The decor of my own home is something that I enjoy, as an interior design writer. I live in a 700 square foot apartment and so it's always been important for me to balance style and function. I think I'm more of a minimalist than a maximalist when it comes to working with a smaller space. I like to decorate my home with a focus on pieces that stand out, and that's what I like about it. I've lived in my apartment for over two years now, so I thought I'd round up what I've learned about decorating small spaces. I've followed these five simple apartment decor ideas which allow me to create a home that feels personal and homely while maximizing space.
The type of furniture you choose is arguably the most important decision you will make when decorating a small apartment. It's not a good idea to change furniture frequently as it's expensive, and the walls can be changed over time. midcentury furniture has a low profile that works well in small spaces. By comparison, opting for furniture that is lifted off the ground helps make the room appear more spacious. Add color to artwork.
I can't decorate my apartment with paint on the walls because of the soft neutrals. I've found that decorating with art is an effective way of uplifting a space with bold colors, and have hung artwork in most rooms of my home. To add a point of interest to a room, I've opted for graphical artwork with bright colors, but you can choose so many different styles.
I have seen the benefits of this approach when living in a small space as someone who loves a cluttered environment. Storage ideas can often be limited in small apartments, so I find that being as organized as possible and not keeping excess items really helps to keep the whole apartment looking tidy. Keeping items limited means that they don't end up looking cluttered and can be arranged nicely.
Mirrors are a great way to maximize natural light and make a space feel larger, perfect for smaller spaces. I have a large mirror above the fireplace that acts as a focal point in the room and helps to create the illusion of more space. Artem is founder of NYC-based Arsight and he says to include mirrors to make the place look bigger and brighter.
Adding patterned textiles to your small apartment can help to create a cozy feel and elevate each room. I chose an oversized rug in my living room with a subtle pattern to add interest to the space without decorating the walls. If you want to change the neutrals over time, you can choose patterned and colorful bedding and other smaller furnishings such as cushions. You can create a retro look in your apartment with this patterned bedcover, it's perfect for uplifting the space with a pop of color. If you love decorating with neutrals, this striped cushion cover is a great choice. If you want to experiment with decorating with patterns, this would be a great addition to the sofa. Small apartments can be restrictive in certain ways, but they are also a great place to find practical ways of reflecting your style. If you want to create a cozy and personal space, consider displaying the decor items that you love most, without worrying about interior design trends.