Want to make your rental look fancy without breaking the rules? We’ve got 5 smart DIY tips to turn your place into a stylish, chic spot¹. These ideas focus on accessories and furniture that add flair without any permanent changes.

Key Takeaways

• 5 DIY ideas to make your apartment look expensive on a budget
• Leverage small, non-permanent upgrades to add luxury
• Incorporate designer-inspired decor hacks to elevate your space
• Maximize the impact of cost-effective materials like paint
• Create a cohesive, high-end aesthetic without major renovations

Upgrade Your Blinds and Window Treatments

Upgrading your rental apartment’s look is easy with new window treatments. Basic, flimsy plastic blinds often come with apartments and can look old and messy. By choosing high-quality, customizable blinds or stylish curtains, you can make your living space look luxurious and improved².

Customizable Blinds for a Luxury Look

Customizable blinds are great for a unique look. Faux wood blinds, for example, have the classic look of real wood but are more affordable. They’re also good for areas that get a lot of moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms³.

Hanging Curtains like a Pro

To improve your window treatments, hang stylish curtains. Installing curtain rods just below the ceiling makes windows look taller. This trick can make your space feel more luxurious. Choose affordable yet eye-catching curtains you can make yourself, like repurposed sheets or custom Roman shades³.

Upgrading your window treatments can make your rental apartment look more sophisticated and expensive. You don’t have to spend a lot to get this look²³.

Embrace the Power of Fresh Flowers

Boosting your apartment’s look doesn’t have to cost a lot. Fresh flowers are a simple way to add luxury. You can get them from the grocery store, a local farmers market, or even from the plants near your building⁴.

If you want something easy to take care of, try fake flowers that look real. Put them in simple vases or containers for a fancy, easy look that will wow your guests⁵.

Fresh flowers can change the feel of a room. They come in many colors and styles, adding color, elegance, and a refined touch to your place. Using fresh flowers is a budget-friendly way to make your space look better⁵.

“Flowers have an immediate effect on happiness. They’re a simple joy, as is a walk in nature.” – Lucianne Goldberg

Next time you want to add luxury to your apartment, think about fresh flowers. Choose a bright bouquet or a special arrangement. These natural beauties can really change your living space.

Layer Different Textures

Make your apartment look great without spending a lot. Layering different materials and fabrics can make your space look rich and textured⁶. Use leather, velvet, wool, and suede to add luxury and style⁶.

Textured Wall Art

DIY projects can really add to your walls. Try making textured wall art with acrylic paint, macrame, or driftwood⁶. These easy and cheap ideas can make any room look better without expensive art⁷.

Mix and Match Fabric Textures

For throw pillows and soft items, mix different textures for a fancy look⁶. Use a single color scheme and combine satin with velvet or boucle⁶. This makes any apartment feel cozy and welcoming⁸.

With these budget-friendly ideas, you can turn your apartment into a cozy, stylish retreat⁶⁷⁸.

Choose the Right Area Rug Size

Choosing the right area rug size is key to making your apartment look and feel better⁹. For rooms 12 x 16 feet or bigger, a 10 x 14 foot rug fits well⁹. Rooms 11 x 14 feet or bigger can go with a 9 x 12 foot rug⁹. If your room is 10 x 12 feet or bigger, an 8 x 10 foot rug is a good choice⁹. For rooms 10 x 12 feet or smaller, a 6 x 9 foot rug works⁹. And for tiny spaces under 10 x 10 feet, a 5 x 7 foot rug is enough⁹.

Large rugs are often preferred because they look better, leaving at least 24 inches between the rug and walls for a nice look⁹. To pick the right rug size, think about your room’s layout and where your furniture goes⁹. Tools like graph paper, floor planner apps, and painter’s tape can help you see how different rug sizes would look in your space⁹.

If you’re on a budget, consider a big, affordable rug and a smaller seasonal one for a layered look that’s easy to change⁹. The rug’s shape should match your living room’s shape. Rectangular rugs fit rectangular or square rooms, while oval or circular rugs work well with round coffee tables or curved furniture⁹.

¹⁰ 4201 people shared tips on choosing the right area rug size, showing how important it is for a good room design¹⁰. Recommended rug sizes vary by room: 8×10, 9×12, and 11×14 for living rooms; 5×8 for twin beds, 8×10 for queen beds, and 9×10 for king beds in bedrooms; and 8×10 and 9×12 for dining rooms¹⁰. For high or low traffic areas, choose rugs with different pile heights: 1/4 inch or less for busy spots, and 1/4 inch or more for quiet areas¹⁰.

“Selecting the right size area rug is crucial for making a space feel polished and expensive.”

Create Cohesion with Framed Art

Artwork and photos can make a rental feel personal. But, the frames you pick can really change the look¹¹. To look fancy and put-together, use the same size and finish frames everywhere in your apartment. You can find these frames at places like Amazon or HomeGoods¹².

Feeling crafty? Try framing your own art with fabrics, postcards, or DIY projects¹¹. This lets you show off your style and saves money compared to buying art¹².

Here are some tips for a great-looking gallery wall:

• Follow a cohesive color palette to make your gallery wall look better¹³.
• Start with a large centerpiece to anchor the collection and help place other pieces¹³.
• Mix horizontal and vertical pieces, as well as creating grids, to make it interesting¹³.
• Incorporate different frame styles, like white, black, and wood, for variety while staying cohesive¹³.
• Include non-framed items like photos on clips, textiles, or ceramics to add variety¹³.
• Float mount items like polaroids or tickets to make your gallery wall look better¹³.
• Add personal items, such as drawings, photographs, or special objects, to make it more meaningful¹³.

By matching your frames and using these tips, you can easily make your apartment look cohesive and fancy. And you can do it all without spending a lot¹¹¹²¹³.

Declutter for a Minimalist Vibe

Creating a minimalist look in your rental apartment can make it feel luxurious¹⁴. Begin by picking what you really need and letting go of the rest¹⁵. Minimalist homes look better and are simpler to keep clean¹⁵.

Intentional Vignette Styling

Arrange your decor in intentional groups on surfaces like coffee tables and shelves¹⁴. This makes your space look put together and fancy¹⁶. Use tools like trays and baskets to keep things tidy¹⁵. Minimalist homes have few pieces of furniture, clear surfaces, and focus on quality over quantity.

Minimalism can make your rental apartment look better and feel more welcoming.

“Clutter is a form of visual distraction causing visual stress. Minimalist homes are more appealing and easier to clean and maintain.”¹⁵

1. Start by decluttering and removing anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy.
2. Group decor items into intentional vignettes on surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
3. Use trays, baskets, and other organizing tools to keep surfaces clean and uncluttered.
4. Opt for quality over quantity when it comes to furnishings and decor.
5. Incorporate simple, subdued colors and textures for a minimalist aesthetic.

By going for a minimalist look, you can make your rental apartment feel calm and fancy without spending a lot¹⁴. With some planning and decluttering, you can turn your space into something special.

5 Brilliant Ideas & DIY Projects How to Make Your Apartment Look Expensive

Making your apartment look luxurious doesn’t have to be expensive. With creativity and budget-friendly DIY projects, you can turn your space into a sophisticated haven. These 5 ideas will help you get that expensive look without spending a lot¹⁷.

1. Upgrade Your Blinds and Window Treatments: Choose customizable blinds or hang curtains like a pro to make your rooms look better¹⁷.
2. Embrace the Power of Fresh Flowers: Add vibrant blooms around your apartment for a natural elegance and ambiance¹⁷.
3. Layer Different Textures: Use textured wall art and mix fabric textures for depth and visual interest¹⁷.
4. Choose the Right Area Rug Size: The right rug size can greatly improve your space’s look and feel¹⁷.
5. Create Cohesion with Framed Art: Hang frames and artwork together to add sophistication to your walls¹⁷.

With these 5 DIY ideas, you can make your apartment look chic and high-end without spending a lot¹⁷. These projects will not only make your space look better but also add a personal touch and luxury¹⁸.

To get an expensive look, focus on quality and add your unique style to every corner of your home¹⁸. With some time and effort, you can make your space feel luxurious without the big cost¹⁸.

Incorporate Mirrors for Illusion of Space

Putting mirrors in your rental can make it look bigger and more open¹⁹. Mirrors reflect light, making small spaces feel airy and open¹⁹. They’re great for making narrow staircases look wider by adding light and depth¹⁹. Placing mirrors near lights or windows can make a room look bigger and more welcoming.

Big mirrors reflect the room, making it seem larger²⁰. Using mirrors can make a small apartment look bigger by adding depth²¹. Most of the 11 DIY mirror projects use cheap materials like wood and paint.

Choose big, eye-catching mirrors or group them for a big effect¹⁹. The right mirror shape can add character to a room¹⁹. A mirror gallery can make a plain wall interesting. Mirrors are a budget-friendly way to make your rental look fancy²¹. The article highlights 3 DIY projects that look like expensive French or Restoration Hardware mirrors.

²¹ There are 2 projects for making mirror groups to improve your decor²¹. 5 of the 11 DIY mirrors shared by Apartment Therapy are popular home decor tips.

²⁰ Mixing different lights creates a lively and inviting space, like high-end designs²⁰. Table and floor lamps add light and style. Choosing unique, luxurious designs can make your apartment feel fancy.

²¹ There are 4 DIY mirror projects inspired by mid-century modern and modern styles.

Make the Most of Architectural Details

We may not change our rental’s structure, but we can still make it look better. By focusing on the architectural details, we can make our apartments look luxurious without spending a lot. This way, we can enjoy a fancy look without big expenses.

Highlight Existing Features

Look around your rental and notice the unique parts like crown molding, built-in shelves, hardwood floors, or special windows²². These can make your space look elegant and charming. Keep them clean and make them the room’s main attraction²². Don’t hide them with big furniture or other decor, let them stand out.

Using what your rental already has is a smart way to make it look better²³. With creativity and focus, you can turn your rental into a stylish, welcoming place that shows your taste.

“Highlighting the architectural details in your rental apartment is a cost-effective way to create a luxurious aesthetic without permanent changes.”

By using what your rental already has, you can get a fancy look without big renovations²³. You could paint the built-in shelves or arrange your furniture to show off the unique windows²². With some effort and smart decorating, you can make your rental feel custom and special²³²².

Add Pops of Color Strategically

Neutral colors can look sophisticated, but adding pops of color can make your rental apartment stand out²⁴. Pick a few bold colors and use them in things like throw pillows, artwork, or a vibrant rug²⁴. This makes the space more interesting and adds your personal touch without making it too much²⁴. Choose colors and where to put them carefully to keep everything looking high-end.

Using colorful decor is a great way to make your rental look stylish without spending a lot²⁴. Try a colorful throw blanket, patterned pillows, or a bold rug to add color²⁴. You could also use colorful art, curtains, or paint one wall to make a statement²⁴. A bit of color can make your place feel more like home.

For a unified look, pick a color scheme and use it everywhere in your apartment²⁵. Use colors like blue and orange or purple and yellow for a pop of contrast²⁵. Or, use different shades of one color for depth and interest²⁵. Placing your colorful items thoughtfully helps tie everything together.

Feel free to be creative with your colors²⁶. Try metallics, bold patterns, or retro decoupage for a unique look²⁶. Small projects like painting furniture or making your own art can make a big difference without costing much²⁶.

The secret to adding color in a rental is to plan and focus on big, easy-to-change items²⁴. With a few well-placed colors, you can turn your apartment into a lively, personalized space that looks great and reflects your style²⁴.

Swap Out Outdated Fixtures

Changing the fixtures in your apartment can make it look better and more put together²⁷. You can update things like light switches, outlet covers, cabinet hardware, or light fixtures. These small changes can make a big difference²⁷. By using modern, stylish items, you can change the look of your rental without big renovations²⁷.

Focus on lighting when you’re looking to upgrade²⁷. Think about changing entry lights, dining room chandeliers, bathroom vanity lights, and ceiling fixtures. These are easy ways to refresh your home’s look²⁷. Avoid old “boob lights” and choose sleeker options that fit your style²⁷.

For other fixtures, check out budget-friendly options at home improvement stores or online²⁷²⁸. These upgrades are easy to put in and take out, keeping your apartment in good shape for your landlord²⁸.

Pay attention to the small things that can make a big impact²⁸. Swapping out old fixtures can give your rental a polished look without spending a lot or making permanent changes²⁷²⁸. With some creativity and affordable upgrades, you can turn your apartment into a stylish place²⁷²⁸²⁹.

Conclusion

Transforming your apartment into a luxurious space doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ve shared 5 brilliant ideas & DIY projects to help you. Now, you can easily make affordable home upgrades and budget-friendly interior design. This way, you can have a cheap chic apartment that looks elegant and inexpensive³⁰.

Using DIY home design ideas, like updating window treatments and adding textures, can make your space look luxurious on a budget. Also, placing mirrors smartly can enhance the look. These tips fit your style and apartment makeover tips. Plus, simple frugal home styling tricks, like picking the right rug size and decluttering, can make your space look visually pleasing and budget-friendly³¹.

The main idea is to make your home makeover thoughtful. Mix high-end and affordable items together to make your space feel custom and expensive³². With these 5 brilliant ideas & DIY projects, you’re on your way to making your apartment look elegant and sophisticated.

Source Links

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