What is a great way to decorate my really small apartment?

Answer 1

For one thing, remember when making purchases that you are not going to be in this small space forever. Also remember...dual purpose! Some footstools have a removable top for storage inside and provide an additional seat for guests. Instead of trying to crowd in a small sofa and small chair, why not go ahead and invest in a good sofa that can go onto your next place and wait for the chair? Instead, make some large cushy overstuffed pillows that can be used for seating or stacked in the corner when not in use? If it is indeed a very tiny place, why not use an interesting old trunk in front of the sofa (more storage space) with a large tray on top? There are also some nice corner entertainment units at Walmart that can also house your stereo system, dvds and cds along with books and other things. In a small space, I'd look for an interesting floor lamp for next to the sofa instead of trying to make room for tables and lamps. Use the extra space instead for a large potted plant. Again, since the walls are probably going to be white or another neutral shade, budget allowing, try to invest in a large framed art piece with lots of color to balance out the scale of the room. As long as one basic color scheme flows from room to room, you shouldn't feel limited to pastels or drab colors.

You might think of a bistro table set designed for a patio in the eating area, use some wrought iron pieces and grape ivy to create a little grotto effect, and use it on a terrace or balcony in a later dwelling. If there's a "bar" area, you'd do better to leave it open (no bar stools) and maybe sit a plant there instead.

As for the kitchen area, since it's probably visable from the livingroom, keep the counter uncluttered and use maybe one or two decorative yet funcional items on top (a colorful set of mixing bowls to hold real fruit or vegetable, a basket filled with rolled up tea towels or napkins and silverware.

Even tho the bath is probably small, you can still add a few spa touches like scented candles and hand towels. If room allows, place as large a basket as possible near the tub with rolled up bath towels, jars of bath salts and sponges. Leave under the sink for the hair dryers and necessary items you don't want to leave out on the vanity.

Your bedroom, tho a multipurpose area should be your haven. Choose colors soothing to you...not necessarily pastels, but colors that make you feel good. Same rule of thumb here. Keep it to a minimum, but use the same concepts as in the other rooms. If you can get away with a bed, armoire, and bedside table, nothing says you have to have alot of different pieces. Use vaccum storage bags under the bed for out of season clothing, baskets and organizers in your closet to create more space and use the extra room for decorative things you really love.

Make it as fun and funky as you like. It's supposed to be an expression of your personality and your lifestyle, and you're only going to have a first place once! Enjoy!!

Answer 2

Use light colors, mirrors, and go with a minimalist approach with decorative accessories. If you have a lot of clutter and storage is an issue -- buy furniture (like a trunk) that doubles as a table and storage.

Answer 3

Large furniture in small spaces actually make the room appear larger. Do not make the mistake of using lots of small furniture pieces. Check out www.oprah.com and they have some great suggestions and pictures of small spaces being maximized and looking fabulous.

Answer 4

You have some good suggestions-
-light colors, mirrors,window planter boxes-multi-use acessories
how about your local Salvation Army, goodwill, St. Vincent De-Paul for furnishings
& don't forget: Pier1

Answer 5

Try to get to an IKEA showroom. They show all sizes of dwellings decked out in furniture for all purposes: dining, sleeping, storage etc. Prices are reasonable too.

Answer 6

Put some mirrors up because they make small spaces look alot bigger. Also you white wicker furniture in your bedroom or a big white comforter because that will make it seem bigger also.

Answer 7

Check out IKEA. They have great, really creative solutions for small spaces.

Answer 8

Using similar colours throughout can help make it seem bigger. Also light colours especially cool (blues), you can have the stronger/brighter colours for accent e.g. cushions. Try mirrors too.