Getting your pad set up can seem like a daunting task. Most men don’t know where to start. But they know that their place looks nothing like those awesome bachelor pads they see on Instagram and Dwell Magazine.

Many guys even think they have to spend a bunch of money to get a that cool, masculine, seemingly effortless setup.

The truth is, you can spend a lot of money on interior design, but you don’t have to.

Here are five ridiculously simple ways to improve your place – no matter where you live – without spending a ton of money or time.

Our favorite is #5, just because it’s so easy and cheap, it’s pretty much a no brainer. If you only remember one thing from this post, remember this: every major room should have at least one plant in it.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s run through the list:

#1: Buy matching prints

Art is expensive. Art is hard to mix and match. Art is…well, confusing. But you know what’s easy? Print sets.

Go to Etsy or Society6 and find a set of prints you like (“set” is the keyword here). Make sure they’ll fit into standard frame sizes, and buy some cheap frames.

Hang them next to each other over your sofa or bed, and you’re done. Instant upgrade = complete.

#2: Move furniture away from the walls

For some reason, a man’s natural instinct is to line his walls with furniture. Maybe this is because many guys live in relatively small spaces.

But putting everything up against the wall isn’t always the best idea. In fact, sometimes moving the furniture away from the wall is the best thing you can do to make your place feel more open.

Start with the obvious stuff: the sofa and accent chairs. And don’t be afraid to experiment with angles (other than 90 degree angles, that is).

#3: Hang some shelves

This is especially true for smaller places like studio apartments, but shelving can help improve any place, and it’s very easy to install.

You can use shelves for storage in an entryway, kitchen or bathroom. Or you can use them for decoration in the living room or office.

The best part about shelves is the versatility. They’re inherently practical, but they can also be decorative. The best shelving incorporates utility and decor at the same time.

#4: Incorporate two complimentary colors

Color is tough. You don’t want your place to be too colorful (which is often seen as eccentric or feminine). But you don’t want it to be stark like some futuristic, dystopian living quarters.

Your best bet is to stick with a neutral overall color scheme, then add one or two dashes of color (pillows, accent wall, artwork, etc.).

If you add more than one color, make sure you stick with analogous or complimentary colors. If you have no idea what those are, play around with this tool for awhile to get a handle on color (and get some ideas).

#5: Get some plants

Here’s a good rule of thumb: every major room (living room, bedroom, etc.) should have at least one houseplant. It’s amazing how something so simple (and affordable) can totally upgrade the feel of a room.

Plants make your place seem all grown up. They make you seem responsible, like you can keep something alive (even if you can’t).

The best part is, no matter how dark or bright your room is, there’s a plant for you.

If you only take one thing away from this article, it should be to buy a couple of plants, pronto.

Do you agree/disagree? Leave a comment below!