Before owning my townhouse, I was a renter for six years. As the years went by, I learned some great tricks to decorate an apartment without breaking the bank.
Just because your home is pint-sized doesn’t mean you have to live with pint-
Go With Curtains
You don’t have to live with those standard-issue apartment blinds. Add a touch of drama and the illusion of more space with curtains. Hang them on the outside edges of the window, or even on bare walls. You can hang them floor to ceiling to create height, or have them flow from a cornice that hides the curtain rod.
See Clearly
Lucite tables or chairs and glass tops all give the impression of openness while still delivering the function you need.
Brighten Things Up
Add light up, down and all around to create interest and the feeling of space. Lights have the most amazing way of making a home feel cosy and welcoming. Using several lamps throughout a space creates a warm glow in the room. The best part- you get to keep them when you move into your next pad!
Priorities, Priorities
Because small spaces are very limited, you need to figure out your priorities and allocate accordingly. Some people need a desk area, but not a dining area. Some people want a living area and would prefer a bed that folds up. Make the space work for your needs and don’t hold yourself to what is considered traditional. It’s your home, after all.
Float it!
I love mounting floating shelves wherever there is space. Because they float, they add tons of storage but look sleek and contemporary.
Paint!
Many rental properties don’t allow colour on the walls. But all paint can immediately transform a space! Negotiate with your property owner by offering a security deposit or stating in the lease that the property will be returned to its original colour once you leave.
Start Neutral; Mix in Splashes of Color
This is an easy combination that has never gone out of fashion. It helps your home look collected and high-end, even if you are buying mainly Ikea pieces!
Here you go, folks!
