How To Personalize Your New Condo

Moving into a new condo or apartment is an exciting milestone for anyone.

After the papers are signed, and the keys are handed over, it’s time to start personalizing your space to make it truly feel like home.

While interior designers are a nice luxury to have, you may not necessarily need to invest in one in order to transform your space.

Follow these five design tips, to style your new condo or apartment.

1. Select the right paint colours

Neutrals are so last season.

Why not add some colour to your walls, and put your personality on full-display.

HGTV suggests creating a focal wall, or connecting spaces using shades of colour. You can also create an unexpected accent by adding a splash of colour to the inside of a bookshelf, a windowsill or other nook. This helps add depth to a room.

Just be sure to check your rental agreement before breaking out the paint roller, if you don’t own the space.

Image: Hometalk

2. Get creative with your window coverings

Image: Ikea

Window coverings are an often over-looked opportunity to inject personality into your space.

There is an abundance of variety when it comes to blinds, shades and curtain styles. You can even opt for a combo of coverings to mix and match.

Blinds: Blinds are distinct from shades, in that they are generally made from wood, vinyl, or metal. Blinds are most suited for smaller windows, as opposed to floor-to ceiling or wider horizontal windows.

Shades: Blackout shades are a popular option for city-dwellers in more populous neighbourhoods with intrusive street light or direct sight-lines into nearby buildings. You can also take the opposite approach, and choose a more sheer fabric option to allow more natural light exposure. Roller and motorized options are available.

Curtains: Sheer drapes are a great option to ensure privacy, without compromising on view. Heavier fabrics should be reserved for larger spaces that balance them out.

3. Furniture makes all the difference

Carefully placed furnishings can create an inviting space that moves beyond size.

Just remember to keep practicality and functionality front-of-mind when it comes to furniture for apartments.

Multi-purpose furniture is essential for any small space, where each piece should earn its keep. Try using ottomans that double as a coffee table or extra seating.

Remember, the first question you should ask yourself before purchasing any piece of furniture is: does this piece function within my every day life? For example, if you have pets, or little ones, a light-coloured sofa is probably not the most practical option.

Image: Architectural Digest

4. Up your art game

Image: Framebridge

Fine art doesn’t need to break the bank.

Whether you prefer to invest in high-end pieces, or prefer a more DIY approach, there are countless options when it comes to wall art and decor.

For a more personal touch, try framing a postcard you picked up on a recent vacation, or hang your children’s art work.

5. Don’t forget about lighting

Good lighting warms a space, and has the ability to affect your everyday mood.

Rather than opting for fixtures that blend into the background, try something more distinctive.

The right lighting fixture can add excitement and fun to a room, while creating a focal point that acts as an anchor.

To support your primary fixtures, you can also use adjustable floor lamps for the living room, battery-operated LED lights for the closet and clip-on reading lights for the bedroom.

Image: Litfad