Style Tips: 7 Interior Design Ideas for Apartment Living

You know that moment when you move into your own apartment for the first time? And you look around at all of that empty space and realize you’re going to need more stuff, but you can’t afford it? Cue the hand-me-downs. (Yay! But also…sigh.)

Devin and I got started in our first apartment together by reusing unwanted furniture from relatives. But as we got settled, I quickly realized that our place didn’t really feel homey and pretty like I’d imagined it would. When all of your furniture comes from other people, how can it possibly feel like “you”? And how can you dress it up to feel less like a college dorm and more like a space your friends will want to come and hang out?

Well, you’ve come to the right place! After three years of apartment living, and countless design projects helping others update their homes, I feel confident in saying that the style tips below will help you push your apartment from college life into adulthood. Let’s get started – here are my top 7 interior design ideas for apartment living:

1. Pick a Color Palette

First and foremost, decide on the colors you want to use throughout your space. I would suggest picking two or three colors, and then try to keep most of your accessories and artwork within that range. It’s ok to have a few items here and there that don’t “match” your palette. However, sticking to a few main colors with some neutral items mixed in will make your space feel more cohesive and put together. Pro tip: If your apartment complex allows you to paint walls, I’d also highly recommend adding an accent wall!

2. Create a Focal Point

By adding a large piece of artwork or a framed gallery wall above your sofa or bed, you’re essentially telling your guests where to focus their gaze. It’s a good way to detract attention from any furniture pieces you may not be crazy about. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to add personality to your home! I love displaying a combination of artwork and travel photos on our wall above the sofa. Two important things to note about gallery walls: 1) try to make sure your frames are all fairly consistent in color & style, and 2) make sure you have an even amount of space between each element of the gallery (I recommend about 3″ on all sides).

3. Ground the Space with Area Rugs

I really can’t emphasize this one enough: NO ROOM is complete without an area rug to ground it. It makes any space feel instantly cozier, and it’s another great place to pull in those colors from your color palette for overall cohesiveness. Personally, I’d go for something that’s easy-to-clean, but also soft underfoot. And there’s no need to go crazy on cost either – my current living room rug is made of polypropelene, and only cost about $200. Try RugsUSA or even Amazon for some great, affordable options. Pro tip: make sure your living room rug is large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa can sit on top of it (it makes the space feel more intimate). And in the bedroom, try to make sure at least a foot of rug shows on each side of the bed, and at the foot.

4. Hide Tired Sofas with Pillows and Throws

Even the most worn out sofas and armchairs can come back to life with the right combination of pillows and throw blankets. I’d highly recommend mixing patterns and textures into your pillow groupings too, for more visual interest. Try this for your sofa: pick a pair of solid-color pillows, and add in two patterned ones. Then, top it off with a neutral, but highly textured pillow or throw blanket (try faux fur or something metallic). Also, if you really want to class it up, I love using slightly more expensive pillow inserts inside less expensive covers so that the pillows feel extra plush and inviting. Check West Elm for some yummy inserts.

5. Give Old Storage Pieces New Life

Sometimes, old hand-me-down furniture can look a bit worse for wear. But that doesn’t mean it has to stay that way! For pieces that are extra banged up, don’t be afraid to give it a new coat of paint or stain (just make sure to sand it first). Also, new hardware alone can make a HUGE difference. In our apartment, I switched out the old door-knocker-like cabinet pulls on our side table for some simple, clean ones, and instantly turned the table into a piece I love. You might even be able to change out the legs on some pieces!

6. Avoid Clutter

Honestly, I think this is the most important tip on the whole list. When an apartment full of hand-me-down furniture gets over-crowded with little knicknacks filling every surface, chaos ensues. All of a sudden, it’s like the eye doesn’t have anywhere to rest, because there are too many things going on. When placing accessories on tables and consoles, start with practical items first. For example, set down a tray, bowl, basket, or large book as a base, and then add just a couple of objects on top of it. Pro tip: vary your object sizes and materials for balance. And try to stick to odd-numbered groupings, if possible.

7. Add Something Living

No matter how small your apartment, any room can benefit from a potted plant or two. Plants help to give your home a sense of life, which will make it more inviting for you and your guests. Plus, they’ll purify your air a bit too, so it’s a win-win, really. And on top of that, they add another texture to your space, which adds another layer of interest. I love adding a few smaller plants to bookshelves, and larger plants (like fiddle leaf figs or split leaf philodendrons) are great for filling an empty corner. Cut flowers in vases are great too, especially on the dining room table!

Hopefully, these tips will help you as you put your apartment together. You certainly don’t have to settle for a drab and unwelcoming space just because you didn’t get to pick your furniture! Use every opportunity and accessory to bring life and personality into your space, and I promise you’ll create something you love coming home to.

Happy designing!

P.S. Need some hands-on design help? Try one of our Design Discussion consultations!