Okay, so last winter I walked into my friend Tessa’s apartment and literally stopped in my tracks.
Everything felt moody, expensive, and just… her.
My own place?
It looked like I’d grabbed whatever was on sale at Target and called it a day.
That night, I went home and started planning my baddie apartment glow-up.
I’m talking mood lighting, statement pieces, and textures that make you want to touch everything.
If you’re tired of your space feeling blah and want it to scream confidence and style, I’m sharing all my favorite baddie apartment ideas that transformed my vibe completely.
Trust me, you don’t need a huge budget—you just need the right pieces.
Design Your Dream Room in Minutes! – By Madison
🏡 Start Creating FREE →The Mood Lighting That Changed Everything
I used to think overhead lighting was fine.
Spoiler: it’s not.
The moment I switched to warm, layered lighting, my entire apartment shifted from “meh” to “magazine-worthy.”
I started with dimmable floor lamps in the corners.
Then I added string lights behind my headboard (yes, they’re back, and no, they don’t look juvenile when done right).
My favorite hack?
Salt lamps.
They give off this soft, amber glow that feels cozy and expensive at the same time.
I also grabbed a sunset lamp from Amazon, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for those moody evenings when you just want to vibe.
The trick is to have multiple light sources at different heights.
No harsh whites.
No overhead fluorescents.
Just warm, golden light that makes everything look softer, including you.
If you want your apartment to feel like a baddie sanctuary, start with the lighting.
It sets the entire mood.
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See my ideas in action 👇 Tap any image to explore full details.
My Black and White Moment
I never thought I’d be a monochrome girlie, but here we are.
Adding black and white elements to my apartment gave it this chic, pulled-together look I didn’t know I was missing.
I’m not saying paint everything black (though if that’s your vibe, go off).
I’m talking about strategic pops.
Black picture frames.
White faux fur throw pillows.
A black coffee table with white marble accents.
It’s clean, it’s bold, and it feels expensive without trying too hard.
I also love mixing textures within this palette—matte black vases next to glossy white candles, for example.
It adds depth.
One of my favorite finds?
A black and white geometric rug that ties my living room together.
It’s simple but makes such a statement.
The beauty of monochrome is that it’s timeless.
You can switch up other colors and accents around it, but the black and white base always feels sophisticated.
It’s giving Parisian loft energy.
And honestly, who doesn’t want that?
Statement Mirrors Are Non-Negotiable
If there’s one thing I wish I’d invested in sooner, it’s a statement mirror.
Not just any mirror—a moment of a mirror.
I’m talking oversized, ornate, leaning-against-the-wall kind of mirrors.
They make your space look bigger, brighter, and way more expensive than it actually is.
I found mine at a vintage shop, and it has this gold baroque frame that I’m obsessed with.
It leans against my bedroom wall, and every morning I feel like I’m in a Pinterest board.
Mirrors also reflect light, so if you have a small apartment, they’re your best friend.
Place one across from a window and watch your space transform.
You can go modern with a sleek frameless mirror or go vintage-glam with ornate details.
Either way, it’s a focal point.
My tip?
Don’t hang it too high.
Let it sit on the floor or lean casually.
It feels more effortless that way.
💭 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Decorating Mistakes!
When I decorated my first home, I thought I knew what I was doing. Spoiler alert: I DIDN’T. 😅
💸 I bought a sofa that was WAY TOO BIG for my living room. I chose paint colors that looked amazing in the store but terrible on my walls. I spent THOUSANDS on pieces that didn’t work together. Sound familiar?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before I Decorated My First Home” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my costly mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE advice that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of decorating regret. 🏡
Design Your Dream Room in Minutes! – By Madison
🏡 Start Creating FREE →The Power of a Velvet Moment
Velvet is that fabric.
It’s soft, it’s luxe, and it instantly elevates any space.
I added a velvet throw pillow to my couch, and suddenly my living room felt like a boutique hotel.
Then I got brave and bought a velvet accent chair in this deep emerald green.
Best decision ever.
Velvet catches the light in this beautiful way—it looks different depending on the time of day.
You don’t need to go overboard.
One velvet piece is enough to make an impact.
A pillow, a blanket, a headboard, even velvet curtains if you’re feeling extra.
It adds richness and texture without being too much.
I love pairing velvet with metallics—gold or brass accents next to deep jewel-toned velvet?
Chef’s kiss.
If you’re worried about maintenance, most velvet pieces these days are pretty easy to care for.
Just avoid direct sunlight so the color doesn’t fade.
But honestly, the way it makes your space feel is worth it.
Gallery Wall But Make It Personal
I see so many generic gallery walls that look like they came straight from a furniture store catalog.
That’s not the vibe.
Your gallery wall should tell your story.
I mixed old concert tickets, polaroids from trips, prints I actually love, and even a vintage postcard my grandma sent me years ago.
It’s chaotic in the best way.
The trick is to use matching frames (I went with black) so even though the content is eclectic, it still looks cohesive.
I also left some frames slightly off-center on purpose.
It feels more authentic.
Don’t stress about making it perfect.
Lay everything out on the floor first, take a pic, and then hang.
I used those velcro strips so I didn’t have to commit with nails right away.
A personal gallery wall makes your apartment feel like yours, not like a staged Airbnb.
It’s one of my favorite baddie apartment ideas because it’s unique every time.
Neon Signs Without the Cringe
Okay, neon signs can either be amazing or super tacky.
The key is choosing something subtle and personal.
I have a small neon sign that just says “magic” in cursive, and it sits on my bookshelf.
It’s not screaming for attention, but at night it gives off this soft glow that I love.
I’ve also seen people do custom neon with their initials or a word that means something to them.
Avoid anything too cliché (“Good Vibes Only” … we’ve all seen it).
Go for something that feels like you.
Neon adds that modern, edgy touch without being over the top.
And honestly, the ambiance at night is unmatched.
You can find affordable LED neon signs now, so you don’t have to drop hundreds.
Just make sure it’s dimmable so you can control the vibe.
I dim mine way down when I’m watching movies, and it creates this perfect mood lighting.
It’s subtle, it’s cool, and it feels very baddie energy.
The Bar Cart I Didn’t Know I Needed
I never thought I was a “bar cart person” until I became one.
Now I can’t imagine my apartment without it.
It’s functional and decorative, which is the perfect combo.
I use mine to store pretty glassware, a few bottles I actually like (even if I don’t drink them often), and some cute coasters.
On the bottom shelf, I keep extra candles and small plants.
It’s more of a vibe than an actual bar.
The cart itself is gold with glass shelves, and it catches the light so beautifully.
You can style it however you want—minimalist and sleek or maximalist with lots of personality.
I love adding fresh flowers on top.
It instantly makes the space feel more curated.
Bar carts also work as side tables or extra storage if you don’t drink.
It’s versatile.
And let’s be real, it just looks expensive.
Even if you got it on sale.
Design Your Dream Room in Minutes! – By Madison
🏡 Start Creating FREE →Textured Throws That Feel Like a Hug
I’m a throw blanket hoarder, and I’m not sorry about it.
But not just any throws—textured ones.
Chunky knits, faux fur, waffle weave, anything that adds dimension.
I drape them over my couch, bed, and even my accent chair.
They make everything look cozier and more inviting.
My go-to is a cream chunky knit throw that I literally use every single day.
It’s both functional and aesthetic.
Throws also let you switch up your color palette without committing.
Feeling moody?
Add a dark gray faux fur.
Want it lighter?
Go with a white waffle throw.
The texture is what makes it feel expensive.
Flat, basic throws don’t have the same impact.
I also love layering them.
A chunky knit over a velvet pillow?
Yes.
Throws are one of the easiest ways to add warmth and personality to your space.
And when it’s cold outside, you’ll actually use them.
Win-win.
The Rug That Anchors Everything
I used to think rugs were optional.
They’re not.
A good rug pulls an entire room together.
When I finally got a large area rug for my living room, everything clicked.
Suddenly my furniture looked intentional, not random.
I went with a plush, neutral rug with subtle texture.
It’s soft underfoot and makes the space feel cozy.
The key is getting the right size—too small and it looks awkward.
Your front furniture legs should at least touch the rug.
That’s the rule.
Rugs also add warmth and help with acoustics if you have hardwood or tile floors.
I love layering a smaller, patterned rug over a larger neutral one for extra texture.
It’s an easy way to switch things up without buying all new furniture.
If you have a studio, a rug can define zones—one for your living area, one for your bed.
It creates visual separation.
My rug was one of those purchases I hesitated on, but now I can’t imagine my apartment without it.
💭 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Decorating Mistakes!
When I decorated my first home, I thought I knew what I was doing. Spoiler alert: I DIDN’T. 😅
💸 I bought a sofa that was WAY TOO BIG for my living room. I chose paint colors that looked amazing in the store but terrible on my walls. I spent THOUSANDS on pieces that didn’t work together. Sound familiar?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before I Decorated My First Home” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my costly mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE advice that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of decorating regret. 🏡
Metallics Done Right
Metallics can either look expensive or like you tried too hard.
The trick?
Don’t go overboard.
I love mixing gold and brass accents throughout my apartment.
A gold-framed mirror here, brass candle holders there, gold drawer pulls on my dresser.
It’s subtle but adds warmth and elegance.
Silver and chrome can look too cold for my taste, but gold feels rich and inviting.
I also mix metallics with natural textures—wood, linen, plants.
It keeps things from feeling too “bling.”
Metallic accents work on everything: lamps, picture frames, trays, hardware, even planters.
You don’t need to buy new furniture.
Just swap out small details.
I changed all my basic black drawer pulls to brass ones, and it made such a difference.
Metallics catch the light and add sparkle without being over the top.
They elevate your space in this quiet, sophisticated way.
And honestly, they photograph so well if you’re into posting your space online.
My Favorite Affordable Finds That Look Expensive
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your apartment look like a million bucks.
I’ve found some of my favorite pieces for under $50.
Faux marble trays?
Amazon.
Gold picture frames?
Target.
Velvet pillows?
HomeGoods.
The trick is mixing high and low.
I have a vintage mirror I splurged on next to a $15 plant from Trader Joe’s.
No one knows the difference.
I also love thrifting for unique finds—vintage vases, old books, quirky art.
It adds character and saves money.
My coffee table is actually a thrifted wooden trunk I repainted black.
Cost me $30, and people always ask where I got it.
Focus on the details that make the biggest visual impact: lighting, textiles, and a few statement pieces.
You don’t need to redo everything at once.
I built my baddie apartment vibe piece by piece, and that’s part of the fun.
Seeing it come together slowly is so satisfying.
Your space should feel like you, not like a showroom.
So take your time, find what you love, and don’t stress about perfection.
The best apartments are the ones that feel lived in and loved.
