Start Your New Space Off Right
So, you are in the process of finding an apartment, moving in, and setting up your life in a new neighborhood. Awesome, let’s get started and get to the fun part: decorating!
Moving to DC? Let us help you out.
Essential Tips for Decorating Your DC Apartment
Choose Your Color Palette Thoughtfully: Decide between a monochromatic and neutral palette for a calm, elegant feel, or a colorful, eclectic scheme to express your personality. Each has its benefits and challenges.
Personalize Your Space with DIY Art: Create your own unique artwork using canvases, wood, or even unconventional methods like letting your pet contribute. This adds a personal and visually striking element to your decor.
Add Special Touches: Incorporate minimalist line art or framed prints for a sophisticated, quiet elegance. Even simple, inexpensive creations can elevate your space when treated with care.
Enhance with Visual Tricks: Use large mirrors to reflect light and create an illusion of more space. Add plants to brighten the room and improve air quality.
Incorporate Textiles Like Weavings: Handmade or purchased weavings in calming colors can add texture and warmth to your decor.
Make Organization Part of Your Design: Use stylish storage solutions like clothing racks, hooks, or shoe shelves to display items as decor while saving space.
Focus on Personal Expression: While trends can be a guide, prioritize decorating in a way that reflects your taste and makes you excited about your space.
Connect with Your Apartment Management: Always check if you’re allowed to paint walls or make significant changes. Some management companies, like the one in the article, permit it.
Embrace Functional Decor: Consider using instruments, bikes, or other practical items as wall art to save space and add character.
Get Inspired and Start Decorating: Take time to find key pieces that resonate with you and arrange them to create a harmonious and exciting space.
Begin with Your Color Choice
One of the biggest dilemmas we can have when moving into a new apartment in DC is what color scheme am I going to go with? Unless you already have something in mind, like a rich jewel-toned theme or a primary color concoction, your choices basically boil down to two choices: monochromatic and controlled OR colorful and wild.
Monochromatic and Neutral
Okay, the beigey-nude-tan-camel tones are definitely cool right now, and the black-white-grey look is basically always in, so one of these palettes is a safe route. It’s usually easy to find furniture in neutral colors, and they can make your home feel calm and elegant.
One colorful piece of wall art can make an even bigger statement in a neutral room too, meaning you can still have pops of color that expand your space and create a sense of movement through your rooms.
This one might feel a bit boring from time to time though.
Colorful and Wild
You can also choose to let yourself gather the colors that speak to you and have a more eclectic feel to your space. This is a great way to keep your home high-energy, to express the jazzy side of your personality.
You may find yourself spending more money on your space because you feel free to just fill it up with knick-knacks. Your space may feel less than calm or a bit cluttered at times.
Pro Tip: Check in with your apartment management company to make sure you can paint your walls before jumping the gun. With us, you can!
Apartment Plant & Art Ideas
Don’t be afraid to take your decoration into your own hands! While there are tons of ways to find the furniture and decor you need in the city, you might be looking for that special something to set your new home apart.
Paint Your Own “Big” Piece
You know what colors you want in your space, you know how you want the space to feel, and you know what kind of art you are looking for. Kind of seems like you are the one who is most qualified to make your own art.
This can be a bit overwhelming if you have never made much art, but don’t get too scared yet. All you need is some kind of canvas, the paint, and some images to use for inspiration.
You can use a slab of wood and just Jackson Pollock the heck out of it, or you could find yourself a big white canvas and put big streaks of colors you love on it before letting your dog walk on it with painted paws. It will be personal and visually interesting. Put it in the center of the room to maximize the effect.
The best part? It isn’t permanent. You can take it down anytime.
Special Touches
Minimalist line art can evoke plenty of emotion and create a sense of quiet elegance anywhere it goes.
Try buying frames in a few different sizes from a dollar store or thrift store. Consider spray painting them gold, silver, copper (or any color) to fit in with your space. Then print out or draw simple art and put it up.
You don’t have to be a good artist to do this! Treat your creations the way you would treat serious art and see how they elevate the space.
Spice it up With The Following Visual Hacks
Do you still have space in your apartment that just feels too empty? Consider these tried-and-true pieces and let yourself feel great about having people over!
Plants
Everyone knows that plants can brighten a space. They are proven to be good for you as well! Not sure where to find the one that’s right for you? Check out this guide to buying plants in DC and make your space more cheery for spring and summer!
Mirrors
A large mirror, either wall-mounted or free-standing, can add a special something to a room. If it has a gold-leaf frame or unique design then all the better. If you position it right it can reflect the light from your windows, expanding the sense of space in the room while also brightening it up.
Weavings
This is another one you can make yourself or buy online. A small loom is pretty affordable and picking out yarn can be a very relaxing errand. These often come in calm, soothing colors and can go nicely with neutral furniture.
Let Organization Be Your Decoration
Not enough closet space to store everything comfortably? Considering displaying your storage in a way that adds something chic to the atmosphere.
If you have an empty wall and a cute jacket or hat that you love to wear, why not put up some hooks and let your favorite pieces decorate your space?
Instruments like guitars also look great on a wall, same with bikes. Anything you put on a wall can be treated as art and gives you more floor space for the important stuff.
That clothing rack that is oh-so-fashionable right now doesn’t have to hide away in your room. If you don’t have a closet near your front door you can always hang things from a rack (or make your own rack that hangs on the wall) and display your coats and scarves while storing them out in the open.
Same goes for shoe storage — you can find shelves that work for you (or paint them if you need to) and store your shoes right out in the open.
Make It “You”
Following decor trends can sometimes feel a bit impersonal. The real fun of decorating is finding those key pieces and arranging them until you’ve struck a balance works for you.
Your space should excite you! Time to get started!
Connect With Us
Have questions or need assistance finding your perfect DC apartment? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Your DC Apartment
How should I choose a color palette for my apartment?
Decide between a monochromatic and neutral palette for a calm, elegant feel or a colorful, eclectic scheme to express your personality. Neutral tones are easy to match and create a serene space, while vibrant colors bring energy and individuality.
Can I create my own art for my apartment?
Absolutely! You can create your own unique artwork using canvases, wood, or even creative methods like incorporating pet paw prints. DIY art adds a personal touch and serves as a visually striking centerpiece for your space.
What are some simple touches to elevate my apartment decor?
Adding minimalist line art or framed prints can bring quiet elegance to your space. Even inexpensive or homemade pieces, when displayed thoughtfully, can make a big impact on the overall look of your home.
What visual hacks can make my apartment feel larger and brighter?
Using large mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Adding plants also brightens a room and improves air quality, making your space more inviting and lively.
How can textiles like weavings enhance my apartment decor?
Weavings, whether handmade or purchased, add texture and warmth to your decor. They often come in calming colors and can beautifully complement neutral furniture and walls.
How can I use organization as part of my apartment’s design?
Stylish storage solutions like clothing racks, hooks, or shoe shelves can double as decor. Displaying items like jackets, hats, and shoes creatively not only saves space but also adds character to your apartment.
How can I make my apartment feel more personal and unique?
Focus on finding key pieces that resonate with your personal taste. While trends can be inspiring, your decor should reflect your personality and make you excited about your space.
Can I paint the walls in my apartment?
Check with your apartment management to see if painting is allowed. Some management companies, like the one mentioned in the blog, permit painting, so you can customize your walls to match your style.
What are some functional decor ideas for small apartments?
Use practical items like guitars, bikes, or other functional pieces as wall art. This saves floor space while adding unique and personal touches to your decor.
Where should I start when decorating my apartment?
Begin by finding key decor items that excite you and experimenting with their placement. Decorating is about striking a balance that feels harmonious and reflects your personality.
