Decorating Your Apartment: Part Two

Welcome back for Part Two of how to decorate your apartment! We discuss 3 more styles that you can choose from when making your apartment your own.

Mediterranean

The rich colors and bold statements in Europe’s Mediterranean region have grown to be more and more popular over the last few years. This style is influenced by many different cultures from Spain, Greece and Italy to name a few. Wrought iron, patterned tiles, stucco walls and bright fabrics with various textures help to bring this whole look together. You could also take a more earthy approach with this look by including accents from the sea, sky and land around you. Instead of using the soft blue of the sky, try stepping it up a notch with a vibrant teal from the ocean. Red, orange and yellow prove to be a popular color combination when it comes to this design style. Mediterranean design is all about taking risks and mixing textures, colors and mediums.

Rustic

If you love the outdoors and would like to bring the outside in, then rustic design could suite your home very well. Bring nature into your home by incorporating elements from the outdoors. Include style from the sky, land, sea and plants. The use of natural woods is almost always a necessary part in rustic design. Adding a stone backsplash to your kitchen or a slate tiled floor could help bring the rock element into your design. Think log cabin or the mountain terrain when decorating.

Eclectic

Eclectic spaces mix many different kinds of styles and allow you to make your home as unique as you are. The crazier the mix, the more eclectic your style. Bring in family heirlooms, items you found on your travels, and other personal items to make your space as unique as possible. Eclectic spaces are often found to be interesting while remaining cozy and comfortable.

We hope you enjoyed our two part series on how to style and decorate your apartment to match your own unique personality. For information on our apartment community, visit us on Facebook or visit our website!

Decorating Your Apartment: Part One

Decorating doesn’t have to be as scary as you think. Begin by selecting the style that best suites you and work your way from there. Use this guide to help you with all of your decorating endeavors.

Contemporary

Contemporary is really a fancy name for a combination of many popular decorating styles. Most contemporary looks consist of clean, sleek lines, simple accents, and neutral colors with a few bold accents. Most apartments that feature this style have an open, spacious layout so that it is easier to blend each area of the home together. You may choose to use ultra dark wood or very light wood depending on the feel you are going for. You want your home to feel clean, airy, and simple yet sophisticated when you are finished with your design. Try finding furniture with a neutral color scheme and accessorize with accents of color. This way you can change your design as often as you wish without breaking the bank. Always take the “less is more” approach with contemporary design.

Cottage

If feeling cozy, comfortable and relaxed in your home then cottage design may be for you. This design style allows you to really express your personality and allows your guests to feel warm and welcomed in your home. You may want to consider drawing inspiration from the beach, country fields, or other parts of the natural landscape that surrounds you. Cottage design is often inspired by nature due to the fact that nature has many calming, relaxing sceneries to offer. Colors that are often used in cottage style design include soft blues, greens, yellows and whites. If you want your home to be cohesive yet stylish while still having a “lived in” look then cottage design should suite you well.

Traditional

While trends come and go, traditional design always remains the most popular style for homes across America. Traditional design is influenced by English and French design and usually exudes elegance, warmth and classical elements. Homes in the 18^th and 19^th century began using this style to help determine social classes within the household. Don’t let that fool you though, traditional design may look expensive, but can be pulled off for a lot less than you would think.

Stay tuned for our next blog post featuring Part Two of how to decorate your apartment! For more information on The Hammocks at Timber Banks, visit our website here!

Creating an Apartment Your Friends & Family Will Want to Visit

Having the opportunity to play host or hostess can be a fun and satisfying experience. Your apartment should be welcoming to those who will spend time there with you, and make a visit to your home a pleasant experience.

Your home’s ambience depends on the decor direction you take. For instance, if you are looking for a casual feel, give it focus by picking a theme: a country cabin, a beach house, a shabby chic retreat. Choose floor pillows or comfortable chairs of the proper era, region or design; wall hangings depicting appropriate themes; and paint or wallpaper that fits the palette.

No one will enjoy spending time at your place if there isn’t anywhere to sit. Floor pillows and bean bag chairs invite serious lounging, a sofa brings people together, and folding chairs work in a pinch when several friends visit at once.

Lots of tasty food, drink and good conversation should be enough to keep guests happy, but the truth is that many visitors like the option of watching television and movies or playing games — video, board or card. Be sure that you have some ice-breaking party games on hand. A game of Twister or gin rummy can make for a memorable and fun experience. Music creates atmosphere and fills the space better than almost anything else.

Regardless of the decor or entertainment options you choose, it’s your approach as a host or hostess that determines how much people enjoy themselves. Make your apartment the pleasant home you’ve always dreamed of when friends or family visit. Having a clean, well-organized apartment is itself an enticement to stay a while and feel comfortable. It just takes a little thought, a little planning and a spirit of confidence and fun. Most of all, taking an easygoing approach to greeting and entertaining visitors will make them feel wanted and welcome. But be ready — your apartment just may become their favorite place to hang out!

For information on our apartments at The Hammocks at Timber Banks, please visit our website!