How to stylishly decorate an apartment and not spend a penny on a designer

1. Scandinavian

A versatile style that will suit almost everyone. It is very light, laconic and, most importantly, cozy: the Scandinavians know a lot about this, because it was they who invented the hygge.

Scandinavian style rules

White and gray colors. The sun is not a frequent visitor on the Scandinavian Peninsula, so adding more light is the main task when creating an interior. For this, the ceiling and walls must be white or light gray. By the way, this technique will also visually enlarge the room.
Natural materials. Scandinavian interiors are all about naturalness, so forget about plastic and polyester. Choose wood or wicker furniture; pillows and blankets made of textiles, fur or leather; decor made of ceramics, metal and glass.
Simple shapes. Scandinavian-style furniture is not pretentious and bulky, but laconic and functional.
Plants. It is desirable that they have large green leaves. Plant the plants in ceramic pots in natural shades, and then place them on racks, shelves or directly on the floor - this is what the Scandinavians themselves love to do.
Bright accents. A few colored elements won't hurt: blue pillows, yellow chair, green blanket. The main thing is to choose shades that are not too saturated.

Ulyana Petrukhina

It seems to me that now many have plunged into the world of Scandinavian interiors. They are simple in execution, can be transformed to fit any budget and are perfectly complemented in the future with new decorative elements.

My apartment is currently decorated in the style of "finishing, with which something needs to be done." Arranging your own nest is a very important process for me, so it takes a lot of time to plan and try to understand what I really want.

My soul is torn from the desire to accommodate everything that I like in 40 square meters, but I think that in the end I will focus on the extremely minimalistic design in the best traditions of Scandinavian apartments and only then I will impose some color or interesting accents on this light monochromatic base interior elements for seasons and mood.

2. Mediterranean

Mediterranean style is filled with a sense of serenity and tranquility. Being in an apartment with such an interior, you seem to be relaxing on the beach and watching the blue waves. Ideal for those who love the south of Europe and dream of a house by the sea.

Mediterranean style rules

Combination of white and blue. You can combine them in different ways: white walls and blue floor; wallpaper with white and blue ornament; white walls and blue furniture; blue walls and white furniture. The main thing is that these colors are present in the interior.
Plants. Green leaves fit perfectly into the Mediterranean interior space, adding even more freshness and the feeling of endless summer.
Ropes. Ideal material for decor: you can hang them on the walls or make a frame for a photo or a mirror out of rope.
Wicker or forged furniture. For example, rattan chair, bamboo coffee table, white wrought iron chair.
Marine elements. Towels with white and blue stripes, wooden figurines of fish, a picture with an anchor, corals and anything else that reminds you of your holiday in the south.

3. Boho

Boho will be appreciated by creative people, because the main feature of this style is a sense of disorder. Mountains of pillows, bright lamps, figurines on the table. It's important not to overdo it and turn your home into a crazy warehouse!

Boho style rules

The combination of the incongruous. A candlestick chandelier, a wicker mat and a modern geometric rug blend seamlessly in the same room.
A riot of colors. Purple walls, pink ceiling, emerald couch, printed pillows. The main thing is to keep an eye on the compatibility of shades.
Abundance of decor. Stacks of books in bright covers, a patchwork bedspread, colored porcelain - there should be a lot of everything.
Ethno. Objects from different parts of the world will perfectly fit into the boho interior: bright dishes from Portugal, carved lamp from Morocco, handmade carpet from India.

Boho is a style that attracts a lot of attention. Therefore, you can quickly get tired of it. To understand if such a crazy interior suits you, try to live in it for a short time.

Ulyana Petrukhina

Take a test drive. You can find an apartment with an interior and functionality similar to what you want, rent it and understand if you are comfortable at all in such a space with this red accent wall and zebra print.

4. Chinoiserie

Translated from French, chinoiserie means "china". Decorating the interior inspired by Asian culture was especially fashionable in Europe in the 18th century. But a chinoiserie-style apartment is easy to find even now.

Chinoiserie style rules

Screens. They will help to zone the space.
Chinese drawings. They can be on a panel, bed linen, any furniture, as well as on walls in the form of a painting or wallpaper.
Porcelain. There is never too much of it in a chinoiserie, so choose everything from this material: dishes, a table lamp, figurines, vases.
Blue, green, yellow and red. Use noble shades of these colors in your interior. For inspiration, check out Gohua, a traditional Chinese painting.

5. Minimalism

The complete opposite of bright boho and chinoiserie. A very light and simple style that doesn't attract much attention.

Minimalism style rules

Minimum color. Do without bright accents: use white, black, gray and beige in the design of the space. Other colors can be added to the interior, for example, blue or green, but only in muted versions.
Simple shapes. Circles, rectangles and squares. Furniture should not be pretentious, it is desirable that it does not have protruding parts. For example, wardrobes should ideally be built-in.
A minimum of decor. No unnecessary items, everything should be functional and simple.
Light and plants. Minimalism doesn't mean you'll live in a white box. Green plants and spotlights, such as table lamps and candles, will help create coziness in the interior.

Ulyana Petrukhina

First of all, in living quarters, I pay attention to the temperature of the light, or, as it is also called, the color temperature.

Light affects not only how space is perceived as a whole, but also our mental state - how we calm down or, conversely, do not do it very well. Concentration of attention is also often associated with the organization of lighting.

6. Vintage

Vintage is not only furniture from the past, but also an interior style that combines modern and old things.

Vintage style rules

Grandma's inheritance. Old furniture of great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers is very useful in a vintage interior. True, only if it is well preserved: a wardrobe falling apart or a sagging sofa will not work.
Faded shades. Ideal colors for vintage interiors are gray, beige, pale pink, light blue, olive, muted blue.
Bright accents. For example, cool colored sofas and armchairs, like in the sixties.
Vintage finish. Aged brickwork on the walls, ceramic tiles or worn-effect parquet flooring will come in handy.
Textured decorations. Interior items should have a sense of character and history. Place pretty vintage dishes, old editions of books, cool items that you found in your grandmother's attic or at a flea market on the shelves.

7. Provence

Cozy style comes from the south of France. Graceful, light and charming.

Provence style rules

Warm pastel shades. Sandy, pale green, pale blue, lavender, muted yellow, ecru. These colors are used both in the decoration of walls and floors, as well as in furniture and decor.
Flowers. Live ones, such as lavender or peonies, can be placed on the table. Also flowers in Provence in the form of an ornament are present on furniture, wallpaper or textiles.
Antique furniture. Over time or artificially. It is desirable that it be made of light wood.
Forged decor. For example, chandeliers, cabinet fittings, mirror frames.

8. Loft

Brutal industrial style. Looks modern, fashionable and interesting.

Loft style rules

Constructive elements. The loft appeared when the old buildings of factories and factories began to be converted into living quarters. The structural elements did not hide, but made an integral part of the interior: beams, iron columns, ventilation and water pipes are here in plain sight.
Brick and plaster. The best materials for wall decoration.
Open space. There should be a lot of free space in the interior of the loft, so do not overload the apartment with furniture. Ideally, a loft-style apartment is a studio zoned with color.
Unusual decor. For example, road signs, metal panels and advertising posters.
Lamps. No pretentious chandeliers and shades. The light in the loft should come from the lamps dangling from the wires.

Ulyana Petrukhina

It seems to me that when choosing the interior of an apartment, you first need to focus on your life and opportunities. It's worth asking yourself questions, doing a little research! What do you value in your living space now? What is missing? What cannot you refuse today, and what may be required in the next 3 years?

Watch vlogs, flip through Pinterest, attend a professional design trade show - write down whatever you like and see what really turns you on.

9. Eclecticism

Eclecticism is suitable for those who love variety. This is a very flexible style that can be transformed to suit any mood.

Eclectic interior rules

No more than three styles at once. The main rule of eclecticism. Pick two or three styles you like and mix their elements in one space. Adding a fourth or more styles can be dangerous: there is a risk of slipping into bad taste.
Plain walls. In order for style elements to blend harmoniously with each other, they need a blank canvas. And plain walls are perfect for this purpose.

Ulyana Petrukhina

I am always for the presence of an invariable base in the interior, which can be supplemented, modified and pumped for yourself without capital emotional, construction and material costs.

I would like to see a little bit of everything in the interior, but the most important thing is that after stepping over the threshold there should be a feeling of "hurray, I'm at home!"

There is a section on my YouTube channel. I really love all the spaces that I have been able to visit, but the most vivid impressions, perhaps, were left by two apartments: the one in New York, and my friend Anton Boytsov.

The first one stuck in my mind for its layout - this is exactly the standard of Euro-duplex, which is so far rarely found in the layouts of domestic residential complexes. The bright Manhattan apartment had a spacious guest area, combined with a kitchen and a corridor, and a separate compact bedroom.

Anton's dwelling, for me, is an excellent example of a well-thought-out studio space (although it was originally a one-room apartment). Here is an interesting approach when working with the kitchen and the ceiling, which, as it were, goes to the headset. Combination of "Scandinavia" and loft style. Many interesting details and even an attempt to integrate the “smart home” system into such a space - there is definitely something to be inspired by.

10. Rustic

European counterpart to country. A bit rough style of a cozy country house.

Rustic style rules

Wood, wood and more wood. It is used in the design of walls, floors, ceilings, furniture and decorative elements. But for an apartment, this may be too much. This option is suitable: white walls with wooden beams and large massive furniture.
Warm light. Rustic interiors usually have a fireplace. Making it in an apartment will be problematic. Light candles instead.
No glitter. Gloss, rhinestones, vinyl - this should not be in the rustic style. The maximum you can add is glass and metal decor.

It is not difficult to transform a simple apartment into a beautiful and trendy one. The main thing is to decide which style you like the most and choose the right furniture.

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