Gabriela Rico
AN interior designer said when looking for affordable pieces for her clients, she heads to Home Goods.
She revealed her go-to items and the ones she recommends ditching.
Interiors and DIY guru Ana Egger (@staged.by.ana) said while she thinks Home Goods is a great place to save money, “there are so many ways you can go wrong.”
In the clip, she said her first stop in the shop is always the pottery section.
“These pots are gorgeous. I love the texture of them, the color, the sizing.”
Holding up a cream-colored stone vase, she said you can’t beat the $35 price tag.
“Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, it’s going to be at least double the price, so pottery is something that’s great to look out for at Home Goods.”
Besides pottery, she’s a fan of the store’s mirrors.
“I love getting mirrors here because number one, I’m not worried about them breaking during shipping [because I take them home], and number two, the pricing is always really great.”
She pointed out a wavy, circular one, noting how “fun” it is and adding that it’d be great for a guest bathroom.
“It’s super cute and it’s literally $50.”
She also loves the big pots they sell at the store.
“They’re great for big, tall trees like olive trees or fig leaf plants. Look at how cute and it’s only $80.”
As for what to stay away from, she said the silk floral arrangements are a no-go, as they look cheap and fake, and Moroccan-print anything is not a good idea.
She was thrilled to see cute decorative boxes, however, pointing out a white one that would be great for a shelf or bedside table.
“But, when you’re looking at their boxes you have to be super, super selective. Like, I would definitely not get a box like this one because it has a bold print.”
Like boxes, the baskets at Home Goods are also a good option.
“The pricing on baskets is so good, and you really can’t tell the difference between these and the ones from The Container Store.”
She pointed out one that looked like a pricey Serena And Lily version.
If you’re hoping for linens, she’s got you covered there too.
Go for ones that have a down insert, and avoid the ones that have words on them.
When shopping for lamps, there are ways you can go wrong.
She pointed out a gold lamp and said it was “way too gaudy,” but said a simple white round one was “so cute.”
And her final tip: avoid any small pieces of décor, as it will cheapen your space.
Source: the-sun.com
For the first installment of our new series, Home Based, we’re infiltrating the world of mob wife aesthetic home goods. Gone are the days of unassuming neutrals and sparse spaces, with maximalist sofas, Versace dinnerware, vintage lamps, and faux fur throws taking their place atop the most wanted list. Blame it on the mass The Sopranos rewatches of 2020, H&M’s collab with Rabanne, or the latest It-girl paparazzi pics, but leopard print, gold accents, and fuzzy textures have everyone’s full attention. So prepare for an offer you cant refuse: An aesthetic upgrade, courtesy of the 20 sultry, glam, and extravagant home buys below. Because while, yes, it’s a skosh over the top, mob wife aesthetic home décor is definitely a crime worth committing.
Source: refinery29.com
A local home goods store that stocks recycled glass and furniture as well as merchandise from nonprofit groups is now open for weekend shoppers.
Diggs, at 228 S. Tucson Blvd., recently leased a 1,200-square-foot shop, south of Broadway.
From tables constructed from discarded doors to bottle scrubbers made from coconut shells and potholders crafted with corks, owner Dawn Elliott has hand-selected the inventory.
Indoor houseplants are a central theme in the shop, and she hopes to eventually add an outdoor plant area for shoppers.
A thrift store frequenter, Elliott buys glassware that she finds and makes decorative plants with rock décor.
She also shops flea markets and estate sales, and her husband, Patrick Trimarco, has found some throwaway gems in brush-and-bulky piles to transform into furniture.
The store also sources items from nonprofit groups and friends have brought Elliott items from estate sales.
“My ideal customer is someone who wants to make their home cozy,” Elliott said, “And, do some good.”
Already working full-time, she hopes to grow and expand the business hours. Currently, Diggs is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other local commercial activity includes:
Information for Tucson Real Estate is compiled from records at the Pima County Recorder’s Office and from brokers. Send information to Gabriela Rico, [email protected]
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Source: tucson.com
Outfitting a new place with pictures and paintings can get expensive, but nowadays, there are plenty of cheap wall art options for your apartment that are inexpensive yet chic.
Once you’ve found the perfect apartment to rent, signed the lease and moved in, the fun part of decorating your new home can begin. If you’re wondering where to buy art for an apartment, we’ve put together a list of 25 places to find cheap wall art online. Browse these galleries or peruse in person and find cheap wall art for your apartment that’ll give it personality and color.
One day, you may be able to afford an original painting by your favorite artist, but until then, there are lots of places to find cheap wall art that’ll spice up your apartment without breaking the bank. Here are some places to consider when looking for art for your apartment.
Etsy is an online marketplace where vendors can sell their arts, crafts and vintage supplies directly to buyers. While you’ll have to search and filter through lots of options, Etsy has a huge collection of art available and is a great place to browse when looking for cheap wall art.
Your local thrift shop is a great place to start when looking for art for apartments. Because of the nature of thrift shops where products are constantly being donated, each time you go to the local thrift shop, you’ll find different art available for purchase at an inexpensive price point. Thrift shops will offer a wide range of art genres and you’ll never know what you’re going to find when you walk in. This makes it a fun place to check out frequently and see what you’ll stumble upon
Like thrift shops, local yard and estate sales are great places to go and browse for cheap wall art. You don’t know what you’re going to find, but it is a fun surprise when you find something unexpected that you love.
Looking for something vintage and antique to decorate your apartment with? Antique stores can offer one-of-a-kind pieces of art that’ll make your apartment stand out from other homes. Antique art hunting requires patience, but when you find a fabulous piece of art, the hunt is worth it.
Society 6 is a website for independent artists to showcase their work. Here, you’ll find a variety of art options — from paper prints to framed art to tapestries — to buy and decorate your apartment with.
Who doesn’t love going on a Target run? Whether you’re looking for cheap wall art online or looking to wander the aisles, Target offers a variety of art that’ll work when decorating anything from a nursery to the living room in your apartment.
Bed Bath and Beyond is another big-box store that offers a little bit of everything, including cheap wall art. Here you can purchase framed art or canvas prints that’ll look high-quality hanging in your home but won’t cost the same as a gallery piece would.
Art.com is a great place to start when you’re looking for art for your apartment. This website offers thousands of pieces — from classics artists like Van Gogh and Picasso to unknown artists selling flowers or signs — Art.com is a great place to browse as you’ll find almost anything your heart desires.
Rifle Paper Co. is a brand that features whimsical designs and sweet florals on a variety of products. From paper prints to licensed products, check out Rifle Paper Co. offers a nice selection of art to hang in your apartment.
Wayfair is where to look when you’re searching for anything from furniture to art to match. If you don’t know what style of art you like, Wayfair is a great place to start because you can match it to your furniture style.
Do you like to support local artists from around the world? If so, Artfinder.com is a great place to find cheap wall art online. You can find styles that you like and feel good about supporting local artists at the same time. Also, lots of times you’ll find art on sale, which is always a perk.
Minted.com offers limited edition prints, meaning the prints won’t always be available for purchase. If you like unique art at a stellar price point, check out Minted.com when browsing for cheap wall art online.
If you’re in the mood to browse online at endless options, Overstock.com is the place for you. This online gallery offers thousands of options and you’re bound to find a piece of art (or two) that are great for your new apartment.
Christmas Tree Shops offers so much more than holiday art. If you’re looking for canvas art that’ll look upscale and elegant in your home, this is a great website or store to check out.
Circle Graphics is a digital printing company and art vendor that can help you decorate your home with art or photos. Looking for art? Great. Looking to print your own photos on canvas? You can do that, too!
Home Goods is another place to browse online and in-store to find both cheap wall art and decorative elements for your apartment.
Great Big Canvas is another online art gallery that allows you to search by subject, color, size or room. This is a great way to filter your art options and find the perfect piece for every wall in your apartment.
If you want an original piece of art but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars, Abstract Art Gallery is a great place to find abstract-style art for under $500. Check out this site if you’re looking for an original piece for your apartment.
Paper Source is a boutique paper store that sells print art and fine paper that can easily be styled into wall art. Find a piece of paper or pattern that you love, buy a frame to match and voila, you’ve got yourself a cheap piece of wall art. This is a great option because you can easily swap the art out seasonally and have new art regularly.
Looking for something a little more hipster? Check out Urban Outfitters art and decor section and you’ll find a wide selection of posters, prints and frames to decorate your apartment with.
iCanvas offers people a large selection of options to find cheap wall art online. You can purchase prints that feature iconic movie and TV scenes, abstract art or classics.
If you’re the type of person who wants to spend money on one beautiful piece of art that is a statement piece, Uprise Art is a great source to check out. With art for under $800, you can get a wonderful piece of art that’ll last you forever.
Vertical Gallery is a digital art gallery where people can browse and see a variety of artists month over month. This is a fun way to purchase cheap wall art because the collections change and provide you with new options.
Big Lots offers art and home decor for inexpensive prices. This is a great place to start looking for art if you aren’t sure about your style and don’t want to invest in an expensive piece yet. You can purchase a few pieces of art, see what you like, and then commit to a more expensive piece down the road.
Last but not least is Dollar Tree. If you’re looking for cheap wall art, try Dollar Tree. You can get prints for literally one dollar and outfit the entire apartment wall-to-wall if you want.
Whether you’re looking for one statement piece of art or multiple pieces you can swap out seasonally, there are plenty of places to find cheap wall art. These 25 places are a great place to start when looking for places to buy art for your apartment.
Source: rent.com
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Phillies fans will soon have a new spot to score jerseys, hats and other fan gear in upper Bucks County.
Rally House, a specialty sports store chain offering an expansive selection of apparel, gifts, home decor and other types of merchandise representing local NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL and MLS teams, is planning to open a new location in a few months at 244 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township.
The new store will fill the space previously occupied by Tuesday Morning, a home goods retailer, in the Trainer’s Corner shopping center, just outside Quakertown.
“We are opening a new Rally House location in Quakertown and excited to get it open to residents and fans,” stated Colin Novick, Rally House’s media and production manager. “We are aiming to have this store open in early spring in April.”
Rally House traces its origins to 1989, when Tim and Mabel “Peg” Liebert started “Mabel’s Kitchen,” a catalog featuring Kansas-related apparel, gifts and other merchandise.
Mabel’s Kitchen evolved into another business, “Kansas Sampler,” which featured five Kansas City area stores selling Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals gear.
The company experienced great success, and the Lieberts eventually decided to expand the business to other markets under the “Rally House” name in 2008, according to a company description.
Today, Rally House has more than 180 locations across 18 states. The new Quakertown area store will supplement more than a dozen other regional locations, including a Lehigh Valley shop in Lower Macungie Township, two other Bucks County stores and several locations in Montgomery County.
Rally House stays true to its roots by providing “an impeccable selection of local and team-related apparel and gifts, including exclusive designs available only at Rally House,” according to the company’s website.
Regional stores offer a wide array of merchandise, including clothing, blankets, glassware and signs, featuring logos and designs of Philadelphia and surrounding area teams.
Customers at the Lehigh Valley store, for example, can shop plenty of Philadelphia Eagles, Flyers, 76ers and Phillies items, along with merchandise showcasing designs of various regional universities, including Lehigh, Kutztown, Penn State, Temple, Villanova, Drexel, St. Joseph’s and West Chester.
Other area sports teams, including Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Philadelphia Union, are also represented.
Philadelphia area teams are primarily featured, but there is also a selection of merchandise featuring other popular teams such as the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.
Customers can browse apparel such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, coats and shorts, along with footwear and fashion accessories such as slippers, hats, scarves and jewelry.
A wide variety of other gifts and home décor include items such as glassware, coasters, garden gnomes and flags, foam fingers, stuffed animals, keychains, pens, pennants, ornaments, cornhole boards, trash cans, calendars and umbrellas.
“Much like each person, no two Rally House stores are identical,” a message on the company’s website reads.
“They each carry merchandise customized and tailored to the specific collegiate and professional teams in that area. In additional to team apparel, Rally House offers a wide selection of local styles. This includes our very own exclusive line of RALLY Brand™ merchandise. The same items we have in our stores can also be found online at any time. We want to make things as easy and seamless as possible for fans who want to show their unique team spirit, regardless of wherever they live or shop.”
In addition to selling items relating to local sports teams, Rally House also works in conjunction with local sports stars and celebrities. These partnerships manifest themselves in the form of ticket giveaways, autograph sessions, radio remote contests and meet-and-greet events.
For the latest Rally House updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram. Info: rallyhouse.com.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown Planning Commission discussed a preliminary/final land development plan for a proposed Wawa convenience store Tuesday afternoon at city hall.
The proposal is offered for 3015 Lehigh St., the site of the former Brass Rail property. The plan involves consolidating two of the three existing lots, demolishing existing features on the consolidated lot and constructing the convenience store.
Should the proposed Wawa come to fruition, it would operate about 100 yards away from a Sheetz convenience store and gas station. Sheetz opened in August 2023 at the southeast corner of Lehigh Street and 29th Street, near Auto Zone. Additional nearby convenience stores and gas stations include a Turkey Hill on the other side of Sheetz and another Wawa about a mile north on Lehigh Street. Full story here.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The new year is bringing more changes to the Downtown Allentown Market, with one food vendor recently setting up shop and another bidding farewell.
Joining the 27 N. Seventh St. market is Randevoo, offering a twist on traditional Asian fusion cuisine.
Randevoo held a soft opening on Jan. 5 in space that was previously occupied by two other Asian concepts, Shinsen and Honmono Sushi, the latter of which closed in June following the owner’s move to Florida. Read more here.
L. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – The Lower Macungie Township Planning Commission recommend approval of a preliminary/final plan of an open-air entertainment facility Tuesday night at the administration building.
The plan, offered by Jaindl Land Co., involves the proposed Topgolf facility at the Lehigh Valley Town Center, slated for 361 Schantz Road and 4511 Cedarbrook Road. The proposed Topgolf and Town Center have already received conditional use approval.
Tuesday night’s recommendation involved the Topgolf facility, which includes a 72-bay golf driving range with a two-story, 20,460-square-foot building and associated parking on 11.5 acres within the Lehigh Valley Town Center. Topgolf will have site access from a private drive in association with the Town Center development. Read more.
LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – Drivers looking to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape will soon have a new car wash to frequent in the Lehigh Valley.
The Car Wash on Hamilton, committed to providing customers with a “seamless and efficient car wash experience,” is expected to open by the end of January at 6794 Hamilton Blvd. in Lower Macungie Township.
The newly constructed car wash, totaling around 4,000 square feet, will supplement two sister locations: The Car Wash on Broadway, which opened in 2015 at 4540 Broadway in South Whitehall Township, and The Car Wash on West Main, which opened in October at 200 W. Main St. in Macungie. Full story here.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The owners of a Bethlehem restaurant, serving up burgers, ice cream and more, have closed their eatery to focus on mobile operations.
Husband and wife Norman and Jill Matthews of Bangor have decided to shutter their 3.5-year-old south Bethlehem eatery, Dinky’s Ice Cream Parlor & Grill, and transition to a “completely mobile” business model, according to a post on Dinky’s Facebook page.
“That means we have two trailers, one that is just purely ice cream and the other is a food/ice cream truck,” they announced on the business’ Facebook page. “We will be going to different events, fairs, parties, food truck gatherings and hopefully breweries in the in the surrounding areas. Then we can get caught up with our loyal customers. Read more here.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A popular fast-casual eatery, serving “gourmet quality comfort food,” is kicking off the new year with some changes in Northampton County.
Hummus House, a family-run restaurant known for its fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and more, has rebranded to HandHeldz at 518 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side.
New signage was installed on Monday, and the business’ first day as HandHeldz was on Tuesday. Read more.
BETHLEHEM TWP., Pa. – A new indoor training facility is helping sports teams, clubs and athletes stay at the top of their game in the Lehigh Valley.
Powerballers Athletic Center, offering year-round training opportunities and a top-tier environment where youth and individuals of all ages can passionately pursue and enjoy their sport, opened in late November at 2550 Brodhead Road in Bethlehem Township.
The 14,000-square-foot facility features 10,000 square feet of flexible turf space, over 1,200 square feet of strength training space, batting cages, certified coaches and a climate-controlled environment. Full story here.
A popular Allentown brewery is expanding its footprint in Lehigh County.
HiJinx Brewing Company, producing a wide array of craft beers that include IPAs, pilsners, porters and stouts, on Thursday announced plans to open an additional location at Sports Factory of the Lehigh Valley, 6616 Ruppsville Road, Upper Macungie Township.
The new location will supplement HiJinx’s original taproom and production facility, a 4,000-square-foot venue that opened in 2014 at the Allentown Economic Development Corporation’s Bridgeworks Enterprise Center, 905 Harrison St., Allentown. The brewery is in Suite 111. Read more here.
A month after announcing a partnership with Lehigh Valley hot dog shop chain Yocco’s, Jaindl Beverage Company – owner of A-Treat soda brand – has announced more local venues carrying A-Treat soda on tap.
In addition to being served at all five Yocco’s locations, A-Treat Birch Beer is now available as a fountain drink at Westside Grill in Upper Macungie Township, Wild Turkey Grill (at The Club at Twin Lakes) in North Whitehall Township and Moselem Springs Golf Club in Richmond Township, Berks County.
Westside Grill, Wild Turkey Grill and Moselem Springs Golf Club are owned by Jaindl Land Development. Read more.
WHITEHALL, Pa. – A popular entertainment facility is ready to level up its services in Lehigh County.
Dave & Buster’s, the entertainment and dining chain that invites guests to “eat, drink, play and watch,” on Friday debuted its reimagined Lehigh Valley location on Friday.
The Whitehall Township location, at 1491 MacArthur Road, opened in October 2020 at a Lehigh Valley Mall outparcel, which was previously home to Friendly’s and Wendy’s restaurants as well as an office building. Full story here.
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. – The new year has brought a new tenant to The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.
Fulton Bank, offering a broad array of financial products and services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, on Monday opened its newest Lehigh Valley branch at 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 839, Upper Saucon Township.
The branch offers a variety of services, including deposits, loans, check cashing and safe deposit boxes. Read more here.
WEST PENN TWP., Pa. – A Schuylkill County winery is making a splash in 2024, with high praise on a well-known wine media platform.
Galen Glen Winery, at 255 Winter Mountain Drive in the Andreas section of West Penn Township, earlier this week received acclaim on JamesSuckling.com, a prominent wine media platform and events company with offices in Hong Kong.
Senior Editor Stuart Pigott labeled the Galen Glen Riesling Lehigh Valley Stone Cellar 2022 as “the best white wine he has ever tasted from Pennsylvania,” according to a Weekly Tasting Report. Read more.
WYOMISSING, Pa. – The owners of Folino Estate Winery near Kutztown have opened another tasty venue in Berks County.
Husband and wife Marco and Andrea Folino, who opened Folino Estate in Greenwich Township in 2015, on Tuesday opened a second location of Vintner’s Table – a wine bar and restaurant serving up Folino’s hand-crafted, award-winning wines along with charcuterie and light bites – at 945 Hill Have. Suite 100 in Wyomissing.
“We welcome you to reserve a seat at our table,” an announcement on Vintner’s Table’s Facebook page reads. “Our menu was a labor of love carefully curated to bring you an elevated dining experience full of rustic Italian flavors paired with our award winning wines in a chic and cozy atmosphere that invites you to stay and sip a while.” Full story here.
WYOMISSING, Pa. – There’s a new gathering place inside an already familiar spot in Wyomissing that can transport you to dozens of golf courses around the world.
While it’s winter outside, the basement of Sly Fox Brewing, dubbed the Foxskeller, features a whole different vibe.
Golfers are teeing up and taking their swings on brand new golf simulators. Read more here.
ONTELAUNEE TWP., Pa. – It’s about the search for something special.
“Number one, I’m a collector. All these guys that sell records they all are interested in records, so I’m looking at his records saying ‘What does he have?’ And I saw something I want to buy,” said Record Riot event organizer Stephen Gritzan.
Thumbing through crates of creative work put to vinyl is a physical interaction that seems increasingly rare. Read more.
EXETER TWP., Pa. – An eatery serving up made-to-order burritos, quesadillas, nachos and tacos is ending operations this weekend in Berks County.
A location of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant franchise serving “high quality and fresh southwestern food,” will close on Sunday at 4725 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Township.
The restaurant is located in the Exeter Commons, between a Fine Wine & Good Spirits store and L.A. Nails Day Spa. Full story here.
Two Rite Aid stores in the Lehigh Valley are ceasing operations this month, joining several other regional locations of the pharmacy chain that closed in 2023.
First, a Rite Aid store at 104 E. Third St. on Bethlehem’s South Side shuttered on Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to storefront signage, addressed “Attention: store closure.” Read more here.
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A well-known clothing retailer is reducing its brick-and-mortar footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
American Eagle Outfitters, a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products, will close its American Eagle store at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township on Jan. 20, a store manager said.
The manager could not comment on the reasons surrounding the upcoming closure. Read more.
PALMER TWP., Pa. – A destination for affordable snacks, household items, party supplies and more has closed in Northampton County.
One Dollar Zone!, a discount variety store “where you can find trusted brands and thousands of great quality items for as low as $1.00,” closed a couple of weeks ago at 785 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township.
It’s unclear what led to the store’s closure. A company representative did not return a message seeking more information, and a sign on the door simply reads, “WE ARE CLOSED.” Full story here.
Source: wfmz.com
Dollar Tree Plus might prove to be one of the best home decor stores for your style if your style includes design on a budget. For instance, do you want to add some playful charm to your home with adorably fluffy pillows? Check out the Plush Fluffy Pillow, selling for $5 per pillow at Dollar Tree Plus. A happy customer gave these soft pillows five out of five stars. You should consider buying a bunch of them to add to various locations of your home for fun charisma. While Dollar Tree — without the Plus — sells some pillowcases, they don’t have any decorative pillows.
Alternatively, do you want to light up your home with beachy details? Make a splash with the Marine-Themed String Lights, available for $5 at Dollar Tree Plus. At over 5 feet long with seashell-like, starfish, and other beach-inspired aspects, the ocean-esque string lights have a perfect five-star rating. Although classic Dollar Tree offers some Valentine’s Day-themed and a few other options for string lights, you’ll only find the creative, ultra-specific ocean theme from Dollar Tree Plus.
Dollar Tree Plus also offers many fake plants, including the Faux Plant, 12-in., the Artificial Potted Topiaries and Snake Plants, 12-in., and the Decorative Faux Potted Plants, 14.17-in. to spruce up your home. The original Dollar Tree has no such products.
Source: housedigest.com
Even though it’s a large city, San Francisco still retains a very welcoming and neighborly vibe, and much like San Diego, New York and Los Angeles, there’s a certain charm here that draws in many new residents each year. The cost of living in San Francisco scares many off, but there are plenty of secrets to discover within this picturesque city.
All of these incredible amenities come with a steep monetary price. Even in the area’s most affordable neighborhoods, estimated monthly costs are high. In fact, the cost of living in San Francisco is a whopping 84.2 percent higher than the national average.
This is how San Francisco’s cost, as a whole, all breaks down.
When searching for apartments in San Francisco, you’ll face a lot of competition, even where the median rent is high. Despite the infamous San Francisco cost of living, though, people still want a San Francisco home.
As one of the hottest markets in the country, San Francisco housing is 242.3 percent above the national average. Although there are some affordable neighborhoods, many properties have an average apartment rent that’s sky-high. Not surprisingly, this greatly affects your estimated monthly costs and raises your living index. It’s also the primary reason this is such an expensive city.
To break down what this cost means, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom in San Francisco is $3,554, up 4 percent over last year. For a two-bedroom, rent averages out to $5,007, an increase of 10 percent over last year. This is mind-boggling when you look at nearby cities like San Jose, where the average monthly rent is almost $1,000 less for both one- and two-bedroom units.
For those looking to buy, home prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood, but the median sale price in San Francisco is $1.525 million. This is up only 1.2 percent over last year, but homes often sell quickly. The median days on the market is less than three weeks.
Whether living a life of luxury or trying to keep things affordable in San Francisco, there’s a neighborhood for you. Even in expensive cities, you can find those hidden gems if you’re willing to look.
If you want to live in one of the more popular downtown neighborhoods like Rincon Hill and Nob Hill, prepare to pay (or find a roommate.) The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $3,595 and $4,505.
For a neighborhood geared more toward young families, the average rent for a two-bed in Bernal Heights is only $2,800. For those wanting to live in California on a budget and still stay safe, the average rent for a two-bed in Outer Richmond is only $3,195.
San Francisco is the epicenter of delicious food — more than 30 restaurants have garnered 44 Michelin stars. But, having such fantastic options does not often come cheap. Thankfully, when you’re on a budget, just go for that bread bowl, whatever is in it. In fact, you can get an entire meal at an inexpensive restaurant for $20.
For those who like to cook at home, San Francisco grocery costs are 29.8 percent higher than the national average. The data isn’t all bad, though, as this total is down by 0.6 percent compared to the past year.
Although there’s obviously variation by brand and store, there are some standard product prices that shed a light on grocery costs. For example, a dozen eggs will cost you $3.47, and a half-gallon of milk rings up at $3.55. For those who can’t get enough of that sourdough (or any kind of bread,) the average loaf will run you $4.81.
While there are plenty of locally-crafted, small-batch breweries, you’ll pay a premium price for your lager — the average six-pack is $10.19.
Utility rates in San Francisco neighborhoods won’t help keep your cost of living index low. While they’re 33.8 percent higher here than the national average, the saving grace is the year-round mild Bay Area weather.
As a result of the mild temperatures, there’s little need to turn on the apartment air conditioner during the summer. And during the wet winter months, a sweatshirt indoors will usually suffice. That said, the average energy bill is still high, at $275.58.
This makes utilities in San Francisco a cost of living concern, compared with most other cities. Even the companion California cities of Los Angeles and San Diego have lower utility averages.
Transportation costs in San Francisco are 41.6 percent higher than the national average, which is actually 3.4 percent less than last year. The most expensive city for transportation in California behind San Fran is Oakland, San Francisco’s next-door neighbor, which has an average that’s 39.2 percent above.
What’s great about San Francisco is that the city comes with the advantage of multiple public transit options. There are the famous cable cars, the bus and rail systems and an abundance of ride-share services.
To travel in style, an iconic cable car is a great way to experience the city. Offered through San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI), riders can pay $8 per ride. The MUNI buses take your transportation expenses down a notch with single-ride fares at only $2.50. You can also purchase a monthly pass, which includes busses and cable car rides, for $81.
To take the train in, out and around the city, use BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport). Stops include the airport, as well as an assortment of East Bay cities. Six lines are available, with easy color-coded routes. The best way to verify the price of your one-way fare is to use the BART fare calculator. To save a little, get a Clipper Card and buy in bulk.
Thanks to its extensive public transit network, San Francisco leaves you with plenty of ways to explore where you don’t have to own a car.
Biking, a popular way to get around the city, is cheap but arduous thanks to the many famously steep hills that San Francisco neighborhoods are known for. With a bike score of 77, you’ll often see bright green, bike-only lanes running next to busy streets — plus, plenty of bike-share stalls located throughout the city.
San Francisco is also ideal for walking, especially for renters in city-centric apartments. With so many amenities in proximity to area housing, this city earned itself a walk score of 93.
At 33.9 percent higher than the national average, the data says that San Francisco is an expensive market when it comes to healthcare. However, the upside to living in San Francisco is that renters do have access to some of the nation’s top doctors and treatment facilities.
It’s difficult to calculate an average for healthcare expenses, as prices are dependent on personal needs and other factors. That being said, the price for healthcare issues in San Francisco is more than in most places. Overall prices are 18.9 percent more than in Los Angeles and 26.7 percent more than in San Diego, and these other cities have their own reputations for being high-end.
Looking at medical costs in the Bay Area, a routine visit with your doctor averages out to $177.33. For an eye exam, you’ll see an average bill of $156.75 from your optometrist, while a trip to the dentist will set you back $150. These prices are without medical insurance, so the total cost could be very different depending on your plan.
Whenever your cost of living includes something you want more than you need, it’s most likely a good or service. Many of these expenses are optional, unlike housing costs, so it’s easier to keep them in check.
That said, this is an expensive item on the list. The cost of goods and services in San Francisco is 24.3 percent higher than the national average, up 2.4 percent over last year. This means you’ll most likely spend more for that movie ticket ($15), yoga class ($24.17) or a trip to the salon ($85.71) than friends in other cities.
California has the highest state sales tax in the nation at 7.25 percent, and localities can add an additional tax on top of it. This makes the minimum combined sales tax rate for San Francisco 8.625 percent.
What this means is when you purchase $1,000 worth of clothing and home goods, as you browse around Union Square, you would pay $86.25 of that in sales tax.
California also has a progressive income tax, with rates between 1 percent and 13.3 percent, separated into nine brackets. Making less money means paying lower income taxes while those with a higher salary should expect to sit in the upper end of the tax bracket.
The price to rent a San Francisco apartment is not cheap, but it’s a huge factor in working out your own cost of living. If you’re not sure how much apartment you can afford on your annual salary, you can figure it out using our rent calculator.
You can also do a little estimating using the current standard cost of a one-bedroom apartment. The monthly rent for this unit is $3,621. If you apply 30 percent of your annual income to rent, as many experts suggest, you’d need a job that pays at least $134,720 to live on your own.
This isn’t always possible, given that the median household income in the city is $119,136. You may have to spend a little more than that 30 percent of a more average salary to live alone or consider other options. This may mean finding a monthly rent that’s lower, spending less money on those goods and services or even living with roommates. All of these options can bring San Francisco costs down and improve your own cost of living in this expensive city.
San Francisco is full of unique beauty and charm. With its many parks, perks, great schools and happy people, this is a city for dreamers and doers — one of the best in all of California. The trick is to not let the high cost of living deter you from calling this great city home. You can do it if you watch costs carefully and budget well.
Source: rent.com
In the world of retail and fashion, home was 2023’s biggest loser.
Apparel firms faced some stress too, but the category managed to avoid the bankruptcy boom that hammered the home sector. In the U.S., the year saw the bankruptcy filings of women’s lifestyle brand Soft Surroundings in September and the April Chapter 11 petition by David’s Bridal, marking its second brush with bankruptcy following its November 2018 filing. Footwear firm Rockport Co. filed on June 14 for its second tour of bankruptcy proceedings, while Shoe City’s parent company ESCO Ltd. filed earlier in the year. Overseas, there was also the Scotch and Soda bankruptcy in March in the Netherlands, followed one month later by the Dutch filing of fashion brand Sandwich.
And just this month, mall operator Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, better known as PREIT, found itself in bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in three years. The mall REIT expects to exit bankruptcy early next year, after which it will find itself under the ownership of its lenders.
Other retail bankruptcies include Party City, long a fixture on credit ratings watch lists, which filed in January. The party favor firm exited bankruptcy in October, but its bankruptcy also saw the closure of 35 big-box locations. And Christmas Tree Shops, once owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, ended up in bankruptcy court when its parent Handil Holdings filed for Chapter 11 protection in May. The company closed down operations in August, and shuttered 72 doors in the process.
But it’s been the troubled home furnishings category that has endured the most distress this year. That comes as little surprise, particularly after the home furnishings boom during COVID when people were sheltering in place. The return to offices, even in hybrid work environments, curtailed additional spending for refurbishing home workspaces. And the home sector was further hit by rising supply chain costs post-COVID, much of which was due to higher expenses connected to moving big pieces of furniture, both in imports and in shipments to customers.
Even credit experts foresaw trouble ahead in home. The home furnishings category carried the highest default risk across retail since 2021, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
And the firing salvo from Wells Fargo’s emergency motion on Dec. 30, 2022, that pushed United Furniture Industries (UFI) into an involuntary Chapter 7 after its shutdown one month earlier set the stage for the upheaval to come in 2023. UFI eventually filed a Chapter 11 petition on Jan. 6.
Home was also the big category loser due to the the mega filings of Bed, Bath & Beyond and Tuesday Morning, with the latter contributing to what seemed to be a trend in second filings, the so-called Chapter 22. Z Gallerie was the rare exception across retail sectors that landed in bankruptcy court for the third time on Oct. 16. It’s first filing was back in 2009.
There’s another reason why the home sector’s bankruptcies stood out this year. By the end of the first quarter of 2023, there were already nearly 2,000 announced store closures. That tally included 300 CVS doors and 545 Foot Locker Inc. stores by 2026, including 420 Foot Locker branded sites and 125 Champs Sports locations.
Moving to the end of 2023, total store closings are edging closer to 2,900 locations. The store closures in the home sector contributed a total of 1,228 closed retail doors in 2023. That’s over one-third of the total stores closed this year, with Bed Bath & Beyond contributing 896 to the home sector’s total.
Below is a summary of the top bankruptcies in the home sector in 2023.
Mattress maker Serta Simmons Bedding, owned by private equity firm Advent International, filed a Chapter 11 petition on Jan. 23. The filing included the company’s bed-in-a-box brand Tuft & Needle. The company owned more than $62 million to its top 10 unsecured creditors.
Serta Simmons said on June 29 that it completed its restructuring and had emerged from bankruptcy proceedings. “The Serta and Beautyrest brands in our portfolio have a deep heritage in innovation and have played meaningful roles in the lives of consumers for generations,” the company’s CEO Shelley Huff said. “With our financial restructuring behind us, we are taking steps to drive growth by getting back to our innovation roots, reinvesting in our iconic brands, and nailing the fundamentals of our business with a focus on commercial and supply chain excellence.”
During the bankruptcy process, the company reduced its funded debt to $315 million from $1.9 billion at the time of its filing. The $1.6 billion debt reduction lowered the company’s annual cash interest expense by more than $100 million.
Tuesday Morning found itself bankrupt for the second time in three years. It filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 14, citing “exceedingly burdensome debt.” The off-price home retailer has since liquidated operations.
Tuesday Morning’s first petition was in May 2020, which saw it close 213 of its 700 stores. The retailer emerged from bankruptcy in January 2021 with 487 locations in operation. At the time of the second filing, the retailer said it planned to shutter 265 doors. This past May, the 49-year-old retailer decided to shut down operations and join the retail graveyard.
The long-awaited Bed Bath & Beyond bankruptcy finally occurred on April 23, eight months after speculation about its finances had suggested that a collapse was forthcoming.
One month before the bankruptcy, Bed Bath & Beyond closed 416 stores in the U.S., including some Buybuy Baby doors and it shut down its 45-store Harmon’s Beauty business. It also closed its Canadian stores, resulting in a loss of 1,400 retail jobs. When it shut down operations in June, the retail sector lost another 360 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and 120 Buybuy Baby locations.
The Bed Bath & Beyond intellectual property (IP) assets were sold to Overstock.com, best known for its liquidator origins selling excess or closeout inventory, for $21.5 million. Overstock in August rebranded itself as Bed Bath & Beyond. And the Buybuy Baby IP assets were sold to one of its suppliers, Dream on Me Industries Inc., for $15.5 million. Dream on Me subsequently acquired 11 of the Buybuy Baby store leases for $1.17 million, and reopened those locations on Nov. 18. The Harmon IP asset was acquired by investor Jonah Raskas for a reported $300,000. His initial plans are to open five Harmon locations, a CNBC story said.
The home goods chain had been struggling for years, but things started going downhill in a big way after it dismissed chief executive Mark Tritton and its merchandising leader in the wake of a first-quarter flop in 2022 when it burned through nearly $500 million in Q1 alone. It also spent $589 million on share buybacks instead of investing in turnaround strategies.
Its other problem was Tritton’s turnaround plan, which saw the retailer triple the number of private brands to lift opening price points and bring in more value products for a customer base that was on the hunt for deals on national brands. More bad news followed the troubled chain when its former chief financial officer, Gustavo Arnal, committed suicide in September 2022 after being named in a lawsuit alleging securities violations that included investor Ryan Cohen and his firm RC Ventures as defendants. Arnal has since been removed as a named defendant.
The 81-year-old family-owned regional home chain Altmeyer Home Stores filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in July.
The company operated 11 stores. It was headed by a fourth-generation Altmeyer at the time it filed its Chapter 11 petition.
The company sold primarily soft home linens in bedding, rugs, window treatments and kitchen accessories. But like many in the home sector, it also faced sourcing problems and a slew of online competitors.
August saw one of the biggest surprises of the year with the abrupt shutdown of upscale home lifestyle retailer Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams after its lender pulled the plug on financing, resulting in the closure of about 35 retail stores and outlets. The company filed its Chapter 11 petition in September, and went into liquidation mode after failing to find a buyer. In November, Surya, a Cartersville, Ga.-based home furnishings firm that specializes in rugs, textiles, lighting, furniture and decor, stepped up to acquire the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams assets, including its IP and manufacturing facilities.
Surya, which brought on co-founder Mitchell Gold as an advisor, plans to restore the home lifestyle brand to its former glory. It plans to begin shipping the brand’s product line in the first quarter of 2024.
August also saw the closure of furniture firm Klaussner, better known as Klaussner Home Furnishings. And Solid Comfort, a Fargo, N.D.-based maker of casegoods for firms such as Marriott and Hilton in the hospitality industry, also shut down.
Upscale home decor retailer Z Gallerie landed back in bankruptcy court for the third time following a Chapter 11 filing by its parent company DirectBuy Home Improvement Inc. in October.
Z Gallerie was sold to DirectBuy, as affiliate of CSC Generation Holdings, during its second tour of bankruptcy proceedings in 2019. Its first petition was filed in 2009. The retailer started out as a picture framing and poster shop in 1979. During its heyday, it operated about 60 locations. At the time the business shut down for good, there were only 21 stores left in operation.
Source: sourcingjournal.com
A motorized version of a Murphy bed makes raising and lowering the piece of furniture much easier thanks to a push button that puts the bed silently in place, as well as hides it again, in under 15 seconds.
Created by Odin Visser for Moooi, the contemporary, versatile suspension light is playful yet elegant, simple in functionality but visually intriguing.
The clock’s gently curved aluminum design, paired with its minimalist clock face typography, results in an iconic timepiece. It’s now available in four new colorways.
This series includes representations of some of the architect’s original masterpieces in the form of lighting, honing in on Wright’s refined style that highlights the relationships between natural and manmade elements.
The Toneoptic rpm isn’t your ordinary vinyl storage solution – it cleverly marries design and functionality to elevate your music listening experience.
Celebrating their 80th anniversary, the brand released a selection of home goods and furnishings from their archives with a colorful, contemporary refresh.
Melt gets you organized with four products that are 3D printed using bio-based filaments made from recycled food packaging waste with other compostable or renewable materials.
The IKEA research and design lab created Couch in an Envelope as a way to challenge traditional design and make it more sustainable, adaptable, and easy to transport.
Designer Sabine Marcelis’ 20-piece VARMBLIXT collection is a collaboration with IKEA that includes sculptural lighting objects, serveware, rugs, and more.
IKEA had an amazing year of design and collaborations, with four posts included here acting as proof. This limited-edition series of 26 products, brings together Nordic design and self-care rituals. From furniture to glassware to textiles, vibrant patterns reflect nature back at you.
Source: design-milk.com
Just as as every snowflake is different, Debra Lohman believes every customer’s home has unique design needs.
Her store, Blinded by the Light, sells hand-selected home decor, furniture, artwork and window coverings that can’t be found at big-box retailers.
The backstory
Before Lohman opened the store in 2020, she worked with home goods manufacturers who sold to stores such as Target.
“I’ve always had an eye for design. … My dream has always been to be an interior designer, and finally I just decided it was time to pursue that,” Lohman said.
After living in Austin for 10 years, Lohman chose Liberty Hill, seeing that it was an up-and-coming area full of new homebuyers.
“There weren’t a lot of stores like mine in the area. One thing that’s unique about my store is that I have a lot of larger statement pieces to fill a space; whether that’s wall art, area rugs or furniture,” Lohman said.
Quote of Note
“People may not always know what they want until they see it all come together, so I love working with people to discover that,” Lohman said.
Another detail
Lohman partners with the window covering brand Hunter Douglas to help customers choose the right blinds, solar shades and motorized window treatments for their home.
The other products in her store are hand-selected at marketplaces across the country.
“It’s really important for me to see and feel everything i’m buying to know what’s good quality and what isn’t,” Lohman said.
Looking ahead
In the future, Lohman said she hopes to offer furniture customization while working with U.S. manufacturers.
Additionally, Lohman said she plans to continue her involvement with local nonprofit organizations.
On Dec. 2, Blinded by the Light will participate in Liberty Hill’s annual Christmas Stroll and give a portion of shopping proceeds to the Hope House charity.
Source: communityimpact.com