Getting your first apartment as an adult is a very exciting time. You’re finally not cramped into a space with tons of roommates and actually have the income to decorate it. The problem usually follows “how do I make my place look grown up and chic?” It does take a few years to accumulate quality furniture to transform from your place to a non-Ikea looking showroom. Here are a few tips to help you decorate your first apartment.
Invest In a Couch
This probably isn’t a brand new tip, but I have found this to be very true. I know Ikea furniture is tempting because of their low prices. However spending money or even time searching through Craigslist will be worth it. Unfortunately most apartments already come with carpet so having a neutral couch won’t clash. The quality will also come in handy when your planning on moving place to place, which can damage your furniture.
Put up Curtains
Any apartment is completely transformed when you put curtains up. Even if your landlord doesn’t allow you to take down the curtains, just place the curtains on top. If your apartment has vertical blinds push them to a side and hide them behind a draped curtains. Also place the rod higher on the wall to give the allusion that the ceilings are higher.
Create Dimension with Height and Texture
As mentioned above, adding different areas of height really fills up a room. It draws the eyes to different locations giving depth to the apartment. This also comes in handy when styling drawer tops and shelves. Also take the same approach to throw pillows. Mix textured leather, fur, velvet, etc., allows the place to look chic.
Side tip: The trick to mixing is to keep the same color undertone. This goes for mixing fabrics, pillows, and even different wooden furniture.
Create Symmetry
To make sure your place look put together create as much symmetry as possible. This is especially important around focal points like couch, windows, or beds. Symmetry helps the space look de-cluttered and not cramped with furniture. Even if the windows are off centered, curtains can help resolve this issue, like this LINK.
