Make It Special

There are plenty of ways to create an interior design you'll love while working with the specific wall colors, flooring, cabinets and countertops already installed. Hopefully, these 10 ideas will offer inspiration:

1. Choose colors that make you feel calm and spread the same palette throughout your apartment. Sticking with one color scheme will make space feel larger while also providing visual continuity. 
2. Introduce area rugs even if your apartment floors are covered in carpet. There's no rule against laying a rug over carpet, and it's an easy way to bring in style, color, and texture.
3. Opt for a few large statement pieces of art rather than walls covered with smaller pieces. Not only will your home feel less cluttered, but it will also feel more thoughtfully decorated. 
4. Create an accent wall with temporary wallpaper. As the name implies, temporary wallpaper can be easily hung (and later, removed) without damage to walls. It is available in a surprising array of colors and patterns at a reasonable price. 
5.  Show off your creativity by finding a different way to display your favorite pictures and collectibles. For example, an old-fashioned bar cart or antique buffet from a thrift shop can both be considered functional art. 
6.  Add self-adhesive wall tiles to the kitchen backsplash for a fresh look.
7.  Use decorative window film to cover windows in rooms where you want both light and privacy. They're available in a myriad of designs and are easy to install (and remove).
8.  Go ahead and hang beautiful drapes, even when there are blinds in place. Make sure to purchase something you love so you can take them with you if you decide to move. 
9.  Remove existing light switch covers and outlets and replace them with decorative covers. Remember to store the old ones somewhere safe so they can be replaced before you move. 
10. For a cozier home, add as many textures as possible. You can introduce texture through throw pillows, lampshades, and even art. 

The ideal living situation is when you're in a place you're proud of that feels good to come home to. If you'd like to find out more about the apartment homes we have to offer, feel free to contact us. 

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Pawn Shops

Are you a fan of pawn shop reality TV? Channel your inner star and check out your local pawn shop, where you can find some unique pieces offered at deep discounts. This is especially good for quirky decorations and one-of-a-kind items.

Estate Sales

Bring your cash and your designer's vision and you can score some great finds at estate sales. Here, you'll have a chance to snag everything from chic pieces to antiques. There will be competition, however, so come early and keep your eyes on the prize.

End-of-Season Sales

For basics and staples, keep an eye on local ads. Nearby furniture stores (or big box stores that happen to sell furniture) often slash prices at the end of the season or calendar year. Going Out of Business Sales is another good opportunity, too. You can also pick up trendy items like throw rugs and room diffusers this way.

Re-purposing Furniture

What's the best possible deal you can score on furniture? Using what you already have! If you have a few supplies and some DIY skills, you can:

• flip dresser drawers on their side to turn into a bookcase

• add trendy finishes to chairs

• replace tired old tabletops with something exciting like sleek glass

• give an old couch new life with trendy patterned cushion covers

• use appliance paints on ceramic and metal furnishings, like desk lamps, to add a pop of color

Tap Your Network

You can create a win-win situation with friends and family here. Offer to help them move and you'll take on any furniture or accessories they're leaving behind. This tip is a real winner if you know people with good taste.

Life in Taluswood Apartments in Mountlake Terrace, WA is trendy and lively. Are you ready to join this dynamic community? We have floor plans for singles and families of any size along with generous amenities. Interested? Contact us today to schedule an apartment viewing.

The post Decorating on (Almost) a Dime appeared first on Taluswood Apartments Blog.

Tips for Organizing With Ikea Products

• Store your cleaning supplies in a Råskog cart. These small, wheeled, three-layer metal carts are great for keeping your cleaning supplies together while also being able to move them when you are ready to clean the next room. Because who really wants to buy separate cleaning products for each room?
• Divide a room with bookcases like Lack or shelves like Kallax. Use it to store beautiful items you have, such as antique books, statues, and pottery. Top it off with a beautiful runner, some lamps, or more statues. The room will still feel spacious while also creating more storage space for your items.
• Organize your socks and underwear with Komplement fabric boxes. When you are just waking up in the morning and getting ready for work, the last thing you want is to have to sort through a pile of unmatched socks and underwear to find what you need. Komplement boxes come in a variety of sizes. You can know exactly where to find what you are looking for; no more fumbling around to find the other matching sock.
• Store your cutting boards and mixing bowls on a rolling cart like Bror. Both cutting boards and mixing bowls get used a lot if you like to cook, and they take up a lot of valuable real estate. If you use a rolling cart, you can move them around to wherever you happen to be preparing a delicious meal. When your meal is ready, you can use the top to load food, plates, utensil, drinks, etc. and carry them to the eating area, saving yourself a lot of back-and-forth trips.
• Use Billy bookcases to make individual “lockers” for each person in your household. Use the top shelves to store hats, bags, scarves and other things. Empty out the middle shelves and install hooks to hang coats and backpacks. Use the lower shelves for shoes and boots.

Organizing can be a lot of fun at Taluswood Apartments in Mountlake Terrace. Call us today to see which floor plans are available. 

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