Once upon a time….. I rented my first apartment and my Mother stepped in to assist me with my apartment design. She helped me select quality pieces of furniture, some that are in my home today! What a gift that was to me – my very own apartment starter kit!
I knew I wanted to do this for my daughter when the time came. She graduated from college last May and moved to Dallas. She rented an apartment in a good, safe location.
Before we knew it, move-in day was here. I had 3 days to transform this apartment into a trendy & stylish home for my young professional daughter.
At First Glance
When I walked inside, I noticed the wood floors, white walls, and an odd floorplan. The odd apartment layout had some tricky spaces and determining the best way to designt the rooms presented some challenges. I used an app called RoomSource to make a copy of the apartment floorplan. It’s so easy! Just hold your phone to the walls and poof! it draws the floorplan for you with measurements!
Apartment Design
Setting the Stage
Preparing a budget is a necessary tool when beginning apartment design. Following a spending plan will ensure that you have enough money to complete your project.
Now I needed to plan how to divide the space between the living room, kitchen, dining room, and front entry. Placing the couch at an angle facing one living room wall would provide the boundary needed to separate the rooms. It would also create a natural walkway throughout the apartment.
\Apartment DesignPriorities
You want to make your furniture work for you!
Determine your needs:
- storage
- seating
- entertainment
- work space
For example, the buffet I chose has an ample amount of cabinets & drawers for extra storage. The nightstands in the bedroom have 3 large drawers. The couch is a sofa sleeper for overnight guests. The bar cart is another place to hol glassware.
Apartment Design
Decorating solutions
I know we all love a big overstuffed couch, but for small spaces, medium size furniture is best!
Creating a warm and inviting apartment without over-crowding was foremost in my design. The couch and chairs have some curves which help to soften the sharp angles of the walls. I used gray for the base color, it’s neutral and will go with anything.
Metal & glass tables have a contemporary effect. Rugs always help to ground your space.
Apartment Design
Multipurpose Room
Pull up a chair to eat or work!
This dining table is sturdy and good lookin’! Set close enough to outlets for computers & ipads and enough seating to share a meal with friends. The large piece of art serves as the focal point for this room and adds some life to the white barren walls.
It’s always great to have a window to gaze at while trying to decipher your bank statement!
The decor doesn’t have to be expensive. I spray painted coffee beans gold and put them in the long bowl on the dining table.
Apartment Design
Make Something Out Of Nothing
Another single piece of art enlivens this small, empty alcove in the floorplan. The bar cart set against this wall makes it easily accessible for both the living and dining room. It provides additional storage for glassware and has a great look in the same metal & glass as the table in the living room.
Apartment Design
Sweet Dreams
Let’s turn this space into a place where dreams are made!
Apartment Design
Navy and white create a classic look for her bedroom. Layering a mix of colors, patterns, and pillows on the bed adds depth and the headboard provides height. The lamp illuminates the room for nighttime reading and sends out a warm glow. The artwork fits in perfectly with the decorating style and completes the room.
Apartment Design
Finishing Touches
Adding accessories is the final step in decorating this apartment. Keeping it simple and clutter free is crucial. The rock formation on the coffee table is a unique, eye-catching piece. Using bold colors in the pillows and artwork are the key to making this a chic, sophisticated apartment design. The rug helps pull all the colors together.
Looking back at the experience I found there were 6 keys steps to the successful design of my daughter’s apartment.
Steps to Apartment Design
- Set a budget
- Draw floorplan with measurements
- Decide what you need in furnishings & function
- Select a base/neutral color
- Choose wall décor for focal points
- Add color with pillows, rugs, linens & accessories
You can read more about decorating small spaces on my post:
Small Spaces with Big Style: How to make the most of your studio apartment
Want to replicate the look? Here are some further inspirations.
