Revamp Your Apartment This Spring

Posted on January 8, 2013 by tpham

Pantone’s color of the year is Emerald. Incorporate this in your decor in 2013.

Take a look around your apartment. Is it ready for a décor revamp? Spring is right around the corner, and this is the perfect opportunity to freshen up your space and give it an updated look.

This year, new trends are popping up, including incorporating Pantone’s bold color of the year, as well as an emphasis on art. If you’re looking to step outside of the box and be daring in your décor, 2013’s your year. Read on to learn how to incorporate 2013’s décor trends into your apartment.

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Add Pops of Color
Painting isn’t always an option for apartment dwellers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add pops of color throughout your space. Pantone, an industry leader who sets the tone for home décor, announced its color of the year for 2013: Emerald. According to Pantone’s website, “emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.” To add color to your walls without painting, frame emerald-inspired paintings in a set of three or cover a large canvas with an emerald-colored fabric. You can also incorporate the color with accent pieces, such as throw pillows, blankets, vases or picture frames. Or, if you’re feeling extra daring, consider painting a piece of furniture, such as a dresser, TV stand or side tables.

Shine Brightly
Energy-efficient LED lighting products are still a hit in 2013. This includes cove, tray ceiling, toe kick, and under- and above- cabinet lighting. Finishes for lighting include chrome and polished nickel, which appeal to Generation “Y” and baby boomers.

Incorporate Patterns
One way to spruce up your décor is by adding patterns, though the key is to not overdo it. One of the trends present during Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week was stripes. Stripes bring movement into a room, and designers will likely to incorporate this trend in their decorating this season. Mix and match different sized stripes for a rug or accent pillows. If your big furniture is neutral, consider adding in a bold accent piece, such as a striped accent chair, which will add a spark to your space.

Another trend in patterns for 2013 is incorporating botanical prints. This includes floral prints and plants. Avoid going overboard, as adding a select few prints will go a long way. To make it subtle, make black and white prints of illustrations and attach them to colorful card stock. You can also line the back of a bookcase with botanical images.

Use Metallic Finishes
Metallics are making a comeback this year. Brass is back, and it is easy to incorporate into your space – not to mention it is affordable. Change out your plain lamp base for one with a brass finish, and consider changing your knobs and cabinet pulls to brass. Golds are also in style this year and can be added to your décor through a starburst mirror, accent pieces or a mirror. And don’t forget about chrome and silver – they’re around to stay.

Repurpose Wood
Though this isn’t a new trend, adding repurposed or reclaimed wood to your space will be big this year. Combining wood with metal is a popular trend. This could include a desk with an iron base and a wood top. Wooden trays, cutting boards and coasters should be showcased in your apartment.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/murboy

Save Space By Properly Hanging Your TV

Posted on January 8, 2013 by sroman

Hanging your TV will save space, but make sure you hang it properly.

With post-holiday season sales (and the Super Bowl) on the horizon, now is a great time to consider purchasing a new TV! Whether you find a deal online, or receive one as a holiday gift, you’ll want to unpack and start watching your new television as soon as possible.

Not only do flat panel televisions look great, their thin profiles make them relatively easy to mount on a wall. Hanging your TV will save space and keep it well out of a baby or toddler’s reach in case you need to baby-proof your entertainment area.

Here are a few tips to properly hang your new TV in your apartment and hide those pesky wires.

Step 1: Unpack
Unpack your television, including cables, brackets, remotes and all related documents. Keep the television in its protective wrapping, and place it face down on a flat surface covered with a blanket.

Step 2: Attach Brackets
Attach the brackets to the back of the TV with the hardware supplied. Be sure to select the right size screws for the holes on the TV.

Step 3: Mark your TV’s Location
When selecting a location to hang your TV, remember that televisions are best viewed at or just above eye level. In order to hide the cables, choose a location where wires can easily connect from their source to the television. When you’ve chosen your location, draw an outline of the television on the wall with a pencil and a straight edge. You’ll also want to hang your TV near a power outlet. For a cleaner look, install a new outlet directly behind the TV.

Step 4: Attach the Wall Mount
If a wall mount did not come with your TV, be sure to purchase one that will bear the full weight of your television. Consider an articulated wall mount if you want to swivel the TV, or extend it from the wall.
To keep your television secure, install your wall mount directly into a pair of studs in the wall. If the screws are planted into drywall alone, your television is more likely to fall off and break. Using a stud finder, locate two studs within the television outline. Mark the outside edges and the centers of each stud. Use a level to make sure the wall mount is aligned evenly on the wall, and then drill the holes. Finally, attach the mount to the wall using the included hardware.

Step 5: Hide the Wires
Cut a hole in the wall just below the bracket to feed the wires through using a drill and utility knife. Be sure you know the diameter of the hole you need (the size will change depending on how many items you are hooking up and how many cords you have) so that the hole is completely obstructed by the TV once it is hung.

Feed the cable directly through the bracket and the wall hole.

Cut another hole where the cables need to exit the wall. You may wish to conceal the exit point later with a plant or piece of furniture.

Attach all cables to the TV and feed them through the first hole you cut as you move the TV closer to the wall and mount it. Ask a friend to help you lift the TV and guide the cables. Once the TV is mounted onto the wall portion of the bracket, the cables should be visible through the second hole. Reach in with your finger and pull out the cables. Connect them to a power source, and you’re ready to watch your new TV!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Roob

Where to Find Nice, Cheap Furniture in Tacoma

Posted on January 7, 2013 by tpham

If you’re in the market for new furniture in Tacoma, you’re in luck. Check out our suggestions to find nice, cheap furniture.

From vintage to modern, and from neutral to bold colors, Tacoma’s furniture stores offer a wide selection of furniture, rugs and accessories, as well as some of the most knowledgeable salespeople around. Whether you’re getting settled in your new Tacoma apartment, looking for more grown-up furniture or just adding to the collection, Tacoma has a large selection of furniture stores within reach. Read on for our picks on where you find nice, cheap furniture in this charming Pacific Northwest city.

Harkness Furniture
One of the first things you’ll notice about Harkness Furniture is its giant retro neon sign out front. It’s become a fixture on South Tacoma Way. The next thing you’ll notice is its large furniture selection. The items are offered at great sales prices, and the quality of the selection is second to none. They don’t carry low-end items here, and the staff allows you to roam the two levels at your leisure and will answer questions as needed. Keep an eye out for storewide sales.
Where: 6612 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409

Modality Furniture
This downtown furniture boutique offers a great selection of furniture, whether you’re in the market for a new couch, chair or table. Their floor models give you an idea to help you decide what you want to furnish your space. Check out the selection and customize your choices to have the perfect addition to your living room, dining room or kitchen. And if you need an accent rug, they have those, too.
Where: 821 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402

Hope Furnishings
This is the retail department store of the NW Furniture Bank, an organization which helps restore hope, dignity and stability in the community by recycling donated furniture to people in need. Hope Furnishings is located in the Tacoma Dome district, and it offers gently used furnishings, name brand floor samples and vintage furnishings at a great value. The revenues generated from Hope Furnishings are then used to purchase high demand items for the furniture bank clients.
Where: 117 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma, WA 98421

The Old Cannery
This family-owned store has been serving the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years. The Old Cannery offers high quality durable furniture, from beds to dressers, and from desks to bookcases. The employees are knowledgeable about their inventory, and they are willing to work with you to make sure the customer goes home with only the best. And while you’re shopping, grab some coffee or fudge at their in-house cafe.
Where: 13608 Valley Ave. E., Sumner, WA 98390

Preuit Estate Furnishings
Located in beautiful Gig Harbor, this family-owned store offers quality home furnishings on consignment. Whether you’re looking for furniture, lighting, mirrors, rugs or accessories, Preuit Estate Furnishings has a large selection for you. The inventory turns over weekly, but their website keeps you up to date on what’s in store.
Where: 3308 Uddenberg Lane, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/spxChrome

How to Create a Studio in Your Apartment

Posted on January 4, 2013 by jpalmer

With a little hard work and creativity, you can create an art or music studio in your apartment.

We all need a place where we can create a side business or work on a hobby, especially if that side job or hobby is rather complex. But with a little hard work and ingenuity, you can easily turn a bedroom in your apartment into a studio for your music, art or anything else. Here’s how.

Music or Recording Studio

Soundproof your space. Soundproofing is very important. Fasten egg crate foam to the walls, ceiling and windows using staples or drywall screws. This will help control echoes and keep sounds from coming in or getting out. Your goals are to both cut out street noise and not irritate your neighbors.

Noise Cancellation. Quiet your new studio by placing computers and other equipment in a closet or the next room if possible. This cuts out background noise from PC fans.

Mount speakers and other such equipment on the walls, and wrap the metal legs on chairs, tables or other equipment in Bubble Wrap to remove audio echoes.

If possible, build a separate booth for recording equipment or where you will do your actual instrumental or vocal recording. This will allow for additional soundproofing and noise control.

Leverage Technology. These days, you don’t necessarily need big, expensive mixing boards and other complex equipment. You can achieve all the same effects digitally on a PC, laptop or tablet using often free software and a $100 microphone.

Art Studio

Check Zoning Laws. Your state may require you to purchase a building permit in order to build an art studio, especially if you intend to sell your work out of your home.

Check Your Floor Surface. You’ll want a floor that’s easy to clean and can preferably take a beating. Carpet gets gobs of paint and collects paint or pottery dust, so that’s out. If the space you want to use as an art studio has inadequate flooring, consider ripping it up and redoing it.

Lighting. Strong, natural light is the best to work under, especially if you’re a painter. Make sure your chosen room has a north-facing window. If not, install some lighting that can simulate natural light.

Ventilation. Painting, drawing and pottery can throw up a lot of fumes and dust. You’ll need a safe way to filter this out of your workspace. Install a ventilation fan in the ceiling or place a box fan in an open window.

With just a few modifications, you can turn a spare bedroom into an awesome music or art studio so you can explore your passion from the comfort of your own apartment.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/dantok

Where to Find Nice, Cheap Furniture in Providence

Posted on December 12, 2012 by ag-admin

Providence is chock full of great stores where you can find nice, cheap furniture.

As the capital and most populous city of the state of Rhode Island, Providence offers its residents a charming mix of New England culture along with all the excitement and amenities of larger city life. Known as “The Creative Capital,” it’s no wonder that its streets are filled with a number of unique shops and boutiques. If you’re in the market for some furniture to fill your new apartment, or are just looking for a décor overhaul in your current one, here are our suggestions for the best places to find nice, cheap furniture in Providence.

Benefit Street Antiques
Whether you walk into the store knowing exactly what you’re looking for or are just in the mood for some browsing, Benefit Street Antiques provides a great customer experience. Housed in a unique, light-filled space, the owners thoughtfully organize each piece in this quintessential antiques shop, and everything is clearly marked with the price.
Where: 243 Wickenden St., Providence, RI 02903

BD’s Discount
This large discount furniture outlet might not be the prettiest around, but it offers the most bang for your buck if you’re looking for sturdy, quality furniture for rock bottom prices. This place is massive, so it helps to have some idea of what you’re looking for before you walk in. If you stick to a plan, you might just walk away with some great furniture for your apartment for cheap.
Where: 699 Hartford Ave., Providence, RI 02909

Rocket To Mars
Rocket To Mars is a quirky, retro-themed consignment shop in the trendy Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence. In addition to furniture, you’ll also find unique, one-of-a-kind home décor pieces to make your apartment feel more like a home. Things are a little bit more expensive compared to other antique or consignment shops in the city, but you’re paying for high quality, certifiably vintage and retro merchandise.
Where: 144 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903

Savers
This standard thrift store in East Providence is packed to the gills with nice, cheap furniture, as well as other goods like clothing, home décor items and accessories. If you’re a loyal customer, you can earn a rewards card, where every $5 purchase allows you to fill up your card and save up to 30 percent on your next purchase.
Where: 1925 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, RI 02906

Oop
If you prefer your furniture to be on the more artsy side, Oop is the store for you. This spirited boutique carries novelty gifts, jewelry, home décor, furniture and other pieces made in small quantities and designed by local artists and designers, but without the hefty price tags of other antique shops.
Where: 220 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Spooky2006

How to Create a DIY Winter Wonderland

Posted on December 4, 2012 by tpham

Get out your hot glue gun, glitter and ribbon, and you’ll be on your way to creating DIY holiday décor. From faux snow vases to a decked-out dreidel garland, use this infographic as a guide to fashion unique decorations for your home this holiday season.

<a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/how-to-create-a-diy-winter-wonderland"><img src="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/diy-holiday-decor.png" alt="DIY holiday decor" title="Creating DIY Holiday Decorations" width="600" height="3516" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog">Apartment Living Blog</a>

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Repurposing Old Items to Decorate Your Apartment

Posted on December 4, 2012 by jpalmer

Purchase a few vintage glass bottles at an antique shop, or fill a vase with pine cones to give your apartment a new feel.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture, decorations and knickknacks for your apartment. Save money by finding old, used items and giving them a brand new life by repurposing them. Here’s how.

Use Your Imagination

Sometimes you have to get creative and think outside the box to get decorating ideas. A pair of old doors, for example, can be repurposed as a headboard for your bed. That antique sewing table in your grandmother’s attic can be used as a kitchen island. That old barn door can be turned into a lavish dining room table.

Paint It

You’d be surprised how a $5 can of paint can liven up a drab piece of furniture or object and turn it into something completely new. Or, you can even leave a piece in its original state for that rustic look.

Install New Hardware

Sometimes all a piece needs is a new set of knobs, hinges or cabinet pulls to become a cherished part of your new abode.

Strip It

Wood furniture is perhaps the easiest to repurpose because you can remove the existing finish and paint it, stain it, or leave it as is.

Bring the Outdoors In

Sometimes there’s no better way to liven up your apartment space than by bringing a bit of nature inside. Fill a vase with sticks found outside, or decorate with leaves, pine cones or fresh flowers to give your new living quarters the feel of the great outdoors.

Deck it Out in Glass

Comb through yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores for glass bottles. Dusted off, these cool little knickknacks can add a warm, homey feel to an apartment.

Make Your Own Wall Art

Do you like art but can’t afford to shop the fancy galleries? Make your own. You can repurpose art calendars by cutting out the pictures and putting them in a cheap plastic or wood grain frame. You can do the same with old maps. Antique tools also look great hanging on the wall.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Jill Chen

How to Create DIY Christmas Wreaths

Posted on November 29, 2012 by tpham

This year, change things up with your Christmas wreath and use our suggestions as inspiration.

We’ve already learned how to make fall wreaths, but now it’s time to tackle wreaths for the winter season and for Christmas. Get creative and spruce up your front door by gathering materials from your own yard, upcycling materials and thinking outside of the round wreath. Grab your hot glue gun and use our suggestions below to create a beautiful wreath this season.

Woodsy Wreath
This eco-friendly design brings in elements of nature but still has a clean look and feel that will be a great addition to your front door or the fireplace. From the crafts store, purchase a 16 inch grapevine wreath and approximately 10 artificial small Granny Smith apples. Go through the floral section and select an assortment of seasonal flora. You can also head to your backyard and scoop up pinecones. Using a hot glue gun, affix the apples to the wreath, spacing them equally around the ring. Next, weave the flora into the grapevine, filling in the areas between the apples. If using pine cones, hot glue them to the wreath.

Upcycled Wreath
This wreath is an easy way to get a beautiful wreath while being environmentally friendly. Cut holly shapes (using a holly stencil) out of old holiday greeting cards to upcycle old materials. Use a hot glue gun to attach a toothpick onto the backside of each holly leaf to form a 1 inch pick at the bottom of each leaf. Insert the picks into a 10-inch Styrofoam wreath, and repeat until the wreath is covered. Fan and overlap the leaves to create a full-looking wreath.

Pine Cone Cluster/Wreath
To create a more nontraditional “wreath,” use this idea to spice up your décor during the winter. Head out to your backyard and collect three, five or seven pine cones. Pick a ribbon that matches your holiday décor and is approximately 2 inches wide, and cut out strips of varying lengths (6, 8, 10 and 12 inches). Next, hot glue the ribbon to the base of each pine cone. Once the glue is dry, gather the top of the ribbon and tie a bow. Attach to a wreath hanger to hang on your front door.

Monogram Wreath
Similar to the pine cone cluster, your holiday wreath does not have to be round. Purchase an MDF letter, holly berries and burlap garland or ribbon from your local craft store. Use your hot glue gun to attach the holly berries to the MDF letter, carefully filling in all of the spaces. Tie your ribbon or burlap around the top of your monogram, and hook it onto your door using a wreath hanger. Some letters may be complicated, so consider using hot glue or a staple gun to attach the ribbon to the back of the letter.

Wood Flower Wreath
You’re probably wondering how wood would work in a wreath. For this wreath, use tapioca wood flowers, which will help create a beautiful wreath this season and will last you for years. Attach tapioca wood flowers of varying sizes to a wreath form, placing the flowers as close as possible to each other. Stagger the size of flowers to create a more visually appealing wreath. Tie a bow in the ribbon and glue the center of the ribbon to the back of the wreath. Hang the bow on a wreath hanger on your door.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Riorita

5 Best Blogs for Crafting Resources and Tips

Posted on November 28, 2012 by tpham

Looking for inspiration for your next craft project? Check out these top 5 blogs for crafting.

You can spend hours on Pinterest or Google searching for that perfect craft project to complete the look of your apartment, home or office. Finding inspiration and motivation can sometimes be tough, especially if some websites give you just pictures, rather than explanations. But we’ve sorted the Web and came up with a list of our five favorite blogs for crafting. Read on for our picks.

The Happy Home
Belinda created The Happy Home to document her journey through renovation, decorating and various projects, as well as raising her three children. Her goal is to create a happy home for her family, which includes livable spaces, creative projects and fun activities. For the holidays, she has tips on unique ways to gift wrap, little DIY steps to create the perfect accessory for your holiday outfit and décor DIY. http://thehappyhomeblog.com/

Michele Made Me
This blog isn’t your ordinary craft blog. Michele, blogger and crafting extraordinaire, creates unique items for around the house by upcycling old materials. She uses her hobbies, such as sewing, quilting, knitting and cutting and pasting to create gold from garbage. More recently, she created a Christmas snowflake ornament using junk mail. http://www.michelemademe.com

Mod Podge Rocks
Her roots are in knitting and sewing, but Amy of Modge Podge Rocks has become a decoupaging genius more recently. In addition to giving tips on transforming dull items into magical pieces, she vlogs on YouTube in addition to her everyday “real life.” On her blog, she walks you through craft projects for every member of your family. This includes patchwork for children’s chairs, holiday cases and coasters. http://modpodgerocksblog.com

Craft Test Dummies
Jenny’s blog, Craft Test Dummies, is a forum for Jenny to test out new crafts, products and techniques without any fluff. If you’re visiting your local crafts store and see a new product but aren’t sure if it will work, then Jenny will help determine its usability. And if you’re stuck this holiday season on what to get for your difficult person on your list, then check out Craft Test Dummies’ gift guides, which walk you through various ideas. http://www.crafttestdummies.com/

Dollar Store Crafts
This daily crafting blog brings you tips and ideas for projects on a budget. The finished products are chic, but getting there doesn’t mean breaking the bank and getting stressed. Most of the materials in projects on Dollar Store Crafts can be found at your local dollar store or the dollar section in various stores. Whether you’re looking for décor, fashion, wedding or kids crafts, Dollar Store Crafts has project ideas for you. http://dollarstorecrafts.com

Do you have a go-to crafting blog?

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/Green_Leaf

How to Create a Happy Home

Posted on November 19, 2012 by jgrimes

Want to feel a sense of accomplishment and make your whole house smell like happiness? Bake something with almond, lemon or peppermint oil.

As the days become shorter and nights grow longer, you may yearn for more sunshine in your apartment. Though you can’t control the weather, you can add happiness and warmth to your space by channeling all things feel-good and smile-inducing. Ward off Seasonal Affective Disorder before it begins by adding a few of the cheery objects or actions below into your home.

Plants
Add a couple of indoor plants, such as philodendrons, gardenias, laurel plants, ferns, bay leaves, gerbera daisies, bromeliads or peace lilies, to help ward off colds, increase your feeling of wellbeing, reduce carbon dioxide and filter the air. Plus, seeing something grow during the winter will make you feel happy, especially if it’s a useful herb such as rosemary.

Feel-good smells
Citrusy candles and air fresheners span all seasons and provide an instant lift for your spirits. Invite the spring into your home with lemon- and fresh linen-scented candles and air fresheners with orange oil in them. You’ll feel invigorated in no time.

Utilize art
Not only does art enhance the visual appeal of your space, it communicates your style and even your values to visitors of your home. Art defines specific areas of your home, so the bedroom becomes calming, the living room becomes inviting and the kitchen becomes lively, and a happy home is one where each space has a unique, special purpose. Add handmade art, mementoes and photos to the refrigerator, and you’ll feel fulfilled each time you walk by.

Bake something
When you bake something, particularly if it contains lemon, peppermint or almond oil or extract, you’re releasing scents used in aromatherapy that aim to soothe, invigorate and refresh. If you can’t bake or don’t have the space, harness the same feeling by purchasing candles in cozy scents of apple cinnamon, cinnamon roll, vanilla cake or pumpkin spice.

Hug more
Studies show that if you are hugged by your close friends and family two to four times a day, you’ll reduce your heart rate, lower blood pressure and improve your mood, which generally means you’ll be happier and more relaxed. Start your day off with hugging someone, and hug someone again when you get home from work. You may be surprised at how protected you’ll feel throughout the day.

Eat healthy food
You’ve always heard you are what you eat, so if you want to sleep better and regulate your mood, aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables per day, three to five servings of whole grains, two to three servings of lean protein and a tablespoon or two of good-for-your-heart fat per day.

Celebrate your space
Once you’ve decorated your space, make sure to enjoy each room for what it is. Find reasons to use your fine china and crystal, or to sip lemonade on the porch. Make your bed each morning so you’ll feel proud of your bedroom, and cook as many meals at home as possible. When you celebrate your space, you’ll love it, and you’ll feel happy in it.

Photo Credit: iStockphoto/YinYang

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