You are often faced with certain limitations when you live in an apartment or small condo. After all, you don’t own the property yourself, so there are certain things you cannot do. In most cases, you won’t be able to change the floors, put nail holes in the walls, or change the kitchen countertop. Yet this doesn’t mean you must be resigned to living in something that is less than appealing or drab.
It’s common for all the apartments in a specific complex to look exactly the same. They typically have the same flooring or carpet, boring white walls, and bare windows—although you might end up with some white mini-blinds. Yet it’s possible to create an original-looking apartment replete with your own individual style. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Decorate Your Walls
Depending on the apartment building, you may or may not be able to paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask! Many apartment managers don’t mind you painting, since they can easily paint over your color if you move out. If you can paint, create visual impact by painting one wall a bold, bright color. If painting is not possible, then create a focal point by hanging a very large and intricately patterned tapestry on the wall. You may also want to hang some bold colorful prints with a simple mat edge or without a frame at all.
Special hangers can be purchased for apartment walls. Then you can hang what you like without putting any holes or nails in the walls, which doesn’t always go over well with management.
Add Some Drama to the Floors
Although the carpet and linoleum are in most cases there to stay, you can always incorporate some colorful area rugs into your décor. For the kitchen, choose brightly colored botanical patterns. With bright sunflowers, daisies, and poppies, you can add a cheerful look to the room, breaking up the monotony.
Consider a couple of smaller rugs in the living room or one large area rug, perhaps strategically placed in front of the sofa. Keeping your color scheme in mind, try to choose bold patterns for this room. Intense stripes and plaids can really pick up a room, especially if you have solid-colored furniture.
Add Flair to the Windows
You can add color to your windows, even if you have to leave the mini-blinds hanging. Hang sheer curtains that complement your other décor. Or for some dramatic flair, drape a boldly colored satin sheet about the window so that it cascades down the sides and onto the floor.
Stick to Color, Pattern, and Texture
If you’re looking to dramatically change the look of your rooms, the most important thing you can do is to add some color, pattern, and texture. This can be accomplished in many different ways: with paint, throw rugs, big fluffy throw pillows, and other decorating accessories. In fact, keep several big pillows on hand, as they provide instant floor seating when you have several guests coming to visit.
Keep Furniture to a Minimum
Furniture should be kept to a minimum in order to create a spacious feel. To add to the open feeling, go with low-profile furnishings without any arms. You don’t want coffee or end tables that are too big or bulky. Remember to keep things simple.
Be sure to add in a few creative accents of your own to create an apartment that looks and feels like home. A little imagination can go a long way when it comes to create an attractive, livable space.
About the Author…
For over 4 decades Leon Tuberman has helped people with their furniture and interior design needs. He owns and operates a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They offer a huge assortment of solid Amish furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a arts & crafts coffee table for your formal living room or a solid oak dining table for your dining room table then they have everything you need.
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