10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place

You did it! You signed your lease, packed your stuff, had it delivered, and moved into your new place – hopefully our Moving Checklist came in handy! Now how do you take this plain, empty space and make it feel like a warm, inviting, comfortable home? A well thought out plan will take your apartment and your feelings about it from, “I live here” to “I Love The Place I Live”; a place you can’t wait to return to every day after work and even after a fun vacation.

If this is your first apartment and you’re starting fresh, this process can feel overwhelming. So. Many. Things. To. Get. It can feel equally challenging if you’ve got a collection of haphazardly acquired, dated, second-hand, or mismatched furnishings and decorative pieces. Or perhaps, you’ve outgrown your former style and want your new place to reflect your new preferences. At Fath Properties, we want you to Love The Place You Live, so we’re here to help. Here are some tips to help minimize the stress and maximize the fun that comes with decorating this new space to make it your own.

HOW TO DECORATE YOUR PLACE

Effective and affordable apartment interior design requires careful planning. An apartment is typically a smaller space than a single-family or townhome, and there may be restrictions on the types of changes you are allowed to make (always be sure to check with your property management office before  painting or affixing items to the walls). However, there are plenty of apartment decorating tips to spark creativity in every room, despite any limitations.

Budgeting For Apartment Décor

Making your new home feel finished can be a challenge if you’re working with limited funds. There honestly might not be much money left over after paying for your security deposit, moving expenses, and renters insurance.

While saving for your first apartment, be sure to set aside funds for furniture and décor too. You’ll be surprised how quickly everything adds up, and the cost may be more than you expected.

Although many items on your first apartment checklist will be nonessentials, they still play an important role in making you feel satisfied and settled in your new home. Before making a move, audit what furniture and décor you already have to figure out what you still need.

 Our Best 10 Apartment Decorating Tips

1. Select your style. Deciding what style best reflects you can help determine where to shop and what the general feel of your place will be. Do you prefer retro, modernistic, edgy, bohemian, earthy or minimalist? Sometimes your color preferences can help determine your style. Do you like rustic, natural wood, and neutral colors? What about bold patterns, funky accent pieces, and pops of color? Do some research on line to help determine your home décor goals. If you struggle with what to even include in a room, visit a store like IKEA that has completely decorated rooms on display. It can be much easier than going into some stores that just have a section of sofas, a section of beds, and a section of dining rooms.
2. Set your budget style. Just because your preferred style may look expensive, it doesn’t need to break the bank. There are many affordable places to buy furniture like IKEA, Home Goods, Wayfair, and Target. You can certainly buy relatively inexpensive furniture and make it look polished with art and accessories.
3. Invest in multifunctional pieces. Buying your own furniture isn’t cheap. To save some money, opt for versatile apartment essentials that meet multiple needs. Storage ottomans, modular sofas, drop leaf dining tables, and other functional furniture can serve numerous purposes such as allowing for more guests or adding storage space.
4. Maximize light exposure. Not only does natural light make a room brighter, but it also contributes to the feeling of spaciousness we all crave. Even if your apartment includes mini and vertical blinds, adding curtains will help create a finished look to your space. Like the frosting on a cake. While sheer, translucent materials will maximize the amount of light in living areas, you may prefer something room darkening in your bedroom. Don’t forget table and floor lamps! They can really help to set the mood in your home, creating bright spaces if you work at home, and romantic or restful spaces.
5. Make a focal point. Pick a large, eye-catching piece and build your room around it. Anything from couch with beautiful pillows, to a bohemian tapestry, an antique bookcase, a gorgeous mirror, or a sculptural piece can all act as focal point. Splurging slightly on one stunning piece to build off of can change the entire atmosphere of your apartment home.
6. Hang art. Apartment decor requires creativity, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Art usually is on the pricier side, so visit local art exhibits, garage sales, or ask your artistic friends for their latest creation to make your place feel sophisticated without breaking the bank. Target and Home Goods are two great resources for affordable art pieces. Here’s a guide on placing art and one for how to hang
7. Optimize your space. An important aspect of decorating your apartment is placing your furniture in a way that is practical and conducive to your lifestyle. Decide what function you’ll want each area of your new apartment to serve, and then plan accordingly. You might work from home and need a desk, or you might want a large dining room table to host dinner parties. The most important thing is to make the space work for your needs. If you live in a studio, make your living and sleeping areas feel distinctive with pieces that separate the room like a screen or tall bookcase. If you love to cook but your kitchen is on the smaller side, here are ways to make the most out of the storage you do have.
8. Add an entryway. Many apartments don’t have a foyer, and some do not have a coat closet near the front door. You can create the illusion of an entryway with a bookcase. Remove the top shelves and install hooks on the interior of the bookcase as a space to hang coats, hats, leashes, or umbrellas. Add a few baskets or bins on the bottom shelves to store shoes out of sight. Or you can add a small bench and place hooks above the bench to better define the area.
9. Use mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of additional space by reflecting light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect light. Cluster a few smaller mirrors together to create a gallery wall – this is a great way to brighten up a hallway. Lean a large mirror against a wall to instantly open up any space. Mirrors don’t need to break your decorating bank. Find inexpensive mirrors at dollar stores, flea markets, or online retailers. Don’t forget to check your local consignment store!
10. Add a rug. An area rug can instantly transform a room by grounding it and adding color, texture and design to the space. The key to choosing the right rug is making sure it is the appropriate size for your space. Most interior designers suggest leaving at least six inches between the edges of the rug and the walls, and – in the living room – placing the front legs of your sofa on the rug. Here’s a guide to selecting the right size rug for any room in your apartment.

Hopefully these tips will help you turn the blank canvas of your apartment into a warm, welcoming, and comfortable space you can’t wait to come home to. We can’t wait to welcome you to your new home in a Fath Properties community where you will Love The Place You Live.

The post 10 Ideas For Decorating Your New Place appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your place, or do you think you just don’t have the room to decorate? No matter the size of your home, there are always ways to bring the festive look and feel of the season to your place without breaking the bank or requiring a plethora of pre-holiday storage space. In fact, we have 12 ideas for ways you can turn your apartment into a Christmas wonderland!

1. Size Doesn’t Matter

Finding room for a tree in a small space or a room that doesn’t have a big empty corner can be tough. Rather than skip the tree altogether, how about a small tree that can fit nicely in a corner or a narrow tree that can squeeze in between furnishings? Small trees can make big statements with the right ornaments and plenty of lights. Even a tabletop tree can add a holiday flair to your home. If you’re worried about not having enough storage for an artificial tree and ornaments, you can always get a real tree and decorate it with layers of fake snow and pine cones which can be tossed after the holidays. This kind of tree embraces a natural woodland look and can be quite pretty.

2. Be Surfa-ficial

In other [real] words, take advantage of all the flat surfaces throughout your home. Your coffee table is the center of your living room space and can become the centerpiece for your holiday decor. Add a themed garland, large Christmas ornaments, or even a basket full of greens and pine cones to the table to create a cozy central arrangement. Add a few flameless candles to set the mood. Carry the décor to your kitchen and bathroom counters, dresser or nightstand surfaces, your TV stand – the possibilities are almost endless.

3. Be Subtle

Subtle touches of holiday cheer throughout your home can tie in a holiday theme that makes your dwelling feel comfy and cozy. A small winter scape on a window ledge, holiday-themed kitchen accessories, or a seasonal garland or wreath over your bathroom mirror can invigorate the holiday spirit in your place.

4. Be A Wallflower

Hanging displays or floating shelves are a great way to optimize vertical space. Your wall space can become a replacement for a mantel, a place to hang stockings or provide a fun way to display Christmas cards. For parents, floating shelves make a great elf-on-the-shelf display. Make use of wall space by spreading out the shelves and laying garland or twinkle lights to create a winter atmosphere. Use holiday-themed tape and free paint swatches from the hardware store along with squares of wrapping paper to create a flat yet colorful Christmas tree on the wall.

5. Window Dressing

Your windows are the eyes of your home. Make use of the windows by constructing winterscapes on the windowsills, or hanging a wreath in the window. Hang large snowflakes in the window for a Christmas look that will last through the winter. Wrap lights around your curtain rods or drape them over your blinds to create a bright and airy vibe.

6. Shelves For Elves

Utilize the top of bookshelves or cabinets to lay out decor like ornaments and even tinsel. If you do not have a fireplace, you can use a bookshelf in its place to hang stockings or display Christmas cards.

7. Swap It

Swap out kitchen towels, sheets, throw blankets, and bathroom towels with holiday-themed ones to add a maximized look to your small space. Festive linens are a cute touch for any guest entering your home. The same applies to dishes and tableware!

8. Burn Baby Burn

Festive decor is not only about what you can see but also about the smell. Lean into the scents of the holidays by burning candles that smell like some of your favorite Christmas memories. Candles can also generate a relaxing ambiance, which is a great way to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the season. Just be sure to protect your surfaces from dripping wax, and never leave lit candles unattended.

9. Door Dressing

A perfect way to welcome your guests into your holiday home is with a seasonal wreath or doormat right at the entrance, even if it’s just to your apartment. Your guests will know they’ve stepped into Santa’s workshop with cute festive pieces. Select a wreath that welcomes the spirit of the season and a doormat that displays welcoming cheer.

10. Terrific Tablescapes

The holidays are a great time for get-togethers and parties, greet your guests with a bar or kitchen table that screams Christmas. Select a table runner that showcases snowy scenes, grab a candle or two that smell like pine trees, and don’t forget to add some snacks!

11. Cozy Cocoa

Revamp your bar cart by creating a hot chocolate or cider station. Swap out shakers for marshmallows and chocolate spoons. Grab holiday mugs that tout the Christmas spirit. You can still keep traditional items in your bar cart to create a hot toddy station for those wishing to indulge.

12. Greens Galore

Add fresh greens in swags, garlands, or containers to bring the outdoors in, bringing lovely scents – especially if you can find cedar branches – into your home. Sprigs of greens are an easy and expensive way to create special scenes throughout your apartment. Kick them up a notch by adding pinecones, frosted fruits and berries, an ornament or two, and finish it off with a bit of pretty ribbon or a bow.

Bonus: Party Pets

Get your furry friends in on the action with some cute holiday gear. Whether it’s a festive collar, hat, and/or sweater, decking your dog or kitty will surely bring a smile to your face.
 

So there you have it. We hope you’re inspired to make the most of your home this holiday season with a little (or a lot!) of festive decor. Turning your apartment into a Christmas wonderland can be anything from quick, easy, and inexpensive to time-consuming and elaborate. It’s all up to you! No matter how you celebrate, we wish you the happiest and most joyful holiday season. And tell your dog we said hi.

The post 12 WAYS TO TURN YOUR APARTMENT INTO A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.