Maybe it’s a grand romantic gesture, maybe you want the space to have some of your style, or maybe you recently enrolled in interior design school and need the practice. Whatever your reason, redecorating your partner’s apartment can be a fun experience! Still, like any interior design project, it should be taken seriously for it to turn out well. A failed decor project can be very stressful and disappointing, even more so when it’s for another person.
So how do you make this a successful undertaking? Here are 3 tips for redecorating your boyfriend’s apartment.
Respect His Style
The first thing you want to do is to take steps to respect your partner’s style. It’s his space after all and a major part of interior designing is improving upon a space with the occupant’s preferences in mind. Think of it this way, a minimalist would not appreciate a maximalist space no matter how beautiful it may look.
Take inspiration from his existing style by looking for any elements that you can build upon to create a cohesive look that blends with his style.
For example, if he has a lot of industrial-style furniture, you can incorporate similar elements into the new decor by using materials such as metal, as well as choosing furniture with clean lines and a minimalist design. Or, if your boyfriend’s style is more rustic, you can incorporate natural elements such as wood and stone into the decor with items like a rattan coffee table, stone fireplace, or you can also consider an indoor ethanol fireplace for example..
Prioritize Functionality
It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and sideline functionality when redecorating. However, while pretty Instagram pictures are great, it’s important to keep in mind throughout the process that apartments are meant to be lived in; your boyfriend will appreciate you more for it.
There are many ways to make practical choices in interior design. For example:
- Think about traffic flow when arranging furniture
- Opt for durable materials such as leather, microfiber, or stain-resistant fabrics
- Look for ways to maximize storage, such as adding baskets or bins
- Choose lighting that is bright enough for task-oriented areas such as the kitchen, and ambient lighting for areas like the living room
Add Pops of Color
Any space could use some color as color has a lot of uses in interior design. For example, cool colors can make a space feel calm and relaxing while light colors can make a small space feel larger.
You can start by choosing a color palette of 2-3 main colors and a few accent colors for a cohesive look throughout the space. Then, painting an accent wall is always a creative way to add color to a space without overwhelming it. Adding plants is also a great way to not only add color but also bring life and texture to the room especially if you pick plants with vibrant leaves or colorful flowers.
You can even opt for an area rug with a bold pattern or bright colors to tie everything together.
Redecorating your boyfriend’s apartment is a nice gesture that can strengthen your relationship if done right. So remember to pay attention to his style, be practical, and add pops of color!
