They say: “There’s no place like homeâ€, but who would want to go back to a clustered claustrophobic apartment? Here are some hacks that will get your home looking like those unattainable picture-perfect interiors
1-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Multi-purpose or convertible furniture
Under-stairs storage, bookcase staircases, sofa bunk beds, are all underestimated opportunities. Less furniture obviously means more space. It’s simple math.
2-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Matryoshka designs
This concept stems from the Russian Matryoshka dolls, hollow wooden dolls that are placed one inside the other. Modern furniture incorporates the latter and makes for a tidier environment, where space is epitomized: Chairs and tables that can be folded to fit into a shelf (yes those exist), chairs that are incorporated into a table that is, in itself, incorporated into a couch… Basically, Inception-styled furniture (furniture within furniture within furniture).
3-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â If it can be put on a wall, mount it up!
Mounted TV stands, sconces instead of lamps, hanging clothes racks. Putting something on the floor is soooo last season. Use your vertical space! Lose the legs (the furniture’s), the floating effect creates an illusion of more room space (elevated closets, beds, shelves, couches). Don’t ask me why, it just does.
4-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Mirrors
Mirrors reflect the light present (less lighting for you to worry about), and creates an open space vibe. Plus, it’s a reflective surface that can be used for grooming or/and self- admiring purposes. So, win-win-win situation.
5-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Make your own space partition
Be creative with curtains and folding screens. Make a wall out of books, hang some plants from the ceiling, go crazy! We have enough conventional walls pinning us down.
6-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Your mom was right: get organized!
A neat living space is always appealing and soothing. There’s no point in investing in design if your whole house is a complete mess. Keep it tidy for god’s sake.
7-          Don’t buy unnecessary furniture
If you don’t have that many clothes, buy a trunk and put it next to your bed, it would be a great alternative for a wardrobe. Skip out on boring nightstands. No place for an extra small table? Buy a wooden couch wrap, it’s like a mini table that hugs your couch. Cute and efficient.
8-          Don’t be afraid of “awkward†architecture
Use unconventional furniture in tight corners to create functional spaces. Use small corners for a mini-desk set-up, mount a fold-out table, get two chairs, and you’d have an extra dining hang-out. A couple of stylish foldable leather chairs are a convenient solution for extra seating space.
9-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Simple color palette
Simple colors help brighten up the room and promote calm and relaxation. Keep things monochromatic. Also, keep it simple with color patterns and textures. Don’t go all Lady Gaga on the poor room.
10-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A little salt and pepper
Opt for sliding doors for closets and bathrooms, create multi-leveled lighting with floor lamps, chandeliers and task lights, and NEVER forego art, it makes a room feel complete and gives it character.
These are 10 rules to live by, now get going. Transform your apartment into a home you’re proud of! It’ll turn your life around.