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10 Common Apartment Decorating Mistakes

10 Common Apartment Decorating Mistakes

Living in an apartment means making the most of the space you have! Fortunately, for apartment dwellers, there are a number of tips and tricks to will help maximize your square footage. However, there are also a number common apartment decorating mistakes that plague small spaces. Below are some common apartment decorating mistakes – avoid these and you will living large!

 

1. Oversized Furniture

A lot of people who are decorating their apartments, especially those on a budget, often use whatever furniture is readily available without considering whether the pieces are right for the space. Using furniture that is too big will make your apartment feel smaller. So, if you have a cozy living room, opt for a loveseat and small chair rather than one large couch. Oftentimes, choosing a few smaller pieces that fit well in the space will make the room seem larger and more comfortable.

 

2. Light Lighting

Proper lighting can transform a room’s atmosphere and even make it feel larger. According to freshome.com, “Lighting is perhaps one of the most important elements in our homes.” Noting the different kinds of lighting we need at different times, the website recommends dimmers to give easily give yourself a variety of lighting options -- plus, nothing creates a better evening ambience then dimming the lights! If you have a large window that supplys the majority of your daytime light, consider adding a few floor lamps to the corners of the room that the natural light doesn't quite hit.

 

3. Too "Matchy Matchy"

Many people think that every piece of decor should match, but adding variety makes decorating fun and gives the room a more personal feel.  Rooms look great with a selection of different textures, patterns, and colors. Try to choose styles that coordinate, but keep things loose – it will deepen the look of the room. If you're afraid of making any big changes, start out with some small ones -- like adding bold, colorful throw pillows onto your sofa or chair.

 

4. Tchotchkes, Knick Knacks... No No!

Ceremic dolls, shot glasses, elephant figurines... we all collect something! However, a room full of shelves displaying every tchotchke or knick knack you've picked up over the years can give your living space a cluttered look. Instead, try choosing a few of your favorites and display them on a small corner shelf.

 

5. Omitting the Entrance

In a small apartment, we often overlook the entrance -- even though it's the first place our guests see! Welcome friends and family with a well-decorated entry way! A wreath on the door and a trendy Welcome Mat on the floor will keep your guests wanting more! Also, try adding decorative bins to store your shoes in, this will free up the space in front of the door and give your entrance a well-polished look.

 

6. Photo Bomb

Framed photographs are great way to add personality to your walls, but too many photos may cause your apartment to look tacky instead of classy. Start with the frames... find ones that coordinate well with each other and with your decor. Then, choose your favorite photos and arrange them in a way that best suits your room. Don't know how? No problem! Here is a fantastic guide that helps you determine the most efficient and unique way to position your frames.

 

7. Confusing Walkways 

Okay, maybe you don't mind jumping over the couch, crawling under the coffee table and dodging the dresser to get to the restroom, but your guests may want a little more structure! Walkways not only prevent hazards, they also open up the room and make it appear much more spacious. Can't figure out how to rearrange your space? According to Apartmenttherapy.com there's an easy where to determine where your stuff should go, “Walk your home when deciding where to put things. Here's a test: can you easily vacuum everywhere in your home without having to move things?”

 

8. Dark Paint = Dark Dwelling

Drop that paint roller! Before you start changing up your wall's hue, keep in mind that dark colors tend to make spaces feel smaller. If you have a small room, try to stick to bright or light hues. For those who have their heart set on a dark color, try painting only one wall with it and the other walls with a light color. Dark accent walls are a trendy way to give your space a unique, dimensional look.

 

9. Limit the Living

House plants, flowers, heck, even a catcus! Adding some plant life to your apartment will bring a fresh look and feel to your space! It's truly amazing how a bouquet of fresh flowers on the table or a potted plant on the window still will instantly make your home feel more alive.

 

10. Listening Too Much to Others

 Keep in mind that everyone has their own options, but you are the one who has to live in this space. So, when your mother comes over and insists that your chair should face the window or your neighbor nonchalantly suggests that your sound system should be in a different room, do what you will make you happy! After all, it is your home.