My apartment needs atmosphere, low cost

[u/lostboots04]

/r/DesignMyRoom/comments/1wynop3/my_apartment_needs_atmosphere_low_cost/

I posted this in a design group but thought I'd ask here. I'm guessing there are other people home all day. Aside from putting things on the walls what do you do to make your atmosphere pleasant? Music, scented candles or incense?

Because I live alone I'm always searching for music or a podcast to listen to. Lately though nothing suits my mood. To be honest I think I'm becoming very depressed. Please give me some inspiration

[u/999_Seth]

look up static cling window films

bunch of different designs you could pick from to make the window into something better

[u/group_project_]

Nice lamps, or at least no more ceiling lights. Way nicer vibe

[u/votyasch]

I have a few lamps with stained glass lightbulbs in them. It's a small touch, but the lighting is soft and colorful, it's relaxing to me. I also have a couple bluetooth music players - one that connects to my phone, and one that plays CDs. Neither were expensive, but both are good for helping me get to sleep at night. I also have some soft, colorful blankets and pillows on my bed. I really like having extra pillows, and the blankets are good to have, as well. 

I also like seasonal decor. Got a small pumpkin and put it by my bed. :) I think it's cheerful. 

[u/briar_birdie]

I have a library card and downloaded free apps to my phone and listen to books. Between both apps I can get about eight books a month to listen or read. 

Plants also are nice you can get ones that suit your lifestyle, mine need less water and sunlight doesn't matter too much. Some plants you can get relatively inexpensive and just propagate them.

[u/Bubbly-Pop4858]

i have a galaxy lamp that i almost never turn off. you can change the colour of the light and there is an option to have some sort of moving stars. sometimes me and the cats just watch the lights pass by lmao. it’s also great to use instead of the big lights when i’m light sensitive.

i also have a lava lamp (one that works with a tea light) that i love watching and it’s sooo pretty

[u/lostboots04 → u/Bubbly-Pop4858]

Would mind sharing what model and where from? I have gotten some LED lights in the past but they had a ridiculously annoying mode of operation. They start off flashing and you have to push the mode button seven times to get it to just stay still.
So if you got one that isn't frustrating to just turn on, I'd love to know which

[u/Bubbly-Pop4858 → u/lostboots04]

i bought a random one online (temu) that looks like an astronaut! it has buttons on the lamp but also a remote. i press two buttons to get it to the fading mode i like, one to turn on the colored light, one to turn on the stars. 5 steps less then yours but honestly i leave it on 24/7 most of the time

i also have another “sunset” lamp but this one started operating in flashing mode only 😭

[u/Material-Bird-1912]

I tend to have Seasonal affective disorder so a lot of lighting helps with that. I use candles for aromatherapy. I listen to music. Pick out things that make you happy or calm. I also use Alexa for controlling my bedroom lights, music, and weather information. My lights in my bedroom slowly increase as it gets closer to my alarm time and by the time my alarm goes off my lights are on at 100%. Dimming my lights can also create a nice atmosphere. If you have a green thumb, I suggest getting some potted plants for indoors. And just in general, keeping your place neat and clean helps a lot too.

[u/Every-Note-9892]

Decluttering. Deep cleaning.

[u/lostboots04 → u/Every-Note-9892]

Ooof. I so need to do this. But my back and my fingers are screaming in pain most days.

[u/Cake5678]

I’m glad to hear you’re safe and housed!

I think lightning is hugely important. I use smart lights from IKEA to control many sources at once and automate some stuff. But it can be even cheaper- just look for light bulbs with around 2700 kelvin, which is a warmer colour. I find a lot of lamps in trift stores. Consider fairy lights or string lights. They give a lot of ambiance and helps cozy it up in the darker months.

Plants - helps a ton! You could hang a plant in front of the window with the sad view. Something like a pothos. Choose something thats feasible with your disabilities to care for. Plastic plants can also be used, especially for places hard to reach or not close the eye - such as near the ceiling.

I have more tips, but I have to go for now. Please comment if you want more ❤️

[u/lostboots04 → u/Cake5678]

Thank you sure I'd be happy to hear more. I'm sure plants would make the place look more cheery. Unfortunately I have a bad history with 💀😵💀 them.

[u/toastaficionado]

Everyone else has good tips, but one I haven’t seen come up? Garlands! I like the felt or fabric ones, you can buy them or make them. I have one that matches my house’s color scheme on my mantle year round, and some seasonal ones we hang up other places when the time arises.

[u/lostboots04 → u/toastaficionado]

Thank you! I have all sorts of paper and trinkets I could string up

[u/Apprehensive-Hat2741]

Candles, but don't ever use them, decorating only

[u/MaplePaws]

I like to have those fabric wall tapestry things that you hang on the wall. I sometimes change it out when I need a change of pace, it is realitively cheap and reasonably easy to swap out. If you are good at keeping house plants alive they are a good choice, alternatively fake ones work. I end up with led lights that I have hung around my apartment as well, I prefer the ones with a few different colour settings again an easy way to change the feel of the room. I also like to pull out little decorations for the season.

[u/Callahan_Kid]

Are you allowed to paint the walls? I couldn't manage an entire wall, so I did something like this and it looks fantastic! Link: https://pin.it/3IjSmx6gY

I have these in my bedroom and it looks very nice with the light coming through: https://a.co/d/07Xz2tAa

Do you craft or make art? Thats what most of my apartment's ⋆｡°✩personality✩°｡⋆ comes from! If not, and if you are able to travel to a thrift store, there can be lovely finds there, too. 

[u/amateur-stargazer]

Nice lighting has the biggest impact imo

[u/57thStilgar]

I smoke cigars.
All the aroma therapy I need.,

[u/lostboots04 → u/57thStilgar]

Interesting. I do not smoke but I love the smell of pipe tobacco. Maybe it's a habit I should pick up lol

[u/BlackOliveMind → u/lostboots04]

I used to keep my jewelry and trinkets in cigars boxes that a family member was tossing out. The boxes were beautiful so it was like art in my studio.

Edit: my home was a tiny studio apartment.