| If you live in an apartment, you know that | | | | often the only furniture you really need in your living |
| decorating can be a challenge. Since you don't own | | | | room. Have some over-sized throw pillows available |
| the property, there are only so many things you can | | | | for seating on the floor should you have several |
| do. Do you feel that your apartment looks just like | | | | guests over. |
| every other apartment in the building? If you want | | | | Windows |
| to decorate your spaces in a way that showcases | | | | Most apartments have the generic venetian blinds or |
| your interests and personality, this article offers | | | | mini-blinds, quite boring to say the least. An easy way |
| plenty of ideas for doing just that. Whether your | | | | to jazz up your apartment and add color is to use |
| living quarters are small or spacious, there are many | | | | curtains with lots of color, or even a roll-up shade |
| things you can do to make your space your own. | | | | that contains hues that match your decor. Be |
| Paint a Wall | | | | creative; you can even make your own swags with a |
| You may be thinking, "But I can't paint, since I don't | | | | set of satin sheets! |
| own the apartment." The fact is, most apartment | | | | Add Texture |
| managers will give you permission to paint if you just | | | | The secret to pulling it all together is fabrics that use |
| ask - and as long as you aren't using an off-the-wall | | | | different textures. Consider nubby textures that are |
| color like fuchsia or lime green. | | | | vibrantly colored for throw pillows, especially if your |
| Paint one wall of your living room a shade that | | | | sofa is made of a sleek material; a tapestry for one |
| complements or contrasts with colors in your | | | | wall adds more texture, and is a great focal point for |
| upholstery and accents. It may be a soft blue, light | | | | the room. Accent rugs, silky table runners and |
| teal or muted peach. Painting a single wall breaks up | | | | beaded lamp shades all add various textures to the |
| the monotony, and adds depth to the room. The | | | | room. |
| walls aren't the only thing you can paint! Most tables | | | | Be sure to use some of your favorite prints and |
| can be painted as well, as can a lamp's shade and | | | | accessories when you decorate your apartment. It |
| even its base. | | | | will make you feel at home, and create a unique look |
| Avoid Chunky Furniture | | | | that is yours alone! You don't have to live with an |
| Unless your apartment is large, avoid using bulky or | | | | apartment that is dull and simply a reflection of every |
| heavy furniture. Chunky furnishings often take up | | | | other apartment in the building. By using paint, colors, |
| more floor space than necessary, and give the room | | | | texture and the right furnishings, you can create |
| a smaller feeling. Stick with furniture that is sleek and | | | | rooms you will love coming home to at the end of |
| simple, and not over-stuffed or bulky looking. A sofa, | | | | the day. |
| recliner, coffee table and matching end tables are | | | | |