Style Guides for Home Interiors

Whether you're decorating a single room or a whole house, a cottage or a castle, you'll find our guides to decorating styles helpful. The style guides will help you focus in on your likes and dislikes and learn elements that will help you achieve your dream room or make your home express your very unique taste. With so many products on the market, buyers traveling around the globe, and shoppers expecting more for their homes, consumers have an infinite array of products, finishes, colors, decorative elements, and prices available. The sky's the limit and there's really no reason for anyone to be stuck with a home decorating scheme that doesn't capture their own unique style and interests.
If you haven't yet identified your particular style or if you're uncertain about how to proceed, you'll learn a lot from the articles and style guides listed here.
Take a look at traditional styles and see some of the newest decorating trends. You'll find that nothing is really new, but it's fun to see how old favorite themes, fabrics, and details adapt to a fresh new look.
The following Style Guides offer information on one design style. See photos and read tips that focus on the elements and design features that give each style an individual and very distinctive look.
Find the style that will help to give your home yourdistinctive look.
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.

Workplace Etiquette

Our parents always told us to be polite and mind our manners when we lived in their home but what about now? Sometimes a refresher course is in order! Whether you’re at your first new job or your 15th, here are a couple of tips to follow to help avoid the negative vibes that bad manners can provoke. Plus following this advice just makes your work environment all the more pleasant… And who couldn’t benefit from a happier day?
Elevator Courtesy
When getting in an elevator, before entering, wait for the people who are getting out to get out. If an elevator arrives and its jam packed, don’t try to be the last sardine in the can, wait for the next elevator. If you’ve just gotten on an elevator and you see someone running to catch it, hold the door. Even if you’re in a hurry, that few seconds won’t make or break your schedule.
On the Street
Please don’t spit on the sidewalk. In fact, don’t spit at all. It spreads germs and is just plain disgusting. When you’re walking on the street, walk on the right side. On an escalator or moving walkway, if you don’t plan on walking or climbing the stairs, stay to the right. Leave the left hand side for people who prefer to move faster towards their direction.
On Lunch Hour
If you’re on your lunch break at a crowded restaurant and you’re done eating, go, leave, get out of there. There are other people waiting for your table or seat.
Internet/Online Etiquette
When sending an email (work related), never leave the subject line blank. Emails without subject lines could be thought to be spam and may never be opened. Don’t reply to all on an email message unless you know for a fact that everyone on that email needs to know your response. Do not forward an email without the consent of the person who wrote it.
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 Do's and Don'ts of Apartment Renting"

DO:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- View the apartment! Visit the neighborhood at various times of the day, night & weekend. Read the lease and be sure you understand it. Before you sign the lease, obtain a copy of any rules & regulations. Be sure that the landlord writes into the lease (and signs) any promised repairs. Keep a copy of the lease along with a copy of any additional rules/regulations. Know the rules concerning pets if you plan to have any. Be aware of any maintenance responsibilities if you are renting a house. Know what the penalties are for breaking a lease.
DON'T:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't sign a 12-month lease if you are going to rent for only 9 months (the school year). Don't sign a lease without first seeing the apartment. Don't sign a lease with an automatic renewal clause. Don't sign a lease that gives the landlord(s) unlimited access without notification. (Only in the case of an emergency should landlords be permitted to enter your apartment without notifying you first.) 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

Define your decorating style

You want to work hard at getting it right but the result has to look as though it's been thrown together in five minutes!
Your living room is the place where family and friends sit when visiting, so you should make a special effort to create a comfortable harmonious environment. Your living room is usually the first room you seem upon entering your apartment.
The living room has to be shown well but in many cases the living room also has to be able to carry off other functions such as a dining room, playroom or office.
An eye for design
If at all possible, take your time and try not to pressure yourself or let others rush you. Spend time looking for ideas and inspiration in books, magazines and online see article about mood boards.
Make a point of looking around houses that are open to the public, such as 'Showhomes' and don't forget to take mental notes when you are out dining in restauarants, as the design work has probably been done by an experienced interior designer!
What attracts you?What colour do you like? Light or dark? Strong or muted? And what about textures ? Do you like antiques or modern? What type of rooms do you like the most - cosy or ultra modern?
Don't design to impress others - design for yourself and your family after all friends just visits, you have to live there.
Traditional warmth: A traditional style is generally formal, sophisticated and timeless, using antiques, rich woods, overstuffed seating and muted understated colours. The emphasis in a traditional room is on comfort, style and classic refined elegance.
Fabrics are rich and luxuries, fixture and fittings of high quality and accessories includes paintings, vintage prints and framed personal mementos. Traditional rooms are thoughtfully composed and generally have a formal feel.
Modern elegance: Classic modern (contemporary style) treats interior spaces almost as pieces of three-dimensional art, balancing form, shape, colour and texture.
Surfaces are plain, colours are usually clean and pure and shapes are geometric with immaculate detail and finishing. The whole look is pared down and polished.
Country comfort: Signature elements are materials and textures that are natural rather than man-made. Furniture that is simple and hand crafted and an absence of modern artefact's. Country comfort today is called many thing such as romantic, rustic, country house and shaker just to name a few.

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

Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

A crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps? If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything. First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun. As for that bike—you get to keep it. "Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant." Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination. Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection."In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home." Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room. "I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again. "I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work." 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

Why Apartment Rental Prices in Developing Countries are So High?

by samvak (Member) - published: November 8, 2008 In most developed countries, the renting of residential property (apartments) provides the owner with an annual income equal to 2-3% of the value of his or her real estate. In developing countries, owners make 6-7%. An apartment selling for 100,000 euros will often rent for 7000 euros a year. One pays the same to rent an apartment in Skopje, Macedonia and in Berlin, Germany even though, in Berlin, apartments are three to five times more expensive to buy.
Why this excess yield?
Five reasons:
(1) Limited supply. Despite the construction craze of recent years, there is still a shortage of apartments, especially properties to let.
(2) Criminals and politicians, whose sources of funding are unlimited, jack up the prices and rarely bargain. They use other people's money to pay for their luxuries and don't care to save or to secure a reasonable price.
(3) Foreigners who live in developing countries are usually employed by NGOs, international financial institutions (IFIs), and multinationals. Their employers pay their expenses and have little time and inclination to haggle over the rent in a crowded market. They pay the asking price every time.
(4) Yuppies - young, upwardly mobile entrants to the workforce, employed mainly in the financial services industry - earn 3 to 6 times the average salary and can afford to pay exorbitant rents.
(5) The process of urbanization in developing countries is unrelenting. Tens of thousands of peasants and villagers relocate to the cities every year, with capital cities or commercial centers their main destinations. They support rental prices by increasing the demand, although they cannot usually afford the more expensive apartments.
===================================

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

Turn Your Balcony Into a Retreat

Turn Your Balcony Into a RetreatA crispy fern flanked by a flapping towel and a bike with two flat tires—sound like a balcony near you? As close as your own French doors, perhaps?If what you really want is a cozy place to barbecue, or an enchanted and enchanting retreat—no problem. With just the tiniest bit of attention and effort, you can transform even a swath of bleak and cheerless concrete into almost anything.First, figure out what kind of weather your balcony has to withstand, said Elizabeth Blome of Open Window Designs in Houston. A northern exposure will limit plant choices to shade-tolerant varieties, while a west-facing patio will be hard on decorative objects like wreaths and topiaries, which can crack and fade in the hot summer sun.As for that bike—you get to keep it."Our feeling is that if you want something, we can make it work," Blome said. "So if the bike is a part of your life, it stays—behind a screen or a lattice or a nice big plant."Decide how you want to use the space, said Helene Schultz, an interior decorator who recently tackled a patio in New York and a balcony in the Virgin Islands. And have fun. Whether you're making a private retreat, an outdoor dining room or dividing a large area into several rooms, an outdoor space should spring from your imagination.Jimenez built an Asian garden for moments of reflection."In some ways, the space in a balcony or patio is a bonus, it's unexpected," Schultz said. "You can go with something as simple as plants and a few chairs, or you can unleash your fantasies and be bolder or more playful than you might inside the home."Bold and playful were Edward Jimenez' bywords when designing the spacious balcony of his Los Angeles condo over the course of six years. At 11-feet wide and 25-feet long, Jimenez had a space large enough to be daunting. He solved the problem by dividing it into rooms—one for dining, one for a garden, another as a sitting room."I wanted it to look like it had always been there, that it was a place that had been cared for by a family over a period of years," said Jimenez, a hair stylist and makeup artist with a large celebrity clientele. He started with a tree and several plants, then added a seating area. When something didn't work, he gave it away and tried again."I went through so much furniture," Jimenez said, and laughed. "My family loves it—I keep giving them stuff that doesn't fit or doesn't work."

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.

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

In every industry, in every market there is so much choice, this is certainly true of the lettings market in the UK. Reportedly there are now over 10,000 letting agents in the UK so the choice is out there. So what can be expected to be paid out with respect charges that agents make to you before you move in to the property?
Retaining Deposit - So you have found your ideal rental home and have said to the agent that you would like to rent it. Often you will be asked for a retaining deposit, this is basically covering the agent in case you change your mind or fail the referencing checks. If you have any doubts as to what the policy of the agent is regarding the retaining deposit then it is advisable to ask to see the agents retaining deposit guidelines. Administration Charges - Often agents will charge for their time with respect administration, this is something to look out for and would be advisable to ask about before handing over a retaining deposit. It will vary from letting agent to letting agent depending on their policy. Referencing Charges - The agent will run through a reference check in order to ensure that you do not have any known outstanding arrears. This check is performed using third parties and will normally take no more than a few days to complete. Usually this will be charged back to the tenant and also be aware if the reference check is failed then it is highly unlikely that the retaining deposit will be received back. Tenancy Deposit - The tenancy deposit is payable to cover the agent in case the property is damaged during the tenancy. It is normally 1 months rent value and is payable up front at the time of move in. Ensure that any damage that is found in the property is made clear to the letting agent before the tenancy agreement is signed in order that this can be noted that it was not caused during the upcoming tenancy. Any damage that is found when you move out will be taken out of this deposit. Normally you can expect to receive the deposit money back 1 month after your move out date.

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

Don't Let Your Move Stress You Out - Five Simple Steps to Make it Easier

Don't Let Your Move Stress You Out - Five Simple Steps to Make it Easier
(ARA) - According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the weeks between early May and Labor Day weekend mark the busiest time of year to move. It's estimated that more than 21 million Americans will move this summer. Some moves will go smoother than others, and while there's no way to guarantee a problem-free experience, there are things you can do ahead of time to make the process easier.
"Anticipating tasks that may cause frustration and headaches on moving day is crucial. People want to enjoy settling into their new home, whether it's finding a dog sitter for moving day or connecting their cable services, planning ahead will guarantee less stress for the entire family," says Leslie Levine, a moving expert and author of "Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home?"
Levine, who has helped millions of people move, urges movers to avoid five common mistakes before packing things up and hitting the road.
1) Don't put off calling utility providers (electric, cable, gas, etc.) to schedule the disconnect date of your services. This can be done weeks before the move when you have more time. And now, connecting services at your new home couldn't be easier.
To set up your cable, high-speed Internet and phone, all you have to do is log on to www.cablemover.com and click on "find your cable company." Movers enter their new ZIP code and are directed to their new provider's Web site (where they will receive special moving offers). Customers can schedule their cable services, such as digital cable, high-speed Internet and phone service, or bundle all three in a package for potential cost savings. Movers can also access the free service by calling the toll-free Cable Movers Hotline (877-9TV-MOVE).
2) Don't forget to inform your insurance companies about the move. Coverage can vary from state to state and most insurance companies' provide up-to-date information on their Web sites.
3) Don't forget to pack a travel bag that can be easily accessed when you arrive at your new home. In preparation for a move, people tend to pack away essentials that are difficult to find following a hectic move-in day. Pack your bag as if you are going away for a weekend, include medications, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothes and other daily essentials.
4) Don't expect to get every picture and painting on the walls during the first week. Instead of cleaning or unpacking the first night in the new home, take a break, relax and watch a favorite program with cable On Demand. If the boxes just can't be left alone, check out a favorite DIY show for home improvement tips while working to make the new place feel like home.
5) Don't try to do everything alone. For big home improvement projects, hire a professional. Pick a few projects to do with the family and then hire someone to do the time-consuming projects like painting and hanging wallpaper.
"Any steps that can be taken to simplify a move are worth considering," adds Levine. "I recommend all movers do some advance planning to take the stress out of their move." 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

When you are renting an apartment

When you are renting an apartment, you might want to consider the other rentals that are available to you. Whether you need temporary help, can't afford to purchase outright or are just looking for the least amount of hassle, here are some apartment renting 101 tips to think about during your time as a tenant:
Storage for your things. Whether you want to rent some space in your parent's basement or go for a storage facility, it can be a good solution if you simply have too much stuff.Gardening equipment. This is a great choice for those living in an apartment that want to do some work in their yard but don't want the hassle of buying and storing equipment.A car, bicycle or scooter. Renting a car, bicycle or scooter can be a great temporary solution if you are waiting for your vehicle to ship or haven't yet saved up the money to buy something. You might even be able to split the cost with a roommate.Furniture. If your goods are being shipped cross-country or from overseas you might want to get a few items in the apartment to make life easier in the meantime.Electronics. You can rent items such as a DVD player if you are still saving for your own. Baby furniture. If you don't want to buy this outright and give away later or store, this can be a great option.
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

What are Bedbugs?

What are Bedbugs?

Bedbugs are basically vampires in six-legged insect form. These reddish brown bugs are no bigger than about a half a centimeter and suck on our blood. According to the, they inject an anticoagulant into the bloodstream, which prevents the blood from clotting as they dine—and a numbing agent so we can't feel them. Shudder.Contrary to perceptions that bedbugs infiltrate only dirty or rundown homes, these bloodsuckers don't discriminate. From the most luxurious condos to cheap rentals, bedbugs invade all types of apartments. And bedbugs are growing in numbers, with an increase in complaints from all types of domiciles, including apartments. This means that if you haven't had the misfortune of having bedbugs, you may know of someone who has.Bedbugs can be easily mistaken for other bugs .
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.

Best Places to Find Budget Furniture

Best Places to Find Budget Furniture
It's not just first-time homeowners who have to find budget furniture. In fact almost everyone, at one time or another, had to furnish a home or apartment on a budget. I know that I borrowed furniture from my parents, gratefully took grandparents' offerings, and shopped at garage sales. But eventually I wanted something to trade out the hand-me-downs from family and strangers for things that would actually help me create a more mature and coordinated home.
I had to find ways to stretch my mini-budget without sacrificing my taste for nice things. I was surprised to find out how many places there were to find bargains.
Don't expect to find exactly what you want or need. You might have to be creative and adapt what you can find to what you need.
Learn to see pieces for the details and lines they have, not just for what you can put in them. If you see a beautiful teak table instead of the mahogany desk you need, thing about refinishing it and adding filing drawers. A period side table can be painted and moved into the bedroom.
Don't buy a piece if you'll need to do too much work on it. Think about your skills and the time you have and the space you have to work 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.

Negotiate the deal

Negotiate the deal
Step1
If you find an apartment you love but is a stretch financially, ask if there are responsibilities you can take on to lower your rent, such as cutting the lawn, sweeping common areas or taking deliveries. Or if you find a great apartment but it lacks services such as utilities, laundry facilities, cable TV and Internet access, ask the landlord to throw some in at no charge. Many newer buildings will. Or offer to sign a longer-term lease or give a higher security deposit in exchange for more services.
Step2
Examine your lease in detail: How much notice is required prior to moving, how large a deposit you have to make, how much cleaning is required upon leaving to get your deposit back, and other provisions. Some agreements require first and last months' rent plus a security deposit--a significant chunk of change. Is the lease month to month, or a 6- or 12-month period? Step3Find out what kinds of cosmetic changes you can make, such as painting walls, or structural changes, such as adding shelving. Step4Ask for a lease with an option to buy if you'd be interested in purchasing the property down the line.

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.

Design Tips for Collectors

Design Tips for Collectors
Sure, when you are living in an apartment, you might not have a lot of space, you probably don’t have a yard and you’re very lucky if you have a little extra storage. So, for all of you collectors, how can you display your most prized possessions without compromising your living space?
The experts at Apartments.com have put together this list of design tips for the “Possession Obsessed”:
Make Your Collection a Part of Your SpaceThere is no reason to hide your favorite dolls, or your record album collection, the key is to not have your collections take up your living space, but instead, make it a part of your space. Think about ways to incorporate your things into the décor of your room. For record album collectors, purchase frames to actually hang the albums on the walls. Instead of purchasing a standard coffee table, find one with storage space in the bottom, perhaps with a glass top. By displaying your actions figures or books underneath, you not only bring your collection into the open, but also create some great conversation pieces for your guests. Think of creative ways to display your collection. One staffer at Apartments.com has a collection of key chains that dates back many years. When she first got married, her husband threatened to throw the collection out if she couldn’t figure out something to do with it. The result? Each year, when the holidays roll around, our staffer pulls out her key chain collection and creates a Key Chain Christmas Tree!
Here are some other ideas you might like to help in creating your display:
• Remember that the purpose for displaying your collection is two fold: one to showcase your treasures, two, to keep them safe and clean. It’s probably not a good idea to display rare china on a shelf with no ledge and no way to secure the piece to the mounting. Especially if you have fragile items, make sure that your display is sturdy and safe.• If you have a huge collection of CD’s, instead of throwing them in boxes, in cabinets or in drawers, invest in wall mounted shelving. By getting them up and off the floor, you’ve got more space and you’ve created a nice display. *As a renter, you’ll need to check with your property manager before you create holes in the walls for mounting. Most landlords will allow this; however, you’ll need to patch up the holes if you ever move. For step-by-step directions to patching holes in walls, check out the “decorating” section on Apartment Living on Apartments.com.• If you are displaying rare photographs, concert posters, autographs or other artwork, when hanging, make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight as it may fade your items, decreasing its value.
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

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

Timing is Crucial

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.

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 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

Renting a House

Renting a House © Wendy Waid Dec 16, 2001

Although my topic area focuses mainly on apartment and small unit rentals, most renters find they want a larger place to rent. There is nothing nicer than having a large house all to yourself without the massive down payment and 30-year commitment to worry about. And you still have the flexibility to move out at the end of the lease and find something different. If you have never rented a house, duplex, or condo before, you will find this article particularly helpful. Why Rent a House? If you’re like most renters, you will have almost every nook and cranny of your small apartment cluttered with knick-knacks, collectibles, boxes, and piles of magazines. For these packrats, it appears the apartment keeps getting smaller every year. Eventually, you’re forced to either get rid of all your stuff or find a bigger place. Houses, condos, and duplexes usually have extra storage closets, maybe a garage, and often several rooms. Perfect for all your treasured valuables.
Or, perhaps you are not a packrat but have a large family. A small apartment is not very comfortable for a large family. People like to have a little space. A house or duplex usually have several bedrooms and bathrooms and plenty of space for everyone. Often these larger properties have yards where the kids will love to play.
Or, maybe you have some pets. Most apartment complexes are not friendly to pets, especially to larger dogs or large collections of animals. Finding a private house might be just what you need.
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.

Top 10 Ways to Organizeand Simplify Your Life

Top 10 Ways to Organizeand Simplify Your Life
by Maria Gracia
In the words of Henry David Thoreau, Simplify, Simplify. Here are the Get Organized Now! Top 10 ways to organize and simplify your life. LESS IS MORE. It's more important to have a few nice things that you truly enjoy, than to just have lots of stuff. Say goodbye to things that don't fit, are out of style or are unflattering. This goes for clothing, furniture, knick knacks, and other possessions you're not happy with.
CONSOLIDATE CREDIT CARDS. Most stores take Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Pay off your other credit cards, and in the future use only one or two of these major credit cards. Or, if possible, use cash or your ATM card for purchases.
COOK MORE. Don't spend more time cooking. Just make more when you cook. Rather than cooking enough for one dinner, make enough for at least two dinners. Refrigerate and freeze the extra portion and you'll have another meal another night, with no extra work.
SCREEN YOUR CALLS. Let your answering machine take all your phone calls, and return calls on your time.
DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. Don't allow trivial matters to aggravate you. If the milk spills, wipe it up and move on to more important things.
GET HELP. Don't try to do everything yourself. Split up household responsibilities among family members. Delegate to your staff. Outsource projects, repairs and so on.
DON'T TRY TO REMEMBER EVERYTHING. There's no need to store it in your memory. Write it down, and write it in one place so that you can find it easily.
WATCH TV ON YOUR TERMS. If your favorite program isn't on at a convenient time, use your VCR and record it. Then, watch it when you want to--without all the commercials!
DON'T OVER-SCHEDULE YOUR CHILDREN. Too many activities can cause a strain on your children, and you!
PLAN EACH DAY. Spend 10 minutes each night, planning for tomorrow. You'll be focused and ready to take on the world each morning!
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

Is Your Rent Control Landlord Trying to Force You Out?

Is Your Rent Control Landlord Trying to Force You Out?Digg Monday, July 28, 2008 As a general rule, landlords aren't exactly in favor of rent controls. There are plenty of tactics they use to work around rent controls, including trying to force out current tenants so that the landlord can adjust the rent to market rates, thereby leasing to higher-paying renters. If you feel that your landlord might be trying such a scheme on you, you need to learn your rights in the matter.Your rights as a renter are different depending on which state you live in. The OhMyApartment Renter's Resources page is divided by state, giving you links to information on your rights in each state.You also need to recognize warning signs that your landlord is encouraging to you to move out, aside from obvious threats and coercion. Some landlords employ subtle techniques, but just because they are quiet about it doesn't mean that you can't protect yourself.
Darren Stern, a landlord who owned many rental properties through California-based Landmark Equity Management Inc., tried to convince tenants in rent-controlled properties to move out. He refused to make repairs to the point of criminal negligence, lied to tenants and illegally raised rents. Stern used a number of tactics against his tenants for over six years. It took tenants who knew their rights to bring his actions to the attention of the San Fernando Valley city attorney, who finally brought Stern to justice.If you're facing unfair eviction from a rent-controlled apartment--or even some form of coercion to convince you to leave on your own--it may be hard to prove. Do your best to document any instances of coercion or threats; even something as simple as writing down dates can be helpful in the long run. Furthermore, you can insist that your landlord do things by the books if he's actually trying to evict you. Some unscrupulous landlords might inform you that you're being evicted, but skip the paperwork. In areas with rent-controlled housing, like New York City, a landlord must complete a specific form before carrying out an eviction on a rent-controlled apartment. In NYC, the form is called an "Owner's Application for Order Granting Approval to Refuse Renewal of Lease and/or to Proceed for Eviction for Owner Occupancy." Even if it's granted, your landlord will need to go to court to evict you, giving you the opportunity to prove that it is an unfair eviction. Just remember that as a tenant, you have rights.
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.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN

UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU MOVE IN
Month-to-Month Agreement: This agreement is for an indefinite period of time, with rent payable monthly. A month-to-month agreement continues until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice to end it.
Long-Term Lease: During the term of the lease, the rent cannot be raised or the rules changed unless both landlord and tenant agree. Leases for more than one year are exempt from the Landlord-Tenant Act, but only if the tenant’s attorney has approved such an exemption. A lease must be in writing to be valid.
Understand The Rules: Before making a decision on what apartment to rent, consider your needs. Make a checklist of what your place must have and those qualities that are not so important. Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the property management company or apartment owners you are planning to use.
Once you’ve found your ideal apartment, make sure you understand your responsibilities as an apartment tenant. Carefully read your lease and be aware of the legal terms and conditions before signing the contract.
Your Lease Should Contain:
How all maintenance and repair concerns are handled. The conditions under which your rent can be increased during that term. Who is responsible for the repair of all appliances, fixtures and furnishings that come with the apartment. How many people may occupy the apartment. Whether pets are allowed. The conditions of your security deposit, including what it covers and conditions for a refund. Security deposits are usually required and offset the landlord’s cost of repairing any property damage.
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

Assessing Laundry Needs

Assessing Laundry Needs
The first step in making the right purchase for a washer and dryer is a little advanced planning. Know your needs. For example, how much time do you spend doing laundry? Do you have a large family requiring daily clothes laundering, or are you a single person or a couple with no children?
It's also important to consider where your laundry room or washer and dryer will be located. If you are an apartment dweller, available space is probably an issue.
If you have a multilevel home, space is probably still an issue, but more from a sense of location within your home and how far you have to go to change a load. Do you need to consider wheelchair accessibility or other health needs?
Thinking about when and how you do your laundry will help you decide what size of washer or dryer to purchase and what cycle options are important to your family's needs. If you are energy-conscious (or are trying to become so) there are several options and models available to meet this requirement.
In any case, the main points for consideration on any washer and dryer include size and style, capacity, cycles, temperatures, controls, and energy efficiency 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

Length of Lease

Length of Lease
The quest to find an apartment can be both fun and stressful. There are so many exciting possibilities and as many potential obstacles. This article will guide you through the process, so you can find an apartment with confidence.
First, you must decide how long you will live in this space, which will dictate what kind of apartment to look for. Most leases require at least one year's commitment, so if this is too long for you, consider a sublet or a month-to-month apartment.

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.

"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

Renting an Apartment?

Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
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.

Renting an Apartment?

Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
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.

Renting an Apartment?

Renting an Apartment?
Make it feel like home with easy decoratingBy Diane Benson HarringtonLean artwork against your mantel or walls to prevent nail holes. Interior designed by Alan Nugent Photo courtesy of Decorating Den InteriorsIt's hard to get worked up about decorating an apartment that you don't own – but it's equally as difficult to live in surroundings that don't reflect your style."A lot of people make the mistake of thinking, 'I'm renting, so I'm not going to do anything to this space, because I'm eventually going to move.' And then they end up staying two, four, five years," says Anita Wiklem, who owns Wiklem Designs in Toronto. "Even if you stay somewhere two years, when you get home at the end of the day, if that place is to your liking, it makes such a difference in your psyche."So what do you do if you yearn for a personal touch but have to contend with a limited budget or landlord restrictions? Plenty.
A multihued rug brings color to a room when you cant paint your apartments walls. Photo courtesy of Pier 1 ImportsDealing with institutional trappings Perhaps the best thing about most apartments today is that the slate is blank – and usually neutral. Virtually anything you lay on top of this canvas will work."If you can't paint your walls or if you have an ugly rug, you can put color into your furnishings with a big, colorful rug or throw pillows or even accent lamps with colored or textured shades," says John Meaney, visual merchandising manager for Pier 1 Imports.Be sure to use a pad between your area rug and the apartment carpeting so the rug won't slide and the carpet won't suffer from color transfer.While most apartments already have mini blinds on the windows, some landlords allow you to add curtains as well. Simple side panels on a decorative rod can make a dramatic difference in a room by adding a jolt of color and personality. Weave your color choices throughout the apartment with pillows, throws or accessories. A white kitchen can come alive with a colorful teapot on the stove, some attractive dish towels and zesty countertop accessories, such as flour canisters and oversize salt shakers.If you can't make nail holes in walls, a large, framed mirrors you can lean against the wall will add far more personality than one attached to the inside of a bathroom door. Lean smaller pictures against a wall atop fireplace mantels, chest-height armoires or bookcases. Pier 1 Imports offers a handsome wooden easel you can set up in a corner or behind an angled sofa to display framed artwork. Consider making changes that you can easily reverse.Wiklem put new knobs on her kitchen cabinets and new lighting fixtures in the bathroom and foyer. She put the landlord's knobs and lights in storage, and will switch them back when she moves. She'll incorporate her own choices in her new home.If you simply must have color on the walls, Lauri Ward of Use-What-You-Have Interiors in New York City suggests creating simple rectangular frames with 1-x-2s from the lumberyard and attaching swaths of fabric with a staple gun. Lean three or five of these against the wall with a bit of space in between. Your fabric can be a solid, print or texture. When you move, Ward advises, use hinges to turn the panels into a folding screen, or remove the fabric and use to make pillows or other decorative touches.
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.

Keeping Warm

Keeping Warm
Nothing is nicer than coming home to a warm apartment. But nothing is worse than getting the electric bill for all those warm, toasty winter days. Running the central heat or air conditioning unit is the number one cost of your electric bill. So now would be a good time to learn how to cut those costs and decrease those nasty bills.
Balancing the heat: You may have noticed already that some rooms and areas of your home gets warmer than other areas. This is the impact of air balancing. If you have a central heating unit (which most units have), the heat goes along some duct-pipes in the ceiling and through room vents into the room. To prevent heat from coming into the room, simply close the vent or close the path in the actual duct.
Rooms that you don’t use very often or closets should have their vents closed to prevent wasted heat loss. This will direct the heat to other more used rooms. If there is more heat blowing into those rooms then the heating unit does not have to work as hard or as long (and thereby saving you money).
If you live in a two-story or multi-story unit or an apartment with a loft, close the vents on the upper floors. As we all know, heat rises. The bottom level will warm up and eventually the heat will dissipate to the upper floor. As the heat from the bottom floor rises, the heating unit will not have to work extra-hard to heat the upper level.
Keep doors closed to rooms that do not need heat. As heat flows through a home, it moves into rooms with open doorways. This means it takes longer for the entire home to heat because the heat keeps spreading out or thinning out. If, however, some of the closets and bathrooms are closed, the heated air will move down the hall to the next room which needs more heat. Or, if you want those rooms to be heated, leave the doors open. Keeping doors open also increases the circulation throughout the entire house. It is good practice if you don’t have roommates.
Lower the Temperature: A good way to save money is simply to lower the thermostat. If you followed the above suggestions, you won’t need to run the heating unit on a high temperature to feel comfortable. The heat should be balanced and your entire home comfort-level should remain constant. It takes some trial-and-error to get a balanced home (and you will need to re-balance for the summer months when you run the air conditioning unit), but in the end it is worth it.

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 Move to a New Apartment

How to Move to a New Apartment
Moving can be a fun and exciting adventure. But it can also be lots of work--not to mention very stressful. Here are some suggestions that might make your transition a little easier.
[edit] StepsGet boxes from grocery stores (or other stores) rather than buying them. Don't disregard the value of large plastic trash bags - just be careful not to throw them out!! Choose boxes in sizes that will be easy for one person to carry, just in case you find yourself moving most of it on your own. Start the moving process as soon as you can find time to. The more unessential items you can pack as early on as possible, the less you'll have to worry about when it gets down to the wire. Make sure that you wrap breakable items (dishes, knick-knacks, pictures, et cetera) in old newspaper, towels, bedsheets, even clothing. If you have a lot of books, pack a few in many boxes, rather than all in a few. Label your boxes as you pack - kitchen, living room, bath, etc. Also make a list of contents on each box, to make it easier to find certain things when unpacking. This will save you loads of time and grief when you arrive at your new place (and label BREAKABLES as such so your movers will know to be careful--hopefully they will be). Color-coding can be a good idea too. Just get colored stickers, and slap a red one on the box for kitchen, blue for bedroom, green for living room, etc. After you have securely packed all of your belongings... now you face the decision of hiring movers, and finding out who your real friends are or being a real friend (and saving $$$) and doing as much of it on your own as you can! (if you CAN afford it, hire a reputable, insured moving service listed with the BBB for the heavy stuff and transporting it all) (*save $ by doing your own packing!) GOOD LUCK & GET MOVING!!
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.

When you call about the ad…

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.

Don't look up until you fix that overhead light fixture.

Don't look up until you fix that overhead light fixture.Lighting is an inexpensive way to decorate and instantly improve the atmosphere of a rented space. First things first: Change out that hideous overhead light fixture that casts a stark, unattractive light on everything. Put up a chandelier, says Jeanie Engelbach, whose colorful apartment has been featured on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. Engelbach recommends any fixture that expresses your own style. Another simple and effective little change: You can put every light on a dimmer says Ron Marvin, mini-space expert on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. "No one wants to sit in that bright light when you are relaxing or entertaining. Just adding that dimmer is a small update with a huge impact."
Designer Mark McCauley, ASID, suggests that apartment dwellers use canister lamps on the floors to wash light up the walls. "Try different colored bulbs — in shades of blue, red, amber or green — to get the feeling of a colored wall without painting," he says. .Lighting is an inexpensive way to decorate and instantly improve the atmosphere of a rented space. First things first: Change out that hideous overhead light fixture that casts a stark, unattractive light on everything. Put up a chandelier, says Jeanie Engelbach, whose colorful apartment has been featured on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. Engelbach recommends any fixture that expresses your own style. Another simple and effective little change: You can put every light on a dimmer says Ron Marvin, mini-space expert on HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. "No one wants to sit in that bright light when you are relaxing or entertaining. Just adding that dimmer is a small update with a huge impact."
Designer Mark McCauley, ASID, suggests that apartment dwellers use canister lamps on the floors to wash light up the walls. "Try different colored bulbs — in shades of blue, red, amber or green — to get the feeling of a colored wall without painting," he says.
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.

Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move

Click, Click, Move: How the Internet is Changing How We Move
(ARA) - Moving season is upon us. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, half of all household moves take place between May and Labor Day. Overall, 43 million Americans move every year.
Planning a move can be time-consuming and nerve-wracking, but two things can help make the process go more smoothly: educating yourself through research, and working with a realtor you trust.
"In the last year, there has been an explosion of free real estate or rental information on the Internet," says Michael Yang, general manager, Yahoo! Real Estate. "More than ever before, potential buyers are better educated by access to home price estimates, comparable home sales, and satellite pictures of houses on the market and their neighborhoods. And the information is available without paying a penny."
Online research will help you determine price ranges for a particular neighborhood, view homes' proximity to local businesses, and get estimates and historical sales data for individual properties.
Yang points out that one of the most popular features on Yahoo! Real Estate is Schools Search. "Living near a good school is crucial for parents and anyone planning to start a family. But, it's also a good investment factor for any home buyer as houses in good school districts tend to sell faster and at higher prices than homes in other areas."
Once you're feeling smarter about your target neighborhood and price range, it's time to team up with a realtor. If you're well established in the area, ask friends and family for a recommendation.
If you're moving into a new area, consider turning to the Internet for help. The "Find A Realtor" service on Yahoo! Real Estate allows you to interview realtors anonymously by email before choosing the one that best fits your needs. You can compare the agents' experience and sales commissions as well as their proposals on how they would work with you.
Once you have found and closed on your new home, it also helps to look for ways to save money on moving. Shop around for the best deal on movers, either online or in the phone book. Once you have a few candidates in mind, ask to speak to references. When it comes to your precious belongings, a few extra steps never hurt. For those who prefer packing themselves, one tip is to find previously used boxes from grocery or wine shops. This is not only a cost-effective means of packing but is also eco-friendly. Consider it keeping both your bank balance and the world "greener."
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.

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.

Five Designer Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows

Five Designer Secrets for Creating Fabulous Windows(ARA) - It's easy to see your windows in a whole new light with insights from a professional designer. With just a little bit of thought about the look you are trying to achieve, combined with the design savvy of window treatment experts, windows like those seen in the top design magazines are just days away.
To get you started, Smith+Noble, America's leading catalog and online retailer of custom window treatments, rugs and fabric décor, suggests following these five tips from top interior designer Michael Payne. Payne is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers whose weekly show, "Designing for the Sexes," can be seen on HGTV.
* Don't be afraid of color. Many people play it safe and select neutral window treatments. Yet, mixing two colorful window treatments is a simple way to inject energy and excitement into a room. Select tones from opposite sides of the color wheel -- for example, pair a golden honeycomb shade with deep aubergine velvet panels -- to brighten and add punch to your windows.
* Vary textures when mixing neutrals. If bright colors aren't what you are after, mixing subtle colors in wonderful textures can instantly bring elegance and ease to your rooms. For example, combining rich silk in an earthy bronze with delicate, sheer georgette in a creamy color results in a beautiful effect that goes with any décor. Woven reeds, grasses and bamboos used in Smith+Noble's Natural Roman shades perfectly complement tailored herringbone edge bindings.
* Use a corner to your advantage. In homes with wall space between two corner windows, use panels or draperies with one side stacking to the left, the other to the right. Panels meet in the corner for the dramatic look of one continuous window. In contemporary homes where windows meet without wall space in between, honeycomb shades are a wonderful solution. When closed, the windows appear as bold bands of color; when open, shades virtually disappear for an unobstructed view.
* Give small windows big impact. Don't be stumped by small or unattractive windows. One terrific way to make small windows appear larger and more dramatic is by using light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.
* Design in stages. If your dream windows are a little out of reach right now budget-wise, don't fret. Designing windows is an evolving process that doesn't have to be finished all at once. When you move into a home, privacy and light control are most important, so focus on installing functional blinds and shades that will be the foundation for your window treatment masterpieces later. Then, when time and budget allow, layer luxurious panels and draperies or add architectural details like cornices and sconces.
"Designing beautiful windows can seem intimidating, but it's really not," says Karin Miller, vice president of merchandising for Smith+Noble and member of the Color Marketing Group. "Smith+Noble has taken the hottest design trends and edited them into easy-to-work-with color palettes and fabric groupings. Whether you want the function of wood blinds or the luxury of silk draperies, Smith+Noble has the right design solution for you."
Smith+Noble, America's leading resource for custom home decorating solutions, offers innovative, high-quality window treatments, custom area rugs and fabric décor items that are well-priced and backed by superior customer service and support. The company is based in Corona, Calif.
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.