Living in an apartment does not mean that you have to sacrifice style and comfort when it comes to your decor or interior design. If you work from home or head into the office, your living space has a major impact on your mental health and overall happiness. It can be intimidating trying to style a new home but, the easiest thing to do is figure out what works best for you. If you are anything like me, that means finding a simple piece that can work with any statement pieces depending on the season.
Whether you like a modern look or a maximalist touch, here are five home decor pieces that I cannot live without.
1- Textured Vases
A simple way to add dimension and style to your small space is to incorporate a textured vase. When you are out looking for the perfect piece to make your space feel like home, reach for a neutral colored vase with a rough texture. Whether it is clay, stone or ceramic, a neutral vase will work with every design style. Feeling the summer weather? Stop by your local flower shop and grab a bright burst of color to add to your new vase. Tip: try switching to dried flowers in the fall and winter!
2- Mirrors
One of the most simple and effective ways to open up a small space is to add mirrors. By reflecting the light in the room, mirrors will brighten up your apartment and add depth to the space. Not only are they great at tricking the eye but, they can be beautiful decor additions depending on the frame and shape. Choose a rounded mirror to create flow, a mirror framed with filigree to add interest or a floor mirror to open up your space and check out your amazing style!
3- A Rug That Ties it All Together
Often skipped over, a rug can make all the difference! Choose a rug that fits the room well, making sure it is not too small. Rugs are great at bringing in statement colors or patterns to add dimension and interest without taking up too much space. You can also use rugs for separating areas within your small space. Adding a rug in the living room and using another rug to separate the dining space will create the illusion of a larger room and add texture and color.
4- A Solid Set of Shelves
This one may sound a bit strange but I promise you that a solid shelving unit makes all of the difference. In small spaces it is important to utilize your vertical space in order to draw the eye up and make your rooms look taller. Shelves are a great way to organize books, store sentimental items, display your collectibles or create spaces for plants. Not only are shelves a functional way to create interest in a room, they can add color and dimension depending on the material you choose.
5- A Plant...or Two...or Three
Speaking of plants, a great way to freshen up your space is to add plants to the mix. Whether faux or for real, plants add a great pop of color and can be easily incorporated into any design style. If you want a plant for a modern look, lean into the easy going snake plant that requires low maintenance. If you want a statement piece, try out a bird of paradise with large sweeping leaves and beautiful bright colors. Even if your green thumb may be lacking, there are other faux plant options. From hanging vines to trees and cacti, plants make for the perfect design element to liven up any room!
With all of that said, my most important tip is this; find what speaks to you. Make your home a place that you enjoy spending time in and let your personality shine through! Get into a 'small space, big personality' mindset and have fun shopping for those simple yet effective home decor items.