Challenges of Apartment Living

Renting a New York City apartment has it's ups & downs.  I LOVE living in Manhattan - but renting has 'DECORATING limitations'. It's been strange not being able to do major DIY projects or paint a wall or two - without the thought of having to paint it back when we move. Sometimes the apartment starts to feel stagnant, and new decor is a must! Know what I mean?

What I miss about owning a home is having the freedom to change up your space on a whim!  So, what is one to do?? Well, we can either do very small changes or just go online & live through others.
I do however find myself changing things out with accessories & new art....and you??


Do you live in an apartment?? Do you find yourself facing the same challenges?? What have you done to keep things fresh in your home??



























images via:


architectural digest / francis sultana
/ elle decor/ shoot factory 







Pinterest

29 comments

  1. paint the walls! and then deal with it later :)

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  2. @coby kutcher : Yea...We tried that once and the last thing we wanted to do before moving was paint...I guess it depends on how bad you want that painted wall.

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  4. Thankfully everywhere I've rented gave the ok to paint. And since they always repaint when someone moves out, I've never had to do it myself.

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  5. Jen, the pictures you have shown of the apartment look great - your collection of artwork and books and knick knacks make the place look lovely...save the money and keep if for something you can keep for your home or self x

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  6. @donna khoo : that is usually how I like to think, thanks! :) But I am contemplating a black wall behind dining area...but again the pain in the neck issue of painting it back.

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  7. Yes it is frustrating. I have never done anything major. But I have hung paintings and just plug up the holes and I have always got my deposit back. I am currently saving to buy my first condo. I am thinking of possibly the Fleetwood area north of the city.

    Ali of

    www.dressingken.com

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  8. Lots of great photos, I always like to use slipcovers and lots and lots of pillows.
    www.FrippeyVintage.com

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  9. I HATE RENTING for the very reason that painting the walls is just not worth the hassle. I manage to get over it with a lot of wall art (i'm a total collector) but I can't wait until we can start house hunting!

    <3becky
    www.loosefromthezoo.com

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  10. I live in an apartment too and it can be SUCH a challenge. I actually painted as well, including a beautiful stencil in lieu of wallpaper. I know it'll be a pain to paint it when we move, but knowing we will be here a few years makes it worth it!

    To keep things fresh I try to rearrange furniture when I can, and I definitely change up the decorative pillows every few months to add new pops of color. Fresh flowers always does the trick for me too! ;)

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  11. I live in an apartment, it is our, but we are thinking in moving to a bigger house so decorating is stopped by now

    Love looking for inspiration at internet

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  12. We painted the walls, but now we'll probably lose our deposit, because we probably don't want to paint over it when we leave! I'm glad we did, though, because we have been here for three years. I think changing out the decor helps a lot. We're in the stage where we're moving in four months and have that underlying feeling of not wanting to change anything or make an investment. Hate that! I guess we need to just invest in pieces we can use anywhere!

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  13. We painted two walls (sort of annoying because I'm not a huge accent wall fan but it works well with the architecture of the apartment. I am always looking at art and lately I find myself looking for greenery. I think some sort of greenery in the home makes it feel more alive and home-y. Plus lots of pillows that I can switch out often if I get bored. The first thing I did was put up drapes on EVERY window, mostly to cover ugly blinds but also to add interest to the rooms. Printed drapes replace my longing for wallpaper.

    Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

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  14. It's definitely not okay to paint at my apartment. It's not okay to install shelves either...but Im a Barbie a collector and Im installing them no matter what! I'll deal with it before I move...I still have a year on my lease, so plenty of time! Painting is complete different though!

    Taylor Brione
    www.taylorbrione.com

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  15. I love something about every one of these spaces. I haven't quite figured out decorating an apartment yet but these are definitely inspiring!

    xo Ashley
    thetiniestfirecracker.com

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  16. I really, really, really need those mini gold pendants in the 3rd pic. I can also guarantee that they are 100% out of my price range. I'm a little clairvoyant like that. ;)

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  17. Hi there, I've been following your blog for about a month and love your post. I know the feeling live in the apartment. I just leave the original paint alone and use art work or furniture to decorate.

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  18. I'm all about a quick trip to HomeGoods whenever I feel the need to add a little change to our place. We can't paint or do anything drastic, so switching out a vase or adding some cute little accessory have to suffice for now.

    xo,
    Angelica
    www.savvygirllife.com

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  19. @angelica: lucky you! i used to love going to Home Goods...dont think Manhattan has one!

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  20. @kirsten: I know!!! love those gold pendants too.

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  21. I tend to let the furniture/accessories take more of the spotlight.

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  22. We used to move the furniture in the living room around all the time when we lived in an apt. However, if our place had looked like any of these photos I wouldn't have changed a thing!
    Maybe you could try one of those new easy removable wallpapers (hear they are like post it notes - super easy to take on and off)if you're craving more dramatic walls.
    Oh and that fushia bathroom floor is crazy fab!

    :)
    mikky
    www.todaloos.com

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  23. It would definitely cause an arm and a leg to be able to remodel an apartment to make it look anything as chic as those photos while not making holes or damaging the apartment. The delicious room decor is definitely fun to look at and fantasize about though.


    xo
    Maggie A
    Love Mavin

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  24. I perfectly understand having moved to NYC from Vegas also. You go from excess square footage to like you said changing accessories only. But, I still love living here!

    Adri
    adrisworld.com

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  25. I know exactly what you mean! I have been renting for the past 100 years (sort of) and moving aprox. every 2 years, my home never looked the way I would wanted it to (perfectly designed). But still, even if I could buy my own flat, I wouldnt do it. Everything has its pros and contras. The question is - shall I buy my own place just to make it perfect? Or enjoy freedom and money on traveling, delicious food, nice clothes, and enjoying life on fullest...? The choice is yours :-)

    WorldByBella

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  26. I understand you, I rent a small apartment and it's always a challenge to have a place to you can call a home without being able to change some details!

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  27. Amazing pictures...:)
    I mean your apartment is beauty
    Android Developer

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  28. i love the middle painting in the first picture!
    unfortunately, i haven't really rented a flat that allowed me to paint (the landlord will charge additional fees for it). so for now, it's all about looking at magazines for inspiration for my future (permanent) home.

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  29. I feel this pain so much! Even I am restricted to what furniture I have. >_< I love your aesthetic, your spaces and pretty much everything you make! I just ordered your LOVE print today and I can't wait to add it to my little home :)

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