Quick Cash Archives - Hanover Mortgages

August 22, 2021

Checklist Before You Move | Apartminty

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Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful experiences you will likely ever go through. However, with a proper plan in place, you can avoid all the last-minute worries and make the whole process more organised for yourself.

To help with this, we’ve put together a comprehensive moving house checklist. This will help you if you’ve been asking yourself how can I sell my house quickly? or are just wanting to get yourself organized before the big moving day.

What to do 2 months before you move:

The best advice we can give is to start early. Two months before your moving date is a good starting point, giving yourself plenty of time to get all the little details in order. Here are the key things to focus on at this stage:

1. De-clutter: Work your way through your house and decide what you don’t want to take with you to your new home. This will speed up both moving and making your new house feel like a home when you move in.

2. Research: Visit your new area for some exploration and find out where all the local amenities are. This will make the move a lot more relaxing on the day, particularly if you need to pick up a few things from the shops. In addition to researching the local area, consider looking into your options for the best moving companies to help you while you move. This can definitely be a stress-reliever while planning a move, especially long-distances.

3. Packing: Start packing early. Two months before the move may seem premature, but if you do a small amount a week at a time, starting with areas such as storage cupboards and sheds, this will make you feel much more prepared in the couple of weeks before the move.

4. File Key Documents: File all your documents, such as car ownership, passport, birth/marriage certificates etc., in one place so they’re easy to find in your new home.

5. Removals company: Removal companies book up quickly, so find yours well in advance and secure the date with them.

6. Changing details: Speak to your new local council to tell them your new address and when you are moving. Also, make sure you contact friends and family and any other companies that will need your new address. You will also need to set up a mail re-direction to send any mail going to your current address to your new address after your moving date.

What to do 2 weeks before you move:

Two weeks before the move is when the real important work kicks in. By following the below checklist, you can make sure you have everything covered.

1. Cleaning: Arrange a cleaner for the period before you move into your new house. Also start cleaning your own house two weeks out, as this is always a bigger job than you think.

2. Child & pet care: If you have children or pets, arrange care and transport for them on moving day.

3. Settle bills: If you have any outstanding accounts with electricians, window cleaners, broadband or any other local services, give them a call and make the final payment.

4. Rest of packing: For the remainder of the packing, begin a good two weeks in advance, so it’s all done well ahead of moving day.

5. Dismantle furniture: Begin dismantling and packing furniture and take any pictures down off the walls while you are at it.

6. Key handover: Arrange a time to give the keys for your property to the buyer’s estate agent and collect the keys for your new house.

We hope you find this checklist helpful for your move! Follow this and it will take a great deal of stress out of the whole process for you.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

May 10, 2021

5 Ways to Store Your Bike in an Apartment | ApartmentSearch

Your road bike is your life — but it takes up all the room in your apartment. It’s time to give your bike a home of its own! Here are some creative storage ideas to keep your bike out of your way, but in arms-reach when you need to go for a ride.

1. Hang your bike vertically

The easiest way to store your bicycle is simply by installing hooks in the ceiling to hang your bike when not in use. While not the most aesthetically pleasing option, it is extremely cost-effective and a real space saver. This is a great bike storage solution if you have an apartment balcony or covered parking (p.s. explore top ways to organize your outdoor storage space on a budget with these helpful tips!). If you don’t have an outdoor option and absolutely must hang your bike somewhere prominent in your apartment like the living room or bedroom, consider surrounding this ad-hoc storage space with a colorful curtain.

2. Use a gravity stand for no-drill storage

Another option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of drilling holes into apartment ceilings or walls is a gravity stand. A gravity stand simply leans up against the wall, without requiring any sort of stabilization. While a bit more costly than a simple hook, it is a great bike storage idea for a small apartment. And — as a bonus — some gravity stands can hold up to two bikes!

3. Make your bike a piece of art

Consider turning your cycling hobby into a 3-D piece of wall art. For an industrial, low-tech look, you could also opt for some hooks or brackets to hang your bike horizontally. Alternatively, if visual appeal is of utmost importance to you in your space, a bike shelf is a great idea when it comes to ensuring your bike storage is as beautiful — and practical — as possible. Bike shelves are half-bookshelf and half-bike rack, making them perfect for studio apartments or people who are tight on space in general.

4. Hide it behind furniture

This solution is the most hassle-free and budget-friendly of all. Why not slide your bike behind your already existing furniture? If you have a high-backed sofa or a large bookshelf, you can easily keep your bike out of sight, while still ensuring it’s within reach whenever you need to pedal off on your next adventure.

5. Take advantage of the staircase

If your apartment has a staircase, don’t let that space go to waste. You might not be able to use the underside of the stairs for much, but it’s a great way to maximize storage space in compact living areas. You could just slip your bike underneath the stairs, or install hooks from above to optimize your storage options — after all, your bike probably isn’t the only thing you need to make room for in a cramped apartment.

While there are plenty of creative ways to store your bike in a small apartment, if you can’t seem to find the right one, consider searching for a bigger apartment, or explore apartment communities with on-site bike storage. Start your search with ApartmentSearch today. You can explore by apartment size, amenities, or both!

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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

May 4, 2021

3 Essential Window Treatment Options for Renters in 2021 | Apartminty

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This year, there’s going to be a more significant number of apartments rented than ever before. That means more renters will be adding their own unique touch. There will be more rooms customized and more apartments fitted to unique styles.

However, it’s crucial to focus on window treatments with any apartment. Natural light, room privacy, and overall customization are vital for any renter. Whether you’re looking for shades or touching up a window with internal blinds, here are three essential window treatment options for renters in 2021.

Magnetic Curtain Rods

If you’re looking to hang a curtain but are worried about the impact it might have on your apartment walls, then magnetic curtain rods may be an ideal choice. These curtain rods can be easily installed as a temporary window treatment.

By magnetically pressing these curtain rods against steel doors or windows, you can hang any lightweight curtain. We particularly recommend sheer curtains for a balance of soft lighting and privacy.

An added tip: curtains on magnetic rods can also be controlled remotely using a smart option in 2021. The SwitchBot Curtain takes 30 seconds to install and motorizes any curtains. You can control this from SwitchBot’s Hub Mini app on your smartphone.

Command Hooks

Do you have a small curtain or a sports pennant that you want to hang over your window? If so, you might want to try command hooks. These convenient, cost-effective options are among the most popular selections that renters use for apartment window treatment.

Command hooks are made out of different materials such as nickel or plastic. These hooks attach to your walls with adhesive strips and can hang surfaces ranging from metal to tile to wood. However, these hooks cannot hang on vinyl, and it’s recommended that you don’t hang items on command hooks over your bed.

Simply wipe the surface beforehand with rubbing alcohol and attach the command hooks to the wall. After that, you’ll be able to hang lightweight window treatments quickly and easily.

Temporary Shades

If you prefer the functionality of shades, then temporary shades can be a great selection. These lightweight options come in a wide array of styles.

Some temporary shades come in paper shade form. These range in color and can last up to six years. Other temporary shade options can be hung on a tension rod. These types of shades add privacy to your apartment and reduce the amount of heat let in through excess light. This may help save on energy bills as well this year.

No matter your choice, temporary shades can be a wise option for renters.

Renters may not think about window treatment when they first move into their apartment. However, these can be vital choices when it comes to privacy, energy efficiency, and customization. With these tips, renters can find essential window treatment options to enhance their apartments in 2021.

About the Author

Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

May 3, 2021

How to Install String Lights on Your Patio | ApartmentSearch

Make those warm summer evenings on the patio with friends even cozier with the right lighting. String lights can make your apartment balcony or patio dreamy, but do you know how to hang up outdoor string lights without damaging the walls? It can be challenging! Before you start, you’ll need to do a little research. These are the methods you need to know when hanging up string lighting on your apartment balcony or patio.

Adhesive-Backed Hooks

Best for: vinyl siding, brick

Trying to figure out how to hang patio lights without nails so you can transform your apartment balcony into its own little haven? Adhesive-backed hooks make attaching lights to vinyl siding or brick as easy as 1-2-3!

Make a mark where you want to secure your lights.
Stick the adhesive side to the wall.
Drape the lights over the hooks.

Hot Glue

Best for: vinyl siding, brick

Wondering how to hang string lights on an apartment balcony without ruining the exterior siding and incurring a damage fee? Hot glue may be a surprising option. There are two ways to attach string lights using hot glue, depending on the type of bulb.

For larger bulbs:

Apply a small drop of glue to the side of each bulb socket, on the side opposite from the socket’s clip. Gluing the base of the socket can cause the socket to detach from its cord.
Press the socket firmly into the wall and hold it in place until the glue dries.

For twinkle-style lights:

Hold the light cord in place against the wall.
Squeeze a drop of glue onto the cord and wall.
Hold in place until the glue dries.

Gutter Hooks

Best for: stucco

Gutter hooks are S-shaped hooks that hang on the gutter. There is no permanent installment so you can adjust as you go. These hooks are easy to install so you can light up your night in no time!

Thread the light string through one end of the hook.
Slide the other end of the hook over the lip of your gutter.

Staples

Best for: wood

We’re talking a heavy-duty staple gun—think Clark Griswold, minus the mishap. When securing string lights to a wood wall or post, staples are a simple, easy option.

Mark the spots where you want to attach the lights.
Carefully hold the light strand in place (watch your fingers!).
Press the staple gun firmly over the strand and staple into the wood, making certain to not puncture the wire when you fire the staple gun.

Metal Cup Hooks

Best for: wood

Cups hooks screw into the wall and have a cup shape, making it easy to hang and adjust the light strands so you can keep your patio fresh.

Mark where you want to secure the cup hooks to the walls.
Pre-drill small, shallow holes with a wood-bearing drill bit (should be slightly smaller than the hooks) at each mark.
Twist the hook into each hole.
Drape the lights over the cup hook and tweak the slack how you prefer.

Screw Eye Hooks

Best for: wood

Screw eye hooks screw into the wall similar to cup hooks. The difference is that while cup hooks are only a semi-circle, screw eye hooks have no opening. This means you will need tiny metal carabiners or simple zip ties to attach the strand of lights, which is more secure.

Mark where you want to secure the screw eye hooks to the walls.
Pre-drill holes with a wood-bearing drill bit at each mark.
Twist a screw into each hole.
Attach the strand of lights with the preferred method.

Extra Tips:

Decide on design. Will you hang the lights around the perimeter of the patio or start at one point and fan out multiple strands? Do you want the lights taut against the wall or drooping in between? The closer the anchors are to each other, the tauter the lights will be; securing them farther apart will allow for slack in between.

Measure first. Take measurements for both the string(s) of lights and the dimensions of the patio where you are going to hang the lights.

Plot points. As you measure, plan out where you will secure the lights and make sure the spot can handle the hanging method you choose. Mark the placement as you go.

Plan the power source. Make sure the plug is nearest to a power outlet and can either reach the outlet itself or with an extension cord.

Remove the bulbs before hanging. This will help prevent them from breaking or getting glue on them if using it.

Save energy. If you plan to use your lights frequently, also have a plan to conserve energy. LED bulbs are recommended because they help save energy, stay cool, and last longer. An outlet timer that turns the lights on and off automatically is also a good idea to ensure the lights aren’t on unnecessarily.

Choose the best bulb. Twinkle vs. café style, soft white vs. yellow … there are all kinds of combos to choose from and you can’t go wrong whatever you decide. Do look for shatterproof bulbs instead of glass if possible and opt for LED.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor living space? Search for apartments with a large patio or balcony with ApartmentSearch!

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Source: blog.apartmentsearch.com

April 28, 2021

Everything You Need for Your Kitchen & Nothing More

Kitchens. They’re amazing spaces. They can be visually stunning. They must be total workhorses. They’re quite often the heart of the home. But they can also accumulate a lot of CRAP.

As I work to not only design but also fully outfit the kitchen for the Hood Canal Cottage, I’m starting completely from scratch. No hand-me-down casserole dishes, no knives I’ve carted around since college, no random herb scissors that I’ve never ever used. For once, I get to hand-select every tool and every object that comes into the space.

With that total blank slate, I find myself often thinking (ok, obsessing) about what I want this kitchen to have. As an avid cook, as we probably all are coming through Covid, I want kitchen tools that are really pretty, but also highly functional. And nothing else.

This kitchen, designed by Our Food Stories out of a refurbished old schoolhouse in the middle of the German countryside, is a total mood. Featuring deVol kitchen cupboards, tiles, shelves, light fixtures, hardware and more. This kitchen is certainly a showcase for the many of the pieces on my list of must-have kitchen tools – and of course, it does so beautifully.

This space immediately transports you to an idyllic rural retreat. I imagine walking through overgrown gardens, picking fresh roses and making multi-course Sunday lunches here.

I love how this kitchen keeps so many key kitchen tools close at hand. While I might not be doing quite as many open shelves at Hood Canal, there is a lot to be said for having key tools within arms reach.

There’s nothing that drives me crazier than a poorly outfitted kitchen. But an overcrowded kitchen can be equally crazy-making. You have to strike that balance.

For me, the key kitchen tools I turn to time and again include one good set of pots and pans, a cast iron skillet, a good set of wooden spoons and spatulas, a top notch cutting board (or several) and then all those little tools that you need when you’re in the middle of pulling together a recipe – measuring cups, knives, peelers, strainers, graters, zesters – all the speciality things that let you add the finer components of a dish.

Those speciality tools are the kinds of things that far too many kitchens lack. Or they’re the big bulky OXOX ones you get at a grocery store that feel chunky in my hand and will just clog up my limited drawer space in the new kitchen. She gonna be cute, but she’s not going to be big.

As the weeks have progressed, I’ve been slowly but surely amassing my ultimate kitchen wish-list. Each kitchen tool, appliance, or serving piece needs to have a very critical purpose and look damn good while doing it.

I thought I’d share my wishlist with you. It’s certainly not comprehensive. As I cook every evening some other thing in my San Francisco kitchen makes me think oh yes, I have to find the beautiful version of this for Hood Canal. But all the extraneous stuff I have in my SF kitchen also makes me want to pull my hair out. I’m constantly digging for my one favorite knife or pan or bowl.

I hope you find something below you’ve been searching for. If you spot a key kitchen tool that I’m still missing, please tell me in comments! I consider my ultimate quest to outfit the ideal kitchen.

I’m also regularly adding favorites for the kitchen in the Apartment 34 SHOP so be sure to check it out too!

all images by Our Food Stories

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Source: apartment34.com

April 24, 2021

How to Make Your Apartment More Eco-Friendly | Apartminty

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There are a lot of perks to apartment living. They’re generally easier to maintain, can be more affordable than a house, and are great short-term commitments for those always on the go. However, one of the drawbacks to apartment-dwelling, particularly if you’re an environmentalist, is often the limited green actions available. Whether you rent or own your apartment, it can be difficult knowing how to get involved in sustainability efforts. However, eco-friendly changes can be applied everywhere, including apartments.

It’s important for the sake of our future here on Earth to begin taking green actions to help minimize the negative impacts on the environment. For those living in apartments, getting started on making your living space more eco-friendly is easier than you think:

Construct with Mother Nature in Mind

The best place to start is at the beginning, right? If you’re an apartment owner or landlord, it’s important to prioritize constructing any new apartments with the right materials. Some of the best sustainable building materials to use include:

Reclaimed Wood: Reusing materials like reclaimed wood is a perfect way to cut down on waste and reduce production costs. Reclaimed wood also typically has a lot of character which only helps make each of your apartments more unique while also being sustainable.

Bamboo: The thing that makes bamboo a great sustainable material choice is its rapid growth rate. Bamboo is ready to be used in just six years and when it’s of high quality and sold by reputable dealers, it’s extremely durable and long-lasting. It’s also one of the more affordable options to pick from.

Green Insulation: Unlike traditional insulation that’s made from synthetic materials, which can be damaging to the environment, green insulation is made from recycled materials. From old denim to sheep’s wool, green insulation is a great substitute for fiberglass insulation and more.

Making the initial decision to build with sustainable materials benefits the environment long-term by reducing the overall negative impacts. It also can help save future tenants money on utilities thanks to sustainable building materials like green insulation helping to reduce energy use. It may be more expensive at times to pick the sustainable option over the non-sustainable counterpart, but it’s worth the cost.

Don’t Shy Away from Pre-Owned Appliances

Appliances breaking down or not working properly is a common issue for tenants and owners alike. Moreover, many apartments still have the same appliances they were built with decades ago. While certain types of appliances were definitely built to last regardless of age, for the most part, many are now inefficient and that can be costly. As pointed out by General Contractors License Guide, “Not only do inefficient appliances waste energy, but they can also cost you extra money. A 21-cubic foot refrigerator using 750 watts of power costs an average of $27 each month to run, which can add up fast when you factor in additional energy use each month.” With that being said though, don’t be temped quite yet to toss out your old appliances.

While it may depend on where you live, there is likely a used appliance business you can and should utilize. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity have numerous stores you can contact. They will not only replace broken appliances with functioning ones but will also take your old ones away and repurpose them. The appliances these types of businesses have are typically lightly used and worked on to be good as new. This reduces the overall impact on the environment by increasing better energy usage functions, minimizing waste, and providing more materials to be re-used.

Small Changes Have Big Impacts

Wanting to make some green changes to your apartment is understandable as we begin learning more and more about serious environmental threats and problems. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that it’s easy to overload yourself when taking on major eco-friendly projects and renovations. Furthermore, it’s not always possible to make those apartment-altering changes. While big green actions are certainly important, small, everyday green actions are just as essential in regards to the planet’s health. Try incorporating some of the simple green actions found in things like eco-friendly apartment guides if you’re unsure where to start. It may feel perhaps ineffectual, but changing your habits to be more conscious of the environment is a great way to make a difference, regardless of where you live.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

April 20, 2021

How to Make Your Home Look Picture Perfect | Apartminty

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Combining Different Fabric Textures and Patterns

It’s amazing how upholstering or even simply covering your furniture with different kinds of fabrics can completely change a room. By playing around with the various textures and fabrics you can put on the sofas, pillows, and rugs, you can breathe new life into your space. With that in mind, we wanted to take a second to talk about how you can combine different fabric textures and patterns when you are designing your home.

How to Combine Different Types of Fabrics and Patterns in Your Home

Most of the rules of interior design aren’t set in stone. However, if you want to give your home some kind of cohesive appearance, here are some tips you can follow.

Pick an Accent Color Early On

Having a single color that appears in several of the patterns and fabrics you’re using in a space is a great way to bring it all together. That’s why it’s important to pick an accent color or even a whole palette early in the design process.

Some people decide to incorporate their accent color into their space by putting it on a wall. But if you want to keep your walls neutral, you can plan the whole room around an accent piece of furniture instead. Even a painting can be the focal point in a room if you make sure the fabrics and patterns you introduce reflect some of the same colors the artist used.

Match Your Patterns to Basic Pieces

If you love to play around with different patterns, you should ideally have a strong anchor piece to tie them to. So if you have a red sofa, you can top it off with a patterned pillow that references that shade. Alternatively, you can layer a complementary color on top by placing a leafy green pillow over a red sofa.

Either way, you’ll want to have some solid basic pieces before you start incorporating crazy patterns. Best of all, this tip can work with all kinds of patterns!

For one, geometric patterns can stand out even in monochromatic spaces. On the other hand, animal print fabrics can spice up even the most boring pieces. Your crisp white bedding can completely transform with a cheetah print throw blanket.

You can also match your patterns and fabrics to the textures of your furniture pieces. Like, if you have a large mahogany dining table in the middle of the room, you wouldn’t want the color of your curtains to clash with the rich brown of the table.

Stick to a Theme

As we have established, the goal of interior design is to make a space seem cohesive. With that in mind, it’s good to have a theme that encompasses the whole room, at least.

Accent colors can help us achieve that, but so can different patterns and fabrics. For example, you can balance out the pattern on your area rug by inserting another element with a similar design. So if your tan carpet features red flowers, you can put some red flowers in a tan vase.

Remember, those patterns don’t have to match, but they should ideally have a similar theme. If you have ticking stripe fabrics on your armchairs, you don’t have to get striped curtains too. Instead, feel free to mix and match with other patterns.

Layer Your Patterns

When it comes to patterns, most people seem to think that less is more. But if you needed a sign that it’s okay to mix several patterns or even put them on top of each other, this is it.

There are ways to mix patterns tastefully. For example, you can get the same pattern in different colors so you’d have green and orange gingham pillows next to each other. Alternatively, you can get pieces with different patterns that feature a similar range of colors. If you have a nature-inspired wallpaper, you can still use polka dot-printed pillows, as long as they’re in a similar shade.

Mix Modern and Vintage Pieces

There’s nothing better than the feeling you get from managing to work your grandma’s old curtains into the design of your home. Those kinds of vintage pieces can bring just the right amount of nostalgia into an otherwise new space.

But remember: using too many vintage items can easily make a space feel outdated. To prevent that, you’ll want to bring some modern elements into the mix.

For example, one way to make an old armchair new is to reupholster it with modern materials. On the other hand, if the original fabric is in good condition, you can make the piece appear more contemporary by adding a flashy throw pillow on top.

Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules

As we have previously mentioned, the rules of interior design are by no means set in stone. If anything, the tips we’ve been discussing are more like vague guidelines. Needless to say, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t. After all, there’s more than one way to achieve cohesion.

To prove that point, you just need to look at some examples of eclectic interior design. Whether you opt for a colorful bohemian look or another deceptively chaotic style, mixing different patterns and fabrics can breathe new life into a room. So make your home match your bold personality!

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How to Make Your Home Look Picture Perfect

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By playing around with the various textures and fabrics you can put on the sofas, pillows, and rugs, you can breathe new life into your space. With that in mind, we wanted to take a second to talk about how you can combine different fabric textures and patterns when you are designing your home

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Apartminty

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

March 30, 2021

8 Unique Ways to Display Fine Art in Your Home | Apartminty

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Having art on the walls of your home can help you feel settled, whether it’s a temporary rental or your forever home. There are many different methods to displaying fine art in your home. The traditional way of a hammer and a nail will get you pretty far, but you can elevate your design by incorporating some of the following ideas.

Buying fine art is just the beginning of the process. How you display your new art can make or break the impact it can have on your space.

Every person has a different taste in art, and it doesn’t matter if you are interested in impressionists or contemporary abstracts; there is a place for your art in your home. Artwork is meant to be enjoyed daily. It can bring together the theme of a cozy beach house or give a nursery an adorable feature for your baby to look at.

Here are eight unique and fun ways to display fine art in your home:

Gallery Walls up the Staircase:

If you have a set of stairs in your home, you likely trudge up and down them multiple times per day. It can be a fun reminder of good memories every time you march up to bed or come down for coffee first thing in the morning. Stairs are an excellent place to hang small prints that would look out of place in other rooms. Gather them together to make a feature wall.

Often, a gallery wall on the stairs contains family portraits that continue to grow as your family does. You can choose this method for a more conservative look or make it more interesting by using brightly colored frames and cataloging your vacations and everyday memories.

Hang Art From the Ceiling:

These days, nearly everyone hangs a frame from a nail in a wall or with sticky strips that don’t damage the walls. Add interest to your space by putting a hook in the ceiling and dangling your artwork from above. This can add depth to your room and draw attention to a unique ceiling feature, such as a reclaimed wood ceiling or a decorative chandelier.

Be sure to hand these frames close to a wall so they do not become a hazard when walking by, and use a strong string to prevent your art from being damaged. If you can’t drill holes in the ceiling, consider a gallery rod or a piece of picture rail molding to dangle your artwork.

Use Three Dimensions:

Framed art is often two dimensional, and while it adds interest to the space, you can make your display stand out even more by adding three-dimensional objects to your collection. You can combine these two to create a one of a kind art feature in your home.

Relate these objects to the painting or print to not distract from the original piece. A photo of a beach or the ocean can be combined with shells or sea glass mosaics to bring more life to the artwork.

Use a Bookshelf:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/turned-off-flat-screen-tv-276724/

If your walls are full or you just don’t have any space to hang a frame on the wall, use your bookshelves to incorporate a few frames. These can be standard freestanding bookshelves, floating shelves, or you can lean the frame on top of your desk or dresser. Set your beautifully painted image of a garden next to your vintage copy of The Secret Garden.

Using frames, books, and objects will create interest and allow you to view your collections simultaneously. This method is also easily changed if you are the type of person that likes to mix up your decor now and then.

Color Coordinate:

A bright-colored chair in a room or rug can add intrigue to the room. Multiply this by creating a small gallery featuring the same color as this object. It will help bring the room together and make it seem more cohesive. Use abstracts or simple pieces to draw the color into space.

Be sure not to overdo it and use moderation when using bright colors in a room. They can seem busy or hurtful to look at if there are too many. If the accent color in the room is blue, use different shades of blue to provide your eyes something easy to look at.

Offset Frames:

There is no law stating that your frames must be in line with each other and never be out of place. You are free to do what speaks to you by clustering small frames together or using one larger piece to keep it simple.

If you feel a little daring, offset your frames on the wall so they are not centered, drawing attention to a piece of furniture or a feature of your home. Eyes are drawn toward offset patterns, and it can create drama in the room.

Don’t Use Frames:

If you are unsure about the pieces, you have or are interested in a more casual display, skip the frames altogether and go with bare images. Without frames, a print can be more fragile, so it may be recommended to attach the paper to a stiff piece of cardboard. Otherwise, your prints will be blowing in every breeze and could be harmed.

Frames can also be expensive, and if you want to hang a large number of prints, it is cost-effective to go without them. Leaving your art without frames creates a bohemian atmosphere and can enhance your overall decor.

Use a Gallery Light:

You can highlight a single piece or collection of works by installing a gallery light over the artwork. These lights are relatively inexpensive but will increase the drama of the art. The lighting in our homes changes throughout the day, and you might not always be able to see your artwork.

There is a reason that artwork in museums is always adequately lit so you, the viewer, can experience it the way it was intended to be seen. If you have more than one piece, consider track lighting on the ceiling.

No Wrong Way:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-single-gold-framed-painting-on-the-wall-2951525/

In the end, it is your decision on how you want to display the artwork you have collected over time. You can use one or all of these ideas in a single home, but be sure not to overwhelm yourself and your guests with too many things to look at. Have space where the eye can rest, such as a wall with only one piece of artwork or an open space on the floor.

Before choosing where you want to place your artwork, ensure that it is the proper size for the wall or shelf, you are placing it on. If it is too small or too large, it can draw unwanted attention and distract from its intended purpose.

Make your home a place where you enjoy spending time and allow yourself to enjoy the small luxuries of getting that piece of artwork you’ve meant to put out on display.

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It doesn’t matter if you are interested in impressionists or contemporary abstracts; there is a place for your art in your home! Explore eight unique ways to display art in your home.

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Apartminty

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

March 25, 2021

Banquette, Baby!

I’ve been chugging along on the Hood Canal Cottage design – I know I am SO overdue for an update for you, but when you’re in the throes of design deadlines it can be really hard to find a moment to pause and recap everything. But I swear, it’s coming slowly. In recent weeks I’ve moved on from major architectural design and finish decisions into the interior design side of things. It’s been a tad overwhelming, as I haven’t decorated a space from scratch since we moved to San Francisco nearly 10 years ago (did you ever catch the tour of my first place in SF? I’m almost embarrassed to share it, but I was SO proud of it at the time).

Designing the Hood Canal Cottage is a unique situation to be in for a hobby designer like me. Usually, you move and take pieces with you, but since the cottage won’t serve as a full-time residence, I’m starting from a literal blank slate.

My focus this week has been on the dining room – or in this case dining space as the dining area sits within a great room that also houses the kitchen and living rooms. I’ve been shopping around like a madwoman trying to hone in on the look and feel I want to bring to life in the dining area. I want it to feel distinct and anchored – its only little zone within the larger room. And the idea I keep coming back to again and again is banquette seating.

Banquettes and built-ins have been having a moment for a while now, but I would argue for very good reason. A built-in banquette is a great space saver and increases the capacity around a dining table. Since I envision the Hood Canal Cottage as our hub for future Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings, I definitely want to be able to cram as many people around the table as possible.

Like many of the examples you see here in this post, our dining table will also run parallel to a long wall rather than float in the middle of the room. A banquette will allow the table to sit a little closer to that wall, saving precious floor space.

I also love how a banquette offers the opportunity to add cushions or pillows, or both! Adding upholstery to a dining space softens areas often dominated by hard surfaces. I love how that brings a sense of coziness, inviting you to sit and linger over your morning coffee a bit longer, or pour that last little bit of wine and stay up talking. I want this home to encourage anyone who stays there to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Kinda like you’re living on vacation. That is the goal.

Adding a major upholstered piece at the dining table will also help me bridge the living room space and kitchen.

While I am obviously on the banquette bandwagon, I do have some convincing to do. Not everyone in my household is on board with the idea of a banquette. To add to that resistance, I’m not finding any good off-the-shelf options so it’s likely I’d have to go custom to create my vision. Custom is certainly not the most affordable of options.

So what say you? Do you happen to have a banquette in your home?? Do you like it? Have you found it comfy? Useful? Are there downsides you’ve dealt with? I think I’m pretty committed to this design choice at this point, but I would love hear what you think! Please share in the comments section.

Catch up on the Hood Canal Cottage HERE.

Check out more design ideas HERE.

images vincent van duysen | home designing | mr & mrs white | danthree | amber interiors shoppe / larritt-evans design | poppy talk | nicole franzen | decus interiors /

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Source: apartment34.com

March 24, 2021

Create a Productive Apartment Work-From-Home Space | Apartminty

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Working from home has become more prominent than ever, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, when you’re living in an apartment, it can sometimes be challenging to create a productive remote workspace.

Thankfully, there are things you can do to maximize your space (no matter how small it may be), arrange it in a way that inspires creativity and productivity, and take care of yourself so you stay motivated.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can make the most of your apartment while you’re working from home, so you can find a healthy work-life balance and stay focused on your job each day.

Arranging Your Space

A productive apartment work-from-home space starts with actually creating a designated workspace. You don’t necessarily need to have a separate spare room to set up an office. As long as you have a specific location in mind that is dedicated to your work, you can get things done effectively. Some suggestions include:

Fixing a folding shelf to a wall.
Using a large closet/wardrobe.
Utilizing a large hallway.
Pulling your sofa away from the wall in the living room and using it as a desk chair.

Having your own workspace can help you to stay focused and organized throughout the day. Remember, your environment can affect your mental health. It can either keep you motivated or bring you down. So, focus on things like using natural lighting, having live plants around to give you energy, and even controlling the temperature to keep things a bit cooler.

If you know you will have to participate in Zoom meetings or similar video chats, make sure that your office looks as professional as possible. Because you’re at home, it’s okay to make things personal. But, whatever is in your background should still suggest that you’re working. A professional background for a video call can include things like plants, pictures, and artwork, but probably shouldn’t include your Star Wars actions figures.

Keeping Your Health in Mind

In addition to having the right space set up, it’s crucial to take care of yourself in order to stay productive. When working from home, it’s easy to feel distracted and unmotivated. Taking care of yourself, physically and mentally, can have a huge impact on how well you do your job.

One of the potential drawbacks of working from home is having a harder time with a work-life balance. You can combat this by having a routine each day. Start work at the same time and end it at the same time. Having a separate office space in your apartment will make it easier to “walk away” from work at the end of the day.

It’s also important to take breaks, and you may need to encourage yourself to do so. Your apartment might be small, but don’t be afraid to splurge on a few “self-care” items including, perhaps, a sofa that you can put in or near your workspace for whenever you need to take a break.

Your breaks should also consist of movement, as much as possible. Stand up and stretch every hour. Or, take longer breaks throughout the day that allow you to get outside and go for a walk. Studies have shown that simply being out in nature can improve your mood, which may help with productivity, and it will give you a chance to get some space after being in a small apartment all day.

It’s possible to create a productive apartment work-from-home space and to stay motivated each day. With a few simple changes, some organizational skills, and maybe a professional purchase or two, you can turn almost any area of your apartment into an effective workspace.

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How to Create a Productive Apartment Work-From-Home Space

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With a few simple changes, some organizational skills, and maybe a professional purchase or two, you can turn almost any area of your apartment into an effective workspace.

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Apartminty

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Source: blog.apartminty.com