Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Ok, here is the deal....WE HATE OUR APARTMENT.....I don't mean dislike either....we really hate it.

Why stay you might ask? My DH's friend owns the building and rents it to us for (gasp) $650 a month. The catch (of course there is a catch) is having to live in it...lol!!!
We stay b/c we are saving to buy a house and what better way to save then to only pay $650 a month in renting.....

We don't want to put much work into it, b/c we should be ready to buy a house in less than a year from now....

Any suggestions on how to make a dull, lifeless apartment look decent for the next year?????

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Paint!

It's inexpensive and can make a world of difference.

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Maybe add some plants, candles, some inexpensive window treatments?

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Just paint and decorate the place. Hang up some picture frames or buy a painting and hang it up. There so many ways to decorate.

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Thanks!! I do the candle thing anyway...I am obsessed.

I always kill plants when I try....I just don't have the patience (or a green thumb), I guess!!!

But Paint is something I could try.....

What types of colors are suppsed to make a room look bigger?

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

First of all, don't say you hate your apartment. That can be a part of the problem! Look at it positively - this place is your newlywed pad and it's going to assist you in buying your home! Besides $650 a month is steal!

Secondly, any place that is going to be your home be it one month or 5 years, try not to think so temporary! In order to move from one place to another you have to complete it

Things that you can do:

Use throw rugs and pillows in rich colors - earth tones of reds, burgundy, blues, browns, yellow - the more you mix and match colors the better!

Like others said, add pictures on the wall. If you don't want to buy prints then frame pictures of you, hubby and family and friends throughout your place. Window treatments also make a huge difference and you don't have to spend a lot. Try Bed Bath and Beyond and Linen and things!

If you don't have a green thumb buy artificial flowers, I have them in my place (as well as real plants) and they look beautiful. I went to Pier 1 imports and bought a whole bunch of Cala Lillies and bunched them in a pretty vase and put it in a corner! It's stunning! Those place like Treasure Island sell a variety of silk flowers.

All in all, you can really spruce up your place and make it really beautiful with a little money and time. Once you make it cozy, you'll be surprised at how you and hubby will change your mind about how you feel about your place!

I hope I helped!

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Here is a way to love your apt:

Figure how much you would pay in rent if you didnt have that awesome deal. Then get that amt in singles in cash every month and put it on your coffee table. Everytime you think of something you hate, look at the pile and you will be happy again.



But seriously - do something really cool on your walls with paint. Since you wont be there for long you dont have to worry about getting sick of it! Im thinking stripes or polka dots! go crazy.

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

two words: IKEA BABY!!

What about 'different' things...go antiquing and thrift shop hunting for some really cool conversation pieces!!

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Thank you all for your ideas!!!! I have to say though, that Stef's idea about the single dollars really takes the prize!!!!!

Seriously though, you all have given me some great ideas and places to start....Now it is my job to act on some of them and stop complaining.....wish me luck! I will keep you informed of our progress!

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

Yes go to ikea...My SIL has every room in her apartment a different color. Like the living room is a light green color, the bedroom is lavender, the computer room is like this orange red color but that one came out too bright...the hallway is yellow because my Brother is a steelers fan...LOL I forgot the color of their dinning room though.

There are just so manys to do it and everytime you think about how much you hate your apartment just think of the cheap rent you're paying and those who would die to pay that kind of rent because let me tell you rent is so high these days. I'm fortunate too because I pay cheap rent as well (my parents own the house) and it is kind of small but you know what...I always think to myself that people are paying way more than I am for this size apartment and it makes me feel better... so hang in there sweetie and let us know how things work out for you.

Re: Help! I hate my apartment...any suggestions?

I agree paint and also anything you buy like a area rug or frames you can take with you and decorate your new house so it is not lost money