Apartment Decorating

Living in a limited space presents a set of decorating challenges. You want to maximize the amount of living in the set amount of space you have. Not only do you want to do it efficiently, but also with flair.

Pictured is a stylish space at Midtown Crossing. It is organized into neat living areas making maximum use of the storage space available. Simple yet bold accessories add color and interest.

You can make the space seem larger with a few organizing and decorating tips. Diane Luxford, ASID of D-Lux Interiors, said, “The scale of the furniture is critical in the design of an apartment/condo. Keep things light and use glass tops on tables.” Vertical lines also draw the eye up (seen above in the bathroom, making a bold statement).

A few key things to remember when arranging furniture and accessories:

Minimize Clutter

When scanning a room, eyes are drawn to surfaces. Keep surfaces clean and free of unnecessary items. In the kitchen, keep as many things as you can in the cupboards.

Contain small items the best you can. Luxford said, “Find a way to organize papers as soon as they come into your home.  Mail and magazines need designated places to go. Storage furniture can help with this.” When shopping for furniture, choose pieces that double as storage. Add accessories such as wicker baskets.

Let There Be Light
Light-colored walls help make the space seem larger. Of course, you want to check with your landlord first before you decorate your walls, as some apartments don’t llow you to paint or hang artwork. Another key tip is to make use of the natural light. Keep windows uncovered, or use sheer drapes. Use mirrors to reflect natural light and lamps for even more depth. Hang a large mirror or a grouping of several small ones.

Focal Pieces
Choose a few focal decorative pieces with a shot of color. This could be accessories, or it could be wall art. Said Luxford, “Actually, one would think to keep accessories small, but fewer ones and larger scales ones help in making a dramatic statement in a small space. Avoid the temptation to “fill” a space with stuff.”