Making apartments not so apartment like.

I'm hoping in a few weeks/months, I will be moving to Florida and more than likely living in an apartment again. I think everyone sort of has a love-hate relationship with apartments. They have their perks but most certainly have their disadvantages too. Most apartments have very dull interiors and it's hard to look past that when wanting to doll it up and make it feel like home. Sometimes when I walk into apartments, all the little things I would change about the place are bouncing around in my head. I can't help it! It's just my nature. :) 

So here's my usual thoughts :

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OPEN CABINETS

I just love the look of open cabinets. Carefully remove the doors and hardware to give you that open cabinet feel. Obviously, this only applies to those who have pretty dish ware. :) 

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ADD A KITCHEN ISLAND 

If you have the space in your apartment kitchen, I suggest taking advantage of that by adding an island. It will give the kitchen a more complete look plus more counter space.

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REPLACE DRAWERS WITH BASKETS

Try taking out the drawers in a kitchen or bathroom and replace them with pull out baskets. This gives off a much more unique look than your standard cabinetry and breaks the look up a bit.

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CHANGE OUT THE LIGHT FIXTURE

Now, this may be tricky so I suggest having a handy boyfriend, husband, or friend do this. (unless your handy yourself - go you!) Changing out the unpleasant light fixtures in an apartment instantly makes the space 10x better. Just keep the old light fixture in a safe place and replace it before you move out. 

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ADD A FAUX MANTLE

Who doesn't love a pretty fireplace? Find yourself (or build) a faux fireplace mantle to add to your apartment. This right away will give you "cozy home" points. 

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DRESS THE WALLS

Don't be afraid to hang things up, people! Dress those walls with pretty art, pictures or anything you may think of. I love the way this wall of old family photographs looks, don't you agree?

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BRING IN THE MIRRORS

Mirrors are a great way to decorate a small space. They make the room feel larger and really open up a room.

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ADD A RUG 

A lot of apartments have not-so-pretty beige carpeting throughout. Unless you're one of those lucky ones who landed a place with wood flooring. Adding a rug can not only make that carpet look more appealing, but it also adds some layers to the room.

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ADD CURTAINS 

I can honestly say I absolutely HATE the blinds that come in apartments. Tear those suckers down and replace them with nice curtains. 

 Just a side note, that might be obvious - but I feel like I should say it anyways : Make sure you hold on to anything you take down in your apartment and put in a safe place. Your apartment complex is going to want to see the place in the same condition you found it in. So be careful when removing cabinets, light fixtures, blinds, etc. 

Now go make those apartments pretty, y'all! 

xo, juliet