So you want to make your apartment look more up-to-date, contemporary and refreshed, but don’t know where to start? Today we’re sharing ten easy upgrades you can make to elevate your space and upgrade your apartment.
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There are plenty of ways to fix up an apartment for cheap without buying new furniture and it starts with making some easy updates to your space. Adding a little bit of a contemporary touch to your small living space is as easy as updating hardware, light fixtures, or even your kitchen backsplash. There are many renter friendly updates that you can make quite easily that will elevate the whole of your interior style.
Good interior design and decor isn’t the only way to add a stylish and well thought out touch to your small living space. These seemingly small updates actually have a big impact and can make your space look quite sophisticated. The smaller the space, the more important it is to pay attention to details and those details can really elevate your space.
Keep reading to find out how you can upgrade your current apartment!
#1 Pair Down/Declutter
An upgraded apartment in 2022 will typically reflect a contemporary interior design style which falls somewhere in the middle of minimalism and modern design. Clutter falls into none of those categories. It’s a good idea to really look at your apartment or small living space and pair down where you can.
Most compact apartments will benefit from a good decluttering session. In fact taking the approach of contemporary minimalist design might be the best way to go. Focus on organizing your small living space in a way that will maximize your space. Home furnishings that are small-space friendly is obviously the way to go.
#2 SWAP OUT Hardware
For an easy renter friendly kitchen makeover consider swapping out old or generic hardware for some more sleek and minimalist options or even some with more flare and style. Assuming you have permission to make such changes to your apartment, then they’re easily one idea for a renter friendly cabinet makover. Switch out levers, latches, knobs, door stoppers, handles, towel racks, switch plates even!
And if you’re able to you can even switch out faucets! The best part is you get to keep them and take them with you to the next place if you ever move.
PETRA KNOBS
Fenton Single Toggle Switchplate
BLAINE MATTE BLACK TOWEL BARS
#3 SWAP OUT LIGHT FIXTURES
Changing your apartment lighting is also a great way to elevate your interior space. If your apartment is a bit outdated, then chances are you’ve got some generic, unflattering lighting fixtures. Whether you’re switching out the light bulbs or the fixtures themselves this update can deliver a totally different atmosphere to your space
This is a great way to try out some different sort of light functions such as task or accent lighting. Make a statement with your lighting fixtures and keep them off the ground to elevate your space. Also led light strips and puck lights are apartment friendly, battery powered and do not require any hardwiring. Add led light strips to shelves or cabinetry and puck lights to sconces or pendant lamps.
Puck Lights with Remote
LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light
Karlie 1 – Light Plug-In Armed Sconce
Tristan Ceramic Pendant Light
#4 ADD WALL TRIMMINGS
There are so many options when it comes to adding some wall moldings. Wainscotting, picture frame moldings, batten–whatever the style you choose will upgrade your interior style. Opting for wall trimmings or moldings of some sort can add a more immediate level of interest. They can also make a separation in spaces a lot more obvious and can serve as sort of a transition between one space and another.
Ashford Square Panel Stacked Wall Wainscot Paneling Kit
#5 ADD BACKSPLASH
Peel and stick backsplash tiles have never made it so easy to upgrade your kitchen backsplash. Not only are peel and stick tiles easy to install, but they also can totally give your kitchen a fresh new look! Wayfair has an incredible amount of stylish options that will have your kitchen looking brand new.
Peel-and-stick tiles are super renter friendly and as easy to remove as they are to install. From mosaics to natural stone, different styles and different textures, they make a great DIY project for anyone looking to update their space.
Natural Stone Peel & Stick Mosaic Tile
#6 CHANGE FLOORING
When you’re in an apartment you might find that the flooring or tile just isn’t cutting it for you. So consider adding some cheap peel and stick tiles to your bathroom or kitchen, or even as a way to create a separation in space if you’re in a studio apartment.
There are so many good self adhesive vinyl tiles designs and they are a great quick fix for your apartment. They’re also a great way to add a level of interest to your floors. Floors and walls can totally make or break a space so upgrading your floor visually will upgrade your apartment too.
Altair Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
#7 FEATURE THE WINDOWS
Consider your windows as a feature in your apartment. Therefore the way you display them is everything. If you’ve got great beautiful windows then it might be a good idea to do away with window treatment all together. Adding an accent trim to your window frame can also give them a visually appealing vibe. You also go for the floor to ceiling curtains which will not only elevate your space visually, but it will also give the impression of more space. If you haven’t already checked out our post on 8 Hacks To Fake High Ceilings And Elevate Your Space then you definitely should for some cool tips!
Consider adding a curtain rod closer towards the ceiling to give the illusion of length vertically. The other option is using a curtain rail track that you would attach to the ceiling taking your curtains literally up to the ceiling.
VIDGASingle Track Rail Included Ceiling Fittings
#8 Paint The Walls
It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do for a space. Painting apartment walls is a surefire way to update and refresh your apartments in no time. If you’ve got a small living space you don’t have to stick with white. In fact you can go with a range of options from serenity and calmness of neutral to the moodiness of dark colors.
If you’re considering painting a small apartment, but are unsure of which color to go with , check out our post on 6 Reasons To Pick Neutral Colors For Your Small Apartment. If you are opting for a more minimalist vibe then going with a neutral can really open up your space while creating that coziness. Going with darker colors conversely can lend itself to creating a different kind of cozy but moody vibe too.
#9 COVER VENT AND RADIATORS
If you’ve got yourself a really old apartment then chances are you have these unsightly radiator, ac units and visible vents up near the ceiling. Well there isn’t a whole lot you can do about those things aside from covering them up.
Luckily there are some chic and clever radiator cover panels and decorative vent covers to give your apartment a bit of architectural accents. You can find plenty of beautiful flush mount vent covers online like this one from Signature Hardware. Whatever you choose, you can always take apartment flaws and make them additive to your space.
Bencomo Radiator Cover
Plastic Wall Grille
#10 MAKEOVER COUNTERTOPS
Lastly for an ingenious countertop makeover, is a great option for covering your countertop without replacing it. Instant granite countertops is a quick solution that’ll spruce up your kitchen like you won’t believe. However, you may want to go with simple and minimalist color or designs to avoid your countertops from looking like they were d.i.y. If you opt for peel and stick adhesive, go for a high quality one that will give you less difficulty when it’s time to undo them.
Hexagon Marble Peel & Stick Backsplash Tiles
Textured Peel and Stick Concrete Wallpaper
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