It’s amazing how the way we decorate our apartments can affect the ambiance of each room. We may want it to be a peaceful and comforting place, or a base for entertaining others. Some people prefer a modern look whilst others go for something more classic or retro. We may wish our home to be a fashion statement or a canvas on which to display our creative abilities.

It may be that you are preparing to redecorate your apartment. If so, this article discusses six key things you need to consider during the process.

1. The Flooring

You may decide to have new carpets fitted because they are soft to walk on and can brighten up the home. They are not the best choice for bathrooms, however, due to issues with damp and condensation. It’s always wise to have the carpets laid once the painting jobs have been finished, including the doors and walls.

You could also check out vinyl flooring for your apartment. Some products are laid in strips and are designed to resemble wood. There are also websites featuring Canadian Hardwood flooring that offer a choice of oak, maple, ash, walnut or hickory. It’s possible to select from smooth, brushed or hand-scraped flooring. The beauty of shopping from the internet is that you can check Google and customer reviews before you decide to buy.

2. Space Maximisation

If you don’t have a lot of room in your apartment, you need to make the most of what you do have. One place to start is by decluttering. Try and be merciless with your possessions: if you haven’t used something for two years do you really need to keep it? Mirrors can be beneficial on two fronts: they can increase the sense of space and also make the rooms look lighter. If you have a low ceiling, use a tall mirror to counteract it.

If you need to use your bedroom as a home office, use a screen or divider if you have space. Each part of the room could be furnished and used differently.

If you have your kitchen re-done it can be tempting to include every possible unit available. Some companies let you view a 3D computerized version of what the room will look like when it’s finished. Even so, it’s important to use a tape measure in your kitchen to ensure you will have sufficient floor space to move around.

3. Your Budget

It’s wise to assess your spending capacity before you start, and to plan your activities around it. This may mean buying items of a lower quality than you originally wanted, or doing the upgrades in stages. If you have two bathrooms you could redecorate one and complete the second later on when you have the money. It may also be worth considering upcycling. This is where people buy new sofa and cushion covers or restore and re-paint their furniture to give it a new lease of life.

Whether it’s redecoration, renovation or extension many projects tend to overrun financially. It’s therefore best to put aside more money than you plan to use, to provide a financial buffer. Should you end up paying more for your kitchen or bathroom than you originally planned, it’s best to see this as a long-term investment. These two rooms often most affect the selling prices of properties.

4. Light

Every apartment is different, so there is no generic solution. It may be that you could add extra lighting below your kitchen cabinets or install some ceiling spotlights to improve dark areas. Dimmer switches provide homeowners with extra flexibility. You can adjust the light according to the time of day, making it more restful in the evenings when your eyes are tired.

If you use shades on your ceiling or with wall or floor lamps, make sure they are filtering the light sufficiently. Candles can be great for mood lighting, and if they are scented they can remove household odors like diffusers.

5. Colors And Styles

Some rooms don’t get a lot of sunlight because of their location. It’s therefore important to use brighter colors such as white or pastel shades. Consistency is an important aspect to completing your home decor. Don’t feature an unrelated assortment of furniture, styles and colors. Whilst it can be nice having a special feature that creates a focal point in a room, everything else should look mutually compatible.

If you go for a modern style, use such colors as light grey and keep the room as minimalist as possible. If you prefer an old-fashioned look, you could go for plenty of solid wooden furniture. Whilst people often like to personalize their bedrooms, it looks best when most rooms have a consistent style. It’s also worth buying fresh flowers from time to time. Their bright colors can quickly brighten up a room, whilst adding a touch of nature.

6. Adapting What You Have

It’s always best if you can empty a room beforehand, so you have a blank canvas. The next step is to install fitted furniture. This helps to maximize the available space, and it can accommodate any quirks in the room. Recesses and corner areas can be used to contain customized shelves. A large area of space beneath a staircase could be turned into a reading nook or altar.

If you have a large area of unused wall space, put up some pictures or photos, or additional shelving to free up the floor space. If you have cables or pipes visible, it’s worth getting these boxed in to improve the room’s appearance. If there’s limited space in the bedroom, buy a bed with built-in storage or a collapsible sofabed.

Whilst you may have lots of work ahead of you, it will be worth it once it’s done. You may end up with new flooring and furniture, and fresh colors and styles. The rooms may feel less cramped, look brighter and appear more customized. Your hard work will have turned into an investment that you’ll benefit from in the years to come.