Finding a new apartment, flat or even shared house is tough enough in these pinched, turbulent times. Finding one which suits your unique style is even harder. With long-term commitments low on the list of priorities, making sweeping changes to your new rental space simply isn’t an option. The good news is that, with a little creativity, there are a number of affordable, small scale changes you can make to inject your own style and pizzazz to your new place. So, here are 4 IDEAL ways to add personality to your new apartment on a budget.
ONE’S TREASURE IS ANOTHER’S TRASH
Whilst you might like that life-portrait drawing the previous occupant left as a memento, most trinkets and flourishes of homemade interior design left behind can probably be filed in the clutter column.
Wiping the slate clean and doing a bit of therapeutic culling should be first on the list of tasks when taking ownership of your new property’s stylistic concerns. Hiring a rubbish removals business is a great way to dispose of this clutter the right way.
DECORATE, NOT PAINT, THE WALLS
We think of the walls first when looking for an expansive space on which to express ourselves. But what options do you have when you’re unable to paint your walls? Easy; simply fill them up with smaller items which are more personal – and less permanent – than a new coat of paint. We’re thinking photographs, collages, framed art….you get the picture.
KITCHEN QUIRKS
Posters on the walls, jazz art on the easel….it’s all a bit uni, right? But the kitchen is a space where you can imbue personality with just a few simple touches. It can be as easy as repurposing existing utensils and storing your ingredients in a way which shows them off.
Having a large fresh fruit and veg basket on show can bring real energy to a room and for no real cost, as you’ll be eating the produce and restocking it, as and when. An ever changing, edible, room centrepiece? Sounds good to us. Having a spice rack on show with tastefully arranged jars will have a similar impact. With regards to utensils, having pans, woks, whisks et al hanging from hooks creates a ramshackle, lived in feel which feels great to be amongst.
GET CREATIVE WITH FURNITURE
When it comes to setting up your new apartment, one of the most expensive elements can be the furniture. So, get creative. More and more people are using pallets for interior design purposes – check out these tips on making a sofa out of them. You can also go to your local recycling centre to find out what treasures they have to offer. Often, older furniture can be given a new lease on life with a bit of upholstery work. Finding a furniture refinishing business in your area that can do this work for a competitive price is a must and the money you pay to these professionals will be well worth it in the long run. Alternatively, with the passage of time comes new design trends, and what was once outdated may suddenly come back into fashion. Buy some chairs from your local charity shop and simply sit and wait patiently until they are trendy again.
