7 Ways to Bring More Light Into Your Small Apartment

 

One of the most beautiful things in everyone's life is purchasing a property. However, arranging, preparing, and decorating all rooms is not easy. It is especially the case if you deal with limited space. In these situations, space-maximizing ideas are probably all you can think about. Moreover, another problem that might arise is the lack of natural light. It seems a challenge to brighten up a gloomy room. However, there are many possibilities, from remodeling the house to tearing down the walls and installing new windows. Also, there are different ways to increase light by adding artificial lightings, such as lamps and candles. Here are seven ways to bring more light into your small apartment.

1. Choose brighter colors

If your apartment is not well-lit, even before you decorate it, it is possible to deal with that problem successfully. Namely, when decorating and purchasing furniture, you are advised to choose lighter colors as much as possible. The reason for this is that natural light is reflected by white and brighter colors, whereas black and other dark colors absorb it. Moreover, it is believed that lighter furniture enhances a good mood while dark colors make us feel sad and depressed.

If you are planning a move and have not thought about the furniture arrangement, the best thing would be to hire professional movers. Executing a move by yourself can be tricky and time-consuming. If you want the move to be less stressful and more relaxing, check the advice that professionals such as manhattanmoversnyc.com provide. According to them, moving should never be a stressful experience. If it is, then you might be doing something wrong. Good-quality movers should care about their customers and help them experience joy and pleasure instead of worry and stress.

If you want to bring more light into your small apartment, choose light colors for your furniture items.

2. Add lamps and candles

If you need to add light into your small apartment, consider buying lamps and candles. One of the crucial advantages of using candles is that they allow you to create some light even at night. Apart from lights on the ceiling, which are usually used, you might want to consider investing in floor and table lamps. Another source of light, such as lamps and candles, will complement natural light and distribute it to every corner of your apartment.

3. Storage is the key

Storage is always a top consideration when it comes to remodeling, decorating, and moving. The most important thing when adding more light into your rooms is to try not to have too many furniture items. The point is not to jam too much furniture into the area. Sofas and wardrobes should be carefully and thoughtfully incorporated. Moreover, too much decoration will make a room appear darker. Make sure you keep this in mind when trying to decorate your Manhattan apartment. All in all, having a bigger room with more space will undoubtedly add more light to it.

4. Clear the area near windows

You can simply optimize natural light qualities by clearing the area around your windows. If you do not believe that this can bring more light into your small apartment, rest assured that each space is designed so that light can enter as deeply as possible. You have to make sure to make your windows ideally viewable from any position in the room. Therefore, try not to put large closets or cabinets near windows. Namely, their size can be a barrier that will influence having less lit space.

Another thing to consider is creating a bright room which will be used in your leisure time. For instance, if you like playing pool, make sure to put the pool table in a bright and well-lit room. However, moving such a big item scares people and puts them off from the idea of relocating it. Therefore, they opt for donating or selling their pool table. However, that does not necessarily have to be the case with you. Another available option is to hire professional movers to do the job for you. Skilled pool table movers in NYC can transport even the heaviest and the most massive items, such as a pool table. If you want to transfer it with ease, do not hesitate to hire a team that will make this challenging process seem a breeze.

Making the windows stand out will make your apartment brighter and lighter

5. Use the power of mirrors

It was already mentioned that mirrors reflect light very well. Namely, mirrors and other reflecting surfaces may effectively double the reach of natural light. In case you need to bring more light into your small apartment, you can use the power that mirrors have. You can add additional sunlight in any corner by strategically placing mirrors. If you are not sure what kind of a mirror to choose, check the advice the professionals give.

6. Paint the ceiling and walls

Certain colors enhance light and brightness. If you have been hesitant about choosing bright colors such as blue for your walls, rest assured that this is a brilliant idea. Such colors include bright white, blue, pale yellow, ocher, lime green, light grays, and lavender. For instance, by painting the walls sky blue, your room might appear brighter and better lit.

7. Clean your windows

Even though it seems too simple, this can help. For instance, even though you have many windows and lots of light, it still appears that your space is dark. What you can do is clean all the windows thoroughly. Moreover, you might clean all the surfaces that reflect light from your windows. Although it seems useless and too simple, do not hesitate to try it. You will certainly not regret it. 

Moreover, clean windows can help bring style to your apartment. There are many stylish options for windows that can light up your small apartment.

Regular cleaning of the windows can help you brighten your room.

Final thoughts

If you want to bring more light into your small apartment, rest assured that the possibilities are endless. Regardless of the natural light source that you select, it would help if you started by organizing your apartment. Removing the unnecessary furniture will make your rooms appear brighter right away. More room means more natural light. Moreover, adding artificial light might help create a bright space. Also, do not forget to clean your windows regularly. Spotless windows reflect light better. If you follow these suggestions, rest assured that your living space will never be dark again.

Pictures:

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7 Space-Maximizing Ideas for Renters

 

Trying to live your best life while fitting all of your items in a small rented home is far from easy. But, there is no reason to despair. With a bit of DIY-ing, you can live comfortably in any home, whether yours or rented. However, we know it can be tricky to DIY in someone else's home. You will not have the freedom to move things around, get rid of certain items, or even add some of your things (things that include drilling or making permanent changes, for example). But, that too can be overcome. You need a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness. Thus, we have prepared for you seven different space-maximizing ideas for renters!

1. Declutter 

This one is not a space-maximizing idea for renters, per se, but it is an idea without which you cannot start maximizing your space. Thus, you must get your home in order before you do anything. First, go through all of your rooms and see what you have. Look at things that are cluttering your space. If those are things you haven't used in a long time and don't plan on using anymore, get rid of them. Of course, you don't have to throw them away - you have to find them a new home. So, ask your friends and family if they want them, go to your local charity and donate them, or even sell them. 

2. Utilize the Hidden Areas 

Your rental has a lot more space than you think! That space is just hiding from you. So, stop playing hide and seek with it and use it. Usually, that hidden space is right in front of you. It's above the cabinets in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedroom dressers, under the sofas and beds, etc. Don't let that space go to waste. You can fit so many of your items there! If you agree, start stashing all your extra items in those hidden areas. But, don't just throw them there without any order - that will make your home look like a mess. Instead, get yourself some nice bins and learn how to fold and pack your belongings to save as much space as possible. Ask professionals from moving companies, such as Spyder Moving, for some help if you don't know how to do this. 

3. Float On and Access Some of the Best Space-Maximizing Ideas for Renters

As previously mentioned, you cannot just add any piece of furniture you want in most rentals. The only pieces you can add are those that will not cause any damage to the floors and walls. Usually, this means no shelves! However, New Yorkers have invented a thing called floating shelves. These shelves don't require any drilling to the floors and walls and can be put pretty much anywhere. You can place them above your toilet, above sofas, etc. But, be careful - these are not very sturdy. So, don't use them for storing TVs, stereos, or anything heavy. Instead, use it for storing something light such as books, candles, photo albums and frames, etc. This is one of those small space tips to steal from New Yorkers as they are the ones who have mastered small-space living. 

4. Divide Your Space 

If you live in a studio apartment or in a home that has an entirely open space, it might not be easy to organize everything. Even if you clean and arrange everything neatly, something will always be in your way. To prevent this from happening, you should try to divide your space. One way to do this is to use extended, vertical shelves that go from the floor to the ceiling. This will completely divide your area, make it more functional, and provide extra storage. But don't forget to ask your landlord for permission first, as this is one of those space maximizing ideas for renters that will require a couple of nails here and there.

5. Use Multi-Purpose Furniture 

This one goes without saying - if you want to use your space in the best possible way, multi-purpose furniture is the way to go. So, if your budget allows it, consider investing in some multi-purpose pieces. Those can be small tables that can be folded and unfolded, stackable chairs, ottomans that can be used as chairs, tables, storage solutions, etc. You can find many of these pieces online and for a low price. So, use the Internet to find inspiration for decorating your rental and make it to your taste. Your landlord will probably have no concerns with one of these space-maximizing ideas for renters, but, to be sure - ask! 

6. Sofas Can Be Problem Solvers 

Small rental homes usually have all the necessities crammed in a tiny space. This means having your kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, office, etc., all in one area. Even though you cannot make your space bigger, and even though you cannot physically divide those areas, you can try to move things around. For instance, you can consider getting rid of a bed taking half of your studio apartment and replacing it with your sofa. Of course, that sofa must turn into a comfortable bed every night. This is a great tip for small apartments, especially as it will save you a ton of space and make everything more functional and visually appealing. 

7. Be Creative in Your Closet 

One of the last but certainly not the least space-maximizing ideas for renters is the one related to your closet, wardrobe, dresser, or anything else you have for your clothes and shoes in your rental. You can save space and have an organized and clean closet by using smart closet gadgets. For instance, you can hang shoe holders on the closet doors. Or, you can find some of those clothes hangers that can be used for hanging plenty of clothing items. There are even hanging shelves that you can buy and use as extra storage in your closet. Do some research, and you will undoubtedly find even more interesting and functional ideas for maximizing space in your closet and your entire home.

Photo Used: 

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DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home

 

Creating a warm atmosphere in your living space is the most critical part of making your house feel like home. The first step toward creating a sense of belonging is to think about what makes you feel comfortable, safe, and happy and then figure out how to incorporate those elements into your house or apartment. It doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor to make your new house homey. There are plenty of different DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home and achieve a cozy feel! Follow this guide for some inspiration!

 

1 Set the mood

People seek beautiful home decor. The vast majority of us have already realized that browsing through home decor websites can ignite a creative spark we didn't even know we possessed. Creating inspiration boards for your house's design is the first step to achieving the home you've always dreamed of. You should take a step back and look at all of the photographs you've collected to get a sense of your design aesthetic after you've spent time searching for DIY interior design inspiration. There are many ways to express yourself creatively.

 

 

2 Know the space

If your new living space is small, you might feel lost. However, there are many easy tricks to make your small space look bigger. One of the easiest ways to do this is by hanging mirrors in each room of your new house. Mirrors help brighten a room since they reflect light around the area and give the illusion of the space being bigger. Light is also essential and can serve as a visual room-enlarger. If you place a torchiere or a canister upright in the corner of a room, the ceiling will be illuminated, making the room appear larger.

Even small spaces can shine and make your house feel like home.

3 Simplicity is an excellent way to make your house feel like home

If you've just moved into your new house, you might feel overwhelmed. You will have to handle many legal things and piles of moving paperwork, and it's crucial to have everything in order. You might not want to take up a paintbrush and give your house a makeover. One of the ways you can make your house feel like home without trying too hard is by rearranging your bookshelves. Organize your books, artwork, and memorabilia into a beautiful display on your bookcase. Empty the bookshelves and organize anything you want to keep there. You can arrange your books by color or size for a pleasing look. Think about your bookshelf as a display in a museum or art gallery, and you will undoubtedly create a masterpiece!

 

4 Get your hands busy

You can create many things yourself even without a lot of skill. The great thing about DIY is that you can reuse many materials around the house and turn them into something beautiful. For example, you could make photo frames with some pieces of wood or twigs. Wooden pallets can also be reused in many ways. You can reuse old glass jars and bottles as storage space in the kitchen or paint them into vases for your flowers. There are plenty of inspiring DIY projects like these on the web, so get to exploring!

 

Don't be scared to do some arts and crafts for your new home! There are many DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home.

5 Now is the time to organize

If you haven't already moved and are still packing up, you might realize how much clutter you own. The movers at strongassmovers.com remind us that having fewer items to transport lowers the cost of relocation. Any unkempt corners, lampshades, curtains, rusty appliances, or dusty carpets that you've been keeping should be cleared out. And, if you don't utilize something, give it away to those in need. Less plastic bottles, old cardboard, newspapers, and the like will help your home feel less cluttered. Once you have all the belongings, you have decided to keep safely transported to your new home, and after the dust settles comes the time to thoroughly clean and organize your new home. Organize your closets and cupboards. It's time to reorganize your new kitchen shelves with labeled containers and spices arranged in alphabetical order.

6 Add color to make your house feel like home

If you want to make your house feel like home, you should add your personal touch. And what better way to do that than painting the walls! If you’re feeling extra creative, consider painting a mural on the wall. You might also want to paint some pieces of furniture to give them a fresh glow and flare. If you decide to paint away, make sure you understand what color palette you’re going for. 

You can express yourself through paint and colors.

7 Rearrange 

If you've had the same pieces of furniture in the same place in your old house for too long, it's time to change things up. Move your sofa in the living room in a different direction. The best way to create a cozy chat area is to cluster several armchairs together. A U-shaped or H-shaped seating area around a coffee table will make your living room look super comfy.

 

8 Artwork placement

A piece of art hung too high on the wall can look weird. Ideally, artwork should be hung at eye level. Don't forget about scale either- if you have big walls, go big with one oversized piece or combine smaller pieces gallery-style. Also, think about the theme of the artwork. You could organize them by topic. For example, put your florals in the living room to add some lively energy to it and your abstracts in the hall or your bedroom to wind things down. 

The bottom line

It's not in everyone's budget to pay an interior designer to come into their home and create beautiful and integrated decor. Many of us also prefer to be in charge of the design and express our individuality. We hope these DIY interior design hacks to make your new house feel like home will help you achieve that. Happy designing! 

Images:

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7 Decorating Tips for a Manhattan Style Apartment

 

Numerous people consider Manhattan to be the chicest borough of New York. All the popular movies and TV shows have created an illusion that Manhattan apartments are very spacious. However, the reality is different. Most Manhattanites actually complain because of the lack of space. Luckily, even though they lack size, they make up with modern furniture and style. So, if you are moving to New York or want to upgrade your NYC home, you've come to the right place. This article will share the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.

 

Decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment: the ultimate list

Even though living in a small apartment requires some degree of sacrifice, your decor shouldn't be one of them. Small spaces are all about thinking outside the box and figuring out ways to make your home functional without feeling cramped.

 

For instance, one way of achieving this is to look for storage options. This way, you will have a place for your extra belongings while ensuring your apartment is unobstructed with extra furniture and stuff people accumulate over the years.

The Manhattan apartment palette

When it comes to achieving the Manhattan apartment look, the color palette you choose will play a significant role. Firstly, we need to use colors to help create an illusion of spaciousness and airiness. Therefore, when decorating your NYC apartment, be sure to choose bright colors for your walls. 

Secondly, opting for brighter shades goes for your upholstery too. This doesn't mean everything should be white. On the contrary, seek softer hues of some of your favorite colors. 

Lights play an essential role in your home's decor

Quite a few historic buildings can be found in Manhattan. These buildings are also known for their large windows. Their best feature is that they provide you with a lot of natural light, which is an advantage on its own. 

Having long bright curtains is a Manhattan apartment staple

 

However, don't be desperate if your windows are small. You can achieve the Manhattan apartment look by having curtains that pool slightly on the floor. They are a staple for Manhattan-style apartments and add richness to the overall decor.

Additionally, you can use mirrors and light fixtures to enhance the lighting in your apartment. 

Adding greenery is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment

Living in a city that never sleeps, surrounded by traffic and cars, with just a few opportunities to enjoy nature, has forced people to bring nature indoors. Thus, home greenery is a must if you want to decorate your home Manhattan style. 

Bringing the outside indoors is one of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment.

Having scattered pots around your apartment will give you nice little pops of green here and there. Not to mention, it will also add texture to the place.

Even if you don't have a green thumb, that's okay. Some plants require very little maintenance and are perfect for the residents of the busiest city in the world!

Type of furniture

Generally, we can divide the furniture in some of the most beautiful-looking Manhattan apartments into three groups.

1. Scandinavian

2. Contemporary

3. Sophisticated

The type of furniture you choose will largely dictate the decor of your Manhattan apartment.

 

1. Scandinavian furniture has had a significant influence on Manhattan apartments in recent years. The lines are clean and straightforward and create an elegant look. Also, they are incredibly versatile when it comes to the overall apartment vibe.

2. Manhattan apartments with modern furniture are the ones you usually see in the movies. This type of style favors modern furniture with pops of glass and chrome. 

3. Finally, if your idea of Manhattan-style apartments comes from shows like Sex and the city, you'll want to go for luxury pieces. The furniture can be partly antique, partly modern to achieve the whole look. 

In any case, you want to achieve a particular style by choosing the right furniture pieces and not having the place overcrowded with stuff. This is where professionals from nycministorage.com can help you. Keeping the things you don't currently need safely in a storage unit will be of great help.

 

Create areas with rugs

Area rugs are another way to define and break up the living spaces. This is especially useful for smaller apartments. Make sure you use the same color palette for your rugs. This way, you will achieve the flowing feel from one space to another.

Have colorful accents and modern artwork

If you have a monochromatic living room, you can spice it up by using an accent piece in a different color. For example, deep red cushions for your sofa or unique accent pieces in gold or marble will rejuvenate any space.

Additionally, you can hang artwork standing above your modern furniture. In these cases, contrast is a highly favorable feature.

Enlarge the space visually

Finally, the sacrifice most Manhattan residents usually make is their apartment space. Even though these apartments appear luxurious, they lack square footage. Therefore, it would be best to search for small apartment decorating tips and tricks to make it feel more spacious.

For example, you could go for bright white curtains - make sure you place the curtain rods a few inches from the ceiling. Or, you could have different light fixtures around the apartment.

 

Conclusion on decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment

These were some of the best decorating tips for a Manhattan style apartment to get you started. Your next step is to research and plan how to use these tips to make the space suit your preferences while achieving the style you want. Happy decorating!

Photos used:

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