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How to Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home

Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel like your home. There are many exciting aspects of moving into your own apartment, as well as the advantages that come from renting. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or your fifth, continue reading to learn some of our best tips for making your new apartment feel like home.

When you live at The Lakes at West Chester, there are a number of amenities that are sure to make your life enjoyable and comfortable. We offer a variety of spacious, modern floor plans to choose from, as well as community grilling stations, a beautiful walking trail, a bark park, and more. Ready to see all that our West Chester Apartments have to offer? Contact us today to schedule a tour!

1. Start With a Deep Clean

While this is not the most exciting step to take, it’s important to thoroughly clean your apartment before you dive into the fun of decorating. Performing a deep clean helps you to get a fresh start both literally and figuratively. As you clean, you’ll be more aware of every nook and cranny in your apartment, which may also lead to some design inspirations. Don’t forget to clean the windows, wipe down cabinet doors, and dust the baseboards while you’re at it. While we thoroughly clean each apartment before a new tenant moves in, you might find that the process of cleaning on your own helps it to feel more like yours.

2. Add Some Color

Make sure to check with your landlord, apartment manager, or just read your lease to make sure you’re allowed to paint. If you have the green light, then get ready to start one of the easiest ways to change the feel of your space. Paint is an affordable, easy, and fun way to make your space your own. In general, it’s a good idea to stick with a neutral palette that will go well with any art you want to hang.

3. Purchase Real Furniture

It might be tempting to think that you should just stick with plastic furniture because you’re just renting. When you think about the fact that this is your life, it’s important not to put your complete enjoyment on hold for someday in the future when you have a “real” home. With that in mind, get rid of the cardboard boxes, concrete block shelves, and any other temporary furniture. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get real furniture, in fact, you could find some beautiful and unique pieces at your local thrift shop. Remember, look for the potential in the furniture, as you can paint or stain it to look the way you want.

4. Select Lighting Fixtures

Most apartments tend to provide the bare minimum of lighting, which means that your living area probably doesn’t even have a single light. The right lighting can transform a drab space into a cozy space, so make sure to look for the areas in each room that could use some extra special care with lighting. Remember to purchase your light fixtures after the furniture so you can make sure that they work well together.

5. Choose a Signature Fragrance

Since our sense of smell is very strongly tied to memory, the fragrance you use in your apartment will play a big role in the way you feel when you’re home. If you want to create a cozy feeling that reminds you of the home you grew up in, then look for fragrances that mimic that smell. You can also establish your own signature smell by purchasing the fragrance you want in candles, room sprays, plug-ins, and more. Make sure you use the same fragrance in each room so that there is a cohesive feel in your West Chester apartment, rather than competing scents.

6. Display Sentimental Items

From knick-knacks and heirlooms to family photographs and more, there are probably a number of items that hold great sentimental value for you. Find the right place to place them so you can see them often. From a blanket your grandmother knitted for you to dishes passed down for generations, it’s important to make space for the sentimental items that are uniquely yours.

7. Create Your Private Space

Apartments generally feature the bare minimum when it comes to window coverings, which is part of the reason they don’t automatically feel like home. You can easily transform your space with some beautiful curtains, sheers, or valances. Window coverings help tie your decor together, as well as create the privacy and cozy environment you want.

8. Frame Family Photos

Hopefully, you’ve already placed a few of your favorite family photos on your refrigerator. Now that you live in your own apartment, you can place some of them in frames and hang them on the walls. You might be surprised at how much this simple task will make you feel more comfortable and at ease in your apartment in West Chester.

9. Get Rid of the Boxes

Now that you’ve had time to unpack, clean, paint, and decorate, you probably don’t need those moving boxes to continue cluttering up your space. Whether you plan to use them down the road or simply need to recycle them, don’t procrastinate getting them out of your living room. The more you can declutter the items you don’t need on a regular basis, the more spacious and comfortable your apartment will feel.

Come Home to The Lakes at West Chester

When it comes to apartment life, we’re sure that you’ll agree that life is better at The Lakes. We are proud to offer a variety of spacious and modern floor plans to meet your needs, as well as a wide array of amenities. We strive to create the community feel you want with regular neighborhood events for all residents. To learn more about pricing and availability, or to submit an application, contact The Lakes at West Chester today!