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Turn Your Apartment Into a Happy Home With These 5 Mood-Boosting Design Tips

September 23, 2016 by

Your home should be a place for inspiration and relaxation, not just a place to store your belongings. Improve your rental's overall mood with these design tips that are sure to bring the "happy" back into your happy home.

  • Improve the lighting. It's no secret that natural sunlight improves your mood, so you want to maximize the amount of it that flows through your home. Switch out heavy draperies or blackout curtains with light, sheer curtains or bamboo blinds, and even replace fluorescent lightbulbs with modern bulbs that mimic the look of sunlight.
  • Create a place for everything. Target the areas in your home that collect clutter, such as the area around the front door or the always-overflowing recycling bin. Think of smart solutions for the storage in these areas to create a better flow throughout the home.
  • Add some plants and flowers. Studies show that adding some green to your home makes you happy, so fill small pots with leafy green plants, stylish succulents, or blooming flowers.
  • Redecorate in soft colors. If you're having trouble relaxing in your bedroom or feeling inspired in your home office, try switching up the color palette. Adding stark white bedding or soft colored throw pillows will create a calming effect in these frequently used areas.

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How to Decorate Using the Principles of Feng Shui

September 20, 2016 by

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese belief that states that the way your home is organized will, in turn, influence everything else in your life. From your finances to your inner happiness, the aspects that feng shui influences are limitless. If you want to decorate your home in a way that better serves your feng shui, use these basic principles.

  • Keep things minimal. First and foremost, improve your home’s feng shui by getting rid of everything that you don’t need—including furniture, clothing and even kitchen supplies. This will leave you with more space for movement, creativity, and positive energy.
  • Maximize natural light. Take down heavy drapes and blinds and replace them with sheer curtains that allow in as much natural light as possible.
  • Add plants. Feng shui emphasizes the importance of having green plants to clean your home’s air and add a peaceful look to every room. Try options like jade plants and aloe plants that require little maintenance.
  • Leave entryways clear. Feng shui says that the doors allow positive energy to flow into your home, so be sure to leave yours clear.
  • Face the doors. Important pieces of furniture, such as your desk and your bed, should always face the door of the room without sitting directly in front of it.

Feng Shui 101 for Your Living Space [Wonder How To]
10 Easy Feng Shui Rules You Should Follow [Kris Carr]
Feng Shui Decorating Tips [Real Simple]

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

September 16, 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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Have You Ever Considered Using Books to Decorate Your Home? Here’s How!

September 9, 2016 by

Books can add a pop of color, add a lot of character, and are a really simple way to improve any room. There are so many different ways to use them for decoration and another plus, they will never go out of style. You most likely have them lying around in your home, so follow these tips to find out how to use them!

  • Look for books with appealing covers. The colors can warm up your space while also adding a pop of color.
  • Pile up two or three books with different patterns on your coffee table.
  • Use a stack of books to add height to your tables or mantels.
  • Use books that are meaningful to you and your family. This will really make your space special and personal.
  • Cut out a rectangle section in a large book and use it as a pot for plants or flowers.
  • Use a stack of large, sturdy books to create a small side table or nightstand.
  • Invest in a tall, wide bookshelf to create an accent wall with your collection of books.
  • Cut your books into block letters to use as monograms to place on your shelf or dresser.

How to Decorate With Books [Ebay]
21 Chic Ways to Decorate Your Apartment With Books [Style Caster]
5 Ways to Decorate with Books [The Everygirl]

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Not So Hot at Baking? These No-Bake Desserts are Total No-Brainers!

September 6, 2016 by

You may love to cook, but baking is a whole different story. From measuring ingredients to timing the oven perfectly, there are a number of things that could go wrong while baking a cake or making cookies. Luckily, these no-bake recipes don't require any of the complicated parts of baking — but they do give you some delicious results!

Nutella Cool Whip Pie
People all over the world love the chocolate and hazelnut taste of Nutella, and in this no-bake recipe, the creamy spread sits front and center. Top it with Cool Whip and crumbled cookies for a pie with lots of unique texture and sweet flavor.

Milk n' Cookies Icebox Cake
If you're looking for a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes, this is the one. Layer upon layer of chocolate chip cookies are held together by cream cheese frosting, creating a tall, attractive cake that's perfect for a birthday bash or a last-minute dinner party.

No-Bake Cookie Dough Chocolate Cups
Many people would agree that sampling the dough is the best part of baking cookies, and with this no-bake recipe, you'll get the same delicious taste of cookie dough with a more elegant presentation (and without the raw eggs!) Simply mix up the cookie dough, roll it into small balls, and coat them with melted chocolate. Then, let them set in a muffin tin to create the cup shape.

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Budget-Friendly Ways to Decorate Your Home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge

September 2, 2016 by

While you can’t make permanent renovations in a rental, there are a number of ways to add your own personality to the space in a truly budget-friendly way. Here are just a few ideas for decorating your home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge — even if you’re on a budget!

  • Spraypaint large, wall-sized canvases (or a series of two or three) from the local art supply store in bright, bold shades. This is an easy way to add a pop of color to your walls that mimics the effects of a new paint job, and it makes it affordable to create your own simple artwork.
  • Mix and match furniture from the local resale store to create a kitschy, cool effect that looks straight out of a design magazine. This is also a great way to save a good bit of money on big ticket items, such as sofas and lounge chairs.
  • Bring in elements of the outdoors to create a warm, natural look throughout the home. Fill vases with stark branches, add seashells to small bowls, or fill a large jar with pinecones for seasonal dwcor.
  • Create your own headboard by simply covering a flat, wooden board the size of your bed with a high quality fabric. Leave the top open and stuff it with pillow filling, and then add tufted details or nailheads along the outer edges.

32 Budget-Friendly Home Decorating Ideas [Country Living]
Budget Decorating [HGTV]
20 Low-Cost Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
20 Thrifty, Frugal & Inexpensive Decorating Ideas [Apartment Therapy]

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Redecorating? Here’s How to Get Gutsy with Color and Design

August 26, 2016 by

Bold style and colors can transform your home to make it feel more fun and happy. If you’re looking to liven up your home and really make your space more exciting, follow these tips for some inspiration.

  • Use a large, oversized reflective object, such as a light fixture, to assert dominance on everything else in the room.
  • Experiment with design objects and put them out of their element. Something like placing a rug on the wall can really make a statement.
  • A patterned piece of furniture can be a great addition to your space. Something like a floral pattern on a sofa or polka dots on a chair can make an impact.
  • Turn one wall into a modern piece of art. Even using a simple splash of color on one of your walls can make a huge difference.
  • Use a patterned light switch plate instead of the plain old white ones for a fun little pop of color.
  • Instead of filling a vase with flowers, use a large leaf with a unique shape.

12 Bold Color Tricks to Try in Every Room [HGTV]
22 Ways to Be (a Little) More Daring With Your Decorating [HGTV]
Daring Decor Additions: Take Your Design Up A Notch With These 5 Striking Style Ideas [Apartment Therapy]

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Vegans Will Love These Inspirational Pinterest Recipe Boards

August 19, 2016 by

Whether you're a vegan or you simply try to cut out meat a few days a week, vegan dining is a great way to improve your health and do some good for the environment. Here are a few inspiring Pinterest boards that are filled with vegan recipes that are sure to get your mouth watering.

Best Vegan Recipes
This Pinterest board is bright, colorful and filled with nutritious meals for every time of day. From hemp seed snack smoothies to grilled veggie fajitas, there's something to inspire every meal.

Vegan Food Lovers
This community Pinterest board features contributions from some of the best vegan food bloggers online. Here, you'll find sweet, frozen snacks, globally inspired lunches and even a variety of different ways to prepare tofu.

Earth Balance's Vegan Recipes
If you're looking for some inspiration for lunch or dinner, this is the board to check out. It features main courses like vegan pot pie, savory Indian curries and lots of veggie-packed soups.

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How to Hang Curtains the Right Way

August 2, 2016 by

Something as small as adjusting your curtain rods can quickly change the look of your home. Follow these tips to create a better look for your window and the rest of your space!

  • Always hang your curtains up high to the ceiling. It makes your ceilings look higher and your space look larger and will enhance the overall atmosphere of your room.
  • If your curtains aren’t wide enough it will block light and make the window look smaller, therefore making your whole room appear smaller. When the curtains are pushed open, you want to see almost all of the window.
  • The most common mistake in hanging curtains is hanging them too short making it look awkward. Make sure the bottom of the curtains just kiss the floor.
  • You can also make the curtains puddle on the floor to give your room a romantic, feminine, and European vibe.

Quick & Affordable Home Makeover Task: Adjust Your Curtain Rods [Apartment Therapy]
Hanging Curtains All Wrong [Emily Henderson]
It’s Curtains, Hang Em High [Home Goods]

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Love Home Decorating? These 4 HGTV Shows Will Give You Major Design Inspo

July 29, 2016 by

If you consider decorating your home one of your favorite hobbies, then you're likely always on the hunt for new sources of inspiration. Tune into these four popular HGTV shows during your next lazy Sunday on the sofa!

  • Flip or Flop. With its high stakes gambles in the risky house-flipping market, this fun show is one of HGTV's most exciting. You'll love watching as married hosts Tarek and Christina bid on foreclosed houses and renovate them for resale.
  • House Hunters. This classic HGTV show is now in its 18th season, but you'll never grow tired of watching real people purchase homes in places around the country.
  • House Hunters International. If you love House Hunters, you'll especially love watching Americans purchase their first homes in other countries around the world. From France to India, this show gives you a glimpse into the housing market all over the globe.
  • Fixer Upper. Watch as married couple Chip and Joanna renovate houses all over the Waco, Texas, area. By purchasing older homes and renovating them on a budget, they give their clients a chance to live in their dream neighborhoods.

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