First things first :
The ABCs of Selecting Furniture & Material
A. Where ? Look out for unique and wonderful furniture items at various second hand stores. Check for great deals on-line....you will be surprised how many decorative but inexpensive items you chance upon
B.
What ? Always choose an item that reflects your personal style, so that you can easily use it for a long time in future. To lend vibrancy to your room always make use of bright colors. Remember, colors reflect the mood. Add color through wall-paint, bed sheets, pillow cases and even window curtains
C.
How ? Before beginning to purchase your furnishing articles, you must always keep in mind the space you want to use - size, amount of light, ventilation, dimensions, functions, accessibility - all that sort of stuff. It is quite obvious that everyone wants a private, beautiful yet practical place to sleep, eat and relax.
Now that we have that out of the way let's look at a few basic things that will help you make your apartment more attractive and homely. Some of these will be obvious to some but surprisingly less obvious to most:
1. Living Room
If your apartment is not too large, then the living room in your house automatically becomes multi functional. You need two chairs or a sofa set to begin with. Add a television set/ wall painting to your living room as a focal-point. You can also use wall mounted stands, sculptures, picture frames and patterned wall-paper to give your living room a vivacious look.
2. Kitchen
The most important area in your apartment is indeed the kitchen! Safety and functionality should be placed first before aesthetics even for an interior designer. Ensure you have adequate ventilation, storage space, clean cutting surfaces and easy access to a disposal bin for trash.
3. Bedroom
Ensure you choose warm and relaxing colours for your bedroom - this is the place you will go to rest your mind and boy after all. Ensure your bed is not only an affordable price and right size but has the mattress of the right density to avoid back injuries. Choose warm light for the bulbs and add an inexpensive bedside reading lamp. If space permits, add one chair to give a smarter look to your bedroom.
4. Storage Area
You can be creative when it comes to storage area in a small apartment. Have cutomised storage chests for books, clothes and bedsheets/ curtains. Incorporate storage area under the bed that is air and dust tight. You can install shelves or over head storage units that are smart and take up minimal space without blocking off light as well.
5. Home Office anyone ?
The basic requirements for an office are : a desk, a comfortable chair and a computer. Keep it simple but functional and if space permits you can also install book shelves.
After reading this, you will may still be skeptical about the basic costs for making an apartment more homely but remember that if you keep the basics right, you definitely be able to design your apartment on a manageable budget.
And lastly, do not try to indulge in everything at one time. Maintain priorities and purchase accordingly over a realistic time-frame !
All the best and have a great weekend !
Daphine
