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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

A great neighborhood is more than just its location, location, location.

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The best places to live are convenient and appealing in a number of ways — some of which you might not typically think about.

Here’s our guide to six factors that add a particular wow factor to a locale, the qualities which can make a neighborhood a really great place to live.

Culture & entertainment
Where do you take your family and friends when they come to visit from out-of-town? Think about the places you both enjoy personally and also enjoy sharing to understand just how important culture and entertainment options are in a great neighborhood. Simply put, the best neighborhoods are places where there’s lots of stuff to do — like enjoy the coolest new restaurants, browse a museum, catch a play or concert, grab a beer, or go for a hike. The best, hippest neighborhoods offer a variety of options that make living there ever-interesting.

Social gathering spots
Great neighborhoods reflect the people living there, and that’s why social interaction is an important factor in the best communities. These places offer opportunities for neighbors to get to know each another in public spaces. These opportunities can be created by walkable sidewalks, benches on street corners, patio dining and other social spots where people can interact.

The Garden District in New Orleans is noted as a great neighborhood by the American Planning Association. The neighborhood's historical residences and beautiful live oak trees lend a stunning visual appeal.
The Garden District in New Orleans is noted as a great neighborhood by the American Planning Association. The neighborhood’s historical residences and beautiful live oak trees lend a stunning visual appeal.

Visual interest
According to the American Planning Association (APA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of better communities, visual interest is an important factor in a great neighborhood. By APA standards, a great neighborhood is one that features interesting architecture and design, such as historically-preserved homes or sculptures made by local artists.

Great neighborhoods are comfortable and appealing. They feature intriguing storefronts, clean streets with good lighting, and flowers and trees that look inviting. The visual interest these qualities create is important because it beckons people to hang out in the neighborhood — and come back again and again.

Convenient amenities
You might have the most beautiful apartment home imaginable, but if it’s not situated near the amenities and services you prefer, you may soon feel that something’s missing. That’s why the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a non-profit organization, considers the “Power of 10” one of the most important features in a great neighborhood. The Power of 10 refers to the ten most important places any resident needs in a neighborhood: places like a handy supermarket, walking park, or favorite spot to grab a snack. These are the most important, useful and fun places in a great neighborhood, according to you!

Accessibility
Great neighborhoods are also easy to get in and out of, serving residents and visitors with a network of organized streets and alternate methods of transportation. They’re walkable, bikeable or drivable places where it’s easy to get around.

Memorable character
All of these great neighborhood factors add up to memorable character: the essence of a place that makes it really stand out from the rest of the city’s surroundings. Memorable character is what fosters a sense of pride in a place. For the residents of that community, there will always be stories to tell of life lived there.

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Creativemarc, Natalia Bratslavsky

Posted in: Home Loans Guide Tagged: About, Amenities, apartment, Apartment Living, apartment tips, apartment-community, Architecture, artists, beer, best, city, Clean, Credit, design, dining, Entertainment, Family, Features, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, flowers, fun, garden, good, great, growth, guide, historical, home, homes, in, interest, Life, lighting, Live, Living, Local, Location, location, location, Make, More, museum, needs, neighborhood, neighborhoods, neighbors, new, oak, offer, or, organization, Other, park, patio, place, Planning, play, project, restaurants, social, stories, The Neighborhood, tips, town, Transportation, visitors, walking, will

Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you visited this post two years ago, you would have seen that I made the naive decision to participate in the six week One Room Challenge – on a historic house I was gut renovating. Relying on contractors, hardwood floor installs and major electrical to be completed in a six week window was a wee bit over my head at the time. It only took seven more months to actually finish our renovations. Lesson learned. But, I did finally manage to finish our media room and wanted to make sure you saw the completed space. Scroll for the final look!

Well, it’s here. The sixth week in the One Room Challenge – alla reveal day! So I’ve got some good news and bad news. The good news is that our media room design is complete! The bad news is that it’s only done in my head. Apparently, the old adage in major home renovation is quite true: things will take twice as long and always cost twice as much! as you anticipate. Since we bought this 145 year old house nearly a year and half ago and started construction back in February(!), I thought there might be a chance for our renovation would be complete in time for the end of our challenge. Alas, we still have quite a long way to go.

But I would never leave you high and dry! I can see the final media room in my mind’s eye, so I thought I’d do my best to show you everything I’m seeing. Remember when we were trying to pick a paint color? The crowd favorite in this post was actually Benjamin Moore’s Almost Black.

apt34roomchallengewk2_paint

Well, we were able to get our future media room painted. Here’s how things were looking in 2015.

apt34thisoldvictorian

Can you tell which color we selected?? We ended up going with the Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray in flat. It’s a bit hard to tell in a photo, but it turned out to be a richly hued gray – it has a navy undertone that I absolutely love. It’s dramatic but it doesn’t feel ominous.

Here’s how the room ultimately turned out!

SHOP THE LOOK: cactus / pendant light / brass table lamps / black throw / sectional / coffee table / marble & wood bookend / pillow 1, pillow 2 / brass & marble cocktail table / wood tray

If you’ve been following along with my inspiration posts, then you’ve seen how I wanted to create a space that’s comfortable – perfect for movie nights – but also an elevated and a touch dramatic. I think this final design and product selection is going to help me do just that.

The space is a little tight, the room is only about 10 feet across, so the Room & Board sectional is the perfect solution. I’m not typically a fan of the chaise style, but with limited space it’s the perfect way to create a cozy place to snuggle up. The round brass coffee table is practically perfect in every way.

Of course the media storage is a big sticking point with the hubby, but we both agreed that the Blu Dot Console is modern and chic, but understated. I’m trying to keep the attention away from the ginormous TV as much as possible wish me luck!.

With little room for side tables or other lighting, I hung a classic  George Nelson Cigar Pendant in the far corner of the room. It’ll give the space a nice golden glow. It’s all about ambient light people. A few choice pillows and a luxe throw are really all we’re going to need to make the space feel homey. The gorgeous Arhaus Rug will pull all the blues and grays together beautifully.

You can catch up on the entire six week One Room Challenge HERE.

And of course you have to check out everyone else’s big reveals! This is the ultimate in interior inspiration. I feel lucky to have been involved in such a great group.

Apartment 34 | Arianna Belle | Because It’s Awesome | Coco+Kelley | Design Darling | Design Indulgence |Design Manifest | Christine Dovey | The English Room | Vanessa Francis | Hi Sugarplum | Honey We’re Home | Jojotastic | The Pink Clutch | The Pink Pagoda | Simplified Bee | Style Your Senses | A Thoughtful Place | Kimberly Whitman | The Zhush |

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Source: apartment34.com

Posted in: Quick Cash Tagged: 2, 2015, About, All, apartment, best, big, black, cactus, chance, choice, coffee, coffee table, color, construction, contractors, cost, decision, Decor, design, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, floor, future, good, gray, great, hardwood, hardwood floor, historic, home, home renovation, house, in, Inspiration, lamps, learned, lighting, luck, Make, manage, marble, Media, media room, modern, More, News, one room challenge, or, Other, Our Loft Life, paint, paint color, pillow, pillows, pink, place, renovation, renovations, reveal, room, Side, side tables, space, storage, Style, the loft life, this old victorian, time, tv, will, wood

Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Your space reflects your aesthetic and curates your mood.

Dark academia is an aesthetic and cultural movement that draws inspiration from academic and literary traditions, often focusing on introspection, intellectualism and a love for knowledge and learning. It emerged as a trend online and has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok. Maybe you’re inspired by this aesthetic and hoping to decorate your home. Where can you get started with dark academia room decor to enhance the moody, scholastic vibe? We’ll explain more here.

Dark academia in modern media

While dark academia is not an easily spotted decorative style, it’s more prevalent than we think. Shows like “Wednesday” feature dark-toned decor, vintage furniture and an overall dark aesthetic that lends to dark academia. Tim Burton films and Harry Potter movies — along with films like Dead Poets Society and Atonement — famously feature this moody, serious aesthetic as well.

dark academia interior design features dark wood, velvet fabrics, a vintage vibe and nods to classic literature

The key features of dark academia room decor

Dark academia is all about embracing the love for learning and intellectual pursuits. It’s showcasing and emulating a deep appreciation for literature, philosophy, history and the arts that really sets it apart from other decor styles. Because of this, there’s also a strong sense of nostalgia that comes with dark academia: Think vintage books and antique furnishings that transport you to a different time. Let’s delve into some of the key characteristics of dark academia decor.

Deep colors

Dark academia room decor features a color palette full of deep, rich tones. Colors like dark brown, burgundy, forest green, navy blue and black create a sense of drama and depth. These colors are often used on walls (when allowed by apartments), furniture and accessories. Elements like furniture colors, wall decor, blankets, pillows, floor rugs and bedding reflect these colors in smaller spaces like apartments.

Dark woods and dark academia style in this dark academia bedroom

Antique furniture and vintage tchotchkes

With such baroque influence, antique and vintage furniture are seen in dark academia-decorated spaces. Things like dark wooden bookshelves, leather armchairs, carved desks and unique tables help curate the aesthetic.

The furniture tends to have a sense of history and character, nodding to the sense of nostalgia dark academia creates. These pieces can prove as budget-friendly as they are beautiful, antique furniture is found easily at thrift-type shops, second-hand resale stores and vintage retailers.

a dark academia space relies on mystery, contrast and a gothic aesthetic to evoke a mood

Literature emphasis

Books play a central role in the dark academia asthetic, whether this be through floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with classic, leather-bound books or smaller, vintage book nooks filled with academic texts. The books are often arranged eclectically and intentionally unorganized, creating a sense of charm and uniqueness.

Artwork

Dark academia decor often includes artwork that reflects classical and intellectual themes. Think of old-world paintings, portraits and other traditional art styles. People can take it one step further by displaying this art in vintage frames or dark frames in a gallery-style fashion. The artwork element really contributes to the overall ambiance of nostalgia and a love for more decadent things in life.

dark academia inspiration comes from books, gothic architecture and gloomy paintings

Dark lighting

One of the easiest ways to spot dark academia decor and to create this ambiance is through lighting. Table lamps and floor lamps with warm-toned bulbs create an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Candles and soft string lights add a touch of warmth to living spaces.

The opposing side: light academia

Light academia is a contrasting style to dark academia. While dark academia embraces a moody and dark atmosphere, light academia takes a brighter and more optimistic approach. It embodies the love for learning and intellectual pursuits, just like dark academia, but with a lighter and airier feel.

Libraries, gardens and the beauty of nature offer inspiration within light academia. To curate the desired vibe, people incorporate pastel colors, soft fabrics and floral patterns through furniture, wall decor and plants. You can find this style represented in several shows like “Bridgerton,” “Anne with an E” and “Gilmore Girls.”

inspire your dark academia side with dark decor, warm tones and velvet pieces when looking at dark academia bedroom ideas

Explore this scholarly, gothic style in your apartment

By creating a space that reflects the aesthetic and ambiance of dark academia, individuals can immerse themselves in this realm that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the beauty of the past.

Whether through the arrangement of books or by filling the room with vintage furniture, decorating for dark academia combines literature, art and Romanticism perfectly. Find your dream apartment to fill with dark academia today!

Source: rent.com

Posted in: Growing Wealth Tagged: About, advice, All, apartment, apartments, appreciation, art, Beauty, bedding, black, blankets, Blog, blue, book, Books, bookshelves, brown, Budget, color, color palette, colors, dark, Decor, decorate, decorating, dream, Fashion, Features, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, floor, forest, friendly, furniture, gallery, get started, green, guide, history, home, in, Inspiration, lamps, Life, lighting, lights, Living, modern, More, movies, offer, or, Other, palette, patterns, pillows, plants, play, Rent, resale, rich, room, rugs, second, Side, society, space, Style, thrift, TikTok, time, tips, Tips & Advice, traditional, trend, unique, wall

Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

So we’re getting down to the wire. We’ve gone through five weeks of the One Room Challenge. The big decisions – paint color, lighting, selection of core furniture pieces – have been made. The piéce de résistance is just around the corner, but the it’s the final details that really bring the puzzle together. Adding personal mementos mixed with an eye-catching accessory or two are the icing on your design cake.

media-room-decor-21ecc4ede38383297a12f98eb8a52f0ddmedia-room-decor

As the baby stuff continue to pile up around the loft, I’m looking to keep accessories in the new house to an absolute minimum. I only want to see things that make me smile every time I look at them. I feel like your stuff recedes into the background when it’s too crowded. Guys don’t like a lot of crap laying around anyway right!? A choice throw, a striking vase & air plant cuz they’re really hard to kill! and perhaps a high-style speaker could be all the media room needs to feel complete.

media-room-accessories-1

Get Your Shop On:

1. > Wood Candlestick
2. > Striped Throw
3. > Rebecca Atwood Pillow 
4. > D.S. & Durga Candle
5. > Air Plant Art Print
6. > Sauda Basket
7. > White Vase
8. > Wireless Sound System

Now the count down is really on! Be sure to check out everyone’s final sneak peeks by clicking the links below!!

Apartment 34 | Arianna Belle | Because It’s Awesome | Coco+Kelley | Design Darling | Design Indulgence |Design Manifest | Christine Dovey | The English Room | Vanessa Francis | Hi Sugarplum | Honey We’re Home | Jojotastic | The Pink Clutch | The Pink Pagoda | Simplified Bee | Style Your Senses | A Thoughtful Place | Kimberly Whitman | The Zhush |

image 1 via Stadshem //  2 April & May // 3 via Broste Copenhagen 

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Source: apartment34.com

Posted in: Quick Cash Tagged: 2, air, All, apartment, art, baby, big, choice, color, decisions, Decor, design, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, furniture, home, house, in, Inspiration, lighting, Links, loft, Make, Media, media room, needs, new, one room challenge, or, Our Loft Life, paint, paint color, Personal, pillow, pink, place, puzzle, right, room, Style, the loft life, this old victorian, time, white, wireless, wood

Apache is functioning normally

June 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

A growing number of investors in real estate means you can expect to see increased competition for home flipping. You’re most likely going to be competing with other investors in your market, which makes it very difficult to find properties worth flipping, and also means you will need to stay on top of your game. … [Read more…]

Posted in: Refinance, Savings Account Tagged: 2, All, appliances, before, best, best deals, browsing, building, buyers, Competition, Deals, efficient, energy, estate, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, flipping, furniture, good, heat, home, homes, in, investors, lighting, Listings, market, modern, More, online listing, Other, photos, price, Professionals, property, quality, Real Estate, Real Estate Listings, rise, sale, Sell, stage, Staging, sustainability, Technology, time, trend, trends, value, virtual, virtual staging, will

Apache is functioning normally

June 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

This guest post from Ian is part of the “reader stories” feature at Get Rich Slowly. It’s the extended version of the story he shared in his prize-winning entry to this year’s GRS video contest. Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success — or failure. These stories feature folks from all levels of financial maturity and with all sorts of incomes.

It dawned on me in college, having experienced several different summer jobs, that I really didn’t like being employed. Sure, the money is nice — but it’s just no fun at all to spend your days working to reach some boss’s plans or goals. I’m sure there are some folks out there who find a 9-to-5 job fulfilling, but that sure ain’t me. There’s too much fascinating stuff out there to learn and do to spend 40 years in a cubicle. The mere thought makes me shudder, and I wanted nothing to do with a career.

Most of the financial advice out there is geared towards building up a big account to retire on. I figured that I would enjoy taking a different route — reducing the total income I needed to live on. With a significant reduction in expenses, it becomes feasible to live very comfortably on a part-time income, or even just income from hobbies. How do you reduce your expenses that much? Live off the grid.

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Planning

By “live off the grid”, I don’t mean abandoning all your possessions to live in a shack in the woods. I mean taking control of your necessities and providing them yourself instead of relying on other to do it for you (and paying them to do so). Going offgrid requires a greater up-front payment, which is rewarded by great benefits in the long term (sound familiar?). Building a house yourself is a huge investment in time, sweat, and cash — but it allows you to enjoy freedom from rent or mortgage for decades. Like cooking at home instead of going out, but writ large (hundreds of thousands of dollars large).

Note: My decision to follow this path was not purely a financial one — I simply am happiest out in the boonies. There are too many people in the city, and it’s just not enjoyable for me. I want some space. You may be different — and probably are.

The more I looked at the offgrid option, the more financial advantages I saw in it. By choosing an earth-bermed home design, I could minimize heating and cooling expenses, as well as exterior maintenance. Having my own well and septic system eliminate the water bill, and having my own photovoltaic system for electricity cuts out another bill. My consumable fuels for the home are limited to some wood for winter heating (easily collected from the property) and propane for cooking (for which a couple hundred gallon tank is nearly a lifetime supply). Add some food production on the land, and you can also reduce grocery expenses.

Does this mean intentional poverty? Absolutely not. It means that I can have great quality of life, make $10,000 per year with a part-time or online gig, and have more disposable income than most middle income debt-ridden wage slaves.

Execution

At the time I put this notion together, I was in the middle of getting a fancy engineering degree from a fancy university. I had been losing interest in engineering as a field to work in, and opted to jump to a more hands-on field of study and get the fastest two-year degree I could. I judged that it would be better to leave with some sort of diploma than drop out altogether.

At the same time, I started looking for affordable rural land. I had a small inheritance from a great grandparent that I had been saving for something significant and meaningful, and a piece of land seemed like the perfect use for it. I eventually found a 40 acre parcel in the Southwest for less than $500/acre. I ditched school for a week to camp out on it, and fell in love. It had a good southeast facing slope for my passive solar house plan, and everything else I wanted in a parcel.

Ian's parcel of land
Ian’s parcel of land

On the third day, I signed a bill of sale, wrote a check for the price (10% off since I wasn’t financing it) and made it mine. And then (sadly) headed back to school. A year later, I came out with my degree and a $35,000 bill from Sallie Mae. That student loan was my only debt, and it meant a monthly payment of something like $250. Not bad at all, by most standards.

I packed all my belongings into my truck (a paid-for beater of a 1970s Chevy) and embarked to find a job in the little windblown town nearby and build my house. Jobs were sparse, though, and I wound up making less than minimum wage as a commission mechanic. That $250 loan payment was a massive chunk of my income, and it became clear that I wouldn’t make any progress unless I changed my situation. So I packed up again, and moved to the big city (ugh). Not what I wanted to do, but it was necessary. After a couple false starts, I landed a bartending job that paid pretty darn well. Now that I was finally making more than I needed to just scrape by, I set about making some real progress.

Saving was immediately gratifying, because I brought home my day’s earnings in cash every night. I budgeted out what I needed to live on (rent, gas, food), and put that much in my living expenses envelope each evening. The loose change (a couple bucks worth usually) became my “fun” spending money, and everything else went into the student loan envelope. Every time the envelope crossed the $1000 threshold, I took it down to the Post Office and sent a money order to Sallie Mae. I didn’t eat out, I didn’t go to bars, I replaced my big beater truck with a little beater truck that got much better gas mileage, I didn’t have a TV, and I split an internet connection with a neighbor in my apartment block. I grabbed every extra shift at the bar that I could manage. It paid off. In 53 weeks, I zeroed out that student loan. (I have the closure notice from Sallie Mae framed.)

Then came a big moment of truth. I’d been focusing intensely on paying off that debt, and the house plan was a bit of a nebulous thing that I would do later, after the loan. Well, now the loan was gone, I had the good-paying job, and I was used to living on not very much. I could go do anything now! I could buy a slick new car, or a bunch of cool gadgets, or anything I wanted. Or I could make the earth-bermed, offgrid house a reality. It didn’t take much reflection to conclude that the house was what I really wanted. So I replaced my “Loan” envelope in the closet with a “House” envelope and went right on with the same budget. Soon the envelope filled up, and I replaced it with a shoebox. Eventually the pile of cash in the shoebox started making me a bit nervous, and I got a safety deposit box at my bank.

When my second year on the budget netted me as much as the first, I crunched some numbers and concluded that a third year would be enough to get me enough money to build the house. I informed my manager at the bar that I would be leaving on May 31st of the next year, when it had warmed up and I deemed that building season was in full swing.

During that third year, I started spending some of my savings to pay for some initial infrastructure that I had to hire out, like the installation of my well and septic system and the kit for my house (purchased from Performance Building Systems — a company I highly recommend). When I finally quit the bartending job (on exactly the day I’d selected a year earlier), I headed back to the property with a wad of about $40,000 in cash and a sturdy pair of work boots.

Starting work on Ian's home
Ian has his work boots on

I spent that summer living in a neighbor’s barn and building. The house I’d decided on was a monolithic concrete arch, 24 feet wide and 36 feet deep. It came to 800 square feet total, and would be covered with 2-4 feet of earth when finished. The sides would be completely underground, and the front wall would be fully exposed, with a lot of glazing to let in light and warmth (you can see photos of a bunch of these homes at earthshelter.com). I first needed to dig into my hillside and lay a slab foundation, then construct the framework of the the house, build the front wall with concrete block, and then have the main framework shotcreted (concrete sprayed with a high pressure air hose, to form rounded structures). Once the shotcrete set, I began building wall framing inside, and running water and electrical lines.

It’s not finished yet — some things cost more than I’d expected, and by the time winter really set in, I had a lot of interior work still left to do and had run out of savings. So I moved back to the city to find another job, and I continue to work on the house on my weekends.

Coming together

However, the house is complete enough that I could live in it if I had to. I’m working my current job (I leveraged my offgrid experience into a position in the solar power industry) because of a conscious decision that the income is worth the time, and I have an alternative option should I decide that I really dislike the employment. That option makes a big psychological difference.

I can reflect on my job and know that I’m working it for a specific goal. I already have enough saved up again to finish the house interior, and what I’m doing now is saving up to build and stock a good workshop. With a good selection of woodworking, metalworking, and automotive tools I will be able to indulge in fairly technical hobbies. I can easily live on the proceeds of custom niche machine work, or have fun restoring and selling an antique vehicle from time to time. In addition, things like building my own furniture and maintaining my own vehicles will save a lot of money, and be more rewarding than hiring others to do the work for me.

Thanks to the planning and hard work, I will retire by the age of 30 — if not sooner. That doesn’t mean I’ll spend my time watching TV and playing golf, it means I will be able to actually live life instead of sacrificing all my time to a job making money.

Questions About the House

Living off the grid isn’t what many people expect. With the dramatic recent reduction in solar power costs, you can really have every modern convenience without a power pole. You really can’t tell an offgrid home from the inside. The keys to doing this effectively are putting more attention into efficiency, and choosing the right power sources. Electric heat, for example, is extremely inefficient. Propane is a far cheaper way to cook, and a wood stove is a great inexpensive, renewable source of heating. Thoughtful home design to utilize solar exposure, prevailing wind currents, and other environmental factors can significantly reduce the amount of artificial heating and cooling needed in the first place. Modern efficient appliances and lighting further reduce electrical needs.

Because of my high altitude and sunny climate, I chose to use a solar hot water heater instead of an electric or propane type. It’s a simple system with an 80-gallon tank (which should be able to supply comfortable hot showers through 3 days without sun), and it reduces my propane needs to just cooking. Internet can be provided by either satellite or wireless broadband (my cell phone reception is iffy at the house, but my Blackberry can get a pretty decent signal).

What about my social life? Am I going to be some sort of loner hermit? The answer is definitely not.

I’m not someone who needs constant social interaction, but you get plenty of it in the boonies. It’s clear from both my own experience and talking to other folks living in similar situations, that there is much more community socialization when there aren’t many people than when there are lots. I’ve never known more than one or two neighbors when I’ve lived in a city with dozens of people within shouting distance. But when there are only five families in a square mile, you know all of them, and their dogs, and often their friends and relatives who occasionally visit. It’s true for my house now — there are a few permanent residents and a few weekenders and we all socialize regularly.

The other question I always get is about family. The short version is that I have no desire for marriage or children. The house isn’t big enough for a family, and it wouldn’t be feasible to put on an addition. If I wake up one morning and suddenly can’t live another day without offspring, I’ll just have to build a new house. But I don’t envision that happening.

Tips

If you’re considering doing something like this, I’d like to offer a couple quick tips from my experience. Just as a good financial decision now can have magnified implications down the road, time spent planning a house can prevent huge problems in construction. An hour spent fixing something in the foundation can prevent a day’s work in construction or a week’s work in finishing.

My other suggestion is to not let the traditional rule your decisions. If you’re putting this much work into a place to live, you clearly plan to be there for a long time. So don’t worry about building a house that will be easy to sell — build the house you really want to live in. My bedroom is minuscule by most folks’ standards, because I like the idea of a cozy sleeping space. (I also ran a small water line and drain to the bedside table, so I don’t have to get out of bed for a drink of water at night.) The pantry is huge, though, because I will be growing and preserving food. I’m building a house to live in, not to sell, so I don’t care if it appeals to a real estate agent or bank loan officer.

Most of all, if you have a dream, you should do it. Stop fantasizing and start planning. No matter how many years it might take, it won’t ever happen until you start. And once you do start, you’ll be amazed at what perseverance and dedication can do for you. There’s no better feeling in the world than deciding how you want to live and making it happen.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Apache is functioning normally

June 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1-bedroom-apartments-under-1500

Finding affordable one-bedroom apartments in DC can be a daunting task, considering factors such as limited availability, skyrocketing prices, and navigating through various listings and potential scams. However, we’ve done the hard work for you and curated a list of 10 one-bedroom apartments available for rent today, all priced under $1900. Don’t hesitate, as these budget-friendly options are sure to get snatched up quickly. Take swift action and secure your ideal one-bedroom apartment under $1900 before they’re gone!

Rent-control-apartments-DC-1400-Van-Buren

1400 Van Buren Apartments

1400 Van Buren NW
Washington, DC 20014

Apt #34  — $1705

Located in the Brightwood neighborhood of Washington, DC, you’ll find this charming brick building offering spacious one and two-bedroom apartments. Less than a ten-minute walk from 1400 Van Buren’s front door you can find over 15 casual dining options including Julia’s Empanadas, Serengeti Restaurant, and Haydee’s Restaurant. When it’s time to head to the grocery, Safeway is only .4 of a mile down the road. Commuting is a breeze with bus routes 52, 53, 54, S2, and S4 stopping right outside the property. The Takoma Metro station is just under a mile away.

Colonnade-one-bedrooms-under-1500

2 Forrester Street SE
Washington, DC 20032

Apt #202 — $1210

We make budgeting so much easier at Colonnade Apartments! You pay your rent; we pay your utilities. The Colonnade offers sunny one-bedroom apartments for rent with hardwood floors and updated oak kitchen cabinets. Each apartment has a walk-in closet, ceiling fans in each bedroom, and a separate dining area with chandelier. The Colonnade apartments are located in southeast Washington, DC. Your new affordable apartment home is just minutes From I-295, walking distance from local schools, hospitals, and shopping. Best of all, all utilities are included.

Rent-control-apartments-DC-Hillside-Terrace

Hillside Terrace Apartments

1812 23rd Street, SE
Washington, DC 20020

Apt #211 — $1345

Looking for an apartment to rent, but want to live in a quiet neighborhood? Fall in love with Hillside Terrace. Our apartment community is nestled in the tranquil neighborhood of Randle Highlands. Randle Highlands is best known as a small residential neighborhood in Southeast Washington, DC. Hillside Terrace’s garden-style apartment buildings are charmingly situated on professionally landscaped grounds. The studio, one, and two bedroom apartments feature updated kitchens and baths, as well as ample closet space and some of the utilities are included with the rent. The Hillside Terrace community is just a short car trip from all of downtown Washington, DC’s entertainment and shopping.

tax-credit-properties-DC-Shipley-Park

Shipley Park

2532 Southern Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020

Apt #3432-25 — $1231

Shipley Park has worked to bring function and design to your apartment’s kitchen and bathroom. We invite you to visit and see Shipley Park’s range of practical features designed to make your every day experience even more delightful. Experience the new hardwood floors, oak kitchen cabinets and a breakfast bar in your one or two bedroom apartment. Enjoy easy access to shopping, the Town Hall Art and Recreation Campus (THEARC), a neighborhood splash park and the Suitland Parkway.

tax-credit-properties-DC-Archer-Park

Archer Park

1200 Mississippi Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20020

Apt 227 –$1435

Welcome Home to Archer Park Apartments, brand new one and two-bedroom apartment home tax credit community. Each home was designed with you in mind; Energy Star Stainless Steel appliance package, laminate flooring throughout, stackable washer and dryer in each home. The community has a fitness facility, business center, and concierge.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Pleasant-Hills

Pleasant Hills Apartments

100 Fort Drive NE
Washington, DC 20011

Apt #6–$1650

Find beauty in the unexpected. Just off North Capitol Street, discover Pleasant Hills. Offering spacious and affordable apartment homes that feature beautiful hardwood floors, built-in shelves and renovated kitchens for that inner chef. Pleasant Hills is across from Archbishop Carroll High school, two blocks from Catholic University, and a short distance from the Brookland Metro station. Brookland’s thriving community includes plenty of dining options including Col. Brooks Tavern, San Antonio Grill, and Brookland Cafe.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Jetu-apartments

Jetu Apartments

2100 Maryland Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002

Apt #4–$1430

Discover our beautifully landscaped community located in the heart of Northeast, near Langston Golf Course and National Arboretum. Jetu Apartments offers affordable one and two bedroom apartment homes for rent. Featuring gas range stoves, upgraded kitchens, frost-free refrigerators, mini-blinds, and wall to wall carpet. Each apartment offers a separate dining area with chandelier lighting. The grounds include two new playgrounds, a community room, and a community garden.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Jetu-apartments

3101 Pennsylvania

3101 Pennsylvania Ave SE
Washington, DC 20020

Apt #403-$1396

Situated in Randle Highlands, 3101 Pennsylvania presents a feline-friendly apartment community in Southeast Washington DC. We provide one and two-bedroom apartment homes adorned with hardwood floors and modernized kitchens equipped with energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, you have convenient online access to your resident account 24/7. Uncover the comforts offered at 3101 Pennsylvania.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Jetu-apartments

Juniper Courts

7701 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20012

Apt #303-$1395

Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Jetu-apartments

Juniper Courts

7701 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20012

Apt #303-$1395

Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.

Apartments-all-utilities-included-dc-Jetu-apartments

Juniper Courts

7701 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, DC 20012

Apt #303-$1395

Discover Juniper Courts, your destination for affordable and stylish one-bedroom apartments in the Takoma neighborhood of Northwest Washington DC. Situated on Georgia Avenue, this completely renovated building offers a range of apartment options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Step into spacious floor plans adorned with beautiful hardwood floors, ample natural lighting, and central A/C, creating a welcoming and dream-like atmosphere. At Juniper Courts, convenience and enjoyment are paramount, with outstanding community amenities such as on-site maintenance and management, laundry facilities, dry cleaning services, and a community room equipped with computers. Plus, the prime location grants easy access to Downtown Silver Spring and the entire DC area. Experience the perfect blend of affordability and convenience at Juniper Courts.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.



Also published on Medium.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 31, 2023 by Brett Tams
 Bathroom, living room, bedroom

Bathroom, living room, bedroom

Katie Ridder is famed for her gloriously colorful spaces.

Recently, the New York City-based interior designer and author exclusively shared her most important home decor ideas and rules with us for a perfectly finished room.

So if your rooms are nearly there but not quite, let Katie’s advice help you get them over the line.

1. Include tiny, eye-catching details

Blue stripped wallpaper, inbuilt white shelves, bedBlue stripped wallpaper, inbuilt white shelves, bed

Blue stripped wallpaper, inbuilt white shelves, bed

‘The thing that really marks out a well-designed and thought-out home is the really tiny details; that is often what’s missing, and what it takes a bit of thought to pull together,’ says Katie.

‘But when you introduce them – be it a beautiful trim on a lampshade or a painting that picks up on another color in the room or a high gloss paint finish on something unexpected – then the room comes together in a really special way.

‘A really brilliant example I have of this level of detail is Charlottenhof Palace, a former royal palace in Germany that has a blue and white striped room with fabric on the walls that looks like a tent; there is some red and white embroidery along the base of the upholstered walls, as well as on the curtains, which perfectly lines up and it’s that detail which brings it to another level. It might not be something you consciously notice if you’re not looking for it, but your brain registers it on a subconscious level.’

You can see Katie’s take on this above in the fabulous nook bed idea.

2. Make space for handmade pieces

‘I have such respect for artisans, of all kinds, whether they make beautiful lampshades or furniture or woodcraft; as a designer I rely on their skill to make pieces that make a room really sing.

‘Hand crafted pieces really bring something extra to a space because they reference the person behind the object and the time and skill that went into the piece.

‘Something handmade really elevates a room because by its very nature it is one of a kind. We used a decorative artist to paint the floors of one client’s home and it adds an unbeatable element of pizzazz.’

Our painted floor ideas gallery has plenty of inspiration for your own scheme.

3. Add personal touches

Painted mirror frames and folk chest WicklewoodPainted mirror frames and folk chest Wicklewood

Painted mirror frames and folk chest Wicklewood

‘You don’t need a huge budget to add detail and personality. When my husband and I were first married, we decided to paint detailing on our furniture. He cut a stencil and I painted with it. In a recent project, I lined the back of a bookshelf with marbleized paper. It’s all about having something that no on else has; it forces you to be creative.’

Our painted furniture ideas are easy to copy for your own personal touch.

4. Ensure beautifully hung drapes

Blue walls, green armchair, white beddingBlue walls, green armchair, white bedding

Blue walls, green armchair, white bedding

‘Beautifully hung curtains can look very smart. One trick I recently learned on a project is to tack the end of the curtain to the wall, and the middle of the curtain panel so that it all stays crisp, tidy and straight.’

We have all the curtain ideas you need to create a sumptuous scheme, whatever your budget.

5. Style your bed beautifully

Green wallpaper, blue bedframe, armchairGreen wallpaper, blue bedframe, armchair

Green wallpaper, blue bedframe, armchair

‘A beautifully dressed bed is important as it is often the first thing that catches your eye. I like to have a coverlet tucked in very tight and then a duvet or a blanket folded in thirds at the end of the bed.

‘What I’m trying to do is make the bed look smaller, so it doesn’t dominate the space. For that reason, I don’t like monster mattresses – they look so out of proportion – and I do not use dust skirts – I get the bottom of the bed upholstered. Bed hangings – curtains around the bed – are also a really nice touch if you have space.’

We have a guide on how to style a bed for the uninitiated.

6. Repeat design motifs

Green painted living room with green floral patterned sofa, striped side table, plant, cushions, artwork on wallGreen painted living room with green floral patterned sofa, striped side table, plant, cushions, artwork on wall

Green painted living room with green floral patterned sofa, striped side table, plant, cushions, artwork on wall

‘Tying in design details and repeating them subtly across a room is a subtle way to make a room feel pulled together. I had one project where I had a pair of vintage ceramic lamps, with circles in their design. I paired them with a fabric which had embroidered sunbursts on it – it wasn’t the same design, but it reflected it just enough to work.’

Our feature on repetition in interior design will help you learn how to achieve this seamlessly.

7. Shop for white lampshades

Blue sofas and armchairs, orange cushions, blue wallsBlue sofas and armchairs, orange cushions, blue walls

Blue sofas and armchairs, orange cushions, blue walls

‘Crisp white lampshades are the easiest and most stylish shades to pair with any lamp in any room; if in doubt, go white.’

8. Decorate the ceiling

cozy corner with grey u-shaped sofa and brown walls with artcozy corner with grey u-shaped sofa and brown walls with art

cozy corner with grey u-shaped sofa and brown walls with art

‘You can never underestimate the power of wallpaper to transform the look of a room. I love a pattern. Don’t forget to look up: the ceiling can be a whole extra surface to decorate.’

Our ceiling wallpaper ideas and ceiling paint ideas offer up plenty of advice and inspiration.

9. Use red and blue

Blue and white tile floor and curtainsBlue and white tile floor and curtains

Blue and white tile floor and curtains

‘I think red has such clarity to it – it goes well with brown, navy, goes with everything. I often include red in my work. But I also think that you can never go wrong with the quintessential combination of varying shades of blue.

‘I’ve done a bathroom with patterned floor tile, cobalt wallpaper, and marine-colored curtains and it’s divine. In another living room in a Connecticut farmhouse, I’ve combined both red and blue, drawing on the two colors from the antique rug.

‘Even if you have disparate colors around the room, all it takes to tie the scheme together is to repeat a color in strategic places. The repetition doesn’t have to be in the biggest items, it can be picking up on a red in a painting and placing a red book on a coffee table and then on a border of a cushion.’

Decorating with red takes courage; decorating with blue less so – you can find advice for both in our features.

10. Introduce game-changing antique rugs

Bedroom with Scalloped Jute rug from Vanrenen GW DesignsBedroom with Scalloped Jute rug from Vanrenen GW Designs

Bedroom with Scalloped Jute rug from Vanrenen GW Designs

‘Rugs are an amazing way to add layers of depth and color to a room; and a great way to update a look if you fancy a change. I love antique carpets because they have a gravitas and interest to them.

‘Antiques are really important to me because they set a tone for a room in a bold way. The history and gravitas behind them lends an historical texture that newer pieces just don’t have.’

We have expert tips on both choosing an area rug and decorating with antiques.

11. Don’t neglect texture

orange and white bennison fabric used as fabric walling in a sitting room setting by kate guinness designorange and white bennison fabric used as fabric walling in a sitting room setting by kate guinness design

orange and white bennison fabric used as fabric walling in a sitting room setting by kate guinness design

‘Try to add textures on surfaces, because it brings a luxury air. Fabric on walls is particularly interesting to me because of the texture it provides, and the way that it can soften a room; my own living room is lined with a cream fabric that has a waxed French glaze. Or in a client’s kitchen I have used fish-scale patterned tiles behind the cooker and worksurfaces. The way the light reflects around the room adds a layer of interest and detail.’

12. Layer lighting

A fall color scheme in a bedroom with deep red walls, yellow stool and neutral beddingA fall color scheme in a bedroom with deep red walls, yellow stool and neutral bedding

A fall color scheme in a bedroom with deep red walls, yellow stool and neutral bedding

‘Lighting is tremendously important and can instantly set the tone – or kill it. I think it’s important to have down lights in the ceiling; the apertures are so small now that they’re not as glaringly obvious as they used to be, and then you pair that within the room with sconces, table lamps, and lighting for paintings – different heights of light create different moods and layers of interest.’

13. Bring in flowers

Decorating ideas. Pink and white flower arrangement in planter and candles on console table.Decorating ideas. Pink and white flower arrangement in planter and candles on console table.

Decorating ideas. Pink and white flower arrangement in planter and candles on console table.

‘Flowers are so important to me. I love to bring some element of living nature into a room – even if it is just a branch. It makes the whole room feel friendlier and alive.’

Where Katie shops

Fabrics: I adore Christopher Farr for bold and colorful printed and woven fabrics, Christopher Moore and Robert Kime.

Antiques: we use Alexander Cohane who sources from Europe.

Paint colors: are always Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball, because they do beautifully rich shades.

Lighting suppliers: are Collier Webb or Charles Edwards and our lampshades are all custom made by local artisans.

Source: yahoo.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

This guest post is from Naomi Mannino. Naomi is a freelance consumer personal finance and health journalist who reports on health, medical and personal finance news and how it will affect your life today. You can follow Naomi on Twitter @naomimannino.

Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income.

Can you really buy a house at auction on the courthouse steps for $100? Do you have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars as the house-flipping guys do on TV?

My husband and I have just recently achieved our long-time goal of buying a foreclosed house, turning it into a rental property and creating a steady stream of income from the monthly rent we collect (at 17 percent profit on the initial cash investment every year). It’s neither quick nor easy, but it is a viable investment solution if you meet the five requirements below.

1. You Need Cash

I came into a small inheritance and thought hard about what to do with the money. I don’t know enough about the stock market, so I stayed away from that. Then there’s the low interest yet tried-and-true 5-year CD ladder I opened. But my husband and I have always wanted to buy a foreclosure on the courthouse steps and now we finally had the chance. Every county is a little different, but one thing is a constant in all foreclosure auctions: Cash is king, as certified funds are required usually within 24 hours of winning the bid and making any initial deposits required.

2. You Need Experience

We are not newcomers to buying houses at a low price, renovating them over a number of years and then selling at a higher price. My husband is a carpentry contractor, skilled in all the building trades, so we do all the work ourselves. That means we can look at a property and calculate in our heads time and expenses necessary to make the house desirable and rentable. We only want houses with good bones on a nice family street. They are not large and upscale and do not require granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances (in fact, the best place to get the best appliances for less is to buy used through Craigslist.org).

We don’t need to pay for inspections, surveys or other contractors unless it is for HVAC (air conditioning/heating) or septic system repair or replacement. We have learned this through small mistakes and overspending on the past five houses. Now we have a formula for choosing tile, vanities, cabinets, roof shingles, paint colors, and carpet because we have done this all before and know what works. If you have to hire contractors, you will pay twice as much or more for the entire renovation. (Foreclosure homes are usually severely neglected, if not destroyed, and need a lot of renovation.)

In terms of the foreclosure auction itself, we had no experience, so we agreed we should attend many auctions and just watch how it works, learn what the rules are and who the major players are in our small county. Every county has seasoned investors who know exactly what they are doing, and it pays to watch and learn from them. I have learned to stay away from the big city auctions with deep-pocketed investor groups who buy up tons of houses, because you really can’t win a bid against them. In my small county, where you can pick up a 1,000-square-foot 2- or 3-bedroom house for $20,000 to $40,000 to flip or to hold and rent, there are just five regular investors plus us, all with different interests and focus areas.

3. You Need to Research, Research, Research

Our county publishes a twice-weekly list of the properties to be sold at the foreclosure auction held each Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. A large portion of our time each week is spent physically viewing the properties and researching them online or in the courthouse books. We never skip these steps.

After you identify a few houses in your chosen location or size range, research each offered property’s sales and tax history, as well as its current assessed value on the County Property Appraiser’s website, which are all public record. Note these details for the properties in which you are interested.

Next, research each property owner (also listed on the County Appraiser’s property record page) online via the County Clerk of Courts Public Record Search because whatever that the owner owes regarding that property outside of the loans (liens, back taxes, etc.), you will owe when you purchase a foreclosure home.

Finally, physically go and see each home you might be interested in (we never buy a property sight-unseen.) We’ve made the decision to stick to houses in our city proper so we are intimately familiar with the neighborhoods, not traveling more than a seven-mile radius from our home. We create a map of five or so houses that suit our specific purposes, and then we use our smartphone navigation to get us from house to house. From the outside, you can see the state of the roof, house structure, land, doors and windows and can look inside through any clear windows. Many times houses are so distressed they are open, in which case we can identify pros and cons regarding the inside: kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, lighting, air handler, walls and ceilings (but you didn’t hear that from me!). Bring a flashlight.

4. You Need to Know the Opening Bid

People get the idea they can buy a house at auction for $100 because they have heard that someone “bid on behalf of the plaintiff (the bank) for $100.” But auction buyers cannot counter the bank bid at $150 dollars. Instead, you need to start the bidding at the acceptable opening bid amount for each property, which is the lowest amount the bank is willing to accept for a property at the auction that day. And you can get this number by simply asking the bank reps, who are all at the sale. Getting to know these guys and gals on a first-name basis makes things even easier. Once you hear this number you will need to evaluate on the spot whether purchasing the property is financially feasible given your cash budget, current market conditions, the research you did on the property and your personal criteria and plan for the investment.

Just because the property is offered for sale at public auction doesn’t always mean it’s a good deal. Often, the opening bid equals the judgment amount (the money the bank is trying to recover) or more and includes the original purchase price or mortgage plus a second mortgage, other home equity loans, interest and legal fees. The opening bid is ridiculously high compared with its current assessed value. These high-priced properties revert back to the bank because nobody bids on them. What you are looking for is an opening bid way below the current assessed value, and these are few and far between.

We can afford to bid a couple of thousand higher than a flipper — an investor who plans to renovate and sell quickly, who needs every bit of profit he can muster out of each house now. I was told that’s how we won our first bid later by the flipper bidding against us.

5. How to Bid

Make sure you arrive early enough on auction day to go to the correct county courthouse office to register as a bidder and receive your bidder’s number card. Leave time to approach each bank rep for the opening bid necessary for properties you might want.

When the auctioneer (the county courthouse employee whose job it is to administer the weekly foreclosure sale) arrives at the sale site, he or she will announce some specific rules about deposits for a winning bid. Then things move quickly. When the auctioneer announces a property (by case number, not by address) you want to bid on, hold up your bidder’s card and announce your opening bid. The auctioneer will repeat it and then open it to other bidders to counter. I learned from a very seasoned investor to only raise the bid by $50 each time. He says, “There’s no sense in bidding it up for myself or the other guy by going hundreds or thousands at a time. I work too hard for my money.” Always have a ceiling in mind, and stick to it. If it goes higher, drop out.

After lurking on the edge of the auctions for about two months, we were finally ready to jump in with both feet. We got a bidder’s card, talked to the bank reps and found out that one house we saw and researched had an opening bid within our budget and under the assessed value of the home — so we bid on it! Two other investors counter-bid a few times, but we won the bid and got our first house at the foreclosure auction.

But I must warn you: The fast pace of the auction and hopeful thoughts of steady, slow investment income can be addicting despite all the work involved! Any questions? Have you ever participated in a property auction?

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Apache is functioning normally

May 30, 2023 by Brett Tams

Equal parts sophisticated minimalism and earthy mountainside respite, interior designers share how to include this new design trend in your home, even if there are no mountains in sight.

<p>Getty Images/Gremlin</p><p>Getty Images/Gremlin</p>

Getty Images/Gremlin

From cottage chic and coastal grandmother to rustic farmhouse, trends that center homes around earthy tones, reclaimed pieces, and natural elements have existed for years. Mountain modern style is the newest iteration to join the pack, only it draws inspiration from rugged peaks, rocky slopes, and windblown prairies. Here, interior designers define and explore this minimalist-meets-rustic aesthetic—and share how to make it work in your own home, whether you live in Colorado or New York City.

Related: Clustercore Is Trending—and It's the Perfect Decorating Style for Collectors

What Is Mountain Modern Style?

This trend’s name says it all: Mountain modern style translates the tones and clean lines found on mountains, resulting in a minimalist but warm interior punctuated by organic textures and unique art. “It is all about bringing the outdoors in through décor choices like nature-inspired color palettes, fabrics that are both aesthetically inspired by the outdoors and can also take a beating, animal-inspired artwork, and a mix of vintage and found items,” says Max Humphrey, an interior designer based in Portland, Ore.

Incorporating simple modern finishes is a tenet of mountain modern style; they create a clean and light counterbalance to purposefully unrefined details. In this sense, it steps away from the traditional “alpine” design that often feels dark, heavy, and dated. “The appeal of mountain modern design are the clean-cut lines, minimalism, and sophistication that homeowners want to bring to their mountain respite,” says interior designer Jackie Johnson.

Using Mountain Modern Style in Urban Settings

While mountain modern lends itself to homes nestled in the mountains, you don’t necessarily have to dwell in the alpines to pull inspiration from this trend. Just be aware that a little goes a long way if you’re not designing a mountain house, says Humphrey. Going overboard in a suburban or urban space could result in a space that feels inauthentic—or worse yet, borders on cheesy theme park. The goal is to incorporate warm, natural touches in ways that make sense for the space. And true to the “modern” portion of this trend, less is alway going to be more.

How to Add Mountain Modern Style to Your Home

Not sure where to start? Let this interior design advice guide you.

Strategically Layer Natural Textures and Tones

Mountain modern lends itself to layered earth tones and natural textures just as they would appear in nature. “Think of the details in the layering of the textures like wood, metal, and fabric that bring the space to life, rather than layering on more décor,” says Johnson. “In this case, less is more.”

You’ll want furniture with clean lines, minimal large-scale pieces that create interior vistas, and just a few accessories. Here are some ways you can subtly layer textures and tones into your space:

  • Natural Fabrics: Leathers and hide-on-hair fabrics can be incorporated via dining chairs, bar stools, accent chairs, and pillows.

  • Metal Accents: Metal legs on furniture, hardware with some patina, black steel windows and doors, and metal beams are beautiful mountain modern touches.

  • Wood Details: Try kitchen cabinetry in rift white oak, wood paneling on the walls of powder baths or feature rooms, and live edge tables.

  • Real Stone: You can add real stone via countertops, backsplashes in your bar or kitchen, or a waterfall island.

Getty Images/GremlinGetty Images/Gremlin

Getty Images/Gremlin

Use Rustic Materials in Authentic Ways

Marrying  “mountain” and “modern” is key for this aesthetic. “The cleanliness and modern function is the attraction, but for many people, it lacks soul,” says Jordan Obermann, co-founder and co-principal of Forge & Bow. “Using rustic materials in real ways brings a sense of history to the home,”

His solution for striking that perfect balance is to understand the history of the home, keep finishes simple and streamlined, and to let the building materials shine. From there, you can incorporate rustic details where they make the most sense.

Focus on Natural and Accent Lighting

Let the sun be your primary source of light during the day. That means large, open windows that aren’t hidden behind curtains. Incorporate task and accent lighting for early mornings and evenings. “You’ll notice in the national park lodges there’s no overhead can lights,” says Humphrey. “Typically, there’s multiple sources of light, such as chandeliers, table lamps, and floor lamps. It gives you options at home to set the mountain mood.”

Let Windows Be Your Art

If you’re lucky to live in the mountains—and luckier yet to have a stellar view—let nature be your featured artwork. Arrange your space so that you’re invited to gaze outside, and keep window dressings light and to a minimum. If budget allows, consider incorporating a new window or widening an existing one. As an alternative, consider transforming a small door into a larger one, or swap in a full-glass door versus covered iterations.

<p>Getty Images/Portra Images</p><p>Getty Images/Portra Images</p>

Getty Images/Portra Images

Lean Toward Warmth

“Clean lines and modern finishes can lean both warm or more cold or sterile, but by bringing in the rustic principles of mountain modern, cold doesn’t work,” says Obermann. “Keep your finishes—even if they are more modern—warm and inviting.” This can be incorporated through the right wall color, large, cozy textiles, inviting furniture, and lighting.

Incorporate Art Prints

In lieu of (or perhaps in addition to) actual mountain views, art prints can bring a little mountain modern into your home. “Whether it’s vintage travel posters or flea market paintings of outdoor scenes, art is a good way to remind you of your travels or inspire you to go outside,” Humphrey says.

Install Earthy Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an easy way to bring some mountain modern magic into your home. “Even a floral print or a plaid or gingham paper that resembles a camp blanket can be a wink towards mountain modern, and can be used in a big way or sparingly in an accent wall or a guest room,” says Humphrey. When in doubt, stick to earthy hues such as forest green, cream, or sky blue that evoke nature.

Source: yahoo.com

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