Our friend Jamie of Exposed Brick DC is back with another inspiring guest post for our Apartminty readers! Not only is Jamie amazing at sifting through the clutter and finding the best rental deals in DC, she also has incredible taste. This is reflected not only in the way she puts herself together but in how she puts her gorgeous living space together. From sensible furniture arrangement to creating captivating vignettes, Jamie has one of the most envious and Instagram-worthy apartments we’ve seen, so we asked her to give us a few tips on capturing our spaces in the best light, examples included!

Look For The Right Lighting

It can be intimidating to show your space. Your home is personal. If you are like me, you are always second guessing what shots are Instagram-worthy. A good rule of thumb is light. The right lighting can stop you in your tracks and make just about any space appealing. I took this shot of my apartment the minute I walked in the door after work one evening. The light was so beautiful that I forgot about the tangled cords and remotes in the shot. Luckily I keep my studio pretty tidy so I can capture the moment when it strikes.

Gather Your Favorite Things

I have always believed in the one decorating rule, “If you love it, then it will work.” Showcasing your personal style on social media is easy when you love the things you have. I certainly don’t love everything in my apartment– decorating is a never-ending process. However, I do usually have a few things that I am crushing on at any given time. I have found that grouping my favorite things together inspires me and leads to that Instagram-worthy shot.

Remember That Sometimes More Is More

Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Layering objects adds dimension, creating a more interesting shot. When there is more to look at there is a better chance followers will linger on your post. This photo mixes several different elements: traditional, natural, greenery, etc. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

Pay Attention To Detail

The point of Instagram is to tell a story with only a photo. Sometimes the tiniest section of your apartment will inspire. Try focusing on a small part of your apartment to tell a larger story. This is also a good opportunity to highlight things in your apartment that you are most proud of. At this moment, I was particularly proud of how a sweet little arrangement was able to spruce up the under utilized space above my radiator.