Redecorate with Apt2b.com + Win a Couch

While past boyfriends may have thought that we wouldn't allow them into our apartments due to our old-fashioned values, the reality is that we were mortified by the piles of unpacked boxes and thumbtacked posters that constituted our apartments' "decor."  Since we are tehnically 'grown-ups' now, we have decided to seek professional help. Luckily for us, Apt2b.com, an e-commerce site stocked full of furnishings collected and curated locally, has an impeccable selection that is both tasteful and, best of all, affordable. The site has been generous enough to give away a couch worth $888 to Broke Girl's Guide subscribers -- enter to win it here. Also, get free delivery and set-up on any purchase using promo code BGG at checkout.

Here are 4 simple tips on making the most of what little you may have from Apt2b.com founder Mat Herman: 

Although most of us (hopefully) love the homes we’re in, there’s always that nagging thought in the back of our minds: “If only it were a little bigger!” One of the challenges we all face living in a city like Los Angeles is that we pay exorbitant rent for minimal space. So, the trick is capitalizing on the area we are working with to make it appear bigger than it actually is. With these tips and a little creativity, we’ll have your space feeling twice as nice in no time. 

1. Paint Your Walls 
You’ve seen this one while perusing the online real estate listings you can’t afford… It’s a go-to trick of the staging trade. Painted walls give a fresh feel and make the most of wall length and height. When choosing a color, make sure you stay with light neutral or pastel colors, as dark colors will close a room in.

2. Hang Or Lean A Mirror
Mirrors create the illusion of open space, and they can easily make a room feel double the size. That’s why everyone in the '70s lined the walls of their bedroom with mirrors. Er, what? 

Try to place mirrors opposite a window so the lovely view will reflect back into the room. Here are some other great feng shui tips for placing mirrors in your home.

3. Armless Sofas Are Sexy 
An armless sofa will create more space by increasing the flow of space around it. They are easy to place in a room, and so easy to accessorize! Stick a floor lamp and an end table on one side, and you’ve got an entire living room setup in a fraction of the space. (Not to mention the fact that they are also totally on trend. These two below are available at apt2b.com!)

4. Clean Your Room & Make Your Bed 
This is not a joke. The simplest and cheapest way to make your place feel bigger is to actually pick up after yourself. Keeping things neat creates more usable space, more usable surfaces, and generally makes you look like a grown-up. Try to make sure everything you own has a place where it can be “put away,” and then stay on top of it!

We hope this helps! And we’d love to hear your ideas… What are some of the ways you’ve turned your shoebox into the giant, glorious home of your dreams?