Revamping Your Post-Wedding Abode: A Fresh Start

Moving into a new apartment and getting married are two of the most stressful life events, so it's no surprise that making your apartment feel like home after your wedding can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you create a cosy and personalised space as you begin your married life:

- Unpack and organise: Start by unpacking one room at a time, beginning with the bedroom. Set up your bed with your favourite sheets and pillows, and add personal touches like photographs and mementos. It's important to have a sanctuary where you can retreat and feel sane during the unpacking process.

- Get rid of boxes: Don't let empty boxes pile up and create clutter. Break them down and recycle or throw them away. A tidy space will help reduce stress and make your new place feel more like home.

- Improve the lighting: Lighting can significantly impact the ambiance of your apartment. Try to have at least three lighting sources in each room, such as lamps, standing lamps, or string lights. Opt for warm, gentle lighting to create a cosy atmosphere.

- Decorate your walls: Brighten up dark or drab walls with removable wallpaper, lighter decorations, or artwork. If you're not ready to hang pictures, introduce your favourite scents, such as candles or air fresheners, to make the space feel more welcoming and familiar.

- Add personal touches: Incorporate items that are meaningful to you, such as photographs, artwork, or sentimental objects. Surround yourself with things that spark joy and reflect your personality.

- Cater to your lifestyle: Make your space functional and comfortable. Create a coffee station if you're a coffee lover or fill your home with plants if you love greenery. Find small ways to make your daily routines more enjoyable, such as investing in a cute dish rack if you dislike doing the dishes.

- Explore your new neighbourhood: Get to know the area around your apartment. Discover nearby bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and community groups. Exploring your neighbourhood will help you feel more connected to your new home and create a sense of belonging.

Add warmth with throw blankets and candles

Adding throw blankets and candles is a great way to make your apartment feel warmer and more inviting after your wedding. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose the Right Colours

Brown and caramel tones can warm up a room, as can warmer wood shades. If your couch is a neutral colour, such as cream, adding some warm wood accents or a nice throw blanket can make the space feel cosier. It's all about creating a balance and working with what you already have.

Play with Lighting

In addition to candles, you can use lighting to make your apartment feel warmer. Try using compact fluorescent light bulbs that produce a warm, gentle light, similar to incandescent bulbs but with greater energy efficiency and longevity. Fairy lights or string lights can also add a cosy glow to your space.

Create a Comfortable Atmosphere

Throw blankets can make a space feel inviting and emotionally warm. Opt for plush fabrics and warm colours. You can also add candles with scents that you find relaxing. Just be sure to practise basic fire safety and never leave a lit candle unattended.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix and match different textures and patterns. For example, you could pair a plush throw blanket with a woven basket full of extra linens. Or, combine candles with string lights to create a cosy and romantic atmosphere.

Be Strategic with Placement

Place throw blankets in easily accessible spots, such as draped over the arm of a couch or folded on the seat of an armchair. For candles, consider placing them on shelves, coffee tables, or even the kitchen counter. Just be mindful of any fire hazards and keep them away from flammable objects and hanging fabrics.

By incorporating these simple tips, you can easily add warmth and comfort to your apartment, making it feel like a cosy haven after your wedding.

Display personal mementos and photographs

Displaying personal mementos and photographs is a great way to make your apartment feel like home after your wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Choose Meaningful Items

Select the items that hold the most meaning for you and your spouse. These could include photographs, children's drawings, ticket stubs, or any other items that bring back happy memories. Go through your belongings and ask yourself if you have looked at or thought about each item in the past year. If not, it may not be worth displaying. Alternatively, you can use the KonMari method, which suggests keeping items that "spark joy".

Prepare for Display

Once you've chosen your mementos and photographs, prepare them for display. Purchase frames that match your decor and protect your items from damage. For example, opt for frames that block or filter ultraviolet rays to prevent fading. You can also use shadow boxes or display cases to protect and showcase precious items like baby clothing or knick-knacks.

Pick Rooms for Your Keepsakes

Decide which rooms you want to display your mementos in. Choose rooms that you visit often, such as the bedroom and living room. Children's shadow boxes, for instance, could go in the playroom, while a gallery wall of wedding photos might be better suited for the living room.

Display Similar Items Together

Group related objects together to create a cohesive look. For example, create a gallery wall of wedding photos and mementos or display children's sports trophies and equipment on a shelf. This helps to create a sense of cohesion in your design.

Experiment with Display Options

There are several places you can display mementos and photographs, such as on the wall, on a shelf, or on a table. Don't be afraid to mix it up and try something different, like displaying photos on a shelf or table instead of hanging them on the wall. If you're displaying a group of objects on a wall, lay out the arrangement on the floor first to make sure you like the composition.

Try Different Arrangements

Once you've arranged your mementos and photographs, live with them for a few days to see if you're happy with the placement. If not, try moving things around until you find an arrangement that suits your style and space. The goal is to have your sentimental objects mesh seamlessly with your decor.

Play with the layout until it feels right

Playing with the layout of your apartment can be a fun and creative way to make it feel new and improved after your wedding. Here are some tips to help you achieve a layout that feels just right:

• Take your time and don't be afraid to experiment: Trial and error are key to finding the perfect layout. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Move furniture and experiment with different arrangements until you find what works best for you and your partner.
• Consider the functionality of each room: Think about how you use each space and arrange the furniture accordingly. For example, if you have a narrow kitchen, opt for a narrow high-top table instead of a bulky one to create a more comfortable walkway.
• Use a floor planner tool: Utilize online tools or draw out a rough sketch of your apartment to plan the layout before physically moving any furniture. This can help you visualize the space and make more informed decisions.
• Create distinct zones: In an open-concept space, define different areas, such as a living room, dining area, and office, by strategically placing furniture. Floating a sofa in the middle of the room, for example, can help separate a living room from a dining area.
• Maximize storage: Apartments often have limited storage space. Opt for multi-purpose furniture, such as a bookcase that can store books and display decorative items, or a skirted table that provides hidden storage underneath.
• Play with lighting: Lighting can significantly impact the ambiance of a room. Add various light sources, such as lamps, standing lamps, or string lights, to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Reflect on what makes you uncomfortable: If there are specific things in your apartment that bother you, try to address them through your layout changes. For example, if you feel cramped in a particular area, consider moving furniture around to create a more open and spacious feel.

Choose a colour scheme and stick to it

Choosing a colour scheme is a great way to make your apartment feel new after your wedding. Colour schemes can be a fun way to express your personality and style, and can be a great way to tie a room together.

Firstly, decide on a colour palette that you like. This could be a few shades of the same colour, or a few complementary colours that go well together. For example, you could choose a palette of warm tones, such as browns, caramels and warm wood shades, or you could opt for a bolder palette with colours like mustard yellow.

Once you have chosen your palette, it's time to start decorating. You can paint your walls, but if your lease doesn't allow this, you could use removable wallpaper or lighter wall hangings. You can also bring colour into your space with furniture, such as a statement sofa or coffee table. If you don't want to invest in new furniture, you can paint or repurpose your existing pieces to match your new colour scheme.

Don't forget about the smaller details, like throw blankets, candles and lighting, which can all add to the overall atmosphere and colour scheme of your space. You can also use rugs to bring colour into a room, and to camouflage any flooring that you don't like. Finally, add some personal touches, like photographs, artwork or mementos, to make your space feel unique and special.

Explore the local area and meet your neighbours

So you've just moved into a new apartment after your wedding. Congratulations! Now, it's time to explore the local area and meet your neighbours. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Join Local Community Events

Keep an eye out for local community events such as block parties, neighbourhood clean-up days, or fundraisers. Participating in these events is a great way to meet your neighbours in a relaxed setting. You can volunteer or simply attend and engage with other community members. This way, you can easily build friendly relationships and become a part of the community.

Explore Local Amenities

Get to know your surroundings by visiting local restaurants, shops, libraries, recreation centres, or markets. By frequenting these places, you'll likely run into your neighbours and have a chance to strike up conversations. You can also look for community groups, clubs, or gatherings that align with your interests, such as book clubs or walking groups. This way, you can explore your neighbourhood while also pursuing your hobbies and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Host a Get-Together

Consider hosting a housewarming party or a casual get-together at your new place. Invite your neighbours over for a potluck-style meal, a cup of tea, or a game night. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even organise a storytelling night or a reading party, where people can mingle and connect through shared stories and ideas. This way, you can get to know your neighbours in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Be Social and Friendly

When you're out and about in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to strike up conversations with people you meet. A simple smile, greeting, or casual conversation can go a long way. Be open and friendly, and don't be afraid to initiate interactions. You could also ask your neighbours to join you for a day out at a local event or activity. This way, you can explore the area together and build new connections.

Be Patient and Persistent

Building relationships with your neighbours takes time, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen overnight. Consistency is key. Continue engaging with your neighbours, even if it's just a friendly wave or a quick chat. Over time, these small interactions can lead to meaningful connections and long-lasting friendships. Remember, everyone has been the "new neighbour" at some point, so don't be afraid to take the initiative!

Frequently asked questions