Historically, home ownership in New Zealand was all about the quarter-acre dream, however smaller houses and apartments have grown in popularity. If you are looking at getting your apartment ready for sale or simply want to know how to get more out of your available space, here are a few ways you can maximise the value and appeal of your apartment.
1. Freshen up
Because apartments have a reasonably high occupant turnover rate and people live in a more confined environment, a reasonable amount of wear and tear is expected—walls get knocked, carpets worn, and paint scuffed. The good news is new carpet, a fresh coat of paint, and perhaps a plasterer (if there is any serious damage to the walls) are relatively simple to correct and can have an apartment looking like new again.
When thinking carpet and paint, don’t skimp on quality. More durable, thicker paint and carpets will look new for longer and won’t need replacing as often.
Use light, solid colours on the walls like off-whites and pale earth tones. Combine this with pure white on the ceiling (and trims) to create a greater sense of space and openness. If you’re desperate for more colour in your apartment, try a lighter shade of the colour to replicate the same effect. Avoid patterns, as these can add visual clutter and make rooms feel smaller.
Placing mirrors strategically in entrance ways and living areas can trick the eye into thinking more space exists. Similarly, mirrors on a bedroom closet door is a great way of making the room feel larger than it actually is.
Read more: 5 expenses you can claim on your rental
2. Multi-functional living
When weighing up apartment decorating ideas you have to remember space is a premium, so it’s important to always give the illusion of more. One of the best ways of doing this is to make sure everything in your apartment has more than one function. Use an old chest to store extra linen and towels as a coffee table. Instead of having a range of technology connected to your TV, invest in a ‘smart’ TV which has everything you need. Many bed sets, couches and benches offer ‘built-in’ storage, so try to avoid items that only serve one purpose to make the most out of limited space.
3. Vertical storage
We often think of floor space as the immediate space on the ground occupied by an item or piece of furniture. In reality, that floor space extends all the way to the ceiling. Wall-mounted bookshelves are a common fixture in many homes, but you can maximise space (and make a statement) by taking them all the way to the ceiling. It’s also possible to stack shelving units on top of one another. Given the geological state of New Zealand, remember to securely bolt these to the wall in case of an earthquake. Talk to a builder about this if you have any questions.
4. Furniture choices
Perhaps it’s not your apartment that needs renovating, but your accessories? Smarter choices with furniture can change people’s perspective about a space.
Chairs, couches and lounge suites should have long legs and sit high off the ground to help create the illusion of more space. Taller furniture also offers more opportunities for hidden storage, though putting something under every seat will ruin the effect.
When thinking of furniture for an apartment, the tendency is to think small to fit more in. However, the outcome of this could be a ‘cluttered’ small apartment. Instead, buy less furniture, but choose larger pieces that eliminate the need for duplicates. For example, instead of a two-seater couch and a couple of armchairs, consider a large sofa, perhaps with a bed folded inside. If larger furniture replaces two or three items, you could save a lot of space.
Armless sofas are preferable because they’re more streamlined, making the space look bigger. Try choosing furniture with a sleek frame and comfortable, yet minimal padding. The stocky, low couch with fat cushions might be the comfiest chair in the store, but once inside it will dominate your apartment.
5. Wider, open doorways
Is there a door you always leave open? If your kitchen, dining and lounge areas aren’t open plan, then it may be worth considering removing the door. You don’t have to remove the whole wall. Extending the height of the entranceway to the ceiling and widening the doorway by a few centimetres, will help combine these living areas, make the space feel larger and improve the flow between the areas..
6. Lighting
More than anything, lighting can affect the mood and tone of a room. Use recess lighting in living areas to create a larger sense of space. Chandeliers or hanging light fixtures, even when hung close to the ceiling, can make a small room seem cluttered. Some visitors will feel like ducking, even when there’s no danger of hitting their heads.
Another tip is to install track lighting around the sides of a room, facing the walls. This has the visual effect of pushing the walls back and making the room feel larger.
7. Drapes
Light can make a space feel airier and larger, so a mix of curtains and retractable blinds is a practical option.
In bedrooms where rest is important, or living areas where light pollution at night is an issue, blackout curtains may be necessary. Hang the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible to make the room feel taller, and choose a light fabric colour that blends with the walls to make them less obvious..
Covering all the windows with blinds and curtains will block the light, making the apartment feel smaller and closed in. If there are no close neighbouring buildings, privacy may not be a big issue, so consider keeping one or two windows drape free..
Alternatively, opt for simple window treatments that retract behind a pelmet at the top of a window or door. Otherwise, ensure to install blinds that roll into a tight, discreet cylinder.
These ideas, though simple, can help you make greater use of the space you have and even add value to your smaller home. That said, always consult your body corporate before committing to any changes.
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