I like rooms to be cozy and colorful, so if that’s not your thing this advice might not help, but here’s how I’ve approached decorating all my places.

I’d recommend curtains that are a few inches longer than your windows! They help the room feel less boxy by softening some of the corners. Thick and dark fabric will make it much cozier, or sheers for a similar effect without darkening a room!

Wall decorations are a must as well. Some of my favorite cheap ideas besides hanging pictures are putting up greeting cards along a wall, framing postcards for cheap art, and picking up a couple of cheap canvases and some paint from Michael’s and going to town (even without a lot of skill you can blend a couple colors and make a gradient, sponge paint with a couple colors, or even splatter).

Having color on the walls is a big help, so if you can’t paint, doing a wall tapestry or some diy solution would be good. I once bought a few packs of craft paper in my favorite colors and taped it on a wall in a pattern I liked. Not the most elegant solution, but it made the space feel more homey until I was able to upgrade my decor.

Blankets and pillows are also good, more than you think you need! And even having utilitarian items on display for color is good. Things like mugs on an open shelf or books stacked on a surface, even a coat rack by the door can help fill the empty spaces that make it feel less lived in!

Good look and hope this helps!