Finding your first apartment after graduation can be tough. After all, both the rental market and the real estate market are quite unforgiving. In the biggest cities, the prices of even the tiniest and most unkempt apartments are often ridiculous. And it is not the only challenge that you will have to face, either.
After checking rental market trends in Detroit, Michigan and you find an apartment that suits your needs, you will have to decorate it. If you’re lucky to acquire one of the best Oakland apartments at an affordable price, you still have to set a budget for appliances and furniture that you need. Considering that you are most likely trying to put money aside for the monthly rent, your options will be limited. You might not be able to afford what interior designers are keen on recommending, such as brand new furniture, colourful paintings, and fluffy carpets.
The same goes for the devices that are nice to have at any apartment, such as a microwave or an electric kettle. Even though it would be quite convenient, not all landlords are keen on equipping their tenants with such things.
Luckily, making your apartment both fully functional and tastefully decorated is possible even if you are on a shoestring budget. In fact, there are quite a few tried-and-true ways of going about it. To make it easier for you, we came up with a few tips that are definitely worth looking into. Keep on reading to find out what they are!
Buying Any Appliances? Read the Reviews First!
Choosing a fridge or a dishwasher usually gets really complicated. Not only do you have to consider its price, but also its overall quality. How long will it last? Is it as quiet or as efficient as the manufacturer claims it is? These things are essential if you want your apartment to be functional.
Fortunately, there is an easy way of verifying whether an appliance is really worth your money. All you need to do is check out its reviews. If you want to make it quick and effective, it would be best to look for websites such as Appliance Reviewer.
On top of providing you with a review, they will show you which stores have an item in stock and how much they are selling it for. As a result, you will buy a high-quality appliance at the lowest price. Pretty convenient, right?
Do You Want Your Apartment To Look More Spacious? Paint the Walls White!
The colour of the walls can have a great impact on how large your space feels. So, if your apartment is relatively small and you want to make it appear bigger, paint the walls white. White reflects light and makes the walls recede, which tricks your brain into perceiving the room as much larger than it really is.
Moreover, it serves as an excellent backdrop for any colour. Because of that, it makes choosing décor and furnishings much easier. It is also worth noting that white is quite easy to paint over. So, if you ever feel like spicing things up a bit and changing the colours of the walls, it will not be as difficult as with some darker colours, such as black or brown.
Is It Not Bright Enough? Invest in Warm Lighting!
Pay attention to the lighting in your apartment. Is it easy on your eyes? If not, you might want to invest in warm lighting. Unlike other types of lighting, it feels natural to humans. Consequently, it is guaranteed to help you wind down and make spending the evenings in your apartment much more relaxing and enjoyable.
Additionally, it will make the whole space look more inviting and cosy. This is especially the case if the interior design of the apartment is based on warm colours, such as reds and oranges. As you might have already guessed, warm lighting enhances warm colours and makes them look much better than they already do.
Making Your New Home Look Great Is Easier Than You Think!
All in all, you can make your new apartment look great even if you do not have thousands of pounds to spend on its interior design. However, it will require you to plan things out before making any purchases. Your plan should include a list of things that you want to buy and the amount of money you are willing to spend. That way, you will still have enough money for food and rent.
On top of that, try not to engage in impulse buying. It can put a big dent in your savings. Instead, bookmark any things you find appealing. Then, give the idea of buying each of these things some thought. As a result, you will be more likely to make wise purchases.
Lastly, keep in mind that investing in interior design is totally worth it. After all, it is one of the most important qualities of every home. It has a great influence on your mood and energy levels. So, provided that you put in the effort while decorating, you are guaranteed to feel great in your new home.