Moving into your first post-college apartment is the perfect excuse to give your decor (and essentials) a bit of a refresh. And we promise that adulting doesn’t have to break the bank, either. It’s easier than you might think to revamp your living room, kitchen, and bathroom with just a few basics that will make all the difference. Keep reading to see how to get started!
Living Room:
No post-college living room is complete without a coffee table book (or several!). Coffee table books just ooze sophistication, after all. Pick out a book that reflects your interests, whether that’s interiors, fashion, sports, you name it. Barnes and Noble is full of hundreds of titles, so you’re sure to find one or two that speak to you. Visit the store in person so that you can pick out books with covers and spines that will complement your aesthetic and enhance your space. This book by Tricia Guild is perfect for the budding interior designer and features a stylish striped spine to boot.
Another thing that no post-grad apartment is complete without? Candles! Stock up on scents that come in pretty vessels and will make your apartment a relaxing place to return home to after your 9 to 5. I scooped up this candle trio at HomeGoods for just $16.99, which is a major steal. Style all three candles on your coffee table or bookshelf, or spread them throughout your apartment if you wish, placing one in the living room, another in the bedroom, and the third in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless!
Finally, everyone needs a catchall to place somewhere in the living room. Vow that this will finally be the year you stop misplacing your keys, and keep this crown-shaped trinket dish on your entryway table to help you stay organized. It’s from West Elm, and the brass is oh-so-chic. You could also use it on the coffee table to corral matchbooks from your fave new restaurants and the like.
Bathroom:
Those ratty towels you’ve been using all throughout college? It’s time for them to go. Upgrading to a new matching towel set is so adult and is actually super affordable if you take to TJ Maxx. These cute bath and hand towels were less than $10 each and are nice and plush. Be sure to grab at least two of each so that you’re all stocked up in the event of spills (or unexpected houseguests!).
Make sure that your bathroom smells good at all times by placing a diffuser on the vanity. Bluemercury offers so many different scents, whether you’re in the mood for something beachy or smoky. Even if you don’t have time to do a bathroom deep clean every single week, no one will know!
Kitchen:
To ensure that your cabinets don’t become a dumping ground for loose tea bags, coffee pods, and the like, grab some plastic storage containers at HomeGoods and put them to work. These cost just a couple of dollars each and will make a major impact on your kitchen. While you’re at it, grab a new, matching set of chip clips, also available at HomeGoods, to keep in your drawer. No one can afford to waste food, and now you can make sure that your prized snacks stay as fresh as possible.
These are just some of the basics that will help you start off on the right foot as you get settled in your new place. Sure, not every adult apartment essential is the most exciting, but you have to admit, there’s something fun about filling your space with practical things that make you feel like you have it all together!
