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May 08, 2023

14 affordable apartment home decor items I'm eyeing

Wed, May 24, 2023 at 12:51:15 PM EDT They say (“they”

Wed, May 24, 2023 at 12:51:15 PM EDT

They say ("they" meaning basically everyone) that moving is the most stressful thing you can do in your life. And my fiance and I are moving next week. Even though it will suck, I am looking forward to this move. Finally, we’ve decided to move on from the broken, stained and generally mid home decor we’ve brought from apartment to apartment over the years.

The tricky thing is we live in New York City. Because New York City rent is notoriously pricey for small apartments, I have to get creative with our budget and space. The challenge is making our apartment feel like an adult home. After digging through the depths of the internet, there's way more chic, affordable home decor than you would think.

From a $12 Matisse print to gorgeous vases and a perfect set of velvet throw pillows, scroll below for the secret affordable home decor finds already in my shopping cart.

I’ve always loved a good body-shaped vase, whether or not I actually put flowers in it!

This set of neutral velvet throw pillow covers will look good in any room and with any aesthetic.

Transitioning from a $2 plastic cup as a toothbrush holder to this dark green ceramic one is basically adulthood, right?

I already own these expensive-looking shower caddies, but I want to get two more. There's no drilling required, but they’re so sturdy. It's been two years, and there's still no sign of rust!

Whatever is the opposite of a green thumb, I have it. But I do love plants! Luckily, this snake plant on Amazon is super affordable and basically indestructible, according to all the plant lovers around me.

These butterfly vases are so dainty and serene and will transform whatever room I place them in.

OK, so this Assouline coffee table book isn't exactly affordable. Still, I’ve always wanted one, and I’ve flipped through the pages of this Amalfi Coast book in stores more times than I can count.

I’m not the best at keeping my jewelry organized on a jewelry tree, which is why this decorative mirror tray is perfect. It comes in a bunch of colors, but I’m leaning toward this vintage green.

I love a good tchotchke, and these small statues will be so fun on the bookshelf.

While I could spend $1,000-plus on a nice wood dresser, my bank may call my therapist to see if I’m OK. It's so much easier and cheaper to buy a basic dresser for like $200 and swap out the knobs for something a little more chic to fancy it up.

My fiance is from the Southern California area, which is obviously very different from New York City. I adore homesick candles because they’re made to smell like each location the candle is named after. This way, we can get a piece of his home in our home.

Dried pampas grass is the easiest home decor known to man. I could stick it in old mason jars, and it would complete a room.

Will I ever be able to afford a Matisse? Absolutely not. But I adore the colors in this print.

A statement serving bowl like this one looks so good on any table or counter. I already know this is where I will store fruit like lemons, limes and oranges.

If you liked this story, check out the best expensive-looking secret Nordstrom home sale finds.

More from In The Know:

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I'm a lifestyle editor, and here are 30 Nordstrom new arrivals I'm shopping in May

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This formula is definitely worth the hype.

Everything is under $45.

They’re less than $25.

It's so comfortable, and paired with the brand's cooling duvet cover, it's also perfect for summer.