The 10 Commandments of Living Alone (and Loving It!)

In the wise words of Beyoncé, "Who run the world? Girls." If you're a single lady who's living alone, you've probably already learned to love your bachelorette pad — living alone is insanely liberating, and these are some of the best years in your adult life. But to avoid getting overwhelmed by clutter, unpreparedness, or old habits, we've narrowed down some guidelines for living alone (and loving it).

So turn on some throwback girl-power tunes and celebrate your independence by following these single-lady decor commandments. Source: Brittany Ambridge for Domino

01
Thou Shalt Keep Your Kitchen Manageable

Thou Shalt Keep Your Kitchen Manageable

When you live alone, there's no need to clutter your kitchen with 12 sets of dishes. Narrow it down; you want enough plates to have friends over for dinner, but not so many that you're desperate for space. Plus, only having a few place settings will motivate you to clean your dirty dishes right away! Source: A Beautiful Mess

02
Thou Shalt Invest in a Full-Length Mirror
Design by Homepolish West Coast Creative Director Orlando Soria and photography by Tessa Neustadt for Homepolish

Thou Shalt Invest in a Full-Length Mirror

With nobody around to check the back of your dress or give an opinion on your outfit, it's nice to give yourself a good once-over before leaving the house. Plus, mirrors help create the illusion of square footage, so it's a no-brainer!

03
Thou Shalt Decorate With Pink, Dammit

Thou Shalt Decorate With Pink, Dammit

Or if you don't like pink, another bold decor choice. Whether you love leopard print, want a neon sign above your bed, or have always dreamt of painting the walls black, now is your time to experiment without facing someone else's criticism. So go for the pink kitchen cabinets . . . it's your home! Source: A Beautiful Mess

04
Thou Shalt Always Be Prepared to Entertain
Paul Costello for Domino

Thou Shalt Always Be Prepared to Entertain

Living alone doesn't mean being lonely — in order to prep your pad for visitors, keep a stocked bar (or coffee!) cart, blankets, and yummy snacks around. Soon, you'll be the go-to friend for hosting ladies' nights and Netflix marathons.

05
Thou Shalt Decorate With Living Things
Design by Homepolish West Coast Creative Director Orlando Soria and photography by Tessa Neustadt for Homepolish

Thou Shalt Decorate With Living Things

Live plants and freshly cut blooms add instant joy to any home, so incorporate some flora into your everyday life. Try a fiddle leaf fig tree if you're ready for some serious commitment, or opt for succulents if your thumbs aren't exactly green.

06
Thou Shalt Leave Behind the Childish Stuff

Thou Shalt Leave Behind the Childish Stuff

Even though you're living alone, you should opt for more mature decor. This doesn't mean abandoning colorful prints or kitschy accessories, though — it simply means displaying a chic gallery wall instead of a sorority paddle, storing your childhood stuffed animals, and framing your posters. Source: Brittany Ambridge for Domino

07
Thou Shalt Organize, Organize, Organize
Pretty in Python for Domino

Thou Shalt Organize, Organize, Organize

When living alone, there's nobody to blame for messes but yourself. Getting rid of clutter is key to a stress-free home life, and it's so easy! And when you don't have to share your closet, it feels awesome to categorize clothes, shoes, and accessories to your liking.

08
Thou Shalt Prepare a Glorious Battle Station
Jacqueline Clair for Domino

Thou Shalt Prepare a Glorious Battle Station

Whether you savor putting on your makeup or enjoying writing your blog, setting up a designated place for your favorite rituals is a great way to feel empowered and recharged. Try styling a vanity or an office space where you can go to unwind, relax, and remember that you're queen of the castle.

09
Thou Shalt Create a Feeling of Relaxation
House*Tweaking

Thou Shalt Create a Feeling of Relaxation

Why go to the spa when you've got a whole home to yourself? It's easy to decompress after a long day when you've got a clean bathtub, scented candles, and a calm environment around you. Allow yourself some luxury by making your bathroom feel like a spa.

10
Thou Shalt Make Guests Feel at Home

Thou Shalt Make Guests Feel at Home

When friends and family come to stay with you, help them feel comfortable with homey touches like clean linens and extra bathroom toiletries. Your overnight guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness! Source: A Beautiful Mess