Turn Your Memphis Apartment into “Your Pad”
Jun 1st, 2008 by Memphis Apartments
Your Memphis apartment says a lot about who you are and where you’re going. If you’re just wanting to lean back and have some fun, it may be time to change your Memphis apartment from the fuddy-duddy place it’s become into a “pad.” Okay, so the word “pad” is a bit 60-ish. That might actually be a good place to start.
Think “Hippie”
The 1960s and 1970s were fabulous eras for those who lived through them. Whether you’re looking back on those days with nostalgic longing or know about them only from the movies, there’s no doubt that the era can provide some great inspiration for Memphis apartment décor. Bring in tie-dyed throw pillows, add in some bean bags and you’re off to a good start. Don’t overlook the fads of those days. A hula hoop hung on the wall can make a good boundary for a grouping of old family photos. Use funky frames in a random placement inside the hoop for an incredible focal point. Lava lamps are readily available and are a must for mood lighting. Look for greens, yellows and oranges in your furniture colors, or simply cover what you have with mod slip covers.
Get Modern with your Memphis Apartment
If the styles of almost a half-century ago doesn’t do it for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your Memphis apartment with a more modern look toward turning it into a Memphis apartment “pad.” LED lighting fixtures are an inexpensive and easy way to add a touch of “funky” to your Memphis apartment. You’ll find them in an array of colors. They use little energy and easy to install. Typically, all you’ll have to do is arrange the lights wherever you want them, and plug them in. Consider trading in your old wooden coffee table for a modern glass one. Wrap strings of lights (Christmas or seasonal lights will do) around the legs of the table. The chord can be covered with a rug so that it’s barely noticeable. When you turn them on, that coffee table will become the instant focal point and center point of the room. Use this idea to add instant color to a dark corner as well. Lights can be wrapped around almost anything in order to achieve this effect.
Do Away With Memphis Apartment Clutter
While you’ve got lots of room for personal choices and ideas when creating a Memphis apartment “pad,” one thing that doesn’t work is clutter. Do away with all but a few of those knick-knacks and doo-dads around the Memphis apartment. Clean lines are vital.
The Top and the Bottom
While mood lighting can be fun, don’t overlook your main lighting sources. That “wagon wheel” fixture over the dining room table can’t stay. There’s nothing that can be done about it. Even if your lighting is slightly less offensive, consider replacing entire fixtures. Remember that you’re going to have to pay for installation unless your building has a maintenance person who can handle this task. Once the top of the Memphis apartment has been transformed, look down. Even if you can’t convince the landlord to do away with the hideous mauve carpet, you can camouflage the floor with throw rugs. Choose large area rugs that complement whatever look you’re after. Funky shags in bright colors will give you an added retro touch or earth tones may work best with your new lighting touches.
Go All the Way - to the Bathroom and Kitchen
Don’t renovate your living room and bedroom and then stop. Remember that most of your guests are going to see the bathroom as well. Again, eliminate the clutter and this time that instruction includes the disposable razors that are typically on the side of the sink. Metal accessories give an impression of the cleaner lines typically associated with the “pad.” In the kitchen, black or stainless appliances will give the room a more modern feel. Eliminate frilly curtains and replace the cabinet knobs with stainless pulls.