While homeowners can decorate their homes in any way they please, the apartment renter is more restricted in their decorating choices. Most rental apartments have white walls so that anyone’s furnishings fit into the decorating scheme. Window treatments may be bland as well, for the same reason.
The carpeting can be a major issue, especially in the case of older apartments. That olive green shag rug, so popular in the 1970s, can be a virtual apartment decorating nightmare. However, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got, right? There are many decorating solutions to deal with all of these realities. Read on for some great apartment decorating ideas that will make that carpeting almost disappear.
Apartment decorating can actually be easier than decorating a large home. If you’re decorating many rooms, you must keep an eye on a consistent theme and there’s a lot more wall space. Apartment decorating doesn’t pose so many choices. Your living room and kitchen may well be the only public places, so coordinating color and style is made easier.
Let’s tackle the ugly carpeting problem first. Rooms in apartments are generally smaller than in private homes, so a less than desirable carpet can be downplayed with a couple of large area rugs in a color scheme more to your liking. Sea grass mats are another possibility. While the natural beige lightens up the room, the olive green (or whatever color) fades into the background. This apartment decorating solution is relatively inexpensive and you can take it with you when you move.
Plants are heaven sent components in any apartment decorating scheme. Chances are, you don’t have a garden just outside to give your home a lift of nature’s beauty. House plants can fill the gap nicely. If you’re always on the go and don’t have time to fuss with feeding and watering schedules, look into some of the lovely artificial silk plants. Several well-placed plants can become the focal point, distracting the eye from other, less desirable, but permanent apartment fixtures.
With apartment decorating, all that white wall space can be used to great advantage for tying your look together. A single large painting over the sofa or fireplace can have lots of impact, making a colorful statement that reflects your good taste. Wall hangings are another beautiful solution. An entry wall space is perfect for highlighting that collection of family photos or your own photography.
Apartment bathrooms are typically plain, but also are the easiest of apartment decorating problems. Pick your favorite accessory styles and materials. Wicker and rattan, wood or brass, these bathroom decor items quickly and inexpensively bring that bathroom to life. Hang a jazzy shower curtain and you’re done.
