So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve spread your wings and flown the coop. You’ve hit the road and now you’re on your own in the big bad world. You’ve moved out.
Well I hardly think it was that dramatic but I’m sure for some of us it might have felt that way. Moving into your own apartment for the first time is a milestone and it can be sometimes daunting to remember all the little things that make a home homely.
I’m definitely one of those annoying house-proud people and that’s evident by the bits and bobs I’ve accumulated in my room. It’ll be tough moving out when I finish with uni.
The most obvious way to make your room personal is photographs. It can be a creative, simple way of keeping the important people in your life close. This can be done in a traditional Pinterest way (polaroid photos pegged up on a piece of string like so) or in solid photo frames spotted around your room. Bear in mind you can also take advantage of handy – and cheap – photo kiosks in retailers like Boot’s or Tesco’s that allow you to print off photos from USBs or direct off your phone. Note: These also make neat cards on birthdays and such.
I think the most important thing with decorating your own space is letting your personality come through. I know. This must sound terribly cliché. But honestly, I hardly see the point in copying décor off a magazine or photo online if it doesn’t lend itself to who you are as a person.
If you’re a creative sort why not DIY room décor with hand painted vases/pencil pots/baskets to organise things. You can even use old magazines or flyers to create a collage. Craft supplies are relatively inexpensive, and you can feel free to experiment or change your décor through the year.
If you’re a diehard fan of a sporting team perhaps you want to use the teams colours as a running theme in in your room. Really the possibilities are endless, and you always have the web to draw inspiration from.
Another must-have item for me is a scented reed diffuser. This really alters the ambience in a room and lends a default cosy setting. Amazon is a good bet for ordering good quality pots at discounted prices. I would recommend trying sample packs before investing in a large pack to make sure you really enjoy the scent. I will admit this can be a luxury and make sure that its somewhere out of reach of everyday items so you don’t accidently knock it over after a night out..
Fabrics. They are such a versatile way of adding colour, neutralising or just softening the décor in your room. If you’re living up in Scotland like me, chances are you’ve invested in a large fluffy duvet for the winter months at least. The pattern of your bedding can either be a statement or a neutral colour that complements other bold décor in your room. Consider adding a throw or pillows to add dimension. Do consider this might make making the bed each morning a little more time-intensive. Personally, well worth the indulgence of getting into a nicely set up bed each night.
Well those are just a few tips I think can really change the tone of a room. I’m sure once you start you’ll find other elements that you want to incorporate as well, there really are no rules. Have fun with decorating your new home, your future-self will thank you for it!
