Moving into your first apartment is a mile marker that signifies a step towards independence, creativity, and self-expression. With a blank canvas at your fingertips, you have the perfect opportunity to craft a living space that not only reflects your personal style but also embodies a sense of comfort and functionality. Whether you've just signed the lease on a chic spot downtown or set up camp in a cozy corner uptown, today’s guide is all about taking those first steps into interior decorating and transforming your new space from basic to brilliantly designed.
In this comprehensive post, we’re covering a multitude of stylish swaps and tips to infuse life into your first apartment, making it feel like the luxurious haven you've always dreamed of. From subtle lighting changes to bold color additions, we have everything you need to know to make your apartment a true expression of you.
Few accessories have the decorative punch and comforting allure of throw pillows. They are powerhouse accents that can easily transform the aesthetic of a room. Swap out generic couch cushions with a mix of textures and prints to add depth to your living room. Play with colors that complement your walls and flooring to create a harmonious ambiance. Similarly, throw pillows in your bedroom can set the tone for a restful oasis or a vibrant personal escape.
Opt for covers that are not just visually appealing but also functional. If you’re someone who enjoys a cozy night in, choose velvets or faux fur for winter, and breathable cotton for the summer months. Pro tip: Keep an assortment of pillow covers and rotate them seasonally for a fresh look that matches the outdoor scenery.
A cleverly placed mirror can instantly beautify a space by amplifying natural light and creating the illusion of space. Replace the builder-grade mirrors in bathrooms with statement designs that speak to your personality. In your living room, consider an oversized mirror to add a touch of grandiosity and to reflect your favorite accent pieces.
Furthermore, mirrored furniture pieces, like a dresser or coffee table, can add a sense of glamour and lend an air of spaciousness to a small room. Be strategic with your placement to ensure you're bouncing light around the space effectively.
Invest in rugs that not only anchor your room but also add warmth and texture underfoot. A rug defines a space and can be a unifying element that ties various pieces of furniture together. Whether it’s a statement rug in a busy pattern or a simple, solid color to balance a room, rugs provide the perfect starting point for your apartment’s color palette.
Area rugs can also be used to create distinct areas within an open-concept living space, especially if you don’t have walls to demarcate separate zones. For your dining or reading nook, look for round rugs which are both functional and stylish in smaller areas. Remember to measure your space and decide on rug dimensions to avoid undersizing, a common mistake that can make a room feel disjointed.
Lighting is an element often overlooked in interiors, yet it plays a pivotal role in setting the mood of any room. In a rental, you're usually bound by the existing overhead fixtures, which can often be stark or unflattering. Combat this by incorporating various light sources like floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights.
Choose warm bulbs to create a welcoming atmosphere and don't be afraid to mix different lighting types. For example, in your living room, a floor lamp next to your reading nook can be supplemented with a well-placed table lamp on a sideboard. Layered lighting not only looks more considered and stylish but also ensures that you have light where you need it for every activity.
One of the greatest pleasures of decorating your apartment is the ability to showcase your personality through artwork. Invest in a few statement pieces that really speak to you, whether they are prints, paintings, or photographs. Art can be a conversation starter and can significantly influence the mood and character of a room.
When hanging art, the general rule is to position the center of the artwork at eye level, roughly 57 to 60 inches from the floor. However, do not be afraid to experiment with gallery walls or to use larger pieces that span a larger space. The key is to balance the size of the art with the wall space it’s intended to occupy.
A clean, well-organized space is a stylish space. In an apartment, particularly a first apartment, storage can be limited, and clutter can quickly overtake even the most thoughtfully designed room. Consider chic storage solutions such as baskets, trays, and wall-mounted shelving to keep your belongings in order.
Monogrammed baskets can hold extra blankets or shoes under your entryway bench. In the kitchen, open shelving not only keeps your most-used items within reach but can also serve as a display area for your favorite dishes or cookbooks. By investing in attractive organizational tools, you blend utility with decor and create a more serene living space.
Plants and flowers effortlessly breathe life into any room. They add a pop of color, a touch of the outdoors, and can even improve the air quality of your apartment. Choose plants that thrive in the lighting conditions of your space and don’t be discouraged if you lack a green thumb. There are plenty of low-maintenance options like the snake plant, pothos, or succulents that are very forgiving.
Incorporate plants of various sizes and types into your decor for visual interest. Tall plants can draw the eye upward, making your room appear larger, while smaller plants can fill in empty corners and bring balance to the room. If you prefer flowers, a simple and easy-to-maintain option is to pick up a fresh bouquet each week to brighten your space.
A strategic deployment of textiles can go a long way in transforming your apartment. Curtains, for instance, should be long enough to just touch the floor or, in the case of café curtains, the window sill. This will give them a more luxurious appearance and undoubtedly upgrade the sophistication of your space.
Additionally, tablecloths and runners, throws, and bedding linens can switch up the look of a room seasonally. Opt for heavier fabrics in winter to provide extra warmth and a cozier ambiance, while lighter textiles can be used in summer to keep things breezy and fresh. Mix and match textures like linen, silk, and velvet for a tactile experience that adds depth to each room.
An often underrated aspect of decor is the scent of your home. A signature scent can enhance the ambiance and leave a lasting impression on guests. However, in a small apartment, it’s important to choose scents that are subtle and not overpowering.
Invest in a quality diffuser or scented candles in calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus for the bedroom and earthy scents like sandalwood or cedar for the living area. Opting for natural or essential oil-based scents can also improve the air quality of your home while providing an olfactory upgrade.
Ultimately, the key to decorating your apartment is to make it feel like a reflection of you. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles, colors, and textures until you find what works for you. Remember that it takes time to make a home truly yours, so enjoy the process of personalizing your space as you continue to develop your style and taste. Whether it's through personal mementos, DIY projects, or unique furniture pieces, your apartment should be a reflection of who you are and a space that makes you feel comfortable and happy to come home to every day. So take the time to make it your own and enjoy the process! End
There are endless ways to personalize and upgrade your apartment, from creating a gallery wall to incorporating your favorite scent. However, don't limit yourself to just the suggestions discussed in this guide. Get creative and have fun with it! Experiment with different layouts, incorporate DIY projects, and add personal touches that truly make the space feel like home.
Remember that decorating your apartment is a continuous process – as you grow and change, so will your taste in decor. Embrace the journey and allow your space to evolve with you. With these tips and tricks, your apartment will be transformed into a stylish and comfortable home that is uniquely yours. Happy decorating! If you're looking for apartments for rent in Wilmington, NC, contact Oasis at Riverlights today to schedule a personal tour.