Apartment dwellers decorating ideas

[Kristy]

What do you do to make your apartment feel more like home? We're moving into a new place soon and have free reign to do whatever we like- painting, wallpapering, whatever.

[shopaholic]

Wow..lucky (being able to paint/do whatever you want).

Unfortunatly, I do not have that option....although they did paint an "accent" wall for us (we had a wall in living room painted a slate gray).

Other than that, we have hung a lot of pictures and I am in the process of buying some plants.

[paiger]

I think if you can paint that it will completely change the look of your apartment to be more like a home. Apts are notorious for just being the same color all over. They did a great job w/ the colors in our apartment. I mean, they are the same everywhere, but they are much more attractive than my last apartment. We have taupe walls w/ like eggshell ceilings and boarders. For decorating, I was really lucky to get some good stuff for our wedding through gifts and returns.

Staples that really help apartments, I think, are mirrors. Mirrors make the whole room seem bigger. Basically, fill your walls up w/ prints, mirrors and pictures in actual frames. We really put up stuff, and we always have people saying how much more mature our apartment looks and how homey it is. I use our vases w/ silk flowers. I know that some people hate silks, but we can't afford new flowers all the time and need to use what decorating things we have (which we got lots of vases for the wedding). I got a second job at Pier 1 when we moved to help me get some fillers like silks. They have GREAT sales on flowers at the end of the seaons. I got some for .37cents a stem!

I also agree w/ the plants. If you have a corner that you need to fill up, a big house plant will really help out. We also work on our balcony. I think making it like a back yard helps with the look of an apartment. We put plants in the corners, and even have an herb garden in a windox box on one of the rails (that's in the sun). I also have two plants outside of our door to make it more unique. I think it is the little personal things you can do to an apartment to really make it your own. I also 'move in' to the apts that I've lived in. I like making things the way I like it, so it feels more permanent.

dining area mirror:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc06b3127cce902ced7630c000000026108AZsmjZk3btk

minihallway to our bedroom and bathroom:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d611b3127cce99cfb20dbea100000026138AZsmjZk3btk

personalized bathroom - we took down the towell bar and added this shelf from target w/ the cabinet also from target. this is one of my favorite things we did to the apartment:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d611b3127cce99cfb2243fb800000026138AZsmjZk3btk

[shopaholic]

ardathpaige I think we have the same showercurtain!
There is the very corner of it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v26/celicacutie/Bathroom.jpg Except we don’t have a clear liner, we bought a green one that is exactly the same color as the curtain itself.

I really like the idea of plants outside on the balcony. We have a good sized balcony to work with. I am dying to get some flower boxes to plant flowers, but the only thing is I’m in Chicago and the weather here changes so drastically. If I were to get plants to put outside I have no where to put them when its winter. I guess I could bring them inside but would just have to make sure the bases/pots are cleaned up.

Here is our one painted wall.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v26/celicacutie/LivingRoom.jpg

[tlew12778]

I agree with the pictures/poster/prints in frames. Also about the plants.

We have tons of plants on our balcony. I am growing tomatos in 2 large pots. I also have basil, sage, coriander, Italian flat leaf parsley, 2 windowboxes with lobelia crystal palace mixed with wildflowers plus a windowbox with cascading snapdragons. I also have two pots of geraniums. Everything except the geraniums and the sage are annuals so no need to worry about storing them over the winter. I leave the geraniums and sage out on the balcony all winter long and they are ok come spring.

[shopaholic]

ardathpaige
One more question. Where did you get that nice table in your hallway? I have been looking for a half-oval typed table for our main walkway.

[emmjay]

Unfortunately we can't paint and our apt is full of white walls. We have tons of framed pictures and art, hanging plants, floor plants, and potted herbs on the windowsill. The pictures make a huge difference - we have so many in our family room that you barely notice the ugly white wall.

Also our dining area is connected to our family room area, so to separate them we put down a huge rug that we bought at an auction (our whole apt has hardwoods). The rug fills up a lot of the family room area and almost makes it look like a whole different room

I do wish we had a balcony - I would love to have a place for outdoor plants, and for a grill.

[paiger]

ardathpaige
One more question. Where did you get that nice table in your hallway? I have been looking for a half-oval typed table for our main walkway.

Susan We must have similar tastes in bathroom colors!! We got our hall table at a Bombay Company Outlet. There is one like an hour from here, and we drove down there like 3 days after we moved to Raleigh. We had gone to the online Bombay company looking for a wine rack/glasses storage thingy, and they had a link to the Outlet store which I didn't even know existed. Incredible deals. I think we got that table for $45!! They do ship on some things, so you should check out the online store. They were having a huge sale in August so you might want to keep checking then if it is an annual thing.

I think that if you go to a nursery type place they could tell you about what to do w/ your plants in the winter. They might could also tell you where to get good pots that would go inside easily. We went to a nursery here that gave us great information about what could go on our balcony as we only have a half moon shape of it that gets sun (it's a large balcony, too). The lady that helped us w/ our herbs also told us to look at like Kmart for some plastic windox boxes (can go in in the winter).

ps. I love the built in shelves in your living room!! Those are great.

Also our dining area is connected to our family room area, so to separate them we put down a huge rug that we bought at an auction (our whole apt has hardwoods). The rug fills up a lot of the family room area and almost makes it look like a whole different room

This is how our apartment is as well!! That's great that you can cover up those walls. We didn't need any, but to the OP Linen's and Things has some really great, large prints. That is where we got our big mirror over the kitchen table. It was resonably priced, and they had a much larger selection than Targe, Home Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls, etc...I looked everywhere!

[charliezangel]

Something that an interior decorator told me once...if you can't paint your apt, but want some color or border on the walls, you can actually use a thin fabric. Something a little stretchy i would suggest. Get a real good strach and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Going a section at a time, spray the fabric with the starch mixture till it is wet and then use a walpaper smoother to smooth it onto the wall. Continue to do this until you have covered the desired area. When it dries, it looks just like you've painted the wall, but it gives it texture and depth. Then, when you are ready to move out, wet a corner of the fabric, and just peal. Take a damp sponge, and wipe down the wall. It doesn't hurt the piant, and it looks awesome when it's done.

[shopaholic]

Something that an interior decorator told me once...if you can't paint your apt, but want some color or border on the walls, you can actually use a thin fabric. Something a little stretchy i would suggest. Get a real good strach and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Going a section at a time, spray the fabric with the starch mixture till it is wet and then use a walpaper smoother to smooth it onto the wall. Continue to do this until you have covered the desired area. When it dries, it looks just like you've painted the wall, but it gives it texture and depth. Then, when you are ready to move out, wet a corner of the fabric, and just peal. Take a damp sponge, and wipe down the wall. It doesn't hurt the piant, and it looks awesome when it's done.
wow, do you happen to have any pics of this? I would love to see!

[Vishenka69]

After living in two apt's with white walls, the first thing we did in this apt was to paint each room a different color. I love it. The colors act as decorating theme and although we don't have that much on the walls themselves, they don't feel empty at all. I also got some rugs on eBay to cover the ugly brown linolium that covers the whole place. The painted walls, curtains and rugs transformed the apt and made a lot more inviting and grown up.

[ButterflyJen]

We aren't allowed to paint. :( After owning, going back to plain white rental walls SUCKS!

Ways you can personalize that aren't permanent:

Replace towel bars in the bathroom with something more your style
Replace light switch covers - there are wood ones, metal ones, etc. at home improvement stores
Plants, pictures, etc. go a long way (as PPs say)
Curtains! And curtain rods!
Area rugs to cover carpet, ugly flooring, etc.
You could also probably replace light fixtures temporarily, if you REALLY want to personalize (I'm talking about those standardized screw-on glass ceiling light covers - blah, blah, blah)


Hope those help....

[shopaholic]

when you guys are replacing towel rods/light switch covers...are you just doing it temporarily and then when you move out put the original fixtures back up??



************************************************** ********

I convinced SO into getting some plants to put outside and then bring inside during winter months. He said it was a good idea so hopefully this weekend I will have some "live" plants/flowers.


Also, I agree about window fixtures. If you do not want to drill holes in the wall for rods (if your place doesn't already have rods, mine doesn't...although we do have blinds) you can get tension rods. Bed Bath & Beyond has some nice sheers to have over blinds. I was going to do this but decided not to, at least not right now.


Another note: We had a fan/light fixture installed in the bedroom. The management did it for us, we just had to buy the actual fixture. This is nice because "most" apartments never have ceiling light fixtures/fans.

[paiger]

when you guys are replacing towel rods/light switch covers...are you just doing it temporarily and then when you move out put the original fixtures back up??


Yes, that's what we do. We removed our towell bar and put up that glass shelf (see above bathroom pict). We also so drill in our walls. We got some sheet rock dap at Lowe's, and the apt complex gave us a can of touch up paint. So, we drill, hammer and hang things, then move them around and just fix it up. Recently, the apt complex even gave out little bitty paint cans to encourage people to come and get touch up paint.

[strwbrygirl]

I've also (in one room) put up a huge wallhanging- covers up the off-white rental wall and adds a lot of color to the room. I also have valances over several windows- our rental place requires that we leave miniblinds hanging, but the valances spruce things up a bit. I like to hang lots of pictures and art on the walls to personalize the space.

[tippy]

Yay! I am glad there is a thread like this. I usually don't venture over to the home section but I am glad I found this thread.

Well shutterfly.com is down right now so I can't post pics, but some things we did to make it feel like home was:

1. paint our entire bedroom (or apt lets us paint as long as it can be painted white over it when we leave)

2. paint one wall in our dining room

3. hang some pics in our bedroom

Once shutterfly gets back up, I'll post pics...

[ButterflyJen]

when you guys are replacing towel rods/light switch covers...are you just doing it temporarily and then when you move out put the original fixtures back up??
Yup. :)

[Baby Lust]

What a great idea for a thread! And good timing too! DH and I are moving into a new apartment on Aug 1, and it is a beautiful apartment, but very plain with all white walls. :rolleyes: Hoping to get some more great ideas!

[Kristy]

Keep the ideas coming! If anyone has more pictures to post, I'd love to see them.

[TX Sweetheart]

definitely subscribing to this one! Every apartment we've lived in has had boring white walls and boring ugly beige carpet, with no chance of painting :rolleyes:

[Katy]

I subbed for the very same reason. Can't wait to learn many tricks of the trade here.

[jennylou]

Not an apartment dweller now, but as a landlord, I wanted to post what I saw one of my clever tenants did for her daughters room. Many people like to do murals and whatnot for their kids, well she bought static clings (that go on windows) and hung them on the walls. It looked really cute. :)

[Baby Lust]

Does anybody have any color scheme ideas? I love mixing and matching colors, but I am running out of ideas...

TIA! :)

ETA: I am looking at this rug for the living room.
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/02/90/55/12/0002905512131_215X215.jpg
We have cream carpet and white walls... currently a brown sofa and loveseat, but subject to change very soon! ;)

[Baby Lust]

Here is a wonderful website for decorating ideas and much more!!
Excellent site!! (http://www.rentaldecorating.com)

[Katy]

Amanda, for the sake of plagerism and copyright laws, please be sure to source link directly to your article at some point (beginning or end). Thanks for the info and that awesome site - I can't wait to dig in and start decorating.

[Baby Lust]

Crap! I always forget to go that! :o Oops! I'll remove the text that I don't have a site for... Thanks!


I hope that site helps people out! I read through a lot of it today and feel very inspired! :D

[tippy]

Here is our bedroom. We painted the walls 'Cheyenne Rock' by Behr.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d637b3127cce9b6aa61afd0b00000016108AbMmLdi3bNY

Here is our dining area. We painted the small wall and bought palm tree plants (which died a couple of months later - I am so bad with plants).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d602b3127cce9b6aa60f9f4f00000015108AbMmLdi3bNY

[nekopie76]

I am also an apartment dweller. My DH and I have live in half a house. The house is old but in pretty good shape. It has so much character and I would love to work with it but our landlords are very strict. Can't do anything. :mad: But I have come up with some things to make it more homey.

I just got done doing the bedroom. I haven't taken any final pictures yet. Once I do I will share. I love the way it came out.

In the bedroom and kitchen I put up Wallies. They are perfect. They add color and character to the plain boring walls. Those I have pictures of:

Bathroom~ Our bathroom is very tiny so I have a couple different shots.
http://images.snapfish.com/344388%3A723232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D57%3B%3D9 88%3DXROQDF%3E2323649854959ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/344388%3A723232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D57%3B%3D9 88%3DXROQDF%3E232364985573%3Aot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/344388%3A723232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E232%3A%3D57%3B%3D988 %3DXROQDF%3E2323649854867ot1lsi


Kitchen ~
http://images.snapfish.com/344388%3A723232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3239%3E48%3A%3E897%3E WSNRCG%3D323276%3B34588%3Anu0mrj
I recently changed the curtains. I found this fun circle-like pattern for $.50/yard. :eek: That is another way to spruce/brighten up a room. Especially if you know how to sew. Very easy and can be very cheap.

Thanks for starting this thread. I can't wait to see everyone's ideas.

[strwbrygirl]

I wanted to bump this thread because it looks like we'll be moving soon... I'm hoping to find some more great tips here! :)

[Atlanta_eBride]

We were allowed to paint as long as we return it to white when we leave. For those who want to paint, the best thing to cover it up is to use Kilz (I believe it's a type of primer paint). When we moved in there was a badly bowed chair rail along the back wall of the dining room area. I ripped it off the wall and added chair rail all the way around. I think our home doesn't feel too much like an apartment - I'd love to do other things but this is where we are most of the time when we are awake.

http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/room01.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/room02.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/room03.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/room04.jpg
http://www.elephantwedding.com/wc/room05.jpg

[Hangin'in]

I have lived in apts. for 15 years... because I didn't want the upkeep of a yard. DH and I are building right now.... but here are my apt tips:

I have always had permission to paint... it is one of the first questions I ask. If they say no, then I don't rent from them. The person that suggested the fabric... excellent idea. You have to be carefull when you apply the fabric to the wall, because when fabric gets wet, it stretches... even if it wet with starch. I have also had friends apply thin lathe wood strips at the top and bottom of the walls, and actually upohlster the wall. He then put the original crown moulding and base boards back on the wall. It truly was one of the most gorgeous rooms I have ever seen. Most of the apts. I have rented mention that the apt needs to be painted white when I leave, but they have always given me the option to do it myself, or have their painter do it for a fee. I have always told them to do it, but never have I actually been charged for them to do it, and I've always gotten my full deposits back.... so it makes me thing they didn't always change anything.

I always replace towel bars and light switches. I keep all of the original stuff. I usually store the small stuff in ziplock bags, labeled... and then I put it all in one box, so that it is all together when I am ready to put it back up.

I generally replace mini blinds with other blinds... matchstick or those pretty ones at Pier One. There has only been one apt. that stated you had to keep the white mini blinds on the windows... so I bought slightly larger matchstick blinds, and hung them outside the frame, over the white mini's. You couldn't even tell the white ones were there from the inside.

I always hang curtains.

I always hang art and pictures on the walls.

If the floors are ugly, I put down rugs.

I love to use plants, like tall palms in the corners of rooms, and I always use uplights behind them.

I have also put dimmer switches in the main living area... that is fairly inexpensive, and easy to do.

In my last apt., I switched out the ceiling fans in the living and master bed rooms, as well as the lights in the hallway and bathroom... but I kept all of the original stuff, and took all of my stuff with me.

It sounds like alot, and the labor might not be worth it if you don't plan on being in the apt for at least a year. I am usually in my apts. for 3-5 years each... then I get bored, and have to find a new floor plan!

*** I'm not made of money... most apts have standard sized windows, so my matchstick blinds generally fit most windows in any of the apts I have lived in. I get the plain ones, usually at home depot. They aren't that expensive, and most apts don't have alot of windows to cover.

I wish I had pictures uploaded, but most of them are packed for our next move.

I did move from one apt to another after my Dr. told me I had to move to an apt that had no carpet, because of my allergies. When I told the leasing office why I was moving, they told me that they would remove the carpet, and install wood or laminate flooring, if I would buy the materials. I chose not to do that, because I didn't want to put alot of money into something I could not take with me... when all I really needed to do was move!

[TX Sweetheart]

wow... those are EXCELLENT suggestions... we're planning on moving at the end of January (there's no way we can stay in this hellhole any longer)... when we start looking for places, we're definitely gonna ask about painting... whatever place we move to next we're hoping will be our home for quite awhile 'til we save the money to buy a house...

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I am moving into an apartment in October/November. I am really excited because this will be the first time My husband and I get an apartment together. (I moved into his place).

We found a very cute apartment with a front room that is all windows that overlook the Seattle skyline. I plan on putting large white sheer curtains there so it looks romantic. We are seriously purging our house right now. I want as little clutter as possible.

I do have one concern though..... Our bedroom windows face the stairway and people can see in. Does any one have any ideas for covering them. I think I am going to have my bed in front of the one window in the master bedroom. I'd like something that will blend to make it look like one big head board.

Let me know if you have any ideas!!

[Call_Me_Scarlett]

Subscribing...I need all the help I can get!

[Katy]

LilMrs, not sure if it's what you had in mind, but I know I saw a "contact paper" sort of thing that you can stick onto the window to blur it out - like etched glass or stained glass or something similar.

[Amuse Bouche]

In our last apartment we painted and hung curtains and it was gorgeous -- sigh. After the hellish time we had painting it back, DH said he will never again paint a rental, so now we're living with beige carpets and white walls. Taking down the vertical blinds (gak) and hanging curtains in place on the vertical blind tracks help a lot, as do hanging things on the walls and putting down rugs over the carpet.

[ruledbymercury]

Bump! These are some great ideas! It's so nice to see a thread devoted to apartment-dwellers.

DH and I have been thinking about hanging fabric in our dining room to add some color and to cover up the horrible late-80s blue and pink wallpaper on the back wall. Since we'd be hanging it over wallpaper, we've been considering using a tension rod (the wall in question is only about 8 ft wide) as close to the ceiling as possible and just hanging several panels of fabric, to give it a sort of soft, curtain-y affect.

Although, we are renewing our lease this weekend, and while we're in the leasing office, I think I'm going to ask if there's anything they can do about the wallpaper, since it's faded and peeling. The kitchen and bathroom are also wallpapered and it just looks terrible. We also have a cracked light fixture in the kitchen, and miniblinds that are falling apart (when we moved in, parts of the individual slats were held together by tape!). Maybe they can help us out. If not, we'll do our best to fix the issues ourselves.

We're getting a brand new red 2-piece sectional delivered on the 26th to replace our worn, ugly black metal futon. I think that will do wonders to liven up the boring white walls and beige carpet. We are also slowly replacing all of our wood furniture (desk, coffee table, end table, entertainment center, bookshelves) from "dorm-room-ecclectic" to all black-painted pieces for one cohesive look and adding a red/gold/brown wavy striped rug to go with the red sofa. I'm hoping that once we're done it will look like a REAL home. Right now it just feels blah. Not terrible, but not great either. I can't wait for the new sofa to arrive!

[jenjunum]

We're working on updating our apartment right now. We just purchased new couches and we're planning on painting (we're allowed to if we paint it back or pay them to do it). I'm also working on trying to find some accessories- but I'm not sure where to look. I think we'll try garage sales and maybe a big flea market first and then try some stores. Luckily my husband is an ameteur photographer so we have lots of pictures, we just have to buy the frames.

[Bootsy]

I second being thankful for a thread for apartment dwellers!

I have always lived in apartments or private houses that allowed painting or whatever you wanted to do. The apartment I live in now also allows it but I opted this time to stick with the white walls and only wallpapered the kitchen which needs to be redone. I thought the white walls would keep it looking open and not small.

However now seven years in I am looking for a change. I have been considering painting the walls. Anyone got any suggestion on colors for my bedroom. I might start there. Should I do wall to ceiling or just do a half type wall type thing. I plan on getting rid of the border. Maybe get a different type if I go halfway on the paint. It never really matched anyway.

Thanks
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc28b3127cce9586df70e27d00000036102QbNHDdu2Ys

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc28b3127cce9586d343637800000015102QbNHDdu2Ys

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc28b3127cce9586d8ada23b00000016102QbNHDdu2Ys

[ruledbymercury]

Bootsy - I'm not a fan of wallpaper boarders, so I wouldn't go with that myself, personally. But if that's your style, then by all means, go for it! I think, if it were me, I would choose an accent wall (most likely, the one your bed is up against) and paint the other walls a lighter, more neutral shade. Just as an example, you could paint the accent wall red or navy blue, and the other walls a light tan/khaki color. This sort of thing helps makes the room appear longer, since your eyes immediately go to the far wall, where the accent color is. Good luck and let us know what you end up deciding on!

Our new sofa will finally be in our home in less than a week! I've been counting down the days until it's finally IN our apartment. We did end up covering the one wall in our dining room in fabric panels, but I'm not sure how I like it. We ended up going with 3 panels: a light tan, a red, and a gold. My thought was that having three different colors in our color scheme on the wall would help tie the room together, but now I'm thinking we should have just gone with the gold color. Of course, it's still a definite upgrade from the yucky wallpaper, so it's certainly staying on the walls for now.

See if you can picture this for our living room...

Here is the sofa we purchased:
http://www.ashome.com/en_US/images/full/SohoR_Sect_1076795LG.jpg

And we are adding two of these pillows that we bought last week (the creme/red/brown one in the foreground):
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/40496107012C.JPG

We'd also like to get a few more pillows, most likely two solid chocolate-colored ones with some sort of interesting texture to them, and a chocolate-colored throw blanket like this one, which has a light herringbone pattern:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AAEWXQ.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

With this coffee table (and possibly a matching end table):
http://images.kmart.com/assets/images/product/productDetail/9990000027321811.jpg

And this rug under the coffee table:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000AEXNSC.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

And a big piece of art like this on the wall above the sofa:
http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/1d/images.art.com/images/-/Trish-Biddle/Road-to-Cannes-Print-C11709490.jpeg

I'm getting sooo excited! I'll have to post pictures when it's all done!

[amd1005]

Something that an interior decorator told me once...if you can't paint your apt, but want some color or border on the walls, you can actually use a thin fabric. Something a little stretchy i would suggest. Get a real good strach and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Going a section at a time, spray the fabric with the starch mixture till it is wet and then use a walpaper smoother to smooth it onto the wall. Continue to do this until you have covered the desired area. When it dries, it looks just like you've painted the wall, but it gives it texture and depth. Then, when you are ready to move out, wet a corner of the fabric, and just peal. Take a damp sponge, and wipe down the wall. It doesn't hurt the piant, and it looks awesome when it's done.

Does anyone know if you can do this with panelling? Our landlord thinks this stuff is worth it's weight in gold and I HATE it!!! We can't paint it or wallpaper over it, and I'm so sick of looking at it. Our living room is DARK brown, the kitchen, hallway and bathroom are tan, and our bedroom is a funky greenish gray. Then, of course, there's the spare room that is green....yes, green panelling. Bleh!

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

amd- You can also make frames with cheap wood and stretch fabric across it and staples it to the back of the wood frame and hang it up just like it was a picture. Think like making an art canvas- or you can even buy a couple of large art canvas and staples your fabric over that!

[ruledbymercury]

Bumping this thread up! DH and I are finally moving into a bigger apartment in a few months. After two and a half years in a tiny 1/1 unit, we are finally moving up to a 2/2 unit. I'm so psyched about the extra 200+ sqft of space we're getting! 955sqft may not sound like much, but it's practically a palace to us! :D

Any other clever decor ideas for apartment-dwellers?

[Cali*Girl]

Bumping this up since I'm moving into an apartment this weekend!

[ruledbymercury]

We are moving into our new apartment next week. Our unit is finished (they redecorated/refurbished the entire unit, and added on a second bathroom and a brand new walk in closet to the master), so we got a quick look at it last weekend. A few preview photos are in my journal on page 60 if anyone is curious. Packing is going well so far. Although I seriously wish I could wave a magic wand and have everything magically appear in the new place. I hate moving/packing!

I'm considering doing the fabric-covering idea for one wall in our dining room. It's just a small, perfectly square wall, so it seems like a fairly easy one to do as an accent wall. I'd want it to be red to match our sofa (the dining room is open to the living room). I guess we'll see if we're up for a project after all the unpacking and settling in.

I can't wait to get all this moving over with already! I want to enjoy my new home!

[Ali]

I recommend apartment therapy (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/). I have been browsing the website a lot lately, and I like it a lot.

I am enjoying following the Eight Step Home Cure (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/book).

[Foley42]

DH and I are moving into a new apt the end of December. I'm soooo excited, it's beautiful...and no white walls :) I'll be sure to post lots of pictures later on.

[apoppy]

Interesting links Ali!

[wander_woman]

I looove the Apartment Therapy site. I read it weekly. They're having a colors contest now. Lots of inspiration there! I highly recommend it for anyone thinking of painting their walls or just jazzing up a boring apartment with color. We can't paint our walls but I have gotten lots of ideas of other things to do to make our place feel more like home.

[ruledbymercury]

I wish we could paint, but we were told that since they are putting so much work into renovating EVERYTHING in each unit, we are not allowed. Bummer.

I'm looking into using wallies (wallpaper cutouts that adhere and remove with a little water) and bliks (vinyl self-adhering no-damage wall decals) in addition to attempting the fabric-on-the-wall idea to jazz up our new all-white-wall apartment. We move in on Thursday! Can't wait!

[tippy]

*bumping*

[Chris~n~Jen]

Here is the sofa we purchased:
http://www.ashome.com/en_US/images/full/SohoR_Sect_1076795LG.jpg

ruledbymercury, I've been looking at this same sectional. I'm trying to decide between the red like yours or coblestone. How is the sofa holding up? Do you find that the red color bleeds at all? I had red microfiber pillows that stained my light colored couch, so just wondering if that could happen with the sofa.

I'm also looking at using black furniture to accent. Do you happen to have any pictures of your finished living room? I also love the rug you posted. We seem to have similar tasts. :)

[BlackMagicRose]

I want to bump this up because we may be getting a new apartment. The apartment is very BRIGHT. The floors are light wood and the walls are white. We need something to give the space a more comfortable feeling because right now the place is just so cold. The bathroom and kitchen is also completely white. What can I do about that??

We are going to bring dark wood furniture into the space. Any other ideas?

[BlackMagicRose]

We are getting closer and closer to our new apartment!! Keep your fingers crossed for us!

No one has any ideas or pics???

[Bootsy]

I forgot about this thread. Here are my before and afters. I still need to do the kitchen though.

Bedroom
http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0005.jpg http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0004.jpg

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0003.jpg http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0002.jpg

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0001.jpg

[Bootsy]

AFTER

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0435.jpg?t=1171308483

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0439.jpg?t=1171308360

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0437.jpg?t=1171308237

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0446.jpg?t=1171307859

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0444.jpg

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0447.jpg

[Bootsy]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0450.jpg?t=1171308078

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0451.jpg?t=1171307983

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0460-1.jpg?t=1171307738

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0457.jpg?t=1171307661

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF0468.jpg?t=1171307583

[Bootsy]

LIVINGROOM BEFORE

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0015.jpg http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_scan0016.jpg

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0039.jpg http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0037.jpg

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0034.jpg http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/th_DSCF0035.jpg

[Bootsy]

After

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF2920.jpg?t=1171310489

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF2925.jpg?t=1171310399

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF2930.jpg?t=1171310285

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF3423.jpg?t=1181409347


http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF3730.jpg?t=1181409689

[Bootsy]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF3720.jpg?t=1181409913

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF2911.jpg?t=1171299438

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF3721.jpg?t=1181409863

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/My_Ideas_2007/Inside%20and%20out/DSCF3736.jpg?t=1181409941

[ManteoChik]

When we lived in an apartment we were able to paint, but their requirement was that you return it to its original condition (and they supplied the paint so you could paint it back) but we decided that when it was time to move the last thing we'd want to do is repaint the rooms. we knew we'd only be there max 2 years, ended up only staying one - so it wasn't worth it to paint.

In the end, we purchased nice furniture - that we knew we'd take to a house. We also hung a lot of artwork and most of it were my photographs since I was still in school for photography at the time. Getting the pictures matted and framed with nice stuff made a big difference too. We just added a few decorative touches like candles, pillows, plants, ect. In the bathroom I just made sure to get bright, fun shower curtain, rugs, and bathroom accessories to brighten things up.

Shortly after we moved into a rental house, and they gave us total control to do whatever we wanted and we didn't have to paint it back. We ended up painting all the room different colors.

[BlackMagicRose]

Bootsy thanks so much for posting your pictures. I LOVE your living room. We are looking at a similar couch. I LOVE your television armoire!!! I love how all the warm wood makes the room look so inviting and cozy! Thanks for the ideas.

[Bootsy]

Thanks I like the way it turned out. The walls a creamy white which helps to bring out the browns. The wallunit is by Wynwood.

[MLA]

I remember reading online somewhere (can’t remember where) about how to add colors to walls when you can’t paint them. Basically, you take a light-weight fabric and affix it to the wall using ironing starch (not the stuff in the spray can – the stuff you get in a bottle). Supposedly, when you remove the material, you can just wash down the walls, and everything’s left clean.

I’d probably do a test spot first, just in case any of the color of the material seeps onto the wall and to be sure that you can really wash off the starch easily.

ETA: Oops! Just saw that someone else already posted this idea -- and did a much better job than me of explaining it!