When it comes to decorating a small apartment one has to focus on creating a perfect balance between functionality and design. Often, people tend to concentrate exclusively on the functionality angle – however, that doesn’t need to be the case. Although your apartment is short on space that doesn’t mean that is has to be short on style. You might prefer an all-enveloping cosy feel or something a little more light and airy – there are stylish, functional solutions for both.
The way you style your home is a means to defining your personality, taste and creativity. Follow these decorating tips to incorporate unique items into your compact space, letting your personality shine through.
Delineate & separate areas
Open-plan living has become increasingly popular, and at first glance you might think that these spaces are easy to decorate. However, in many cases, people get overwhelmed by the lack of definition which can make a space look untidy. It’s not that hard to decorate an open-plan space once you understand a few key concepts.
Start by creating zones, giving each area a specific purpose – whether it be cooking, dining, lounging, working or sleeping. You could use room dividers or screens, perhaps plants, lighting or wall colours. Delineating separate areas of the house by using rugs is an easy and effective way to give structure without compromising on flow. Rugs can be found in a great variety of shapes, colours and prices – they’re definitely one of the first items of to consider for your open plan space.
Invest in furniture
Another important element of any living space is the furniture. These items play a vital role in the process of transforming a plain space into a unique and personalised room. When it comes to making a tiny apartment functional, you can make use of flexible furniture that has a dual-purpose. Whichever items of furniture you choose, you need to make sure that their size compliments or is suitable for the space.
No one says that if you’re working with a smaller space you need to opt for plain and basic furniture. If you’re looking for unique Italian furniture for either large or small homes, you might want to check out Mondital. They provide all kinds of classic and contemporary pieces; and have furniture for bedrooms, living room, office or hallway that bring style and elegance to your home.
Rethink unused spaces
After living for a long period of time in the same place, people might get a little stuck or unadventurous when it comes to redecorating their surroundings. Often, when living in compact homes, people try to compensate for their lack of space by hiding pots and pans in the oven – or storing shoes and clothes under their bed. It pays to to rethink all areas of the home in order to find out whether or not they’re being used in the most effective way possible.
A simple first step is to take a short ‘stroll’ around the apartment and observing any ‘dead’ space that could in fact be serving a useful purpose. Perhaps you could re-arrange furniture or acquire pieces that fit into spaces more precisely, freeing up space for more storage or extra relaxing space for you and your visitors. A feature mirror could complete the design adding light, reflection and the illusion of space. If you’re feeling creative you could opt for mixing vintage and modern accessories for that timeless eclectic feel in your home.
Add curves with décor
Most people who live in tiny apartments know that they tend to be a little box-shaped. Perhaps incorporate some curves to add interest. A round table or organic shaped lightshades are both great ways of transforming a space in a blink of an eye. If you don’t feel like spending a lot of money on expensive lighting fixtures, the great news is that you can DIY your own vintage-inspired lampshade at home. Strikingly shaped accessories that incorporate the curved form will help to create continuity. Once you’ve found items that match your personal tastes in style, make sure that functionality follows for the key areas of the home.
Layer to add depth
You can create depth & extra dimension to a small space by embarking on some layering around your home. Everyone loves a home that’s warm, cosy and inviting. Add multiple blankets, throws and cushions to beds & sofas, transforming the feel of your home without having to spend too much time or money. Shadow boxes are one of the easiest ways of adding definition and interest to your walls. They can house personal collections such as photographs and mementoes picked up travelling. They’ll provide a unique display that reflects your own personality and experience.
Lastly, keep in mind that layering doesn’t just mean placing different design elements on top of each other. It also refers to creating contrast. Opt for different materials, patterns and textures when adding depth to your apartment.
There are lots of ways to turn your small apartment into a unique space where you can enjoy spending time. Be creative, have fun and let your personality shine through.
[disclosure*]
