6 Easy Upgrades to Make Your Apartment Feel More 'Adult'

These home décor hacks will make your space feel instantly more grown-up.

When we were younger we were obsessed with the idea of finally becoming an "adult", mostly because we couldn't wait to have a space to call our own and be the type of person who sports matching bed linens, fresh flowers and the kind of hand wash that garners compliments from guests.

However, the realities of adulthood couldn't have been more different from our teenage daydreams. To keep our finances in check, we've shared and moved spaces more than we care to admit and compromised on basic apartment necessities. (Dishwasher?! Never met her...)

Lately, though, our craving for a more refined space has returned, trifold. Whether it's down to the fact we've been spending a lot more time at home lately (ignorance is bliss, right?), or maybe we're just getting older, our desire to level up our space to truly reflect how we feel on the inside has never felt more important.

We don't believe there's a rule book for what an "adult space" should look like. To us, it's more about one's home reflecting the personal style of the individual who lives there. Nevertheless, there are some universal concepts you can follow in your endeavour to age up your space.

Read on to discover six easy ways you can add a grown-up touch to your space (regardless of your personal style or home preferences).

1. Hide your (less aesthetic) stuff

Whether it's upgrading your laundry hamper or finding 20 minutes to organise the cords under your TV, investing in proper storage solutions to organise your stuff is a step that shouldn't be overlooked. Practically, living in a functional and organised space will go a long way in making your day-to-day life easier, but it's also important to consider how you display the items you use daily.

While dirty laundry is part and parcel of being an adult, you don't need to have it on display for everyone who comes to visit. Take stock of your not-so-visually-pleasing essentials, and put in place storage solutions that are not only practical but work within your overall decor aesthetic to help alleviate some of the visual clutter.

2. Identify your core pieces

For many of us it's unrealistic to be able to go out and purchase all the items for our dream home in one day – or even one year – so it's worth taking a moment to consider the type of space you're looking to create and identify what your core pieces will be. These pieces will act as the backbone of your space, ideally having the biggest visual impact, so it's important to make sure they really reflect your personal style.

Investing in one or two great statement pieces will help to define your space, giving you time to slowly evolve your home as your budget allows, without having to compromise on function over form.

3. Upgrade your sleep situation

Where you lay your head can say a lot about your priorities, particularly when it comes to "adultifying" your space. There's nothing that says "organised adult" to us more than a comfortable, chic and well-made bed. If you're on a budget, making small updates like investing in a new sheet set can go a long way in transforming the look and feel of your space (as well as remembering to make your bed every morning).

If you've got a bigger budget to play with, adding a bedhead, a new bed frame, or some proper bedside tables can instantly take your space from unfinished, to complete. While the furnishings and finishings are an important piece of the puzzle, it's also worth considering what's underneath. Take the opportunity to upgrade your old pillows and duvet or quilt. After all, if "adulting" isn't about ensuring you get the best sleep possible, what even is it?!

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4. Find your light

It's easy to underestimate the significance that lighting can have on a room. You'd be surprised how much difference simply swapping your rental-issued cool-toned light bulbs for a warmed-tone, daylight-replicating globe can have. However, if you're looking to create some serious visual impact, nothing quite says "grown-up" to us more than a proper lamp or two. Whether it's a vintage floor lamp next to your couch for reading, or a sculptural table lamp beside your bed, as far as we're concerned, creating an alternative and more ambient way to light your space is a true levelling-up moment.

5. Pay attention to detail

While it can be tempting to play it safe, don't be afraid to show off your personal style within the four walls of your home. Putting some extra thought into the items you display in your space can go a long way in creating an adult-feeling vibe and will help show your guests who you really are. Whether through simple additions, such as fresh flowers, throw pillows or your favourite candle, or a more elaborate set-up, like a perfectly stocked bar cart for making drinks at the ready.

The point here is, the styling doesn't have to be perfect (and probably never be) but it's all about using accessories to make up your space and create something that's uniquely you.

6. Bring the living things in

Nothing quite says responsible adults like caring for other living things. That's why houseplants are the perfect way to add sophistication to any space. Obviously, it's important to ensure you have the maturity – and green thumb – to keep them alive (because dead plants are probably going to have the opposite effect), but introducing a living element to your space can be truly transforming.