Making the jump from renter to homeowner can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re responsible for all of the decorating, cleaning, and upkeep of a space that’s all your own. But don’t worry – with a little planning and some expert advice, you can create a stylish home that perfectly reflects your personal taste. Read on for our top tips on how to style your new home like a pro!
Keep things neutral
If you’ve just leased your first apartment, chances are that most of your possessions are still in storage. This means that you’ll likely need to start off with a very neutral, minimalist color palette until you can slowly add more personalized items into the mix.
Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! Incorporate plenty of textures and patterns to keep your space interesting. A great way to do this is through throw pillows, sofas, and rugs. Look for unique designs that will add personality while still maintaining a cohesive look throughout the room. You can also try incorporating neutral items into unexpected places – like on the walls!
Lighten the place up
Once you’ve picked out your gorgeous neutral paint color, it’s time to lighten the place up and make it feel cozy and inviting. Painting rooms with dark colors can make them appear much smaller than they actually are. If this is a problem, simply open your windows and allow Mother Nature to do her job!
Letting in lots of natural sunlight can really help to brighten up even the dreariest room. If you don’t have any windows or yours are incredibly small, try adding some floor lamps or mood lighting around the room instead.
Glass is in!
One of the best ways to enhance a room’s sense of space is by using glass surfaces wherever you can. This includes tabletops, partitions, shelves, and even countertops if your new home has an eat-in kitchen. Not only does glass give off the impression that a room is larger than it actually is, but it also creates an easy-to-maintain environment.
So, get some glass in your place! This could be anything; you could install a glass fence or you could give your boring old shower a glass enclosure.
Use color sparingly
If you’re an apartment dweller, then the space you have to play with is likely pretty limited. One great way to make it feel much larger is by keeping your color palette minimalistic. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use bold colors – just opt for lighter, more subdued shades instead of deep hues.
Light blue, mint green, and sky blue are beautiful options for a neutral palette. If you’re going for a bolder look, try out hot pinks, pastel oranges, and bright yellows instead.
Decorate with mirrors
Along the same lines as glass furniture is mirror decor! Mirrors can reflect light around a room and give off the illusion of a bigger space. In terms of layout, try installing an oversized mirror over your fireplace or hanging a few smaller ones in various spots around the room to give it some visual interest. You can also incorporate mirrors into some additional furniture pieces – like your bedside tables!
