This fall, I was lucky to move into a new apartment–one that’s sunny, bright, and much newer than my old apartment. My last place was nice, but my decor was rather drab, and the lack of light made it feel dingy and sad. When I moved, I was committed to making my new place a space that I would feel good in every day, especially because I live in a small studio with very little space. Making your space unique and fit to your aesthetic is important to feeling happy and at peace in your space, especially now that we are still in quarantine.
I wanted my new place to look more “adult”, and less “broke university student.” However, I am exactly that– a university student on a budget. As we all know, home decor can get expensive. But, I’ve managed to find a few ways to make my apartment look and feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
- Frame Your Art
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Hanging art or posters on your wall is a great way to make your own space and fill up the walls. I’ve found that getting frames for all my posters and art prints made my apartment look much more put-together. Amazon has a wide variety of cheap frames, and thrift stores often have a myriad of unique frames.
- Make Your Space Smell Nice
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Do you know how celebrities talk about having a signature scent? That also can apply to your home! Adding a nice smell can transform how you feel in your space. A great way to do this is through using candles, which can also serve as a decor piece themselves. I’ve loved my (Montreal based!) candle from Wan Candles.
- Stick to a Colour Scheme
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Keeping a similar colour palette throughout your space makes it look less chaotic. A few ways to add colour to your space is through blankets, throw pillows, rugs, lamps, candle jars, or even knick knacks. Simons and Homesense both have a variety of inexpensive decor that will bring your home to life.
- Add Light
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My new place is super bright with natural light, but I also like adding extra lights for evenings. Fairy lights and decorative lamps are a great way to add extra light to your home and make it seem cozier and warmer!
- Throw Pillows
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I LOVE throw pillows. Since my apartment is so small, my only seating areas are my desk and my bed. When I get tired of sitting at my desk I migrate to my bed, where I sit supported by a mountain of throw pillows. Not only are they comfortable for lounging, but they make your room look put together and are a great way to add colour and personal touch. I love the pillow covers from Redbubble, and you can get cheap pillow inserts from Amazon or Hudson’s Bay.
- Framed Photos
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As I mentioned before, framing your art and posters make your home look more “adult,” but the same goes for photos. I have so many photos with my family and friends around my apartment, and placing them in frames instead of sticking them on the wall adds a nice touch. Dollarama has lots of cheap frames to choose from.