Edition 7: Mini Apartment Reno

Who said you can't have a little fun in a rental?

Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my new weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.

Sara in NYC has an extremely fun and ambitious task ahead of her: “I've recently won the housing lottery and moved into an apartment of my very own! For most of my life I've shared my space so I'm dying to nest. What are your tips for fun, affordable rental upgrades? I'm thinking outlet covers, drawer knobs and the like but I'm sure your have other tricks up your sleeve. Bonus points for neons!!”

Dear Sara,

First of all, congratulations on hitting the city dweller’s JACKPOT! You have a fun ride ahead of you! Last year, I had a friend who scored a lottery apartment in Astoria and she let me decorate the whole thing. I even hung all of her pictures for her (call me! I make a great handyperson!). I’m sure you’ve got small accessories and furniture covered, so let’s tackle things that are more stationery and one that impact the feeling of your home:

Knobs: This is probably the easiest way to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom! I LOVE these amazing colorful ones I found on Etsy but if you want something more neutral, Hapny Home is where you should look! It’s a new woman-owned hardware brand with a couple dozen classic but sassy knob and pull options.

Switch plates: While researching, I’ve discovered that it’s actually quite hard to find interesting and modern switch plates and outlet covers, and that there are just so many shapes and formats! I recall making Mod Podge collaged switch plates as a kid, which would be a fun and cheap option! OR use a latex or oil-based paint to paint your own! You’re one step closer to fulfilling your neon dreams. If you have standard flip switches check out these blob ones available via Yuns. They’re made by NewMade LA, which is a really cool brand with lots of hooks, planter holders, and small decor items.

Lightbulbs: Changing your lighting can made a MASSIVE difference in the vibe of your home and doesn’t necessarily mean changing the fixtures. Play with warm light, cool light, colored light — the options are limitless! Here in NYC there is a small lighting district on Bowery below Delancey. I like to buy my bulbs from A&E at 131 Bowery. Their customer service is great, and they’ll plug them in so you can see what they look like and compare them. Buy one or two to test at home during different times of the day. If you want to go the tech-y route, get some adjustable Smart Bulbs, which you can hook up to your Google Home or Alexa device — especially great if you’re interested in playing with colored light.

Window treatments: Pretty curtains can really make a room. Assuming that this apartment is probably a new build, curtains are a perfect way to add a little texture and warmth to a stark space. Don’t bother spending too much money on curtain rods — something simple from Ikea will do (maybe pick out some fun finials to jazz it up?). Prioritize your creative energy on fabric. Curtains tend to be expensive, so unless you find something you’re obsessed with in a traditional store (you can’t go wrong with a nice airy linen), maybe try something fun and vintage! This seller on Etsy has lots of wild 70s florals!

A note on patterns: I love a good pattern and although I would go crazy decorating a whole house entirely in 70s floral textiles and wallpaper, I think it’s important to focus your energy on patterns that are really special and that you really love — and in forms that you can take with you to your next apartment. Personally, if you want to go the pattern route, I’d do patterned curtains, and patterned throw pillows and keep the rest pretty solid and/or neutral.

Paint: Painting your walls doesn’t have to be scary! Stick to smaller spaces, like hallway alcoves, bathrooms, an accent wall behind your bed! Paint is such an easy way to add a little flair, but can quickly become too much if you’re not careful. If you’re intimidated by a paint store with infinite color and finish options, try an online paint source like Clare or Backdrop. They make it easier by paring down color options to fool-proof hues, and by helping you know what you need to get the job done.

Cork wall: I have a wall right by the front door of my apartment that I did in cork, and it’s one of my favorite things in my apartment because it gives me a place to put all of the ephemera I collect! Ticket stubs, photos, posters, cards, etc. If you’re as sentimental as I am, it’s nice to have a tidy place to put this stuff instead of letting it pile up around your apartment. Once a year I take everything down, archive or throw away the things I no longer want, and start over. Tip: it’s really hard to get things to stick to cork. I’d recommend gluing cardboard to the back of your panels and then using command strips to attach them to your wall. You can find cork panels at any craft store, but if you want something special, you can find a variety of pretty corks from CorkHouse.

A lot of websites will recommend using removable wallpaper, or stick-on tiles, which is not something I’d do right away until you’re sure that you’re going to be in your space for a long time. Sticky things leave sticky residue and I can tell you from experience that it is NOT worth scraping off the mess it leaves behind. There are some messes even Goo Gone can’t help!

The one sticky thing I fully endorse is MT washi tape, which stays up AND is actually removable with no reside. They have a line called CASA that is designed for home use, which comes in neon pink and neon yellow! While you’re at it, pick up a few rolls of regular size washi tape in colors that you like. They’re great to have on hand for artfully taping things to your walls while you figure out your artwork situation.

My mother (hi, mom!) is an interior designer, and she has always reminded me not to think too much about if things will “go” together. Don’t worry about matching and just focus on choosing things that you actually, really, genuinely love and they will organically “go” because they are all informed by your personal taste.

My other bit of very important advice is: don’t get carried away trying to do everything at once! I understand the intense urge to nest and be 100% settled as soon as possible, but slow down! You’ll make more mindful choices if you take it all one step at a time. And most importantly: have fun! Setting up a home that is exactly right for you is such a rewarding process.

FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

You might know by now that my #1 biggest retail weakness is Gucci loafers. At this point, I wear them at least 5 days out the week and although I could write an entire essay on my love of these shoes, this is not about Gucci loafers. Earlier this week, I ran what is typically an annual errand to Muji to restock on the socks that I wear with said loafers. It’s always a big toe hole that ruins them, and while rummaging through my pile of bad socks I came to realize that I actually own two types of the same style of Muji “foot cover” and that one holds up significantly better than the other. Behold: Silk Mix Non-Slip Foot Covers ($4.90). Yes, these socks are actually 72% silk and are smooth, impossibly thin and slip off my foot less than any other I’ve tried (I’m certain that totally slip-proof does not exist). It’s no secret that silk is a much stronger fiber than cotton, which has proven to be true even when it comes to sock holes. For my sock minimalists and fellow loafer wearers, you can’t go wrong.

Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next Friday for fresh recommendations! xo Caroline