Being on a typical college student’s budget while trying to create a stylish apartment can be tough. Your apartment will probably have carpets that are some unknown brown-green mess of color and will, to your surprise and horror, soak up any substance. Despite this and a lack of “cute” furniture, your apartment can still look good. Maybe even Pinterest-worthy if you have the knack, however, it might require some handiwork of your own.
A tray can do wonders for a room. Seriously, a tray. In a bedroom, it offers a way to store your jewelry, makeup or perfume in a way that keeps them from looking as though they are just lying around. If you’re going to store your makeup supplies, filling an empty candle jar with coffee beans makes for a great way to hold makeup brushes. In a living room, a tray keeps your coffee table looking chic and purposeful. Put big art books on it (you can find cheap ones on eBay or a second-hand store), some flowers and top it off with a candle.
Another great way to spice up your organizational tools is by painting the inside shelves of a bookcase. This is a great way to add style to an outdated bookcase you purchased cheap at a garage sale or Goodwill. Use a bright color like orange to give it an unexpected pop. You can also use gold spray paint to make an industrial metal shelf go from gritty to glam. Don’t stop painting there. Paint an inspirational quote on a canvas frame found at your local craft store, and hang it up on a wall. Alternatively, use chalkboard paint on the side of a bookshelf or dresser to add some pizzazz and keep track of your to-dos.
When designing your place, don’t be afraid to use an item for something other than its intended use. For example, hang a full-length mirror horizontally above a desk or dresser rather than vertically over your door. This gives an otherwise basic item a really artistic presence. You can even try stacking two or three to further the sophistication of this look. Another innovative trick is to use a frame, wire and clothespins to showcase your photos in a new way. By attaching two or three wires along the frame’s edges (from the left-side to the right-side) and using clothespins to hang your photos along the wires, the frame becomes more visually appealing and unique. This idea works well with all styles of frames.
It’s important to make your apartment/house personal. Include décor details that are specific to your roommates. A unique way to incorporate your roommates into the unit is by framing maps of everyone’s hometown or home state. If you recently studied abroad, you can do something similar. Take a map of wherever you studied and use thick, bright thread to sew your path to various cities. To spice it up, use personal photos of you and your friends abroad to border the map and include souvenirs like tickets to really bring your memories to life, rather than have them remain forgotten in the bottom of a drawer. If you and your roommates really want a cohesive, stylish unit, make a group Pinterest board to get a sense of one another’s ideas and preferences.
When furniture shopping, don’t forget to check out thrift stores, eBay, and Etsy for “vintage” pieces that still have charm but without the price-sticker shock. If you just can’t handle the thought of a previous owner for your mid-century, barrel back chaise, check out home flash sale websites like One Kings Lane, Gilt, Rue La La and Joss & Main. They offer very high quality items at deeply discounted prices.
The task of making student living “cute” may seem daunting but it is much simpler than it appears. Organization and a touch of personalization is all it takes to make your temporary home have the calming qualities of a permanent one.
Email Kelsey your inquiries about interior design on a budget at eichman2@wisc.edu.
