Quirky can be cheap, too.
(@camillelenore / Instagram)
Quarantine has changed my outlook on a lot of things: My style, my eating habits, but most importantly, my room decor. I used to fill my room with things I knew other people would like, kept it safe. I’d have basic moon posters and white fluffy pillows. But recently I realized that it’s okay to be bold in your decorating for your home. I mean, you’re the one who has to live in it every day. Why not fill your home with the things you love?!
With classes right around the corner, I’ve been prepping my Pinterest boards for my new apartment.
Right now, so many designers are taking advantage of different shapes and becoming more abstract with their pieces. People are really digging this look, but a lot of these pieces are pieces that an unemployed college student can simply not afford. Let’s fix that.
Here’s a TikTok to kick off the aesthetic
DIY Thrifted Mirrors
Mirrors are essential for any apartment. They make a room feel bigger and add different shapes and textures to your wall. Unless you have the money to drop on the wavy, pink UltreaFragola mirror, my advice would be to try and find vintage mirrors at your local thrift shop or flea market.
That way, you can add touches of vintage vibes to your room or DIY it to make it match your style. Paint it pink, green, blue, lavender, whatever you’re feeling; or add foam to the edges and you can really make it your own!
A bonus: having a cool mirror can really up the ante on all your mirror selfies. It can really make your selfies stand out from the others.
Plants !!!
Not to be a cottagecore plant mom, but filling your apartment with plants is so beneficial. Although they’re a bit of work, plants clean the air in your apartment, as well as give you something to take care of.
They help fill the extra space and give you that extra form of life you might be missing without a backyard.
If you’re lazy or a serial plant murderer, faux plants can add an extra pop of color and vitality to your room just the same.
Statement Chair
Having a statement chair is a must! Use it to add a pop of color to the room, a different texture to your furniture, or as a cozy reading spot. Going to a vintage/flea market is a college student’s best bet in finding a cheap, unique statement chair.
Handmade Ceramics
Handmade ceramics have been everywhere! I am obsessed with the funky homemade look of these pieces. From vases to pots, to trinkets, they are just adorable. Obviously, these handmade ceramics can be really expensive. To find these on the cheaper side, try to support small businesses that sell ceramics on websites such as Etsy or even try to grab a group of friends and make these yourself!
Abstract Shaped candles
For my dorm people, you’re gonna have to opt-out (or be extra sneaky) on this one. Abstract candles have been all the rave lately. The goober candle, in particular, has been living rent-free in my mind for the past two months.
From column-shaped candles to shell candles to drip candles, these candles are a fun way to add unique touches to your room while wafting in smells of the ocean. Finding cheaper versions of these candles can be tricky but Etsy has lots of dupes for the expensive Instagram ones.
Colorful Crates
The HAY color storage crates are perfect for spicing up your excess storge. Who knew that add a colorful crate could make clutter look cool? Use them as storage in your bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom. Mix and match colors or don’t, whatever you’re feeling. The small and medium crates are super affordable, and if you wanna binge on one large, go for it.
Don’t be afraid to make your apartment represent you! It’s your home, and if your like me and adding weird-shaped candles or vintage mirrors makes you feel all warm inside, fill your room with it!
Hannah Engel is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. Her simple pleasures include playing Animal Crossing, online shopping, and taking care of her plants. She’s passionate about fashion and travel. You can find her on Instagram @hannah__engel.