My apt is too BIG, how can i minimize space!
Bri_84
Hi,I recently graudated college, moved out, and just started my career. So I am in my first official apartment of my own and although I have furniture and lots of decorations, shelves, etc. I still can't seem to fill up my bedroom. It is huge. My apartment is townhome style and the upstairs is just one big open room that is my bedroom and the living, dining, and kitchen are downstairs. Does anyone have any ideas on how to minimize or fill up large spaces on a budget?? \Thanks!
catwoman708
Yes, separate the large space into separate, distinct areas, such as a sleeping area, a sitting/TV area, and if you still have room, another area for a "dressing room", exercise/yoga/meditation, or hobby area for sewing or scrapbooking etc... Use the largest furniture pieces and accessories that you can afford, think big, grand, and dramatic (especially if you have a tall ceiling). For room dividers you can use large shelves or pieces of furniture, large plants, any kinds of folding screens or panels of lattice work, iron work, office cubicle partitions (great for hanging photos or paintings on for a "gallery"), or hanging curtain "walls" of trailing plants, large cloths, scarves, tapestry wall hangings, or those patio banner/flags hung from the ceiling on a rod.For the sleeping area you might add height and a dramatic focal point with a canopy bed (or create a faux canopy look with sheer curtain swags hung from the ceiling), add height to the bed with bed risers under the bed frame, or add a bench or trunk at the end of the bed. For a sitting area, "anchor" the space with a large area rug and hanging light, and arrange a sofa and sofa table, love seat, chaise lounge, and/or a pair of cozy chairs, accent tables, and "frame" the area with large plants, a decorative folding screen, and perhaps a TV in an armoire.For an exercise area you might put it in sight of a TV (with a dvd player for exercise videos), frame it with plants, add a floor mat, large mirrors on the wall, a fan, and maybe even a ballet bar along the wall.For a dressing area you might add a pretty vanity and chair (or a table covered with a girly frou-frou table cloth and one of those rolling carts with drawers for your make-up stuffs), good lighting, a large mirror, a jewelry armoire, a dressmaker's mannequin (dressed up in a cocktail dress or period costume), and of course a folding dressing screen or some of those office cubicle partitions covered with pretty material. You can even hang your accessories on them, like a store display of belts, purses, hats, necklaces, etc... I've never had room, but I always wanted to try decorating a corner like a little "vacation hide-away" with a hanging hammock surrounded by large tropical plants and a little "cabana" bar. Or a little bistro table and chairs with a wine bar and photos of Paris sidewalk cafes. You might could even have a little snack center at the bar with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot (then you might never want to leave). Personally, I wouldn't put an office or workspace in the bedroom unless you have to - they tend to get cluttered and keep you from relaxing to see all the work you need to do. I'd also put the sleeping area as close to the bathroom as possible, and if you do a dressing area, keep it close to the closet.
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