Decorating your first apartment is very exciting but it can also be a little daunting and not to forget, expensive. Now that your school/dorm life or living with your family is behind you, you can officially leave behind your childhood room.

Furnishing an apartment and making it comfy and homey is never easy. However, even with limited tools and space, there are ways to make your first apartment shine and feel like home. It just takes some smart apartment decor ideas and interior paint ideas to ensure your first apartment looks and feels 100 percent growth-up.

Find furniture that multitasks

Dual-purpose furniture is a must. Think storage ottomans and benches, pull-out sofas and dining tables that can double as work-from-home desks.

Upgrade the lighting system

The right lights can help your space feel homier, especially if it is a little dark or windowless. Floor lamps, table lights and string lights all have different intensities and can help the space feel less stark. You can also make use of candles for a little mood lighting.

Add an accent wall

Paint is a cheap way to make a huge impact. Moreover, it is easy to change if you move or change your mind. Don’t be afraid to go bold with colour choices and remember to have fun with home painting and make it your own! Push design limits and get closer to discovering your personal style!

Keep fresh flowers

Fresh flowers filled in stunning vases entirely uplift a room. It is the best way to add colour and fragrance to a space on a budget!

Go green

An assortment of greenery- faux or real, can bring life into your first apartment on a budget. Place plants on shelves or hang them from the ceiling using macrame plant holders to add texture and interest to the room.

Pick one big investment piece

If your budget allows it, invest in a statement piece that will last you for years. An inviting velvet sofa, a high-quality sliding closet or a well-made dining table are investment pieces that will help drive the look and feel of the whole space.

Your home is a space where you have the freedom to create and explore your personal style. Whether you want a relaxing vibe, modern aesthetic or rustic look, you can customise your home decor to match your unique style. From wall art to paint textures to textiles and furniture accents, you can maximise your style and save on expenses. Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

Gallery wall

Filling a wall with stylish decor does not have to be expensive or complicated. Paint simple wall art on canvases, like polka dots, geometric shapes or stripes using the best paint for home interior and hang them to create a chic gallery wall!

Vertical garden wall

If you want to bring natural elements to your abode then a vertical garden wall is perfect for a beautiful display. You can take up the wall behind the couch or an empty wall in the balcony and simply fill up a wooden slat with potted plants to boost the visual appeal of the room.

Photo clipboards

Create a wall of your favourite high-quality prints and photographs, magazine covers and quotes. Paint black clipboards with metallic coatings and hang them evenly on the wall before securing your photos and papers.

Pressed floral frames

Press and preserve flowers and add them to antique frames before installing them on the walls- to bring the beauty of the garden indoors and enjoy for years to come.

Vinyl records

Hang vinyl records on the walls for a unique room decor idea. This music-themed decor will brighten up the mood of anyone who steps into the room!

Christmas is the time of the year that brings out the best in everyone. This is the season for comfort and warmth, togetherness and generosity. One of the greatest joys of Christmas is getting your home ready for the festive season.

Embrace the colours of Christmas

You cannot go wrong with the classic festive colours of Christmas- green, red and gold. Room and wall colour schemes of red and green create not only beautiful colour combinations but also remind us of the beauty of the holiday season. Gold accents add an elegant touch to the colour scheme, which is a safe accent next to the bright colours.

Don’t forget to add a surprising colour

Choose an accent colour that will modernize the traditional decor without clashing. Think pops of sky blue, millennial pink, periwinkle and pastel pea for decking the house for the holidays.

Hang holiday wreaths

Hang a dainty wreath above every door inside your house. You can also hang wreaths over the bed, in front of the windows, on kitchen cabinets as well as above the television. You can use different types of wreaths ranging from holly berries, eucalyptus, pine and beyond.

Reorganize the bookshelf

Use pretty book spines or wrap books with leftover wrapping paper for a festive corner. Add some miniature Christmas trees, pine cones and candles too. For a hint of holiday flair with a literary touch, display spare paperbacks by stacking them into a Christmas tree- this is a wonderfully whimsical touch to a bookshelf.

A festive kitchen

Swap out your fine china for a festive collection of dishware, so even a late-night snack brings out the holiday cheer!

Origami some trees

Simple origami can be the chicest decor. Choose white, black and gold paper for a display that can last through New Year’s or use traditional red, green and gold paper with accents of blue and pink!