While the mattress on the floor, liquor bottles as decor, blu tacked posters on the wall, and mismatched seating arrangements may seem like the epitome of interior design during the transitory time of your early twenties, there comes a point in life when you’ll want to make your house feel a little more…grown up. You know, like an actual human adult lives there.
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While a complete home overhaul may be out of the question, there are some all too doable upgrades that make your space seem more put-together.
1. Elevate your bed
Literally. While the mattress on the floor works for the tumblr generation, lifting your mattress onto an actual bed frame represents the transition into adulthood. A beautiful, good quality bed frame or bed head is a solid investment that will last for years to come.
2. Outfit your bed
Now that you’ve gotten your mattress off the floor, it’s a solid idea to adorn your bed with some chic bedding. While plain sheets in luce fabrics like flax linen, Egyptian cotton, or bamboo are a tried and tested classic, you can imbue your home with a little more personality by opting for patterned bedding featuring florals or stripes.
3. Frame your art
Unframed art screams collegiate life. If you’re not quite ready to let go of your posters, don’t fret; the simple act of framing them can elevate posters to grown-up status. If you’re ready for the next step, consider investing in some actual art; whether it be a painting you’ve had your eye on for a while or prints from an artist you like. Creating a gallery wall of art is an instant way to make a room look more defined and put together.
4. Bar none
IMAGE: MONICA WANG IMAGE: WERNER STRAUBE
Though liquor bottles scattered around the house are no longer constituted as decor past a certain age, you can still use them to add style to a room. Simply place them on a dedicated bar cart or cabinet. A bar cart or cabinet classes up a room, serves as standalone furniture in itself, and makes entertaining much easier, allowing guests to serve themselves so you can mingle.
5. Treat your windows
Window treatments are an easy way to dress up any hope. While blinds are perfectly sufficient for blocking out light, there’s something utilitarian about them. To add aesthetic appeal, opt for a set of curtains; blackout curtains layered over sheer curtains work to block out light and heat when you need it, while creating a luxurious, warm effect.
6. Add a coffee table
IMAGE: STEVE CORDONY IMAGE: RACHEL WHITING
A stylish coffee table serves a dual purpose; it subtly shows off your (meticulously curated) interests and gives people a place to congregate around. Adorn your coffee table with coffee table books (naturally), candles, crystals, and trinkets.
7. Invest in a legit coffee maker
You heard us. It’s time to ditch the instant coffee and enjoy the real deal. Whether drip coffee, french press, or an espresso machine is more your style, an actual coffee maker is an instant upgrade to any kitchen.
8. Rug up
Laying down a floor rug takes your space to the next level, serving as a place to rest tired feet while adding substance to a room. Play it safe by opting for a neutral or complementary colour, or make a statement with a bold rug.
9. Paint a wall
Take your space out of transitory territory by adding something permanent; paint. Neutrals like taupe, cream, and gray add instant sophistication, while teal, prussian blue, emerald green, or deep red make for a space that’s distinctly your own.
10. Dress up your walls
If painting is out of the question, opt for interesting wallpaper that encapsulates your style. Either pick your own pattern using Pickawall, or choose one of the beautifully intricate styles from de Gournay.
Words by Theo Rosen
Feature image courtesy of Stephen Kent Johnson for Architectural Digest
