Moving into your first apartment is equal parts thrilling and daunting. You finally have a space that’s all yours, but how do you make it feel that way without it screaming “fresh out of uni”? With tight budgets and inevitable hand-me-downs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of going for anything disposable. Fortunately, with a few thoughtful choices, you can transform that blank canvas into something stylish, with pieces that feel personal and curated.
That’s where DROOL comes in. We spotlight emerging artists and offer museum-grade art posters and prints with thoughtful framing, so your space reflects you, not the latest trend. Whether you’re into bold abstracts or clean minimalist art, our pieces will help your apartment feel intentional, grown up, and distinctly yours.
If you’re ready to take the first step, this guide lays out simple but impactful ways to turn your space into something wholly your own.
Start with Statement Wall Art That Reflects Your Being
Blank walls are easy to ignore when you're settling in, but they have a way of shaping the energy of a space more than you might expect. Choosing artwork early in the process helps anchor your apartment, giving it a sense of intention and avoiding that temporary, half-finished look.
Instead of reaching for something generic, start with one or two pieces that resonate with you. It could be the energy of a bold colour, the intrigue of abstract shapes, or imagery that makes you feel at home. Browse DROOL’s Founder Edit to discover art prints handpicked by our founder, or head to our Best Sellers for pieces that have already found a place in homes like yours. Both collections are great starting points if you're ready to find something that feels personal and uplifts your space.
And when it comes to finishing touches, don’t underestimate the framing. Our solid wood frame adds a warm, elevated detail that grounds your artwork and brings maturity to the space. In the end, it’s not just about decoration. It's about using art to guide the mood and feel of your home.
Invest in Furniture That Balances Form and Function
Once your walls start taking shape, it’s time to turn your attention to the pieces you’ll actually live with every day. Furniture doesn’t have to be expensive, designer, or bespoke to feel elevated, but it should feel deliberate. A few well-chosen items can bring structure to your space and make it feel instantly more grown-up.
Focus on the essentials, such as a supportive bed, a compact but sturdy table, and seating that doesn’t scream “foldable.” Opt for clean lines and neutral tones to keep your space cohesive, especially if you’re working with a smaller floor plan. You can always add colour and personality through artwork and accessories.
For a calm and coordinated look, pair your foundational pieces with prints from DROOL’s Neutral collection. Works like Moss and Floating Shapes #4 by frisk layer beautifully with most finishes and can subtly pull your room together without overpowering it.
Use Lighting to Create Mood and Maturity
Lighting has a quiet influence on how a space feels. You might not notice it immediately, but it shapes your environment more than you think. Overhead fluorescents can flatten a room, while layered, warmer lighting can soften sharp edges and add an instant sense of calm.
Think beyond ceiling lights. A well-placed floor lamp in the corner or a small table lamp by your bed creates visual interest and makes your apartment feel lived-in rather than temporary. It also gives you control over the atmosphere, from focused work mode to wind-down evenings.
To get the most out of your lighting setup, pay attention to what it highlights. Soft, ambient light works especially well with DROOL’s muted art prints and posters, allowing the tones and textures to come through without competing for attention. The result feels intentional, balanced, and far more refined than harsh, all-purpose lighting ever could.
Edit Your Accessories, Don’t Overload Them
Once your foundational pieces are in place, it’s tempting to fill every surface with personality. Accessories are often the go-to for adding character, but when there’s too much going on, even a well-furnished space can start to feel cluttered.
To avoid overwhelming the space, curate a few focal points that feel deliberate. Group similar items, like candles of varying heights on a single tray or a set of ceramics on one shelf, to create visual cohesion. Let texture, shape, or material link items together so they read as a collection rather than scattered décor. When choosing pieces, aim to complement larger elements like your furniture instead of competing with them.
Ultimately, restraint makes more impact. Whether it's fixtures, ceramics, textiles, or sculptural decor, the key is to keep accessories coordinated to maintain balance.
Add Texture and Materials That Feel Grown-Up
Flat surfaces alone won’t give your space much depth. If your apartment still feels a bit like a showroom (nice, but slightly impersonal), what’s likely missing is contrast. A grown-up space doesn’t rely on uniform surfaces. It finds its rhythm in the tension between materials, such as linen against metal, gloss beside grain, and cool tones layered with warmth.
Be mindful of what dominates your space. Are you working mostly with glass or painted walls? Bring in a few pieces that feel different to the touch. A woven rug underfoot, a linen curtain with natural creases, a raw-edge wooden side table, or textured accents like rattan or stoneware create subtle variation and make the room feel lived-in.
There’s no need to make dramatic changes. Even small switches, like replacing a glossy vase with something matte or mounting a DROOL art poster in a chrome silver frame with wood accents, can shift the atmosphere.
There’s something satisfying about seeing your first apartment come together, not all at once, but through choices that reflect who you are and how you want to live. If you’re looking for that final push, follow this guide and take DROOL’s Art Finder Quiz to discover pieces that match your style to help you get started. Remember, your place doesn’t need to meet anyone’s expectations but your own. What matters is that it feels right to you.
