February 07, 10:02 AM
Yesterday I threw some tips your way on getting through tax season and maximizing your possible return. When you get that return, what are you planning to do with it?
Hopefully, you take my advice and use that money to do somethings that improve your apartment. Whether its new furniture, electronics, curtains, paint, or cooking tools, you should remember that a fresh perspective in your apartment is a happy home. Plus it gives you another reason to invite your friends over to show off your cool new stuff.
Naturally, I have a few suggestions on awesome improvements in decorating, style, and kitchen that you can accomplish on a modest budget. Check it out!
Cap, Coat, and Key Rack- Tired of your boyfriend's or friends ball caps being left everywhere all over the apartment? Constantly searching for where you placed your keys? Try purchasing a rack to hang in your entry that would house all of these things. Something like the Wooden Cap Display Wall Rack from Touch of Class.com would be perfect. Modify it by placing a few simple hooks to hang your keys and you should be good to go. It's easy enough to mount to the wall. Don't feel like purchasing anything? Paint and decorate an old plank of wood. Then attach some hooks to it and, viola, instant cap, coat, and key rack.
Get Organized- You could also use your return to free up some room in your apartment and make things seem less cluttered by getting a few organizational pieces of furniture. If you don't have a bookshelf, get a small one to house those stacking books and magazines that are stacking up in various places throughout your apartment. They are also a great place to display framed photos or even place candles if they are allowed. I have a friend that keeps all of her DVD's in a bookshelf because she felt that a wire DVD holder was too tacky looking.
Also, look into pot and pan, or spice racks for the kitchen, so that you can stop having to dig around in cabinets for the right stuff. In the bath section of any super store you'll find great organizational items that can be used to keep control over your soap, shampoo, and other shower items. Whatever it may be, you may look into buying something to help you get more organized with that tax return.
Stylin' Those Walls- This is the fun one! How about decorating your walls? If you are a sports fan nad looking to show off your love of your favorite team try getting a Fathead of the world champion NY Giants or whoever your favorite team tends to be.
If you aren't a sports fan, remember that curtains aren't just for windows. If you really want to accent a wall, buy some curtains that match the rest of your room and hang them directly on the wall centering you entertainment center or some other object. I once saw an apartment in which they had completely covered their dining area wall with curatins. It looked very royal or regal. It was really neat.
Got any great ideas on ways to improve your place ? Any neat decorating ideas? Send them over to us at posts@apartmenthomeliving.com.