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Top Ten Ideas for Decorating Your Apartment Rental

Anyone who has rented an apartment desires to feel comfortable, no matter how large or small the space. Decorating an apartment can be difficult as there is often little to work with and only so much change allowed. Every apartment complex is different. Some complexes resemble the styles of Pleasanton apartments in California, with varying sizes, yet functional and luxurious. Others reflect the high class busy lifestyle of Manhattan apartments, often in a one-room loft layout. Whatever the location or floor plan, remember these top ten ideas for making the best out of your space and making it your own.

1. Use multi-functional furniture – For small spaces, a futon sofa bed will give your guests a place to sit and a place for you to sleep at night all in one piece of furniture.

2. Purchase storage type furniture – Beds, couches, and loveseats are available with extra storage options. Storing away miscellaneous items can de-clutter a space and make it appear larger.

3. Wall hangings – Most rentals do not allow paint on the walls. Unique wall hangings can add the expression you are looking for without damaging the walls. Large panels with fabric in your color of choice will work for any wall.

4. Minimal window coverings – Many apartments lack windows as they are connected to other units in the building. Do not cover the windows with excess fabric or curtains. This will block any natural light coming in. Practice minimalism on the windows.

5. Floor lamps – Don’t underestimate the power of adequate lighting. Invest in a few floor lamps and bring your apartment to life. All of your decorating will be evident in a well-lighted room.

6. Add warmth with plants – Studio and loft apartments can be a little “drab” and cold. Add warmth to a space with a few green plants. Plants also help to clean up the air in your apartment, which can be beneficial for apartments in pollution-filled cities.

7. Use room dividers for open spaces – One room apartments can be segmented into separate areas through the use of room dividers, folding screens, or curtains suspended from the ceiling.

8. Pay attention to the small details – Limited budgets mean limited decorating. Small touches such as adding new light switch covers or cabinet hardware can make a big difference without stressing your pocketbook. Make sure to keep those covers and hardware because you will have to replace them when you leave.

9. Create one focal point for each room – Every room should have at least one item that centers the room and makes everything around it pale in comparison. This could be a fireplace, a painting, a statue, or even a large piece of furniture.

10. Mirrors – Use mirrors to reflect light and create the look of a bigger space. Hanging mirrors on the wall or balancing them on the floor against a focal wall can add elegance and style to any room.

The most important thing to remember is to relax. Be open to new ideas and take the limits off of what you think your space should look like. Get creative and turn that apartment into the home of your dreams.

*article written by Avalon Communities and product samples by Simplified Bee – this is not a paid advertisement.
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Read full story By on October 21, 2009 in decorating small spaces, Design Tips, home accessories, interior design

Night Owl Gender Neutral and Modern Nursery Design

A friend expecting a baby this Winter asked me to create an inspiration board for a modern, yet cozy gender neutral nursery. She wants to leave the walls painted white, but envisions hints of bright color. Her love for nature and birds drew me to design a room with our nocturnal feathered friend in mind.

1. Pair of Coffee Wood Trunk Lamps – Pieces; 2. Nursery Works Loom Crib by Nurserywors (with toddler daybed conversion kit) – BunnyBerry; 3. Lifes a Hoot Owl and Tree Felt Mobile – Custom Colors – Etsy PinkPerch; 4. Oo is for Owl – ModernPop on Etsy; 5. Hourglass side table in orange – Bungalow5; 6. Lullaby Rocker in Java big beads fabric – Pottery Barn Kids; 8. Forest Friends baby quilt, Branches and Owls – All the Number’s on Etsy; 7. Organic Lions Orange Crib Sheet by Pixel Pieces – BunnyBuryBaby; 9. Shaggy Raggy White Rug – Posh Tots

*images of owl artwork from Posh Tots
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Read full story By on October 16, 2009 in baby and children, baby nursery room, interior design, simplified bee portfolio

Home Office with White Lacquer Desk and Sunburst Clock

Okay, I am a little late to Kate of Centsational Girl’s Where do you Blog Party? This is an older post, but shows my home office where I blog most days and where I purchased some of the pieces. 
It all started with this beautiful home office design by New York’s Amanda Nisbet. The desk, the chair, the mirror layered bulletin board – I loved it all. First, I was on the hunt for just the right desk.
I found one that I liked and within budget at ZGallery – the white lacquer Jett Desk. As much as I loved the glass top in Nisbet’s design, it just didn’t have the storage needed and wouldn’t hide computer electrical cords.
 
To keep the project within budget, I decided to make my own bulletin board from a large stretched canvas I picked up 40 off at Michaels. After gluing a series of cork squares to the canvas (also at Michaels), I wrapped it in solid Navy fabric that was staple-gunned to the back. Nickel nail head – 100s – were hand placed around the bulletin board to mimic a frame. It was a lot of work, but the result was worth it.
Then I was on the lookout for a sunburst mirror and was narrowing down my options when to my surprise I won a sunburst clock from Daily Decorator. Perfect!
Here is my home office today. I am loving my new desk and bulletin board. They look great with the new wall color – Benjamin Moore’s November Rain. 
For additional seating, I added a bamboo and cane sofa with moss velvet cushions from McGuire. The gorgeous throw pillow in turquoise and chartreuse is from Anthropologie.
Now I am keeping my eyes out for a new task lamp for my desk – but don’t tell my husband! Do you have any ideas?

 
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Read full story By on October 15, 2009 in home accessories, interior design, office/study

Colorful Designer Front Doors and Paint Samples

Have you thought about painting your front door? It can be a great place to add color and communicate your personal sense of style. Lately, I have been attracted to colorful front doors. Here are some examples paired with a similar paint color to help you in the selection process.

This sweet pink front door looks great with the cottage’s gray shingle siding and white trim – pink would certainly not go with just any color scheme. It definitely evokes a welcoming, relaxed and more feminine feeling. Now picture this same door in black. Still a great color choice, but would give off a more formal feeling. Thanks to The Pinque, Inc Diaries for this lovely image!

Here is a striking luscious red door by designer Suzanne Tucker. She used a high quality gloss by Dutch Boy that resists dirt, oil and grease. The red really works with the gray siding and white trim. In Feng Shui, a red door symbolizes the mouth of the home. It is thought a red door attracts chi – positive energy – to the house. We all can use some of that!

This Baltimore home with dark gray siding and white trim – hey a pattern here! – looks stylish and modern with a vibrant front door in orange. The color orange denotes energy, warmth and cheerfulness. An orange front door would also look great with another opposing exterior color scheme like light blue siding and navy blue trim.

Sunny, cheery and inviting. This natural brick home with white trim looks stunning with a bright canary yellow door. If you like this look Benjamin Moore’s Yellow Tone might do the trick.

This home found on Real Simple was painted a softer yellow. The pale yellow accent is a perfect choice for the muted gray shingle siding and white trim. Love it.

This chic foyer designed by Albert Hadley features a bright chartreuse front door. It is not clear what color the exterior siding and trim is, but this door color would look great with shades of gray, blue or brown with a white trim.

Designer Kathryn Ireland brightens a Spanish Colonial Revival in Southern California with a stunning teal painted door. It is a perfect color selection for the home’s white exterior.

The front door of designer Miles Reed’s New York townhouse has been blogged about many times before, but it is one of my favorites. The soft shade of turquoise is brilliant with the brick in muted gray and trim in white. The door’s nickel hardware is exquisite too. A turquoise door would also look great on a house with tan siding and white white trim.
What color do you like for a front door?

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Read full story By on October 14, 2009 in color, Design Tips, home exterior / curb appeal, interior design