Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Didriks

Want to get in on the industrial-chic trend? You can inject the cool, hip home decor style into your space at BLVD l Loudoun Station with help from these popular retailers. A bit of distressed metal here, a dash of reclaimed wood there, and your cozy rental will take on the big-city loft vibe that you’ve always wanted!

Dot & Bo
Although this popular online home goods retailer is best known for its affordable selection of mid-century modern furnishings, it’s also a great resource for finding industrial furniture pieces that look like they came straight from a converted warehouse. Browse metal pendant lights, concrete planters, and even Parsons desks with perfectly weathered wood tops.

World Market
This affordable, eclectic housewares store offers an impressive selection of industrial-inspired furniture items that includes wooden beds, coffee tables on rolling casters, and metal bar carts perfect for entertaining.

Industrial Home
The name says it all at this popular online retailer. Industrial Home carries what it describes as “a vintage twist on modern industrial living,” which includes a great selection of antique-inspired light fixtures, warm leather sofas and rugged, wooden dining tables that offer that signature loft feel.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Blogging Dagger

There’s no better way to breathe new life — quite literally! — into your apartment than by adding a few lush, green houseplants to every room. Even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, these low-maintenance plants will last for years with minimal care.

1. Pothos. The pothos plant is one of the most common houseplants, and you’ve likely noticed its trailing stems filled with marbled green leaves in many offices and homes. Aside from its beautiful appearance, this plant also requires little light, minimal watering, and even helps to remove toxins from the air.
2. Aloe. Spiky aloe plants do best in direct sunlight on a windowsill, and because they prefer dry soil, they’re perfect for the forgetful indoor gardener.
3. Jade. This succulent plant is one of the most interesting in appearance, as it contains thick, rubbery leaves that grow across criss-crossing branches. It also has a very long lifespan of a decade or more.
4. Snake plant. The snake plant, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is an affordable alternative to pricey floor plants, as its long, snake-like leaves grow upright in a unique and attractive way. It requires little watering, and it doesn’t mind low sunlight.
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig. Although it can be a bit finicky, few plants make as much of an impact as the stylish, trendy fiddle fig. If you keep it in bright sunlight it can even grow as high as the ceiling.

24 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow [Better Homes & Gardens]
The 15 easiest indoor house plants that won't die on you. [Today Home]
Easy Houseplants [This Old House]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Maegan Tintari

So you didn’t go to school for interior design? No big deal; you can still transform your home into a designer-worthy space using just a few simple tips. These handy tricks will show you how to inject a stylish, inspiring look into any room in your home.

1. Use symmetry. If you’re unsure of how to arrange the furniture in a room or hang frames on a wall, simply keep the idea of symmetry in mind. Symmetrical rooms are more pleasing to the eye, so try adding two sofas facing one another to help balance your living room.
2. Consider the scale. Be sure to choose furniture in a size that fits your specific room. Choose large, overstuffed items for more open rooms and compact, apartment-sized furniture in smaller spaces.
3. Choose a focal point. If the majority of your furniture is fairly plain, invest in one statement piece as an accent. Try a colorful chair, a large, framed painting, or an ornate rug.
4. Use color to your advantage. Choose the color scheme of a room based on what type of emotion you want the room to convey. For example, use soft, soothing tones to encourage relaxation in a bedroom.
5. Mix new and vintage pieces. While a room full of thrift store furnishings may look mismatched, using all brand new furniture looks impersonal. Combine the two styles for a designer look.

Top Interior Design Tips for Beginners [Bliss at Home]
Interior Design 101 [Visual.ly]
What are Some Interior Design Tips for Beginners? [Wise Geek]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr winestyr

If you love to do DIY (do it yourself) projects around the home, but you just don’t have the time during the week, don't fret! Here are a few impactful DIY projects that you can complete in less than one weekend day.

Terrarium Gardens [sunset.com]
Give your home’s interior a designer-inspired look by creating a trendy terrarium for every room. All you need are a few glass vessels in your chosen sizes and shapes, some well-draining potting soil, and small rocks or sand for extra drainage. Arrange air plants, succulents, or ferns inside to make your own container gardens in just a few hours!

Glitter Pendant Shade [realsimple.com]
If you love the look of retro hanging pendant lamps, you can make yours even more fabulous by adding light-reflecting glitter inside. By simply brushing the interior with the adhesive Mod Podge and sprinkling on a heavy dusting of colorful glitter, your lampshade will become instantly glamorous and festive.

DIY Stenciled Bookcase [realsimple.com]
Breathe new life into an old bookcase by appying a stencil to the back of the bookcase. Go with a bright paint color and stencil to add a fun pop of color and pattern to your room. Achieve the same effect by wallpapering the bookcase.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jojo-bean

Many people dream of diving into the cushions and blankets of beds photographed in interior design magazines and catalogs, but you may not realize how simple it is to make that type of perfectly styled bed a reality. Use these smart tips to improve your bed — and likely improve your night’s sleep as well.

1. Make a tier of pillows. Whether you have a headboard or not, creating a tier of pillows always looks aesthetically pleasing. Start with two extra-large pillows in the back, then add one shorter set of standard queen sized pillows in the center. Finish with one or two throw pillows in the front to make a statement.
2. Use a minimal color scheme. If you don’t feel confident enough to mix and match colors and patterns, simply use a minimal color scheme with one bright, bold pop of color. Use white, grey, or simple pinstripes for your duvet and pillows, then add a fun throw or small pillow in an accent hue.
3. Add texture. If your bed looks a bit flat, add bit of texture by incorporating one faux fur, velvet, or chunky knitted item.
4. Use an alternative headboard. If you don’t have a headboard, don’t fret. Use an antique door, large tapestry, or DIY wood palette headboard to add eclectic style to your room. Or for a more traditional look, a tufted or wooden headboard can be used as the bed’s focal point.

How To: Style a Bed 3 Ways [Style Me Pretty: Living]
How to Style a Bed [The Everygirl]
How to Make the Perfect Bed [Pottery Barn]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Sam