As young women work to get their foot in the door of the professional world - gathering internships, jobs, or degrees, they often have little time or money to spend on creating a beautiful living space.  I've always thrived when I've had a decorated bedroom or apartment to come home to, especially when I'm surrounded by decor that is classic, minimalistic, and cohesive.

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Aesthetic beauty is good for the mind, body, and soul.  Here are my seven simple ways to make any space sophisticated (even if you're on a budget). 

1. Perfect palette

You might be surprised how having a color scheme or palette for your furniture can affect the feel of your space.  Inspect the color wheel and pick a few colors that complement each other and will tie in pieces of furniture you already own.  Begin to create your home around those colors.  Minimalistic neutrals like greys and silvers, beiges and golds are great base colors as they work with almost any other color and will give your space the foundation of elegance.

2. Garden greenery

Whether you prefer a vase of peonies or hydrangeas, or perhaps a potted plant or succulent, something natural and botanical will spruce up your living space and contribute to a fresh and youthful environment.  Treat yourself to a floral arrangement from your local market, pick something straight from your garden, or opt for a succulent that’s easy to care for and will look beautiful all year round.

3. Thrift shop finds

Not only does thrift shopping help you save money, but the antique gems found at your local thrift store have inherent history and character that can't be found elsewhere.  You can find perfectly good furniture for much less than the price of a typical retailer.

4. Sophisticated scents

Our sense of smell is one of our strongest senses.  It can evoke certain memories or places, and keeping these scents in our homes can make us happy, remind us of good times, or just fill us with peace.  Find your signature scent; something simple and classic like vanilla, lavender, or eucalyptus work wonderfully in any space.  Candles are great sources of fragrance, and they also add ambiance to a room.  If candles aren’t your thing, room fresheners and diffusers provide the same effect.

5. Books

Everyone loves the look of art, history, or photography books on a coffee table.  Take a trip to your local bookstore to pick out your favorites to display on a desk, table, or bookshelf.  From easy reads to novels, books add a polished and refined finish to your living space and show off your literary flair.

Aesthetic beauty is good for the mind, body, and soul.

6. A place to work

What is a bSmart woman without an organized space to sit down and work?  A designated desk filled with journals, notebooks, and pens is an essential part of a living space for any working woman.  Make sure you have somewhere to sit where your head is clear and you can tackle whatever the day brings you.

7. Cleanliness

Last, but certainly not least, a well-kept home is the true test of its sophistication.  It costs $0 to keep your space tidy, clean, and fresh. You’ll think more clearly and feel better about yourself and your home if you take care of it!

Sylvia Pritchard is a twenty-year-old college student passionate about art, fashion, and her chihuahua, Romeo.  You can often find her sipping an iced vanilla latte on campus or going for a run outside.  She currently resides in Pullman, a tiny town in eastern Washington where she  studies Public Relations.