Apache is functioning normally
WEST CHESTER, Ohio, July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Grandin Road® (www.grandinroad.com), online retailer for seasonal home furnishings and decor, released its early fall home furniture and décor collection for 2023, alongside its new and always unmatched Halloween Haven.
“We design for the whole home, and our customers wanted even more for their primary gathering space – the living room,” says Vice President of Merchandising, Kristy Jones. She adds, “We created new sofas, sectionals, and décor to incorporate that just-right balance of color and texture for the season.”
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Apache is functioning normally
You have your bathroom set up just the way you like it. Maybe it’s full of fun storage hacks, which means you’ve packed it to the gills, or maybe you finally figured out what essentials you need for a minimalist look. Either way, when it’s time to move, it’s time to pack bathroom items alongside everything else.
Packing a bathroom is tricky. You’re dealing with odd-shaped items like hairdryers, open bottles and fragile containers, as well. From the plastic bottles of shampoo and conditioner down to the bath mat, here’s how to pack your bathroom and get ready for a successful move.
Empty out all cabinets and drawers
The easiest way to understand what toiletries you have to pack is to see everything all in one pile. Take all your stuff out of your bathroom cabinets, empty drawers and pull items from the shower or tub. You can lay it all on the floor in the bathroom.
From there, you can assess the number of moving boxes you’ll need, as well as any additional packing materials. Since you’ll deal with liquid hair products, glass bottles and opened plastic bottles, among other items, you’ll need a decent amount of zip-top bags to prevent spills. In addition, to start packing you’ll need packing paper, packing tape and maybe even some bubble wrap.
Don’t forget to purge
Gathering all your toiletries together to pack everything up is also the perfect time to lighten the load by throwing out items that just shouldn’t make the move with you. These include:
- Nearly empty containers of liquid hair products
- Half-used bars of soap
- Unused or broken bathroom appliances like that super-old curling iron
- Everyday makeup that’s expired or you don’t use anymore
- Expired medications (which you cannot throw in the trash)
- Grimy shower curtains or bath mats
You also won’t want to pack cleaning supplies you keep in your bathroom. They’re inexpensive to replace, you’ll need them to clean your current bathroom once you’re all packed and many contain harmful chemicals movers aren’t allowed to transport. Include your toilet brush and plunger in this group, too, since they can contain germs and bacteria from being used that you don’t want to bring into your new home.
Separate your essentials
The next step before actually starting to pack a bathroom is to think about essential toiletries. It’s not uncommon to get so caught up in the moving process that you forget about that first night in your new home. If you pack up everything you’ll need that night in boxes, and it’s separated out all over the place, you’ll never find it all in time to go to bed.
The trick is to think about packing an essentials bag first to keep these items separate so you don’t accidentally pack them. Clothes and important documents belong on your essentials list, but so do certain toiletries.
Think about what toiletries you’d put into an overnight bag if you were going to stay at a friend’s house. These are your bathroom essentials and should, at the very least include:
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Lotion
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush
If you wear contacts, make sure you have contact solution and a case (unless you wear dailies). If there are any additional items that go into your morning or evening routine, like eye cream, add that, too.
You also may want to consider creating a small first-aid kit for this essentials bag, as well. Grab some band-aids, painkillers and any allergy meds from your existing supply.
Set all these items aside to either put into a suitcase you carry with you or a small essentials box you clearly label so you know to open it first.
Pack your bathroom correctly
Once all that’s done, it’s time to begin packing. Grab some small sturdy boxes and start by lining each with a few clean towels. Not only will they provide cushioning, but unlike packing paper, they’ll absorb any spills that may happen.
Using small boxes ensures there’s not too much extra space to fill, and the less of that you’ve got, the less risk of stuff tipping over and spilling while within the moving boxes.
Make sure everything is completely dry to avoid the risk of mold and start to pack your bathroom items.
How to pack makeup
There are two ways to go about packing makeup when you’re working your way through the bathroom. If you’re not packing too much makeup, consider getting toiletry bags that have multiple compartments. They’re often waterproof on their own and can keep everything safe and secure. You’ll still want to bag glass containers like those holding foundation, to avoid spills, but putting specialized makeup bags into a box keeps everything much more secure.
The other method is to simply pack the makeup into a small box. You’ll want to arrange it all carefully, in layers, adding packing paper between so nothing can bang into itself. Contain all your makeup brushes and similar soft accessories in a plastic bag, and use plastic wrap as an additional layer of protection for eye shadow containers and similar items.
If you’re worried about pressed powder, you can put a cotton pad between the powder and the lid to prevent crumbling. If you’re packing nail polish, make sure to group it together in sealable plastic bags, force out the excess air and then wrap the entire bag in paper or bubble wrap. You can also get some small cushion foam pouches for all the fragile containers.
How to pack perfume
Perfume is a tricky bathroom staple to pack. It’s definitely one of your fragile bathroom items and belongs in a box with things like porcelain soap dishes and decorative glass containers. However, it also contains a liquid that can spill.
Regardless of what’s in it, wrap fragile items separately either with packing paper or bubble wrap. Empty bottles can just go into the box from there, but perfume bottles should then get put into sealable plastic bags. All fragile items should go together in boxes tightly packed and sealed, clearly labeled as fragile.
How to pack toiletries
When we’re talking toiletries, it’s all about the shampoo bottles, other liquid hair products like gel or mousse, lotions and more. Basically, anything that can spill fits into this category. Assuming everything is in a plastic container, you don’t have to worry about bottles breaking, so your priority is the lid. It needs to stay closed. Aside from making sure it’s on there really tight, you can use plastic wrap to create an additional seal. This is for already opened bottles only. Simply unscrew the lid, place a layer of plastic wrap over the opening and put the lid back on.
All toiletries should get put into plastic bags, where you’ve removed the excess air. They should then get packed into a few moving boxes upright to decrease the spill risk.
If you’re dealing with bottles with a pump on them, try to lock them into place so they can’t depress. If you can’t do that, separate the pump from the bottle and rinse and bag separately. Then, put a regular lid on the bottle or seal it with plastic wrap to prevent spills.
How to pack bathroom appliances
Since a spilled toiletry can damage anything electric, make sure your appliances go into their own moving containers. This means your hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, electric razor and more. Even better, if you can put them back into their original box, and then, box those up, everything is sure to stay safe.
If just putting items directly into the box, consider wrapping each in a towel for protection, and don’t forget to include all the appliance accessories in the box, as well.
How to pack other bathroom items
You’ve covered all the big parts to pack a bathroom successfully, but you’re probably still not done. You’ve most likely got a ton of small hair accessories laying around and a bunch of other stuff you want to get on that moving truck.
Thankfully, most of the leftover stuff is light. That means these bathroom items can go on top of heavier things in other boxes, or just get tossed into a small box on their own.
For hair accessories, toss them all into a plastic bag and put them at the top of any bathroom box. They’re not fragile and don’t need wrapping up or anything.
When it comes to shower curtains, bath mats and any towels you’ve got left over after you pack toiletries, they all make a perfect top layer for heavy boxes with stuff from other rooms.
Don’t forget to include paper products in your bathroom supplies either. Pack up your toilet paper here, too, or combine it with other paper products from the kitchen. Make sure to label this box in a way that you know it has toilet paper in it, though. You’ll want to open it pretty quickly when you get to your new home.
Pack a bathroom right
No matter how many bathrooms you have to pack up, assess how much extra stuff you can get rid of first, then, take care to bag and wrap everything up. You’ll have fewer spills and leaks when it comes time to unpack. This translates to a smoother move for everyone involved, whether you’re going a mile away or moving cross country.
Source: rent.com
Apache is functioning normally
Your home is your sanctuary, and it should reflect your personality and style. Decorating your home can be a fun and rewarding process, but sometimes it can be challenging to make your decor stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking to give your home a unique and distinctive look, here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:
Mix and Match
Feel free to mix and match different styles and textures. Pair modern furniture with vintage accessories, or mix bold patterns with neutral colors.
Use Color
Color is a powerful tool in home decor. Choose a color palette that reflects your personal style, and use it throughout your home. You can also add pops of color with accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork.
Incorporate Art
Art can add personality and depth to your home decor. Choose pieces that you love and that reflect your interests and style. You can also create your own artwork, or display family photos and mementos.
Add Texture
Texture can add warmth and interest to your home decor. Use natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fabrics to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Play with Lighting
Lighting can create mood and ambiance in your home. Use a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and accent lighting to create a layered and dynamic effect.
Embrace Quirkiness
Don’t be afraid to embrace your quirks and unique interests in your home decor. Display your collections, showcase your hobbies, and incorporate unexpected elements like a vintage typewriter or a funky piece of artwork.
DIY
DIY projects can be a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor. Create your own artwork, refinish old furniture, or repurpose thrift store finds to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
By following these tips, you can make your home decor more distinctive and reflective of your personal style. Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative. Your home is a reflection of who you are, so make it a space that you love, and that truly feels like yours.
Source: princewilliamliving.com
Apache is functioning normally
In the days where much of the shopping for home can be done from home, a place has to be pretty special to lure us outside. These home-design retailers aren’t just shops—they’re experiences:
Swoon is located along the main drive in the sleepy town of Santa Clara, and the new boutique is a decor-lover’s dream. Designer April Hickman transformed an old brick bungalow into a shop with a swanky vibe that takes hold the moment visitors step inside the entry, where a dazzling chandelier and a dark mural wallpaper deliver drama from the get-go.
Nancy Van Matre’s décor and lifestyle shop in St. George, Cosy House, is designed to help others create a welcoming air—with fresh, clean, timeless and comfortable style—for their homes.
The Garden Store is not only Salt Lake’s cherished destination for unique gifts, furnishings and décor for the home and garden, but it has also served as a beloved retreat, offering a happy escape and gratifying retail therapy. With welcoming spaces and inspiring displays, The Garden Store is curated with an approachable yet elevated aesthetic, enlivened with just enough whimsy to keep things interesting.
Native Floral Company is a spacious, urban-style boutique teeming with fresh flower arrangements, bloom bundles, indoor plants, stylish vessels, gifts cards, candles, treats and much more. The open space also hosts classes and workshops for plant enthusiasts and floral hobbyists.
For unique home décor, luxurious accessories and exceptional gifts, visit O.C. Tanner Jeweler’s Home & Lifestyle Department on the third floor of the flagship store in Salt Lake City. Highly curated, there are always new offerings from well-known and recently discovered designers and artisans. (The Park City location also offers pieces selected for mountain luxury lifestyle.)
See more stories about our community in our City Life Section. And while you’re here why not subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine delivered to your door.
Source: saltlakemagazine.com
Apache is functioning normally
They say your home is the museum of your life. I’m first to admit I can take that to a bit of an extreme. I’ve just always loved decorative objects. I find them on trips, the flea market, random boutiques. They always remind of the time and place where I found them. Thankfully, with all the styling we do around here these days, my accessories collection now comes in very handy! We decided to kill two birds with one stone with the Apartment 34 office redesign: store all our props and use them for our own decor!
When it comes to styling office shelves – especially when you’re working with a lot of accessories, the key is to keep things from getting totally overwhelming. In our case, there was editing involved although you might not be able to tell!. In order to avoid a hot mess, we styled the bookcases with a cohesive neutral color palette in mind: white, gray, creams and tans. A few pops of green, blue and bronze keep it from feeling too monotonous. Anything that didn’t work in our color scheme got stored out of sight.
Another shelf styling rule of thumb is to create vignettes in threes. Each shelf got its own mini-threesome or two!. We grouped bowls, candles, vases and the like. Be sure to always vary the heights of your accessories to create balance!
Stacks of books and my never ending collection of Vogues! also helped break up horizontal lines and offer additional texture. There’s something about books that immediately warms up a space.
We also incorporated a variety of our glass objects vases, carafes & even a selection of my favorite wine bottles to keep the shelves from feeling visually heavy. Adding in plants we picked a rubber leaf and snake plant injected the entire space with life duh but I also love their different shapes and textures.
We broke up the all the business we’ve got going on at our coworking desk by creating a distinct seating area on the opposite side of the room. It’s a lovely spot for group brainstorming sessions, magazine browsing and general decompression from screen time! I mixed a traditional sofa with more modern chairs and sweet white enamel side table. I used the art to inject the area with color.
Finally, you may remember our office supply closet DIY from last year. Well, now we get to fully enjoy it because we removed the supply closet doors! I was pleasantly surprised how much it opened up the room. Now all we see is all that great bright white space, styled desk supplies yes you can be picky about your office supplies and it DOES make a difference.
Even with all our details proudly on display the office feels more open, more spacious and really inviting. By keeping our edit tight and the floor plan spread out we keep the room feeling overtaken by stuff. Now when we’re working on our next shoot everything we need is right at our fingertips!
original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick
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Source: apartment34.com
Apache is functioning normally
Furniture shopping, whether you’re giving a room a much-needed update or moving into a new space, can be fun. It gives you the chance to daydream, make inspo boards, hunt for great pieces, and personalize your space.
But it can also be an expensive endeavor. However, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to purchase pieces that scream “first apartment furniture.” Just because you’re buying furniture for cheap doesn’t mean it has to look it.
Here are smart hack that will have you feathering your nest for less and even, in some cases, for free.
25 Tips on How to Get Cheap Furniture
Scoring great furnishings on a tight budget takes some planning, and also knowing where to buy affordable furniture. Here are 25 ideas for creating a great space without spending a lot.
💡 Quick Tip: Tired of paying pointless bank fees? When you open a bank account online you often avoid excess charges.
1. Taking Stock of What You Already Have
Before going out to buy new stuff, you may want to do a walk-through of your space and make a list of what you already have. You can label each item “keep,” “donate/sell” or “toss,” so you know exactly what you need.
2. Taking Stock of Mom’s Basement Too
Do you have family members who may be harboring some perfectly good but no-longer-needed furniture? Consider scoping out their basements, attics, and garages for some free treasures.
3. Making a Wishlist
It’s okay to dream a little. In fact, a good way to start furnishing a new home is to go to your favorite furniture store’s site and fill your cart without considering price. You can then cull down your list to essentials, and start looking for those pieces (or something similar) for a cheaper price tag.
4. Renting Furniture
If your furniture budget is super tight, you may want to consider renting furniture from a company like CORT or Feather, rather than buying everything you need. Renting can also be a good option if you’re only going to be in your current home for a short time.
5. Timing Your Purchases Right
Knowing when to make big purchases can help you get some steep furniture discounts. Furniture stores tend to get new inventory at the end of winter and end of summer. To make room for newer items, they will often run good sales in February and August.
When it comes to furnishing your porch or patio, the right time to buy furniture is typically the end of summer and fall, when retailers are trying to clear out any leftover inventory.
6. Checking Out Freecycle
Cheap is great, but free can be even better. Consider going to a reuse/recycle site like Freecycle to see what people in your area may be looking to get rid of. You may want to keep in mind that good items often go fast.
7. Curbing Impulse Buys
It’s easy to fall madly in love with a cool sectional sofa and give in to impulse buying that can leave you with major debt. Before you pull the trigger on a pricey new piece of furniture, you may want to press pause. By giving yourself a week or so to really consider the purchase, you may realize you don’t actually need it. Or you may be able to scout out a cheaper but equally good option.
Recommended: How to Combat Impulsive Spending
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8. Mixing High and Low
Here’s another way to buy furniture cheap: You can often get a high-end look by splurging on one or two classic investment pieces and then going with cheaper, trendier accent pieces and accessories.
9. Putting the Word Out on Social Media
You may want to use social media to let people in your network know that you are on the hunt for furniture. You can even specify what you’re looking for (dining table, a chaise for the yard) and what you’re willing to offer (or barter) in return. You may be surprised at the response you get.
10. Selling Stuff You Don’t Need
To bolster your furniture budget, you may want to sell pieces that no longer work for your space. If you have a lot to get rid of, you might host a yard or garage sale. For just a few items, you can list them on a resale site like Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace and see how much you can score.
11. Doing a Furniture Image Search
If you see a piece you love but it doesn’t fit your budget, you can download a photo of the item and then go to Google Images. If you click on the “Search By Image” button (the camera icon) and upload the photo, you can search for similar items. You might find the item’s twin at a better price.
💡 Quick Tip: When you overdraft your checking account, you’ll likely pay a non-sufficient fund fee of, say, $35. Look into linking a savings account to your checking account as a backup to avoid that, or shop around for a bank that doesn’t charge you for overdrafting.
12. Searching Craigslist
Craigslist may be an oldie, but it’s still a goodie when it comes to finding affordable furniture. You can head to the site (which hasn’t changed much over the years), click the furniture tab, and search the possibilities.
13. Thinking Beyond Furniture Stores
Mass market retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot actually have large furniture departments. You may be able to find stylish pieces at good prices, along with free delivery.
14. Searching Amazon Warehouse
How else to buy furniture cheap: Check out Amazon Warehouse , a corner of Amazon’s main site that is dedicated to selling used, pre-owned, and open-box products (often things that were returned unused or close to it). You can click on the furniture tab and either search for your needs or just see what’s available.
15. Hitting the Yard Sales
You can spend a Saturday or Sunday morning driving around town looking for treasures. Or you can check out yard sales listings online, then map out a route that hits the yards or stoops with the most potential.
16. Asking About the Floor Model
If there’s a piece in a store you absolutely love but it’s a bit out of budget, you can always ask the manager if they will sell you the floor model for a discount.
Since it is likely to still be a considerable amount of money even if the price is reduced, remember this when paying: If you buy it on credit, make sure to use the card that will give you the most rewards.
17. Combing Flea Markets
It can take a little time and effort, but you can often find great, affordable treasures at flea markets. Sometimes a little DIY is all it takes to transform something past its prime into the perfect thing for your place.
18. Browsing Antique Stores
In the winter months, you can often get the flea market experience by combing through antique stores or, even better, antique malls that have multiple booths housed indoors.
19. Checking Online Resale Marketplaces
Sites like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace (where you may have listed items to sell) can also be a great resource for finding what you need. You can even do a search for a specific item you saw in store to see if anyone is offloading that same piece.
20. Thrifting Furniture
Large thrift store chains like Goodwill and Salvation Army typically get lots of donated items every day and can be a great place to find your next book shelf or coffee table. Local thrift shops can be worth checking out too.
21. Checking Out Salvage Stores
One of the most widely known salvage stores, Habitat ReStore , has locations throughout the country and often sells new and used furnishings, as well as appliances, for far less than retail. Bonus: They are helping to divert those goods from the waste stream.
22. Going Cheap on Art and Accessories
Once you’ve made your big item purchases, it’s time to think small (and cheap) with accent pillows, throws, artwork, and other decorative accessories. These items don’t need to cost a lot to add serious personal style to a space. You may fall for a $150 throw pillow but, odds are, you could find a super cute one for a fraction of the cost.
23. Stopping by Estate Sales
You can often find beautiful, high-quality pieces of furniture, as well as artwork, at estate sales for a fraction of what you’d pay at a store. You can find estate sale listings in your area on Craigslist as well as Estatesale.com and Estatesales.net .
24. Haggling Over the Price
No matter where you are shopping for furniture, it can be worth trying to haggle the price down a bit. You can ask a seller if the listed price is as low as they can go, if they will offer a discount for buying multiple items, or if there is any wiggle room on the delivery fee.
25. Checking In With Neighbors
You can use Nextdoor , the neighborhood online hub, to let neighbors know what you are looking for and also scroll through the site’s “For Sale and Free” listings to see what your neighbors are selling or giving away.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re creating a budget, try the 50/30/20 budget rule. Allocate 50% of your after-tax income to the “needs” of life, like living expenses and debt. Spend 30% on wants, and then save the remaining 20% towards saving for your long-term goals.
What Contributes to High or Low Furniture Prices?
Here are some factors that contribute to whether a piece of furniture has a high or low price:
• Production: Mass-produced pieces are likely to be less expensive than a piece that is made in smaller batches or handcrafted by an artisan.
• Supply and demand: An item that is popular is likely to be pricier than something that has fallen out of favor.
• Materials: A solid wood piece, for example, is probably going to cost more than a similar item made of particleboard.
• Supply chain: If a manufacturer is using, say, a material that is scarce due to supply chain issues, they may have to pay more to obtain it. Those additional charges could be passed along to the consumer.
• Source: Depending on trade conditions, labor, shipping, and other factors, there could be a price discrepancy based on whether the item was manufactured in the U.S. or elsewhere.
What to Look Out for in Secondhand Furniture
Secondhand furniture can be a great resource when you are buying furniture on a budget. Btw, you can even shop for used furniture online at sites like AptDeco and Kaiyo.
Here, some buying furniture tips when you’re hunting for preloved treasures:
• Just say no to used mattresses. They can be a repository of stains, smells, dust mites, bedbugs, and more.
• Inspect for structural damage. Cracks, duct tape, and evidence of past repairs can spell trouble.
• Avoid upholstered furniture with an odor. Whether mildew, smoke, or pet smells, these smells can be very hard to eliminate.
• Be wary of painted pieces that might have lead paint; they would have been made before 1978 when laws were passed banning lead paint. Crackly, “alligator skin” painted surfaces can indicate lead paint. Also, if you rub your hand over the surface and get a chalky residue, it might be lead.
• Check for signs of mold, which may look like a patch of dirt that won’t rub away. That’s another health issue you don’t want to deal with.
Now, after you’ve read those warnings, also remember that you could get a real deal by buying secondhand. Go ahead and use your imagination. Often, with the addition of a coat of paint and new hardware or a slipcover, you can grab a bargain. Many inexpensive, tired pieces can become treasures when spruced up. Look online for how-to ideas.
The Takeaway
Furnishing a new place can be daunting, especially if you’re shopping on a budget.
But by thinking beyond traditional furniture stores and turning to alternatives like flea markets, resale and salvage shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces, you can often score chic and cheap pieces that won’t fall apart in a year or two.
You can also stretch your furniture budget by mixing higher-end investment pieces with cheaper accent decor and sprucing up secondhand finds.
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FAQ
How do you buy furniture on a budget?
You can buy furniture on a budget by shopping at estate sales, thrift shops, and antique malls, as well as hunting at your usual retailers for floor models and other sale items. Lastly, see what you might be able to score for free via a neighborhood online community or Freecycle.
Is it cheaper to buy furniture in store or online?
As with many products and services, online may have better deals on furniture than retail stores. Because online retailers don’t need to have a network of brick-and-mortar locations with staff, they may enjoy savings that they can pass along to customers.
Why is furniture getting so expensive?
Furniture may be expensive for a variety of reasons, from supply chain issues and material scarcity to inflation to the cost of labor, especially on handmade pieces.
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Apache is functioning normally
Living in a studio apartment can be both challenging and exciting. With limited space, it’s essential to make every square foot count while creating a stylish and functional living environment, whether you live in a Sacramento apartment or you’re looking for apartments in Little Rock. If you’re looking to transform your studio apartment into a cozy and well-designed space, here are ten tips to consider for styling a studio apartment.
1. If you opt for a designer, find one who understands your lifestyle
When seeking the assistance of an interior designer, it’s crucial to choose someone who understands your lifestyle and specific needs. A designer who specializes in small spaces can offer creative solutions tailored to your preferences, ensuring that your studio apartment reflects your personality and enhances your daily activities.
“Home is a psychological experience,” says Christopher Travis, CEO of Truehome Design.Build. “Find a designer who listens to who you are and how you live. It is not the building that matters. It’s the experience you have when you move into that space.”
2. Use room dividers strategically
Creating defined spaces within a studio apartment can help create a sense of separation and privacy. Use room dividers strategically to delineate areas such as the bedroom, living room, and dining space. Consider options like bookshelves, curtains, or folding screens that can be easily moved or adjusted as needed.
“When styling a studio apartment, you have to create more with less,” according to Alexis Schuchert of Detroit-based interior design company Concetti Studio. “To do so, consider your paths of travel and what multi-functional furniture can be used to give you different living areas in one space. For example, you can float your sofa to create a divide in the room, use room dividers to create privacy and install a Murphy bed to maximize space.”
3. Get a media console
Investing in a media console serves multiple purposes in a studio apartment. Not only does it provide a designated spot for your television, but it also offers additional storage for media devices, books, and other items. Opt for a console with built-in shelves or drawers to maximize functionality while minimizing clutter.
“When designing a studio apartment, choose wisely,” says Robyn Branch of Robyn Branch Designs. “One of my constant pieces is a media console. It can house so many things and anchor your space as well as define the room. You can use it as a satellite bar and have extra storage.”
4. Be selective when bringing items into your studio apartment
Clutter can quickly make a small space feel overwhelming. Be mindful of the accessories you choose for your studio apartment and aim for a minimalist approach. Select a few meaningful pieces that contribute to the overall aesthetic while ensuring they serve a practical purpose.
“Clear the clutter- less is more,” says designer Julia Weinberg of Julia Robin Interiors. “Be choosy about which accessories and furniture you put in your apartment. Each piece on display should be either functional or beautiful (ideally both), and fit in with the overall design scheme. Get rid of anything else.”
5. Choose a cohesive color scheme
To create a sense of unity and flow in your studio apartment, select a cohesive color scheme. Opt for light and neutral shades to make the space appear more open and spacious. Add pops of color through accessories or artwork to inject personality and visual interest without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
“Less color is more when it comes to choosing a paint color scheme for your walls,” says Janine from Fluff + Puff Staging and Redesign. “Try to avoid any dark or bright paint choices. Stick to just one or two neutral colors and by using the same color in one area, your space will feel more cohesive and larger.”
6. Embrace natural light
Maximize the natural light in your studio apartment to create an open and airy atmosphere. Use sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy. Mirrors placed strategically can also help bounce light around the space and give the illusion of a larger area.
7. Maximize your bedroom storage space
In a studio apartment, the bedroom area often shares the same space as the living room. To maintain a sense of separation and maximize storage, consider investing in furniture pieces with built-in storage capabilities. Opt for a bed frame with drawers underneath or a wardrobe with extra shelves to keep your belongings organized and out of sight.
Paige Loperfido from Decor and More Designs recommends wall mounted bedside storage with sconces above. “This frees up space on the nightstand, and keeps the room feeling less cramped while also giving a cozy hotel feel.”
8. Emphasize vertical storage
When horizontal space is limited, look up. Make use of vertical storage solutions to maximize your studio apartment’s storage capacity. Install floating shelves, wall-mounted hooks, or hanging organizers to keep your belongings off the floor and utilize every available inch of space.
9. Utilize versatile decor
Versatility is key when decorating a studio apartment. Look for furniture and decor items that can serve multiple functions. For example, a storage ottoman can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, and a hidden storage solution. A foldable dining table can double as a workspace during the day and a dining area when needed.
“The key to styling studio apartments is to marry function with beauty,” says Ashlie Adam, principal designer at Ashlie Adam Interiors. “When space is limited, it is important to have items serve more than one purpose. For example, you could select an ottoman for sitting but that opens up and has storage space.”
Maria Parra of Styly Home adds, “”Multifunctional furniture, for example, an ottoman that can also be used to store some blankets, is always a good idea for studio apartments because they are perfect for small spaces”
10. Keep it organized and tidy
Finally, maintaining an organized and tidy studio apartment is crucial for creating a visually pleasing environment. Implement storage solutions that work for you, develop a routine for decluttering regularly, and find homes for all your belongings. A well-organized space will not only make your studio apartment look more appealing, but also enhance your daily living experience.
Source: redfin.com
Apache is functioning normally
Most home owners can probably attest to falling victim to this dark hole: dreaming of all the things you can’t afford in your new house- like, universally-coveted marble countertops! Oh, what to give to be able to just trot down to the marble yard, point to the vein-iest Carrara slab they have and say, “that one!”…*wakes up from dream.* While highly impractical dream kitchen will have to wait, luckily there are some marvelous marble accessories to keep one satiated…at least, until you scroll through Pinterest and find yourself staring at inspiration that looks like THIS. Oy.
While marble far as the eye can see might be out of the budget, this marble-esque Clare V. Oversize Metallic Clutch certainly isn’t! Let’s talk about how amazing this super fab marble-topped side table is and let’s talk about the fact that it is ON SALE. Also, if you can’t buy the real thing, we say, faux it with these gorgeously crafted ceramic serving boards. And who else is ob-sessed with this cute gold-plated bar set, atop it’s own adorable marble slab?! Yes, please.
Even if you can’t cover your house in wall-to-wall Carrara, at least you can marvel at a little mable in your life!
Get Your Shop On:
> Waldorf Side Table on sale for $299!!
> Pierre Hardy Marbled Slip-Ons
> Grey Ebru Marble Ceramic Serving Board
> Gold and Marble Barware Set
> Menu Marble and Copper Candle Holder
> Eduardo Garza Marble Ring Holder
> Marble Cotton Fabric Bench
> Marble iPhone Case
> Clare V. Oversize Metallic Clutch
> Marble Light Pendant
image 1 via In/Out as seen in Belle Magazine // 2 via here // 3 via Menu // 4 via Arkpad
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Source: apartment34.com
Apache is functioning normally
While Millennials are delaying or forgoing parenthood at higher rates than previous generations, they’re also leading the way when it comes to adopting pets. During the pandemic, this trend accelerated with 50% of Millennials considering fostering or adopting a pet.
I’m not exempt from the statistics: this past year, I headed down to my local animal shelter and returned home with two senior cats, Annie and Hailey. Annie likes long naps in the sun and Party Mix, and Hailey likes tuna fish and waking me up at six in the morning. At least in my case, there’s a simple reason behind pet ownership: pets can help to make our day to day lives a little bit happier, especially during uncertain times.
What’s Ahead:
Are Millennials adopting pets instead of having children?
Millennials trail behind previous generations when it comes to achieving traditionally “adult” milestones, including purchasing a home, getting married, and having children. According to data from the National Vital Statistics System, in 2019 the general fertility rate in the United States declined to 58.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. When Millennials do have children, they tend to be older than first-time parents of previous generations and have fewer children overall.
One statistic where Millenials do lead the way, however, is pet ownership. 27% of Millennials own a pet, and many more have plans to adopt a furry friend in the future. During a time when having children may seem risky or financially out of reach, pet ownership can be a way to approximate the experience of starting a family.
Are Millennials adopting pets at higher rates?
Millennials are adopting pets at a higher rate than previous generations, and they’re also less likely to have children of their own. The causal effects between parenthood and pet ownership aren’t so clear cut, however: many Millennials who adopt pets plan to have babies in the future, with some even considering pets as a trial run for potential children.
In most cases, adopting furry friends isn’t a zero-sum game. Millennials who might not be ready for the financial burden of parenthood may choose to adopt an animal in the meantime, whether they plan to have children in the future or not. They may also view pet ownership as more compatible with other short-term goals, like travel or career advancement.
Thinking about adopting a pet? Here’s what it will cost
Whereas other traditionally adult milestones, like purchasing a home, getting married, and starting a family, can seem frustratingly out of reach, pet ownership is a more affordable and accessible option for many Millennials.
That said, it still comes with a variety of costs and expenses, with an average of $681 for cats and $1,201 for dogs (CNBC) per year. If you’re thinking of adopting a furry friend, you should be sure that you’re in a good financial position to do so.
Are pets cheaper than children?
The short answer is that, yes, pets are much less expensive to raise than children. For young adults who may still be getting their footing financially, adopting a pet is a much lower-cost endeavor than choosing to have a child.
Raising a child can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year for a middle-class family, while caring for an animal may only cost a few hundred. Some of the most significant costs related to raising a child, like increased housing costs and food costs, won’t apply to a pet, since your furry friend doesn’t need their own bedroom and will be perfectly fine eating kibble.
Adoption fees
Adoption fees can vary widely depending on what type of animal you adopt, whether you get them from a breeder or a shelter, and where you live. Purebred dogs can cost hundreds of dollars, while adopting a senior cat from a shelter may cost as little as $25.
Supplies
You’ll need some basic supplies for your pet. If you’re adopting a dog, you’ll need:
- Dog food and bowls.
- A leash and harness.
- A dog collar to start.
- A dog crate (depending on the temperament of your new puppy).
- Training supplies.
If you’re adopting a cat, you’ll need:
- Cat food and bowls.
- A litter box and cat litter.
- Toys.
- Cozy beds for them to sleep in.
- Treats and snacks.
Make sure your pet is covered by pet insurance
Some of the most significant costs you’ll face as a pet owner include vet and health-related expenses. These can range from a few hundred dollars spent on vet visits and checkups each year, to thousands of dollars for emergency treatment.
Because pet health costs can be pricey for life-saving procedures, pet insurance is something you don’t want to skimp on when adopting a pet. This insurance helps to make sure that you’re covered if your pet has a medical emergency, and can save you money in the long run when it comes to expensive vet bills and related fees.
Lemonade pet insurance
Lemonade’s pet insurance covers diagnostics, procedures, medications, accidents, and illness. If you choose to add on additional wellness coverage, you’ll save on routine and preventative care like wellness exams, heartworm and fecal tests, bloodwork, and vaccines. So really, most treatments your pet requires should be covered through Lemonade!
Prices start at as low as $10 (yup, you heard that right!), and you can save an additional 10% if you also purchase home or renters insurance through Lemonade. The application process is super simple, and you can complete it online or through their mobile app, with no phone call or in-person visit required (perfect for phone-averse Millennials).
Another nice added bonus when it comes to Lemonade is that the company is a public benefit corporation. This means that they donate a portion of their profits to charities like the Progressive Animal Welfare Society and the Humane Society of the United States.
Embrace pet insurance
Embrace covers up to 90% back on vet costs, as well as coverage for accidents, illness, and preventative care.
One unique perk of Embrace, though, is that they reduce your deductible by $50 each year you don’t receive a claim payment. Unlike some other pet insurance providers, Embrace also automatically covers all your pet’s exam fees, which can be a nice benefit if you make frequent trips to the vet.
As for pre-existing conditions, Embrace does distinguish between curable and incurable conditions and will cover curable ones after your pet is symptom-free for 12 months (this is unique in the pet insurance industry).
Pumpkin pet insurance
Pumpkin offers pet insurance with perks like an optional preventative care package, up to 90% reimbursement, and no upper age limit. With Pumpkin, you’ll get coverage for everything from an annual wellness exam to lab tests and screenings for intestinal worms, heartworm, and tick diseases.
An insurance policy from Pumpkin also includes coverage for accidents and illnesses, diagnostics and treatment, prescription medicine, emergencies, surgeries, and specialized care. You can rest assured that your pet will receive all the care they need to stay healthy, without having to worry as much about the cost.
Speaking of cost – Pumpkin will offer big discounts for folks with large pet families who insure multiple pets.
Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement.
Why Millennials may opt for pets over children
There’s no one-size-fits-all reason why anyone chooses to have children or adopt a pet. However, there are some widespread factors that may be contributing to the trend.
Financial instability
Thanks to the effects of the Great Recession, Millennials are likely to accumulate less wealth than previous generations, with real median household income increasing only slightly over the past several decades. Meanwhile, the costs of raising a child have skyrocketed. Middle-class families are projected to spend an average of $233,610 to raise a child born in 2015, with housing, food, and childcare making up a large portion of those costs.
For Millennials worried about affording basic expenses like rent and healthcare, adding a child to the mix can seem financially irresponsible, if not impossible. Many young people may prefer to wait to have kids until they’ve achieved enough financial stability to be able to provide for their children.
When compared with a price tag in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, pet ownership can seem downright affordable. And while pet owners may splurge on accessories for their animals or have to foot the occasional vet bill, pets remain much, much less expensive than children.
An uncertain future
Even for Millennials who are able to make ends meet and save a little for the future, starting a family can seem like a risky move during an uncertain time. According to a recent study by Morning Consult, 17% of Millennials without children are delaying starting a family because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 15% indicated that they are reconsidering having children at all.
For Millennials worried about the current pandemic, as well as other looming concerns like climate change and growing economic inequality, parenthood can appear particularly fraught. In the same study, 18% of Millennials listed the political and economic climate as a major reason why they haven’t had children, while 13% listed climate change. A significant 38% cited cost as a major reason for not having children.
In contrast, pet parenthood is way up since the start of the pandemic, with 50% of Millennials considering adopting or fostering a pet. In a stressful world full of unprecedented challenges, a furry friend can provide comfort, companionship, and purpose. Especially for young people who have experienced increased isolation as a result of the pandemic, adopting a pet can be a way to cope with loneliness and stress.
Changing cultural expectations
While it’s certainly true that it’s more expensive for Millenials to have children than for past generations, economic and political uncertainties aren’t the only reasons young people may be delaying becoming parents. While marriage and children might have been expected for earlier generations, Millennials may feel less pressure to follow a set path and achieve particular milestones by a certain age.
Instead, they may be more inclined to advance their careers, travel, or pursue personal goals. Young people who might not be ready for the responsibility of raising a child may look at pet parenthood as a low-stakes way to reap many of the same benefits of fulfillment and companionship, while also preparing to have a child in the future.
Summary
With more Millennials delaying kids or opting out of parenthood altogether, pet ownership has emerged as an alternative way to enjoy many of the rewards that come with starting a family. Owning pets isn’t exactly like becoming a parent, but the process does share some similarities: animals can provide comfort and companionship regardless of how many children you might have.
Most people adopt pets simply because it makes them happy and improves their quality of life. That’s definitely true in my case. It brightens my day to have my two little companions follow me from room to room, taking long naps in the sun and never leaving my side for long. For many people, owning pets is one of the unmitigated joys in life, and that’s something to celebrate, even during challenging times.
Read more:
Source: moneyunder30.com
Apache is functioning normally
Editors’ note: This post was updated with new information. Availability was good as of 2:45 p.m. ET on July 11.
I have a bad habit of losing things.
Often, I realize I’ve misplaced my phone or some other easy-to-lose item (like my Lululemon fanny pack that holds my wallet and car key) when I need them the most. However, now that I’ve started using Apple AirTags to track belongings, it happens less often.
I’ve always loved the Find My iPhone feature in iCloud because it lets you ping your phone from another device like a MacBook Air.
I have tried other Bluetooth trackers, such as Tile, in the past. I have used Tiles since 2016 and even gifted them as presents. Its app can be a bit clunky, though, and it can take a lot longer to find your missing item, given its limited network.
So, when Apple introduced AirTags at a virtual press event in 2021, I immediately ordered a four-pack of AirTags as soon as they went on sale. Since then, I’ve used them on many trips to track my luggage, fanny pack and wallet, and even my husband’s golf clubs. Few things are worse than arriving for a guy’s golf trip without your golf clubs.
Plus, Apple AirTags (four-pack) are currently on sale for Amazon Prime Day for $88.49 (usually $99).
Here’s what it’s actually like to use AirTags on the road.
Apple’s first tracking device
For some background, AirTag is Apple’s latest Bluetooth tracking device. You can attach the device to anything you own, and it will passively track the item’s location whenever it pings a nearby Apple device. This can happen with your iPhone or someone else’s iPhone or iPad — there’s no cellular or GPS chip in the AirTag itself.
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This works well because of the sheer number of iOS devices out there. So, if you lose your fanny pack at the airport or in a public place, chances are someone else with an iPhone will be nearby. If your keys are attached to an AirTag, it will ping their location off that iPhone and report the location back to you. No personal data is transmitted in the process.
You can view the location of your AirTags in the Find My app alongside your iOS devices. Each AirTag has a small internal speaker so you can use sound to locate your devices at home, just like using Find My iPhone to play a sound on your phone.
Also, when you’re close to one of your AirTags, there’s a “Find Nearby” feature you can use to guide you to your AirTag. This is helpful when looking for something lost at home or in a hotel room. It will show you approximately how close (or far) you are and in what direction you need to walk.
Other near-field communication-enabled devices can also scan your AirTags and see your contact information. Think of it as a digital luggage tag. If you lose something, you can mark it as lost in Apple’s Find My app. If someone finds your AirTag, they can hold it close to their NFC-enabled device and receive a copy of your contact information.
Marking an AirTag as lost also prevents someone from registering your AirTag with their Apple ID. You’ll get a notification when someone finds your AirTag and scans it with their mobile device.
Perhaps the best part about AirTags is the price: You can buy one for $29. Or, you can purchase a four-pack for $89 on Amazon (though it was $99 when it first launched). The four-pack is the best deal as it’s effectively a buy three, get one free bargain.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Apple AirTag 4-Pack
Keep track of your items in the Find My app on your iphone
Easy to setup with one tap.
Additionally, there’s no monthly data fee or data plan to worry about. Instead, you leverage the huge network of iOS devices already out in the world to find your lost items.
You also don’t need to charge your AirTags since a replaceable coin-cell battery powers them; it should last for roughly a year. You can replace these batteries with standard coin-cell batteries you can buy at your local convenience shop or hardware store.
That was one of my gripes with the original Tiles; they needed to be replaced after 12 to 18 months, and you could not change out a battery. That has been corrected in the newer models.
Related: What to do if you leave something on the plane
AirTag design and accessories
AirTags have a super simple design — like a sleek white button with the Apple logo on the other side. They are only about the size of a half-dollar coin. For scale, I’ve put it next to the Apple USB plug.
However, the main issue with the design is that there’s no keyring or lanyard attachment, so you’ll probably need accessories unless you want to zip it into a pocket in your luggage or backpack. Apple has its own line of AirTag accessories, including keychains (key rings) and luggage tags (called loops) you can buy from your local Apple Store or Amazon. Apple even partnered with Hermès to make ultra-luxurious holders.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Apple AirTag Leather Loop – Saddle Brown
Keep your AirTag handy with a stylish holder
Unfortunately, these accessories aren’t cheap. Silicone Apple Loops start at $29, and leather key rings start at $35. There are some third-party accessories out there as well, but you’ll want to stick with high-quality ones so you don’t lose an AirTag if it’s mounted to the side of your bag.
Related: 5 simple tech innovations that would revolutionize the travel experience
My experience using AirTags when traveling
I’ve taken a handful of trips with my AirTags. I always keep one zipped into my Lululemon fanny pack and one in each of my Away suitcases. I haven’t lost any of these items yet, but it’s great to have constant access to their location wherever I am.
I am usually #TeamCarryon at TPG, but for the times I do have to check a bag, putting an AirTag on my Away suitcase is a smart choice in case my bags get lost or delayed in transit. Chances are, they’ll ping off an iOS device at some point, so I can help the airline locate my bag if necessary.
I usually fly American Airlines and while they do have bag tracking built into their app, I like the peace of mind of being able to see where my bags are.
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AMERICAN AIRLINES APP
On a recent trip, my husband’s golf bag did not get unloaded upon arrival in Charlotte. Luckily, he was able to show the customer service agent at baggage claim where his AirTag was pinging the bag’s location, and they sent someone to find his clubs. Without that AirTag, his golf trip could have been ruined.
This instance confirmed that AirTags — and the massive network of iOS devices — can definitely help locate lost items.
Related: 6 travel-friendly features coming to Apple’s newest iPhone software
Bottom line
At $29 per AirTag, it’s easily one of Apple’s most affordable devices. It can save you a lot of money, too.
Plus, you can currently score a four-pack for just $88.49.
Apple’s competition — namely Tile — has had a similar product on the market for years now. However, it simply doesn’t have Apple’s huge network of iOS devices that can help find your lost items. The chance of your lost bag being next to an iPhone is much higher than a smartphone running the Tile app.
Also, the ability to ping your easy-to-lose items (keys, headphones, a small bag) and your luggage is a huge relief — especially since travel can be so unpredictable these days.
Related reading:
Additional Reporting by Andrew Kunesh
Source: thepointsguy.com