Restored Furniture in the Design of the Apartment

When furnishing a new apartment, think beyond the basics. A sofa, TV and mattress are essential but a quality dining set for entertaining, sturdy desks and free-standing shelving make an upgraded, grown-up space.

Before starting any furniture restoration project, it is important to know your limits. Even simple repairs can be hazardous if done incorrectly.

The living room

Generally placed towards the front of a home, the living room is designed to welcome guests into the home and display fine art and antiques. It also serves as a space to relax, bond, and entertain.

Because the room is often more formal than other common spaces in the home (i.e. family rooms), it can be a great place to use more refined silhouettes, fabrics and finishes to create a sense of luxury and elegance. Additionally, the living room can be a great place to showcase more delicate or costly furniture, such as an antique desk or grand piano.

In the late 19th or early 20th century, Edward Bok is credited with promoting the usage of the term “living room” to replace parlo[u]r and drawing room as a more inclusive name for the space. The term has since stuck. While many homes have now switched to open floor plans, a formal living room is still prevalent in some households.

The bedroom

The bedroom is the most private and personal space in a dwelling. It is usually a place for sleep, relaxation and reading. It is also where one keeps their clothes and often has a closet for storage. Other common items include night stands, a dresser and sometimes an armoire or chest of drawers. Some bedrooms even have a TV or computers.

Depending on taste, traditions and socioeconomic status a bedroom can vary widely in furnishings and décor. However there are some minimum requirements. These include size, access, light and ventilation. The bedroom must have two means of egress which are usually a door and a window but may be an open balcony or skylight.

Neutral walls can be a challenge for apartment dwellers, but the right furniture colors can help. Paint a piece of furniture a bold jewel tone and use the color in other apartment decorating elements for a pulled-together look. Here, designer Dina Broadhurst paired a vintage Saarinen marble Tulip table with an Established & Sons sofa in her apartment.

The bathroom

Apartments often have quirky features that could stand some tweaking, such as a non-working fireplace or dated tile. Finding ways to work around these features is key to making a rental feel like home. For example, if a patterned floor isn't allowed in your lease agreement, use the space beneath the sink for storage or turn an odd corner into a cozy seating spot. In this bathroom, an emerald chair and yellow botanical wallpaper make a stunning pair.