Bleak to Chic ~ Lighten Up! #design #decor #apartment #lighting #digitaledu

Lighting is very important in any home. It creates an ambiance and is also a showplace in any home. It definitely can make or break a room. Renters often overlook this key part of their decor. This can be updated with floor or table lamps, that can be easily moved around or switching out a ceiling fixture with wall scones, overhead lighting or something else (as shown below). It makes a huge difference!

Builder style fixtures shout rental and we can’t have that! Having a stylish focal point is key. Switching light fixtures to suit your decor is a very easy way to change the look of your space. They usually come with instructions that tell you everything you need to know. The scary part is playing around with electrical wiring. I would suggest asking someone who is familiar with doing it and saving yourself any unnecessary stress or injury. Also, don’t forget to turn off the electricity before you start!

You can find a few inexpensive fixtures at the local hardware store, install them, and the lighting is so much better now! Don’t forget to save old fixtures so that you can re-install them with the original fixture when you move out or the new tenant is going to get a great “welcome home” gift! Lamp shades accentuate your environment and take it to a different level. To keep the brightness of the room stick to light-colored lamp shades. Good examples are white, cream, light grey, or the darkest I would go is a taupe color.

Some key points to remember about your lighting:

1. Brighter bulbs are a must for overhead lights.  80-100 watt bulbs should do the trick.  It will make a great improvement to the room.

2. Add  under cabinet lights. Lighting counter tops for the times that you are prepping food. Fluorescent, xenon or halogen bulbs work well as an affordable choice. If you want to splurge a bit, use LED which are smaller, release less heat and last longer.

3. Use Mirrors to emphasize you lighting. This works especially well if you don’t have a lot of room or money for additional lighting. It reflects the lighting in your home and doesn’t need to be necessarily mounted on the wall to affect the drywall. it can also be propped up against the wall.

Before Bleak

After Chic

Bleak 2 Chick ~ Lets Talk Kitchens! #kitchen #apartment #decor #digitaledu

Let’s talk kitchens shall we? A kitchen is normally a neutral area, a meeting place in a family home. You go there to cook, socialize, pay bills, eat and create wonderful memories together.  However when space in your kitchen isn’t in abundance, some smart planning and organization needs to happen to ensure that it functions well and is also very visually pleasing and welcoming.

Having a small kitchen isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It does have its advantages. It has a homey feel, its easier to find things because there are less areas to look and everything is within reach.  Contrasting colors and textures (brick, wood, fresh coat of paint) also add a feeling of space and lighting compliments the space (stay tuned for our next post on lighting).  It the kitchen  is part of an open concept or has a built in island, add some bar stools as well for additional seating and add an additional dining zone for a quick breakfast, lunch or having a drink and conversation with guests and this adds a natural extension to your cooking area.

Making sure your kitchen is both efficient and stylish is your top priority. Also organization, not crowding counters or cluttering shelves and cabinets is a good idea to keep an illusion of a spacious kitchen and help your kitchen to not look overwhelming. Keep your microwave mounted above your stove, invest in a spice rack or two, have an in sink dish drainer or one you put away right after drying and putting away your dishes, etc…  Try your best to focus on a few superstar items and the real necessities , then find hidden but easily accessible areas in your kitchen for the rest.

Utilize your wall space as well for added storage and once again, less use of your counter space. Using hooks (for serving utensils or stylish oven mitts), or floating shelves (for maybe a spice rack or your favorite recipe cards). Even mounting a knife rack looks stylish and keeps them off of your counter in a knife block.

Before Kitchen Bleak

After Kitchen Chic