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If you’ve been living in your apartment for years or even just six months and are searching for a way to refresh your space, rearranging the furniture is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel brand new without a complete overhaul. Ana Zuravliova, an interior designer at Blinds Direct based in the UK, gave us seven tips for rearranging furniture and making your apartment feel refreshed.
Clear the Clutter
Before you start deciding where you want the couch, declutter. Take stock of everything you own. Keep what you use regularly, put the items you only use seasonally in storage, and donate or throw out everything else.
“This will also give you the opportunity to [envision] new design pieces that you may wish to incorporate into the space. It is much harder to style up a space that is untidy,” says Zuravliova.
Plan Ahead
Head online to find a few room planning tools. Scour the pages of decorating magazines to find looks that appeal to you. You could also head to IKEA for small-space design inspiration.
Think Big
Start with moving the larger items—the sofa, bed, or the cabinets—and building the room around those items.
“It is so much harder to place a large item than it is to incorporate smaller pieces later down the line,” says Zuravliova.
Once you’ve got a layout down, then you can set up coffee tables, rugs and hang pictures.
Tips on Getting The Look You Want
If you want your space to feel cozier, place furniture closer together, suggests Zuravliova. Want your home seem larger? Try spacing out your pieces.
Lastly, don’t think that all of the furniture has to be perfectly symmetrical and placed flat against the wall.
“Don’t be afraid to place large items on an angle,” says Zuravliova. “You may think this takes up unnecessary space, but in fact it will create an interesting feature along with clear, open areas, which give the illusion of more space.”
General Tips
You’ll want to take advantage of the natural light. Be sure not to block any windows.
It might sound like a no-brainer, but be sure that the furniture doesn’t block natural pathways. Make access and exit easy.
How to Know When You’ve Found the Right Fit
So, how will you know when the layout is just perfect?
“When you feel comfortable and at ease, yet inspired and invigorated in the space,” says Zuravliova. “Effectively rearranging your furniture and refreshing your home will bring a sense of harmony. It will also be practical for you.”
Enjoy Yourself
And remember to have fun. If you place the sofa in a place that doesn’t work for you, you can always move it.
For more tips on how to make the most out of your small space, check out this infographic on how to maximize your apartment space.
