MAKING YOUR SMALL SPACE WORK 2

Usually when it comes to apartment living functionality is most important. We use are apartment as a drop for clothes, a place to grab a quick bite or, sleep. At this point in our single lives buying a house is not an option but that is no excuse to not make your apartment just as homely and inviting as your would a house. I'm always looking online or in Domino magazine for ways to make my small space more inviting instead of embarrassing...Here's what I found..

1) Paint . sometimes you can't paint the wall but if you can I would advise that you do. Paint can say alot without saying anything at all. Stick with light color so that you space appears bigger....Or if you want to do that chocolate brown or deep red make sure to have alot of lighting and light colored furniture for a perfect contrast (i.e. chocolate brown walls ,cream sofa) If you are on a budget , go to the local paint shop and ask for mistake mixes. (WHAT!!) If the color isn't right for someone else it maybe right for you and they sell these at a discounted rate. Paint my friend is the cheapest way to change you space.

2)Personalizing your space... Besides painting the walls , adding in some kinds of interesting touches can speak volumes. Collectors items , mirrors,artwork. I don't have an artistic bone in my body so I usually phone a friend.lol. There are so many art shows and art fairs around town that finding art work or crafts that are interesting. can be achieved. tap into some local talent most local artist are trying to get their artwork out there so they tend to sell it on the cheap . Grab a few pieces that speak to you and you'll always have a conversation piece. Figure out what your style is are you more modern, traditional, or contemporary pick a theme and run with it . Mixing to much can overwhelm your space and the whole thing just looks like a garage sale. Go thrifting, Good Will and the Salvation army are know for FABULOUS finds if you are determined to look . Or you can do like me , I LIVE IN IKEA.....

QUICK TIP!!! Mirror are great in making you space feel large and in charge. A big mirror on a focal wall can look like another room.

3) Textiles... This can include rugs, bed linens and curtains.... Most apts come with blinds so we forget curtains. I have a duvet with a wild pattern on it so i went for curtains with one color. Make it extra cozy by adding a ton of pillows. You can do the same in you living room. Take a ordinary sofa and love seat and make it cozy with some throw pillows. Throw rugs are great in high traffic areas or under tables and shouldn't over power the room with wild and crazy patterns.

4) Furniture... SMALL SCALE = HUGE IMPACT. This is why stores like Ikea and Target are soooo popular when it comes to apt living . A chair without arms is a better pick then one with when it comes to apartment living. Limit your furniture choices and don't pick furniture that will hog up your square footage. Also try adding glass or Lucite pieces they mix well with anything and won't overwhelm your space.
Quick tip!!! LIGHTS, LIGHTS and MORE LIGHTS.


Designing an apartment space takes time and effort but it's worth it if you want to make it home...