No one has a “good” first apartment in New York City. Sorry, but even the fabulous ladies of “Sex and the City” lamented over their sh*tty first digs.
It's just the way of the world. You graduate college and move to something people in other parts of the world would consider a cave. You get to enjoy windows only after you've surpassed your crummy entry-level job.
Most leases will have you in your little cave sublet for a year or longer, so you might as well make it livable, right? We chatted with celebrity stylist and fashion guru, Brad Goreski, and enlisted the help of Marshalls for tips on how to make your space look expensive on a budget.
Personalize your apartment the same way you would an outfit.
The key to not making your apartment look like the typical, tiny sixth-floor walk-up in the East Village? Accessorizing.
Goreski recommends personalizing your space with photos and pops of color. The fastest way to go about it? Bright pillowcases, throws and cushions.
If your student loans leave barely enough room for ramen in your budget, scour a store like Marshalls for surprising finds.
“I can always find unique designer pieces at stores like Marshalls,” Goreski enthused. "Because it always feels like a fun treasure hunt!"
The best way to brighten up a dark room? Throw something bright in it.
If the only thing you want to pop is champagne in your new pad, think again. Goreski stresses the importance of pops of color, pops of print, pops of cushions and colorful bookcases.
He also recommends mixing prints at home, like pairing bright pillows with plaid pillows.
There's no need to be a Pinterest guru.
Remember the last Pinterest brownie tutorial you tried to replicate? Didn't end so well, did it?
Follow the same rule in your home and only try the stuff you know you can't totally f*ck up. The most foolproof items to DIY are picture frames and mirrors. They're easy to personalize, don't involve cutting and make a bold statement.
Even the smallest closets could use a bit of editing.
Is your closet the size of your thumb? Don't fret, that just means you have to get even better at paring down what you need and what you don't.
Goreski recommends dividing the space with plastic bins and shoe organizers.
“Keep that area of your life very edited down by season," he said.
Make sure your apartment is a reflection of your personality.
The little bit of afterthought could take your space from an overpriced room to an adult zone.
“Have the space reflect who you are without being bogged down,” Goreski recommends. “Have some sort of message."
You can do that through finishing touches like fun throw cushions or beautiful bedding.
