Best Places to Find Budget Furniture

It's not just first-time homeowners who have to find budget furniture. In fact almost everyone, at one time or another, had to furnish a home or apartment on a budget. I know that I borrowed furniture from my parents, gratefully took grandparents' offerings, and shopped at garage sales. But eventually I wanted something to trade out the hand-me-downs from family and strangers for things that would actually help me create a more mature and coordinated home.
I had to find ways to stretch my mini-budget without sacrificing my taste for nice things. I was surprised to find out how many places there were to find bargains.
Don't expect to find exactly what you want or need. You might have to be creative and adapt what you can find to what you need.
Learn to see pieces for the details and lines they have, not just for what you can put in them. If you see a beautiful teak table instead of the mahogany desk you need, thing about refinishing it and adding filing drawers. A period side table can be painted and moved into the bedroom.
Don't buy a piece if you'll need to do too much work on it. Think about your skills and the time you have and the space you have to work in.
See if your neighborhood has some of these sources for budget furniture:
Garage SalesYou might be able to walk next door on a Saturday morning and find just the piece you need. What your neighbor is getting rid of may be just the piece you need. When shopping at a garage sale, always bring cash, look for defects, and be ready to negotiate on the price. It's usually expected and you can often get a great bargain.
Flea MarketsMany communities and colleges stage flea markets on weekends at large parking lots. Vendors set up their wares and you can wander around looking for what you need. Beware: you might not find what you need but you probably won't get away without buying something.
Your Neighborhood Dumpsters or CurbsideAs you take a walk around your neighborhood, keep your eyes open for furniture pieces left on the curb. The end of the month is a good time, since that's when people are clearing out their homes to get ready to move. "One man's trash is another man's treasure," as the saying goes. I found a great wrought iron table and bench on the curb once--both at the same house. I sanded off the rust and painted the pieces with rust-proof finishing paint. The table is on my patio and the bench at the end of my bed.
Thrift Stores and Junk StoresLocal charities, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army often provide thrift stores where people can bring their household discards and unneeded furniture to donate for tax deduction. The money raised from making sales goes into your local community to help those in need. It might take a few trips and perseverance, but if you're successful you'll really get a bargain. Enlist friends to be on the lookout, too.
Consignment StoresA great strategy for consignment store shopping is to introduce yourself to the owner and ask them to call when your needed item comes in. People bring their things to be sold and they get only a portion of the sale. A hospital in my community has a consignment store that receives beautiful estate pieces. I've sold and bought things there.
Model Home FurnishingsHome builders contract with designers to decorate and furnish their model homes. If you see a model you like, ask the sales office when they'll remove the furnishings. Ask where they sell their pieces. You might even be able to buy a roomful of furniture, coordinated by a designer. And you'll get the pieces well below market price. Beware of fading, spots, or wear-and-tear.
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Apartment Questions

Is it safe? Is it clean? Are the essentials located nearby? Those are the types of questions to ask before you pick a new place to rent. Here is a list of things to watch for when you are looking at apartments for rent or homes for rent.
Outside the Apartment
Do you feel safe in the neighborhood and the surrounding area? That's the first and most important question by far.
If you visit the apartment during the day, think about how you will feel coming home late at night, or early in the morning. If the thought makes you scared, move on. No amenities or cheap rent can compensate for the feeling of insecurity.
As part of this, ask your neighbors about safety and check in with the local police about crime statistics.
Is the building clean and well kept? Are entryways and hallways well lit? Are unsavory types hanging about? How the building is kept up is a pretty good indicator of the vigilance of the apartment manager.
Is the laundry nearby? If you don't have a car, it better be close, preferably in your building. Picture yourself trudging there every week or so and ask yourself how you feel about that.
Is the building close to major roads and public transportation? Do trial runs for how long it would take to reach your work, your daycare, or other frequently visited placed.
Find out where the following things are: gas stations, supermarkets, restaurants, banks, drug stores, and gyms - is the distance friendly or daunting? If you're on public transit, figure out how long it will take to get to these various places that you might visit often.
Inside the Apartment
Before signing a rental lease and moving in, make a quick check of the apartment, not only the appearance and cleanliness, but see that things actually work. Don't take anything for granted -- something that doesn't work now you'll have to deal with right away when you move, not a great way to spend your first few days in your new home.
Bathroom: Check the water pressure in the sink and shower, and flush the toilet to make sure it operates properly. Also, make sure the hot water works.
Appliances: Check the refrigerator, the heating and air conditioning, the stove and oven, and any other appliances that might be in the apartment.
Walls: If the building is near a road, can you hear the traffic? Can you hear the neighbors next door? If near an airport, how is that noise?
Windows: Make sure they open and close easily, and make sure there are no holes or cracks in the glass.
Electricity: Where there's a switch, try it out to make sure it worksFor apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson

Tips On Apartment Hunting

Timing is Crucial The housing market is competitive, especially for affordable apartments. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be flexible by a week or two with your plans. Start your search no earlier than four weeks before your desired move-in date since tenants are not required to give landlords more than 30 days’ notice of their move-out dates. Make apartment hunting your life for two or three weeks - that should be enough time to get familiar with the market and find what you are looking for.
Focus Your Search According to Your Budget New York City is an expensive housing market and you will likely be forced to make compromises in your choice. Monthly rents will vary depending on several factors; the most important of which is location, followed by apartment size and then amenities.
Decide if You Are Willing to Share an Apartment – You can cut costs by sharing a large one bedroom. To find a roommate, check the listings for apartment shares in the OCHA Housing Registry. Consider Where You Can Afford to Live - Manhattan apartments are in the greatest demand and consequently rents are the highest here compared to other boroughs or nearby suburbs. In most areas of Manhattan, you will have great difficulty finding a studio apartment for less than $1,300-$1,400 per month. In contrast, there are areas just outside Manhattan (within a 30-40 minute commute) where you can find a decent studio apartment to rent for $850-$1,000 per month. Determine What Size Apartment Fits Your Budget and What Amenities You Can Do Without - Squeezing into a smaller apartment than your ideal and a willingness to accept some commonly perceived flaws such as street noise or lack of view or natural light may save you some money. In addition, rents will vary with the type of building in which the apartment is located such as whether or not the building has a doorman or an elevator.
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Disguising Ugly Furniture

We've all been there. You have a furniture-related need, but you simply can't afford to fill it, or you can't find the perfect piece you want. For me, that dilemma was over two nightstands. I searched, literally, for years, and still couldn't find a set I liked enough to purchase. So in the meantime, I used two perfectly sturdy, functional nightstands I'd had for years. There was just one problem: they were U-G-L-Y.
Since they were made of wood, I was able to solve my problem easily. I simply painted both nightstands the same color as the wall they were up against. Painting less-than-beautiful wood furniture the same color as the walls of your room makes they blend in with the room. (If they are located against, or very near, a wall, that is.) The pieces can serve their purpose quietly, rather than screaming "Look at me! I'm hideously ugly!" to everyone who sees them.
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Phone Service for Your New Apartment

As of March 2008, thanks to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling, apartment buildings can no longer force exclusive telecommunications contracts on their tenants. The ruling (which was supported by the telephone industry and opposed by the real estate industry) gives even more options to someone looking for phone service in a new apartment. Here are some tips to help you figure out the best way to be able to talk on the telephone at your new place for minimum cost.
Local Phone ServiceThe first and most obvious option is to call a local utility company and contract for local phone service. Many major companies (including AT&T and Comcast) will offer "bundles" where you combine your phone service with cable or Internet access (or both) for a lower price than if you had contracted for them separately. If you already know you want cable television or Internet service in your new apartment, and if you have a local major provider, this will probably be the easiest option -- provided that you're willing to wait around the apartment one day for the service person to hook everything up.
If you do decide to go with conventional land-line service, don't immediately assume it makes sense to get long-distance service as well. Even if you don't have a cell phone (where long-distance calls are almost always free), you still may find cheaper long-distance service via independent companies such as OneSuite, Pingo, and Tel3. With these services, you establish a balance with a credit card, then dial a toll-free phone number and give a personal identification number (PIN) in order to make the call and deduct from your balance. These services might be especially useful if you know you'll be making a lot of calls overseas, since they frequently offer very competitive rates to foreign countries.
Mobile Phone ServiceYou may choose, instead, to use your cell phone as a home phone. For many people, the biggest concern about using the cell phone as the only phone is the ability for 911 operators to locate you if you call 911 from a cell phone. The 911 system was designed on the expectation that people in distress would call from land lines, and while the FCC is requiring an updating of 911 systems, it's harder for a 911 operator to tell emergency services where you are if you're calling from a cell phone.
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Rent Apartment or Buy Mobile Home and Resell?

First, I think you’re getting too exotic by thinking about saving money by purchasing a mobile home and reselling it, recouping some of the equity and thus paying out less in rent. It’s certainly a very interesting decision and analysis but ultimately I think your assumptions are going to be your undoing on this one.
If all your assumptions go through, that you can purchase the mobile home and resell it at the stated prices, it sounds like your plan will work. Your assumptions, however, are very difficult to support and I am clearly not qualified to give you an advice on that. All I know is that there is a social stigma associated with mobile homes and I have no experience selling one, either first hand or anecdotally. What I do know is that you’ll have to put that mobile home somewhere and generally mobile home parks charge some sort of land usage fee that you didn’t figure into your calculation. You also have closing costs and selling costs that you haven’t factored into your equation which may make the decision less financially attractive. Then again, your extra low price of $80k may have accounted for all of this in its fudge factor, who knows.
All that being said, I go back to the beginning where I said this is probably making it too complicated and potentially putting yourself in a bad spot, especially if you experience difficulty selling it and have on your hands a depreciating asset that you can’t sell. Would I do this? Probably not. I don’t like committing myself to debt larger than my fist unless it’s a pretty sure thing and I don’t think your trade off necessarily is. It’s definitely an interesting question though.

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Short on Space

Short on Space, Tall on FunctionFeel squeezed by your space? A lot of us do. But there are ways to feel as if you're living larger than you actually are with a few tips that won't make the walls seem as if they're closing in on you.According to the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, 87 percent of Americans who describe their home as small to medium in size try to use every square inch to maximum efficiency. Rather than making their space look bigger, people want a cozy, intimate feel and prefer to use their space wisely and get the most out of it."One of the great things about small rooms is that they help us think creatively about the way we live," said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the High Point, N.C.-based trade association. "Furniture is a true complement to a small abode—it helps you maximize your space by providing function, comfort and style."AFMA suggests the following tips for ways to increase square footage without building on an addition:
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Things to Know Before Selecting an Apartment

With so many people wanting to live in the city, it is difficult to find an apartment, especially in big cities like New York City. Apartment prices are rising. Even if one finds an apartment it is better to not move in a hurry. It is useful to consider a few key things before selecting an apartment.
Things You Should Know:
These are the things you should know before selecting an apartment.
· Know How Much You can AffordThis is where your apartment search begins. You must know your monthly rental budget. Once you determine how much you can afford in monthly rent, then you can narrow your apartment search significantly. How much are you willing to spend for an apartment you will be comfortable with? This decision is depended on the income and your household expenditures. In cities where the cost of living is higher, a larger portion of your monthly income will go to rent. If this is a problem, you may need to look at other living options like living a little further out in the city suburbs where apartment rent is usually less expensive. You could also consider sharing the apartment with someone else.
· Know the Neighborhood After you have determined how much money you can spend on an apartment, you need to decide what areas of the city you are willing to live in. Always be sure about things like
- Is the locality affordable?- How far are the basic public amenities?- Is the neighborhood safe?- What is the history of the neighborhood?- Who lives in the neighborhood?- What are the nearby schools like?- How close is the public transportation to get to work and other places?
· Know Your Rights & Responsibilities Once you have successfully found a suitable apartment, make sure you know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Your rights are best protected if you have a written lease. Be aware of oral leases because you may be subject to restrictions that you are not aware of. In face, never agree to a word-of-mouth lease agreement. Always insist on signing a written lease, even if you are renting from a friend. You should be familiar with basic tenant rights, remedies, obligations and laws protecting the tenants. You can be entitled to interest on rent security deposit and entitled to withhold rent if repairs are not made in your apartment in a timely manner.
The above information will surely help you to select a suitable apartment even if it takes some time to find one.

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College Students Renting an Apartment

If you've decided the dorm isn't for you, then renting an apartment will be one of your alternatives. After you have chosen an area to live in and found an apartment you want, being careful when negotiating and signing your lease can help you reduce the cost of renting and potentially eliminate some of the issues you are likely to face as a tenant. Here are some guidelines that can help.Try to get a reduction in the monthly rentIn most cases, not only are you eager to move in, the landlord is anxious to start collecting rent. Ask the landlord if there is some way to get a slight reduction - 2% to 5% isn't unreasonable. If you are a good prospect for leasing, the landlord may be willing to make a slight concession just to get the apartment rented. If the landlord says no, you haven't lost anything.
Examine the terms of the lease carefullyLook for items that you may find hard to live with. Are there restrictions on pets, types of furniture allowed (water beds, etc) or any other items? Can you have roommates? What are the payment terms? Is the penalty for late payment severe? Does the landlord have the right to enter your apartment without your permission? If the landlord's expenses rise (property taxes, maintenance, etc.), can your rent be raised? Even though the lease document may be a couple of pages long, you should read it carefully.
List all your roommates and have them sign the leaseWhile some landlords won't accept multiple names on the lease, it makes sense to ask. If all your roommates sign the lease, all share any liabilities. It will also protect you if one roommate moves out before the end of the lease.
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How To Conduct A Home Inventory

How To Conduct A Home Inventory
*Quick Quiz*
Name the brand and model of the television(s) in your house or apartment. How much did your computer cost, and where did you purchase it? What is the serial number on your camera? Could you answer those questions without looking? Now imagine how difficult it would be to come up with this information for ALL of your belongings while dealing with the stress of a fire, burglary, or natural disaster. In such a case, you may spend countless hours trying to remember everything only to realize what you forgot after your claim has been processed. You might not even be able to produce the required proof for the claim to be accepted.

How can a home inventory help?
In the unfortunate event of a major loss, your insurance company will need a lot of information to process your claim. If you’ve already created a home inventory, this process will be much easier and should be completed faster. Otherwise, you might not be able to account for everything, and if you’re unable to provide the required information, you may receive less than full compensation for your loss.
Also, depending on your situation and the tax laws where you live, this information may also be required for a tax credit.
And finally, if you file a police report for stolen items, having the model number and serial number will improve your odds for recovering the stolen propertyFor apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson

Renting your first apartment

Renting your first apartment is right up there with taking your first steps, graduating from high school, and getting a real job. But this milestone is one that you shouldn’t take lightly, especially when it involves signing a lease.
What to Look for When Choosing Your First Apartment:Proximity to work. With gas prices hovering on excruciating, you need to find an apartment near your place of employment. In fact, walking distance would be preferable. If that’s not possible, scour the two mile corridor surrounding your employer until you find a nice place in a nice neighborhood that you can afford.Size does matter. You don’t want to live in a box, but if you’ve come from say, your parent’s home, a 300 square foot studio might be difficult to adjust to. But if a 2,000 square foot penthouse isn’t in your budget, consider a compromise. Either rent a larger place with a roommate or carefully consider the studio if it’s the right price and you don’t have a lot of stuff. A room will appear larger if you don’t cram it full of furniture.Negotiate the rent. So you’ve found your dream apartment but the rent is a little steep. Don’t be afraid to ask the landlord for a lower price. The worst that can happen is that he/she says no. Remember, landlords would rather receive less in rent and take a good tenant, than command a higher monthly payment and accept an iffy resident. If you look professional, carry yourself with confidence, and make a good first impression, you’ll have a better chance at a lower monthly fee.Can’t find anything you can afford? Consider moving back home with your parents for a short time (if that’s an option) until you can save enough money for a security deposit and first month’s rent. Also, don’t rule out the basement or spare room in someone’s house. Just make sure you do a thorough background check before you sign a lease.Signing a Lease. Read the fine print carefully. Unless you are sure you will stay in the place for the foreseeable future, and the rent is a steal, don’t sign a long-term lease. Try to negotiate for six months. If that’s not possible, sign a year’s lease at the most. Agree to rent month-to-month after that. Read the paperwork carefully and find out exactly what you are responsible for. Who pays the cable, trash, water, alarm, sewer, etc? Budget all your expenses carefully. Look for language in the contract that would protect you in case you lose your job in the middle of the year. If it’s not there, don’t hesitate to write in a clause, initial and date it and keep a signed copy.Before you sign the dotted line, and this place becomes yours for a year, look around for any damage. If you find something amiss, report it to your landlord so you’re not charged when you move out. And don’t do any damage yourself. If you treat the place like you own it, you’ll not only get your security deposit back, but you’ll also learn how to care for the home you will own someday.
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Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles have been used on countertops for over a hundred years in this country. In the old days (or as my kids would say, "back in the day") mosaics, some of them hexagonal, were often used for the "drainboard" itself, and bulky trims called "box caps" were used for the front edge of the counter. In many cases the drainboards were actually tilted or sloped toward the sink. A few of these installations have been preserved and are still in use in older homes. At the time I entered the tile trade we were using wall tiles for drainboard work. Wall tiles did not hold up well at all. For the most part, we don't have "drainboards" anymore: we have countertops instead, and seldom are mosaic tiles used on their surfaces, even though porcelain mosaics remain one of the toughest materials in the tile trade. They seem to have fallen out of favor about forty years ago. Wall tiles shouldn't have been used, period

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Garage Sales

You might be able to walk next door on a Saturday morning and find just the piece you need. What your neighbor is getting rid of may be just the piece you need. When shopping at a garage sale, always bring cash, look for defects, and be ready to negotiate on the price. It's usually expected and you can often get a great bargain.
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Case the joint

Case the joint

Step1

Inspect the property carefully. If there's any damage, you not only want to ask that it be fixed, but don't want to be blamed for it later. Make sure such problem areas are addressed in a lease, either by your agreeing to live with it, or the landlord agreeing to fix it by a certain date.

Step2

Check out common walls (walls shared with adjoining apartments). The more walls in common, the greater the chance of noise from next door. Also consider a common entrance in terms of how much privacy you may want. Step3Ask about amenities such as enclosed parking or a garage, a yard, storage, laundry facilities, pool, tennis, gym or concierge services

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How to Get Rid of Pests

How to Get Rid of Pests
Pests are everywhere. Hopefully they won’t be in your apartment since they can quickly turn an amazing place into a nightmare. The staff at Apartments.com understands this issue and wants to help make sure that even if you do find yourself sharing a room with a gang of mice, you can get them out quickly and safely. Even if you’re positive you don’t have any bugs or rodents in your apartment, read on for how to continue to prevent their presence.
Preventing InfestationThe easiest way to prevent bugs and rodents is by keeping your apartment clean. This does NOT mean just keeping the clothes in the hamper and the dishes in the sink. While those are good ways to start, you also need to be sure to wash your dishes in a timely fashion, clean kitchen counters and floors, keep food stored in rodent-proof containers (they can eat through plastic bags and cardboard boxes), vacuum carpeting and rugs regularly and dust everything that is sitting out in your apartment. Your bathroom, while it may not contain food, can attract rodents if it is dirty. Wash and disinfect the floor, tub, sink and toilet often. All garbage cans should have tight-fitting lids and garbage bags should be taken to the dumpster immediately. Pet food should not be left out overnight.Beat the rodents at their own game by placing spring-loaded traps around baseboards. By the time you see rodents in your apartment, you can be relatively sure that they are crawling in all the walls and have run out of room. Use an EPA-approved poison rat bait under the plastic or plywood shelter along baseboards. Be sure to follow the directions carefully as this is poison for pets and humans, too. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as ¼ of an inch so make sure to seal any holes you find. You can do this with lath screen or lath metal, cement or wire screening. Your landlord should have already done this but may have missed any new holes that have formed.

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Apartment Safety Basics

Apartment Safety Basics Don’t be so excited about decorating your bedroom and getting your Internet hooked up that you forget about safety. Apartments.com wants to make sure you’re taken care of and while we can’t replace your mothers (sigh), we can offer some friendly advice to make your apartment a place where you’ll feel safe and sound.
Our biggest “mom” tip is to purchase renter’s insurance to protect your valuables. Even with insurance you still need to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some other easy ways to make you, your apartment and your belongings much safer.
Do…
Write only your last name or initials on your mailbox. Although you may have to pay a small fee, it’s a good idea to have an unlisted phone number for safety reasons. Having an unlisted number will also cut down on solicitation calls. Make sure the locks on all doors leading into your apartment have been changed since the last tenant was living there. You may need to make copies of your keys for roommates but most apartment owners forbid copies made for anyone not living in the apartment. This includes your best friend, boy/girlfriend and parents. For safety reasons, keep copies of keys in your hands only. Apartment doors should all have peephole viewers. If you don’t have one, ask your landlord to install one. On the elevator, avoid riding alone with a stranger. If you get stuck with someone you do not know, stand near the control panel so you can exit in an emergency or if the stranger makes you feel uncomfortable in any way. Stay alert when entering your apartment. Don’t talk on your cell phone or look preoccupied when walking toward your building. Criminals look for a weak target and are more likely to pass up someone who appears focused, aware and strong. Report bad lighting or overgrown shrubbery to your landlord. You are never being too picky when it comes to your safety. Inventory the description, serial number and cost of your valuables. Keep a copy of your records online, in a fire-proof locked box or in a safe deposit box in a bank. Take pictures of your most valuable items and attach those to your receipts to make any insurance claims run as smoothly as possible. Keep a broom handle or other long stick in the track of sliding glass doors. This may deter a break in. Purchase light timers and set them so that your lights turn on when you’re away from home in the evening. Take in your newspaper and packages on a daily basis.
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Focus Your Search

Focus Your Search

According to Your Budget New York City is an expensive housing market and you will likely be forced to make compromises in your choice. Monthly rents will vary depending on several factors; the most important of which is location, followed by apartment size and then amenities.
Decide if You Are Willing to Share an Apartment – You can cut costs by sharing a large one bedroom. To find a roommate, check the listings for apartment shares in the OCHA Housing Registry. Consider Where You Can Afford to Live - Manhattan apartments are in the greatest demand and consequently rents are the highest here compared to other boroughs or nearby suburbs. In most areas of Manhattan, you will have great difficulty finding a studio apartment for less than $1,300-$1,400 per month. In contrast, there are areas just outside Manhattan (within a 30-40 minute commute) where you can find a decent studio apartment to rent for $850-$1,000 per month. Determine What Size Apartment Fits Your Budget and What Amenities You Can Do Without - Squeezing into a smaller apartment than your ideal and a willingness to accept some commonly perceived flaws such as street noise or lack of view or natural light may save you some money. In addition, rents will vary with the type of building in which the apartment is located such as whether or not the building has a doorman or an elevator.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.

How to create an art-friendly room.

How to create an art-friendly room.
Think about it. When you walk into a gallery or museum, what do they all have in common? White walls and lots of light. If a wall is wall-papered or painted a color other than white, it limits the choices for hanging art that will look good on it. If a room is dark, the art will not show to its best advantage.
If you want to make art the center of attraction, play down the other elements of the room like window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colors, textures and objects will take the spotlight away from the art. Follow the principle that less is more. Keep it spare and let the art star. Then relax and enjoy it.
Selecting and displaying art is an art in itself. Experiment to learn what pleases you and what doesn’t. You’ll be well-rewarded for the time you invest by finding more satisfaction both in the art and in your home.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson

Is Renting a House For You?

Is Renting a House For You?

Renting a house is not cheap. Usually the rent is a lot higher than an apartment. In some cities, renting a house is about the same as renting a townhouse. Of course, this depends entirely upon the location of the property, the landlord, and how eager the landlord is to rent it out. If the landlord hasn’t been able to rent for the past few months, the price is going to come down. However, if the property is in a popular location, the rent is going to rise.
Like most other units of rental, renting a house will most likely require a year-long lease (or maybe even a 16-month lease). If your income might decrease within that timeframe, being locked into a high monthly rental amount might not be a good idea. Most landlords will check your credit and income to be sure you will be able to afford the lease, just in case.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.

Everything In Its Place Stuff

Everything In Its Place Stuff. You've got a lot of it. It's now fall, again, and you've been meaning to get organized since your last new-year's resolution.
You've tried to squeeze everything you can into closets. You've even considered lugging your stuff down to the basement so that you can make more room -- for more stuff. Instead, try clutter-reducing shelves that won't cost you a fortune in cash -- and 20 or 30 trips to the basement. Whether you are looking to improve your decor or just get your home organized, shelving is the way to go. It's cost effective, easy to install, and comes in a variety of colors, styles and finishes.
Organize your child's bedroom and study space by adding shelves to store books, CDs and magazines. Think you can't possibly fit all of your child's clothing and accessories into that room? Think vertical instead: wall space can be more valuable as storage than a place to exhibit posters of the latest pop stars. Don't forget to treat Mom or Dad by organizing that guest bedroom, den or home office by adding shelving above desks and computers.
Keep cleaning supplies and household chemicals out of reach of small hands with alternative wood shelving. Children are always ready and willing to explore all that your home has to offer. Linen closets, laundry rooms, walk-in pantries, bathrooms, and garages can now all have space to put those items we want to "keep out of reach of children" if you install wood-alternative shelving.
Basement and attics can be valuable real estate when considering home storage options. Instead of wrestling with heavy boxes and packing tape, go for simplified, easily installed storage solutions for your family heirlooms, out-of-season clothing, tools, gardening supplies, and of course, holiday decorations. Shelve them and you'll always know where your treasures are when you need them.
Adding cost-effective shelving options to your home not only helps you stay organized, but can add appeal to your home, as well. According to the National Association of Home Builders, potential homebuyers consistently rank storage -- and the need for a lot of it -- as a high priority when it comes to selecting a home. Shelving can provide a cost-efficient investment into your home.
What's more, some of today's shelving options are attractive, light-weight, and easy to install, with impressive strength and durability. Brands like Woodstalk Finished Shelving offer a variety of shelving depths and lengths to fit your space or that can be cut to size and customized to match the décor of your home. Available in high-quality, attractive white and maple finishes, the shelving can be used 'as is'. For those who have a specific look in mind for their shelving solutions, Woodstalk can be easily sanded and painted and provides a smooth, splinter-free surface for customized finishing.
The shelving is made from wheat straw fiber instead of wood and a strong, durable polyurethane resin, instead of a urea-formaldehyde binder. It’s an eco-friendly, higher performance alternative to traditional wood or other conventional shelving options.
It's past time to visit your local do-it-yourself center and get organized. Woodstalk finished shelving can be found at many Home Depot and Menards centers in the United States and Canada.

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Choosing an Area Rug

Choosing an Area Rug Is your living room looking a little, oh, I don't know, drab? Does it somehow feel incomplete? Or perhaps your dining room table just isn't doing the room justice on its own? Your apartment could be suffering from a rare condition known as Lackofrugitis. It's okay if you've never heard of it; the main thing is that you are now aware of it.
Lackofrugitis sadly affects one out of every three apartment tenants. The symptoms are clearly evident, yet most of those afflicted aren't even aware that they are suffering from it. Here's a checklist to help determine if you or someone you love may have Lackofrugitis:Cold or chilly feet A feeling of emptiness in the room Speech echoes Aching or numb backside when sitting on the wood floor for prolonged periods Lack of floor-based romantic tendenciesLackofrugitis is a serious issue, but it's one that can be treated. In order to beat this debilitating condition, you must take the only known cure for it--a new area rug.How to Measure the Floor for the Right Area RugBelieve it or not, simply purchasing a new rug won't cure Lackofrugitis. Choosing the wrong area rug can actually bring on a case of "Unevenroomatosis." In order to be completely cured of this affliction, you need to know the basics about how to measure the floor for the right area rug. An easy way to measure for an area rug is to take masking tape and frame an outline of the rug on your floor. This will give you an idea of the perfect-sized rug for your purpose. Once you have the tape down, use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions.If you have a coffee table in your living room, then you will want about a foot of rug visible on each side underneath the table. If you do not own a coffee table, then it is okay if the edge of the carpet fits underneath the front end of the sofa. "The ideal area rug should sit under at least the front third of the furniture that's located in the room," says Tim J. of Kepple's Carpet in Runnemede, NJ.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
Adhere to state and local codes to provide for the tenant’s health and safety. Maintain structural components and the property in a weather-tight condition. Provide reasonably adequate locks and keys. Provide heat, electricity and hot and cold water. Set water heaters at 120.° Provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single-family dwellings. Keep common areas clean and free from hazards. Keep electrical, plumbing and heating systems in good repair and maintain any appliances. Provide smoke detectors, and ensure they work properly when a new tenant moves in (tenants are responsible for maintaining detectors). For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson

Earth-Friendly Bedroom Basics

Earth-Friendly Bedroom Basics
Sleep sustainably in a healthy bedroom that's good for you and great for the environment.By Caren Baginski
Master bedroom in the Green Home Applying eco-friendly style to your bedroom isn't a fad — it's one of the healthiest things to do when decorating your home. Don't let harmful chemicals and toxins take you lying down. Here's how to put up a fight for green in your bedroom.Breathe Easier• Air quality is important because you spend so much time in the bedroom at night, says green architect/designer Michelle Kaufmann, founder and chairman of Michelle Kaufmann Designs. She recommends operable windows for cross ventilation/natural ventilation and HEPA filters in vaccuums.
• Buy a stylish ceiling fan to circulate hot and cool air — and save money on energy bills.
• Choose low/no-VOC paints and stains for walls, ceiling and furniture.
• Wash your bedding each week to cut down on mold, mildew and dust mite accumulation.
• If you're prone to allergies, avoid down pillows and comforters. Instead, look for hypoallergenic — and organic — pillows filled with wool, cotton, millet hulls (99 percent dust free), buckwheat, kapok (a natural seed fiber) and shredded latex.
Choose a Green Mattress and Box SpringInvest in the most important part of your bedroom: the mattress. "Everything you bring into your home has a potential to off-gas, so when you chose products to sleep on, you should look at what they're made of," says Greg Snowden creator and founder of the Green Fusion Design Center.
Choose a mattress that's toxic-free and doesn't contain polyurethane foam and fire-retardants such as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers). Animals exposed to PDBEs showed learning deficiencies, and high levels of the chemical have been found in women's breast milk according to PollutionInPeople.org. But you'll have to get a mattress that passes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tests for fire, so look to wool mattresses for natural fire-retardant qualities.
Green options include organic wool- and cotton-filled mattresses that are just as comfortable as a chemical-filled mattress. The greenest option is latex. Savvy Rest, a green mattress company, offers organic mattresses made from 95 percent latex (100 percent does not exist) that don't suffer from lumps and gullies over time.
Eco-friendly mattresses are also available from Green Sleep. Zem Joaquin, green blogger at Ecofabulous.com, favors Green Sleep in her home. "The rubber is harvested in Malaysia," she says. "They go and tap the trees like you would for maple syrup and bake it up into nice, fluffy cakes. The comfort is phenomenal."
National Geographic's The Green Guide suggests supplementing your mattress with a natural, untreated solid wood box spring made from FSC-certified wood.
Reuse Furniture and Fabric• Instead of buying a new bedroom set, take a look at what you have and refresh it. TV-dinner trays, a stack of old luggage — even a fallen tree trunk in your backyard can become a nightstand.
• Save gas by shopping locally at thrift stores, antique shops and architectural salvage stores. You can often find old headboards to upholster or paint, giving a unique look to the bed for less. An old door turned on its side and wall mounted is another eco-friendly, and rustic, solution.
• For inexpensive DIY pillows or curtain panels, visit fabric shops and ask for their leftover material scraps. Or, repurpose old blankets and sheets for a comforter that's completely your own.
Buy Organic BeddingWhat is organic bedding? It's sheets and pillowcases made from fibers grown without synthetic pesticides or genetic engineering. But is all organic bedding truly eco-friendly? "Eco-friendly is the overriding umbrella and organic is underneath that," says Kaufmann. "If it's organic but it uses a lot of resources from the earth in terms of how it's made, then it's not necessarily eco-friendly in the holistic sense."
But organic is still preferred when it comes to your health. For example, "consumers don't realize that many bed sheets are typically treated with formaldehyde to make them soft," Snowden says. Avoid this known carcinogen and opt for chemical-free sheets like organic cotton or bamboo. Buying organic doesn't only do you a favor — it's also better for the world, says Snowden. "The cotton industry uses one quarter of all the pesticides that are consumed in the world. For that reason alone, it's important to support organic cotton sheets and bedding." From Target to Ralph Lauren, beautiful, luxurious eco-friendly bedding is everywhere. For maximum softness, look for thread counts from 250-400.
Other tricks: • For blankets, wool is greener than polyester.• Be suspect when you see the words "repellents" or "proof" on bedding labels, which indicate the product has been treated with chemicals. • Organic cotton mattress pads help protect your mattress from dust mites.• Make your own duvet by sewing together two large bamboo sheets.

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What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

What to Bring to an Apartment Viewing

By Jennifer Lai, About.com
Arrive at an apartment viewing prepared, so you can focus on fully evaluating the apartment. With the necessary tools, you can better assess whether the apartment's right for you. And if you fall in love with the place, you'll be ready to start the application process.
A special note for those renting in competition markets: it’s particularly important that you come prepared, so that your dream apartment isn't snatched up by someone else.
BasicsDigital cameraA camera is useful for reminding you what the apartment and its surrounding area look like. After seeing several apartments, they’ll start blurring together. Before you know it, you can’t remember which one had the spacious closet and which had the decorative kitchen tiles.
NotepadBring a notebook, too, to jot down notes of each apartment—things you liked and didn’t like. For example, was there a lot of ruckus outside? Or a slow-moving elevator? Write down any notable observations in your notebook.
Checkbook and ATM CardIf you find your dream apartment, you’ll want to begin the apartment application process, which often requires a deposit to take the apartment off the market. Bring a checkbook, for sure, but also an ATM card for brokers or landlords that require cash only. (Note: please don’t hand over money unless you receive a receipt and a signed document, saying you’ll receive the deposit back if you're rejected for the apartment).
Social Security NumberMake sure you know your social security number, which will be needed to perform a credit check. If you plan on using a guarantor, you’ll need their SSN as well. Guarantors are typically used when you don’t meet the minimum financial requirements for the apartment.
Tape MeasurerMeasure the rooms, so you can work out later exactly how much furniture can fit. If the previous tenants are still living there, then you’ll have some idea of dimensions. But if it’s a big empty room, well, it can look deceptively bigger or smaller than it truly is.
For Competitive MarketsIn certain competitive markets, you must go through stringent requirements before signing the lease. For example, in New York City, many liken renting to buying a house. In these cities, you must come to an apartment viewing ready to rent on the spot, especially during the most competitive season—summer. So gather all your materials even before you start looking at listings.
Bank statementsYes, in some places, landlords want to see your bank statements. Make photocopies of at least two bank statements, making sure to black out your bank account number.
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Housewarming Gifts

Housewarming Gifts
One nice thing about housewarming gifts is that they don't need to be wrapped. Pull something together, put it in a gift bag or basket, and ring the doorbell.
If you're making a first visit to a family member's new home, you might have had a hand in helping with the move. If so, you might know exactly what they'll need in the new home. If they've moved from a large home to a smaller one, organization supplies might come in handy. But if they're moving from a small home to a larger one, a set of towels for the new extra bath might be practical.
We've come up with some ideas for both traditional gifts and new, fresh ideas. Choose what will best represent you, your friend, and your relationship. Then show up and enjoy a wonderful visit!
A gift for a housewarming gift for newlyweds is simple--just check out their bridal registry and fill in any holes.
Fresh PlantsA new home, even before the furniture is arranged and the drapes are up, looks more welcoming with a live, flowering plant. Plants are better than fresh cut flowers, as they live longer and don't need as much maintenance.
A Wreath for the DoorChoose a wreath for the season, for a holiday, or just in colors that will look pretty on the house. If you get one that will last through the years, include a wreath storage box, too.
A Gift of FoodThere's so much work involved in moving and setting up housekeeping, that anyone will welcome a casserole or full dinner to enjoy as a break from all the work. Something that will go into a microwave and onto paper plates (why not include them, along with plastic silverware?) will make the meal a breeze.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson

Decorating

Decorating
Planning and decorating your first apartment can be baffling and overwhelming. Apartment units or outdated brownstones are often small, sterile and architecturally deprived. But you can transform them into a personal, unique space. Don't be a confused, first-time decorator: Enjoy the adventure.Ponder these seven points as you transform your new apartment into a home that reflects your personality.

A similar style in each room will create flow and rhythm. Photo courtesy of IKEA.1. Develop a point of viewThe trick to creating a cohesive, put-together apartment is to decide what kind of "look" you want. Study magazines and watch home decorating shows to help you determine your favorite style. Rustic? Sleek and modern? Traditional? Country French? Once you find your preference, try to stick to your theme in every room. The similar style in each room will create flow and rhythm, which will give your place a sense of harmony and balance.But keep in mind you're not decorating a movie set—not every detail has to perfectly match. The odd accessory gives your place personality and should tell something about the person who dwells there—you. Avoid creating a "circus" atmosphere by using too many styles, too many different colors and too many patterns. Carrying your point of view throughout an apartment can also make your place seem larger.Select several colors and use them throughout your apartment. Photo courtesy of Collegiatemall.com.2. Choose a color schemeSelect three or four of your favorite colors, and use them throughout your apartment. If you use objects and fabrics of wildly different colors in each room, your place will seem choppy, broken up and visually distracting. For example, if you like blue and white, create a living room that features white walls, ivory slipcovered furniture, blue and white porcelain accents, and light-wood tables and shelves. In your bedroom, you could use a deeper blue and more of it via a patterned bedspread, pillows and curtains. Your kitchen could carry the theme by using blue and white checked curtains, while introducing yellow as an accent color.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.

Renting a House

Renting a House
Although my topic area focuses mainly on apartment and small unit rentals, most renters find they want a larger place to rent. There is nothing nicer than having a large house all to yourself without the massive down payment and 30-year commitment to worry about. And you still have the flexibility to move out at the end of the lease and find something different. If you have never rented a house, duplex, or condo before, you will find this article particularly helpful. Why Rent a House? If you’re like most renters, you will have almost every nook and cranny of your small apartment cluttered with knick-knacks, collectibles, boxes, and piles of magazines. For these packrats, it appears the apartment keeps getting smaller every year. Eventually, you’re forced to either get rid of all your stuff or find a bigger place. Houses, condos, and duplexes usually have extra storage closets, maybe a garage, and often several rooms. Perfect for all your treasured valuables.
Or, perhaps you are not a packrat but have a large family. A small apartment is not very comfortable for a large family. People like to have a little space. A house or duplex usually have several bedrooms and bathrooms and plenty of space for everyone. Often these larger properties have yards where the kids will love to play.
Or, maybe you have some pets. Most apartment complexes are not friendly to pets, especially to larger dogs or large collections of animals. Finding a private house might be just what you need.
Is Renting a House For You? Renting a house is not cheap. Usually the rent is a lot higher than an apartment. In some cities, renting a house is about the same as renting a townhouse. Of course, this depends entirely upon the location of the property, the landlord, and how eager the landlord is to rent it out. If the landlord hasn’t been able to rent for the past few months, the price is going to come down. However, if the property is in a popular location, the rent is going to rise.
Like most other units of rental, renting a house will most likely require a year-long lease (or maybe even a 16-month lease). If your income might decrease within that timeframe, being locked into a high monthly rental amount might not be a good idea. Most landlords will check your credit and income to be sure you will be able to afford the lease, just in case.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.

How to Survive Moving

How to Survive Moving
Remember that sometimes you will always feel sad no matter how long you have lived in a place. Have friends from your original home send you postcards, pictures and packages. You can send them small gifts in return (for example, a favorite pack of gum). Make a card or friendship bracelet. Call them on their birthdays. E-mail them with E-cards.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

During the apartment walk-through…

During the apartment walk-through…
Do all the appliances work? Check all the appliances and sinks to be sure they are working properly. Are there insects or rodents present? If the current tenant is there ask them about the severity of the problem and what is being done to fix it. How old is the wiring? If there are very few outlets or if you see two-pronged switches, it probably is older wiring. This may be a convenience and safety issue. How much closet/storage space is there? Don’t underestimate how much space your belongings will take up. Are there enough windows to provide ample light for your taste and do they open and close properly? Are the rooms big enough to fit your furniture? Take a tape measure with to be sure. How do guests obtain entry and what type of security is in place? If there is an electronic system, test it out to make sure it works. Make sure that the apartment will be cleaned and have the paint touched up before you move in.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

Don't think you have to define your grown-up style right now.

Don't think you have to define your grown-up style right now.
"Defining your personal style involves researching the subject of interior design until you find a style, color palette and fabrics you love," says designer Mark McCauley, ASID. You don't have to do all that in your first or even second apartment. Instead, "use your apartment as Frank Lloyd Wright used his home and studio in Oak Park, Ill. — as a place to experiment and try new things. Give yourself a chance to learn what your personal likes and dislikes are." So what if that leather couch turned out not to be the best choice for your apartment living room — it might be fine for a future family room in your home, or make a great donation to a friend (or charity) in need. Apartment life is the time to try on different styles. Be brave, take chances, have fun.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

What Items Do I Need to Furnish My First Apartment or Home

What Items Do I Need to Furnish My First Apartment or Home
Stocking your first living space can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. Use this 5 "S" Space Strategy to help you organize the items you will need to furnish your new living environment.
Before making any purchases, create a list of what furnishings you will need for the below 5 action areas:
Where you Sleep Where you Sit / Socialize (leisure time) Where you Snack Where you Study (work or hobby area) How you will Sanitize Let's break these down even further into a general suggested item list of what can fit in these areas. (This list may not included everything for your specific needs, so add or subtract as needed)
Sleep - Bedroom Bed (frame, mattresses) Pillow & Bedding (blankets, comforter, sheets) Dresser or Storage for Clothing Hangers Night Stand Table Lamp Alarm Clock Telephone Chair Mirror
Socializing / Sitting - Living Room Comfortable Sofa or Chairs Side Tables Table Lamps Entertainment Center or Stand Bookcases / Shelving Coffee Table Coasters Snack / Eating - Dining Room or Kitchen Table (to sit and eat) Chairs (for table or bar) Utensils (for eating or cooking) Plates, bowls, glassware. Cooking Equipment ( pots & pans, spatulas, coffee makers, can openers, blender,etc., this can be lengthy and is left to personal choice)
StudyDesk (with flat surface for writing & the computer)ChairComputerOffice Tools (stapler, pens & pencil storage)Shelving for booksFile cabinetDesk lamp
Sanitizing (Cleaning & Bathroom Supplies) Sponges Duster / Dusting cloths Cleaning Chemicals Plunger Mop Broom Vacuum Cleaner Towels & Wash Clothes
This list should give you a good start at setting up house and on your way to making that house/apartment your home.

For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

Rethink Your Rental

Rethink Your Rental Make a rental space your own on a modest budget by creatively updating your current wares and adding a few new items to the bunch. Check our tips and inspiration below.
Living Room
Think of your apartment as your own -- ask your landlord for permission to paint (offer to repaint when you leave), hang plenty of art, and install draperies. If wall color is off-limits, rethink the furnishings. Use large pieces, even in small spaces, to create interest in place of paint. Trying changing the shape of the room by placing a room divider in a corner -- it allows the eye to flow evenly across the room rather than interrupt it with abrupt corners.
Apple green is stylish without being too trendy. Pair it with a neutral brown sofa -- this custom design boasts clean lines and didn't cost much more than a retail sofa. A $99 IKEA coffee table makes a modern statement (and adds precious storage) in the small space.
It's the little things that make a white-box rental a home, such as adding graphic accent pillows for the couch and a rug to cover up standard apartment flooring. Even something as simple as placing a table lamp on top of a stack of books sends the message that the space belongs to you, not your landlord. If your living room must double as a home office, don't let the work space overpower the room. Opt for spacious filing cabinets topped with an inexpensive sheet of melamine for lots of storage space and minimal impact on the rest of the room. The lamp is a $10.95 thrift store find with a new shade.
Looking for another deal? These floor-to-ceiling drapery panels are sewn from silk shantung found online for only $11 a yard.
Keep office supplies from taking over your work area by storing them on a vintage tray. Adding personal trinkets affords you a moment's distraction while checking e-mail or paying bills.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

Decorate Walls Without Painting

Decorate Walls Without Painting - 5 Simple Wall Decorating Tips
Since painting unique wall images may not be an option for some renters, we pulled together 5 wall decorating ideas to help you decorate your cwalls for both your stylish senses and their personalized space!
1. Removable Wall Hooks - 3m makes wonderful wall hooks and other removable wall hanging products that are easily adhered to the walls without leaving behind residue when removed. With the variety of products they offer you can literally find whatever type of hook or gadget you need to make anything hang from a wall. These can be purchased are your local home improvement or hardware store.
2. Framed Posters & Art - When displayed properly, framed family photos can create warmth and most likely are the subconscious objects that make you feel at home in your space. Children love the familiar faces of their favorite book and movie characters. Using posters are a great way to bring these characters to life. The posters by themselves may be suitable, but to please the aesthetic senses, don't skimp on having the wall art framed. If you are interested in keeping costs down you may want to frame it yourself. When tastes change you can reuse the frame and change out the poster. For an added punch add colored mat board to the poster print. If you still need to select wall decor art try our Art & Poster shop.
3. Display Shelves - Thinking tall will also fill your wall space with visual appeal while creating extra storage. Carefully and thoughtfully arrange the objects you choose to place on each shelf, being sure to over crowd each space. Think of the eye flowing over the shelf in an "S" pattern by varying the heights and spaces.
4. Fabric & Starch Wallpapering - This removable technique gives decorating versatility! You can create textures and cover up the ugliest walls. Check out these do-it-yourself instructions for wallpapering with fabric.
5. Folding Screens - If you just don't want to hang anything on your walls, try adding texture by using folding screens. The come in almost every style from Shoji Screens for Asian design to chrome for ultra modern. These are wonderful for studio apartments as they create additional areas.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you. promote privacy.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms by: Michael Holland
Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an easy but expensive option. While most children do have a preferred character or theme that they would enjoy having in their rooms, there are more affordable ways to achieve a similar desired result.
Without naming names or infringing upon any boys bedrooms copyrights or trademarks this budget-friendly collection of ideas can help you create an absolutely awesome children’s décor. It has been compiled especially to offer easy do-it-yourself, affordable decorating solutions for boys bedrooms ... with all of the neatest features in boys bedrooms that guys appreciate.
Basics in Boys Bedroom Ideas
Most boys will easily embrace decorating ideas that are a little different or not mass-produced as long as they include similar colors and concepts. He’ll feel good about having something original and special that’s goes beyond the expected boys bedrooms ideas.
This will encourage him to appreciate the idea of being an individual, different and unique from anyone else in the world.
Beyond-the-box ideas in boys bedrooms. (For the guy who loves things that creep and crawl.)
To adults, a bug is a bug is a bug, no further classification required. Boys know bugs like girls know shoes.
Decorating boys bedrooms with insect-laden fabrics for curtains and other linens is a winner with most guys. If he has a favorite insect-character super hero, select colors that match the super hero’s outfit. You could even make a matching pair of pajamas for your child to wear. Be warned though, he’ll want to wear them all day long.
Against a wall or in a corner in boys bedrooms, you can hang any inexpensive netted material in a basic cotton knit.
This provides the perfect lofty perch for any cherished insect-type super hero character.
Out-of-This World Ideas for Boys Bedrooms. (For the guy who loves exploring far-away places.)
Whether your child dreams of soaring through space or diving in oceans, you can create an original décor that matches his dreams.
Paint the walls blue for either of these themes in boys bedrooms you choose. Think medium blue as the starting point. For space themes, you’ll want to radiate towards darker shades. With aquatic themes, you’ll want to go towards the opposite end of the color spectrum and user lighter shades.
Use accents for boys bedrooms that begin with the letter "s" to add true dimension to either of these themes.
Accents with an "S" for outer space ideas: Stars Silvery-moons Spaceships Accents with an "S" for aquatic ideas: Seahorses Seashells Scuba-divers Off-the-Driven-Path ideas in boys bedrooms. (For the guy who’s on the move, regardless of how he gets there.)
Since the invention of the automobile, no dearer sound has fallen on the ear of any boy than that of a finely-tuned engine. This is as true when a boy is six as it is when he’s sixteen, just from a different point of view.
Bring the highway home in style with these boys bedrooms ideas fit for any future driver.
Ride into the sunset by sweeping a paintbrush across a wall. Create center-lines using paint of a different color and you’ve got a winding road.
X marks the spot - if you can make an X you can paint a traffic intersection on a wall. Use wall putty to attach small toy vehicles of various kinds. You can even create an entire city street this way.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.

Splash Up Your Walls with Pops of Color

Splash Up Your Walls with Pops of Color
By Columnist Kathy Peterson - KathyPeterson.com
Decorating a rental space can always be challenging especially for an apartment tenant or college student looking to dress up their living space temporarily. But here’s a unique way to add your own personal touch to any interior design. Let’s say you want to add a splash of color to your walls but your landlord or college dorm rules won’t let you paint the walls. So how do you put a creative spin on your own decorative style with little mess or effort? Well when I discovered a fool proof product that sparked my creative juices I knew I had to share it with you.
It’s a unique innovation that makes wall-decorating a breeze. These flexible vinyl peel-and-stick wall art can be easily removed and re-arranged at your leisure without a trace of residue or messy clean-up.
WallPops are offered in a variety of solid colors to work with, such as Lello Yellow, Electric Blue or Purple Perk. Different prints, from Island Fusion to Go Retro, add animation and design to any WallPops creation. The décor is available in 13”- round Dots, 13”- square Blox, or continuous Stripes that measure 6 ½” wide and 16’ long. Take it one step further and cut the vinyl into any size or shape to devise a truly customized design.
I love the fool-proof versatility of the product, particularly for those with an ever-evolving style. Jazz up a dull dorm room, alter your décor to suit the season, or let a child’s room morph as they age with this conformable wall décor. If you want to change your design, just peel off and start over; WallPops are washable, re-usable and leave no residue behind.
Let your imagination be your guide as you explore endless combinations and arrangements to contrive a unique look. Try layering Dots in a few different shades around one another to create a flower effect; you could also outline a door or window with the continuous Stripes variation to serve as a funky frame.
To decorate an entire wall space, create a checkerboard pattern of alternating Blox. Stick with one funky print, such as the Island Fusion floral pattern or the Lots of Dots polka-dot print, and intersperse it with splashes of complementary solid colors. Or mix, match and layer the different shapes and colors if you are looking for a retro style that is all your own.
Look no further than the new WallPops Web site, www.wall-pops.com, to begin brainstorming your very own masterpiece. The fun, interactive site offers a create-a-design feature, as well as innovFor apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for youative examples and helpful tips. Enjoy!