Making Your Apartment More Homey

Living in an apartment isn't everyone's first choice. But to make the most of it, incorporate these tips to make it feel more like a real home.

Furniture Arrangement

When living in an apartment complex, especially when they are all the same design, can make you feel like there isn't anything special about your own space. Try thinking outside of the box when it comes to furniture arrangement. Don't just push the couch and tv on opposite walls and call it good. Try having the couch, or dining table, in the middle of the room instead. Create a TV area and a separate area with maybe a small chair that's just for taking off your shoes or next to a bookcase, along with lighting to make it feel different.

Window Treatments

This really is one of the most tell-tale signs of living in an apartment. You've got blinds everywhere. Putting up a curtain rod with some curtains can make your apartment stand out. Make sure they aren't see through though, as all curtains do not offer the same amount of privacy.

Wall Decoration

Framing your favorite pictures and hanging up artwork not only covers up boring apartment walls, it adds color, and makes your apartment more homey by making a statement. Also putting up mirrors helps to reflect either a nice view, let more light in, or make your space appear bigger. Don't have enough money to shell out for a big mirror? Try small ones from a discount store and add your own flair to them. They are inexpensive, but work just as well.

Host Parties

Having your friends and family over, or even co-workers can make your home feel more lively. Just be sure to only invite as many as will fit comfortably. If you'd like to invite five friends over, but only have enough seating for four, or your house isn't quite large enough to house that many people, edit down your list of people.

Plants

Having something to look after on a daily basis can either be lots of fun, or a huge chore. Try growing plants from seed and it will feel very rewarding when the first flowers bloom. You could even start a small herb garden or grow tomatoes on your back porch (if you are luck enough to have one) and you will feel very accomplished when you are cutting them up to put into your salad or other dishes. Speaking of which...

Cook your own food

Take-out is very common among people whose kitchens are teen tiny. Make the most of your counter top area, invest in some good storage for your cabinets, and use your kitchen! When your apartment smells like home cooked food, you really feel like you belong there.

Be friendly with the neighbors

A small smile and head nod are usually acceptable. But if you can manage to build up small conversations about, say, the annoying landscaping early Saturday mornings, or acknowledging their new car, you are making a small bond with these people. Talking to the children in your neighborhood can also be very fun.