Decorating Tips

Whether you are in the midst of the apartment search process or have already moved into your new place, a few simple decorating tips can help you transform your apartment into a home.

With white walls and ceilings, most apartments are a blank canvas for creativity -- and color. Adding a little color to your apartment is often the easiest, most effective, and cheapest way to bring your apartment to life.

Your walls: Find out from your apartment manager if you can paint your apartment. Most of the time if you are allowed to paint, you will need to paint it back to the original color before you move out. If this is the case, painting one wall an accent color is a great way to warm up your apartment and add some interest without a lot of extra work or expense. If you are not allowed to paint, get creative with your decorations. Consider buying a few blank canvases from a local craft store, spray painting them with your favorite colors, and then hanging them on your walls for a punch of color.

Your floors: Don't despair of white tile floors, boring carpet, or banged-up hardwood. You don't have to promise your first born child for a pretty Persian. Ikea, Target, and Tuesday Morning often have great colorful area rugs for under $100 that will warm up any room.

Your decor: Use colorful accessories, throw pillows, and live plants to make your space warm and inviting.

However you decide to decorate your place, make it your own and have fun doing it.