Decorating an apartment with style and personality can feel like a daunting task. A few key pieces can make a huge difference.

Use room dividers to carve out separate areas within your open-plan apartment. Using furniture colors as your inspiration, repeat them on the walls to tie rooms together.

Adding a pop of color to the ceiling can make rooms feel bigger. Opt for a colorful garden stool or a skirted table to add both style and storage.

Coastal

A coastal design style has a laidback, easy vibe and features a lot of natural elements. Rattan furniture, jute accessories, linen upholstery, and wide plank light wood floors are common in this aesthetic. It also favors a lighter color palette, with shades of blue and white to mimic the crashing waves of the ocean.

One of the most important factors in a successful coastal design is letting in lots of natural light. Eggshell walls and large mirrors help to maximize the amount of sunlight that floods a space, creating an open and airy feel.

Another way to make a room feel coastal is to use lots of natural fibers, like cotton and linen. Using a simple cotton slipcover on a sofa can instantly give your living room the coastal look. Jute or woven sisal rugs are also great options for this aesthetic. And don’t be afraid to experiment with coastal prints, such as the classic ticking stripe, Schuster says.

Lastly, modern coastal interior designs often include a touch of kitsch. This can include surfboards, ocean photographs, or faux palm trees. But this kitsch should be kept to a minimum to keep your design looking clean and sleek.

Modern

A clean, modern design style can make even the smallest apartment feel roomy. Use neutral colors to expand the visual space and incorporate a touch of personality with a few statement pieces, like dainty throw pillows that feature a pop of color or an interesting shape.

One of the best small apartment ideas is to maximize storage in existing spaces. For instance, a repurposed desk or dresser can be a home office and media center combo, and a skirted table is perfect for hiding storage underneath. This smart solution helps eliminate clutter and reduce the need for add-on storage units that can overcrowd a room.

For a bright, airy kitchen, a white on white design is a good option. The simple color scheme allows the gorgeous appliances to stand out and gives the room a sense of openness. For a little warmth, add an element or two of wood to the mix.

A large, ornate mirror can make a small space look larger, and it also serves as an interesting focal point. This one from Etsy features an on-trend curvy frame and a variety of colors to match any decor scheme. Swapping out a boring overhead light is another easy way to elevate your apartment decor. For example, this galley-style NYC kitchen from Sissy + Marley Interior Design has a delicate pendant light that won’t block natural light or views.

Transitional

Transitional style is a mix of traditional and modern design. It is a balanced and symmetrical style that uses elements of both styles to create an aesthetic that is neither too traditional nor too contemporary.

One way to achieve a transitional look is to use neutral colors in your home. A tan, beige or taupe palette can work well with both traditional and contemporary furniture pieces. Using neutrals also allows you to incorporate other color elements, like patterned accent pillows or decorative vases. Using texture in your home is another important element of transitional interior design. Adding jute or wool rugs, woven seating materials and wooden shelves can give your space a warm, welcoming feel.

Another way to create a transitional interior is to balance symmetry with asymmetrical layouts. For example, a rectangular dining table and chair arrangement can work well in a transitional style kitchen. This can add visual interest and balance to your kitchen without feeling too symmetrical or rigid.

While incorporating a transitional style into your home may seem like a difficult task, it can be incredibly satisfying when completed successfully. The key to success is to be mindful of the trends you are incorporating. If you follow the guidelines mentioned above, you can create a beautiful space that is sure to stand the test of time. By balancing both traditional and contemporary design, you can create a space that will remain relevant and timeless for years to come.

Cozy

A cozy apartment is all about warmth and comfort. A few simple touches can make your apartment feel cozier, like using a knit pillow or faux fur throw blanket on the couch. You can also add a warm accent wall to your living space with removable wallpaper or paint. For renters, there are even peel-and-stick options that won’t damage walls or require a deposit when you move out.

Another easy way to add a cozy element is with a rug. Especially if your apartment is an open concept floor plan, a rug can create a sense of separation between different areas. Use a neutral rug with subtle texture to keep your design from feeling too flat. If you’re not able to commit to a permanent rug, use a playfully patterned area rug as a focal point in the room.

If you’re looking to add a natural element, try using some greenery in your apartment décor. It’s a low-cost and easy way to bring a fresh look to your living space. Some plants, like snake plants or peace lilies, even double as air purifiers, making them an excellent choice for apartments.

To make your apartment feel more inviting, hang artwork or photography that catches your imagination. This can be anything from a photo of your favorite vacation spot to a framed oil painting your grandmother left you. It can help to set a mood or remind you of what’s important in your life and can be an excellent focal point for your living space.

Luxurious

Many people dream of living in a luxury apartment. While it is possible to create a luxurious space on a budget, you need to be smart with your choices and consider how you want the room to function. It is also important to balance luxury with practicality, as it should be an enjoyable and comfortable place to live.

The first step to creating a luxury apartment is to choose a color scheme. Start by looking at design magazines and online to see what shades and hues appeal to you. Then, determine whether you want a bright and bold scheme or something more subdued and sophisticated. Once you’ve decided on a palette, consider what accents and furniture will complement it.

For a modern luxury apartment, consider incorporating a few statement pieces. For example, a dramatic chandelier can make a large impression in an entryway or bedroom. A beautiful mirror is another way to add a sense of opulence to a room. Additionally, a fresh flower display can instantly elevate any space. While it’s difficult to wave a magic wand and change an apartment’s ceiling height, hanging curtains as high as possible is one easy trick that can help lure the eye upward and create the illusion of extra space.

The key to a successful luxury apartment design is to focus on comfort, attention to detail, and quality. It is also important to avoid cluttering the space with mediocre art or decor. Instead, invest in a few great pieces that will speak to your personality and communicate your style.

Minimalist

Minimalism is an ideal style for apartments because it focuses on functionality and space-saving design. For example, instead of purchasing a large coffee table, opt for a wood piece that lifts up to reveal storage underneath as a way to keep your living room neat and tidy. This versatile minimalist apartment design idea is also perfect for storing essentials such as tissues, earplugs, or reading glasses so you don’t have to reach for them every time you want to use them.

One big mistake people make when decorating with minimalism is filling every nook and cranny with furniture, which can actually limit the sense of openness and spaciousness in your home. Instead, make a point of choosing and positioning each piece of furniture to enhance the overall aesthetic of your apartment. This will help the space feel cozy, relaxing, and inviting.

Similarly, avoid patterns in your apartment decor unless it’s intentionally designed to stand out. This is because patterns draw the eye and can take away from your desired streamlined aesthetic. However, if you do choose to incorporate patterns into your space, try to stick with neutral colors as they will blend seamlessly into the rest of your minimalist apartment decor.

Another key feature of minimalist apartments is multipurpose furniture. For example, a daybed can double as seating during the day and sleeping area for overnight guests. This cozy minimalist apartment design idea by BHDM is also a great way to add more seating without taking up too much floor space.