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Oooh there are great “after market” ikea add ons. New hardware. Or buy drawer liner that looks like marble and stick on drawer fronts or top
Something like THIS
Neutral matching colors would look nice with a big area rug in the center. I also think a hanging room divider like this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F28TGBC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_NXQ2QGNEH75RCASDBK3N
Would look nice by the small kitchen or a section of the living room. You should also checkout Society6 they have very nice unique home decor.
You can hang fabric or tapestries or even artwork on the fence if you want to create some privacy ( if that will be your bedroom area?).
Bathroom has smooth tiled walls, so you could stick things on for storage. Do you have the 3M command stickies in the UK? Or something like these that you could possibly get off Amazon or Shein? (Look at the type of stickies they use, which is similar to these hooks. I've found that on smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass and tile, they hold remarkably well (am using plenty in my small barhroom currently). But be careful not to put more than the recommended weight!
Either with different paintings, or a hanging wall tapestry. You can find cool unique wall tapestries on Society6.com Or you can add a hanging room divider to the wall like these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTFRJQN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_X9ACCN7QJNP4NKQ96PAN
If you attach wood paneling, even very light paneling, to wall paper via contact cement or spray adhesive, it's very likely going to fall off at a later point and rip the paper covering off your drywall in the process. If you're extremely lucky, it will come loose at a seam first and you'll catch it before it falls and takes half the surface of the underlying wall with it. There's good reason that beadboard/waiscotting are nailed in place. I have to solidly agree with u/InterestingPseudonym on this one, your best bet is a textured wall paper, self adhesive or glue up (depends up much clean up you want to do before move out), that you paint the color you like. Here's an example of one: https://www.amazon.com/Graham-Brown-Paintable-Prepasted-Beadboard/dp/B0026SUA1S
I think that hiding the cords could do a lot for the space as well. A cord channel would work for that (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GPFDL1K/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_fabc_9A3YR1SAM4KY78WTE2YX).
I would also suggest mounting the extension cord plug in part behind the TV, since the TV cord is too short and the plug in piece wouldn't fit in the channel. You may need a longer extension cord to do that.
Yo, I have pretty much same situation. I am short, I have no pantry but tall kitchen shelves, and I got one of those rubber-tipped grabby claws from Amazon. So much easier than setting up a stool to grab one lil thing.
I live on the downstairs of a busy apartment where people can easily see into my window. I bought these on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DC4MC7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I like having as much natural light as possible come in during the day so I didn't want to use my blinds. I just cut out the giant piece to the measurements of my window. unfortunately I can't see out of the window, but no one can see in either.
This is the one I have. You can actually just spray if off to clean it, or if you have neighbors below you can just toss it in the shower. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874K5HJR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?
I had a roommate that was a really loud snorer and when he put a towel at the bottom of the door it actually helped a lot with the noise, I'd give that a try on the front door. Also some of these would be good to divide up the space https://www.amazon.com/Roundhill-Furniture-Japanese-4-Panel-Divider/dp/B00A7YV51C/ref=pd\_lpo\_1?pd\_rd\_i=B00A7YV51C&psc=1
Have you tried magnets? My last two apartments (one in Washington D.C., one in MI) have had steel studs and window/door frames in all the exterior walls. Thin layer of drywall and paint on top, but I was able to hang some pretty heavy stuff (in one case a 15" cast iron skillet that weighs at least 10 lbs) from some large rare-earth magnets.
For shelves, you can get ones that are a ring, with a screw that goes through the center, like these, which you could attach to the back of a shelving unit.
Hello! At the start of the pandemic, the laundry around the corner closed, which is where I had been dropping off laundry forever. We bought this hOmeLabs Portable Washing Machine... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRDN8B9 and it was a godsend. It is great for one person and good for two. It’s less good for big items like sheets and towels but truthfully I haven’t used it for these things. I bought a big drying rack, which I prefer over using a dryer. Pros are convenience, speed, and portability. It is pretty light. It’s in the kitchen but off to the side. Cons are it can be rough on delicate items, slightly less effective than a full size, eg taking sizing out of new clothes, and noise during spin, since it’s out in the open. I’m going to be looking at dryers for towels but not sure where to put it! Hope this helps.
Not sure if this is listed outside of Canada, but may be what you are looking for. Amazon has tons. I would reccomend making sure that adding this to your home will not go against your lease! As well as your insurance (just as a precaution of course)
I use a fairy light curtain in my windowless bedroom and it works a treat and ups the coziness factor by 10,000! This is the one I have. When my bed was centered on a wall, I hung it floor to ceiling like a drawn curtain framing my bed. Now my bed’s in a corner so I put the “top” in the corner and stretched the lights out sideways in a scallop pattern along the head and side of the bed.
Unrelated, but I HIGHLY recommend a wake up light alarm clock if you aren’t a natural early riser but have to routinely get up early. I have a Phillips and it is a night and day (pun intended) difference for my morning routine. Slowly lights up to emulate the sunrise in the 30 minutes before the alarm goes off.
I don't know what the rest of your apartment looks like but I've got a few ideas.
1.Wrap the boxes in bamboo panels or nice fabric using velcro for easy accessibility. You can then put a plant on some books on it.
Example of bamboo paneling: https://www.amazon.com/FOREVER-BAMBOO-Wainscoting-Interior-Decoration/dp/B0792FQWFK
Build a 'fake closet' so only 4 sides - top, front and both sides out of some plywood. Stick some cheap decorative doors on it and you can spray paint it too. Then you can use it to display some art or books etc. It just slides on and off for easy access.
This will only work if you're willing to give up a free corner haha. You could put up a room divider in the corner of a room, put the storage boxes behind it and then make a lil display with some plants, decorative vases etc in front of it. (You'll also have some room for other things you'd like to hide.)
Example of what I mean but you could of course use a different room devider.
https://images.app.goo.gl/vxkGxduyCnBSxppc9
I don't really know what type of interior design you're into but I hope this helps : )
Ahhh yes, the famous rental boob light. I have lived in many rentals and have seen them many many times. They are the ultimate nemisis to lighting. Overhead, dim, and never enough for a room. Ask your landlord but likely they won't want you to replace it, not trusting you as an electrician (unless maybe they've known you for a long time). There are some options where you can take the boob housing off, leaving the main fixture intact, and putting a new "shade" on it. I've seen this done on youtube and pinterest with some success. Another option, which I usually do, is to pretend the light doesn't exist and light the space with lamps. I use a plug in remote light switch so that I don't use the convenience of a light switch, and use standing lamps.
Another good place to start is simply replacing the bulbs. So many of my rentals had very dim, cold, cheap lights. I bought some more expensive light bulbs - which were also more energy efficient - and replace everything in my rental with warmer, brighter stronger bulbs. I keep the old ones in the new boxes, and stick em under the bathroom sink or in a closet til I'm ready to move out. And I take my good bulbs with me when I leave. Good luck with your boob light situation. We renters can all commiserate.
I’ve used something like this. Isn’t completely private but better than a curtain. Door Buddy Adjustable Door Strap and Latch - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B016QT678M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V6278NBSS271JJDVY25K
Hope you find it useful. I did forget to add that most lights like this use an inline switch, which obviously isn't going to work too well if it hidden in the back of a cabinet. My solution to that was a couple of smart plug switches like this. You can use them as designed and control the lights with your phone, or you can ignore that, and use the physical on/off button on the side of the switch.
I've used these for large artwork when the frames would have cost hundreds and they are great
Artmag Magnetic Poster Hanger Frame, 20x28 20x30 20x24 Light Wood Wooden Magnet Canvas Artwork Print Dowel Poster Hangers Frames Hanging Kit (Teak Wood, 20") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QS44BWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_ZMDR262TJ6TV7T1R55ZA
Stick these on back of poster frames
Magnetic Sheets with Adhesive Backing - 5 PCs Each 4" x 6" - Peel and Stick Magnetic Paper for Photo and Picture Magnets - Flexible Magnet Sheets for DIY and Crafts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V3SRKFW/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_GF55S10Q48Y5M1K93MBC
Something like this may help with the vibrations of the machines themselves: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLSGXY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_SB4HRHSFPTPYNR3A2JH9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Also the egg-crate type foam on the walls should help if that doesn’t. It’s probably an uninsulated wall, so the sound just travels right through.
Or go with a simple small footprint espresso counter table- Giantex Square Dining Table, Counter Height Table with Rubber Wood Legs for 2-4 Person, 36'' Desktop Wood Kitchen Table for Living Kitchen Room Apartment Small Space (Espresso) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0883BZ7BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5QG6WFTA66SS6T72RM3Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Get yourself a dishpan. They're cheap! Most department stores have them, they come in a variety of sizes and colors. Rinse your dishes in your tiny sink.
https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Pan-11-4-Quart-White-FG295100WHT/dp/B0000CFSCS/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Dishpan&qid=1636420654&sr=8-2
What about one of these? TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter - Gigabit Port, Plug&Play, Power Saving Mode, Noise Filtering, Extra Power Socket for Additional Devices, Ideal for Smart TV(TL-PA7010P KIT), White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7YQO9G/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_R5389CRJJEAJZVPHSCNB
What have you got for lighting? If you have an overhead light it brings out more of the shadows from the objects lining your walls (furniture, bed, curtains, side tables etc.)
I accidentally discovered the "cozy" effect isn't just about switching your bulbs out, but how you shape the shadows in your room. This means putting lights at the far corners, you can start by warming up with waist-height lamps in 2 ends of the room, and a bright accent textile. Doesn't have to be big, even the tiny reading lights (think of how nicer hotels use this by the headboards and at the bedroom corners/ entryway into the room).
Knowing how bad the deep winter gets here in Canada, I spent time brightening my dark bedroom (cherry wood, darker hardwood, smaller windows, overhead fan-light combo) with 2 big mirrors each adjacent to an "opener" object.
So one mirror was perpendicular to a window, and the other perpendicular to a bigger painting with my 'happy' accent colour. I chose a mustard yellow for this and used a accent blanket and one of Van Gogh's sunflower paintings to be cohesive throughout the room.
Visual Examples: Throw Blanket (folded to cover bottom 1/3 of bed) Window/mirror positioning
Another friend who I've seen done tasteful decor in her own basement apartment and Airbnb's - I noticed she always had accent lights on. String lights around the bar shelf adds sparkle and shine against the glass / brass features. A knee-height globe light always on next to the TV console makes everything feel cozy and safe even when it's dark.
I bought this couch when it was on sale for $350. It is literally to dangerous to sit on because I end up taking a nap 100% of the time.
ZINUS Benton Sofa Couch / Grid Tufted Cushions / Easy, Tool-Free Assembly, Stone Grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQL8L1K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WJ192RHQVESD1MMHBXRN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Yes! I have one from amazon that clamps to the balcony and has two dishes - one for water and another for seeds. I got it to entertain my cat, who loves watching the birds and squirrels.
Keep in mind that squirrels may be able to get up there even if you live on the third floor! I live on an upper floor as well, and they still manage to scale the walls and eat a ton of the food. I only tolerate it because my cat likes them ha.
The best shower curtain isn't plastic, it's fabric. The plastic ones get slimy and nasty and are a pain to clean. The fabric ones can be tossed in the machine every month or so and look nice for a long while, if you don't care much about prints or colors. There's a knack to not getting water everwhere, but it's not hard to do.
I use a fabric liner on the inside and a decorative curtain on the outside.
I cannot recommend these hooks highly enough. It's so easy to take down and hang the curtains for regular washes. And unlike "S" hooks, these won't pop off the rod (on that little ridge - you know the one) if I pull the curtains too vigorously.
Silicone mats? You can cut them to size.
Mlife Extra Large 23.2" x 19.5" Silicone Sheet for Craft - Jewelry Casting Molds Mat, Epoxy Resin Painting Pad, Premium Silicone Mat, Nonstick Nonslip Heat-Resistant Durable, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0822M85Z1/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_glt_fabc_X4SJTCBTRK2D74S0BF70?psc=1
The number one thing I would recommend is finding lights that aim UP. You want light bouncing off of your ceiling. That is your mission. I swear to you, this is the most economical and dramatic way to brighten your apartment. You have all white walls, all white ceiling - let them glow!
Here’s a cheap simple example:
Floor Lamp, Standing Lamp, 9W LED Torchiere Floor Lamp with 4W Adjustable Reading Lamp, 3000K Energy-Saving LED Bulbs, 3 Way Switch, 50,000hrs Lifespan, Floor Lamps for Bedroom, Living Room, Office https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BNM5CJV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_33HS4WKB3V2ED4TNY4AT
Also- MIRRORS! Bounce the light you have around!
I’ve traditionally gotten as large of a mirror as possible for the wall above the couch.
yes i found these awesome shelves that actually are made of moveable panels to accommodate any pipe configuration under the sink
My apartment bathroom floor is... unsightly lol! I got a vinyl mat to lay down instead of worrying about contact paper sticking or peeling with humidity. A year later, still works well, is easy to clean, and I can just throw it out when I leave.
Could you get a wire shelf like this and use command hooks and zip ties to attach it to the wall? It wouldn't be the prettiest, but it would be renter-friendly and secure!
You might also have space on the right wall for some narrow storage bench solution, or just some wall shelves if you're allowed to drill into the drywall.
There's also some potential on that ledge between the sink and tub. With the showerhead on that wall it doesn't seem likely to get too wet, especially with a shower curtain that goes all the way around. Or maybe instead of putting something on the ledge, you can hang a towel bar or over-door hooks from the shower curtain rod.
I have a similar window situation in my bathroom. I got this:
edit: uh oh. I just noticed the steam pipe to the right. That might be a problem for you, and unfortunately might prevent you from utilizing this space the way you hoped. Sorry, don't want to be a bummer.
Lol, good point. If I could offer an alternative, what about a very thin/narrow bench to put under the window? Like this but less expensive
What about a table runner? You could potentially use two to go over the top and down the sides. There are also storage rack covers , I bet with some digging on amazon you could find one with a nice color or pattern.
We had the same problem although our doorway is 28” wide. We eventually bought a futon on Amazon that resembled a couch. This is the exact one we bought. It came unassembled and folded in half. It’s very long, I could lay with PLENTY of room and I am 5’6”. It’s very comfortable and stylish. I would highly recommend. Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon, Premium Linen Upholstery and Wooden Legs, Green Linen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071KLJGVN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ufx.CbB8BDWX1
LOL I'm going on a whim and seeing if I can install them myself...It's seems pretty easy from the directions on Amazon... Not sure what style you're looking for, but I wanted some that were not the standard aluminum (tried to stay away from TOO cheap), but not also not too expensive... so I ended up with these ones: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083N3KT1X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
4 pairs of blinds for $220 is laughable imo. If youre just looking for cheap, basic blinds you can go to Lowe's, hell Walmart probably has them and I just went on amazon and found these for example
I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q4DRJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_lhVAFbC7J07XP
I like it because it's light weight, smaller (fits well in a small closet), and does a great job getting up all the fur from my two dogs (including one shaggy floor flop with perpetual bedhead). I lived in a dirt hell hole house because our backyard was literally all dirt after a horrible heatwave. So my dogs tracked in dirt every. Single. Time. They came back in from going out to pee. It was so bad. Moving someplace with grass made a huge difference. Sometimes it's just the place ya live. :/
We've used this in our previous 1-bed apt: https://www.amazon.com/SONGMICS-Organizer-Wardrobe-Non-woven-ULSF03G/dp/B012VIROU2/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=clothing+storage&qid=1596852616&sr=8-6
There are a lot of great LARGE and very cheap forest tapestries on Amazon like
https://www.amazon.com/Crannel-Tapestries-Mountain-Tapestry-Decorative/dp/B07RHD3RBQ
Or
https://www.amazon.com/Forest-Wall-Tapestry-51-60/dp/B0851K6XD7
You could use a dowel or a very straight natural branch and a couple of command hooks to hang them, maybe on the not black walls.
I would ditch the blinds (if possible) and replace them with dark, gauzy curtains like in your first pick. You might also want a pull down shade for darkening the room.
I would replace your headboard with something larger (taller) and made of natural wood, even cheaper wood but nicely stained and finished. Put some sconces on it and maybe even some large globe string lights.
Find some way to get a good wall of plants in there. Even fake ones. Ferns. Pothos, palms. Don’t know what’s on the fourth wall, but I hope there’s room for plants. And then some nice big pillows, and a nice thick duvet (or two in one duvet cover — maybe dark green-grey) and some fake fur elements. A rug or a throw or a pillow, something that looks like it could have been alive at some point.
We like to play cards and do puzzles, so we opted for a double drop leaf counter height table that backs up to our couch. Both leaves down, it serves as a console table holding a lamp (and a glass of wine). We have 4 barstools and we keep 2 at the table and 2 at our kitchen island.
Dinner for the two (or three) just needs 1 leaf up and when we have another couple, we pull it out fully.
I attached a power strip to one leg which the lamp plugs into and also a cell phone charger for when we're lounging on the sofa.
These days, one leaf up and it is my WFH with my laptop and another monitor. All plugged in to the power strip. Counter height, so sit/stand (but I'm short).
I have this one from Amazon and apparently it's not available, but you get the idea. It has 2 shelves and wine storage as well. This was one of the best purchases for our place.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006CVX4WW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Krc9EbBE6NFSB
I personally love these puck motion sensor lights. They're perfect for entryways because they stay on about 30 seconds. You can stick them anywhere. Takes 3 AAA batteries, I kept rechargeable batteries and changed them every couple months. Here's a link!