How can I decorate the interior of my apartment? When decorating your apartment think about how long you will be there and decorate accordingly. Decorating an apartment can be different than decorating a...
Decorating an apartment can be different than decorating a home. If you do not want your apartment to look like everyone else's apartment, there are a number of things you can do to differentiate it from the others. The following are a few tips to get you started.
Many landlords will not allow you to make any structural or major changes to your apartment. Therefore, you are left to work around what is already permanently a part of the apartment. Kathy Dodson, award-winning interior decorator and owner of Decorating Dens, says that if your landlord will allow you to paint the interior of your apartment this is a change that will make a huge difference in the look of the place. "Most apartments look the same. They have beige walls and beige carpet. You would want to invest in painting even though that is not something you could take with you. It is well worth it, though, because otherwise, your apartment is going to look just like everybody else's." Changing the backdrop of your apartment can give it an immediate makeover.
Before you start your painting project, however, be sure to clear it with your landlord. Some landlords might let you paint, but will require you to paint it back to the original color before moving out. If you do not plan to stay in the apartment for a long period of time, painting may not be the best option. If you don't plan to stay in the apartment for a long time or if your landlord will not allow you to paint, then you will just have to work around the standard beige walls and carpet.
Dodson says that if you are renting an apartment, it is important to think about what you can take with you when you leave. "Spending more money on things like furniture and rugs makes much more sense than spending it on blinds." When you move, you can take all of these things with you and adapt them to work in your new place.
If you have to work with the beige carpet, Dodson says that you can add some pizzazz to your flooring by using area rugs. These can go in areas that do not have carpet, or can go right over the carpet you already have. This extra color can immediately differentiate your apartment from the others just like it.
If your apartment comes with the standard beige mini blinds, you can still dress up your windows with some additional window treatments. Dodson says, "If you are doing window treatments and drapery, I would do things that are very simple and less custom fit for those windows. Do long panels or long silk panels." You can also add a simple curtain rod above the window and drape some fabric around it for another great look.
While you may not have the flexibility in decorating in an apartment as you might in a house you own, you can still make it beautiful and designed with your tastes in mind. If you use some of these tips and add in some of your own creativity, you can have an apartment that makes a great home.
