Feel at home in your surroundings by reading our guide that outlines seven steps to ensure your rental feels like a cozy apartment and a living space you want to come home to.
Renting for a year (or two) can be a great way to gain short-term stability while keeping your options open for the long term. Living in a rented apartment does not mean you have to feel like you are staying in temporary lodging. You can take so many easy steps to ensure that your rental apartment feels like a cozy home within days of moving in there.
Let’s look at seven ways to make a rental feel like a place you own.
Keep Your Apartment Clean
Cleanliness is one aspect of a home that people can take for granted, mainly if they lived with parents or relatives in the past. When renting a unit from an apartment rental agency, you should concentrate on keeping it clean from day one.
You will be surprised at how much more “homey” a place can feel when everything is in its proper place and when you have dusted and vacuumed at least a couple of times a week.
Avoid creating too much mess in the kitchen area as well. Try to clean up as you cook or prepare your meals, and take out the garbage several times a week.
A cleaner unit is more pleasant for guests, and you will also enjoy the time you spend at home much more. Remember that you would want to keep things clean in a place you care about.
Cleaning does not have to be a process that takes up a great deal of time. You can set up a routine of 10 or 15 minutes each day, where you are picking up all the odds and ends lying around, putting everything back in its rightful place, cleaning the kitchen, and vacuuming.
Select the Best Possible Furniture
A critical step in transforming a rented apartment into a home that you cherish is to invest in furniture that you find aesthetically and functionally pleasing. You do not necessarily need to spend much money on new sofas and tables, as you can find items through online sellers, yard sales, and even your neighborhood.
Spend 30 minutes a day on Saturdays and Sundays walking around your neighborhood, seeing if anyone has left out quality furniture. You would be surprised at how many people leave chairs, cushions, mattresses, bed frames, and couches out on the curb because it’s too difficult to find a buyer or they can’t take it to a proper disposal area.
Those not wanting to salvage apartment furniture may have more luck online. Plenty of sites allow you to check out new and used pieces available at affordable prices. Watch a few apartment decor videos, read about styling an apartment, and then think about the type of home where you would love to live.
Consider the aesthetic you want to showcase in your home when you are buying furniture. A mid-century modern seating arrangement, a Victorian writing desk, with sleek Scandinavian elements — whatever takes your fancy can be in your home. However, there should be a common theme that runs through all the pieces you buy, or you may end up with an apartment where nothing matches.
Pick a Decor Color Scheme You Love
Renting an apartment does not mean you have to tolerate the color of the walls for an entire year. Talk to your landlord and get their permission to paint some or all of the walls the color you choose.
Most landlords will allow you to repaint, provided you agree to either paint the apartment back to the original color before you leave or if you choose to give up part of your security deposit when ending your lease.
Repainting is one of those home chores that is well worth the effort. You would only have to spend a day painting and even less time if you had a few friends or roommates willing to help. Then, you can spend the next 12 months (or even longer if you renew your lease) enjoying all the walls being your favorite colors.
The fun part about repainting is that you get to stamp your personality on the place, instantly making it feel as if you have been living there for years. Within a few weeks, you will likely not even remember how the apartment used to look before you completed the paint job.
Liven Up the Place With Art
As you spend time outside of your house, take note of the paintings and other items you see on walls at businesses, offices, and other people’s residences. Consider how those places would look if none of those paintings were present.
Even after painting the walls your favorite colors, your apartment may feel a little barren and devoid of character. Barren walls are no fun, so adding paintings and posters that you adore can transform those rooms into living spaces that feel like yours. Tapestry wall hangings can instantly transform a drab apartment into a fab living space, infusing it with color, texture, and a dash of personal flair.
When someone enters your apartment, they should immediately understand your personality through the art you showcase on your walls. Procuring great paintings does not cost much either, as you can find plenty of deals online or through art establishments in your city.
Maintain Separate Work and Living Spaces
You can make an apartment feel beautiful, spacious, and clean, but there can still be issues if you work and live in the same spaces. If you spend eight hours a day sitting on your chair or couch working and then clock out and relax in the same spots, your home will feel like a glorified office.
Try your best to carve out separate living and work spaces within a studio or one-bedroom apartment. You can set up a desk in the corner of your apartment where you have your laptop and accessories, allowing you to comfortably and efficiently work remotely.
Then, you have the rest of the apartment to enjoy during your time off. Even when you take breaks on the job, you can close your laptop and walk away to your living space to unwind mentally.
Change the Blinds
Blinds are extremely functional and easy to use, but they are not the most cozy or comforting things either. You would be much happier with your apartment if you took off the blinds on all the windows and replaced them with curtains. The place would look a lot more inviting and relaxing, while the curtains will probably do a better job of keeping the sun out as well.
The color you choose for your curtains will depend on the color scheme of the rest of the room, along with the amount of sunlight you want to block. Darker curtains will do a better job of blocking sunlight.
Everyone deserves a living area that feels comfortable, cozy, and safe. Homeowners aren’t the only ones entitled to those experiences. If you rent an apartment and have signed a year’s lease, you may step foot in the unit and wonder if it will ever feel like home. After enacting each of the five steps we have laid out above, you will be surprised at how quickly an empty apartment can start to feel like your home. Before you realize it, you will invite friends and family to visit, host gatherings, and refer to the apartment as your home.
Add Decorative Accessories for Warmth and Charm
Transforming your rental into a cozy apartment is more than just choosing the right furniture. It’s also about the little details that add warmth, charm, and personality to your space. One of the most straightforward ways to achieve this is through decorative accessories.
Fill Empty Spaces with Texture and Color: When it comes to interior design, empty spaces can often make a room feel incomplete or cold. To counteract this, consider adding items that bring in texture and pattern. A wonderfully woven tapestry throw blanket could be a game-changer for your living room, making it feel warm and pulling together your color theme in a way that’s aesthetically pleasing. Throw pillows with interesting patterns or textures can also break up the monotony of a monochrome sofa, injecting life into what could otherwise be a stale environment.
Illuminate with Thoughtful Lighting: A beautiful Tiffany-style lamp is not just a functional object; it’s a design element that can make your apartment feel cozy and inviting. Opt for lamps that provide a light and airy atmosphere. A standing lamp in the corner or a table lamp on your sideboard can set the mood, making the space feel more intimate and homey. Your choice of lightbulbs can also have a massive impact on warmth—choose ones that emit a soft, warm light to enhance the overall vibe.
A Breath of Fresh Air with Plants and Greenery: Plants aren’t just for gardeners; they’re an interior design staple that can make your apartment feel vibrant and alive. A potted plant on a coffee table or a hanging planter can instantly add a pop of color and bring a natural element into your home. Succulents, snake plants, or even a humble fern can make a world of difference in how your space feels. Plus, plants have excellent air purification qualifies.
Choose a Color Theme and Stick to It: A coherent color theme goes a long way in making your apartment feel curated rather than cluttered. Whether you choose earthy tones or pastels, make sure your decorative accessories align with your chosen palette. This not only makes decorating easier but also creates a visually pleasing atmosphere.
The Finishing Touches: Incorporate other decorative elements like vases or a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter. The goal is to make the space feel lived in and authentic to you. Remember, it’s all about creating a harmonious environment where each item, down to the smallest decorative piece, contributes to the overall warmth and charm of your home.
By thoughtfully selecting decorative accessories, you can create a cozy apartment that not only looks amazing but also feels like home. The right blend of color, texture, and pattern can elevate your rental from just a place to live to a haven of comfort and style.
Summary and Key Takeaways: How to Create a Cozy Apartment
Renting an apartment doesn’t have to feel like a temporary arrangement. There are multiple strategies to transform your rental space into a home that reflects your personality and offers comfort. From maintaining cleanliness to investing in furniture that suits your taste, every step matters.
Key Points to Remember
- Cleanliness is Essential: A clean home immediately feels more inviting and pleasant. Implement a daily cleaning routine of 10 to 15 minutes to keep the space organized.
- Smart Furniture Choices: You don’t need to splurge on furniture to make your apartment feel like home. Consider your aesthetic preferences and choose pieces that align with them. Yard sales, online platforms, and your neighborhood could be treasure troves for finding the right furniture.
- The Power of Color: Don’t shy away from discussing repainting options with your landlord. A fresh coat of paint can instantly uplift the atmosphere and make your space more reflective of your personality.
- Art Adds Character: Empty walls can make an apartment feel sterile. Liven up your home with artwork that resonates with you, as this immediately personalizes the space.
- Work-Life Balance: In studio apartments and small spaces, it’s essential to distinguish between work and living areas. It ensures that your home doesn’t turn into a ‘glorified office.’
- Blinds vs. Curtains: Swap out impersonal blinds for curtains that match the room’s color scheme and allow in natural light. This simple change can significantly improve the ambiance of your accommodation.
- Accentuate with Accessories: Decorative elements like rugs, lamps, and throw pillows not only furnish the apartment but also add texture, pattern, and warmth. Plants add a fresh element, and sticking to a cohesive color theme can help you see more ideas for accessorizing.
This guide aims to furnish you with actionable steps to create a cozy space in a rental apartment. Whether you’re scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration or setting a dining table, each small effort contributes to making your rental feel more like a home. From filling empty spaces to capitalizing on natural light, these pointers ensure that you’ll love your home without taking drastic measures.