ChickSpeak

Addicted to home makeover shows? Can’t get enough of thrifty tips to make your space reflect your own unique style of comfiness? Check out bizMe’s ten trendy apartment makeover tips. From engaging elegance to cozy contentment we’ve got you covered with quick ‘n easy design improvers to inexpensive weekend projects.

1. Make the Clutter disappear
Minimalist is the best way to go! The time is finally here to get rid of the miscellaneous things that are sitting around attracting dust. Anything that you have not expressed interest in within the past two months or probably forgotten that the item is there . . . throw away or put away in a box. If you cannot come to terms with throwing these items away, purchase decorative boxes to hide the clutter. Crate and Barrel and Target are great for accessories.

2. New Hardware
Instead of going shopping at your favorite clothing boutique you will now crave shopping at Home Depot! Changing your knobs on your cabinets, light switches or curtain rods can change your entire space! You can also take these with you when you move.

3. Lighting
Accent lighting will always brighten up your space. Look for floor, table or ceiling lighting to add to your room. Ikea is great for accents!

4. Floor Covering
Adding an area rug to your space will make a huge statement. Usually you will want something with a lot of color to make your existing pieces pop! This can easily be found at CB2, Ikea and Chiasso.

5. Paint the Walls
A lot of walls are left blank. If you do not wish to fill your space full of wall colors, try painting one or two accent walls. This will pull your entire space together, creating continuity throughout.

6. Slipcovers
If you currently have to keep your existing furniture . . . there are many new styles in slipcovers to choose from. This is a quick, easy way to change your room and make it appear as if you have new furniture.

7. Hang it
Adding artwork or mirrors will add tremendously. Mirrors can create the illusion of making your room appear larger. That special piece of artwork might just be the final touch.

8. Bathroom Accessories
Bed Bath and Beyond and C&B will help you out here. Changing the shower curtain and towel colors will change the entire look of your bathroom. When you get tired of the colors, simply put the old into your guest bathroom and get all new colors again.

9. Green
Add some plant life into your home. Bamboo is always the best choice, plus it’s considered lucky! Bonus!!

10. Accessories
Do not use this as an excuse to fill your space again with clutter. Add a couple of accent throw pillows, placemats or vases to your space. This is the fun part of designing your space. Get creative and most of all have fun!! Good luck!

Original print (dated Winter 2008) of this article can be found at BizMe.Biz, one of our new content partner sites. bizMe.biz is the bizgal’s online magazine featuring career insight essential to the young professional female. bizMe.biz is the bizgal’s online magazine featuring career insight essential to the young professional female. bizme.biz presents honest real-world advice focusing on career ambition,  business savvy, financial wisdom, healthy lifestyle, career relationship dynamics and the creation of a professional image.  Gotta know it, gotta read it, bizMe!