Rites of passage: 12 easy ways to make apartment grown-up

Perhaps you have just graduated from college, started your first job, rented your first apartment or bought your first house.

It’s an exciting rite of passage. Part of the excitement relates to the opportunity to make a space your own, infusing your own taste and design sensibility. But, good design doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are a number of easy and inexpensive ways to make your pad feel fun yet sophisticated.

HIGH CONTRAST

Sometimes a single color palette can come across as unsophisticated. Try using high contrast color schemes, such as black and white. Light and dark, can come across as luxurious.

PASTEL COLORS

Pastel colors are back, youthful and sophisticated. Don’t be afraid to use colors such as soft blue, pastel pink or mint green.

HIGH VS. LOW

Designers do it on the runway, so why not do it in your home? Mixing more expensive pieces with flea market or thrift store finds can be a fabulous way to create an overall sophisticated look.

DECORATE WITH BOOKS

Decorating with books is one of the most inexpensive ways to design, and a go-to designer trick. One way to display books is to turn them spine-in to create a consistent look.

NO STUFFED ANIMALS

Stuffed animals are a nono if you want your space to feel grown-up and sophisticated. If you can’t bear to part with them, consider placing them in a decorative bin.

ADD GREENERY

Plants, succulents, florals and trees are good for your environment and a great way to infuse color and sophistication into your space at a low price.

GO FOR GLASS

Glass pieces of furniture are a fraction of the cost of wood pieces. Glass coffee or dining tables can help create an open, airy feel at an approachable price.

BUY QUALITY LARGE PIECES

If you can afford it, try to buy one or two high quality pieces you intend to own for years, if not decades to come. Some ideas of where to start include case goods such as armoires or dressers, beds and sofas.

CONSIDER LEATHER

If properly maintained, leather can be long-lasting and add an element of maturity.

BUY INEXPENSIVE ARTWORK

Artwork is like the icing on a cake and can really help make sure a space feels complete. Framed art tends to look more expensive than unframed pieces. Some ideas for inexpensive art include framing pieces of fabric, posters, calendars, wrapping paper and even postcards.

FRAME PHOTOGRAPHS

Whether they are from a vacation or your own collection, framed black and white photographs can be interesting and mature.

ADD MIRRORS

Especially in smaller spaces, mirrors can really help open a space and can even be reminiscent of windows.