4 Easy Ways to Elevate Your Space

Our goal at APOTHEKE is to elevate the everyday. We want to add a little touch of luxury, joy, and intention to an otherwise average home. I think deep down we all have the same desire to create a perfect space for ourselves- one that lets our style shine through, but would look great on the cover of Dwell. After years of getting to know myself and my family, and speaking to dozens of like minded designers, stylists, and interior enthusiasts, I've really been able to nail down a few simple tips that will help you easily elevate your space.

This may sound easy, but honestly the hardest part about redecorating and defining a space is not going totally overboard. I know when I get excited about switching up a room, I want to buy everything in sight. It feels like an opportunity to totally reinvent myself/my style and everything I'm buying will fix all my problems!

Yeah, it never works like that. I just end up with a bunch of clutter that becomes a burden. The truth is my favorite rooms are always the simple ones. For my living room, it's a nice, comfy couch, a bright, reliable light, a coffee table, a rug, and then a few little statement items scattered about. My style comes through, but my space and my mind stay clean and clear.

Try out the rule of 5: If you had to limit yourself to 5 main pieces in a room, what would they be? How can you simplify your space to let those pieces stand out?

P.S. With a smaller space use a smaller number, and vice versa!

Don't get me wrong, minimalism will always have its place in design. It can be really smart and chic, but if it isn't you, then don't force it on yourself. I know I can't live without some color and life in every room. Find out what your style is, embrace it, and change your space accordingly. After all, your home is a reflection of yourself, even if you're a maximalist with a love of checkered curtains and purple shag rugs, there are ways to make it work.

If you're not sure what your aesthetic really is, spend some time making a mood board! Look on Pinterest and Instagram for designs you'll really love, then pick out keywords like rustic, eclectic, or modern to really help you define what you're looking for.

Ok, maybe it's four senses (taste doesn't really come into play with interior design.)

Obviously, we think a lot about how a space will look while we design it, but you have to go beyond that. Is your room texturally interesting? Is every surface in your kitchen flat, or do you maybe add some cute tiles as a backsplash? Is everything in your living room smooth and soft, or do you have a large knit blanket? Adding a little bit of contrast really elevates a whole room.

Scent is obviously an important factor as well. I've spent years of my life developing perfect fragrances and vessels that can elevate any shabby space. Luckily, this time I did all the hard work for you! All you have to do is pick out your favorite fragrance, and elevate your space with a candle, diffuser, soap, or lotion!

Finally, never forget about sound while decorating. The hum of electronics or the rattle of radiators can be infuriating, so find ways to minimize them, or design your sitting/lounging/sleeping spots away from them. It's also important to note that the more furniture you have in a room, the less echo you'll be able to hear! This can be a good or bad thing, it all depends on your preference.

Do you love everything in your home? I mean really, really, really love it? It's ok if you don't, and you definitely shouldn't throw out perfectly good furniture or useful household appliances just because they don't fit the style of the moment. But, one of the most important lessons you can learn in life is to be considerate with your choices. Spend an extra day or so really deciding if the couch you're about to buy is something you'd want to live with for the next 10, 15, or 20 years! Even something as small as a catchall should be considered.

Before you buy, ask yourself:

Do I really need this?

Is this a representation of my style?

Can I really afford it?

Will I use this frequently?

If it turns out I don't like it, what will I do with it?

Getting your space to a place you really love can be tricky, and I can't tell you the number of times I've tried to reinvent my home or my style for all the wrong reasons. I'm lucky enough to be settled into a place I love with a confident sense of what I want in my home… and thankfully my family just happens to agree with me!

I really hope some of these tips I've picked up can help you elevate your space this year.

Leave a comment below if you want to share any of your favorite tips as well!