With Autumn officially here, a new season is the perfect excuse for an interiors refresh, particularly as sunny evenings out make way for cosier nights in. When it comes to apartment living, a little clever thinking can go a long way, from finding smart storage solutions to zoning open-plan spaces.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas for refreshing your space and making the most of apartment living as the weather cools.
One of the best things about open-plan living is its flexibility. Your kitchen, dining and living areas can flow together, while still having their own distinct purpose. Furniture placement is one of the easiest ways to create different zones without putting up walls. A dining table can provide a natural transition between the kitchen and living area, while a statement rug underneath your sofa and coffee table can instantly anchor a cosy lounge space.
Lighting can help too. Remember, its cosy season, so the big light is officially banned! A floor lamp and armchair can turn an otherwise unused corner into a reading nook, while a statement pendant above your dining table helps give the area its own identity. The trick is creating subtle boundaries while keeping all the light, space and flexibility that makes open-plan living so appealing.
A tidy home can instantly feel bigger, and good storage can make all the difference when it comes to keeping clutter at bay. The one- and two-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments at L&Q at Victoria Riverside already offer plenty of storage, but there are lots of little tricks for making your space work even harder.
Multi-purpose furniture is your friend: think beds with storage underneath, ottomans that double as somewhere to stash blankets, or coffee tables with drawers for all those everyday bits you don’t necessarily want on display. Don’t forget to look up, too. Shelving and taller storage units make use of vertical space while keeping more of your floor clear.
Not everything needs to be hidden away either. Books, records, ceramics and favourite prints can become part of your décor, adding personality without taking up valuable cupboard space.
You don’t need to completely redecorate every time the seasons change, but a few small switches can make your home feel instantly more suited to autumn and winter. Rich oranges, earthy greens and warm neutrals are perfect for this time of year, particularly when paired with natural woods and softer shades. You can see plenty of these warmer tones in the interiors at L&Q at Victoria Riverside, where pops of burnt orange add colour without overwhelming the space.
Cushions, throws, bedding, candles and artwork are all easy ways to introduce seasonal colour and can just as easily be swapped out again when spring rolls around. Texture is another easy win; layering soft rugs, chunky throws, velvet and natural materials can bring warmth and interest to a room, particularly against the clean lines of a modern apartment.
One of the most enjoyable parts of decorating a home is finding the pieces that make it feel like yours, and Manchester has plenty of hidden gems to explore. Independent shops are a great place to start. In the Northern Quarter, lifestyle boutique Form is packed with carefully curated homeware, ceramics, glassware and pieces from independent makers, alongside vintage and pre-loved finds.
Don’t underestimate a good charity shop or car boot sale, either. A vintage lamp, colourful vase, old wooden side table or slightly unexpected piece of artwork can bring much more personality to a room than buying everything as a matching set.
Keep an open mind and enjoy the hunt. Sometimes the best addition to your home is something you weren’t actually looking for!
Ultimately, your home should feel like you, so don’t worry too much about everything matching perfectly. An oversized mirror can make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while plants are an easy way to introduce colour and texture. A statement chair, favourite piece of artwork or colourful side table can completely change the feel of a room without taking up lots of space.
Mixing newer pieces with things you’ve collected over time – whether that’s something picked up on your travels, a charity-shop bargain or a hand-me-down you’ve given a new lease of life – can also stop a new home feeling too ‘done’.
Whether you’re planning a full autumn makeover or simply adding a new cushion or two, the most important thing is creating a space you’ll enjoy coming home to, especially as those cosy nights in begin.
