When you’re staring at an empty apartment after a move, the question naturally becomes, “Where do I start?” Whether it’s your first place or your fifth, knowing how to style, organize, and make your space functional can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering how to set up my apartment homemendous, then you’re not alone—and thankfully, there are streamlined ways to make this process smoother. For a solid step-by-step breakdown, you can check out homemendous to get started with smart, practical strategies.
Define the Purpose of Each Space
Before rushing to buy furniture or hang wall art, define what each space in your apartment is meant to do. Even in a studio or one-bedroom, there’s room to separate work, rest, entertainment, and storage—with intentional planning.
- Living Room: Is it for entertaining, relaxing, or both?
- Bedroom: Purely for sleeping or also your home office?
- Kitchen/Dining: Will you be cooking regularly or mostly ordering in?
Decide these things upfront. It’ll drive every other choice: layout, lighting, seating, and accessories.
Start With the Essentials
It’s tempting to decorate immediately, but functionality comes first. Without it, your apartment may look good but live poorly. Focus on core furniture and must-have items:
- A comfortable bed and mattress
- A table or desk and chair (especially if working from home)
- Seating in your living area—sofa, loveseat, or armchairs
- Kitchen basics: utensils, pots, and dishware
- Storage: closet organizers, dressers, or shelves
Once your structure is solid, the rest becomes layering.
Plan Before You Purchase
Avoid the biggest trap: panic-buying decor or furniture that doesn’t fit your space or needs. Instead, measure everything first—then sketch out a simple layout.
Apps like Roomstyler or even Google’s 3D tools help visualize your rooms with scaled furniture. Prioritize items by use and work one room at a time.
The key takeaway? You don’t need to finish it all at once. Setting up your apartment well is a marathon, not a sprint.
Use Vertical Space Wisely
Apartment living means thinking vertically. Wall-mounted shelves, hooks, pegboards, and high-mounted storage can help free up floor space.
Use vertical space to:
- Store kitchen items with wall-mounted racks
- Install floating shelves in the living room
- Maximize closet height with stacking organizers
This is especially helpful in small apartments where square footage is at a premium. Vertical storage equals visual breathing room.
Add Personality, Gradually
This is where your apartment truly starts to feel like home. But don’t rush it. Taste and style develop over time. Start with a neutral base—simple linens, minimalist furniture—as a canvas. Add layers like:
- Throw pillows and rugs
- Art and framed prints
- Books, plants, and personal mementos
Keep in mind that how to set up my apartment homemendous isn’t just about the look—but how the space supports your actual lifestyle.
Invest in Multipurpose Furniture
Especially in small apartments, each piece should earn its keep. Think ottomans with storage, fold-out desks, nesting tables, or a bedframe with drawers underneath.
Multifunctional pieces are space savers. They keep things tidy and delay the need for more bulky furniture.
Organize from Day One
Chaos creeps in fast if you don’t have systems in place. Develop basic storage habits from the beginning. Use bins, drawer dividers, and labels.
Tackle these common problem zones early:
- Entryway clutter (set up a shoe rack or wall hooks)
- Kitchen junk drawer (use compartment trays)
- Bathroom products (use caddies or under-sink organizers)
The less visual clutter, the calmer your space will feel—mentally and physically.
Lighting Changes Everything
Lighting can make or break even the best-designed apartment. Make use of multiple sources: ceiling light, floor lamps, table lamps, and task lighting.
Here’s what to consider:
- Use warm bulbs in living and bedrooms for cozy vibes.
- Task lighting (like above kitchen counters or desks) adds functionality.
- Accent lighting—like string lights or LED strips—adds ambiance.
If possible, take advantage of natural light. Don’t block windows with bulky furniture. Use sheer curtains to add softness while letting light through.
Don’t Forget About Acoustics
Blank walls and hard floors make your space echo, which feels cold and impersonal. Use soft materials to absorb and buffer sound:
- Area rugs
- Curtains or fabric wall hangings
- Upholstered furniture
- Books and plants (which naturally dampen sound)
Comfort isn’t just visual. Think about how your home sounds too—it makes a difference.
Maintenance Systems Matter
Once your place is set up, put habits in place to maintain it:
- Keep a donation bin for items you no longer use.
- Do a monthly deep clean in small zones—kitchen one week, closet the next.
- Reassess layouts or furniture if things feel cramped after a few months.
Setting your apartment up is one thing. Keeping it livable and peaceful over time is equally important.
Final Thought: It’s Your Space—Own It
Setting up a new apartment isn’t about following rigid design rules. It’s about functionality—then style layered on top. A well-organized, intentionally designed apartment supports your lifestyle, not the other way around.
For anyone still stuck on “how to set up my apartment homemendous,” the honest truth is: start small, be practical, and let your space grow with you. Revisit your plan after a few weeks of living in it—real life will always teach you what works and what doesn’t. And for a more guided, practical walkthrough, the team at homemendous breaks it down so you don’t have to guess.
The process may feel slow, but it leads to a place that actually feels like home.