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.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
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.
"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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
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.
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.
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