Lots of people live in a small home, a small room, or just a small space. Some people live in a small apartment because that's all they can afford, and they're grateful for it. Some people live in a small apartment or home because they're tired of taking care of a larger place and want to "downsize."
Others just don't want a large home. Small is beautiful! And easy, and practical, too!
But no matter what your reason for living in a small space, you'll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating, get really organized, and make some adjustments to your lifestyle in order to make everything fit and not feel cramped.
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate space, you're in luck. By using soft, snuggly upholstered pieces, dark, warm tones, and dramatic lighting, your tiny corner can become a wonderful private space.
But if you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls! With color, furniture arranging, and interesting lighting, your space won't feel so cramped.
See if some of our tips will work for your small space.
Clear Out the Clutter
There's nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff. Work out ways to get collections out of view, organized behind doors, table skirts, or on shelves. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open.
Open the Way
With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and out to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you'll open up the space and make it feel larger. You can also choose short pieces of furniture like an ottoman, an armless, open chair, or a low table, and place large, tall pieces along a wall rather than out in the open space. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger.
Chooser Soft, Light Hues
Whereas dark, warm colors make a space feel cozy and intimate, light, cool colors make a space feel open and airy. For optimum effect, select soft tones of blues and greens.
Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
Choose colors that are in the same color family and use tone-on-tone woven upholstery fabrics, textured wall finishes, delicate tonal drapery fabrics. Cool colors and delicate warm colors on most surfaces give the room a more open look.
Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors
Contrasting colors tend to break up a space. Pieces of furniture are less interrupting and tend to blend with the space if they're colored to match the wall color For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson. Central NJ Apartments. After a day of hard work you can relax in your luxury rental apartment and buy undergarments for yourself or your loved one online here. You can check out the women’s clothing undergarment blogs and shapewear here, here, here and here. For shapewear and it’s a great place to buy women’s undergarments.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
4 Tips on Making Your New Neighborhood Work for You
It’s tempting to rent an apartment based just on the square footage and rent. But you’re not going to just sit in your apartment every night and weekend. So, before you move into a new apartment, though, make sure the surrounding neighborhood or community suits your needs.
Check out the After Hours Transportation:. Of course everyone thinks about their work commute. But make sure that you’re conveniently situated for safe, convenient transportation to other places you like to visit, whether that’s the beach or your sister’s home. Whether you’re expecting to use the New York City subway or drive LA’s freeways, check out your transportation routes in advance Where’s the Community Spirit? Some neighborhoods enjoy long-established traditions such as a Halloween parade, block parties, or summer outdoor concert series. Contact the block association, local paper, or local merchants association to find out what your new neighborhood has to offer—and find out how to get involved, too. After all, if you move into your new apartment in September, you might not realize that there’s Christmas caroling or a New Year’s Eve street party in December, or a free community swim in July. Finding Pet-and-Child-Friendly Places. It’s wonderful to have neighbors who can pitch in if you’re in a crunch. If you are a single parent, check out the parent networks by visiting the playgrounds, the schools, the after school programs. Or, if you own a dog, you might want to find out whether there is a dog run, an organized group of dog-.lovers in your new area. Find Your Fellow Hobbyist. Make sure you can indulge in your favorite hobbies or activities close to home. If you love to cook, is there a farmer’s market or gourmet food shop nearby? If you’re a tennis player, cyclist, or marathoner, is there a place nearby where you can pick up a game of tennis, bike, or run a few miles, and meet other runners? If group knitting or tutoring school kids are your passion, make sure there’s someplace convenient where you can indulge yourself. For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Check out the After Hours Transportation:. Of course everyone thinks about their work commute. But make sure that you’re conveniently situated for safe, convenient transportation to other places you like to visit, whether that’s the beach or your sister’s home. Whether you’re expecting to use the New York City subway or drive LA’s freeways, check out your transportation routes in advance Where’s the Community Spirit? Some neighborhoods enjoy long-established traditions such as a Halloween parade, block parties, or summer outdoor concert series. Contact the block association, local paper, or local merchants association to find out what your new neighborhood has to offer—and find out how to get involved, too. After all, if you move into your new apartment in September, you might not realize that there’s Christmas caroling or a New Year’s Eve street party in December, or a free community swim in July. Finding Pet-and-Child-Friendly Places. It’s wonderful to have neighbors who can pitch in if you’re in a crunch. If you are a single parent, check out the parent networks by visiting the playgrounds, the schools, the after school programs. Or, if you own a dog, you might want to find out whether there is a dog run, an organized group of dog-.lovers in your new area. Find Your Fellow Hobbyist. Make sure you can indulge in your favorite hobbies or activities close to home. If you love to cook, is there a farmer’s market or gourmet food shop nearby? If you’re a tennis player, cyclist, or marathoner, is there a place nearby where you can pick up a game of tennis, bike, or run a few miles, and meet other runners? If group knitting or tutoring school kids are your passion, make sure there’s someplace convenient where you can indulge yourself. For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tips On Apartment Hunting
Timing is Crucial The housing market is competitive, especially for affordable apartments. Be prepared to make decisions quickly and be flexible by a week or two with your plans. Start your search no earlier than four weeks before your desired move-in date since tenants are not required to give landlords more than 30 days’ notice of their move-out dates. Make apartment hunting your life for two or three weeks - that should be enough time to get familiar with the market and find what you are looking for.
Focus Your Search According to Your Budget New York City is an expensive housing market and you will likely be forced to make compromises in your choice. Monthly rents will vary depending on several factors; the most important of which is location, followed by apartment size and then amenities.
Decide if You Are Willing to Share an Apartment – You can cut costs by sharing a large one bedroom. To find a roommate, check the listings for apartment shares in the OCHA Housing Registry. Consider Where You Can Afford to Live - Manhattan apartments are in the greatest demand and consequently rents are the highest here compared to other boroughs or nearby suburbs. In most areas of Manhattan, you will have great difficulty finding a studio apartment for less than $1,300-$1,400 per month. In contrast, there are areas just outside Manhattan (within a 30-40 minute commute) where you can find a decent studio apartment to rent for $850-$1,000 per month. Determine What Size Apartment Fits Your Budget and What Amenities You Can Do Without - Squeezing into a smaller apartment than your ideal and a willingness to accept some commonly perceived flaws such as street noise or lack of view or natural light may save you some money. In addition, rents will vary with the type of building in which the apartment is located such as whether or not the building has a doorman or an elevator.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Focus Your Search According to Your Budget New York City is an expensive housing market and you will likely be forced to make compromises in your choice. Monthly rents will vary depending on several factors; the most important of which is location, followed by apartment size and then amenities.
Decide if You Are Willing to Share an Apartment – You can cut costs by sharing a large one bedroom. To find a roommate, check the listings for apartment shares in the OCHA Housing Registry. Consider Where You Can Afford to Live - Manhattan apartments are in the greatest demand and consequently rents are the highest here compared to other boroughs or nearby suburbs. In most areas of Manhattan, you will have great difficulty finding a studio apartment for less than $1,300-$1,400 per month. In contrast, there are areas just outside Manhattan (within a 30-40 minute commute) where you can find a decent studio apartment to rent for $850-$1,000 per month. Determine What Size Apartment Fits Your Budget and What Amenities You Can Do Without - Squeezing into a smaller apartment than your ideal and a willingness to accept some commonly perceived flaws such as street noise or lack of view or natural light may save you some money. In addition, rents will vary with the type of building in which the apartment is located such as whether or not the building has a doorman or an elevator.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Thursday, December 4, 2008
EVALUATE THE SPACE
1. EVALUATE THE SPACE
Since many first digs are smaller than closets and darker than medieval dungeons (sorry, we're a little bitter), it helps to know how to play down your apartment's bad points. Then take a look around your new surroundings and make a list of its aesthetic pros and cons. Does it have big windows but low ceilings? Great wood floors but a boxy, square feel? While emphasizing positive qualities takes little or no effort, counteracting undesirable elements is a bit harder. Here's some help:One-room living (studios and dorm rooms)Dark roomsTiny roomsBoxy roomsLow ceilings
One-room living (studios and dorm rooms)
You eat there, you sleep there, you watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire? there - all in that one, single, solitary room. Can you say "stir crazy?" While studios and dorm rooms can be a bit claustrophobic, they suck a lot less if they're pleasing to the eye and well arranged. With single-room living spaces, you have two options. You can either keep the room as spacious and open as possible, or you can divide it into areas of activity by using screens and/or large pieces of furniture that appear to "section off" one area from the next. Depending on the size of your place, the décor you choose and your lifestyle (whether or not you'll be doing a lot of work there, entertaining often, etc.), you can decide which option is better for you. Either way, be sure to keep it simple. Limit your color palette, and avoid clutter and excess furniture. Consider getting a two-in-one piece like a sofa bed or a futon to save space.
Dark rooms
No, not rooms where you develop your photos, silly. We mean rooms that resemble prehistoric caves. Don't know what time of day it is until you go outside? Well, brighten up dark rooms with light-colored walls, sheer curtains and plenty of plants. Mirrors also help by reflecting light and limiting the appearance of shadows. Opt for blinds instead of shades on your windows, and choose minimal lampshades with a translucent effect.
Tiny rooms
We can relate to the shoebox syndrome. Go with pale, cool colors, and fill the space with as little furniture as possible. Instead of a free-standing bookcase, for instance, try a shelf that's mounted to the wall with brackets. Also, if your room is really small, avoid busy patterns on items like curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads.
Boxy rooms
Adding character to a boxy room is fun because you get to break all the rules. The key is to create a focal point in the room. Paint one wall a different color than the rest, or hang up a funky mural or tapestry. Other focal point ideas include an attention-grabbing piece of furniture, or a ceiling covered with gauzy fabric and stick-on stars.
Low ceilings
Feel like the sky is falling? Raise the roof by using up-tilting lamps to cast as much light on it as possible. Paint the ceiling a shimmery, satiny, pale color, and do the walls one or two shades darker. Draw attention to the bottom half of the room with floor cushions, interesting rugs and low-to-the-ground seating.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Since many first digs are smaller than closets and darker than medieval dungeons (sorry, we're a little bitter), it helps to know how to play down your apartment's bad points. Then take a look around your new surroundings and make a list of its aesthetic pros and cons. Does it have big windows but low ceilings? Great wood floors but a boxy, square feel? While emphasizing positive qualities takes little or no effort, counteracting undesirable elements is a bit harder. Here's some help:One-room living (studios and dorm rooms)Dark roomsTiny roomsBoxy roomsLow ceilings
One-room living (studios and dorm rooms)
You eat there, you sleep there, you watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire? there - all in that one, single, solitary room. Can you say "stir crazy?" While studios and dorm rooms can be a bit claustrophobic, they suck a lot less if they're pleasing to the eye and well arranged. With single-room living spaces, you have two options. You can either keep the room as spacious and open as possible, or you can divide it into areas of activity by using screens and/or large pieces of furniture that appear to "section off" one area from the next. Depending on the size of your place, the décor you choose and your lifestyle (whether or not you'll be doing a lot of work there, entertaining often, etc.), you can decide which option is better for you. Either way, be sure to keep it simple. Limit your color palette, and avoid clutter and excess furniture. Consider getting a two-in-one piece like a sofa bed or a futon to save space.
Dark rooms
No, not rooms where you develop your photos, silly. We mean rooms that resemble prehistoric caves. Don't know what time of day it is until you go outside? Well, brighten up dark rooms with light-colored walls, sheer curtains and plenty of plants. Mirrors also help by reflecting light and limiting the appearance of shadows. Opt for blinds instead of shades on your windows, and choose minimal lampshades with a translucent effect.
Tiny rooms
We can relate to the shoebox syndrome. Go with pale, cool colors, and fill the space with as little furniture as possible. Instead of a free-standing bookcase, for instance, try a shelf that's mounted to the wall with brackets. Also, if your room is really small, avoid busy patterns on items like curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads.
Boxy rooms
Adding character to a boxy room is fun because you get to break all the rules. The key is to create a focal point in the room. Paint one wall a different color than the rest, or hang up a funky mural or tapestry. Other focal point ideas include an attention-grabbing piece of furniture, or a ceiling covered with gauzy fabric and stick-on stars.
Low ceilings
Feel like the sky is falling? Raise the roof by using up-tilting lamps to cast as much light on it as possible. Paint the ceiling a shimmery, satiny, pale color, and do the walls one or two shades darker. Draw attention to the bottom half of the room with floor cushions, interesting rugs and low-to-the-ground seating.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, December 1, 2008
Renting An Apartment After Foreclosure
This article is for those homeowners who have decided that they can not keep their current home and are seeking to move on, instead of trying to work out a solution that will stop foreclosure.
The situation may be due to a new job in another state that requires a move, a precipitous drop in income that is expected to last long-term, or other circumstances. Because of their poor credit from the foreclosure and falling behind in other debts, however, these homeowners may have a difficult time being able to rent an apartment and start their lives over.
Most landlords will not want to discover the fact that the homeowners are currently behind on their mortgage payments or had faced a very recent foreclosure. That will indicate to them that the apartment applicants do not take their housing payment obligations very seriously, and may pay the rent late or not at all. The foreclosure victims will have to find a way around the credit check, if they are serious about renting an apartment and proving their financial integrity.
One way they can do this is to find a landlord that they know, or talk to someone (friends/family) in the area that in which they want to move, and ask if they know of anyone that would allow apartment rentals without a credit check. The key is for the homeowners to let the potential landlord know that their credit is not great at the present time, and that they are not willing to damage it even further with more inquiries, but that they want to have an opportunity to start recovering their financial situation. A lot of landlords will be reasonable if the situation is explained to them very clearly, and if the former homeowners make a good first impression.
If the foreclosure victims do not know any friendly contacts in the area, though, they will have to offer the landlord an incentive to decide not to pull their credit histories and discover the late payments and foreclosure. For this purpose, they can offer an extra amount as a security deposit, or offer to pay an extra 2-3 months rent up-front, in exchange for the landlord not conducting a credit check.
The offer of more money is a very powerful incentive for landlords, as they will be able to use the extra resources for current projects and investments. If the former homeowners need a "cover story" to explain their unwillingness to have their credit pulled, they can use the one in the paragraph above, or simply inform the landlord that they are very private and do not want to give out their social security number and financial information to anyone, since they have been a victim of identity theft in the past.
This can be useful to explain their poor credit situation as well as the reason they can not give away any personal information that can be used to pull a credit report. Extra cash in the form of a security deposit or extra rent will usually help the landlord see things from the foreclosure victims' perspective.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
The situation may be due to a new job in another state that requires a move, a precipitous drop in income that is expected to last long-term, or other circumstances. Because of their poor credit from the foreclosure and falling behind in other debts, however, these homeowners may have a difficult time being able to rent an apartment and start their lives over.
Most landlords will not want to discover the fact that the homeowners are currently behind on their mortgage payments or had faced a very recent foreclosure. That will indicate to them that the apartment applicants do not take their housing payment obligations very seriously, and may pay the rent late or not at all. The foreclosure victims will have to find a way around the credit check, if they are serious about renting an apartment and proving their financial integrity.
One way they can do this is to find a landlord that they know, or talk to someone (friends/family) in the area that in which they want to move, and ask if they know of anyone that would allow apartment rentals without a credit check. The key is for the homeowners to let the potential landlord know that their credit is not great at the present time, and that they are not willing to damage it even further with more inquiries, but that they want to have an opportunity to start recovering their financial situation. A lot of landlords will be reasonable if the situation is explained to them very clearly, and if the former homeowners make a good first impression.
If the foreclosure victims do not know any friendly contacts in the area, though, they will have to offer the landlord an incentive to decide not to pull their credit histories and discover the late payments and foreclosure. For this purpose, they can offer an extra amount as a security deposit, or offer to pay an extra 2-3 months rent up-front, in exchange for the landlord not conducting a credit check.
The offer of more money is a very powerful incentive for landlords, as they will be able to use the extra resources for current projects and investments. If the former homeowners need a "cover story" to explain their unwillingness to have their credit pulled, they can use the one in the paragraph above, or simply inform the landlord that they are very private and do not want to give out their social security number and financial information to anyone, since they have been a victim of identity theft in the past.
This can be useful to explain their poor credit situation as well as the reason they can not give away any personal information that can be used to pull a credit report. Extra cash in the form of a security deposit or extra rent will usually help the landlord see things from the foreclosure victims' perspective.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Rise of the Panama Apartment Rental Industry
With a progression from the late 1990’s into early 2000, the Republic of Panama began to realize it’s potential for tourism and real estate as viable economically sustainable industries. Up until that point, Panama had relied, unswervingly albeit, on trade, banking and agriculture: but with the rush of a new century and timely changes in international investment and travel patterns, Panamanians found themselves sitting on a proverbial goldmine.
The first real thrust was the real estate boom which anchored itself in Panama City and the rural eco-town of Boquete. This boom came to be symbolized by radical changes in skylines, giant increases in building materials and labor, as well as a need to draw people to the isthmus.
Enter the resulting tourism roar, characterized by the nation’s tourism board (IPAT), spending millions of dollars throughout the world to promote Panama as a tropical vacation destination. This campaign saw TV commercials, magazine ads, and an overall buzz about a Panama, which so few people even knew.
The original goal in Panama, as was in similar destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico, was to use tourism to drive real estate sales. But with the investment sector already so well underway in 2007, tourists found themselves arriving in Panama to an oversupply of real estate and an undersupply of hotels, especially in the capital city.
The obvious way to cope with this imbalance was to utilize that which Panama City had plenty of (condominiums) and use them to fill the void (hotel rooms). As a result a number of property management companies arose, offering both short and long term stays to tourists in apartments.
Fully furnished apartments were welcomed warmly by tourists, who truthfully preferred living like a local as opposed to the generic hotel room they’d become accustomed to over the years. Condo hotspots like Punta Pacifica, Avenida Balboa, El Cangrejo, and Casco Viejo (the old quarter) began to see clients flock to their product, offering maid service, cable TV, wireless internet, and full kitchens: all the luxuries of a hotel but more space and more privacy.
In 2008, a record number of new hotels were announced to fill the supposed void. But many tourists found themselves liking too much the lifestyle that Panama apartments for rent provided. Further, businessmen and businesswomen in town for weeks to months at a time, decided to stick with the model of rental apartments, thus keeping the industry healthy and alive.
What the future will bring to Panama no one knows. But over the past decade, trends and voids have seemed to even themselves out impressively, allowing the now-booming tourism industry to do what it does best: show off a beautiful country.
The first real thrust was the real estate boom which anchored itself in Panama City and the rural eco-town of Boquete. This boom came to be symbolized by radical changes in skylines, giant increases in building materials and labor, as well as a need to draw people to the isthmus.
Enter the resulting tourism roar, characterized by the nation’s tourism board (IPAT), spending millions of dollars throughout the world to promote Panama as a tropical vacation destination. This campaign saw TV commercials, magazine ads, and an overall buzz about a Panama, which so few people even knew.
The original goal in Panama, as was in similar destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico, was to use tourism to drive real estate sales. But with the investment sector already so well underway in 2007, tourists found themselves arriving in Panama to an oversupply of real estate and an undersupply of hotels, especially in the capital city.
The obvious way to cope with this imbalance was to utilize that which Panama City had plenty of (condominiums) and use them to fill the void (hotel rooms). As a result a number of property management companies arose, offering both short and long term stays to tourists in apartments.
Fully furnished apartments were welcomed warmly by tourists, who truthfully preferred living like a local as opposed to the generic hotel room they’d become accustomed to over the years. Condo hotspots like Punta Pacifica, Avenida Balboa, El Cangrejo, and Casco Viejo (the old quarter) began to see clients flock to their product, offering maid service, cable TV, wireless internet, and full kitchens: all the luxuries of a hotel but more space and more privacy.
In 2008, a record number of new hotels were announced to fill the supposed void. But many tourists found themselves liking too much the lifestyle that Panama apartments for rent provided. Further, businessmen and businesswomen in town for weeks to months at a time, decided to stick with the model of rental apartments, thus keeping the industry healthy and alive.
What the future will bring to Panama no one knows. But over the past decade, trends and voids have seemed to even themselves out impressively, allowing the now-booming tourism industry to do what it does best: show off a beautiful country.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
The Rise of the Panama Apartment Rental Industry
With a progression from the late 1990’s into early 2000, the Republic of Panama began to realize it’s potential for tourism and real estate as viable economically sustainable industries. Up until that point, Panama had relied, unswervingly albeit, on trade, banking and agriculture: but with the rush of a new century and timely changes in international investment and travel patterns, Panamanians found themselves sitting on a proverbial goldmine.
The first real thrust was the real estate boom which anchored itself in Panama City and the rural eco-town of Boquete. This boom came to be symbolized by radical changes in skylines, giant increases in building materials and labor, as well as a need to draw people to the isthmus.
Enter the resulting tourism roar, characterized by the nation’s tourism board (IPAT), spending millions of dollars throughout the world to promote Panama as a tropical vacation destination. This campaign saw TV commercials, magazine ads, and an overall buzz about a Panama, which so few people even knew.
The original goal in Panama, as was in similar destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico, was to use tourism to drive real estate sales. But with the investment sector already so well underway in 2007, tourists found themselves arriving in Panama to an oversupply of real estate and an undersupply of hotels, especially in the capital city.
The obvious way to cope with this imbalance was to utilize that which Panama City had plenty of (condominiums) and use them to fill the void (hotel rooms). As a result a number of property management companies arose, offering both short and long term stays to tourists in apartments.
Fully furnished apartments were welcomed warmly by tourists, who truthfully preferred living like a local as opposed to the generic hotel room they’d become accustomed to over the years. Condo hotspots like Punta Pacifica, Avenida Balboa, El Cangrejo, and Casco Viejo (the old quarter) began to see clients flock to their product, offering maid service, cable TV, wireless internet, and full kitchens: all the luxuries of a hotel but more space and more privacy.
In 2008, a record number of new hotels were announced to fill the supposed void. But many tourists found themselves liking too much the lifestyle that Panama apartments for rent provided. Further, businessmen and businesswomen in town for weeks to months at a time, decided to stick with the model of rental apartments, thus keeping the industry healthy and alive.
What the future will bring to Panama no one knows. But over the past decade, trends and voids have seemed to even themselves out impressively, allowing the now-booming tourism industry to do what it does best: show off a beautiful country.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
The first real thrust was the real estate boom which anchored itself in Panama City and the rural eco-town of Boquete. This boom came to be symbolized by radical changes in skylines, giant increases in building materials and labor, as well as a need to draw people to the isthmus.
Enter the resulting tourism roar, characterized by the nation’s tourism board (IPAT), spending millions of dollars throughout the world to promote Panama as a tropical vacation destination. This campaign saw TV commercials, magazine ads, and an overall buzz about a Panama, which so few people even knew.
The original goal in Panama, as was in similar destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico, was to use tourism to drive real estate sales. But with the investment sector already so well underway in 2007, tourists found themselves arriving in Panama to an oversupply of real estate and an undersupply of hotels, especially in the capital city.
The obvious way to cope with this imbalance was to utilize that which Panama City had plenty of (condominiums) and use them to fill the void (hotel rooms). As a result a number of property management companies arose, offering both short and long term stays to tourists in apartments.
Fully furnished apartments were welcomed warmly by tourists, who truthfully preferred living like a local as opposed to the generic hotel room they’d become accustomed to over the years. Condo hotspots like Punta Pacifica, Avenida Balboa, El Cangrejo, and Casco Viejo (the old quarter) began to see clients flock to their product, offering maid service, cable TV, wireless internet, and full kitchens: all the luxuries of a hotel but more space and more privacy.
In 2008, a record number of new hotels were announced to fill the supposed void. But many tourists found themselves liking too much the lifestyle that Panama apartments for rent provided. Further, businessmen and businesswomen in town for weeks to months at a time, decided to stick with the model of rental apartments, thus keeping the industry healthy and alive.
What the future will bring to Panama no one knows. But over the past decade, trends and voids have seemed to even themselves out impressively, allowing the now-booming tourism industry to do what it does best: show off a beautiful country.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Single Room Living
Single Room Living
How to make small studio apartments look – and feel – more spaciousBy Lisa Mortillaro
A tiny studio apartment can function as well – and look as good – as a much larger home. Multipurpose furniture and a mimimum of clutter are key. Photo courtesy of Use What You Have Decorating.When interior decorator Miles Reed closes the lid on his bathtub, located in the bathroom, it suddenly becomes a chopping block, now located in the kitchen.Miles decorated his 550-square-foot New York studio apartment by concealing, elevating and stacking – three essentials of living comfortably in a small single space.There are definite challenges of living in one room. But with the correct balance of storage, dividers, furniture, color and lighting, a tiny studio apartment can resemble a four-room apartment. "Whether you rent or buy your living space," explains Lauri Ward, author of "Use What You Have Decorating" (Perigee, 1998; 226 pages, $15.95), "the quieter and more peaceful it is for you visually, the larger your space will feel."Cut clutter "No matter how creative you are with your décor," says Anne Wait, interior designer and owner of Los Angeles, Calif.-based AW Design Inc., "the key to single-room living is organization – removing every morsel of clutter." If it's not a piece of furniture or an important or usable accessory, it has no business in your home.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
How to make small studio apartments look – and feel – more spaciousBy Lisa Mortillaro
A tiny studio apartment can function as well – and look as good – as a much larger home. Multipurpose furniture and a mimimum of clutter are key. Photo courtesy of Use What You Have Decorating.When interior decorator Miles Reed closes the lid on his bathtub, located in the bathroom, it suddenly becomes a chopping block, now located in the kitchen.Miles decorated his 550-square-foot New York studio apartment by concealing, elevating and stacking – three essentials of living comfortably in a small single space.There are definite challenges of living in one room. But with the correct balance of storage, dividers, furniture, color and lighting, a tiny studio apartment can resemble a four-room apartment. "Whether you rent or buy your living space," explains Lauri Ward, author of "Use What You Have Decorating" (Perigee, 1998; 226 pages, $15.95), "the quieter and more peaceful it is for you visually, the larger your space will feel."Cut clutter "No matter how creative you are with your décor," says Anne Wait, interior designer and owner of Los Angeles, Calif.-based AW Design Inc., "the key to single-room living is organization – removing every morsel of clutter." If it's not a piece of furniture or an important or usable accessory, it has no business in your home.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Some Cleaning Tips For Your Apartment
Every now and then I pick up some great tips and ideas to help give my place that clean, gleaming feel with as little stress as possible. Cleaning and keeping your apartment in tip-top guest shape can be an overwhelming thought when you are limited for time. Then, sometimes, no matter how hard you clean and try to keep your place in shape, it just gets out of shape again...
Here are a couple of tips to help you keep your place suited for visitors and keep them from going "Ewww."
Sparkling Mirrors - I used to get so frustrated that every time I cleaned my mirror, it always ended up spotty. Turns out I was doing a major thing wrong. I was spraying the mirror directly with Windex rather than on a clean lint-free cloth. To get sparkling results in your mirror cleaning spray commercial window cleaner on a lintless cloth like an old T-shirt and wipe down the mirror. Dry immediately with another clean lintless cloth to prevent streaking. Do this once every couple of weeks and you'll be sure to impress when your guests are glancing back at themselves.
Handle the Wobblemeister - Have a wobbly chair or table? Don't pull the restaurant fix and shove a folded napkin or sugar packets underneath. A much better solution is to re-use old corks. Just take an old wine cork, cut a horizontal slice, and place it underneath the leg of the chair or table that is doing the wobble-wobble.
Fresh Flowers - Don't receive flowers as often as you'd like? Let your man know he needs to pick up his game and then try extending the life of the ones you do get. A common solution for this is to make sure and cut the stem of the flower at an angle rather than straight across , but for even better results and a longer lasting flower, add a little bit of sugar and a small amount of an acidic ingredient like Sprite, which allows for better water absorption. But...you should still get on your man about stepping up his game...
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Here are a couple of tips to help you keep your place suited for visitors and keep them from going "Ewww."
Sparkling Mirrors - I used to get so frustrated that every time I cleaned my mirror, it always ended up spotty. Turns out I was doing a major thing wrong. I was spraying the mirror directly with Windex rather than on a clean lint-free cloth. To get sparkling results in your mirror cleaning spray commercial window cleaner on a lintless cloth like an old T-shirt and wipe down the mirror. Dry immediately with another clean lintless cloth to prevent streaking. Do this once every couple of weeks and you'll be sure to impress when your guests are glancing back at themselves.
Handle the Wobblemeister - Have a wobbly chair or table? Don't pull the restaurant fix and shove a folded napkin or sugar packets underneath. A much better solution is to re-use old corks. Just take an old wine cork, cut a horizontal slice, and place it underneath the leg of the chair or table that is doing the wobble-wobble.
Fresh Flowers - Don't receive flowers as often as you'd like? Let your man know he needs to pick up his game and then try extending the life of the ones you do get. A common solution for this is to make sure and cut the stem of the flower at an angle rather than straight across , but for even better results and a longer lasting flower, add a little bit of sugar and a small amount of an acidic ingredient like Sprite, which allows for better water absorption. But...you should still get on your man about stepping up his game...
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Friday, November 7, 2008
How To Get Out Of Your Apartment Lease
Negotiate a lease-break agreement. If your lease doesn't already have a lease-break clause which specifies what you must do in order to break the lease, then you'll have to work this out with the landlord. Some negotiation points:
Offer up part or all of your security deposit Offer to continue paying rent for 1-2 months after you vacate Volunteer to find the next tenant to sign a new lease (you shoulder the costs of placing ads, costs of any screening, and showing the unit to prospective tenants) This is the best way to get out of a lease because you won't burn bridges and taint your rental history. The remainder of these steps will only work under laws which vary from place to place, and you may end up needing to hire a lawyer. Even then, sometimes the law will only require the landlord to address the issue, not let you out of your lease. Find something in your apartment that is dangerous. Your landlord is required to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health and safety of an ordinary tenant.[1] You have to specify this condition in a notice certified return receipt to the place of which rent is normally paid, and you can’t owe any rent. In most cases, you must give the landlord time to make the repair, and send another written notice before you can take legal action.[2] Also, you as the tenant or any of your friends can’t cause this condition so don’t take a sledge hammer to your smoke detector. Examples of these conditions might be:
mold broken smoke detectors severely loose railing on your balcony holes in carpeting that could trip someone security issues (e.g. broken lock or doorknob) Does your apartment look like the model they showed you when you leased? This one works a lot better when you have only lived in your apartment a short period of time. Most states have a Deceptive Trade Practices Act that prevents businesses from employing a "bait and switch" sales tactic. A lot of cases have recently come out against apartments that show you a ridiculously nice model that in no way is representative of the unit they gave you the keys to when you moved in. The repercussions in most Deceptive Trade Practices Acts are severe, and your apartment community will probably offer to pay you to move out once they get wind of a Deceptive Trade Practices Act suit against them. But, you may only be entitled to up to three times your damages plus any court costs and attorney’s fees involved[3] which doesn't necessarily mean you can terminate your lease.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
How to conduct your home inventory
Now that you know what you need, here’s how to get started:
Systematically go through your house or apartment one room at a time*. List down each item in the room, including the contents of desks, drawers, closets, etc. Describe each item as completely as possible, recording all the details as discussed in the previous section. When you’ve finished all the rooms in your house, don’t forget the garage, patio, outside buildings, etc. *You might be tempted to skip from one room to the next recording the “high dollar” items only. But, while this is better than nothing, remember that the “little items” can really add up also, and in the event of a disaster, these items might be the most difficult to remember.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Systematically go through your house or apartment one room at a time*. List down each item in the room, including the contents of desks, drawers, closets, etc. Describe each item as completely as possible, recording all the details as discussed in the previous section. When you’ve finished all the rooms in your house, don’t forget the garage, patio, outside buildings, etc. *You might be tempted to skip from one room to the next recording the “high dollar” items only. But, while this is better than nothing, remember that the “little items” can really add up also, and in the event of a disaster, these items might be the most difficult to remember.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, October 27, 2008
Whether you are renting furniture
Whether you are renting furniture or a car, there are things you will want to keep in mind. Renting means that you are borrowing from somewhere or someone. It also means you are potentially liable for the item, so it can pay to know what your options are if something goes wrong. It also makes sense to take steps to prevent anything from happening to the rental. Here are some tips to make sure you are covered:
Always read the fine print and ask questions. Know what the penalties are for late return and/or damage, and double-check them with someone in person.Protect the item. Park the car away from other ones. Cover rented sofas with a slipcover or blanket. Avoid placing rented glassware near doors or where crowds will be milling around. Think ahead so you are sure to treat things with care.Consider additional insurance. If you are particularly nervous about a rental, consider checking into a rider on your renters insurance or purchasing more through the company. This isn't always needed, but if it gives you peace of mind, you may want to do it.Return items early when possible and if there is no penalty for doing so. The less time you have something, the less risk is involved.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Always read the fine print and ask questions. Know what the penalties are for late return and/or damage, and double-check them with someone in person.Protect the item. Park the car away from other ones. Cover rented sofas with a slipcover or blanket. Avoid placing rented glassware near doors or where crowds will be milling around. Think ahead so you are sure to treat things with care.Consider additional insurance. If you are particularly nervous about a rental, consider checking into a rider on your renters insurance or purchasing more through the company. This isn't always needed, but if it gives you peace of mind, you may want to do it.Return items early when possible and if there is no penalty for doing so. The less time you have something, the less risk is involved.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Questions to Ask When you Rent
Questions to Ask When you Rent
The ad made it sound like more of a dream come true than an apartment for rent. You are desperate to land this place and know it’s the home you’ve been looking for. Your instincts, however, tell you that your dream pad isn’t as perfect as it seems. But what are the hidden problems and how will you uncover them before signing the lease? The next twelve months are way too long to live with squeaky plumbing, a ferocious dog next dog and a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor during every single cycle. The staff at Apartments.com knows the perfect rental is out there for you and wants to make sure you find it—not its evil imposter. Here are the questions you need to ask when renting an apartment.
When you call about the ad…
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions.
Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room.
Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week.
If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
The ad made it sound like more of a dream come true than an apartment for rent. You are desperate to land this place and know it’s the home you’ve been looking for. Your instincts, however, tell you that your dream pad isn’t as perfect as it seems. But what are the hidden problems and how will you uncover them before signing the lease? The next twelve months are way too long to live with squeaky plumbing, a ferocious dog next dog and a dishwasher that leaks all over the floor during every single cycle. The staff at Apartments.com knows the perfect rental is out there for you and wants to make sure you find it—not its evil imposter. Here are the questions you need to ask when renting an apartment.
When you call about the ad…
Confirm all the claims made in the ad and clarify any sketchy statements. “Cozy outdoor space” could mean a cute little deck or a fire escape running down seven floors. Ask the owner/management company for exact descriptions.
Ask for the total square footage of the apartment as well as the footage of each room.
Make sure the rent is exactly what was listed and that the availability date matches your schedule. There’s no sense in wasting time viewing an apartment that isn’t going to be ready for three months if you’re ready to move next week.
If you have any special needs, such as a dog that will be moving in with you or an allergy to a certain type of carpet, be sure your requirements can be met.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Consignment Stores
A great strategy for consignment store shopping is to introduce yourself to the owner and ask them to call when your needed item comes in. People bring their things to be sold and they get only a portion of the sale. A hospital in my community has a consignment store that receives beautiful estate pieces. I've sold and bought things there.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Renting an apartment can be stressful
Renting an apartment can be stressful, especially if time and money are limited. It’s not uncommon for people to leap before they look just to relieve the pressure of apartment hunting. Selecting a place to live is important. If you’re unhappy with your home, it can have a significant negative impact on your life.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
So, once you’ve determined the place is in your price range, take a pad and pen to make notes as you consider the following:
What’s the neighborhood like? If you’re new to the area, ask about the nearest grocery store, bank, video store, etc. Walk around to see what kind of activity is in the area. Ask about transportation routes and how safe the neighborhood is.
Who are the neighbors? You’re not asking the landlord to judge, you’re asking for facts. Do they have kids? Pets? Are they college students or elderly couples? This will help you decide if you’ll enjoy living there. This isn’t as much of a concern if you’re living in a mid or high rise. However, if you are renting an apartment in house, it may set off your allergies if the people below you have a dog.
How is the place heated and cooled? This is of particular concern if you are responsible for paying the utilities. Do you have control over heating and/or air conditioning levels? Also be sure to find out average monthly costs of water and hydro.
Are there enough windows and which direction(s) do they face? Light and temperature can dramatically affect how much you enjoy your home. If you find lack of light depressing, you may want to avoid basements or apartments with tiny windows. If there is a long wall facing north and you’re in a colder climate, find out how well it is insulated to protect yourself from northern winds.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Furnishing Your First Apartment: Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Furnishing Your First Apartment: Big Ideas for Small Spaces
By Susan Johnston
When I graduated from college, I couldn’t wait to move into the real world and into a real grown-up apartment. I was through with sleeping on an extra-long twin bed lofted three feet in the air and of sharing a tiny dorm room with an almost-stranger. Unfortunately, living in an expensive city, I found myself living in a room with square footage that was less than my old dorm room. And did I mention it didn’t have a closet? Oh, the irony!
But after hanging curtains and creatively positioning my furniture (kinda like a game of Tetris), the room gradually began to feel more livable, cozy even. From sublets to studios, high-rises to single-family homes, my friends and I have experienced the gamut of urban real estate and picked up a few pointers along the way. Here are a few common housing situations and their decorating solutions.
Situation #1: You’ve finally moved out of the dorm and into your very own apartment. Well, technically, it’s a studio with a kitchenette, and it’s about the size of a shoebox. Houston, we have a problem…
Solution: Look on the bright side, at least with limited space, you won’t have to buy a ton of furniture and use up every penny from graduation (you’ve probably spent a big chunk on security deposits). What you need are a few small, space-efficient pieces to make your shoebox feel like home.
Repeat after me: futons are your friend. They are the perfect starter bed, because they’re cheap and space-efficient. One caveat, though: do not buy the cheapest, lumpiest 12-inch mattress you can find. In this case, saving money could result in a raging case of insomnia that not even industrial strength sleeping pills will soothe. Try out different brands and thicknesses of mattress to ensure a decent night’s sleep. Then when you want to have friends over, just fold up the futon, rearrange your throw pillows, and lounge on your comfy couch. For extra seating, you can pick up a few folding chairs and store them in a corner until company comes. Padded slipcovers will transform those secondhand chairs from drab to fab.
Now onto that kitchenette. Check on what appliances are included (and how much counter space you have) before you buy anything extra. If you can’t live without your coffee maker and food processor, look for smaller models instead of the one that brews enough coffee for a small army. Once you move into a bigger place, you can buy that super-deluxe caterers’ version and resell your pint-sized appliances to some one else in a studio.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
By Susan Johnston
When I graduated from college, I couldn’t wait to move into the real world and into a real grown-up apartment. I was through with sleeping on an extra-long twin bed lofted three feet in the air and of sharing a tiny dorm room with an almost-stranger. Unfortunately, living in an expensive city, I found myself living in a room with square footage that was less than my old dorm room. And did I mention it didn’t have a closet? Oh, the irony!
But after hanging curtains and creatively positioning my furniture (kinda like a game of Tetris), the room gradually began to feel more livable, cozy even. From sublets to studios, high-rises to single-family homes, my friends and I have experienced the gamut of urban real estate and picked up a few pointers along the way. Here are a few common housing situations and their decorating solutions.
Situation #1: You’ve finally moved out of the dorm and into your very own apartment. Well, technically, it’s a studio with a kitchenette, and it’s about the size of a shoebox. Houston, we have a problem…
Solution: Look on the bright side, at least with limited space, you won’t have to buy a ton of furniture and use up every penny from graduation (you’ve probably spent a big chunk on security deposits). What you need are a few small, space-efficient pieces to make your shoebox feel like home.
Repeat after me: futons are your friend. They are the perfect starter bed, because they’re cheap and space-efficient. One caveat, though: do not buy the cheapest, lumpiest 12-inch mattress you can find. In this case, saving money could result in a raging case of insomnia that not even industrial strength sleeping pills will soothe. Try out different brands and thicknesses of mattress to ensure a decent night’s sleep. Then when you want to have friends over, just fold up the futon, rearrange your throw pillows, and lounge on your comfy couch. For extra seating, you can pick up a few folding chairs and store them in a corner until company comes. Padded slipcovers will transform those secondhand chairs from drab to fab.
Now onto that kitchenette. Check on what appliances are included (and how much counter space you have) before you buy anything extra. If you can’t live without your coffee maker and food processor, look for smaller models instead of the one that brews enough coffee for a small army. Once you move into a bigger place, you can buy that super-deluxe caterers’ version and resell your pint-sized appliances to some one else in a studio.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Living with a Roomate
For those of you who decided to move from roommate living to solo living, the transition can be a difficult adjustment—especially if this is your first experience of this type of living situation. This can be the case even for those who couldn't wait to get rid of their roommates.
If you're feeling lonely, follow these tips to revive yourself.
Cultivate a collection of music that uplifts you.With roommates, outside sounds are constantly filtering through, even when you're in your own room. There's the muffled sound of the television, the phone ringing, conversations flowing and music playing. Many of us take this for granted, but you may be surprised to find yourself missing this when all that is suddenly gone and replaced with...silence. To alleviate the weirdness, play your favorite albums—and get new ones when they start to get old. Or listen to the radio or have the television playing in the background.
Get a pet, such as a cat or dog.Pets make great companions for those who live alone. Yes, there is a reason that the "Cat Lady" stereotype developed. Rather than see her as pathetic, think of her as smart for realizing that our friends in nature provide emotional support. Not only do they provide affection and playfulness, but they force you to maintain the habit of addressing the needs of another living thing—something that could be easily forgotten when you have only you to think about.
Establish a regular night when friends come over.Host a gathering of friends at your apartment every week. It could be for any reason: poker night, watching the latest episode of Heroes, enjoying a potluck dinner together. A weekly event will infuse your apartment with the memories of the gatherings and give you something to look forward to.
Decorate your walls with photographs of your friends and family.Photographs are great reminders of the wonderful times you've shared with your loved ones. These images will make your apartment feel like home and rekindle fond memories. And you get the best of both worlds: the spirit of your friends without having to endure them hogging the remote or taking 30-minute showers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
If you're feeling lonely, follow these tips to revive yourself.
Cultivate a collection of music that uplifts you.With roommates, outside sounds are constantly filtering through, even when you're in your own room. There's the muffled sound of the television, the phone ringing, conversations flowing and music playing. Many of us take this for granted, but you may be surprised to find yourself missing this when all that is suddenly gone and replaced with...silence. To alleviate the weirdness, play your favorite albums—and get new ones when they start to get old. Or listen to the radio or have the television playing in the background.
Get a pet, such as a cat or dog.Pets make great companions for those who live alone. Yes, there is a reason that the "Cat Lady" stereotype developed. Rather than see her as pathetic, think of her as smart for realizing that our friends in nature provide emotional support. Not only do they provide affection and playfulness, but they force you to maintain the habit of addressing the needs of another living thing—something that could be easily forgotten when you have only you to think about.
Establish a regular night when friends come over.Host a gathering of friends at your apartment every week. It could be for any reason: poker night, watching the latest episode of Heroes, enjoying a potluck dinner together. A weekly event will infuse your apartment with the memories of the gatherings and give you something to look forward to.
Decorate your walls with photographs of your friends and family.Photographs are great reminders of the wonderful times you've shared with your loved ones. These images will make your apartment feel like home and rekindle fond memories. And you get the best of both worlds: the spirit of your friends without having to endure them hogging the remote or taking 30-minute showers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hallway
Hallway
Hallways are often overlooked as they are usually used as a dumping ground for shoes and bags but to make your apartment both safe and welcoming you need to extend your lighting scheme into the hall and up the stairs (if applicable).
Simple uplighters placed at intervals along the wall and up the stairs will chase the light up onto the ceiling.
The treads and risers of the stairs need to be clearly visible and there should be no dark corners.
If you have several landings make sure that they are adequately lit up.
Try using recessed spotlight in each step for a more modern effect
Put the main overhead light at the top of the stairs rather than the bottom to reduce the risk of accidents.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Hallways are often overlooked as they are usually used as a dumping ground for shoes and bags but to make your apartment both safe and welcoming you need to extend your lighting scheme into the hall and up the stairs (if applicable).
Simple uplighters placed at intervals along the wall and up the stairs will chase the light up onto the ceiling.
The treads and risers of the stairs need to be clearly visible and there should be no dark corners.
If you have several landings make sure that they are adequately lit up.
Try using recessed spotlight in each step for a more modern effect
Put the main overhead light at the top of the stairs rather than the bottom to reduce the risk of accidents.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Monday, August 18, 2008
How to Select Art for Your Home
How to Select Art for Your Home by: Lynne Taetzsch
Selecting art for your home can be an exciting adventure and a source of enjoyment for years to come. Keys to success are figuring out what kind of art you like, how it will fit in with the rest of your interior design plans, and how to exhibit the art to the best effect in your home.
What kind of art do you like?
There are many opportunities to browse art within your community at local exhibitions, art fairs and galleries. Even small towns usually have a not-for-profit gallery space, or cafés and restaurant that exhibit local artists. In larger cities, galleries often get together for monthly or periodic “gallery nights” where all the galleries hold open house receptions on the same evening. It’s a great way to see a lot of art in a short time.
Today the internet provides the largest variety and depth of fine art available worldwide. You can visit museum websites and see master works from ages past, check out online galleries for group shows, and visit hundreds of individual artists’ websites. One advantage of using the internet is that you can search for the specific kind of art you are interested in, whether it’s photography, impressionism, bronze sculpture, or abstract painting. And when you find one art site, you’ll usually find links to many, many more.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Selecting art for your home can be an exciting adventure and a source of enjoyment for years to come. Keys to success are figuring out what kind of art you like, how it will fit in with the rest of your interior design plans, and how to exhibit the art to the best effect in your home.
What kind of art do you like?
There are many opportunities to browse art within your community at local exhibitions, art fairs and galleries. Even small towns usually have a not-for-profit gallery space, or cafés and restaurant that exhibit local artists. In larger cities, galleries often get together for monthly or periodic “gallery nights” where all the galleries hold open house receptions on the same evening. It’s a great way to see a lot of art in a short time.
Today the internet provides the largest variety and depth of fine art available worldwide. You can visit museum websites and see master works from ages past, check out online galleries for group shows, and visit hundreds of individual artists’ websites. One advantage of using the internet is that you can search for the specific kind of art you are interested in, whether it’s photography, impressionism, bronze sculpture, or abstract painting. And when you find one art site, you’ll usually find links to many, many more.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, August 11, 2008
Protect Your Home
Protect Your Home
Don't advertise your absence. Don't leave an outgoing message on your home email account or phone voicemail that you will be away. You do not want the wrong person to have access to that information.
Use your alarm system. Be sure to set your home security system before you leave and let the company know how you can be reached in the event your alarm goes off. It is also a good idea to use a local trusted friend or neighbor as a contact who can respond to an alarm.
Contact your local police department. Many departments offer courtesy checks of your house while you are away. Their added presence in your neighborhood may help to deter anyone who does not belong there.
Secure valuables. Do not leave valuables or electronics within view from a window. Use a home safe or safety deposit box if you can.
Lock all doors and windows. The one door that many people do not lock regularly is the one leading to the house from the garage. If someone can access your garage, they will then have access to your house. Be sure to secure sliding glass doors as well.
Enlist the help of a neighbor. Having someone do a walk around the house and checking for anything that might be out of the ordinary is always a good idea. A lot of neighborhoods have a crime watch established. Having others willing to be your extra eyes when you are away is always beneficial.
Taking these simple steps to ensure your house is protected will help to keep your getaway as restful and relaxing as it should be for you.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
During the apartment walk-through
During the apartment walk-through…Do all the appliances work? Check all the appliances and sinks to be sure they are working properly. Are there insects or rodents present? If the current tenant is there ask them about the severity of the problem and what is being done to fix it. How old is the wiring? If there are very few outlets or if you see two-pronged switches, it probably is older wiring. This may be a convenience and safety issue. How much closet/storage space is there? Don’t underestimate how much space your belongings will take up. Are there enough windows to provide ample light for your taste and do they open and close properly? Are the rooms big enough to fit your furniture? Take a tape measure with to be sure. How do guests obtain entry and what type of security is in place? If there is an electronic system, test it out to make sure it works. Make sure that the apartment will be cleaned and have the paint touched up before you move in.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tips on Living Alone Apartment
Tips on Living Alone Apartment
Listing For those of you who decided to move from roommate living to solo living, the transition can be a difficult adjustment—especially if this is your first experience of this type of living situation. This can be the case even for those who couldn't wait to get rid of their roommates.
If you're feeling lonely, follow these tips to revive yourself.
Cultivate a collection of music that uplifts you.With roommates, outside sounds are constantly filtering through, even when you're in your own room. There's the muffled sound of the television, the phone ringing, conversations flowing and music playing. Many of us take this for granted, but you may be surprised to find yourself missing this when all that is suddenly gone and replaced with...silence. To alleviate the weirdness, play your favorite albums—and get new ones when they start to get old. Or listen to the radio or have the television playing in the background.
Get a pet, such as a cat or dog.Pets make great companions for those who live alone. Yes, there is a reason that the "Cat Lady" stereotype developed. Rather than see her as pathetic, think of her as smart for realizing that our friends in nature provide emotional support. Not only do they provide affection and playfulness, but they force you to maintain the habit of addressing the needs of another living thing—something that could be easily forgotten when you have only you to think about.
Establish a regular night when friends come over.Host a gathering of friends at your apartment every week. It could be for any reason: poker night, watching the latest episode of Heroes, enjoying a potluck dinner together. A weekly event will infuse your apartment with the memories of the gatherings and give you something to look forward to.
Decorate your walls with photographs of your friends and family.Photographs are great reminders of the wonderful times you've shared with your loved ones. These images will make your apartment feel like home and rekindle fond memories. And you get the best of both worlds: the spirit of your friends without having to endure them hogging the remote or taking 30-minute showers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to Rent an Apartment or House
How to Rent an Apartment or House
By eHow Personal Finance Editor
The rental markets in many cities are cyclical: a few boom years with renters scrambling for any available studio followed by a glut in availability. In either scenario, the most desirable rental units are snapped up the quickest. Do your homework, then hit the pavement.
Step1 Be prepared: Create a renter's re'sume' with your current and previous five addresses and landlord phone numbers, your employer and length of employment, your current salary and other income, personal references, among other information. Include a copy of your credit report (see How to Shop for a Mortgage, Step 5). You want to look as good on paper as possible to stand out from other applicants. Step2Look in the newspaper classifieds, apartment hunter publications, college campus bulletin boards, and online for available units to investigate. Ask friends about openings in their buildings. Step3Consider how much you can afford to pay. A good rule of thumb is no more than 30 percent of your take-home monthly income. Step4Enlist a rental agent to narrow your search. Depending on the market, this service may be free (paid for by landlords) or cost you a percentage of your rent when you land the apartment. Step5Turn to a roommate service if you're looking for cheaper space to share. Be clear what qualities you desire in a roommate, as well as types of people or habits you'd prefer to avoid, such as smokers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
By eHow Personal Finance Editor
The rental markets in many cities are cyclical: a few boom years with renters scrambling for any available studio followed by a glut in availability. In either scenario, the most desirable rental units are snapped up the quickest. Do your homework, then hit the pavement.
Step1 Be prepared: Create a renter's re'sume' with your current and previous five addresses and landlord phone numbers, your employer and length of employment, your current salary and other income, personal references, among other information. Include a copy of your credit report (see How to Shop for a Mortgage, Step 5). You want to look as good on paper as possible to stand out from other applicants. Step2Look in the newspaper classifieds, apartment hunter publications, college campus bulletin boards, and online for available units to investigate. Ask friends about openings in their buildings. Step3Consider how much you can afford to pay. A good rule of thumb is no more than 30 percent of your take-home monthly income. Step4Enlist a rental agent to narrow your search. Depending on the market, this service may be free (paid for by landlords) or cost you a percentage of your rent when you land the apartment. Step5Turn to a roommate service if you're looking for cheaper space to share. Be clear what qualities you desire in a roommate, as well as types of people or habits you'd prefer to avoid, such as smokers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Subleasing Your Apartment
Subleasing Your Apartment
Writing a Good Sublet AdBy Jennifer Lai, About.com
See More About:sublettingapartment adsapartment listings
Generate interest in your available sublet by writing a catchy, easy-to-read apartment listing.
Online Apartment ListingsIf you're posting your sublet ad online, follow these guidelines: Keep sentences short. Computer screens are not designed for long sentences. Eyes start to wonder, and the brain has a difficult time processing the information. Bullet-point apartment attributes. Instead of phrasing in a sentence that your apartment has two bedrooms, a balcony, doorman, etc., list these out with bullet points. Try to avoid writing paragraphs as much as possible. They're very difficult to read and process. Include photographs. Photographs not only give the eye something to rest on when staring at a computer screen, but they help sell your apartment. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Make your contact information easy to find. Don't bury your email address or phone number in a paragraph. Separate all contact info into its own paragraph, preferably at the end and beginning. Use all-caps sparingly. On the computer, sentences and phrases that are written all in capital letters make the reader feel like they're being shouted at—not a feeling you want them to have. Paper FlyersFollow these guidelines for paper flyers: Type out the flyer. Don't hand-write your apartment flyer. A typewritten flyer is easier to read and makes you look more professional. Bullet-point key apartment attributes in large font. List out main attributes and make it easy enough to read from a foot or two away. Since reading a flyer is easier than reading a computer screen, you can write longer sentences and paragraphs. Use the largest font for the rent amount, the number of bedrooms and the available date. These are the most important parts of your ad, and should be the first things people see. Add tear-off tabs. Include tabs at the bottom of the flyer with your contact info for people to tear off and take with them. I recommend including your name, phone number and a short phrase, such as "vacant apt." I've ripped off so many tabs before only to forget what they're for and throw them out. Print on color paper. If you can afford to buy a small packet of pastel-colored paper, go for it! This will definitely make your ad stand out among the other flyers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Writing a Good Sublet AdBy Jennifer Lai, About.com
See More About:sublettingapartment adsapartment listings
Generate interest in your available sublet by writing a catchy, easy-to-read apartment listing.
Online Apartment ListingsIf you're posting your sublet ad online, follow these guidelines: Keep sentences short. Computer screens are not designed for long sentences. Eyes start to wonder, and the brain has a difficult time processing the information. Bullet-point apartment attributes. Instead of phrasing in a sentence that your apartment has two bedrooms, a balcony, doorman, etc., list these out with bullet points. Try to avoid writing paragraphs as much as possible. They're very difficult to read and process. Include photographs. Photographs not only give the eye something to rest on when staring at a computer screen, but they help sell your apartment. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words. Make your contact information easy to find. Don't bury your email address or phone number in a paragraph. Separate all contact info into its own paragraph, preferably at the end and beginning. Use all-caps sparingly. On the computer, sentences and phrases that are written all in capital letters make the reader feel like they're being shouted at—not a feeling you want them to have. Paper FlyersFollow these guidelines for paper flyers: Type out the flyer. Don't hand-write your apartment flyer. A typewritten flyer is easier to read and makes you look more professional. Bullet-point key apartment attributes in large font. List out main attributes and make it easy enough to read from a foot or two away. Since reading a flyer is easier than reading a computer screen, you can write longer sentences and paragraphs. Use the largest font for the rent amount, the number of bedrooms and the available date. These are the most important parts of your ad, and should be the first things people see. Add tear-off tabs. Include tabs at the bottom of the flyer with your contact info for people to tear off and take with them. I recommend including your name, phone number and a short phrase, such as "vacant apt." I've ripped off so many tabs before only to forget what they're for and throw them out. Print on color paper. If you can afford to buy a small packet of pastel-colored paper, go for it! This will definitely make your ad stand out among the other flyers.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 21, 2008
Finding an Apartment
Finding an Apartment
There are many ways to go about finding an apartment: look online, use brokers, check newspapers, and more. Read about the top six methods and resources that may aid you in finding an apartment.
1. Online Apartment ListingsWeb sites are a valuable resource, because they are frequently updated, and allow for longer postings, sometimes with photographs. Craigslist.org, which is one of the most visited sites, is an excellent resource. Be skeptical of certain types of listings. Also, Craigslist doesn't cover every community, and in some communities, the listings are paltry. But don't despair. There are many more Web sites with apartment listings.2. NewspapersStill a preferred method by many landlords--especially those who want to avoid the techno jungle of the world wide web--classified ads in newspapers are still worth checking out. Also, considering the popularity of Craigslist, competition may be less fierce. To brush up on apartment jargon, check out this dictionary of apartment acronyms and abbreviations.3. Apartment BrokersIn some locales, brokers are unnecessary, but in large cities, brokers control the market and may be the best way to achieve your goal of finding an apartment.4. Flyers Posted at Universities or College Residential OfficesStudents can contact their residential office for openings, and everyone can make use of fliers posted on the campus bulletin boards. These apartments tend also to be priced at a rate that is affordable to students.5. Contacting Property Managers
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"Downsizing Your Home With Style"
"Downsizing Your Home With Style" begins by helping you decide whether to get rid of what you have or if your things are worth saving. Is the piece the right size for your new space, is it in good condition, is it comfortable, or does it have special meaning to you and your family?
I love Lauri's list of things to always keep, including a sofa and matching chairs, armless chairs, any chair that swivels, anything with storage, and matching lamps and end tables.
And just as helpful is the list of things to get rid of like stuff you never use, books you'll never read again, things that are too big or too old, pillows that look old and dated, chairs that are uncomfortable, magazines, newspapers, and personal papers that you won't ever need again.
If you follow Lauri's advice, you'll discover storage space where you didn't know it existed, new uses for furniture that you thought had only one purpose, ways to make your new small space look bigger, and ways to make one room serve two or more purposes. In short, she helps you make a small space really work.
What you won't find in this book is beautiful, full-color photos of extravagant custom-designed, cutting edge rooms. What you will find are great ideas, photos of real homes for real people, and useful tips to make a move to a small space feel not so hard. In fact, clearing out and cleaning out can be very liberating! Try it. You'll see!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
I love Lauri's list of things to always keep, including a sofa and matching chairs, armless chairs, any chair that swivels, anything with storage, and matching lamps and end tables.
And just as helpful is the list of things to get rid of like stuff you never use, books you'll never read again, things that are too big or too old, pillows that look old and dated, chairs that are uncomfortable, magazines, newspapers, and personal papers that you won't ever need again.
If you follow Lauri's advice, you'll discover storage space where you didn't know it existed, new uses for furniture that you thought had only one purpose, ways to make your new small space look bigger, and ways to make one room serve two or more purposes. In short, she helps you make a small space really work.
What you won't find in this book is beautiful, full-color photos of extravagant custom-designed, cutting edge rooms. What you will find are great ideas, photos of real homes for real people, and useful tips to make a move to a small space feel not so hard. In fact, clearing out and cleaning out can be very liberating! Try it. You'll see!
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson
Monday, July 14, 2008
Coping with small spaces
Coping with small spaces
Choosing multifunctional furniture helps apartment dwellers utilize tight spaces with elegance. A dining table may do double-duty as a home office desk. Or a computer armoire – with doors that hide your office away when not in use – may have enough extra room to store books or blankets.If you don't have enough room for a dining table surrounded by chairs, Taryn Abbott Wilson of Pier 1 Imports suggests creating a banquette-type setting, with a bench against the wall, the table in front, and chairs on the open side. If the bench has storage beneath the seat, all the better, Wilson offers....turns into a dining table when company comes over. Interior designed by Tom Berta Photos courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsOther multipurpose pieces could include a sturdy ottoman that doubles as a cocktail table or a futon chair or sofa that pulls out into a bed for overnight guests. Storage must be creative. Wiklem put a skirt around her bathroom sink to hide necessities, and she used two tension-mount shower rods – the interior one is for the waterproof liner and doubles as a towel rod after her morning shower; the exterior one holds an attractive non-waterproof shower curtain (you can easily fashion one out of nice fabric) and hides the drying towels from view.Let a folding floor screen fill up the blank space of a corner – and stash anything you like behind it. Wiklem and Meaney recommend using attractive trunks as coffee tables or end tables and hiding blankets or magazines inside. A sofa table or console provides height for displaying accessories or pictures and leaves plenty of empty space beneath for stacks of beautiful wooden or rattan boxes or suitcases, which also can be filled with a host of belongings.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Choosing multifunctional furniture helps apartment dwellers utilize tight spaces with elegance. A dining table may do double-duty as a home office desk. Or a computer armoire – with doors that hide your office away when not in use – may have enough extra room to store books or blankets.If you don't have enough room for a dining table surrounded by chairs, Taryn Abbott Wilson of Pier 1 Imports suggests creating a banquette-type setting, with a bench against the wall, the table in front, and chairs on the open side. If the bench has storage beneath the seat, all the better, Wilson offers....turns into a dining table when company comes over. Interior designed by Tom Berta Photos courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsOther multipurpose pieces could include a sturdy ottoman that doubles as a cocktail table or a futon chair or sofa that pulls out into a bed for overnight guests. Storage must be creative. Wiklem put a skirt around her bathroom sink to hide necessities, and she used two tension-mount shower rods – the interior one is for the waterproof liner and doubles as a towel rod after her morning shower; the exterior one holds an attractive non-waterproof shower curtain (you can easily fashion one out of nice fabric) and hides the drying towels from view.Let a folding floor screen fill up the blank space of a corner – and stash anything you like behind it. Wiklem and Meaney recommend using attractive trunks as coffee tables or end tables and hiding blankets or magazines inside. A sofa table or console provides height for displaying accessories or pictures and leaves plenty of empty space beneath for stacks of beautiful wooden or rattan boxes or suitcases, which also can be filled with a host of belongings.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
From Dorm Room to Apartment
From Dorm Room to Apartment
Save money in the long run by equipping your dorm room with investment pieces that will transition into your first apartment.By Kaelin Tripp Splurge for the FutureAre you a "plan ahead" kind of person? Then think through your decorating choices for a dorm room.Instead of choosing the kooky "Sponge Bob" comforter and a cheap canvas chair, select a couple of investment pieces for your room.Dark woods and neutral chairs pair well with a photo-montage wall in brown, white, and green. At the desk, a simple leather chair is sturdy enough to transition easily into your first real place after graduation. Side Table with StyleFor your dorm room, pass on the funky milk crate nightstand. Go with something more stylish! Ours is a small round table in a dark wood stain. The style is simple enough to be a great addition to your first apartment.For your apartment: This handy piece can find a home in nearly any room. Try it next to a reading chair, sofa, or guest bed.Classy SeatingSchools rarely provide classy furnishings, so spruce up the standard college desk with a sleek leather dining chair. This chair will provide comfy seating for studying and guests who lounge around your room.For your apartment: Your leather chair will look great in a living room, entry, or dining room area. Hide-Away StorageFor this dorm room, our "coffee table" is a pair of handy storage cubes that hide bedding, extra books, or CDs.For your apartment: These units could transition into handy nightstands or side tables.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Herb Gardening in Your Apartment
Herb Gardening in Your Apartment
If you’re looking for a way to feel more at home in your new apartment, we have a solution for you. It’s economical, challenging (but not too difficult) and it allows you to explore your creative side. Herb gardening, either from a window box planter, on your kitchen counter or in an outdoor space is a great way to personalize your home with the look and smell of these useful plants. Some of the staff at Apartments.com find that herb gardening can save money, since buying new herbs from the store can really add up. Plus you’ll be getting fresher versions that can even encourage you to stay in and prepare your own meals more often. So grab a shovel and start planting today!Here’s how to get started:
Herbs for planting are purchased in small plastic containers. A nice collection that can be grown in the same container includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and chives. You can drop this combination into a stew, soup or salsa for an amazing flavor burst. Starter kits are also available at most garden centers.
Choosing your container is no time to be boring! They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Be resourceful and use an old mug or teapot. Be unconventional—herb gardens have even been grown in old hiking boots and shoes. Just be sure you can punch drainage holes into the base.Choose a potting soil mix (don’t use garden soil!) to ensure the healthiness of your plants. Your local garden center should have pre-mixed bags.
Most herbs require at least four hours of sunlight every day, so find a place in your apartment where your plants can flourish. If your apartment is especially dark, use a fluorescent light.
You can choose as many types of herbs as you like; just be sure that you have adequate planting room. You’ll be planting the seeds 2-3 inches apart. The best way to choose which herbs to plant is by seeing what dishes they compliment.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
If you’re looking for a way to feel more at home in your new apartment, we have a solution for you. It’s economical, challenging (but not too difficult) and it allows you to explore your creative side. Herb gardening, either from a window box planter, on your kitchen counter or in an outdoor space is a great way to personalize your home with the look and smell of these useful plants. Some of the staff at Apartments.com find that herb gardening can save money, since buying new herbs from the store can really add up. Plus you’ll be getting fresher versions that can even encourage you to stay in and prepare your own meals more often. So grab a shovel and start planting today!Here’s how to get started:
Herbs for planting are purchased in small plastic containers. A nice collection that can be grown in the same container includes basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and chives. You can drop this combination into a stew, soup or salsa for an amazing flavor burst. Starter kits are also available at most garden centers.
Choosing your container is no time to be boring! They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Be resourceful and use an old mug or teapot. Be unconventional—herb gardens have even been grown in old hiking boots and shoes. Just be sure you can punch drainage holes into the base.Choose a potting soil mix (don’t use garden soil!) to ensure the healthiness of your plants. Your local garden center should have pre-mixed bags.
Most herbs require at least four hours of sunlight every day, so find a place in your apartment where your plants can flourish. If your apartment is especially dark, use a fluorescent light.
You can choose as many types of herbs as you like; just be sure that you have adequate planting room. You’ll be planting the seeds 2-3 inches apart. The best way to choose which herbs to plant is by seeing what dishes they compliment.
For apartments in New Jersey go to Raritan Crossing. They are pet friendly apartments and New Brunswick NJ apartments. Rentals near Metropark and apartments in Middlesex county. For apartments in central NJ this is the place for you with Apartments in Middlesex County NJ. Raritan Crossing has apartments near metropark, apartments near Rutgers and apartments near Robert Wood Johnson.
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