Turn a blank canvas into your own masterpiece.

Apartment renters Jennifer Bradley and Marjorie Holcomb offer these tips for taking an empty, neutral, apartment and infusing it with your own personality:

Holcomb likes to shop garage sales for accessories. “I bought most of the pictures and prints on the wall that way,” she said. “I don’t spend a lot, but I always find something that works.”

Holcomb also makes regular trips to the thrift stores. “I hit Value Village on Monday morning, when they have things on sale for 99 cents,” she said. “I know what colors I like, so that’s what catches my eye.”

Another tip for finding unique items comes from Bradley. “Look at what has been passed over, what hasn’t sold,” she said. “A lot of the time it is just a little something that you need to change to make it wonderful.”

Most apartments can’t be painted or changed in dramatic ways. But Bradley says that there are exceptions to the rule: “If the paint is ‘tired,’ ask if you can repaint in the same color, or if you can add just a bit more color. If they trust you and know you’ll do a good job, you can do some improving.”

Holcomb makes the point that there is more to decorating, even in apartments, than just making things pretty. “It makes a difference in how you feel wherever you are,” she said. “Living in an apartment is no excuse for not making things beautiful.”