These days, mobile maps can definitely be more useful for traveling than a paper map. However, paper maps are beautiful to look at! So why not use them in your home decor? Here are three creative ways you can decorate with a map.

• Use a map to revamp your lampshade and give it a warm, vintage feel. All you need to do is find an atlas with pictures of beautiful maps inside, a lamp with a shade, and a few craft items. Make a template for your shade and test it out to make sure it fits perfectly. Then, just lay out your template on top of your map pages and make the pages match the size of the template. Finally, use some rubber cement to glue your map on and you're finished!
• Cover the drawers of your plain-looking dresser with a map. You're pretty much going to use the same process you did for the lamp. Make sure to measure everything out perfectly and remember to cut out tiny circles for the knobs.
• Give your living room a unique, vintage feel by covering the top of your glass coffee table with a map. If you have a large enough coffee table, you may even be able to see the whole map.

Vintage Map Lampshade [Pretty Handy Girl]
10 Ways to Decorate Your Home with Maps [Babble]
7 Ways to Decorate with Maps and Globes [Conde Nast]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Jonathan Rolande

You may think you need to spend big bucks to revamp your apartment's decor, but that's not always the case. Lucky for budget-conscious renters, there are a number of ways to make a big impact on your apartment's decor without overspending. Here are just a few affordable updates that will breathe new life into your living space.

1. Add a new rug. To change the whole feel of your living room or bedroom, switch out your rug with something completely different. Simply choose something in a different color or more elaborate pattern — just make sure that it still coordinates with the rest of your furniture.
2. Brighten things up. Let in natural light by switching out all of the window treatments in your home. Instead of using blackout curtains or heavy drapes, add light, sheer curtains that maximize the sunlight.
3. Throw around some pops of color. If your bedroom or living room is looking a bit drab, try adding mix-and-matched throw pillows to make things feel more exciting. You can also toss a bright throw blanket over the arm of a chair or the back of a sofa to tie it all together.
4. Hang some low-priced artwork. Search local thrift stores for new-to-you pieces or create your own DIY artwork to transform your rental into a home. Whether you arrange them into a gallery wall or hang simple statement pieces, wall art makes a big impact.

30 Ways To Upgrade Your Rental Apartment [Style Caster]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Emily May

A well-styled sofa can really make a difference in the over all look of your living room. Even a perfectly good, beautiful sofa can seem dull without the right styling elements. Follow these simple tips to help spruce up your sofa.

• Update your rug to one with a bold pattern. This can define a neutral area and help complement your sofa.
• Replace your lamp with a floor lamp that’s taller and sleek to polish the whole look around the sofa.
• To balance the space around the sofa, add a plant to the opposite side of the sofa.
• Add a large framed piece of art above the sofa. You want to keep it simple so one piece of art is plenty.
• For a quick update to your sofa, add a blanket or throw. Draping the throw over your sofa can soften up the design.
• Use four to five pillows to add comfort. You’ll want to use different shapes and sizes to fill the sofa out. Try mixing a few different patterns or shades. This can add comfort and really transform your seating space.

BEFORE & AFTER: How To Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Throw Pillows: 4 Tips to Style Your Sofa [Huffington Post]
Guest Post: How to Style Your Sofa [Pottery Barn]

CC-BY-2.0/ProFlowers

A gallery wall can elevate the style of your space and really make a personal statement about your life and style. However, the process takes time, preparation, and patience. Here are some tips to help you build your own gallery wall!

• Pick out your frames and create diagrams to help play around with some layout ideas.
• Lay out your frames on your floor before hanging them on your wall to measure everything out.
• If you find purchasing prints to be too pricey, use your own photography, pictures of family, or restore old photos to place in the frames for a personal touch.
• You can also hang up empty frames and collect pieces of art over time so you won’t have to splurge on a lot of pieces all at once.
• Use one large piece to start your collection, then use different sizes and orientation of the pieces to fill space and keep your eyes moving.
• If you’re going for more of a classic look, use a nine-square grid layout with even space between each frame.
• Use sturdy frame hangers to protect your walls and your photos against scratches and nicks.

​How To Create A Gallery Wall [Pottery Barn]
How To Create a Gallery Wall on a Budget [Apartment Therapy]​
The Guide To A Well Hung Gallery Wall [Emily Henderson]

CC-BY-2.0/ProFlowers

To make your living space more interesting, experts suggest using at least three different patterns for your room. Mixing prints in a space can add more color and can give your room a unique atmosphere. Follow these simple tips to incorporate color and patterns into your decor without overwhelming your space.

• Start by choosing a large, bold pattern that will determine the main focal color of your room.
• Create a uniform look by using different patterns that are close in color.
• Create a statement wall by using patterned wallpaper. This is a simple way to help choose your main pattern and color scheme.
• Use a bright patterned rug to create a statement piece that will bring the whole space together.
• Use dark shades against light or vivid colors to create contrast.
• Mix up patterned pillows with your wall art or coffee table accessories for a simple pop of texture and color.
• If you are still unsure about mixing different patterns, select a solid base color to act as a canvas for all of your patterns. This will make it easier to mix in other classic patterns such as black and white stripes.

23 Ways to Mix Patterns in Your Home Decor [Brit + Co]
Ideas and Guidelines to Mixing & Matching Patterns in your Home [The House of Smiths]
Using Color, Pattern, and Texture in Home Decorating [For Dummies]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr m01229