>, San Diego County<\/a>, Los Angeles<\/a>, or Northern California<\/a>?\u00a0Find the perfect apartment community<\/a> that complements your lifestyle.<\/p>\nFloors<\/h2>\n
Wall Art<\/h2>\n
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Window Treatments<\/h2>\n
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<\/b><\/h2>\nLighting<\/b><\/h2>\n
Furniture<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/b><\/h2>\nShelves<\/b><\/h2>\n