Click the image to view the full infographic.
But what happens if you combine the two? You have a mix of old and new, with sleek furniture and neutral colors representing modern decor, and rustic lights and wood pallet art representing vintage decor.
Click on the infographic above to learn how to pair items and create the perfect combination of modern and vintage in your apartment.
One of the biggest challenges for most renters is storage – What do you do with all your stuff if you have limited space? Make your storage work for you. Use a folding screen – specifically one that you can personalize or accessorize, so you hide almost anything behind the screen – a bike, unpacked boxes – and create instant artwork by adding color and pattern to your space. Go wild with your own design, or create a bold, graphic pattern using a stencil like the African Kuba design from my new Global Glam line of wall-sized stencils, available exclusively through Cutting Edge Stencils.
Supplies: (1) paintable folding screen (made of canvas or wood), (1) large stencil design, (2) shades of interior latex wall paint, (2) paint rollers, (1) can of non-permanent spray adhesive
Step 1: Prepare your folding screen by painting two layers of your first paint color, completely covering each panel of the screen. Let the paint dry completely before moving to Step 2. {Note: See inset below to help visualize how each of your two paint colors will work in the stencil design}
Step 2: Lay the folding screen flat on the floor, with all panels fully extended. Spray a thin layer of adhesive onto the stencil, and place it in the top left corner of the first screen (this step helps prevent paint bleed at the stencil’s edges). To create a seamless design, you may want to allow part of the stencil to extend over the edge of the first panel – this will allow the stencil design to reach the edge of the panel, and avoid extra work or touch-ups later on.
Step 3: Roll your second color of paint over the stencil. I also like to keep some folded paper towels at hand so I can roll off a bit of the excess paint before applying it to the stencil. You’ll need to apply firm pressure as you paint, because if the roller is overloaded, you’ll end up having lots of bleeds.
Step 4: Carefully lift off the stencil and position onto the next section to paint. Use built-in guides to line up the design. Reapply spray adhesive as necessary to secure the stencil.
Step 5: Let the screen dry fully and then place it in any space to help disguise storage.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful! Happy Decorating!
This article was written by TV host and design expert Kim Myles, who partnered with Apartment Guide for the 2012 “Your Picks. Your Place.” sweepstakes. Kim Myles won the HGTV reality series “Design Star 2” and hosts HGTV’s “Myles of Style.”
Clean, sleek lines dominate the modern decor style.
You’ve probably heard of the terms modern, traditional or country chic when it comes to decorating styles. However, not everyone knows the difference between the various decorating and design styles. The modern design style’s focus is on geometry and angular shapes. Clean lines dominate the design style, and sleek furniture is common. Here’s a quick reference guide about the clean-lined modern design style and how to incorporate it into your apartment.
Colors
Modern design incorporates a neutral color scheme. White walls prevail in a modern space, which is perfect for apartment living if painting the walls is not an option granted in your lease. Furnishings, accessories and fabrics also sport neutral tone-on-tone color schemes.
Furnishings
Clean, sleek lines are important when considering furnishings in modern design. The clean lines reflect a delicate balance of simplicity and comfort. While traditional design incorporates bulky furniture and wood elements, modern design has an overall slimmer silhouette. It incorporates elements of metal, chrome or glass. Furniture is free of decorative trim, detailed wood carvings and other embellishments.
Fabrics
The fabrics you choose should also be neutral in color, as it will add to the overall look of the room. However, a way to liven up the room using fabrics is to add texture. Purchase or sew your own fabric drapes for window treatments. You can also incorporate textured, neutral colored fabrics into throw pillows. For furniture fabric, popular choices for modern design include leather, cotton, canvas and linen.
Finishes
Surfaces in a modern space are sleek and smooth. Floors are usually concrete or linoleum, and chrome and stainless steel are common for furniture, as well as in the kitchen.
Accessories
Part of modern design is a minimalistic approach. This allows for the artwork to be the focal point of your space. Consider the elements of modern design when buying artwork and accessories for your apartment. Accessories made from glass, metals, stainless steel and chrome will work best. Have one item that stands out, and have the other accessories blend into the room. If you add framed art to the walls that are serving as your main accessory, add spotlights to add visual impact.
Photo Credit: iStockphoto/sergey02