5 Mistakes I Made Decorating My First Apartment (So You Don’t Have To)

Moving into my first apartment was a dream come true. I was so excited to finally decorate my own space—but I made a lot of mistakes in the process. I rushed it, didn’t plan properly, and ended up learning some hard (and expensive) lessons. Now, after living in that same space for two years, I’ve picked up so much about putting a home together—and I want to help you avoid the same mistakes I made.

Here are the top lessons I learned:

1. I Rushed the Process

I was so excited to decorate that I skipped the planning. I bought things impulsively, without thinking about color palette or how everything would look together. The result? A space that felt mismatched and chaotic. This was my inspiration and rushing the process meant that I did not achieve this look

This was my inspiration — the vibe I was dreaming of.
But rushing the process meant I didn’t achieve this look (at least not at first!).

2. I Didn’t Add Height or Mirrors

Everything in the space was at eye level—except the TV. I skipped mirrors, tall furniture, and wall décor, so the space felt flat and closed in. Adding height—like mirrors, art, or tall shelving—brings life, balance, and dimension to a room.

3. I Went for Inexpensive Not Quality

I thought I was saving money, but two years later, my desk chair tells a different story. The faux leather is cracked, and somehow, the screws from underneath ended up poking through the seat. I’m not even sure how that happened, but I can tell you it was painful to sit on. I am not saying buy real leather, but rather buy quality pieces.

Lesson learned: Saving money upfront doesn’t always mean value. You don’t need to splurge on high-end pieces, but it’s worth investing in items that are well-made and built to last.

4. I Got a Tiny Side Table

In the shop photo, it looked way bigger. When it arrived, it could barely hold my mug and phone. The proportions in my bedroom were totally off — this tiny table looked like doll furniture next to my bed.

I ended up fixing it by adding a tall bedside lamp to bring in some height and balance. It made a huge difference, but lesson learned: always check the measurements before buying anything online!

5. I Didn’t Think About Functionality

I picked pieces that looked good but weren’t practical. I’ve since learned that your space needs to work for your everyday lifestyle, not just your Pinterest board. Now I make mood boards and ideas inspired by everyday things to help curate a style that fits with an everyday lifestyle.

The Good News? You Don’t Have to Make the Same Mistakes!

I’ve created a FREE Apartment Essentials Checklist to help you avoid that overwhelmed, “what do I even need?” feeling. It covers the basics, the often-forgotten items, and Bonus tips for smart decorating so your space feels like home from the start.

Final Thoughts

Decorating your first apartment isn’t just about picking pretty things—it’s about creating a space that feels like you. It’s okay to make mistakes (we all do!), but with a little planning and intention, your home can be both beautiful and functional.

Whether you’re starting fresh or reworking a space that doesn’t quite feel right, remember: you don’t need a big budget or a professional designer. You just need a little guidance, a bit of creativity, and the confidence to trust your own taste.

You’re not just filling a space—you’re building a life inside it.

Mwah, bye for now xx

Image sourced via Pinterest. All rights to original creators. If this is your image, please contact me for proper credit or removal.

Image sourced via Pinterest. All rights to original creators. If this is your image, please contact me for proper credit or removal.

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