Decorating a one bedroom apartment in your mid-twenties is the perfect time to explore what interior style feels like home to you. When I signed the lease for my first one bedroom apartment, I was giddy to create a set of rooms that housed relics from previous travels, paintings I had spent hours on, and a few hand-me-down furniture pieces from loved ones. The blank canvas of a space left me asking myself: How should I decorate a one bedroom apartment that is both fun and functional?
Growing up, I loved collecting things—stamps, Pokémon cards, letters, recipes, antique mirrors, quotes, rocks, books, art, and more. Now that I am decorating a one bedroom apartment, I have found ways to incorporate these collections into my space. Here are some things that I found helpful when thinking through how I wanted to design my apartment.
Decorating a Small Space 101
Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a sofa bed for guests, a desk with storage space, or a dining table that can be extended for when you have friends over. My favorite piece I have found recently is an ottoman that turns into a small bed.
Smart Storage Solutions: If you are balancing a growing career and balancing a healthy lifestyle like I am, you likely have a lot on your plate. Make sure your apartment is well-organized by utilizing storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and under-bed storage. Creating a calm and organized environment that suits your busy lifestyle will help keep the space tidy (with less time).
Quality Over Quantity: Instead of filling your apartment with lots of small decor items, opt for a few high-quality pieces that truly resonate with you. This will create a more sophisticated and put-together look. Consider a minimalist approach to design and build off of that. Also, do yourself a favor and invest in a good mattress, cozy bedding, and comfortable seating options.
Crafting an Aesthetic
Accent Colors: Consider color! Choose several accent colors to add personality to your space. These can be introduced through throw pillows, artwork, or small decor items. Incorporating a colorway that you love can help create a cohesive and visually appealing look and feel to the apartment.
Good Lighting: Lighting can significantly impact the ambiance of your apartment. Invest in a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Consider floor lamps, table lamps, and even string lights to create a cozy atmosphere. I opt for warm lighting and always use LED bulbs. I have an LED bulb in my bedroom that has a remote to change colors. I like to use the pink tone at night to wind down. If your apartment has a balcony, outdoor string lights are a great addition and instantly make the space feel more cozy.
Plants: Whether you have a green thumb or not, you can have indoor plants. For example, I have a peace lily and it only requires water once(ish) a week and only partial sunlight. Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature to inside, but also improve air quality and contribute to a more calming environment. Having a small herb garden is also I great way to incorporate green.
Apartment Must Haves
Home Office Area: I am so glad I decided to dedicate a corner of the apartment as a home office. While I work away from home most days, it is so nice having a dedicated space to complete admin work at the end of the day. I purchased a comfortable chair from HomeGoods, a spacious desk from Amazon, and made sure to set up the space by a window with good lighting.
Functional Decor: Choosing decor items that serve a purpose beyond aesthetics is must if you live in a small space. For example, decorative baskets for storage, a stylish coat or shoe rack by the entrance, or a full-length mirror that also adds depth to the space. I hung mirrors in every room in the apartment—this not only looks lovely, but also gives the illusion that the space is bigger than it actually is.
Personal Touches: Decorate with items that reflect your personality and interests. This could include artwork, photographs, or items you’ve collected from your travels. These personal touches will make your apartment feel like home.
What and Where to Buy
- This being said, the key is to create a space that makes you feel at ease and accommodates your lifestyle. Taking the time in the beginning to plan your decor and choose items that align with your tastes and needs.
- I picked out furniture from both online and offline sources. Here are some of the best places I found to shop for budget-friendly furniture:
- IKEA: Known for its modern and minimalist designs, IKEA offers a wide range of affordable furniture and home decor options. Their flat-pack furniture is both stylish and budget-friendly.
- Target: Target offers a mix of stylish and affordable furniture options as well.
- Amazon: Amazon has an extensive selection of furniture from various sellers. I ordered my white L-shaped desk from Amazon, as well as a shoe rack, and organization bins. I always read reviews and check product details before making a purchase.
- HomeGoods: HomeGoods is a store where you can find discounted home decor and furniture. Their inventory varies, so you might need to visit multiple times to find the perfect pieces. After a few visits, I found my current office chair for $70, and it is so comfy. I also like to look for candles, blankets, and artisanal foods here.
- Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops: Secondhand stores are a great place to look for affordable furniture. With a little patience, you might find unique pieces that fit your style. I thrifted my indigo-colored couch, as well as my living room rug.
- Facebook Marketplace: Before moving into this apartment, I had never used Facebook Marketplace. While I had heard of many people buying and selling, I was a little skeptical until I found my new kitchen island for $80 (like new) when it was selling on Amazon for almost $200. Make sure to inspect items before purchasing and be cautious of overly “cheap” options, as quality matters for long-term satisfaction.
- DIY and Upcycling: Consider revamping or repurposing older furniture pieces. I did this with a piece of furniture that used to be my great-grandmothers. It is now the perfect piece for under my TV. Thrift stores and garage sales are good places to look for old pieces to revamp if you don’t already have pieces to upcycle. Most of the time it only takes a little paint and creative vision.
TIP: After securing an apartment, make a list of all the measurements you might need when picking out furniture. I keep this list in the Notes app on my phone so I always have it.
CONCLUSION
Transforming your one-bedroom apartment into a personalized haven is a journey that balances style and functionality. By carefully selecting furniture that maximizes space, incorporating favored colors and textures, and adding thoughtful decorative elements, you can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that truly feels like home. Remember, the key is to infuse your unique personality into every corner while maintaining a sense of organization and comfort. As you embark on this creative adventure, may your new apartment reflect not only your design preferences but also the vibrant chapter of life you’re embracing.
xxx
Allie M
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