Written by Nick Simard on 9.09.15
No matter how trendy your New York apartment is, you may find yourself wishing that you could add your own look to the space.
If you are short on funds but high on creativity, consider tackling one of these trendy DIY projects that are perfect for apartment dwellers.
One of the biggest hurdles you have to overcome in an apartment is lack of space. Crate seats are an easy DIY project that makes the most of your space, giving you storage as well as seating.
To make these seats, purchase some sturdy plastic crates in a trendy color. Then, buy some plywood and cut it so that it will cover the top of the crate. Cut some mattress foam to cover the top of the plywood, and staple it into place using a staple gun.
Next, purchase trendy, matching fabric to make the cover of the seats. Pull the fabric tightly over the foam, folding it under and adhering it to the bottom of the plywood with hot glue. This is your cushion. Place the cushion on top of the crate for a comfortable seat, and remove it to use the storage.
Read more: Apartment Storage Solutions for Keeping NYC Rentals Spacious
Take some nice bath towels and make them a trendy addition to your bathroom with the help of a bleach pen. Using a stencil printed online or your own freehand skills, sketch a trendy pattern on the towels using a bleach pen. Once the bleach has dried, you will have your own custom, personalized towels for your bathroom. You can make the same project to create table runners and tablecloths for your kitchen and dining area.
Gallery walls are trendy, and they provide a great option to show off your photography skills. Still, when you rent, the thought of all of those holes in the wall may be deterring you from enjoying the look of a gallery wall. Rain gutters can help.
Pick up some sturdy white rain gutters. Then, attach these to a wall, placing about three of them spaced 14 or more inches apart. Once attached, place your favorite photos on them, and easily swap out the photos when you wish, with far fewer holes in the wall.
This sunburst light is simple to create and makes a stunning look in the entryway or hallway of your apartment. Purchase a Starburst style mirror with a circular center. Then, purchase a flush mount ceiling light with the same diameter as the mirror. It may take a little time to find the right combination of mirror and light, but do your research and you can find it.
Remove the mirror from the mirror to utilize the golden starburst design. Then, turn off your electricity and remove your existing light fixture. Secure the mirror frame to the ceiling using screws. Then, add the light to the center of the design, turn on the electricity and enjoy your new light.
Maybe you love the look of your sunburst light. Add to this look by making a DIY starburst mirror. Grab a pack of contractor shims and a 12-inch diameter cut of wood. Then, purchase a 14-inch circular unfinished mirror.
Split the shims in half, keeping in mind that the splits do not have to be perfect halves. Ensure that you do not have any splintered edges. Paint the contractor shim with the look of your choice, choosing a metallic final color.
Attach the wood circle to the back of the mirror. There will be a slight overlap of the mirror over the wood. Use wood glue to glue the painted shims to the back of the mirror on this overlap, fanning out in a starburst pattern. Layer two to three pieces around the mirror until you are in love with the look. Then, add hardware for hanging and hang your new project on your wall.
Even though you are renting, you can have a trendy home. Tackle one, two or even all of these projects, and enjoy the look they bring to your space.
Topics: Decorating Tips
