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Learn How to Manage Clutter — Not Hide It!

September 15, 2016 by

If you find yourself tucking away all of that extra clutter every time you clean your home, you may wonder how you can get rid of it for good. Instead of managing the clutter in your home, these smart, space-saving tips will show you how to control your clutter by getting rid of it completely.

  • Take an assessment of your clutter. Where do you notice clutter the most in your home? Is it in the junk drawers in your kitchen, the entryway area or your bedroom closet? Make note of those places where clutter always seems to accumulate so that you can focus the majority of your energy there.
  • Invest in storage systems. If the current storage systems in those areas just aren't working, it's time to reevaluate them. If clothes are always tumbling off of the shelves in your bedroom closet, add some affordable plastic drawers from your local home goods store; if you're always tripping over shoes in the doorway, add a stylish shoe rack.
  • Get rid of clutter-prone areas. Those junk drawers that are always overflowing? Get rid of them! If you don't have that go-to spot for disposing of those unused items, you'll be forced to really think about where they go — or if you need them at all.
  • Make it a part of your routine. If you don't usually think about where to put certain items, you might want to start. A big part of keeping a clean home is developing clean habits, so before you toss those shoes or that extra junk mail aside, take pause and deal with it right on the spot.

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Create a Chic and Stylish Entryway With These Pro Tips

August 18, 2016 by

Your entryway has the power to wow or bore guests as soon as they step into your apartment, so it's important to make sure you spend ample time on its interior design. If you're just getting started glamming up your entryway, here are a few tips that should help get the ball rolling.

  1. Create a vignette. First things first: find an entryway table. That's where you'll put your hallway vignette. It's part functional, part aesthetically pleasing. Include a tray to collection your keys and loose change when you walk in, but also add strictly decorative touches such as candles, flowers, and other odds and ends that reflect your style.
  2. Add a mirror. When you're working with a cozy entryway, you can really expand the space (without knocking down any walls) by just hanging a mirror. Find one that fits in with the rest of your aesthetic, perhaps a round, vintage mirror for last-minute touch-ups before you walk out the door, or maybe a more contemporary square mirror if that jives better with your minimalist decor elsewhere.
  3. Glam up your walls. Creating a gallery wall is a surefire way to engage your friends as soon as they walk through the door, especially if you create that gallery wall using personal photos in artfully mismatched frames. You can also use mirrors of different shapes and sizes, however, for the ultimate space-creating effect.
  4. Throw down a runner. When you're interior-designing, don't forget about the real estate underfoot, either. Spruce up your floor with a chic, colorful runner.

How to Style an Entryway [The Everygirl]
Small Apartment Entryway [Pinterest]
21 Ways to Enhance an Entryway [Real Simple]

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Go For the Old! Here’s What to Look For at The Local Thrift Store

July 21, 2016 by

Whether you're looking to add a touch of character to your home or simply trying to save some money on must-have furniture items, shopping at thrift and antique stores is a great choice. Before you set out on your thrifting journey, learn about the best items to look for on your hunt.

  • Solid wood pieces. Anything built of solid wood likely means it's built to last. Inspect tables, desks and bed frames to see if they're made of real wood instead of particle board or laminate materials.
  • Mid-century modern items. The mid-century modern movement is having a big comeback, so you can feel confident that these items will stay in style for years to come. Seek out chairs and sofas with tapered wooden legs, sleek desks and tables with metal hairpin legs, and items made of sturdy teak wood, which was popular during this era.
  • Woven or imported rugs. While purchasing a new rug can cost you a pretty penny, you'll often find trendy vintage styles for much less at the thrift store. Search for woven styles, Southwestern patterns or imported designs, like Persian or Moroccan rugs.
  • Vintage picture frames. Picture frames are also pricey when purchased new, so you should always take a look around for metal or wooden frames at the thrift store. Even if it already has a photo inside, you can take it out and start fresh with your own print.
  • Kitschy electronics. While purchasing an old TV can be a bit dangerous (many thrift chains don't even sell them anymore), you should keep your eyes peeled for antique radios, clocks, and other analog items that are now collectibles.

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Learn How to Store Your Bike Indoors (Without Wasting Space) With These Handy Tips

May 19, 2016 by

Many people ride bikes to and from work, around the city on the weekends, or even on long-distance rides out of town. If you're an avid cyclist, however, you're likely familiar with the constant struggle to store your bicycle when you're out of the saddle. Here are just a few smart places that you might not have considered to help keep your bike out of the way.

  • Over a doorway. If your apartment has high ceilings, there might be a few feet of precious wall space above the doorways. Use a ladder to install a bike rack above a door and watch as you free up ample floor space when you store your bike.
  • Hang it vertically. While most people hang their bikes horizontally, this takes up far more wall space than you might like. Instead, invest in a vertical bike stand to hang your bike on its end.
  • Use a gravity stand. If you and your roommate or partner each have your own bike in the apartment, use a two-bike gravity stand. These handy stands are sleek and minimal, don't require drilling in to your walls and can even hold two bikes upright.
  • Hang it on a door. Many smart cycling companies sell over-door bike racks that support your bike on its wheels over a door. This is a perfect storage solution if you don't want to add hardware to your precious walls.

Gallery: The 10 Best Bike Storage Solutions [Complex]

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Corral Clutter and Create Beautiful Vignettes Around the Home Using Serving Trays

February 18, 2016 by

If you’re looking for an affordable way to add high style to your home, using serving trays is a great idea. On countertops, dressers, and even on the bed, serving trays add a designer-inspired look to any surface in the home. Here’s some inspiration for styling trays.

  1. Add a serving tray to your coffee table to corral remote controls, display magazines, and hold decorative objects. You can even add scented candles to create an enjoyable ambiance.
  2. Use serving trays in the bathroom to organize your everyday essential products. Add one to the back of the toilet if you’re lacking in cabinet space, or use one under the sink to hold lotion and soap bottles upright.
  3. Place a serving tray next to the front door to create a drop-off place for your keys, cell phone, and other items that would normally amount to clutter.
  4. Center a kitchen island by adding a decorative tray for displaying flower vases and plants. You may also want to add your favorite cookbooks to keep them within reach.
  5. While serving trays are originally used for serving food and beverages, they’re just as great for serving breakfast in bed—or even a midnight snack. If you enjoy relaxing with a good book and glass of wine at night, use a serving tray to avoid spills.

7 Ways to Decorate With Trays [Home Goods]
10 Creative Ways to Decorate with a Serving Tray [Kirklands]
See Why Trays Are the Ultimate Decorator’s Trick [One Kings Lane]

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Clever Decorating and Storage Ideas for the Bedroom

August 20, 2015 by

Between trying on clothes every morning to tossing and turning in the covers every night, the place that should be your sleep sanctuary can start to look a bit more lived-in than you’d like. Here are some smart tips for decorating and storing your essentials in your bedroom.

  • Add a wall-mounted nightstand. Maximize the square footage in your bedroom by installing a wall-mounted nightstand. You could even use a shelf with an attached drawer.
  • Mount a cabinet above the bed. To really free up floor space, consider forgoing a traditional headboard in favor of a flat, hanging cabinet mounted just above the bed.
  • Add light curtains. While many people prefer light-blocking curtains in the bedroom, these can make a room feel smaller. Choose light, gauzy options in a neutral color to bring more openness to the room — and help you spring out of bed in the morning!
  • Add an under-bed “dresser.” Buy a bed with built-in storage, or slide lidded storage containers under your bed. Either is a good option for storing out-of-season clothing, blankets, and other bulky items.
  • Add a desk at the foot of the bed. Create a bedroom workspace by investing in a skinny desk facing the end of the bed. It can also double as a vanity.

Design Dozen: 12 Clever Space-Saving Solutions for Small Bedrooms [Apartment Therapy]
169 So Cool Headboard Ideas That You Won’t Need More [Shelterness]
12 Bedroom Storage Ideas to Optimize Your Space [Decoholic]

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How to Incorporate Antiques Into Modern Decor

June 18, 2015 by

You love the look of antiques, but you don’t want your home to look stuffy or stodgy. It can be difficult to create a balance between new and old items in your decor, but these simple tips from the pros will show you exactly how to incorporate antiques into an otherwise modern space.

  • Pick the right items. Instead of buying something at an antique store just because you like it, consider whether or not you can actually use it in your home. A large antique bicycle is probably not the best choice in an apartment, but an antique mirror certainly is.
  • Don’t spend too much. Browse thrift stores and yard sales to find low prices on hidden gems instead of making an impulse purchase at an overpriced antique store. That way, you’ll feel good about saving money on something that you really need.
  • Choose furniture. Antique furniture is a great investment because it’s often higher quality than modern pieces from big box stores. Things like dressers, credenzas, and desks are all great options that will stand the test of time.
  • Be sure to contrast. If you’re worried about your antiques making your home look dated, spread them out and use modern elements in between as contrast. Place a vintage coffee table near a modern sofa, or hang an antique frame in an updated bathroom.

Add Antique Accents To Your Modern Home Décor [The Accent Wall]
How To Mix and Match Antique Furniture In Modern Spaces [Build Direct]
Can You Mix Antique Furniture with Modern Furniture? [Savvy Examiner]

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How to Choose the Lighting That Best Complements Your Space

June 4, 2015 by

Want to show your apartment in the most flattering light possible? Use these smart tips for choosing the right type of lighting for every room in your home.

  • Illuminate your foyer and hallway with bright, cheery lighting. Add a floor lamp directly next to the front door that will light your way when you come home at night, and consider placing a bright lamp on a side table in the hallway so that you can easily see where you’re going.
  • Add soft, soothing light in the bedroom, as this is supposed to be a place of relaxation. Try using a small lamp with a lower-watt light bulb.
  • In the living room, you can add a tall, arched lamp next to the couch for a stylish look and to add additional lighting when you’re lounging around at night. If the light bulbs in the overhead light are too bright, switch them out with something less glaring.
  • Add a hanging pendant light right above the kitchen table. There are many options that don’t require hardwiring, so you can easily hang them and switch them out when you move.

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Each Room [WikiHow]
How To Choose The Lighting Fixtures For Your Home – A Room-By-Room Guide [HomeDit]
How to Choose the Right Size Lighting Fixture [LightsOnline.com]

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How to Plant Your Very Own Windowsill Herb Garden

May 21, 2015 by

Want to have fresh herbs right at your fingertips — without having to stop at the grocery store or farmers' market? Consider growing your own! Use these simple tips for planting a windowsill herb garden right in your own apartment.

  • Choose the window. An herb garden requires at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, as well as a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Buy starter plants. Unless you’re an expert gardener, your best bet is to start with grown plants rather than seeds. Chives, oregano, mint, rosemary, and thyme are among the easiest herbs to grow indoors.
  • Choose the right pots. Most people use terra cotta pots for their herbs because they are attractive and affordable. Be sure to choose pots with holes at the bottom for drainage and a saucer underneath to catch excess water. Herbs do well in pots that are 6- to 12-inches deep.
  • Add well-draining soil. Herbs require a lightweight potting mix that prevents against common diseases. Add 2 to 3 inches in the bottom of your pot, gently add the herb, and then cover to about an inch below the top of the pot.
  • Don’t over-water. Herbs require a regular watering schedule, but they don’t need to be watered every day. Water close to the soil, avoiding the leaves, whenever you notice your plant drooping.

Windowsill Herb Gardens [Epicurious]
10 Most Common Herb Garden Mistakes [About Home]
How to Start an Indoor Herb Garden [Spark People]

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Where to Shop for Temporary Wallpaper and Wall Decals Online

May 7, 2015 by

When living in a rental, temporary wallpapers and removable wall decals add a fun pop of color or pattern to your space, but they can be easily taken down at the end of your lease. Here are just a few online retailers that sell different types of temporary wallpapers and decals.

Swag Paper
With a name like Swag Paper, it’s no surprise that this site sells wallpaper that’s cool, chic, and statement-worthy. Geometric diamonds, Art Deco designs, and minimalist poppy flowers are just a few of the wallpaper styles, and you can purchase strips in different heights to get exactly the amount that you need.

2Modern
If your style is a bit more colorful, 2Modern offers retro-inspired wallpapers and options with big, bold stripes. You’ll even find children’s wallpaper covered in zoo animals, robots, or silly cityscapes that the little ones will love.

Blik
Blik offers temporary wallpapers in traditional strips to cover the whole wall, but it also carries more unique designs like stick-on headboards and individual decals. Add a large tree in your living room, a sea of fish in your kitchen, and even some music notes in a child’s room.

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