"Contrary to what you might see on social media, creating a home you love doesn’t always require a gut renovation or personalizing every square inch with paint and wallpaper. Sometimes, it’s as simple as slowly collecting quality furniture as your budget allows and decorating with things that make you happy. Camryn Cadenhead, a 20-something living in Dallas, Texas, is the perfect example of this. As a recent college grad on a tight budget, Camryn started out by scouring Facebook Marketplace for budget-friendly furniture and has since curated an apartment full of books, color, and personal touches—all without making any major changes to the space. If you don’t have the time or budget to embark on a laundry list of updates (or simply weren’t blessed with the DIY gene), don’t sweat it. This colorful apartment tour proves you don’t need paint or complicated projects to create a beautiful home.
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Camryn Cadenhead’s Dallas Apartment Tour
The details:
Name: Camryn Cadenhead
Location: Dallas, Texas
Square Footage: 642 square feet
Rent/Own: Rent
Living in an apartment often comes with limits to the kind of changes you can make to the space. How did you make your apartment feel like home while leaving the walls, flooring, and other major components the same?
I love adding artwork that incorporates different textures and shapes on the walls and on top of furniture. It provides something interesting to look at on different levels of the rooms. I also like using mirrors to help make the space feel bigger, throws to add a cozy ambience, and neutral colors with touches of color to keep the space timeless without feeling washed out.
What was your biggest challenge when decorating this space?
My biggest challenge was working around the older fixtures and minimal lighting that came with my apartment. I had to lean into those things to make my space feel intentionally cozy and not just outdated.
We couldn’t help but notice the tray full of matchbooks next to your sofa. How long have you been collecting them, and where are some of your favorite places to find them?
I’ve been collecting matchbooks for about a year, I’d say! Most are from restaurants, so I always check the hostess stand when I go out to dinner. A couple are from traveling—I just got one from a Gaudí house on a trip to Spain!
Where are some of your favorite places to shop for home decor and furniture?
I started creating my space on a “fresh out of college” budget, so I found a lot of my furniture through Facebook Marketplace. I love the look of pieces from Anthropologie, West Elm, and CB2, so I would often search for those items on FB Marketplace or look for quality pieces with a similar look to help recreate that vibe on an early 20s budget.
We love how you accessorized the built-in shelves near your dining area. How did you go about styling these?
Thank you! I started by organizing the books by color to give the space a sense of visually appealing organization. Then, I distributed the books by sections of color to carry throughout the entire bookshelf. I also added in little items I’ve gotten from family members or antique shops, like candles, a mirror, etc., to make it feel full and add some character.
Books are a common theme on display throughout your apartment. What types of books do you like to read, and what are some of your recent favorites?
I’ve been finishing up the ACOTAR series as of late, but I took a break to read Emily Henry’s Funny Story.
Storage is always a struggle in small spaces. How do you keep things so neat and tidy?
Drawers are my lifesaver. I use dressers, cabinets, and furniture with built-in drawers (like my coffee table and nightstand) to hide clutter.
Your bed looks so fluffy and inviting. What are your non-negotiables for a cozy bed?
Silk pillowcases, a fluffy down comforter, and a cozy blanket!
The dresser in your bedroom is such a good example of how you can make everyday items like jewelry or perfume bottles work as decor. Do you have any tips for making these items look chic and intentional instead of like clutter?
I suggest picking and keeping perfume bottles that have character (like a fun shape or color that matches your room color scheme). Then lean into organized clutter with organic placement so it’s not too uniform.
What does an ideal day at home look like for you?
I’m usually on the go, so when I get a full day at home, I typically use it to declutter and reset my home. Then I love to have a girls’ night watching a good movie with wine and a sweet treat (obviously).
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica has been at The Everygirl since 2022, covering all things home, travel, food, hobbies, and more. She edits all lifestyle content, writes in-depth features, and curates the direction of the living section. Jessica’s true passion—and much of her expertise—lies in interior design and decorating. Before joining The Everygirl, she worked as the digital assistant home editor for Better Homes & Gardens.