4 decorating tips for apartments

Here are four handy tips for decorating an apartment, from choosing paint colours to selecting furniture.

If you've embraced the apartment lifestyle, you might be wondering how you can add personal touches to what can be a small space.

A modern apartment kitchen
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There's plenty of potential when it comes to apartments, and there are numerous interior decorating ideas that will play up your livings areas and bedroom in the best way possible.

Here are five handy tips for decorating an apartment, from choosing paint colours to selecting furniture.

1. Pick a consistent colour theme

Unlike an expansive four-bedroom home with generously sized indoor and outdoor areas, an apartment doesn't have such luxuries.

However, this doesn't mean you should disregard your personal preferences when giving the interior design a revamp.

One way to embrace a particular colour theme – without making your apartment feel too busy or cluttered – is to use the theme throughout.

This works particularly well if you living room, kitchen, dining area and hallway feed into one another. Rather than selecting different paint shades for every single room, you can create a sense of harmony and openness by using the same colour theme throughout.

Instead of having multiple areas, you can create the impression of a single, larger area. That's certainly something to write home about!

Try the likes of Resene Quarter Truffle or Resene Half Craigieburn on the walls. Shades of mushroom, tan and greige (grey beige) add a point of intrigue, but their neutral demeanour makes them a safe pick.

2. Add pot plants

Pot plants are an excellent choice for your apartment's living room, kitchen and bedrooms!

They will instantly brighten up the space, without requiring days of tricky renovations. Simply head down to your local gardening store and select some low-maintenance indoor plants, stones or soil and a pot that complements your apartment's existing design.

Ferns add a glorious touch, while native grasses and peace lilies also look excellent throughout the home.

Carefully consider where you'll place plants, though. A plant in an oversize pot can create a unique focal point, but it could take up valuable floorspace. Instead, consider a series of smaller plants that can be lined up on floating shelves or around the base of a boarded-up fireplace. If you've got a coffee table that can withstand the weight of a peace lily, that's another option too.

Not only can some plants purify the area, but you'll love the extra splashes of colour throughout your apartment – even if it's simply pops of green.

3. Utilise corners

Never underestimate the corners in your home.

When you live in an apartment, you want to maximise every last inch of space. A sectional piece can be the perfect way to use the space efficiently.

However if a dresser, couch or other item of furniture can't be pushed into a corner for whatever reason, don't leave this space empty.

You can add a narrow, wooden ladder to a corner and use it to hang clothing over in the bedroom. Paint it with Resene Solitaire for a shabby-chic vibe.

4. Create a multi-purpose room

Finally, it's a great idea to design a multi-purpose room, if you've got the liberty to do so.

For instance, if you've got a spare room in addition to the master bedroom, you could add a bed to one corner and a built-in desk unit at the other. You've instantly got a spare room and home office, all in one!

If you do this, be sure to select a soothing colour scheme that's good for working in, as well as catching some sleep in. While electric orange may create a vibe that's conducive to productive work, it's probably not the most appropriate hue for guests who want to catch a spot of relaxation.

Instead, follow our first tip of embracing the same colour scheme throughout, then jazz up the room with bright blooms and a statement piece of artwork.

Colours mentioned in this blog...