Decorating my first apartment!?
Question:I'm a college student and I am leasing a pretty big apartment next semester. I'm wondering if there are any tips on space efficiency. I also want to have plants on my balcony. What are some great low maintainence plants to have? I'll be living in Californian wine country if that helps with the climate and plant selection.
Answers:
Key tips to maximize space in a small apartment
- use dual function pieces, ie an ottoman whose top opens for storage space.
- don't waste any of the vertical space, shelves can offer a lot of storage and you can keep it neat looking by using baskets or linen or even the plastic boxes (as long as you're consistent) from places like the container store or the bed/bath stores.
-there are many foldable options for desks and tables, things that can be folded up to take up little space, but if you need to work or have guests can be expanded out.
-keep clutter at a minimum
-generally lighter colors are used in small spaces, but you can also do cool colors in a monochromatic scheme to help expand the space.
-make sure you have adequate lighting and let as much sunlight in as possible.
-if windows/sunlight is limited, use a mirror or mirrors that reflect any incoming sunlight to trick the eye, reflect the light and expand the space
- if you have a coffee table or end tables you may want to consider lucite or glass which, because it is transparent, does not cut up the space
You'll have to get the plant advice from someone else, sorry,
Hope this helps
Since you'll be in wine country why not pay omage to your surroundings...plant a grape vine. You can get small one's online (bonsai style) or pick one up once you've moved. Put a larger vine in a half barrel and plant flowers around it!
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