Leasing your first apartment post-graduation feels like a rite of passage. There is excitement in having something of your own, a launching pad for your leap into adulthood. While dorm life seems like a past memory — and lofted beds and communal showers are thoughts you may not want to revisit — having your first apartment feels like a big deal.
Whether you’re renting a studio or sharing a three-bedroom place with friends, creating a space that feels like your own is really important in your first home. It’s the place you will feel at ease amongst friends and family, a place that will be your support when you get that first application rejection, and a place to celebrate all wins, big and small. It’s not just an apartment, it’s the start of something new.
In order to create that sanctuary, it is important to decorate your new place in a personalized and budget-friendly way. Follow along as we explore various tips and tricks to make your apartment feel like home.
First things first: Make a plan
Creating a physical to-do list is the best way to start the decorating process. Listing out the items you need versus the items you have, or those you want to salvage from college, can be an important step before you purchase anything new. Maybe you can live with your current bedding situation or you have the pots and pans you need, either way, by making a list you can simplify the buying experience. Gabrielle Savoie from “My Domaine” suggests planning for your apartment well in advance, minimally three months out. She states, “ You should make lists, have a budget and stick to both! Know your timeline and start saving asap.”
Lauren Phillips, author at “Real Simple,” advises new renters to figure out an overall budget. She explains, “Moving into your own apartment can be an expensive time, since you’re likely on the hook for a security deposit and first and last month’s rent — in addition to any moving costs and buying things for your apartment.” By figuring out how much you want to spend, you can then distribute that amount to the needs, wants, and nice-to-haves in your place. Phillips also suggests setting aside a small amount of your apartment budget for any last-minute necessities that inevitably arise during the moving process.
Prioritize
Once you’ve made your list, it’s time to prioritize. Deciding where to save and splurge can be a personal decision, but the overall thought behind this process should be considered because this apartment most likely will not be your forever home. Buying furniture that specifically fits or only works in your first apartment isn’t a great long-term strategy.
Phillips acknowledges the transitory nature of apartment living, but she suggests thinking about furniture with your future in mind too. Imagining how an item can move from one home to the next is helpful when making decisions. She writes, “A good quality futon that’s the focal point of your studio apartment living room/bedroom could eventually be a space saver for your future guest bedroom, while a splurge-y stand mixer could last you for decades.
Prioritizing can also mean slowing down the process of buying everything at once. It can be tempting to impulsively buy everything at a big box showroom, but quelling the desire to have it all, all at once, will be beneficial. As Philips writes, “It’s true that sleeping on the floor in an empty apartment isn’t fun, but it’s better than spending money on items you don’t actually like.”
Use creativity
A little thrift hunting goes a long way in the furnishing department. Finding loved pieces that can be restored is both practical and eco-friendly. Whether you sand, re-stain or paint, renewing a table or chair can add character to your apartment. Even art can be affordable — finding old coffee table books and framing pictures from them can add dimension to your space.
“Homeworthy,” a media platform found on YouTube, follows Alison Kenworthy, a three-time Emmy award-winning television producer. Kenworthy travels across the country filming and showcasing how homes shape the lives of people. Through her travels, she visits several NYC apartments and shows the incredible creativity a renter can bring to a small living space. From crown molding purchased on Amazon to faux marble fireplaces that create depth, Kenworthy finds the inspiration behind these design choices. “Homeworthy” offers a glimpse into how other people may live, but more importantly, it shows just how creative one can be in an apartment setting.
As a note, discuss painting and peel-and-stick wallpaper with your landlord in order to move forward with your ideas. Just because a space is small (and maybe temporary) doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own.
Maximize functional furniture
New apartments tend to lack space, whether it’s a studio apartment or a shared apartment with roommates, finding a way to fit everything can be tricky. “Multifunctional furniture is ideal for small apartments,” explains Melanie Gnau, a small space expert and blogger at “A Small Life.” Furniture that is adaptable to your needs is also the best cost-effective solution in your space. Pieces like a bed frame with storage built into it, or an ottoman that stores blankets or sheets is a simple way to utilize one product in a variety of ways. Remember to maximize wall space and stock up on the most underrated storage piece: the rattan basket, which can miraculously hide clutter in an instant.
Decorating your first apartment doesn’t have to be a choice between form over function. With so many budget-friendly options to choose from, finding a way to make your space feel like your own is simple. Starting with a plan and some creative energy, a rented apartment can easily become the place you call home.
