Apartment interior design is an important subset of home design. Frequently necessary in urban areas, this type of decorating requires a variety of special skills. People who live in apartments may be hampered by building restrictions or not know how to efficiently use a small space. Yet with a little thought, beautiful apartment interior design can be accomplished on nearly any budget.
Before beginning apartment interior design, check rental agreements and building restrictions carefully. Although many apartments do not allow tenants to paint interior walls, some will permit it as long as the tenant agrees to repaint or pay for a professional painting job upon leaving. Other apartments may forbid the removal of any built-in features, or may not allow certain items, such as waterbeds. To avoid problems with the landlord, work carefully within the bounds of any restrictions.
Apartments tend to be smaller than many houses, leading to the need for an organized, space-efficient apartment interior design. When shopping for furniture, look for items that have internal storage compartments. Beds, ottoman, coffee tables, and even some chairs may solve some organizational problems with handy extra hiding spots. Additionally, consider investing in closet organizers that will help maximize closet space.
Like all good home design, apartment interior design should be customized to the taste and needs of residents. Buying an enormous comfortable sofa for someone who will never use it is not a good idea, as is getting pricey modern glass fixings for people with lots of children. Ideally, design elements will be practical for the needs of the owners, as well as enhancing the quality of life at home.
If walls are not allowed to be painted, consider other options before deciding to live with white or beige forever. Artwork or fabric wall hangings can do a lot to add color and personality to walls. Alternatively, consider purchasing wall decals. These giant, removable stickers are available in thousands of patterns, colors, and designs. You can spice up a kid's room with brightly colored animals, race cars, or even castles.
Light is also an important consideration in apartment interior design. Maximize natural sunlight by placing mirrors opposite windows to create reflected sources. Consider installing dimmers to allow greater control over amount the amount of light allowed. Those interested in green living will also want to ensure they use energy-saving bulbs. Not only do many varieties last longer than typical light bulbs, they are better for the environment and can even be recycled.
If budget allows, consider hiring an interior designer who specializes in apartments. While this may be a more expensive option, it offers several alternatives. First, most established designers have professional relationships with wholesalers and dealers, allowing the client to get better quality for lower prices. Also, designers can be ideal for the chronically busy; families can go about their daily lives while the designer creates a beautiful new home for them.