Adulting is hard, no doubt about it. But while you may not have it all together on the inside, you work hard to make it outwardly appear like you do. The same effort should go into your apartment. Your futon and bare walls are fine until that time arrives when you want to invite your colleagues, or maybe a potential significant other, over for a drink. Or achieve one of the ultimate signs of adult status, hosting a dinner party. Suddenly your lack of a table and cluster of wine bottles on the counter will pose a problem.
So put on your big boy or big girl pants, and let’s talk about how to make your apartment more grown-up.
Frame Your Art, or Better Yet Get Some Art
If you recall your parent’s home or any other adult home, you will likely remember that they have art. Visitors probably remark on their excellent taste in art. Art on display, in a curio cabinet, and on the walls.
You should also have something interesting to talk about from your walls, but I am not talking about taping up a poster and calling it good.
If you do have posters or pieces of artwork, frame them. A picture frame screams sophistication, even if it is a vintage band poster behind the glass.
Urban Outfitters – White Wood Art Print Frame IKEA – FISKBO Frame
If you are needing to purchase art to adorn your naked walls, consider a large statement piece rather than small works of art. It can be challenging to make many different pieces of art look coherent, while a large painting or photograph creates a focal point for the room.
Etsy, Society6, and Urban Outfitters can be excellent places to find affordable and unique pieces for your walls.
Upgrade Your Furniture
Do you find yourself hanging your art while standing on your grandma’s spare couch she let you take to college? It’s time for a furniture overhaul. Mix matched furniture, futons, and card tables doing double duty as a dining room table and desk say only one thing…college apartment.
ALLMODERN – Lincoln Square Arm Sofa Wayfair – Alvarado Lounge Chair
You can find some pretty nice furniture at garage sales. Even pieces that are rough around the edges can be refinished or reupholstered. If you furnished your apartment with IKEA furniture you may be able to quickly refresh and change the look by replacing the covers or legs to breath new life into the room.
Alternatively, you can invest in a nice sofa and chair while resale shopping for the rest. Your furniture can reflect your personal style but try to keep things cohesive.
Matching Sets
If you haven’t noticed, there is a trend here, things that complement one another and match (to some extent) are typical of adult homes. Scraping together whatever you can find will suffice for your university days, but you’ve graduated. You’re now ready to move on to grown-up things, including an actual set of dishes.
Spending a lot of money isn’t necessary. IKEA, Target, and Wayfair carry a wide selection of unique and affordable dinnerware sets. As a bonus, buy a set of matching wine glasses to exude class even if you are still drinking boxed wine.
IKEA – SVALKA Wine glasses (6 pack) Crate&Barrel – Rosé Wine Glass, Set of 4
While you are in the kitchen, consider organizing your beverages. While a college dorm room usually has bottles of liquor boastfully displayed in rows on the counter, your tastes are now more refined, or can at least appear as such. Consider investing in a bar cart or cabinet and keep the wine in a wine rack.
Westelm – Mid-Century Bar Cart (Walnut) Wayfair – Broadridge Bar Cart Wayfair – Orion Bar Cabinet
Overhaul Your Lighting
Good news! Those hanging twinkle lights illuminating your photo collage that you adore? Don’t throw them away! You can place them inside sophisticated lanterns for an upscale twist. The plastic lamps though? They’re out. Switch up tiny table side lamps with standing lamps, hanging options, or ones that are to scale with your space.
Cozy Up to Curtains and Rugs
Layering rugs over hardwoods can pull a room together and show-off your decorating sense. Choose a pattern that fits with your decor and is easy to care for. The size of the rug must also be large enough to fit your space without looking oversized.
Amazon – Safavieh Hudson Shag Collection Area Rug Joss&Main – Waldenburg Natural Area Rug
Curtains can make your space feel more upscale as well. Window treatments like rods and drapes are actually quite affordable. Opt for thicker fabric and measure twice to ensure the proper length. Typically you want your curtains to pool by no more than six inches or “break” ever so slightly where they touch the floor.
An Apartment you can be proud of!
By employing some or all of these tips, your space will go from “my first apartment” to a home that you will be proud to show off. You will be ready to entertain your friends in no time, and they’ll be complimenting you on your refined adult tastes!
