Apartment Blog

Continuing our weekly trend, here is an article with some fantastic tips on how to refresh your home using the color blue! Bring the outdoors inside with a splash of sophisticated and refreshing blue!

Make a bold statement by using deep blue. If you can’t paint, curtains are a great effect for your walls (especially if they are floor to ceiling length).

For added excitement in a bathroom, replace the knobs on your vanity and/or medicine cabinet with blue ones (just make sure you keep all the screws and original knobs when it’s time to move out). White and blue bath accessories, artwork and towels would really complete the look.

Blue checkered details really add a lot of fun as well as a retro twist to any space. You can use this idea for pillows on a bench in your apartment or for cushions around your dinning room table.

Silvery gray and pale aqua is a perfectly glamorous combination for a vanity table. An ornate mirror makes an elegant topper, however if you can’t take down your mirror, removable stickers to adjourn your mirror will work.

For a beach themed apartment, you can use removable cushion covers from an outdoor patio set. A blue stripped rug and an antiqued painted coffee table add dimension to the space; as would blue stripes and fun accents like a nautical star or chandelier.

Also, don’t be afraid to mix a variety of patterns - just stick within the same color palette. A delicate blue-and-white curtain blends beautifully with a shag rug, toile quilt, and boldly striped cushions. My favorite pattern, besides the classic stripes, is damask. Having a piece in the room using blue damask instantly makes it trendy and chic.

Paint and furniture aren’t the only ways to bring color into a room; fun knickknacks in the same hue will do the trick also!

What’s the next color on the menu? Yellow! Soon we will post ideas for decorating in the powerful color of the sun!

Source: Country Living and Better Homes & Gardens

Ready for more decorating tips? This time we’re listing ideas with the chosen color red. The color red seems to be noticed more than other colors. Red cars have a notorious reputation for being pulled over more by cops because of the vibrant color. A small dose of a bold and vibrant red adds energy and impact to many things, including any room in your apartment. Here are a few tips to decorate your apartment space that will sure accommodate most limitations for apartment renters have!

If you’re ready to fully embrace red, go all out with a fire engine shade. Try it in a small room, like an office and pick up accent pieces that really add an impact. Rug, curtains, a big canvas painting, etc. Even choose office supplies and/or organization tools in the vibrant color.

Red doesn’t have to be flashy, certain shades, like a rich tomato red, add rustic warmth to a space.

Do you have an all white kitchen or bathroom? Apple red curtains, along with coordinating collectibles and dish/hand towels, add a splash of color to a pristine space.

A single distinctive piece, like a vintage dresser with ornate hardware (or a refurbished dresser you did yourself), in the color red can add just a touch of drama to a neutral room.

A symphony of red shades and patterns can play off each other nicely. Rather than clashing like you might expect, different patterns actually add depth and interest because they are within the same color family.

Give your dinner table a refreshingly simple update by painting your chairs candy apple red.

A boldly painted dresser, drapes and throw pillows add strength and focus to help to move the eye around the room.

Source: Country Living and Better Homes & Gardens

 In the world of apartment living, we all know how important it is to create a multifunctional space. I can’t tell you how many pieces of furniture I have purchased with the thought of ‘hey, that can double as this!’ or something to that effect. When you’re living in a one or two bedroom apartment, it’s essential to get all the practicality you can out of the space provided. So here are a few tips for those of you sharing a spare bedroom between an office and guest bedroom.

Office Space:

You will need a few key items for your office space in this room. Obviously a work station, a chair, office utensils, maybe a computer, books, etc.  Depending on whether you want your work area to be seen or not will determine what type of work station you get, either an armoire or a desk.  Be sure and have handy storage items for your pens, paper, personal mail, notes, etc. so that when guests do stay they are hidden. Having decorative storage containers will serve two functions as it is practical and eye catching!

You can also have larger office supplies stored on a bookshelf near the work station or inside the closet.

Guest Bedroom:

Think about how you would feel as a guest in your multifunctional guest bedroom. You know you will want a sleeping area that is practical for during the day and at night. So a day bed or a futon would be the best option here-sofa by day, bed by night.  Be sure to purchase one that is comfortable for your guest to sleep on. Also purchase plenty of blankets, sheets, pillows, toiletries, etc. A creative way to store those items is: a few small storage containers to slip under the day bed/futon so it is out of the way or for a more decorative option (but only if you have the space) is a nice trunk or storage ottoman. Storage cubes and chests can triple as seating, storage, and end tables. A night stand would be nice with a lamp.  And of course a few hangers inside your closet for guests to hang their garments would be appreciated.

Décor:
Now the décor for this space needs to be planned out as well. You want something you can live with everyday while using your work station but also something that is appealing to guests when they are visiting. I personally have a cool color palette (see pictures). The walls are a nice blue, the futon is a light brown and the sheet set/blanket is a cream and green pattern. The pattern isn’t too overwhelming for the space and it isn’t too girly. Color blocked trimmings (silver office supplies, hardware, and photo frames) help tie it together.
Wall-mounted accessories make the best use of the room.  Floating shelves is a good way to use height for space by storing trinkets or books on the wall. As we’ve mentioned in our ‘How to Decorate Walls Without Painting’ blog, mirrors help give the illusion of more space. Thoughtful art choices help warm the room.

And don’t forget to add a vase with fresh flowers as a nice touch. It’ll have guests wanting to visit you over and over again!

Feeling inspired to decorate this year? As you may have read, decorating your apartment was number four on our ‘10 New Years Resolutions for Renters’ blog.  So we’re here to provide you with the styles in home décor in 2009, getting inspiration in pattern, environment and texture. See for yourself…

1. The Devil Wears Prada: Being a fashionista is hard work! So why not incorporate the style of your clothes into your home décor? Embellish your outfit with some gems; then incorporate those gems into the style of your apartment! One way to do that would be with decorative pillows. Pillows are said to be dressed in high fashion this year, so you better hit the stores for the ones that express your true style.

2. Van Gough: Who doesn’t love a beautiful art piece? I know I am also captivated by art in my, and other’s, homes. In 2009, art is a big ‘YES’ for interior decorating. Show your appreciation for local or nationally recognized artists by having a beautiful painting sit center stage in your apartment. A more creative way, if you’re talented, would be to make your own masterpiece! Now talk about a one of a kind piece.

3. Pattern & Textures: Who doesn’t love a nice paisley? Or a striking animal print? Or luxurious silk sheets? This year, home décor will incorporate all your favorite patterns and textures. Stripes and geometric patterns will appear in decorative accessories and furnishings all over the stores. Be sure to incorporate one that fits your style best!

4. One decorating trend you’ll see this year is the sanctuary feel. Create a safe haven for yourself in your home. This environment will be something that comforts and offers you refuge from the outside world. For this type of décor, simple, serene colors will work best. The cool color palette (blues and purples) exemplified this idea. And I would suggest something that reminds you of a peaceful place so you can escape.

5. Another decorating style you’ll find is MODERN. Modern can be defined as a contemporary style that would include classic pieces with a new twist; re-interpreting the definition of classic. A sophisticated modern style would have the edginess of new shapes and designs while also including timeless elegant pieces.

For pictures of these ideas and more, visit DecoratingDiva.com.