It’s great to finally move out of a dorm and into an apartment, but sometimes they can feel just as dreary. Here are a few ways to brighten up any living space.
- Fun Pillow and Blankets
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The apartment I am in now came with a plain black couch that is just a little…boring. In order to spruce it up, my roommate and I bought fun colorful pillows. You can get cheap, cute ones from Target. Another way that we made our couch more comfortable is by having a basket with three or four fluffy blankets in it. Whenever we are watching a movie—or just feeling cold—-we can take one out and spread out with in on the couch.
- Display Your Books and Games
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I’d recommend picking your favorite books (a pretty cover also helps) as well as games that you want guests to play (such as uno, Pictionary, giant jenga) and displaying them in a visible spot. My roommate and I have them on the shelves of our TV stand.
- Funky Lamps
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One of the best ways to help a room is to give it some warm light. Having an assortment of lamps (cheap ones can also be found at target) and candles is just what an apartment needs. I found a circular burnt orange candle holder at a small hotel in Austin that adds another pop of (spirited) color to the room.
- Bring Items From Home
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I decided to bring my family’s old Wii that we hadn’t played for years and hook it up to our TV. We have tons of old games, including Super Mario Bros and Lego Harry Potter. A Wii is perfect for when friends are over and has the nostalgic feel of childhood.
- Statement Art Pieces
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My roommate and I decided to make our apartment music-themed, so we have lots of old ACL and music group posters. My favorite art is the collection of my dad’s old framed records I have in one corner that include Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and Neil Young.
- Flowers
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On occasion, we buy fresh flowers from the grocery store (you can get them for as little as $5), but we also have a fake succulent and potted plant that require less maintenance.
- A Fish!
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My roommate won a fish in a white elephant before Christmas break. Fish are low maintenance, especially if you get a good filter for the tank. Plus, they are a great conversation starter if you have new friends over to the apartment. Whenever people walk into ours it is the first thing they comment on!