How 6 Interior Designers Make Their Apartments Feel Like Home (Without Spending A Ton)
October 23, 2020BruceDayne#DMTBeautySpot #beauty
When my parents downsized a few years ago, my mom gave me a gorgeous gold mirror that used to belong to my grandma, looked like it was taken from Marie Antoinette's bedroom, and would be perfect on the wall outside my powder room.
It's still sitting in my closet.
That's the thing about decorating — it's incredibly easy to put off. Especially if you're renting, which can feel temporary and like it's not even worth the energy to spruce up your small space before it's time to move out again. But with life now centered within our four walls, a warm and inviting living space means more than it ever did. "People are spending more time at home and we need to be in a space where we feel good and where we feel comforted," says Ottawa-based interior designer Erin Rochon of Bluebird Upcycled Style. After all, home care is a form of self-care, and thinking about your apartment as more than just a place to eat and sleep and work and watch copious amounts of Netflix can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Ahead, we asked interior designers for fresh tips on how to decorate your rental without spending a fortune. Because limited square footage, a dodgy roommate, or a tight budget shouldn't hold you back from creating a space that's uniquely yours. Here's how to get started.
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How To Make A Rental Feel Like Home (Without Spending A Ton)
So what if you can't retile the mint-green '70s backsplash in your kitchen? Often, the smallest upgrades to your space can have the biggest impact. "There are simple changes you can make that add a lot more character," says Calgary-based interior designer Amanda Hamilton. Not sure where to start? Elaine Simbulan of Frank Architecture & Interiors in Calgary recommends focusing on the rooms where you spend most of your time, like the living area and the bedroom.
Add Accessories
"Pillows, curtains, rugs, and throws with bold colors and patterns add visual interest without breaking the bank." — Erin Rochon of Bluebird Upcycled Style, Ottawa
Urban Barn Delft Floral Toss, $, available at Urban BarnPaint The Walls
"When I move to a new place, the first thing I do is paint. It's not too expensive, and it's worth it even if I only stay for a year. Painting is a way to own your space and clear it from past tenants and really make it your own." — Mérida Anderson of YYY Ceramics Collection and Vegan Secret Supper Club, Montreal
Get Some Indoor Plants
"If your budget is tight, check out Facebook Buy Nothing groups for plant clippings or buy pots from a local thrift store. You can also elevate the look of a room by creating a terrarium or a living wall." — Erin Rochon
Jomo Studio Sansevieria Black Cora, $, available at Jomo Studio
Invest In Good Seating
"Like my wardrobe, my take on home decor is high-low. During COVID, I invested in a table. This creates the opportunity to host friends or small dinner parties (with people in your bubble). You can shop on a budget by scouring Kijiji, Craiglist, or Facebook Marketplace." — Dani Roche, multidisciplinary designer and owner of creative design studio Kastor & Pollux
CB2 Aqua Virgo Burl Dining Table, $, available at CB2
Hang Some Art
"Put some holes in the wall! Artwork can make a big impact and is easy to move around with, which is a major plus if you're not staying long term. For affordable artwork, I go to Minted or Society6. Sometimes you can even order pieces pre-framed." — Amanda Hamilton
jinseikou “English Sheepdog in Quebec City”, $, available at Minted
How To Maximize A Small Space
For those of us whose kitchen is their living room is their dining room, space is at a premium, which means you need to be strategic about design. "It may seem counterintuitive, but small spaces feel larger with more furniture," says Hamilton, who also recommends focusing on a singular color scheme to tie open spaces together.
Good lighting can help, adds Simbulan. "Supplement general ceiling lighting with pockets of light in the corners of a room by using either table lamps or floor lamps to warm up and widen the space."
Draw The Eye Upward
"Hang curtains tight to the ceiling or use oversized mirrors that hang or lean against the wall to give the illusion of more space." — Elaine Simbulan
Empire Art Direct Moderno Beveled Rectangle Cheval Mirror, $, available at Home Depot
Create Mood Lighting
"A big thing for me is lighting. I have over 15 lamps and different types of lighting in my apartment. I never ever turn on an overhead light. Most of my lamps are made by me or come from scouring thrift stores — two of my favorites came from the St. Michel flea market in Montreal." — Mérida Anderson
Amped & Co Moon Light With Wooden Stand, $, available at Indigo
Downsize Your Furniture
"Pick smaller-scaled furniture that feels appropriate for the space. Look for pieces that feel light — think: finer legs, artsy details on sofas, and glass-topped coffee tables." — Amanda Hamilton
Structube Riga Solid Ash Wood Dining Table, $, available at Structube
Hide Your WFH Area
"With so many of us working from home now because of the pandemic, I'm seeing more clients doing long-term workspaces. In a rental that can be challenging, but companies are coming out with desks that flip down from the wall so that it's not taking up a lot of space." — Amanda Hamilton
Monarch Specialties Ladder-Style Computer Desk in White, $, available at Home Depot
How To Spruce Up An Outdated Bathroom
To keep your bathroom from looking like your granny's powder room, tiny upgrades, like adding chic towel racks and hooks, adding a bold shower curtain, or swapping out the standard builder's mirror, can work wonders.
Swap Out The Hardware
"Change the hardware on cabinets for a personal touch (just remember to keep the originals for when your lease is over)." — Elaine Simbulan
Pretty Hardware 3-Tiered Flower-Shaped Pull, $, available at Pretty Hardware
Add Some Personal Touches
"Artwork often gets forgotten about in the bathroom, but it's a great spot that will get some attention from guests. Add an earthy candle and tuck away books and magazines." — Amanda Hamilton
Milk Jar Candle Co Suede, Bourbon & Leather, $, available at Icon Hair & Body
Hang Photos
"Try out black-and-white photographs in square Ikea frames hung in a grid." — Vanessa Francis of Vanessa Francis Interior Design in Toronto
Ikea RIBBA frame, $, available at Ikea
How To Decorate A Shared Space
The first rule of living with a roommate? "Respect other people's belongings. Nothing will make a relationship go sour faster than finding wine spills on your fave vintage rug or crumbs between the couch cushions," says Hamilton. The second rule? Decorate together — it will keep your visions aligned, not to mention, it's way more fun than scouring HomeSense solo. 
Update Your Shared Space For The Season
"Punctuate with color and bring in seasonal accents, like warm and cozy blankets and throws for fall." — Amanda Hamilton
Viso Tapestry Blanket V52, $, available at Goodee
Storage Is Key
"To free up space, try multi-purpose furniture such as coffee tables that double as storage." — Elaine Simbulan
August Grove Altenpohl End Table With Storage, $, available at Wayfair
When In Doubt, Hire An Expert
"Compromise is key when decorating a shared space especially when there are two different design styles at play. If you're stuck on how to mix your styles, hire an interior decorator to help. A lot of designers will charge reasonable fees for one-time consultations." — Erin Rochon
Bolé Road Textiles Bana Rug, $, available at Bolé Road Textiles
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