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Clean Up the Air in Your Apartment With These Purifying Plants

September 15, 2016 by

Not only do houseplants add a burst of green color and life to your space, they also clean the air and keep things feeling fresh. If your home could use a bit of purifying, here are some of the best plants to do the job.

  • Aloe. Many people know that aloe is great for your skin, but did you also know that the plant is good at purifying the air? This spiky plant clears chemicals from the air from many common household cleaning products, but you'll want to make sure that it gets plenty of sunlight to keep it healthy.
  • Rubber tree. With its large, dark green leaves and its rubbery texture, the rubber tree is very attractive and durable. It also eliminates toxins from the air, which makes it a great plant for stuffy spaces.
  • Peace lily. Looking for a flowering plant that will also clear the air? The peace lily is the one to choose! It has a beautiful, white flower on top of a long, green stem, and because it does well in the shade, it's a great choice for a room that doesn't get a lot of sunlight.
  • Bamboo. Bamboo is one of the very best plants for purifying the air and absorbing toxins, especially benzene and trichloroethylene. This particular plant requires a lot of water, however, which means that it's best for experienced plant owners.

10 Best Houseplants To De-Stress Your Home And Purify The Air [Huffington Post]

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Clear Clutter from Everywhere in the Bathroom With These 4 Tips

August 18, 2016 by

If you’re short on space in your bathroom, it can be difficult to keep things neat and organized. Since many renters share their bathroom with guests, however, you’re likely always looking for ways to clean it up quickly. These 4 tips make it easy to banish clutter from the bathroom—and keep it clean for good.

  • Consider the essentials. Most renters store much more than they actually use every day in their bathrooms. Go through the contents of your medicine cabinets and under-sink storage areas and get rid of all of those specialty products and expired items (or at least find somewhere else to store them).
  • Add additional storage where it’s needed. If you can’t find enough storage in your bathroom after you purge your essentials, it may be time to create your own. Add wall shelves, a storage unit over the toilet or even just a few baskets under the sink.
  • Invest in matching sets. If your bathroom is often filled with mismatched towels, get rid of the ones you don’t use and attempt to create a matching set. By replacing those old, faded towels with bright, fluffy new ones (and cutting down on the amount of towels in general), you’ll reduce unnecessary clutter.
  • Add over-door storage. Hang an additional towel rack over the back of the door to give wet towels ample room to dry.

Decluttering the Bathroom [HGTV]
Small Bathroom Ideas: 5 Effective Decluttering Tips for a Tidier Space [Apartment Therapy]
Cut Clutter in the Bathroom: Easy as A-B-C! [Organized Home]

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

July 21, 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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Speed Through Household Chores With These Cleaning Shortcuts

June 16, 2016 by

The faster you get your cleaning done, the more time you’ll have to spend time with friends and family. The trick to quick cleaning is to have a system and to stick to it. Set a time limit for each room and you’ll be finished before you know it. Follow these tips for quick and efficient cleaning!

  • Keep up with daily cleaning tasks to help maintain your home's tidiness. By doing simple tasks every day, the cleaning will be much easier and not be so overwhelming.
  • Use a tote or bucket to keep all your cleaning supplies in. You can bring this from room to room and you won’t need to waste time searching for the supplies you need.
  • Use a vacuum to clean all of your floor surfaces. You should also use an extension cord for the vacuum to allow you to reach multiple areas without taking the time to keep plugging it in.
  • On your shower walls and door, use a squeegee after every use. This will prevent soap scum and water spots later on.
  • Focus on what you are cleaning and cut out anything that might distract you, e.g., your phone and the TV!

13 Tips to Help You Speed-Clean Your Home [Better Homes and Gardens]
Clean Your House in Less Than an Hour [Woman’s Day]
Speed Cleaning: Tips For Fast & Efficient Housekeeping [The Inspired Room]

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How to Create an Inspiring Home Office

May 19, 2016 by

Whether you work from home or you simply need a quiet space for catching up on emails, many people value having a designated home office space. This area should inspire you to do work free from the clutter of everyday life, and these organizational tips will show you how to create a workspace that promotes productivity.

  1. Use only functional furnishings. If you have a desk that is far too small, switch it out for something larger that you’ll actually use. The same goes for that uncomfortable chair and the rest of your outdated home office furniture.
  2. Add framed photos. Frame a few photos that inspire you, whether they’re works from famous artists or simply clippings from your favorite magazines. Create a gallery wall of eclectic frames that you can look at when you need a boost.
  3. Block out distractions. Whether that means switching your office into a different room or simply adding a room divider, it’s important to create a space that is free of distractions.
  4. Find the view. If possible, position your home office in an area with a window so that you can gaze outside as you brainstorm.

Stylish Home Offices & Decorating Ideas [House Beautiful]
10 Tips for Designing Your Home Office [HGTV]
7 Tips for a More Productive and Inspirational Home Office [The Real Estate Book]

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How to Choose the Right Furniture for Your Apartment

May 5, 2016 by

Purchasing furniture is a big investment, and for most people, it’s something that requires a little bit of planning. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck on furniture that really suits your space at Metropole, there are some simple rules to follow. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing new furniture.

  1. Measure everything. You always want to measure your space before purchasing large furniture pieces such as a sofa or an area rug. Measure the entire room first, and then determine how much of that space you want the furniture to fill. Finally, take a measuring tape with you to the store and measure the furniture before purchasing.
  2. Consider the doorway. Be sure that you can fit the furniture through hallways and into the apartment itself before purchasing.
  3. Think of its uses. Will you use your sofa mainly for watching television, or will it be a gathering space for large groups of people? Keep the functionality in mind before making any furniture purchases.
  4. Choose high-quality materials. You might be okay with purchasing bargain furniture for your first apartment, but if you really want your furniture to last, it’s best to pay a bit more for high-quality construction. Look for pieces made with real wood, and if it’s a sofa, inspect the seams and cushions to test their quality.

How to Determine Furniture Proportion to a Room [SF Gate]
Choosing the Right Size Sofa: Four Key Questions to Ask Yourself [Apartment Therapy]
Choosing the Right Furniture [Moving.com]

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Fun and Easy Spring Craft Ideas for Kids

April 21, 2016 by

The springtime is known for its long, rainy days, and on those afternoons when you’re stuck in the house, you’ll likely need an activity to keep the little ones occupied. Here are a few fun and creative craft ideas that offer hours of entertainment for your budding artists.

Tissue Cherry Blossom Tree [marthastewart.com]
Instead of hanging their artwork on the refrigerator, why not create a craft that you can use in your home decor? This chic cherry blossom tree sculpture is perfect for the springtime, and it’s also simple enough that the kids will have a great time piecing it together. Let them gather branches from outside, then get to work gluing pieces of pink tissue paper in the shape of delicate blooms.

Painted Canvas Bags [parenting.com]
If you’re looking for a craft that’s both beautiful and functional, this painted canvas bag is the ideal choice. Simply purchase plain canvas bags from your local craft store, set the kids loose with fabric inks and brushes, then use the completed bags at the grocery store or even for their school books.

Faux Tie Dye Spring Flower Window Display [momto2poshlildivas.com]
Because real tie-dyeing may be a bit to complicated for young children, this unique craft is a great alternative that produces similar results. Once your child is done, you can hang the colorful flower in a window for all to see.

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4 Home Coffeemakers So Beautiful, They Double as Decor

March 17, 2016 by

If you’re a coffee fan who takes the home brew very seriously, you’re likely always on the hunt for new kinds of coffeemakers. These four tried-and-true options are longtime favorites of coffee lovers around the world, and best of all, they’re just as beautiful as they are functional.

  1. The French Press. The class French press is a favorite for more than just the delicious coffee it produces. With its tall, cylindrical shape, elegant handle and its plunger at the top, this simple coffeemaker is also one of the most attractive. Modern versions come in stainless steel styles, geometric shapes and even eye-catching colors.
  2. The Pour-Over. Many high-class cafes are adding pour-over brews to their menus, and you can create the same strong cup of coffee at home with an affordable pour-over dripper. These feature a triangular shape that fits a special filter right inside, and they’re often made of natural ceramic.
  3. The Turkish Coffee Pot. Brass Turkish coffee pots look very elegant, and their long, angled handles are decorated with ornate designs that add an eclectic look to your stovetop.
  4. The Stovetop Espresso Maker. Even the cappuccino fan can get in on the decorative coffeemaker action. Stainless steel stovetop espresso makers are common throughout European households, and they look truly charming sitting on your stove.

The Best Coffeemakers [Real Simple]
10 Pretty Coffeemakers for the Perfect Cup [Refinery 29]
10 Museum-Worthy Coffee Designs for Your Kitchen [Thrillist]

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How to Lose Weight — Without Going Hungry!

February 18, 2016 by

Sure, a diet involves cutting back on fat and calories, but that doesn’t mean that you should ever feel hungry. Here are some tips for losing weight without going hungry.

  1. Don't fast. Trendy cleanse diets involve drinking only water, juice, or not eating anything at all in order to shed pounds. While you might lose a bit of weight at first, fasting actually slows your metabolism down and causes you to gain more weight once you start eating again.
  2. Always eat breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day because it fuels you for the rest of the day. Try something with whole grains, protein, and fresh fruits and veggies to stay full without adding unnecessary calories.
  3. Stay away from starches. While foods like potatoes and breads will make you feel full very quickly, these food are filled with little more than carbs. Opt for whole grains or sweet potatoes instead.
  4. Plan your meals. If you plan your meals ahead of time, you won’t have to choose what to eat once your hunger starts to set in (which can lead to overeating).

Diet Myth or Truth: Fasting Is Effective for Weight Loss [WebMD]
10 Easy Ways to Lose Weight Without Starving [Men’s Health]
Losing Weight [CDC]

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Where to Shop Teens’ and Tweens’ Room Decor Online

January 21, 2016 by

Tweens and teens love to express themselves through their bedroom decor, but you still want their rooms to look organized and put together. Lucky for the both of you, there are a number of stylish furniture and home goods websites that you and your teen will love. Here are two of the best.

Wake Up Frankie
If your daughter loves things with bold, feminine flair, she’ll simply adore Wake Up Frankie. This website carries a wide variety of duvet covers, pillow shams and sheet sets in crazy prints like chevron and polka dots, and each one comes in bright shades of black, pink, and neon yellow. Matching windows and canopies help to complete the look, while headboards, accent chairs, and chandeliers offer an elegant, vintage feel to any room.

Ikea
Ikea is a great place to find stylish, modern bedroom decor and furniture at budget-friendly prices. The website contains beds that fit in any space, coordinating bedding in fun, minimal patterns, and plush throw pillows and rugs to create a comfortable feel. Ikea also carries unique light fixtures and modern decor accessories to add a pop of color to your teen’s room.

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