7 Ways to Give Your Tiny Apartment Big Style

Living in a tiny apartment you can barely afford is pretty much a right-of-passage. You'll learn a lot. Maybe you'll buy some Ikea furniture and have a total meltdown putting it together. Just me?

Here's a collection of tips and tricks to make your space feel like a million bucks without spending a million bucks.

1. The best way to add life... is with life.

Get some green in there!

Plants are an amazing way to give your apartment a fresh glow and they're much more sustainable than fresh cut flowers. Even if your spot is on the dark-and-dingy side, there are plenty of plants that do just fine in low light. A great rule of thumb for non-green thumbs is one plant per room.

2. Rugs are your best friend.

Nothing makes a sterile new apartment cozy like a rug (or two... or four).

On top of functional pros like protecting your floor from scratches and soundproofing, rugs add instant style to your space. Try adding a small rug in your kitchen in front of the sink (go for a darker colour to hide stains). Throw a runner down your hallway. Style an area rug in your living room underneath your coffee table.

Want a bohemian vibe? Add a Kilim or Turkish rug.

Want a chic look? Opt for a plush rug in a neutral colour.

Either way you win.

3. Sectional Over Everything

If you can at all fit it into your little space, ALWAYS opt for a sectional instead of the classic couch-and-chair pair. It is so much more functional, especially with company. They come in all sizes, from sprawling to compact.

Sectionals are great for smaller living rooms because you don't have to worry about arranging multiple couches and chairs. If you have too many pieces of furniture, the space will look crowded, messy and small.

Troll your local yardsale sites for used ones (new ones can be pricey!).

If a sectional just isn't feasible for you, opt for a three-seat couch and an ottoman instead of a chair. It will give you similar functionality to a sectional without the price tag.

4. When it comes to art: go big.

Invest in an oversized canvas piece for one of those big empty walls. This way you don't need to coordinate multiple pieces of art. Huge impact, minimal holes in the wall.

An impactful piece of art can give your space that "wow" factor and can make the whole room seem bigger!

You can find some great deals at discount home stores (like HomeSense), online, or you can buy a canvas and DIY!

Bonus: You only have to hang one thing.

5. Throw Things: Pillows & Blankets.

You can just throw them around to add some instant style. Sticking to a colour scheme will add some sophistication. Try some red for a dramatic look, blue for a calm-and-cozy vibe or some yellow for a fun burst. Don't be afraid to mix patterns, either!

A great strategy is to buy big pieces in neutral colours (like your couch, bedspread, area rug) and change up your accent throws when you feel like a change. Its much cheaper to buy a new pillow than a new duve

Apply this concept to both your bedroom and your living room.

6. No man is an island, but everyone needs one.

If you have any room at all in your kitchen, it needs an island.

Chances are your tiny kitchen is very limited in surface space: there's an oven top, a sink, and enough room for a modest microwave. Having a counter-height surface to prep food and sit at is a game-changer. Adding a couple of shelves or drawers will also come in hand with your likely limited cupboard space.

You also have the option to add style with chic stools or decor on the shelves.

No kitchen is complete without an island.