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Wallet-Friendly Ways to Revamp and Rejuvenate Your Rental’s Decor

July 21, 2016 by

Regardless of how on-trend your decor was when you initially adorned your apartment, it's only a matter of time before you feel like your surroundings are outdated. But when a home makeover isn't really in the budget, you might feel stuck with the interior design you've got. You aren't, though. There are tons of budget-friendly approaches to decorating that can spruce up your apartment. Here are just three of them to get the creative juices flowing.

  1. Upcycle existing embellishments. If your home-decorating instincts take you to Amazon, let your money-saving instincts lead you to Pinterest instead this time. Look for DIY ways that you can revamp that old coffee table or update worn throw pillows. It might be as easy as picking up a can of spray paint or some ribbon and fabric glue.
  2. Frame free pieces of "artwork." You don't have to break the bank on a piece of art in order for it to add something to your room. Prints or photos from magazines and books can have just as great an impact on the aesthetic of your bedroom or living room as expensive artwork. Just find a cheap frame at Target or the thrift store to complement your makeshift work of art.
  3. Break out the sewing machine. If you're handy with a needle and thread, there's a lot you can do in your apartment without spending much money. For example, you can easily create new curtains or pillowcases. These are both simple ways to spiff up your apartment that conserve both time and money.

Budget Decorator: 15 No-Cost Ways to Invigorate Your Space [Houzz]
15 Budget Decorating Secrets [HGTV]
The 10 Most Important Tips For Decorating On A Tight Budget [freshome]

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How to Create a Soothing, Zen-Like Bedroom

June 16, 2016 by

Your bedroom should be a calm, relaxing sanctuary to escape from the stress in your life. Changing up your lighting, the material of your fabrics, or sprucing up your decor can create the spa-like atmosphere you've been dreaming of. Follow these tips to bring more peace and tranquility into your bedroom.

  • Use soothing, soft colors like light blue or mint green and pair them with white or ivory accents to achieve a fresh feel.
  • De-clutter your bedroom to give yourself a clean, simple space.
  • Add dimmable lights or multiple sources of light so you can soften the lighting to give your room a more mellow feel.
  • Make your bed the focal point in your room. This will allow you to really enjoy going to bed and will make it easier to feel relaxed.
  • Treat yourself to luxurious sheets and bedding. Use quality fabrics with a thread count of at least 300.
  • Use sheer curtains for your windows to allow light to come through for a bright and airy feel.
  • Add a few candles or an oil diffuser with a lavender or chamomile scent that will help to relax yourself.
  • Use relaxing music or nature sounds to create an ambiance.

Decorating a Spa-Like Bedroom [SF Gate]
How to Turn your Bedroom into a Luxurious Retreat [Freshome]
5 Easy Updates for Creating a Spa-Like Bedroom [Donco Designs]

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Blank Wall, Blank Slate: How to Transform a Wall into a Focal Point

June 2, 2016 by

Plain, bare walls are blank canvases just waiting to be filled with accessories or décor. Hang almost anything on your wall and your space will instantly feel homey and more personal. Follow these tips to bring some life to your bare walls.

  • Use a variety of different patterns or colors of washi tape to create a custom design on your wall. This is great because you can easily switch it up if you get bored of the same design and want to switch it out for something new.
  • Add an oversized photograph or piece of art that is almost as big as your whole wall.
  • Hang or lean a large mirror with a detailed frame to your wall. They make a really strong statement and can make your room feel larger.
  • Frame a large chalkboard to write messages on, display photos, or to write recipes. You can even use unique frames or frames to match the rest of your framed photos on your wall to bring the whole look together.
  • Give your wall an elegant touch by hanging a large, oversized clock.
  • Add character to your wall by hanging modular shelves. Not only do the shelves look great, they also provide space for more decor. Use them to display your photos, vases, candles, books, or more.

​25 Ways to Dress Up Blank Walls [HGTV]
http://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/how-to/g451/blank-wall-solution/?How To Decorate A Large, Blank Wall [Elle Decor]
Wall Decor: How To Fill Your Blank Walls [Style At Home]

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Breathe New Life Into a Tired Sofa With These Styling Tips

May 19, 2016 by

A well-styled sofa can really make a difference in the over all look of your living room. Even a perfectly good, beautiful sofa can seem dull without the right styling elements. Follow these simple tips to help spruce up your sofa.

  • Update your rug to one with a bold pattern. This can define a neutral area and help complement your sofa.
  • Replace your lamp with a floor lamp that’s taller and sleek to polish the whole look around the sofa.
  • To balance the space around the sofa, add a plant to the opposite side of the sofa.
  • Add a large framed piece of art above the sofa. You want to keep it simple so one piece of art is plenty.
  • For a quick update to your sofa, add a blanket or throw. Draping the throw over your sofa can soften up the design.
  • Use four to five pillows to add comfort. You’ll want to use different shapes and sizes to fill the sofa out. Try mixing a few different patterns or shades. This can add comfort and really transform your seating space.

BEFORE & AFTER: How To Style Your Sofa [Elle Décor]
Throw Pillows: 4 Tips to Style Your Sofa [Huffington Post]
Guest Post: How to Style Your Sofa [Pottery Barn]

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Hosting Guests on a Budget at Mosaic at Mueller? Serve Everything from Appetizers to Entrees With These Household Items

April 21, 2016 by

If you’re hosting your first dinner party or holiday gathering at Mosaic at Mueller, you may find it difficult to round up enough serving trays and platters to serve everyone. Luckily, with a bit of creativity, you can find unique and affordable ways to serve your guests with household items that you already own. Here are a few smart ideas for serving a group.

  1. Present utensils in baskets. Even if you have to use disposable utensils to accommodate everyone, make them look festive by displaying them in decorative baskets.
  2. Display appetizers right on the cutting board. Once you’re done cutting cheeses and other appetizers, leave them right on the cutting board! Attractive cutting boards create a rustic look that’s still really chic.
  3. Make your own cake stand. Create a makeshift cake stand by simply turning a glass bowl upside down and placing a matching glass plate on top. If you want to add more stability, glue the two together.
  4. Reuse martini glasses. If your party doesn’t involve martinis, use the decorative martini glasses to serve mixed nuts, candies, and other finger foods.
  5. Use disposable cookware. If worse comes to worse and you just don’t have enough serving dishes, skip over to a dollar store and purchase some disposable aluminum cooking trays. Once the food is done, you can serve it right from the tray.

Big List of Inexpensive Ways to Serve Holiday Meals [The Frugal Girls]
Creative and Fun Ways to Serve Food [Pinterest]
Fall Party Food: Cute Serving Ideas [Better Homes and Gardens]

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Channel Your Inner Interior Designer With These Helpful Tips

July 24, 2014 by

Whether you're working with the blank canvas of a new apartment or an outdated space that’s simply not functional, decorating your home is always intimidating. It may seem crazy, but by adhering to just two simple tips from professional designers, you can make your home look and feel a whole lot fresher. Here are two interior design rules that you should know.

  1. Make every room work for your needs. It seems simple enough, but many people get so caught up in the details that they forget about the function of the room itself. Is it an office? Make the desk the focal point, then worry about the wall hangings later. Are you decorating your living room? Get rid of that old chair that you don’t have room for, because it’s only taking up space. Focus on the things that you use every day, and the things that are pretty to look at will fall into place later.
  2. Maximize the lighting. Even if your apartment came with built-in light fixtures, don’t feel like you’re limited to the cold feel of overhead lighting. Add a few lamps with softening shades here and there to create a more flattering lighting effect, and always play up the windows to bring in as much natural light as possible. You’ll be amazed at the difference good lighting can make!

6 Basic Interior Design Rules [Suite]
The 3 Principles of Interior Design [HGTV]
The 7 Rules of Interior Design [Zillow Blog]
5 Rookie Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again [Apartment Therapy]

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