There will come a time in our lives where we mature and move on from living with roommates. It’s an exciting time in your, life but the responsibilities of decorating is yours and that’s usually not a strong suit for most guys. However, decorating your apartment or new home shouldn’t be intimidating. Creating a space based on your lifestyle is not only easy, but it can be empowering, as well. With a little advice from the experts, you can drastically improve the look of your space with very little effort. Here at Genuine Men’s Magazine, we got the advice of a few pros. Cece Stelljes & Danielle Fennoy, of Revamp Interior Design in New York City, helped us construct a list of easy-to-follow points to help you when planning your new space.
DEFINE YOUR STYLE
First look in your closet—or think about your ideal wardrobe. Do you wish you could wear sneakers & track pants every day? Are suits & bow ties more your style? Flip-flops, t-shirts, and a surfboard? Using cues from your taste in clothing can help determine an interior style that will fit your personality. Select colors, materials, patterns, fabrics, and decor that echo your clothing & lifestyle choices.
COLOR
Unless you’re adventurous, we recommend sticking with neutral solid colors for large items like sofas and all four walls; bring in brighter hues via decorative pieces like smaller chairs, pillows, art, or one feature wall.
LIMIT THE BLACK LEATHER
Nothing screams “bachelor pad” like a lumpy black leather sofa. Unless your style is rock n roll or biker chic, expand your horizons. If you’re into dark neutrals, consider navy, grey, or brown.
WHAT DO I DO WITH WHITE WALLS
Renters will typically want to dress up those walls with paint and art. Temporary wallpaper is another great solution to add pattern & color to a feature wall; the wall behind your bed is an opportunity to MAKE the room.
YOUR BEDROOM IS A SACRED PLACE
Treat it that way! If nothing else, make sure you have a REALLY comfortable bed & mattress, curtains or blinds that don’t stick on with tape, a cozy chair to sit on (ahem, not piled up with dirty laundry), dimmable lighting, and something interesting on the walls.
ART
If you’re going to put up posters, please, please, please frame them! Nowadays, it’s easy to find great affordable art online at places like Society 6 and Minted, and you can order them in a selection of frames. And keep your eye out for pieces you like from local artists, shown at galleries, coffee shops, markets, and parties. The best items of art & décor are those that have stories behind them, i.e. where you found it, why you like it, what it reminds you of.
DITCH YOUR COLLEGE FURNITURE
Ikea has a place and time in many people’s lives, but as soon as you have disposable income, you should aim to gradually surround yourself with furnishings and décor that are more unique, interesting, and better built. Among other things, this means getting a proper bed frame with a headboard, and discarding any & all milk crates used as furniture.
ADD SOME LIFE
A plant or two will work wonders for any space, and your local nursery can recommend low-maintenance plants to meet your size, budget, and lighting situation. If you travel a lot or your home doesn’t get much natural light, try air plants or botanical décor, such as driftwood, beach rocks, branches, or dried florals.
STASH YOUR STUFF
Invest in some closed storage furniture, such as a media cabinet with doors below, nightstands with drawers, and an armoire or dresser. Building out your closet interiors can more than double their storage capacity. Your home will feel calmer and look a hundred times better when everything is tucked away in its place, hidden from view.
CALL AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Let’s face it, you have better things to do with your precious free time than go furniture shopping. Leave it to the experts, then sit back and relax in your stylish new pad.
Wanna know more? In the New York City/Metro area? Get in touch with both Cece & Danielle for a quote.
Article and All photos by Cece Stelljes & Danielle Fennoy of Revamp Interior Design.
