33 Aesthetic Apartment Ideas On A Budget You’ll Want To Copy This Weekend

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Now imagine this instead:

  • Using fewer decor pieces helps reduce repeat spending on things not needed
  • Grouping items together cuts down visual clutter right away
  • Keeping surfaces simple makes cleaning more predictable each day

Here’s how you’ll do it…

1. Swap Dark Pillow Covers For Light Neutral Ones

Dark colors can make the room feel heavier than it is.

Start This Way: Switch to light neutral covers to brighten the space.

It will be so convenient if you use a throw pillow covers set to change the look fast.

2. Move A Mirror To Catch More Natural Light

Light changes how the whole room feels during the day.

Do It Like This: Place a mirror across from a window to reflect light.

3. Add A Tray To The Coffee Table For Small Items

Loose items make the table look messy quickly.

Try This Way: Keep remotes and small items inside one tray.

This gets easier if you use a decorative tray for table to keep things grouped.

4. Hang Curtains Higher Than The Window Frame

Low curtains can make ceilings feel shorter.

Here’s What To Do: Hang them closer to the ceiling for a taller look.

5. Place A Small Plant Near A Bright Window

Greenery adds life without adding clutter.

Begin With This: Set one plant where sunlight hits best.

6. Clear Off One Surface Completely

Full surfaces make the space feel crowded fast.

Use This Simple Trick: Leave one table or counter empty.

7. Add A Simple Rug In The Living Room

Rugs help define the space and make it feel finished.

Give This A Try: Place one rug where seating happens most.

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This takes less time if you use a light area rug to anchor the space.

8. Use Matching Storage Bins On Open Shelves

Different bins make shelves look messy.

Start Small With This: Use the same style for a cleaner look.

9. Switch Out Old Towels For Fresh White Ones

Old towels make bathrooms feel less clean.

Here’s A Quick Way: Replace them with white or light ones.

10. Rearrange Items On Shelves With Space Between Them

Packed shelves look cluttered even when organized.

One Thing That Helps Is: Leave space between items.

11. Add A Small Lamp In A Dark Corner

Dark spots make rooms feel unfinished.

Here’s A Low-Stress Way: Place a lamp to brighten the area.

12. Use A Basket To Hold Blankets Near The Couch

Blankets look messy when left around.

The Less Stressful Way Is: Keep them in one basket.

This feels easier if you use a woven storage basket to keep them neat.

13. Stack Books To Create Height On Tables

Flat layouts can feel boring and cluttered.

If You Want To Keep It Easy: Stack a few books to add height.

14. Place A Candle In The Center Of The Table

Tables feel empty without a focal point.

Start By Doing This Instead: Add one simple candle.

15. Use A Tray On The Nightstand For Small Items

Small items spread out make the space feel messy.

Instead, Try This: Keep them grouped in one spot.

16. Move Furniture Slightly To Open Walking Space

Tight layouts make rooms feel smaller.

The Easy First Step Is: Shift pieces to create more room to walk.

17. Add A Light Throw Blanket To The Couch

Soft layers make the space feel more finished.

If You’re Not Sure Where To Start: Place one on the couch arm.

18. Keep One Clear Space In Every Room

Empty space helps rooms feel calm.

Here’s The Shortcut Version: Pick one spot and keep it clear.

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19. Swap Out Bright Decor For Neutral Pieces

Too many colors can feel overwhelming.

To Make This Feel More Doable: Stick to simple neutral tones.

20. Use Matching Hangers In The Closet

Mixed hangers make closets feel cluttered.

The Easier Approach Is: Switch to one hanger type.

It will be so much easier if you use a velvet hanger set to keep clothes even.

21. Place A Small Table Near Seating Areas

Having a spot for drinks keeps surfaces cleaner.

To Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed: Add a small table within reach.

22. Add A Simple Centerpiece To The Dining Table

Dining areas feel plain without a focal point.

Here’s A Gentle Way To Start: Place one item in the center.

23. Use A Light Colored Rug Near The Bed

Light tones help the room feel more open.

The Most Doable Way Is: Place one where feet land first.

24. Keep Counters With Only One Item On Them

Too many items make kitchens feel messy.

Here’s A Small Step That Helps: Leave just one item out.

25. Add Hooks Near The Door For Bags

Bags on the floor create instant clutter.

Here’s A Simpler First Move: Hang them on hooks.

26. Use A Basket For Daily Essentials By The Entry

Keys and small items get lost easily.

The Easy Starting Point Is: Keep them in one basket.

27. Place A Small Light In The Closet

Dark closets slow down getting ready.

To Make This Feel Less Heavy: Add a small light.

This is faster when you use a motion sensor closet light to see clearly.

28. Group Small Items Together On One Tray

Loose items feel scattered and messy.

One Easy Reset Is: Keep them in one place.

29. Keep Open Shelves With Fewer Items

Less items make shelves look cleaner.

Start This Way: Remove what is not used often.

30. Add A Simple Wall Art Piece In One Spot

Too many pieces make walls feel busy.

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Do It Like This: Keep one main piece in focus.

31. Use A Soft Blanket Over A Chair

Small details add comfort without clutter.

Try This Way: Drape one over a chair.

32. Keep The Layout Open With Less Furniture

Too much furniture makes the space feel tight.

Here’s What To Do: Remove anything not needed.

33. Store Extra Items In One Hidden Bin

Extra items add to visual clutter.

Begin With This: Keep them out of sight in one bin.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)