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Katie
Hi there! This is where I keep the things that bring me joy. Thanks for reading.xx

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making an apartment feel like home


We've been living in apartments for almost four years now, and my hesitance to decorate or invest in these temporary spaces has finally come to a screeching halt. There are a lot of ways to make an apartment feel like home, while abiding by the rules and keeping your security deposit.

Paint. This rule usually varies, so it may or may not be an option for you. At our current place, we can paint as long as we repaint using the original colors before we move. We only painted the living room, but it made a huge difference for us, letting in more light, looking better with our decor, and breaking up that inevitable tan/beige that's all too common in rentals.

 Shop for classics and neutrals. This definitely isn't something you have to do, but if you're like me and want your current furniture to fit in your next place, it may be best to play it safe. Trends and personal style usually change over time, and you can also invest in a piece that is durable and will stand the test of time, both physically and aesthetically. If you want to mix current trends in, maybe invest more in the classic items, and less in what may be a passing fad.



Rental-friendly modifiers. There are more resources than ever before to find solutions for the downfall of rental living, from decor to utilizing small spaces. Floor shelves are great in that you have more storage space and can take them with you when you move. There are also simple cosmetic modifiers, such as curtains, plants, and rugs, that can elevate your space and give it a unique element in a cookie-cutter situation. An option that is a little more involved is giving your kitchen an entirely new look by covering your countertops with contact paper. It is considered temporary and rental-friendly, but I would do a little more research into it before starting. (And if we're renting for another four years, I'll definitely be looking into this option.)

Aroma. This always makes a bigger difference than I expect. And if you have kids, pets, or just don't trust yourself with candles, there are a bunch of different options, like essential oil diffusers, candle warmers, and incense sticks. We recently got this set from Target, and I love it.


Photos. One of the biggest game-changers in making a place feel like home is photos. It's no secret, and can't come as a surprise, that this is number one on my list. With the glorious invention known as Command Strips, you can cover your walls with photos without worrying about filling holes or losing some of your deposit when you go.

Make it a sanctuary. This may mean lots of decor, lots of function, or a mix of the two. We didn't do a thing decorating-wise in our first apartment, and it was still a place I loved to come home to. There were times where comfort and function came first, and our apartment looked like a huge playpen for the babies. There will be transitional periods, and we are in another place of having more room to play aesthetically, but function will always reign in our home. Create a space that caters to your needs and provides a place of comfort overall.


Our latest addition to the photo collection is this lovely canvas portrait, courtesy of Photowall. They have a wide range of designer canvases and wall murals that I had to drool over the Classic Art category from afar. (Definitely a downside of renting.) This photo is one of my all time favorites that I've ever taken. It's almost magical to me when I receive prints of digital images, and even more so when they're on the walls. Seeing this photo that means so much to me everyday in such a big and beautiful way is wonderful. Photowall is also offering my readers 20% off their purchase with the code: KatelynShaniceCampaign2018. The code is only good for 30 days, so if you're on the lookout for some new wall art, check out their website here.

Comments

  1. Great tips! Our house is a rental, and it's been a struggle to make it feel like a home. We're not allowed to paint, and the walls are a horrible brown color that makes everything dark and dismal. I'd like to put up curtains, but there are no curtain rods or anything, so I'm concerned about having to install them. But photos, scents, plants...these are things I can do and should do. :)

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    Replies
    1. Yeah I hate how restricting rentals can be. I'm also pre-curtain, mainly because the kids and dog mess everything up that they can reach. XD I hope you find some good solutions! xx

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