Super-Simple Ways to Refresh Your Apartment’s Decor

If you feel like your apartment's decor is looking a little tired, don't fret. You don't have to save up for months to complete a total overhaul of the place; instead, you can make a few quick tweaks designed to have the ultimate impact. Here are five ideas to get you started.

  1. Reupholster a dying chair. If you consider yourself a solid DIYer, then reupholstering a chair should be no large feat for you. Perhaps you already have a comfy chair at home that you can reupholster, or maybe you'll have the added perk of being able to find one at your favorite thrift store. Either way, head to the craft store to choose a fabric you like, then use an online tutorial to help you make over your chair.
  2. Paint your throw pillows. There are countless ways to spruce up throw pillows, from slapping on a new case to painting them with colorful stripes. Use the method that suits your style (and time constraints).
  3. Make over your headboard. If it's your bedroom that needs the facelift, start with its focal point: the bed. You can recreate your headboard easily and cheaply, in various ways. For instance, hang a curtain panel across a metal bar for a contemporary twist on the typical headboard.
  4. Mix and match different rooms' accents. Maybe you already have all the components you need to update your apartment within its four walls. If you have certain decorations that distinguish a room, try swapping them between other spaces in your home to create a new aesthetic. For example, you could move the end table from your living room into the guest room, and repurpose the bedside table as a new end table instead.

10 Ways to Redecorate Without Spending a Dime [Bob Vila]
Give Your Bedroom a Money-Saving Makeover [All You]
How to give your room an instant makeover [Homedit]

How to Add Mid-Century Modern Flair to Your Apartment at Reserve at Garden Oaks

Mid-century modern furniture is having a major resurgence, with everyone from your best friend to your local coffee shop getting in on the trend. If you love the teak woods, clean lines, and hairpin legs that mid-century design is known for, these simple tips will show you a few easy—and affordable—ways to incorporate it into your own apartment.

  1. Think of wood first. While it may be tempting to buy that imitation wood table at your local discount furniture store, to create a true mid-century look, you’ll want to use as much real wood as possible. Teak, walnut, and oak are some of the most popular styles from this era. If you’re on a tight budget, even replacing one or two pieces with a real wood piece will make a big difference.
  2. Go for geometric patterns. In terms of textiles, think bold, geometric patterns combined with subtle tweeds and pops of mustard, rust and teal.
  3. Update the lights. Go for a dramatic arc floor lamp or a shiny bronze desk lamp, or even switch out your kitchen’s light fixture with an oval-shaped hanging pendant.
  4. Switch your sofa. If you can afford it, invest in a low-profile sofa with clean lines and slim legs. This is a surefire way to create a mid-century look with one statement piece.
  5. Add art. Finally, add abstract art with bold colors as the finishing touch.

10 Easy Ways to Add a Mid-Century Modern Style to Your Home [Freshome]
Mid-Century Modern Style Decorating [Wayfair]
Add Midcentury Modern Style to Your Home [HGTV]

Where to Shop for Quirky Gifts for All Occasions

Instead of doling out another restaurant gift certificate or boring sweater for a holiday or birthday, why not try a gift with a bit more personality? If you have a friend or family member with a great sense of humor, check out these fun websites for quirky gift ideas.

Omoi Zakka Shop
This online site of this Philadelphia-based retailer is filled with minimalist trinkets like cubed planters, brass bottle openers, and enamel kettles that make the perfect gifts for just about anyone in your life who appreciates quality knick knacks with a story to tell.

Paper Source
Whether you’re shopping for a child, father or significant other, Paper Source has gifts organized by recipient to make shopping easy. Here you’ll find customized notepads, candles, coffee mugs, and more.

ModCloth
The popular vintage clothing retailer has an equally adorable gift section for both men and women. Beer glasses, home goods, and wall art items in cute and quirky styles make the perfect fun presents at affordable prices.

Joy
This fun and feminine shop carries a wide array of quirky gifts for your sister, girlfriend, or best friend. Pineapple shaped jewelry holders mingle with markers shaped like lipstick and miniature sewing kits on this sweet site.

Make a Color Splash With These Home Decorating Tips

If you want to incorporate bright, bold colors into your home’s design scheme without going overboard, there are a number of creative ways to do it. Check out these simple decorating tips that require little effort and won't compromise your security deposit.

  1. Choose a main color and an accent color. Instead of running wild with one bright color that you really love, use it as an accent color. This will ensure that your space looks clean and professional, and it makes your favorite shade the center of attention rather than an all-over eyesore.
  2. Update boring bookcases. If you have a plain old bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, remove the shelves and paint the back of it in your favorite color. Once you slide the shelves back in, you’ll have a subtle burst of color peeking out from behind your books.
  3. Toss in some throw pillows. Purchase sofa or bed throw pillows in your favorite colors to add an accent to neutral furniture. Best of all, pillows look stylish and eclectic when mixed and matched, so feel free to go a little crazy.
  4. Create a colorful gallery wall. One of the most affordable ways to add colorful art to your walls is by framing things like old wallpaper, scrapbook paper, and even bright fabrics.

Add Color Without Paint [Better Homes and Gardens]
Top 10 Tips for Adding Color to Your Space [HGTV]
10 Surprising Ways to Add Color to Your Home [House Beautiful]

3 Stylish Ways To Organize Your Kitchen

Struggle to keep your apartment's kitchen organized? Here are practical, stylish solutions.

Do you like to keep oils and spices by the stove, or group similar items in a cabinet? Try putting a tray underneath them. It magically makes the arrangement look artful and cleaning a breeze.

Have a cabinet full of baking items or a counter full of veggies? Put them in a wicker basket. It's a homespun and deeply personal touch.

Are spoons, spatulas and whisks taking over your utensil drawer? Try arranging them upright on the counter. Whether you choose a sleek stainless steel cylinder or a vintage ceramic crock, cooking will be easier — and your kitchen will feel a little more like home.

Want to learn more? Here are 24 tips from Real Simple about how to better organize your kitchen.

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