Start with what you already have and will keep, and what you can't change. Save some pictures that have those elements in them, that you like. For example, if you have dark cabinets in the kitchen and can't change that, don't save pictures of white kitchens. Remember that many online photos are huge rooms with tall ceilings and big windows, and the decor may look very different in a more modest room. Be sure that what you love is the decor in the photo and not the 12 foot ceiling height.

I see you have a lot of inspiration pictures in your profile. It's a good idea to make a note on them of what it is you like. It will help you to see themes.

Then see what things you need to buy. Avoid items that are specific to a certain house or layout. Custom drapes for example. Or a sectional or even a sofa that has a chaise on one side that you can't switch to the other side if your next place is a different shape. Sofa plus ottoman plus chairs is the most flexible.

For bedrooms, many people start with a bedspread and buy solid colour curtains etc next. Instead of a big bedroom rug that is mostly under the bed, consider runners alongside. More flexible and less expensive.

Paint is always last. Drapes next-to-last as they're pretty easy to find in any colour to match furniture/bedspread/rugs.

Start with finding out your style. What do you admire in others' homes? Start with the living room... where you'll invite friends.

A area rug you LOVE... something that draws you. Keep the blinds simple, Grommet panel drapes in a neutral color (Pottery Barn has some great/inexpensive machine wash, indoor/outdoor panels) add a bamboo shade for texture over the window(s). Find a sofa you love to lounge in, a great COLORED swivel barrel chair and a simple floor lamp. Search LOCAL artists for a large piece of art you truly are attracted to. Good Luck, enjoy the journey.

Photos please.

Basics. Don't buy oversized furniture since it is hard to move and could be hard to fit in a new place. So I suggest to skip the sectional sofa and king size bed if you may be moving.

Living: Sofa, armchair & ottoman, coffee table, floor lamp, area rug.

Dining: small dining table & 4 chairs,

Bedroom: Queen or Full bed, 2 bureaus , lamp for bureau

Window coverings can be hard, since window sizes vary. Show us what you have to cover.

Also what do you already own? What is your budget?

What is your vibe? Do you have existing stuff? A bed? A couch? It would help if you could take some pictures of the space. Do you have some artwork that you love? That's always a great place to start. Can you paint the walls? I'd use colors in artwork to decide on color palette. You can always use blue tape on floor to get an idea of sizes of furniture. Have fun!

As a single guy, My first place used blow up camping mattress and outdoor, cheap cheap, lawn furniture. The dog didn't care and my future wife still dated me, 30 years later, she's still letting me stay and we have real furniture, finally. Don't sweat it, spend your extra money having fun, not decorating what is likely a short term location.

Looks to me like you need to narrow your style choices your idea book is all over the place. I thnk instead of getting 100s of ideas and no real help ,money well spent on a designer is probably the best option You can work at it one room at a time with some overall plan and get some really helpful insight. I think if you go about this carefully you do not need a bachelor pad look and will be able to carry good design to your next home.

Personally, for a rental that is likely a short term, I wouldn't pay for a designer. List what furnishings you DO have, and what is most important short term. Bed, dining table and chairs - those are tops on my list. Sufficient lamps and lighting - yes, pick things that suit YOUR aesthetic, not just because it's available, if you have the choice. Curtains are cheaper than blinds. I found really nice, attractive and inexpensive ones at Bed Bath and Beyond - check to see if standard size curtains fit in your place. You are probably unable to paint your place - but if you can, do that last.

Chairs - always SIT in them prior to purchase. This is one item I'd never purchase on line. You want ones that feature comfort for your own physique. Do pick up things you like, as much as you can, and if you see a bargain, don't be afraid of doing it.

Great ideas upthread. In case it wasn't stressed enough: measure your space carefully and consider scale when furnishing your rooms. I had a look at your ideabook. I see a lot of wood and white, simple shapes, a homey vibe with natural elements including stone, lots of light. The colour palette is mostly neutral with hits of blue, green and black. Subtle texture with mostly matte or velvet finishes, minimal gloss or shine. Nothing is overly bright or glam. Nothing is stark or industrial either. You can break your head and find a word to describe your style to help you online shop or you can just focus on the feelings you're looking to create in your home and seek elements that evoke those for you. Hiring a designer is often a great idea but you need a healthy budget to go that route. Lots of great free resources out there if you can spare the time to educate your eye and learn the basics. YouTube has a plethora of stylists, decorators and DIYers with great ideas for renters. Apartment Therapy is another great source.

ETA: Do I start with rugs? Curtains? Furniture? Do I go room by room?

Start with fulfilling your immediate living needs (sleep, eat, etc.) then finish decorating room by room. You get a stronger sense of accomplishment and pride when a room is "done" than when every room is in a state of "progress". Which room is done first depends on what you want. There's no right or wrong for this stuff. It's about what makes the most sense to you, your budget, energy and time. HTH. Good luck and feel free to share pics.

I love the idea that a 24 year old guy cares about how his apartment looks! Do try to refine what you like more before you go shopping. A common mistake beginners make is being all over the place. There's nothing wrong with liking a lot of different things, but this is probably a small apartment so you can't have more than one style going on. I think the bedroom is pretty easy - buy a comforter or duvet that you like and then if you also want a rug and/or curtains you can match to the comforter. If your place is carpeted, pick a comforter that goes with the carpeting. Then you can always post again to get assistance with the dressers if you want.

In the living room, you are stuck with whatever flooring is there, so see if you can get a rug (if wood floors) and upholstered pieces at the same store for coordination. The salespeople can help. Just be ready - some furniture stores will be trying to sell you as hard as a salesman in a used car lot. That's why it helps to go in with a vision, and maybe a friend or family member too.

- Consider how your budget will cover ”needs” vs decorative items; have a plan. Can you decorate around what you have.

- Buy things second hand (try Marketplace) and when you move and don’t want, you can basically resell for what you paid. There are great finds!

- Ikea has inexpensive drapes/rods, bedding, rugs, lights, etc. and can be brought to your next home.

- The most impact in personalizing a space would be a rug, wall items, and bedding....but first decide the look you are going for/have to complement what you have.

Men don't "decorate", so, Dude-Code violation.