Lemondrop

Stuck living in a space that's less than grandiose? Make the most of it with decorating strategies that are small on space but big on style. I spent the past four years living in dorm rooms and tiny houses with more roommates than rooms, and this is what I've learned about decorating for the real world -- on a real budget.

Let the Sunshine In
Nothing opens up an apartment quite like an open window. Embrace every room's view, no matter how humble, by skipping tedious mini blinds and opting for airy curtains. They're a chance to add an extra dose of color to a room, which is especially helpful when a landlord prohibits painting. To fool the eye into thinking ceilings are much higher than they actually are, place the curtain rod a few inches above the window frame and buy extra-long curtains that dust the floor.


Collect Hand-Me-Downs
If the mere mention of "family heirlooms" stirs up visions of grandma's shelves filled with fifty years' worth of knickknacks, look past the layer of dust and imagine the charm of antiques taken out of context. If you don't have a great aunt with a house full of hand-me-downs, faux valuables found at antique stores have just as much authenticity -- after all, they belonged to somebody's aunt at one point. Tufted leather couches, tapestry chairs, and wooden chests are just a few pieces of furniture that improve with age. Plus, it'll make your new pad seem less IKEA, more Anthropologie.

Be Choosy About Finds
Sale tags have an uncanny ability of making even the most outdated of furniture seem instantly more appealing. Remember: No matter how discounted the price, a bargain isn't a bargain if it will be banished to storage as soon as its appeal wears off (which usually happens a few steps after leaving a store.) My rule: Only buy things you would buy at full cost, or, if it's vintage, double the asking price, then decide if it's still worth it. Also? Only buy things you really need. A set of silverware can seem like a brilliant investment, but a drawerful of extra forks will just take up valuable storage space.

Add Mirrors, Mirrors on Your Wall
When it comes to small spaces, the more mirrors, the merrier. If a mirror on every wall of every room makes you feel a bit like the evil Queen in Snow White, at least consider one per every four walls. Even better? Place a pair on opposite walls, which will make any room -- even a studio the size of a closet -- seem twice its size as they reflect back and forth. Fancy frames and elaborate settings aren't necessary; basic mirrored glass, which can be purchased for pennies, makes a big statement.

Store in Style
The golden rule for a spic-and-span apartment is this: if you don't feel smitten when you look at something, scrap it. (This mantra can also be applied to all areas of life. For instance, boyfriends.) Being picky about purchases will greatly eliminate clutter, but even the tidiest housekeeper needs storage space. Functional storage containers, like ottoman cubes, stackable shelving units, and vintage trunks stash stuff while looking stylish. Turn any surface into a storage area with table skirts, which look wonderfully retro in young apartments.

Casey Lewis is a freelance writer and longtime blogger. At age 14, she started TeenFashionista.com and even though she's now 22 and no longer a teenager, she often feels like one. She'll soon graduate from the University of Missouri and looks forward to having her first big girl apartment -- and hopefully a big girl job to match!