How can I overhaul the style of my Tampa apartment for the new year?

The new year will bring with it a myriad of new diets and workout regimens, but it's also a great time to update your Tampa apartment. Thankfully, a decor facelift doesn't always mean thousands of dollars' worth of new furniture and professional interior decorators. Simply moving pieces around, clearing clutter and adding a few new colors or textures to your apartment in Tampa can do wonder. We've compiled a few strategies for giving your apartment the makeover it needs without blowing that new year's budget.

Clear the clutter

The first step to refreshing your apartment's look is to clear away anything you don't need anymore. Like that pile of coupons from 2019 that you're almost certainly not going to use before they expire, or the raggedy throw blanket that you never choose from the basket. Go through everything in those deep walk-in closets and follow Marie Kondo's infamous "get rid of anything that doesn't spark joy" theory.

Consider the unconventional

Anything you can do to create extra space is key, so don't be afraid to explore some unconventional arrangements, especially if you're renting a loft apartment. For example, consider moving larger furniture in your furnished apartment, like couches, away from the walls or moving smaller furnishings to a different room. Just because it's the way it's always been doesn't mean it's the best way.

Move the rugs

Rugs help create illusions of space and light in rooms. If you move them from room to room or even just rotate them in the space they're already in you'll give the room a completely new look. For large sitting areas such as the living room, consider getting a larger floor rug than you think is necessary to make that space look even larger. 

Change up the lighting

Lighting can make or break a room. As a first step, always try to take advantage of all the natural light you can before adding in any additional light fixtures. For example, change out heavy drapes for light and simple blinds or sheers. Once you've taken full advantage of the natural light in your Tampa apartment, swap out fluorescent light bulbs for more natural ones and add a few light fixtures in spaces you need an extra boost like dark nooks or reading areas.

Fresh coat of paint

Lastly, nothing says makeover like a fresh coat of paint. Always check with your apartment community rules before making any changes like this, but if you get the go-ahead have at it! Don't limit yourself to shades of white either. Pick one wall in the room and put a bold accent color like navy blue or paint just the ceiling a fun color like pale pink. If you're struggling, here are 15 designer tricks to help you pick the perfect color. At the end of the day, don't sweat the color too much because you can always just paint it again. 

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTampaBay.com or any of our advertising partners.