Whether you’re moving to an entirely new place or you just want a change of scenery in your apartment, decorating is a great way to express yourself and add a personal touch to your living space. Though decorating can be exciting, there are many decisions to make with your decor that can be a bit daunting and it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the options available for updating your space.
One of the best ways to get started is by picking a theme for the room. This blog from apartmentguide.com offers a couple good ideas to get you started with a theme. Keep reading for inspiration to get you on the fast track to developing your own eclectic style.
Period pieces
One approach to interior decorating is to seek inspiration from favorite periods in history. A few recently-popular period styles includeContemporary andRetro decor.
A trip through Tumblr can score some ideas about Contemporary Scandinavian Style – think sleek lines, light colors, and natural-looking woods. The key to going Contemporary is using neutral colors, geometric patterns and artistic lighting to evoke a cool, comfortable setting.
Another period decorating trend revolves around retro furnishings. Bright colors like pink, green, turquoise and yellow inform the Retro style, which gets its design inspiration from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Furniture and accessories take on abstract and futuristic shapes. If you can imagine living like The Jetsons, then you’ve nailed the sense of it, reaching back to the recent past’s idea of the future.
Check out style guides that will educate you on the basics of different periods and perhaps guide you toward the right pieces to shop for.
Location? Location. Location!
Often apartment decorating ideas emerge from a specific place, instead of a period of time. If you like to travel (or dream of traveling), then pattern your apartment after one of your favorite locales. Watch theTravel Channel or read travel magazines and blogs. Decorating around the world is an adventure where you search for tidbits from trips and immerse yourself in import shops for inspiration.
Remember that your location-inspired decorating can focus on a specific part of the world or represent a thematic style used in many areas. For example, Spanish styleevokes the feel of that country with colorful tiles, earth tones and carved wood. On the flip side, a more general theme like Rusticcan include influences from many locations, like the mountains of Montana and deserts of New Mexico. The secret to Rustic chicis using natural elements, found objects and warm colors.
Picture your lifestyle
Another way to look at your interior decorating is to evaluate your lifestyle. Are you relaxed and easy going? A little more conservative and buttoned up? Decorating is personal and should suit your unique lifestyle choices.
Laid-back, carefree decorators should take a look at Cottage style. This approach is more about attitude than accessories. The goal is to create a welcoming vibe that celebrates the ordinary and imperfect. Think thrift-store finds, slip-covered furniture and funky family heirlooms on display.
For those who appreciate structure, theTraditional style might represent you well. Traditional apartment decorating might include furniture that looks like it’s straight out of the 19th Century, though undoubtedly more comfortable. Floral patterns, symmetrical arrangements, and elegant window treatments show off the warmth of classic tastes.
If you are unsure about your decorating style, there are great online quizzes to help you decide which direction to take your apartment decorating. Or just take a chance and start decorating – you’ll have figured out your own eclectic style by the time you’re done.
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