room dividers

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers depression to be a disability as defined under the American Disabilities Act (ADA)

. You may qualify for SSDI benefits and work accommodations if depression prevents you from either doing the type of work that you previously did or adjusting to other work.

Here’s what to know about what kinds of depression qualify for SSDI benefits and work accommodations and how to apply.

Work accommodations for depression

Under the ADA, you have the right to reasonable accommodations to help you do your job

. Some examples of possible accommodations include:

  • Altered break and work schedules.

  • Specific shift assignments.

  • Quiet office space or changes to create a quiet work environment, such as noise-canceling headphones, room dividers and soundproofing. 

  • Changes in supervisory methods.

  • Permission to work from home.

It’s illegal for your employer to fire you due to a mental health condition, but make sure to ask for accommodations as soon as possible before your job performance suffers.

SSDI benefits for depression

The SSA pays disability benefits to people with qualifying conditions to replace the income they are unable to earn.

  • The amount of money that you will receive each month is based on your previous earnings and how much you’ve paid toward Social Security taxes.

  • Disabled workers receive an average monthly benefit of $1,483, according to a March 2023 report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

    .

  • The maximum SSDI payment that someone can earn in 2023 is $3,627 a month. 

What type of depression qualifies for disability?

Depressive, bipolar and related disorders are on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments and are considered disabilities that can prevent substantial gainful employment. In other words, if your depression is severe enough that it prevents you from working and operating at your full capacity, then there is a reasonable chance that Social Security will consider it to be a disability. Here are the standards to qualify:

Medical documentation of five or more of the following symptoms:

  1. Depressed mood.

  2. Diminished interest in almost all activities.

  3. Appetite disturbance with change in weight.

  4. Sleep disturbance.

  5. Observable agitation or retardation.

  6. Decreased energy.

  7. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

  8. Difficulty concentrating or thinking.

  9. Thoughts of death or suicide.

Also, extreme limitations in one of the following areas of mental functioning:

  1. Understanding, remembering or applying information.

  2. Interacting with others.

  3. Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace.

  4. Adapting or managing yourself.

Or proof that your depression is “serious and persistent,” which the SSA considers as lasting for at least two years. You’ll also need evidence of the following:

  1. Medical treatment that is ongoing and helps reduce the symptoms.

  2. A limited ability to adapt to changes in your environment or additional demands.

You’ll also need to have earned enough “work credits” to be considered insured for SSDI benefits. This typically means that you worked for at least five out of the last 10 years, though younger workers can qualify with fewer credits.

How to apply for SSDI

  • You can apply for SSDI online, through your local Social Security office or by phone. 

  • You’ll need to gather information on your medical and work histories.

  • After filing your application, you have the right to be informed of the SSA’s decision and the right to appeal that decision within 60 days. It normally takes around six months to receive an initial decision from the SSA.

How likely is it that the SSA will approve my SSDI application?

An average of 21% of applicants are awarded SSDI benefits with their initial application

. After appeals, an average of 31% of applicants are awarded benefits.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire a Social Security disability attorney?

If your SSDI application is approved, then your disability attorney will be paid 25% or $7,200 of your retroactive benefits, whichever amount is less.

Is there a waiting period for disability benefits?

There is a five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits, meaning you’ll receive your first benefit in the sixth full month after the date that SSA finds your disability began. If you were previously disabled within the last five years, the waiting period is waived.

Can you work at all if you are receiving disability benefits?

You are allowed to return to work while receiving SSDI benefits. Social Security has special rules and several programs that allow recipients to work and still receive benefits, including the Ticket to Work program and a nine-month Trial Work Period.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Whether you live in a studio apartment, duplex or loft, making the most of your space can feel daunting, particularly with all your varied activities. How do you create specific areas for working, crafting, reading, relaxing and entertaining while retaining a sense of peace, tranquility, design and order?

The answer is room dividers! From elegant curtains to vintage beads from the ’60s, there’s a perfect solution, no matter your decorating style. Did someone say modern farmhouse fan? Today’s country cottage room dividers and sliding barn doors create the perfect blend of ambiance and functionality.

Let’s get creative and explore the top 11 room divider ideas and determine which is right for your special place.

How can you use room dividers?

Room dividers offer a way to break up your space while adding to the décor. They’re used to increase privacy, creatively section off an area and even maximize storage. Some incorporate heavy materials, like doors and repurposed wood, while others use light, sheer materials. With some creative ingenuity, you can even use bookshelves, artwork and shutters.

Whether you want to separate space in your living room, bedroom or kids’ room, these room divider ideas will inspire you to act!

11 room divider ideas for inspiration

If you’re looking to create a space for your unique hobby, a private oasis or your ideal area for entertaining, these room dividers can take you there.

1. Oversized artwork for the creative

Do you enjoy wandering through museums or find yourself stopping to appreciate street art while your friends yawn or continue walking? If so, you may possess the creative gene, one who explores the world through the eyes of an artist.

An oversized piece of art suspended from the ceiling with hooks makes a modern prominent visual display that will appeal to the artist within while creating separation. Make sure to check with the property manager before hanging things from the ceiling.

2. Hanging beads or macramé for bohemian chic

Bohemian style revolves around the natural world while emphasizing an eclectic free spirit with bold colors, designs and textures. The boho culture came alive in the ’60s and ’70s in the U.S., as did beaded curtains and wall hangings. Today, the possibilities are nearly limitless, from bamboo beads to crystals and carved wood.

If you appreciate the style but are unsure about hanging beads, hanging macramé offers another unique divider. Macramé uses different knotting techniques to create a textile and is very boho chic.

3. Repurposed barn doors for modern farmhouse flair

Nothing shouts modern farmhouse flair more than a repurposed barn door on sliders. You can keep the costs way down by finding an old barn door, cleaning it up and using one of the many hardware kits designed for this popular room divider.

If you like the rustic look, consider recycled wooden pallets put together with hinges. Attach paintings or photographs to make it uniquely yours.

4. Hanging curtains to create an elegant oasis

Draperies pulled back with elegant ties create a certain mystique. What lies beyond the veil? Consider a sheer weave underneath a solid fabric for extra elegance. Suspend a curtain rod from the ceiling and use hooks or rings to attach the material.

You can instantly create a little reading nook, corner office or dressing room by using a curved shower rod in the corner of a room. For a more modern design, trade in the curtains for ceiling-mounted shades. Shades offer sheer opacity that lets in filtered light or opaque fabrics for total privacy.

5. Open shelving units or bookcases for double duty

Do you seek out used bookstores or feel a smile spread across your face when you walk into a library? Then, imagine a divider filled with books, knickknacks and plants. Bookcases break up a room while adding additional storage. A win-win!

Shelving units are also great if you have kids sharing a bedroom. It creates a sense of privacy that children appreciate and offers storage for toys, books and art supplies. You can configure floor-to-ceiling pole shelving in numerous ways, and it doesn’t require a supporting wall. You can even add a built-in desk to one side of the shelving unit.

6. Plants for healthier air and an influx of nature

From hanging plants to palms, these beautiful room dividers offer a lush backdrop, life and a dose of oxygen. They may also provide a sense of calm. A systematic review in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that indoor plants may lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve academic or career achievement.

Consider tall plants that grow well in medium light, like dracaenas, snake plants, peace lilies and palms.

7. Repurposed large clothing racks for the environmentally conscious

Repurposing and reuse are on the rise as newer generations instill a more sustainable and eco-friendly mindset. With that in mind, what could be better than transforming a clothing rack into a room divider?

Consider hanging indoor plants on it for an open feeling. You can even interlace string that hanging plants and vines attach to, creating a wall of green. Hanging curtains or tapestries offer more privacy and a burst of color, texture or an intriguing design.

8. Bifold doors for flexibility and creativity

Bifold doors fold in and out, making them perfect for a room divider. You can even repurpose bifold closet doors using three or four panels and some hinges. Finish with woodland blue chalk paint for a weathered look.

Another ingenious use of bifold doors is painting them with chalkboard paint. Now, you have a blank canvas to create your own designs or favorite sayings. It’s also a great solution for kids drawn to the blank slates walls provide.

For those who appreciate fairy lights and a touch of whimsy, consider placing branches into panel-sized frames and stringing them with twinkle lights.

9. Folding screens for the impromptu interior designer

Do you find yourself rearranging furniture at a moment’s notice and switching artwork on a whim? You may possess an interior decorator who loves to break free in spontaneous bursts of passionate design. What could be easier to incorporate into your latest decor than folding screens on casters? These movable room dividers let you open and close them effortlessly and redecorate whenever the urge strikes.

You can also use folding dividers that rest on the floor. If you lean toward Asian-inspired design, traditional Japanese folding shoji screens are made of rice paper and wood-framed panels.

10. Reclaimed or salvaged shutters for a vintage look

Reclaimed shutters hinged together offer an ideal divider. Various kinds of wood, such as alder, cedar or basswood, create different aesthetics. Keep the slats open to let in the natural light and closed for complete privacy.

11. Linen fabric for simplicity

The minimalist design aligns with the power of simplicity. And there’s nothing much simpler than suspending sheer linen fabric. You can keep the material straight and neatly aligned by creating a hem on the top and bottom and inserting rods before hanging it from the ceiling.

Consider a natural color if sticking to a minimalist or biophilic design. Otherwise, a pop of color can bring a whole room together.

Choosing your room divider

As William Morris, a well-known 19th-century designer and artist, said, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. ” When selecting a room divider, consider how you’ll use it and the design you’re going for.

If you’re wearing a smile after making your selection, chances are good you’ve found the perfect match. The same goes for the right apartment. Find it now.

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When you’re a renter, it can feel like all the transformative DIY projects are reserved for homeowners. But just because you rent doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your space.

That’s right: Rental-friendly upgrades exist. And the best part? Many improvements can have a major impact on your space without blowing your budget.

1. Create an Accent Wall

Spicing up your walls doesn’t have to cost a fortune, nor must it require gallons of paint. For just a few bucks a roll, you can buy washi tape and create a custom accent wall that won’t ruin the paint job. Or, if you’re able to spend a few extra dollars, you could also invest in removable wallpaper.

2. Update Light Fixtures

Light fixtures in rentals are notoriously drab and tend to provide uneven lighting. Fortunately, there is no shortage of lighting options to help you brighten up your space. A recessed lighting conversion kit, for instance, is fairly inexpensive, easy to install, and allows you to hang a pendant or other light fixture. Not sure your landlord would approve? You can always buy some decorative lamps or even string lights to help amp up the brightness and style of any room.

3. Install Radiator Shelving

In older units, rusty radiators can be a renter’s nightmare. But luckily, there are some rental upgrades — like installing radiator shelving — that can disguise even the most unattractive units. You can DIY a custom shelving unit to work around your radiator, upgrade some shelving from a local thrift store, or even order one online.

4. Buy Matching Bookshelves

Bookshelves are a simple way to upgrade the decor and add much-needed storage space. Placing tall, matching shelves on either side of a TV, couch, or even a bed could bring some serious style (and space) to a small room, plus allow you to display photos or art without putting holes in the wall.

5. Apply Contact Paper

Do you have older appliances you’d like to freshen up? For just a couple bucks, you can invest in some stainless steel contact paper to make them at least look shiny and new again! Contact paper also comes in a wide variety of colors and styles that you can use to liven up your cabinets and refresh your countertops.

6. Replace Pulls & Knobs

This is another budget-savvy, rental-friendly upgrade that can add some flair to your home. Replace your door handles, kitchen cabinet knobs, and any other pulls with something more your style. Affordable, stylish knobs can be found on sites like Etsy and Amazon, and in stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Be sure to hang on to the original knobs so you can swap them back in before you move out.

7. Install a Bike Mount

If you own a bike but are short on storage, install a bike mount or other bike storage solution. Just make sure your landlord is okay with the installation since it may require some drilling.

8. Try Large Floor Mirrors

Sometimes more is more. Exhibit A: an oversized leaning mirror, which can serve double-duty as a luxe decoration and a functional mirror.

9. Invest in Houseplants

Want to add some life to your rental — literally? Look no further than a houseplant. If you don’t have a green thumb, explore hardy varieties, like air plants or even artificial plants.

10. Upgrade Your Showerhead

Installing a new showerhead is a quick, effective way to upgrade your bathroom. You could start reaping the rewards the very first time you turn on the faucet. Make sure to hang on to that original showerhead so you can reinstall it when you move out.

Recommended: How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?

11. Set up Room Dividers

Need to carve out space for a home office? Or maybe even make room for a closet? Buying or creating stylish room dividers can provide an instant rental update. And when you need a larger space, simply close the dividers.

12. Use a Pantry Organization System

Help bring order to the busiest spot in your home: the kitchen. Pantry organization systems come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and varieties, so you should be able to find one that works for your home and budget.

13. Update Your Blinds

It can be easy to forget about window coverings. But freshening up your blinds or curtains can add a new visual element to the room, frame a window, or help brighten the space.

14. Install Sticker Flooring

When you’re considering places to upgrade, don’t forget to look down. Changing up the flooring — even temporarily — can make a room feel brand-new. One option to consider if you have a tile floor is removable tile stickers, which come in a variety of styles, sizes, and price points.

15. Create a Kitchen Backsplash

You can also use removable stickers to freshen up a kitchen backsplash, which is a much easier and cheaper option than replacing the tiles. New to this type of project? There are online video tutorials you can watch that will show you how to get the job done.

Recommended: Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?

16. Replace Light Switch Covers

Don’t sleep on the small details — sometimes, they can have a major impact. One example of this is swapping out basic light switch covers with ones that match the decor of your rental. Plus, new covers are generally affordable and easy to install.

17. Buy a New Kitchen Faucet

There’s something to be said for upgrading the items in your rental that you use every day, such as the kitchen faucet. Installing a new faucet is a fairly simple DIY project, provided you know how to shut off the water to your sink and use a wrench. If you’re unsure how to do either, though, you can enlist the help of a plumber. Just be sure to put the old faucet in storage so you can swap it back before moving.

18. Find a Stylish Toilet Seat

Let’s be honest: Most rentals come with a basic toilet seat. When yours just won’t do anymore, it may be time to upgrade to something more modern and comfy. You can find a wide variety of options online or in stores.

19. Paint the Molding and Trim

Before selecting color swatches, you may want to double-check with your landlord that painting is allowed. Many landlords welcome you painting your molding and trim, since it’s an easy, affordable way to update a rental.

20. Invest in Good Rugs

Quality rugs can run well into the thousands of dollars. But there are less-expensive options that are also durable and stylish. Besides protecting your flooring, a good rug can also visually anchor a room and help absorb sound.

No matter the price of your rug, you may want to consider purchasing renters insurance to protect it and your other valuables against losses.

The Takeaway

When you’re a renter, you may not be able to rip out walls or change out kitchen cabinets. But there are still simple, effective ways to transform your space without breaking the terms of your lease. While these sorts of jobs tend to be affordable, you can easily rack up quite the bill if you plan on tackling several home improvement projects at once.

That said, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some renter-friendly updates done, see what SoFi can offer. With a SoFi Home Improvement Loan, you can borrow between $5K to $100K as an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don’t use your home as collateral and no appraisal is required. Our rates are competitive, and the whole process is easy and speedy.

Turn your home into your dream house with a SoFi Home Improvement Loan.

Photo credit: iStock/CreativaStudio

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SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

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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

8 Clever Ways to Divide a Room Without a Wall

Discover creative ways to divide a room in your house without a wall. From room dividers to bookshelves, these tips will provide you with the perfect solution for your space.

11 home décor ideas that’ll fit any design aesthetic – USA TODAY

11 home décor ideas that’ll fit any design aesthetic  USA TODAY

How Big is 1,000 Square Feet?

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