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Clear Clutter from Everywhere in the Bathroom With These 4 Tips

September 20, 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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Decorate Your Walls On the Cheap With These Affordable Art Websites

September 6, 2016 by

While you may not be able to afford a priceless work of art for your walls, that doesn't mean that you can't decorate your home with beautiful paintings and inspiring prints. From works by independent artists to reproductions of well-known pieces, there are a number of smart ways to turn your home into your own personal gallery. Here are just a few great websites that sell affordable artwork online.

Society6
With art for everyone from the minimalist to the bohemian, Society6 is one of the most modern and varied art websites. Not only can you purchase framed and unframed prints in all sizes, you can also buy the same designs in the form of smartphone cases, T-shirts, and even tapestries.

AllPosters.com
If you still love the look of hanging a poster of your favorite movie or band on your walls, try All Posters. This expansive online store offers high-resolution posters of almost any pop culture icon, as well as reproductions of classic works of art.

Etsy
Etsy is well-known for its handmade jewelry and quirky vintage apparel, but you'll also find handmade art from little-known artists. Browse abstract paintings, original photography and colorful prints for very affordable prices.

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Crafty DIY Projects That Every Cook Can Use in The Kitchen

August 2, 2016 by

Picture the kitchen of your dreams. Is it neat and organized? Stylish and chic? Or perhaps it's a combination of all the above! Either way, these do-it-yourself projects can help you add storage and personality to your kitchen!

Copper Paper Towel Holder [almostmakesperfect.com]
Love modern design? If so, this copper paper towel holder will add some modern style to your cooking area. The end result may look expensive, but the materials are very affordable — and it's easy to make!

Tiered Fruit Basket
Display fruits and vegetables without taking up counter space by making this three-tiered hanging fruit basket. Its sturdy chains make it able to hold a good deal of weight, while its wooden bases create flat surfaces for your produce to rest upon. [alwaysrooney.com]

Stitched Hot Pads [purlsoho.com]
Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen or to add to your collection of textiles, these adorable stitched hot pads are the perfect project. Even the most novice crafter can easily stitch together the fabric scraps used for these hot pads, and by mixing and matching fabrics, you can create a whimsical look that's sure to bring some big style to your space.

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Looking to Upgrade Your Bathroom? Try These DIY Projects

June 7, 2016 by

The bathroom is often one of the most neglected rooms in any home, but with a few simple updates, this high-traffic area can become a soothing oasis. Transform your rental bathroom into an at-home spa with these stylish (and affordable!) DIY projects.

  1. Improve the lighting. If your bathroom is dull and dark, brighten things up by adding lighting that works for you. You can switch out pendant lights (as long as you're able to switch them back when you move out), or add hanging lamps around the sink to add additional lighting.
  2. Create your own custom shelving using reclaimed wood. Just about everyone could use a bit of extra storage in their bathroom, and it's easier than you think to gain extra space. Try hanging antique wood crates on the wall, or make your own shelves by tying wooden shelves on hooks with some rustic ropes.
  3. Weave your own bathmat. Add a colorful, eclectic look to your bathroom by weaving your own bathmat. Use fabric rope in a variety of colors to create your own unique color scheme.
  4. Add vintage furniture. If you have unused space in your bathroom, fill it with furniture pieces that you might not usually expect to see in a bathroom. A small armoire or even an antique vanity looks chic and unexpected — and best of all, it adds some extra storage.

The 10 Best DIY Bathroom Projects [DIY Network]

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Working From Home? Add These Essentials to Your Home Office

May 3, 2016 by

In an era when working from home is becomingly increasingly common, there's a great chance that at least one member of your household occasionally works remotely. That means there's probably a home office (or, at least, a desk and chair) tucked away somewhere in your apartment. If you want to make your work-from-home space a more pleasant workplace, here are four components you should add.

  1. An office chair that's both chic and comfy. Any chair that you'll be sitting in all day long should be equal parts aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. So when you search for your home office chair, don't prize form over function, or vice versa—they're both important. Test drive as many chairs as it takes to find the one that keeps you comfy and jives with your office style.
  2. A lamp emitting warm light. When you work in a standard office, you're forced to make do with whatever the lighting situation is there. But when you work from home, you have the final say over the atmosphere in which you spend your day. So instead of accepting harsh overhead lights as an unavoidable reality, find a cute lamp that cloaks the room in a warm, glowing light to make working more enjoyable.
  3. A set of floating shelves. If you're running out of room in your desk drawers to stow those stacks of post-it notes, improvise more storage space by adding floating shelves. They're not only functional pieces, but also a design statement—plus, the display will force you to keep the office supplies organized.
  4. A coffee maker. Okay, so a coffee maker isn't a design element first and foremost, but it can be if you choose the right one. Find a coffee maker with a four-cup pot in a hue that suits your space, and fire it up as soon as you start working in the morning. It might help you dive into the day a little bit easier. You can also opt for a an espresso machine or electric tea kettle, depending on your caffeinated beverage of choice.

Essentials for a Home Office [The Every Girl]
17 Surprising Home Office Ideas [Real Simple]
5 Mistakes Everybody Makes Decorating Their Home Office [Apartment Therapy]

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Damage-Free Ways to Display Wall Decor at Marquis at Katy

February 2, 2016 by

When you live in a rental, you want to leave behind as little damage as possible to keep the unit in top shape (and insure that ever-important security deposit). In many cases, that means finding new and creative ways to hang posters, paintings, and other wall decor without taking a hammer to the walls. Here are just a few ideas for creating damage-free wall displays.

  • Use Command strips. These handy tools from the trusted 3M brand are lifesavers for many renters. Simply stick the sturdy adhesive back to your frame, stick the other side to the wall and attach the two with the equally strong Velcro strips. When it comes time to move out, they simply peel off the wall without leaving any residue behind.
  • Try monkey hooks. Monkey hooks are complicated looking metal hooks that are actually quite simple. The slim, curved devices have long ends that push into the wall and create a hole not much larger than a pinpoint, and then they push back out of the wall to create a loop that can hold frames weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Stick on poster putty. For lightweight wall hangings without frames, tried-and-true poster putty is always a safe bet. Simply tack on small dots of this unobtrusive putty to hang posters without nails or tacks showing through—or damaging your walls.

How to hang a picture without hammer and nails [SheKnows]
Hang Pictures on a Wall [Lowe’s]
How to Hang Pictures Without Destroying Your Walls [Lifehacker]
How To: Hang a Frame Without Leaving a Mark [Apartment Therapy]

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Pro Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Neat and Organized

December 2, 2015 by

​Even if you’re not a particularly neat person by nature, it’s important to keep your bedroom organized in order to promote a better night’s sleep and help you to get ready faster in the mornings. Here are a few smart tips from the pros that will show you how to make your bedroom look neat and tidy by bedtime tonight.

  1. Clear out anything that isn’t meant to be there. Many people fall into a habit of dragging unused belongings into the bedroom (or the bedroom closet), and putting them in their rightful places will leave you with a blank slate.
  2. Take a peek into your closet and consider the storage options. Add additional shelving, drawers or storage bins to make your closet work better for you—and your wardrobe.
  3. Invest in a hamper. If you don’t already have a designated space for your dirty laundry that you can easily reach for, get one. In fact, get two hampers so that you can separate your lights and darks as soon as you take off your dirty clothes.
  4. Minimize furniture. Most people have far too much furniture in their bedrooms, so get rid of anything that you don’t actually need. You’ll be amazed at how much extra space you have!
  5. Make the bed. This is one of the quickest and simplest things that you can do to create the illusion of an organized bedroom.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Organized [Eversave]
Achieve Better Sleep: 7 Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Bedroom [HuffPost Healthy Living]
Tips for an Organized Bedroom [One Good Thing]

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How to Incorporate Antiques Into Modern Decor

June 2, 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 Add Organic Touch to Your Home’s Decor

May 5, 2015 by

Going organic doesn’t end at the grocery store. In fact, there are a number of different ways that you can incorporate organic elements throughout your entire home. Here are just a few great ways to add a natural touch to the decor in your living space.

  • Create a nature-inspired vignette. If you admire something beautiful on your morning walk, such as a unique branch or a particularly interesting stone, add it to a stack of books on a tabletop to create a flawless vignette.
  • Create stone hot pads. Glue smooth, flat stones to the surface of simple kitchen hot pads to keep your countertops protected from hot pots and pans.
  • Choose natural rugs. Soft, organic materials like jute and hemp look beautiful when woven into a rug, and they’re much friendlier on the environment than synthetic versions.
  • Create organic centerpieces. The next time you host a dinner party, fill a ceramic vase with foraged tree branches or add pine cones to a clear bowl for a unique centerpiece inspired by the outdoors.
  • Change up your drapes. One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors in is by allowing as much natural light as possible into your home. Switch out heavy drapes with soft, sheer panels to maximize the light.

Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes & Gardens]
10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside [Freshome]
Decorating with Natural Elements from Natural Kitchen and Home [Pinterest]

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