A lot of people will just accept these layouts as is, even if it doesn’t fit the way they actually live. Maybe you eat in front of the TV every night, but crave a place to read quietly or do schoolwork. Why not transform your little dining nook into a mini-library or office? I also remember reading about a woman who never cooked, but loved to shop. She ended up using all of her kitchen cabinets to house her shoes and accessories. Personally, that’s pretty out there for me, but if it works for you – go for it.
I’ve also noticed most apartments in DC have a very open layout, therefore screens, bookshelves and curtains can serve as great ways to designate different zones in your apartment.
Some great examples:
(Domino, January 2008)
(Domino, April 2006)
(Domino, May 2006)Bookshelves are a personal favorite divider for apartments. Not only do they create an instant room, they also provide storage. So perfect for building your own mini-library or home office.
7. Build your room with neutrals, accessorize with prints – I adore prints and colors, but I find them difficult to work with in apartments. A purple and electric blue room is all well and good when you have three or four, or ten other rooms to spend your time in, but would you really want to live with it every day? Not to mention it severely restricts your ability to buy other small, fun pieces.
It’s kind of like receiving a gorgeous one-of-a-kind DVF print dress, on the condition that you have to wear it every day. Sure, it seems like a good deal if you only have to wear it on Saturday nights, but every day? Seriously? What happens when you fall in love with a pair of heels or handbag that don’t match?
Therefore, choose neutral or muted solids for rugs, couches and paint colors. That will allow you to makeover your apartment with just a few, cheap changes by switching up pillows, flowers and artwork.
Case in point:
(Photo from a Domino reader’s room)I don’t think anybody would look at this room and think “neutrals,” but if you take a closer look you’ll notice that, aside from the painted ceiling, every major element is a neutral. Never underestimate the power of throw pillows and cool artwork. P.S. How much do you love his stack of amazing vintage luggage?
8. Monthly cleaning – you need it. Okay, who couldn’t use a professional cleaning service? But when you live in something the size of many people’s living rooms, you are going to notice everything. And so will everyone else. A good cleaning service will get that impossible to reach spot behind the toilet, wax your tub and won’t forget the inside of your microwave. Whether you do it monthly or weekly – it’s a worthy indulgence.
9. Make the most of built-in architectural details – I think exposed radiators, deep window sills and parquet flooring give a building character, and I don’t see any reason to hide any of these features of older buildings. In fact, there are lots of ways you can use some of them to your advantage.
An exposed radiator has a cool industrial look as is, but with a lacquer tray on top in its off-season, it can be used as an extra shelf. Deep window sills give you extra room to display flowers, sculptures and artwork. Think about these elements creatively and I can guarantee they’ll become one of the things you love most about your apartment.
(Elle Decor, designer RJ Thornburg)As I mentioned above, I kind of love the sculptural look of an exposed radiator. Designer RJ Thornburg highlighted that element by painting the rest of the room black and leaving the moldings and radiator white. Tailored, masculine, chic.
(Domino, December/January 2008)You’ve gotta love all of those gorgeous, and yet, completely non-functional fireplaces in DC townhomes and apartments. I can’t be sure, but it looks like the designer here simply decoupaged some pretty, printed paper to the fireplace and matching screen. Instant visual interest.
(Elle Decor, December 2008, designer Madeline Weinrub)The deep windowsills shown here allow the owners to display blue and white chinoiserie vases behind their nightstand. That adds the room's focus on patterns to the window, without taking away their airiness.
Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. What tips do you have?