DIY Apartment Projects to Make Your Newly Purchased Apartment a Unique Space
Not everyone is interested in owning a house and having to take on all of the yard work, roof maintenance, and other tasks associated with that kind of real estate. The ideal solution for some people is to purchase an apartment and set about making it into a unique space. Many want to improve their space with DIY apartment projects to make it somewhat different from the other apartments in the building.
If you find that the latter option is a good fit for you, there are all sorts of ways you can update the newly purchased space and make your apartment unique. Here are some DIY apartment projects that will help you begin formulating a plan.
Benefits of DIY Apartment Projects
You don’t have to be some sort of creative genius to succeed with DIY apartment projects. The following projects are simple, cost-effective, and will make your new apartment home. These improvements help you to make your apartment perfect. Here are some of the best DIY apartment projects that you can do to create the perfect apartment for you.
Changing the Floors
When you purchased the apartment, all the floors were carpeted with the exception of the kitchen and the bathroom. While you have nothing against carpeting, it would be nice to go with something different. There are three different DIY apartment projects that you could use throughout the apartment or even mix and match to suit your tastes.
One strategy is to rip up the carpeting and install wood veneer over the existing floor. Wood veneer comes in many different shades and styles. That makes it easier for you to choose something that’s in line with your vision for the space. Some of the perks associated with installing veneer are that the project won’t take that long to complete, upkeep and maintenance is a snap, and you can expect the flooring to last much longer than the standard wall to wall carpeting.
Another way to go is to install vinyl flooring throughout your space. The nice thing about vinyl flooring options today is that they can take on just about any look you want. Does the idea of having what appears to be a marble floor in the dining room sound appealing? What about a living room floor that appears to be a mosaic made with a mixture of stones? You can have these looks and many others by choosing vinyl as your floor covering of choice.
Don’t overlook the possibility of making the best out of whatever is lurking under the carpeting. Once it’s pulled up, you may find that there are already hardwood floors in place. Have them cleaned thoroughly before you decide if they need to be refinished. While there may be some imperfections, those little nicks could add character to the place and fit right in with your decorating vision. If so, then all you need to do is have an expert apply some type of protective coating to the newly cleaned wood and it will be time to bring in the furnishings and accessories.
These three DIY apartment projects can help you find the perfect flooring for your new apartment, and create a space that is truly yours.
Doing Something About the Windows
While you are not a hundred percent happy with the condition of the windows, the cost of replacing them seems prohibitive. Before deciding you’ll have to live with what’s in place, consider these DIY apartment projects.
Have you considered the idea of installing what’s known as retrofitted windows?
There are a couple of reasons why retrofitted windows for your apartment makes a lot of sense. One has to do with the ease of installation. Unlike investing in replacement windows, the retrofit design makes use of the existing window frame. That means there’s no need to rip out the frame and possibly some of the interior and exterior wall materials in the process. Instead, the windows are designed with what’s known as a Z-bar. That bar helps to fill in any tiny gaps between the existing frame and the actual window. Once the window is fitted in position, a few screws and a little caulking is all that’s needed to finish the job.
Another benefit of retrofit windows is that the cost of purchase and installation will fit into your budget easily. Depending on the size and type of windows you want, the difference in overall cost could be as much as 50%. Think of the other DIY apartment projects you could do with the money you save on the window project!
Softening the Look of the Walls
The neutral color of the walls does make it easier to go with just about any type of furniture, but you would like something that’s a little more visually interesting. Using darker colors like jewel tones is not what you have in mind, but adding some color would be nice. You can accomplish this by utilizing a method that was all the rage a few decades ago but doesn’t receive as much attention today.
All you need is a gallon of paint in a color you like, a little water, and some old rags. Mix two parts paint with one part water to make a thinner solution. Dip the rag into the paint and then begin to wipe across the existing wall color.
As you move along, it will be easy to add swirls, somewhat straight lines, or any other effect that you want. You can even bundle up the rags into a ball, dip them in the paint, and daub the wall surface if you like. The result will be a wall that has a textured look unlike anything found elsewhere. Even if a neighbor decides to use the same approach, they will never be able to come up with the same pattern you created.
Mix and Match to Your Heart’s Content
It’s easy to create a picture-perfect room by sticking with one period or one style. It takes real talent to utilize an assortment of odd pieces and come up with a space that’s visually cohesive and inviting. Instead of trying to make your room into some type of period piece, step back and have fun mixing and matching furnishings that most people would find a little out of the box.
It’s fine if the sofa is a Mediterranean style and you choose to pair it with a couple of overstuffed chairs. The styles may be different, but you will unify them with the use of color. The throw pillows on the sofa can pick up the upholstery color in the chair. Use the sofa upholstery as your inspiration for the throw pillows gracing the chairs.
These are only a few DIY apartment projects to make your apartment fit your personality and stand out from the other units in the building. Take the time to explore unique ideas about accessories, painting techniques, and even doing something with the doors and windows. Over time, with all of your DIY apartment projects, it will take on a life of its own and be everything you want it to be.