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

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a spa in the comfort of your own home? Your bathroom is a private, quiet space and it’s where you go to take a nice relaxing bath or shower to de-stress. All you need to do is add a few more elements to create your own spa atmosphere at home. Use these hacks and tricks to give your bathroom a spa makeover.

• Use minimal decor and a clean, simple style to achieve a serene and spa-like setting.
• Soften your lighting and get a relaxing feel by installing lights with dimmer controls.
• Create a barrier, such as a dramatic shower curtain or large plants, to make yourself feel a bit transported
• De-clutter your bathroom by keeping your toiletries well organized or hidden.
• Keep your bath salts and soaps in attractive containers. The presentation of everything will really make a difference.
• Invest in a towel warmer or use towel-warming bars.
• Use lavender or jasmine scented candles or oil diffusers. Aromatherapy is a huge part of a spa atmosphere.
• Create a playlist of relaxing and meditating songs to play while you’re soaking in the tub.

Bathroom Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Feel More Spa-Like [Apartment Therapy]
6 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa [Popsugar]
10 Affordable Ideas That Will Turn Your Small Bathroom Into A Spa [Improvenet]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr AllieKF

Books can add a pop of color, add a lot of character, and are a really simple way to improve any room. There are so many different ways to use them for decoration and another plus, they will never go out of style. You most likely have them lying around in your home, so follow these tips to find out how to use them!

• Look for books with appealing covers. The colors can warm up your space while also adding a pop of color.
• Pile up two or three books with different patterns on your coffee table.
• Use a stack of books to add height to your tables or mantels.
• Use books that are meaningful to you and your family. This will really make your space special and personal.
• Cut out a rectangle section in a large book and use it as a pot for plants or flowers.
• Use a stack of large, sturdy books to create a small side table or nightstand.
• Invest in a tall, wide bookshelf to create an accent wall with your collection of books.
• Cut your books into block letters to use as monograms to place on your shelf or dresser.

How to Decorate With Books [Ebay]
21 Chic Ways to Decorate Your Apartment With Books [Style Caster]
5 Ways to Decorate with Books [The Everygirl]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Luci Correia