The turn of the year is usually also the time for good resolutions, along the lines of "I should really redecorate my apartment."
Unfortunately, most don't last long – unless you act immediately. Just like redecorating an apartment or a room: once it's done, it lasts longer.
It doesn't have to be a complete move. Redecorating your current apartment can also be quite exciting and should be well-planned. Most importantly, don't overdo it – otherwise, the joy of the new look will quickly fade.
So, it's best to start with one room – the living room is a good candidate. For many people, it's the center of the apartment, serving as a place to relax after work and a family gathering spot. And it has the advantage of having fewer permanently installed furniture elements that are difficult to change.
Let's take a look at what needs to be considered and what options are available.
Planning is key: Taking measurements for living room design
Whether you want to completely redecorate the room or just rearrange, replace, or supplement existing furniture – careful measurement is definitely recommended. This way, you avoid annoying mispurchases because the desired piece of furniture doesn't fit optimally into the living room, or unnecessary work because there isn't enough space for your design idea.
If you're lucky enough to be able to redecorate an apartment, like when moving, the rooms are still empty. Otherwise, we recommend emptying your new old room first. What cannot be moved or shifted, of course, stays.
Then you can use a simple trick to better visualize your future furnishings. Lay out the floor plan of your furniture in the room with newspaper. This will give you a good idea of your future living room and the space required.
The right room layout: What's a must and what's a want?
Of course, there are factors you cannot change, such as the walls, ceilings, window arrangement, and room size. For everything else, the key is that you feel comfortable in your living room and consider what your new space should accommodate.
Therefore, consider what activities you want to use your new living room for. Perhaps you'd like a cozy armchair and a reading corner for browsing? Or do you use the living room to relax in front of the TV – then pay attention to the windows so you're not blinded. Do you want to integrate a dining area where you can sit comfortably with family and friends to eat, play, or craft? Or do you need an area for working in your home office, with a desk, shelves, and technical equipment?
You can separate different areas of the room into cozy islands with various furniture and accessories, without destroying the overall impression of the room. Large, open spaces can be divided into groups using wall and ceiling colors, rugs, and furniture arrangement. This makes them appear airy, light, and spacious, without being chaotic and without overly compartmentalizing the room.
You can make small rooms appear larger with various tricks – just take a look at our guide article.
For attic apartments, opt for low-profile furniture and storage space under the sloped ceilings, for example, with sideboards. In any case, make sure not to place powerful highboards or hanging shelves near the windows – this creates a heavy and cramped feeling.
Redecorating your apartment – which style suits you?
In addition to the room layout, the style of your apartment or living room is an important point. Here you will find a small overview of different living styles, from minimalist to natural to cozy. However, the most important trends continue to be, and probably will be in the coming years, modern, Scandinavian, and natural living styles.
Modern design works with clean lines and geometric shapes. Preferred materials are glass, metal, plastic, high-gloss surfaces, but also exposed concrete and natural stone. The furnishings are minimalist and reduced, allowing high-quality designer pieces to stand out particularly well. The modern living style is particularly effective in large, open rooms with plenty of window space.
The industrial style, as a modern style, stands for raw furniture pieces made of wood or metal, as found in factories or workshops. Recycled or refurbished furniture or furniture materials and second-hand furniture with a used look, solid wood tables with rough tabletops and metal lockers as cabinet elements are perfect. The walls can be designed with rough concrete or as unplastered brick walls, the floor is often rough, as a concrete or stone floor or even with old heavy wooden planks. In generously proportioned lofts and studios, the industrial style comes into its own.
The Scandinavian living style is also minimalist. While functionality is paramount, it is mixed with cozy elements – friendly colors, solid wood furniture made of light wood, and colorful, playful highlights characterize the Nordic way of life. Everything should be practical. Predominant colors in home textiles are clearly pastel shades, such as light blue, light gray, or old rose. The floor in the Scandinavian style is often designed with white wooden planks.
Even cozier is the country house style. Depending on personal preference, it can lean towards the Nordic or a more nostalgic southern variant. It is furnished with natural materials such as solid wood, natural stone, lambskins, warm metals like copper and brass. The colors are muted with gray, brown, olive green, and cream white. Home textiles can be patterned and printed, and furniture shines with ornaments and playful details. Floor coverings are often in terracotta tones or consist of old wooden planks.
