Small Apartment Decorating Ideas for 2023 Image Source: Pexels A Little Space, A Lot of Style: Small Apartment Decorating Ideas for 2023 It is time to refresh and rekindle the beauty in your living spaces by injecting some new ideas into your homes. Whether it is a new apartment or you would like to upgrade the general look of your rental, here are tips and inspirations that would help to transform your apartment into an adorable living space. Generally, apartment decoration should focus on deep, rich colors for that classic, timeless, regal feel. You can go all-out with built-in colors on cabinets and paint, or you can play it safe and implement bold colors in less permanent areas like furniture, decor, and artwork. Apartment Decorating Ideas for the Living Room The living room is the heart of a home. It is the space where family and friends unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Here are a few realistic apartment decorating tips that almost anyone can apply to this important space. The living room of this apartment at The Vue at Sugar House Crossing uses many of the decor tips outlined below. Choosing Lighting Layering your lighting by utilizing different types of light sources can create a more dynamic and interesting feel to your living room. The type of light bulb you use in each light source will also have a big impact. For a warm & cozy feel, look for soft white bulbs, or if you want to add a little more energy to the space use daylight bulbs for a brighter room. LED bulbs are a popular option because of how long-lasting and energy-efficient they are. The size of your living room will determine the type and number of fixtures you’ll want to use. Smaller living rooms will only require one or two well-placed fixtures while a larger space will require additional lights. Accent lights, such as a well-placed directional spotlight pointed at a piece of artwork or plant, are a great way to create visual points of interest in the room. Use Properly Scaled Furniture & Accessories This might not be something you initially think of, but its’ important to use properly scaled furniture and accessories in the living room. If you have a large, open room with high ceilings, it would be nice to have big-scale furniture, such as a large sofa or a wide sectional that fills the space nicely. On the other hand, if your apartment living room is smaller, go for something scaled down like a settee, a chaise lounge, or even a loveseat. Disproportionately large pieces in a small to medium-sized apartment living room tend to create a mismatched look. This Fruitdale Station Apartments living loom has properly scaled furniture & uses similar patterns & colors in the carpet, pillows, & artwork on the wall. Use Repeating Patterns Repetition – You can make your living space feel more cohesive by repeating elements or themes throughout the living room or the whole house. Repetition doesn’t need to be on the nose. It can be as subtle as repeating a color; for example, using the same shade for photo frames, decorative bowls, and candle holders. A good rule of thumb is to repeat about three times. Incorporate Personal Touches The living room is a great place to showcase personal items like family photos, heirlooms, & mementos. If you have a unique personal item that’s a great point of conversation think of ways you can incorporate it into the design of your living room decor. Look for art that reflects your family’s personality and style. One-of-a-kind pieces like a quirky sculpture or antique vase that you like will make very trendy apartment decor. Use Different Textures Incorporate different textures – Sometimes, when you’re done decorating a space, and it just doesn’t feel ‘complete,’ often the culprit is a lack of texture. Adding textures is especially helpful if you have chosen a monochromatic theme for your living room; variety in texture makes up for the lack of variety in colors. You can bring in smooth textures like metal and glass, bumpy textures like woven chairs, furry textures like fleecy blankets, and even rough textures in stone walls or live-edge wood decor. Apartment Decorating Ideas for the Kitchen & Dining Area The kitchen is one of your house’s most used rooms. Since you spend so much time there, why not make it look nice? Below are a few tips that will help you add some pomp to your kitchen and dining room: Use Proper Lighting Lighting is a key component of creating a welcoming space as it brings life into a room. Pendant lights that look good with your table and chairs are great for dining rooms. Make sure to hang them at an appropriate height to provide plenty of light without obstructing any views. You can also add some lights beneath furniture pieces for a warm ambiance. As a lighting centerpiece, you can use an eye-catching chandelier that doubles as an extravagant focal point. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting configurations to find the perfect balance between brightness and ambiance. This kitchen & dining area at The Vue at Sugar House Crossing features warm pendant lighting coupled with brighter recessed lighting in the ceiling. Use Color Thoughtfully Color can have a major impact on creating the perfect ambiance. In the kitchen, choose a color scheme that blends well with your fittings and appliances. Typically these will be neutral tones like beige, white, or gray. If you’re not permitted to paint your walls, incorporate colors using furniture and decorations. For the dining area, you might consider the use of color psychology when deciding what paint to use. For example, reds and yellows promote appetite and create a cozy atmosphere. Meanwhile, blues and greens are known to suppress appetite and can bring a more peaceful, calming feel to the space. You can also use vibrant accessories such as a bright kitchen towel or a bold rug under a table to bring a pop of color to the room. Ultimately, it’s up to your personal taste (and if your apartment permits painting), but don’t be afraid to experiment with color schemes and accent walls to find out what you like best! Make Maximum Use of Vertical Space Optimize your apartment’s functionality by not leaving large gaps in your kitchen walls. Add open shelves, baskets, and colorful portraits to maximize the vertical space. This helps store kitchen essentials and adds an interesting touch to your walls. You can also save counter space by hanging utensil holders, spice racks, or pots & pans from walls or a ceiling-mounted rack. In the dining room, consider adding a focal point, such as a large painting or brightly colored picture gallery to draw the eye upwards, bringing a sense of height and depth to your space. Use Indoor Plants as Decoration Image Source: Pexels Adding plants to your kitchen or dining room decor can make the space feel more relaxing by bringing nature into your home. Having plants hanging down from shelves can serve as an eye-catching display that also purifies your indoor air. Whether natural or artificial, choose plants with colors that blend with the shades of paint on the walls and decor. Green plants will add a pop of color to neutral walls, while those with colorful flowers can provide a striking contrast against white or black decor. An added benefit of using artificial plants is you no longer have to remember to water them, but you’ll still need to dust! Small Apartment Decorating Ideas for the Bedroom Bedroom decoration is different from other areas of the house. As it is a place of rest, the decor must be a combination of inviting, calming, and functional. Follow the decoration ideas below to improve your bedroom’s look. Elevate Your Bedding Create a chic look by using oversized pillows. A great way to achieve the big pillow look is by either sizing up your cushions or using smaller pillowcases. For example, insert an 18 “x 18″ pillow into a 16″ x 16” pillow case to create a plump, comfortable pillow. Another tip is to move away from the commonly used brightly-colored, patterned duvet covers & low-quality sheets. Instead, pair the plump pillows with layered bedding. Layer your bed with sheets, quilts, throw blankets, comforters, and duvets to give your bed some personality & depth. You might also consider layering various fabrics & textures, like a knit throw blanket or a velvet quilt for some additional comfort & style. Upgrading your bedding will immediately transform any bedroom into comfy, cozy spot that you’ll love falling asleep in. The overstuffed pillows and additional bedding on this bed, which takes up most of the room in this Nexus on 9th bedroom, make it even cozier. Mix n’ Match Furniture for Unique & Trendy Apartment Decor Using matching furniture sets will give your room a coordinated look, but this can sometimes create an uninspired atmosphere. Mixing and matching furniture will help get a unique look that portrays your style. Try to pick unique furniture pieces all over your bedroom. For instance, instead of a standard nightstand, you can use a console table, a minimalist side table, or a stylish desk. If you have a matching furniture set, one way to make it less matchy-matchy is by removing the large mirror on your dresser (many are easily detachable) and instead hanging a differently shaped mirror over it to create a focal point. You can even paint the furniture set in different but agreeable colors to break up the monochromatic look. Luxurious Lighting for the Bedroom Another key to a luxurious bedroom is mood lighting and layered lighting. You can try placing richly-colored lamps on either side of your bed for a touch of bold symmetry. If not lamps, you can install wall sconces, which give a more detailed, custom look. They also save you extra floorspace Just make sure the light fixtures you choose fit well into the vibe of your bedroom. There are countless lighting options available so don’t be scared to experiment with different light sources. Use a Rug on Your Bedroom Floor Sometimes, when you don’t have a rug in your bedroom, the furniture can look like it’s just floating there. With a rug, everything looks more anchored and put together. When selecting a rug for your bedroom, be sure to consider the material used, color, and texture. Putting rugs on a wooden floor is more obvious, but they can also look good on carpeted floors, especially if the rug has a low pile (is thin). Patterned rugs will add texture & depth to the room, while solid colors can be used to create a more peaceful atmosphere. A bedroom rug can also help you hide blemishes in your flooring and add that designer detail to your space. Use Functional Seating as Decoration If space permits, you can create a small seating area for that classy hotel vibe. Try a simple bench at the foot of your bed, a pair of chairs in a corner, or even a loveseat. This makes a great place to read, enjoy a nice beverage, or just relax after a long day. Image Source: Pexels Make this space even more functional by selecting furniture that comes with built-in storage options where you can stuff extra blankets, pillows, clothes, and more. If you don’t want to get new furniture for this spot, you can shop your own home for pieces to repurpose. Take that old ottoman from your living room that nobody uses or a bench from the entryway and plug it into your bedroom. Whatever you choose, be sure that it’s comfortable, functional, & adds to the overall look of your room. Use the Bed as an Anchor for Your Design When it comes to the subject of designing your bedroom, the bed is hands down the most important piece. If you want to achieve a high-end look, ditch the mirrored bed and those with ornate details for a minimalist one instead. Keep it simple & timeless, and decorate the other areas of the room instead. For a more rustic or industrial-themed bedroom, consider beds made from live-edge wood or welded metal. They can add character & personality to the space while still maintaining a sleepy & modern aesthetic. Ultimately, you should choose a bed that matches the overall look you’re trying to achieve. The bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so be sure to select one that makes you comfortable and speaks to your style. This bedroom at Midtown 360 uses the bed as a focal point and utilizes symmetry & balance with the carefully placed mirror, shelves, & knick-knacks on those shelves. Incorporate Symmetry & Balance Symmetry is always a big factor when designing any space, especially a bedroom. For an attractive symmetrical look, use the bed as the focal point and place matching or similar nightstands, stools, or lighting features on either side. Don’t feel restricted to using the same thing on either side, as long as each side is balanced and complements the other. To create balance, be sure to consider the colors & textures around the room. For example, if you have a bold accent wall, place something with a similar color on the opposite side of the room. Finally, keep in mind that too much symmetry might make the room feel sterile and lacking in personality. To avoid this, be sure to balance it out by using other design elements as well. Apartment Decorating Ideas for the Bathroom The bathroom is a private space that requires a bit of liveliness and a touch of color, even though it is often overlooked in decoration. Here are some tips to help you revamp your bathroom: Towel Arrangements Home decoration is about more than just adding hangings on the wall. Sometimes it means investing in higher-quality items and supplies. Image Source: Unsplash For example, you can decorate your bathroom by adding vibrant, soft, and luxurious towels stacked neatly on shelves or placed in a basket for a spa-like feel. When it comes to color, a child’s bathroom would do well with bright, playful color accents such as pink or red. For adult bathrooms, you can use interesting but more muted color combinations, such as cream and yellow. In addition to color, you can also experiment with textures when it comes to your towel arrangement. Plush, fluffy towels will give your bathroom a cozier feel, while thinner lightweight towels lend to a more sleek, modern aesthetic. Bring Nature Inside with Plants Plants in a bathroom help to bring a feeling of serenity and of being in nature. The bird’s nest fern, pothos, and air plants are just some of the plants that can be used in this scenario because of their affinity for humidity. For a lush, tropical feel, choose hanging plants and display them from a tall plant stand or from hanging baskets using suction cups if you’re lacking bathroom counter space. Using various sized plant types & sizes will add visual interest. Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the lighting condition of your bathroom as well. You can include glass plants or other artificial plants to create a unique look in your bathroom if there’s no natural light for live plants. Implement Effective Storage Solutions Apartment bathrooms are small, and therefore storage can be a challenge. It’s essential to maximize space while keeping everything organized and visually appealing. Here are a few options you might consider: Over-the-toilet storage Store extra toilet paper, towels, & other bathroom essentials Hanging Organizer over shower curtain rod, towel bar, or door Store Razors, toothbrushes, & makeup Magnetic Organizers on the Inside of Cabinet doors Store bobby pins, tweezers, & nail clippers Tension Rods Store cleaning supplies, toilet paper, & other bathroom essentials Command hooks Hang towels, bathrobes, & washcloths Incorporate a Piece of Bathroom Artwork Consider incorporating a canvas, framed painting, or photograph in the bathroom that reflects your style or vibe. A carefully chosen piece of artwork can elevate the style & mood of your bathroom, making it more comfortable & inviting. Ensure that the chosen artwork can withstand moist and humid conditions. For example, a semi-gloss painting would get the job done since it is water-resistant. You also want to consider size & placement when choosing your bathroom artwork. A large piece creates a striking focal point, while groupings of smaller pieces bring more texture and visual interest to the small space. Extra tip: Create a floor plan before you begin decorating: Planning your layout can save you the headache of returning wrongly scaled items or having no walkways. A good floor plan can also help you to nail your color scheme, focal point, symmetry, texture, and other things like pathways and conversation areas. It doesn’t need to be fancy; you can draw your living room plan with a pencil on graph paper. Alternatively, you can use software or websites like floorplanner.com or RoomSketcher. Top 5 Renter-Friendly Decor Tips: How to Decorate an Apartment on a Budget 1. Paint Your Furniture When you can’t paint the walls in your apartment, paint your furniture instead. A fresh coat of paint on a bed frame or dresser can be just as impactful as a new color on the walls. Use the furniture colors as a springboard for other apartment decorating ideas to incorporate into your space. Repeat the colors on accessories and fabrics for a pulled-together look. 2. Avoid Nails, Use STrips & Hooks Avoid using nails when hanging items like artwork. Adhesive strips & stick-on hooks are easy to apply & remove, and they’ll get the job done when it comes to hanging art, flower vases, and lightweight shelves. 3. Decorate with Plants As previously discussed, plants are a great way to add greenery and life to your apartment. If other options are feasible, use plants that can thrive in low-light environments. They are great for making an apartment look refined and come with the added bonus of purifying the air you breathe. 4. Use Furniture Pads Furniture pads will protect the floor against scratches that might be caused by the movement of furniture during decoration or regular use. They’re inexpensive and easy to apply, and definitely cost less than having to foot the bill for costly repairs when moving out! 5. Opt for Removable Wallpaper If you want to add some color or a pattern to your walls without painting, removable wallpaper is an excellent option to look into. All you’ll need to do when moving out is to peel them off the walls. Most times, stick-on wallpapers will come off without leaving marks, making it a perfect solution for renters. Plus, with the immense variety of colors & patterns to choose from, you’re sure to find something that will match your style & existing decor. De Anza is Here to Help You Find the Perfect Apartment to Decorate Apartment decoration is crucial because it gives life to your rooms, creates a sense of comfort, and makes you enjoy the space you call home. At De Anza Properties, we have specialized in developing apartment complexes that meet the needs of all kinds of people. Our houses are equipped enough for your comfort, but also simple enough to allow you to decorate your home the way you like. We have dozens of apartment complexes throughout California and Utah. Reach out to us today and let’s help you get the perfect apartment for you to decorate and live in for a long time. View more homes in San Francisco, SF South Bay / San Jose Area, Escondido / San Diego and the Salt Lake City Area. South Bay San Francisco Bay Area VIEW COMMUNITIES San Francisco VIEW COMMUNITIES North County-Escondido San Diego VIEW COMMUNITIES West Hollywood Los Angeles VIEW COMMUNITIES Salt Lake City UTAH VIEW COMMUNITIES