In 2019, I finally moved into my first adult flat and I was excited about the move. It was a new build that came with underground parking, a dishwasher, a washing machine and dryer unit and a balcony. To this day, I’m so grateful that I get to live in this flat. It’s such a blessing. At the time, it didn’t hit me that decorating this space would cost money and the basics like a couch, a mattress and a wardrobe would be huge expenses. Regardless, I lifted my head up and took my time to decorate everything. My flat is not completely finished yet but the main rooms are pretty much done. I only have the bedroom and the balcony left to decorate which will be completed in 2023.
4 Tips To Decorate Your First Adult Flat
If you live in your first adult flat and don’t know where to start, I completely understand. It can be tempting to start filling up your space straightaway, grabbing things from family and friends to quickly have things. I would highly recommend taking your time to decide how you want to decorate your space. Today I’m going to share some tips that helped me design my space and I hope that it helps you.
To Feel Like Home
When you start thinking about designing your first adult flat, it needs to represent who you are now and your current style. Always think about what home feels like to you and decorate it in that direction. It is normal for your style and your physical space to change over the years. Decorate your space with a foundational design that you build upon and easily adapt over the years. When I first moved into my flat, I wanted it to feel warm, positive and peaceful. Those three things haven’t changed but my style has and I have been working around incorporating those three elements with my personal style.
Don’t Settle
No matter how long it takes for furniture to be available or delivered, don’t settle. It’s your first flat and you should enjoy the experience of decorating your space. Take your time choosing your table, your pillows, your TV and TV stand. You’ll be glad that you did instead of settling and then changing it a year later because you don’t like it. It was love at first sight when I saw my wardrobe in the store. The last one had just been sold and the new stock was arriving three months later. Instead of buying another wardrobe, I paid for the one I wanted and I got it. I love it so much that it is coming with me whenever I decide to move next.
Upgrade The Lighting
It’s easy to overlook this one. Trust me. I still haven’t got lights fully installed. Usually rentals come with the generic bulbs that don’t provide that much lighting. Upgrade the lighting but adding hanging suspensions or a light fixture according to your style. It will add some dimension to your space and elevate the decor. IKEA have a wide range of choices that you can select from. Once you’ve changed up the light fixtures, decorate your space with additional lighting. Add beside lamps, floor lamps, LED lights – these will not only brighten up your space but it will create a calming vibe.
Decorate By Adding Some Nature
Lastly, add some nature into your space. Greenery will give your first adult flat some life and warmth. Choose different sized plants to add some more dimension and get planters to add some height. I bought a yucca plant and two snake plants for my flat. The yucca had a baby attached to it and now that one is thriving in her own pot. If you are looking some low maintenance plants, I suggest birds of paradise, yuccas, snake plants, monstera, peace lily etc.
The things that you buy for your first flat become a part of you so don’t skimp out on style or settle, really take your time to choose what you want. Give special attention to the things that you use everyday. It’s easy to think about the big things but it’s the little ones that are worth the quality too.
This is a small beginner’s guide on decorating your first adult flat and there is still so much more I can share with you. That will have be reserved for a part 2 next year once I have the lighting finished. I hope that you found this helpful if you are starting out or if you are planning to move soon. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the blog squad so you don’t miss out on the next 13 days of Blogmas.
Until next time,
Folakemi
