3 Ways to Elevate an Apartment

Transforming your apartment into a functional and appealing home is all about incorporating thoughtful design elements. By adding custom elements you can elevate both the style and practicality of your space. We asked our founder and owner, Gretchen Rivera, for her thoughts. Here’s what she had to say.

Q: What factors contribute to creating a more functional and visually appealing apartment?

Gretchen: Upgrading an apartment requires intentional design choices that balance style and function. Custom built-ins, wall and ceiling textures, and layered lighting add personality and elegance. These upgrades maximize space, improve aesthetics, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Small yet impactful changes can transform any apartment into a curated, stylish, and highly functional retreat.

Q: Can custom built-ins enhance an apartment?

Gretchen: Custom built-ins add personality, storage, and value to a home. Whether a TV unit or mudroom storage, they enhance functionality and design. In this apartment (see photo), we transformed an unused closet into a sleek credenza and bookcase. Removing the doors and adding custom shelving created a stylish, practical display for books, décor, or a mini bar. This approach maximizes space while introducing a sophisticated, intentional design element.

Q: What impact does a mural have on a living space?

Gretchen: Murals have long been a powerful form of self-expression, creating a bold focal point unlike paint or wallpaper. In this apartment (see photo), a soft pastel textural mural enhances the contemporary living room with a serene, dreamlike atmosphere. Murals add personality, depth, and dimension, transforming a space into a unique, curated environment while breaking the monotony of standard wall treatments.

Q: Is accent lighting an important design element?

Gretchen: Layering ambient, task, and accent lighting enhances a room’s versatility and depth. Warm color temperatures, like soft yellow or warm white, create a cozy ambiance, while indirect lighting from shaded lamps or wall sconces adds elegance. In this apartment (see photo), floor lamps were placed by the sofa and lounge chairs, and an LED strip behind the baseboards highlighted the mural, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with a refined touch.