Decorating an apartment can be an enormous challenge. One normally has more ideas than space to work with, making the challenge to whittle down those ideas into a design that works. There are simple guidelines to follow that can make your apartment or condo more livable while making the most of the space, no matter what style décor you're going for.



Many apartments and condominiums have a fairly open floor plan. The living room area blends into the dining room area which blends into the kitchen. One option is to use your furniture to section off these areas. A couch or sofa is an excellent piece for delineating the border of your living room, and chairs or a loveseat can work to separate the entrance to the apartment from the living room area.

A dining table obviously tells your guests where your dining area is. Make the most of your space here, but don't cram a six or eight seat table where only a four-seater can fit. A table with a leaf is probably your best option, giving you some flexibility by providing extra table space when needed and allowing for extra walking room at other times. Cramped spaces have no flow and can stick out like a sore thumb. Bite the bullet here and avoid going too big.

A decorating style that's been gaining in popularity over the past few years is the more open floor plan. This option allows for multiple walking lanes and creates a more natural flow to your space. The secret here is to minimize your furniture and the size of the pieces you choose. Use a chair or two to substitute for a bulky sofa or loveseat, and avoid large coffee tables, opting instead for a small cocktail table or two end tables. A small sofa or loveseat can work if it's against a wall and doesn't constrict the flow of the room. This decorating option is ideal for younger people who entertain regularly as it allows a larger group to move easier around your place.