As a young adult, there are a number of things we want to either do or accomplish in order to be considered an adult. In fact, this is such a phenomenon with millennials today that the term, “adulting” is used and thrown around in everyday language almost on a daily basis. Whether it’s getting a full-time, “adult” job or moving out of your parents’ home into a place of your own, being grown up and acting like an adult can be a little overwhelming, scary but oh-so-fun and rewarding at the same time!
Like I had mentioned earlier, one of what many consider to be a signifying step into adulthood is to move out of your parents’ home and into a place of your own. When moving into a new house or apartment, there are what seems like a million new things that fill your mind (and overwhelm you). Upon moving into your new space, you now embody the powerful yet scary role of the artist, with your new place acting as your large, blank canvas and you are confronted with the task of creating a masterpiece.
Did you just move into a new place? Overwhelmed by the idea of trying to give off the impression of a put together grown up? Scared that your apartment is going to reflect the same horrendous themes of your 13-year-old bedroom? Fear not! These top five tips will help you have a stylish and posh spot in no time!
Get in Touch with Your Green Thumb
For some reason, plants are popular among adults, both young and old. I think it has something to do with the notion that if you have a healthy, growing plant that your life resembles the same. That if you can keep a plant alive, you have your life together. I don’t know if this is true or not, however, just by appearance, I know that plants make a room feel more grown-up. One way to add that grown up feeling to your apartment is to put different kinds of plants throughout your kitchen, bedroom and living room areas! Not only are plants a beautiful decorative piece, but they also give your place a fresh, lively vibe – all representative of how you are feeling as a person, right?
According to Silvia C. of Daily Dream Décor, “[plants] help your home get more oxygen; they bring a happy mood into any space and help increase your work productivity.” You may be thinking to yourself, “Alicia, I don’t have the time to worry about a silly plant”, or “Alicia, I don’t have a green thumb, I’ll definitely kill this plant in no time.” I completely understand your concern, which is why I’ll suggest succulent plants to you! Not only are succulents inexpensive, but they are also super easy to take care of, even if you do forget about them for awhile!
Framed Posters/Artwork
We all had fun posters as kids and into our teenage and college years. There is definitely nothing wrong with those posters, but we most likely either taped them or pinned them to the wall, making them look a tad adolescent. To give your apartment a grown up feeling, frame any of your favorite posters! For brownie points, get some fancy canvas paintings or framed artwork to give your walls extra pizzazz.
Update Your Lighting
As an adult, ditch the cheap side table and floor lamps you once got to light up your side of the dorm room and indulge in some elegant lighting. In an article by Carolyn Steber of Bustle, she comments on the importance of good lighting stating, “Do yourself a favor and do away with tiny plastic lamps, and those paper things you had in high school. Get something that makes a statement, and fills your space with light.”
Organize Your Alcohol
No self-respecting adult has all their alcohol just lying around on various countertops! Instead of clustering together your wine bottles and other various alcohol bottles together in one spot, consider organizing them together on a nice rack, in a glass cabinet, or on a fancy (looking) tray!
Have Special Places for Everything
Part of the chaos of being a young adult is never having a place for those weird items that seem like they don’t have a place. You know, your mail, an umbrella, etc. Organization is something that can instantly make your place feel grown up and more clean. Catherine Andrews of Refinery29 writes, “Get containers for everything, and put everything in containers. Put your mail in a little basket. Try wicker baskets in your entryway to hold your umbrellas, scarves, shoes, and other miscellany.”