Ask A Detroit Expert: Decorating Your First Apartment On A Budget
Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design is a twenty-one year old Design Firm located in Grosse Pointe, MI. Kathleen is the recipient of twenty-five Detroit Home Design Awards, and she has been awarded the "Best of Houzz for Design and Service" two years running. Kathleen has managed projects in Michigan, Illinois, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida, Arizona and Colorado. She has also had the honor to work with such designers as Wallace Frost, Robert O'Derrick and Hilary Micou. Kathleen has earned the reputation as one of the region's premiere design firms.
Kathleen's Team
Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design, Inc.
1144 Balfour St.
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
(313) 331-4600
www.kathleenmcgovernstudio.com
Today, we have five tips from Kathleen's team on decorating your first apartment on a budget.
(picture courtesy of Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design, Inc.)
Replace Lighting Fixtures
Upgrade to a more modern look with new light fixtures as opposed to the outdated fixtures that normally accompany a new apartment. This can make an enormous difference in the impact of the overall design plan. Be sure to save the old fixtures so you can switch them out when you leave your apartment.
(picture courtesy of Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design, Inc.)
Maximize Space
Most of the newer apartments are short on extra space, so choose small scale furniture because every inch counts. Choose chairs and sofas that have exposed legs instead of skirted frames. This will give a lighter feel to a smaller living space.
Art On A Budget
Great places to buy art are flea markets or online art reproduction retailers. The flea markets, online art reproduction retailers or do-it-yourself projects also provide great conversation pieces. A great do-it-yourself art piece can be your own photography enlarged and framed in your apartment.
Related: Tips For Adding Local Flair To Your Home From A Detroit Designer
(picture courtesy of Kathleen McGovern Studio of Interior Design, Inc.)
Color Matters
A little color is good. So freshen up the paint on the walls with your own organized color scheme. This is a great time to experiment with color, and it is an easy do-it-yourself Saturday project.
Window Treatment
Simple draperies or new blinds can update and bring warmth to any space. Hang long drapery panels as close to the ceiling as possible to help create the illusion of a grander ceiling height. Don't be afraid to check out IKEA or Target for the latest in window treatment trends
Related: Ask A Detroit Expert: Shopping For Home Decor On A Budget
Area rugs can protect the original rental flooring, cover any imperfections and also bring a coziness to any room. A colorful rug can give some personality to the typically neutral apartment carpet. Buy area rugs from Pottery Barn, World Market, Amazon, JCPenney or Lowes.
Many people hate the idea of hand-me downs, but hand-me downs can have a different life with a little fresh paint or even a slipcover. Free is always a good thing when you are furnishing your first apartment! Be creative with the hand-me downs received. On the other hand, edit those offers carefully, because you probably won't have room to store those things if you change your mind.
