7 mistakes to avoid when decorating your first apartment

You're bound to experience a range of emotions after learning that you've been accepted for an apartment. You may want to give your new house a facelift, however, there are a few things to think about before driving over to your local furniture store.

These are the mistakes you need to avoid when decorating your first apartment:

1. Buying furniture and appliances before measuring

It's a good idea to measure your area before you start shopping for furniture and big appliances. Make sure to take the measurements with you if you go to a store and make reference to them if you are shopping online. 

Check the doors and hallways, as well as the stairwells and elevators, to verify that your furniture can simply pass through to your unit. Returning a couch or fridge that you really want because it won't fit in your apartment is not only inconvenient but also a waste of money.

2. Buying all your furniture and appliances in one go

It's logical that you'd want to fill up an apartment that's lacking in essential items. However, rushing out to buy a lot of things at once might be a costly decision.

Make a list of the most important items you require and purchase them in the order of significance. If you urgently need a sofa, go ahead and buy one, but don't go out and buy a coffee table, side tables, chairs, and everything else at the same time.

Spend some time shopping for the perfect pieces and making purchases that are in line with your budget.

3. Filling your space too quickly

Rushing into projects may lead to regrets, which applies to decorating as much as any other activity. It's not only about the furniture; it's also about the carpeting, lighting, and accessories.

It's identical to piecing together a puzzle when it comes to decorating a room. Each item is linked in ways that aren't immediately apparent. The easiest way to deal with this is to create a decorating strategy before you start. That way, you may know what you need before spending any money.

For instance, when creating a walk-in closet, you will know exactly what kind of furniture you need, the style of carpeting that will go with it, what types of lighting you want, and so on. It will also assist you in determining how much money you have available and which purchases should be prioritised.

4. Buying all your accessories in the same place

You shouldn't buy everything in one place when it comes to decorating your apartment. Every space should appear to have evolved over time, which is very hard to achieve when everything is purchased from the same source.

Buying everything from one retailer reflects the store's style, not yours. Accessories are what give a home an expression. Perhaps a book from your travels will look fantastic on your coffee table, or the vintage-styled vase your favourite aunt got you will complement your kitchen's style.

5. Buying only cheap items

Moving into your first apartment may indicate that you are on a tight budget and, as a result, are seeking the most affordable options. However, when it comes to the key items you intend to have in your house, like a couch, it is still crucial to consider quality. 

Just because it's your first home doesn't mean you shouldn't acquire stuff that will last. When you buy low-quality items, it is unavoidable that they will need to be replaced at some time in the not-too-distant future. While it is acceptable to strive to save money, when it comes to large purchases, get the best quality you can afford. The secret is to determine which goods to spend on and which to save money on.

6. Choosing the wrong lighting

The location of your furniture will influence how the lighting in your house is reflected. Because lighting affects your attitude, productivity, and eyesight, it is ideal to avoid placing furniture in a way that blocks the source of light.

Depending on the configuration of your floor plan, natural light during the day may save you power. Simultaneously, lamps and other light sources act as décor while also bringing vitality to your room.

7. Decorating for others

Your apartment is yours to live in. Decorate it based on your thoughts. After all, you'll be the one spending the most time in your apartment, buying the furnishings, choosing the ideal colours, and decorating it, so you may as well delight yourself first.

The prevailing opinion may hold that you require a coffee table, two nightstands, or a specific number of pots and pans. Remember, this is your home so instead of buying goods because you feel obligated to, get things you enjoy and will need.

Are you looking for your first apartment? Contact Knight Frank and one of our friendly property practitioners will help you make your apartment goals a reality.