Decorating an apartment/ at help tricks?

Question

Hey y'all! :)

I am moving into a small 1 bdrm apt, and need help with decorating tips. I do have a limited budget (think LIMITED), but I'm also not creative. I enjoy Japanese culture, and have lots of little "nick-nacks" from Japan, but NO idea how to decorate with that! I also have 1 large blank white wall, that I can't paint - any ideas?

Also - know of any "at home tricks" or creative ways to stretch a penny??

Thank you SOO much! I really appreciate it! ^_^

Answer 1

Okay. for that blank wall.....you will need to take very thin strips of molding...really really cheap flimsy stuff from Home Depot or the like, you will place these all along the edges of the wall - this striip is where you will staple fabric (yes, when you leave you will need to spackle the holes but no paint will have touched the walls so you will be not having a "lease problem). The fabric perhaps will be red - or you can use whatever will enhance the colors of the japanese culture or knick-nacks you already have. The other idea, which is also inexpensive is to get a nice picture of a japanese landscape - the colors in it can be used for your pillows, and drapes - of all the "tricks" of decorating PAINT is the least expensive, but check your lease. Depending on the size of your "nick-knacks" a couple of shelves painted (again, trip to Home Depot lumber dept., NOT the already made dept.) in a color complimentary to the knick knacks - put your largest seating in front of this wall, buy a few plants (again, Home Depot) tall, small and inbetween,
plants are also another inexpensive way to go. A couple of
Goldfish (in colors to match decor - check the pet store, they will know which fish to put in the bowl) and it will become
home. Enjoy!

Answer 2

On your Blank White Wall - go for this, and it does not damage the walls and you can take it down when you move again!!!

You like Jap culture - purchase some material that goes with that theme - if you can't afford to cover the whole wall, then just make like a border either at the top or anywhere between the top and the floor (something like a chair rail effect).

Purchase some liquid fabric softner - this will be the "glue" that you put your fabric up with. You'll get amazing results and it does not damage the walls

Answer 3

Try a fabric wall hanging for your large white wall. You might even find something in a fabric store or a blanket or quilt. Check out second hand stores, more rustic antiques stores, dollar stores and outlet stores. Look at the colors you have in the nic nacks you allready have (probably red and black) and try to use those colors to decorate.

Answer 4

You did not say what color the carpet is if any....I would use a red area rug. Black furniture would look great if you do not have a couch get a black futon. Use Craig's list if necessary to look for furniture. Go to yard sales and buy furniture and if necessary spray paint black. Buy black frames from the $ store and place Japanese painting, if not print some off the Internet and place in black frames and hang on the wall. Buy wooden shelves and paint black and display your nick knacks. Go to yards sales and find glass vases, bowls or candle holders and place red potpourri and red, black and white candle displays. Get a large vase and place sticks of bamboo in it. If money strecths get a table top fountain. ENJOY

Answer 5

1] how many rooms - 3, and a bath?
2] can you paint the walls?
3] gather all your knick-knacks in one spot where you can see them all. What colors predominate? Which colors do you prefer?
4] pick your three favorite colors - say, red, black, and gold.
Decorate LR in red and black, with touches of gold; the kichen in accessories and fabrics of red and gold, and the bedroom/bath with black and gold. [ I assume the walls are all staying white. ]
5] blank walls need
a] a large mirror - great if opposite the window or over the couch
b] one large or group of three-four paintings in a row or square. If you frame all pix in black or gold, you can re-arrange wherever you move.
c] pin up or shadow box a kimono
d] make photo collages of family, friends, vacations, etc for hallways.
e] make a fabric/ribbon pinup board with remnants from the fabric store

Answer 6

Find a magazine with what you like and cut out the pictures and design your apartment by the way you set up your display. You can't go wrong you are able to move your pictures and items any where you want until you like it and then do it to your room. Good luck