Tips for a Professionally-Styled Gallery Wall

Gallery walls are a popular way to display multiple photos or pieces of art as a single display that will draw the eye and complement your apartment’s décor. If you’d like to add a gallery wall to your apartment space but aren’t sure how to design one with the most appeal, keep reading for some helpful tips you can use to create the perfect display for your home.

Start with Art You Love

Any display of art you choose for your apartment should be comprised of art you love. While this may seem straightforward, it can be tempting to buy a pre-made set of art out of convenience or even a sense of expediency. However, your gallery wall should not only be an eye-catching display, but a reflection of your personal taste as well. Taking your time and selecting art or photos that mean something to you will help you out during the creation process and ensure you will enjoy your gallery wall every single day.

Anchor Your Art

If you’re having trouble getting started, consider building your gallery wall around an anchor piece. An anchor piece is a single photo, painting, or print that sets the mood for the rest of your gallery wall. Choosing an anchor piece to serve as the central focal point for your gallery wall creates a more collage-like feel to your display and can help you pick out the supporting pieces much more easily. While every gallery wall doesn’t need an anchor, designing your wall with an anchor in mind may be the perfect personalized touch you need to find inspiration for the rest of your project. You can show off your anchor piece with a slightly different, larger, or brighter frame, encouraging the eye to settle on that piece first before taking in the rest of your wall.

Placement Is Everything

When it comes to designing a breathtaking gallery wall, placement is extremely important. The best way to make sure your gallery wall really pops is to place it in a location that draws the eye, such as across from your front door or in a highly-visible area of your living space. Art was made to be seen, so make sure your gallery wall’s placement puts it right on center stage. Don’t be afraid to create smaller gallery walls in unexpected locations, either, such as in a guest bathroom or along a hallway. These areas can greatly benefit from the added color and personality of the artwork you hang. Finally, you should also consider lighting when laying out your gallery wall—even if your art is in the right place, if your gallery wall sits in shadow, it will detract from the final effect.

At Carmel The Village, you’ll love creating a personalized and stylish apartment space in San Jose. Click through our website for more details about the luxury features and finishes you’ll find in every one of our apartments, or contact us online to discuss availability, lease rates, and move-in specials.

Cutting Down on Paper Clutter

January is National Get Organized Month, and there couldn’t be a better time to get your apartment off to a great new start. One of the first steps in getting your apartment organized is removing clutter from the space for a cleaner and more inviting home. Paper is one of the easiest things to accumulate, yet one of the least-often addressed sources of clutter in the home. This January, you can take control of your San Jose apartment by cutting down on paper clutter in a few simple steps.

Designate a Paper “Place”

It’s easy to let papers settle all over your apartment. You may leave the mail near the door, while you may sit and read the newspaper at the kitchen table. Records and paid bills can pile up in your bedroom, while instruction manuals get shoved into the nearest convenient drawer. The first step in cutting down on your apartment’s paper clutter is to determine a single location where your papers will be stored. This means picking the room where you want to store your papers, as well as the means with which you will contain them. You may want to keep all papers in a filing cabinet or box, or you may want to designate a desk or kitchen drawer for this task. Whatever your choice, make sure it is large enough to accommodate the papers you have today, as well as any you may accumulate in the future.

Deal with Paper Immediately

Paper most often accumulates when you don’t deal with it immediately. Rather than setting aside bills and other important documents to be handled later, consider dealing with them as soon as you receive them to keep your “to do” pile from getting too large. If you don’t always have time to look at papers right away, keep a small box for “to dos” and address it as soon as it starts to fill up. When you handle incoming papers immediately, you’re much less likely to forget or lose something important, simplifying your life in other ways as well.

Go Paperless

One of the easiest ways to cut down on paper clutter in your apartment is to eliminate it at the source. If you’ve been thinking about going paperless, there’s no time like the present to switch your bank statements, bills, and newsletter subscriptions to paperless. Scanning and storing your past bills and information digitally will cut down on the papers you’ve already accumulated. Finally, keep in mind that many of the papers you’ve been saving may be unnecessary—if your bank provides past statements online, for instance, you don’t need to keep the hard copies. Tax records and bills paid need only be kept for a few years, so find out how far back your records need to date and eliminate those that are ancient history. Make sure you shred any documents containing personal or financial information before disposing of them for your safety and security.

Whether you rent a studio or a two-bedroom apartment in San Jose at Carmel The Village, cutting down on clutter is a great way to kick off the new year. You can explore our apartment community and local neighborhood when you visit us on the web for additional information about luxury apartment life near Mountain View.

Chic Space-Saving Ideas for the Kitchen

Your apartment’s kitchen is one of the most-used areas in your home—it’s great for meal preparation, eating, socializing, and studying. With all of this activity, it’s important to keep your kitchen clear and uncluttered; maintaining a neater kitchen will also help you avoid throwing out unused food by preventing items from becoming lost in the back of your pantry, cabinets, or fridge. Check out the space-saving tips below to get you started on your way to a chic, clean apartment kitchen.

Hang Items on the Wall

If you find you’re running out of space in drawers and cabinets but you don’t want to pare down your cooking implements, there is another solution: hang them on the wall. Using your wall space eliminates clutter in the kitchen while also turning your cooking implements into stylish décor. Installing hooks is an easy and quick task; if you aren’t sure you want to drill into your wall, removable hooks are available in a wide range of styles and colors, offering options beyond simple white plastic for an additional touch of style. Popular items to hang include pots and pans, spoons or other large cooking utensils, and aprons. You may also want to consider hanging your cutting boards or purchasing a magnetic knife strip to free up even more kitchen storage space.

Clear Out the Pantry

Every few weeks, it’s a good idea to go on a pantry-purging mission. You can start out the new year on the right foot by taking everything out of the pantry and immediately throwing away any food that is expired. Although your spices may not have an expiration date, now is a good time to evaluate them as well—if they look old or unappealing, toss them and purchase new ones. Next, evaluate the remains to determine if you really plan to eat it before its expiration date. Any items you aren’t sure about should be donated to local food banks or shelters. Place the remaining items back in your pantry, making sure those items that are due to expire soonest are set towards the front, where you’ll grab them first. If you’re having trouble seeing what you’ve got in the pantry, small risers can be used to elevate foods at the back for better visibility.

Add Shelves

Another great way to add space and style in the kitchen is to bring in more shelves. Whether you want to mount floating shelves on the wall or pull in a bookcase, more shelf space provides you with plenty of room for cookbooks, cooking implements, kitchen gadgets, and decorative items to turn your kitchen space into a space that is not only functional, but visually appealing as well. Don’t be afraid to display cooking implements, dishware, or pots and pans openly on shelves—when arranged neatly, these items will become décor of their own, highlighting your kitchen’s purpose while also creating a unique visual vignette. With more shelving, you can also opt to use stainless steel, ceramic, or glass containers to store dry goods out in the open, freeing up further space in your pantry.

Your BLVD63 apartment features a modern, open kitchen space with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and European-style cabinetry. You can find out more about the benefits of choosing to rent an apartment with us when you visit our website or contact us online to discuss our other apartment finishes and features, community amenities, and move-in specials.

Setting Aside an Apartment Study Spot

Creating a dedicated study spot in your apartment means designing a place where you feel energized, focused, and positive so you can concentrate on schoolwork or other materials easily in the comfort of your own home. Designing this spot to cater to your personal preferences, while also keeping a few general rules in mind to prevent distractions, is an excellent way to enjoy time spent at home while focusing on any task at hand.

Find Your Space

The first step in designing a personalized apartment study spot is to choose the space where you want to study. This will depend upon both the layout of your apartment and your study preferences; some people study best in an area like a kitchen or living room, while others prefer the quiet of a bedroom. Find the place you work best, then design your study spot around it, rather than choosing an area simply because it is convenient. Regardless of where you’d like to place your study spot, make sure there is enough space for you to work. You’ll need a comfortable chair and a desk or other flat surface, such as a table or breakfast bar, to place any necessary materials within easy reach.

Add Necessities

There are a few necessities every study space should have. First, you’ll need a place to sit and a flat surface for papers, books, your computer, and any other materials you might need. You’ll want to make sure you can spread out enough that you won’t feel cramped in your study space, which can hinder your comfort and your ability to concentrate. You will also need to make sure you have a comfortable seat—nothing is worse than studying in a chair you can’t wait to get out of! Additionally, you’ll need at least one good source of light for reading and writing; an overhead lamp or desk lamp will suffice, as long as you choose a bulb with enough wattage to cast light over your entire study area. Making sure your area is well lit will not only help you focus, it’ll also help you to feel more positive and creative as well.

Personalize Your Space

The final step in creating a home study spot is to personalize your space. Add artwork, desk accessories, a plant, or a fun clock to give your space a little color and warmth. Framing motivational photos or sayings that get you ready to work can help you feel upbeat every time you sit down to work. Avoid cluttering your study space too much, however, as this will make it feel less inviting and stifle your productivity. The key to creating the perfect study spot is to find a good balance between style, personality, and function so you feel creative and energized, but not overwhelmed or hemmed in. Other great options for personalizing your apartment study spot include hanging a dry erase board or cork board for photos, notes, reminders, and outlines to help you stay motivated and on task.

BLVD63 features chic, modern apartments and upscale amenities, all just minutes from SDSU, Cowles Mountain, Mission Beach, and Lake Murray. Check us out on the web to view our gallery, list of apartment amenities, and available floor plans and rates.

Tips for Moving to the Northeast

The northeastern United States is home to some of the country’s most interesting historical sites, best colleges and universities, and most beautiful natural landscapes. If you’re moving to the Northeast from another area of the country, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make your move easier and your home a more enjoyable slice of Northeastern life.

Purchase Good Winter Gear

Wintertime in the Northeast typically includes below-freezing temperatures and plenty of snow. Especially if you’re from an area that experiences milder winters, a little preparation will ensure that you’re ready to handle anything Mother Nature can throw at you. First, invest in a good set of warm winter wear, including waterproof snow boots, a coat, scarf, hat, and gloves or mittens. Choose clothing in a style and color that you like to ensure you’ll feel like you look your best every time you step out your apartment door. Although your apartment’s exterior and grounds will be cared for, you will be responsible for protecting and maintaining your car during the winter as well. Purchase a snow scraper and wintertime roadside emergency kit to keep in your car at all times, just in case you encounter a problem.

Choose Your Moving Day Wisely

If you have the luxury of choosing your move-in date, aim for the spring or fall. These times of year may be popular moving times, but they aren’t as hectic as the summer and won’t be as cold or difficult to move in as the winter. Spring and fall in the Northeast are often mild in terms of temperature, but there may be rain—be prepared with ponchos and rain boots on move-in day, just in case the weather isn’t in your favor. The Boston area is also home to a large number of colleges and universities; before you move, it’s a good idea to look up the starting dates and graduation dates of any schools in your area to avoid moving during these peak times. Contact your movers well in advance of moving day so you’ll be sure to get a good rate and guaranteed service on the day you want.

Evaluate Your Décor

Although your apartment’s decorative style should reflect your personality, there are certain types of décor that are often considered regional. If you’re moving from an area such as the Southwest or southern states, consider your décor and whether you think it will fit in well in a new Northeast apartment. While a beach or desert theme may look great in another area of the country, you may feel that your décor is out of place in a New England apartment. Northeastern and New England styles of decorating often make use of rugged and organic elements, such as wood and garden or nature themes. Antiques and vintage items also work well in this type of decorating scheme. Choose the elements of this style that you like best to create a new Northeastern home that reflects both your roots and your current location.

Renting an apartment at Alta Legacy Farms means living in one of the most beautiful and serene areas of the Northeast. Click through our website to find more information on our location, floor plans, amenities, and rental rates, including our current move-in specials and local neighborhood hotspots.

Enjoying a Warm, Cozy Apartment Home This Winter

Winters in Massachusetts can be dark and cold, but the atmosphere outdoors doesn’t need to be reflected inside your apartment home. Cultivating a warm, inviting atmosphere at home will help you stay positive throughout the winter months and enjoy every moment you spend indoors. Whether you are looking to save money and energy this winter or simply want to inject your living space with added color and life, try out one of these simple solutions to enjoy a cozy Hopkinton apartment:

Use Window Treatments Wisely

Window treatments are a great decorative addition that can make any room feel warmer and cozier. Curtains and shades in colors that match your décor help to tie your windows in with the rest of the room, creating a more finished and inviting environment. Closing your shades or curtains at night will also help to keep your apartment warmer and more comfortable without taxing your heating system, helping you to save energy and money all winter long.

Layer Your Linens

Cozy throws and pillows create a comfortable space for you to snuggle up into, whether you’re on your bed, in your favorite armchair, or lounging on the couch. Winter is the perfect season to scatter throws around your apartment so you’ll always have something warm close at hand. Layer your bed or couch with two or more throws for a textured look that will also add color to your bedroom or living space. Like window treatments, table linens such as a tablecloth, runner, cloth napkins, or placements will add visual warmth to your home, complementing your décor and inviting you and others to sit down at the table for every meal.

Choose Candles

Candles are available in an endless array of colors, styles, and scents to add both warmth and light to your apartment. You can use candles in nearly any area of your home, from living spaces to working spaces and bathrooms, to cultivate an atmosphere of luxury and style. If you’re concerned about real candles, flameless candles will still create the look you want without the risk of fire if left unattended or around pets and children. For the best look, use the rule of three to create small visual vignettes by placing three candles of differing heights, colors, and styles in areas around your apartment to add a decorative highlight that’s perfect for offsetting the darkness of long winter nights.

Go Green with Plants

Winter greenery can add a vibrant seasonal touch to your décor that also helps your living space feel cozier and more organic. You can turn your dining table into a decorative centerpiece with a large floral arrangement that highlights popular winter plants, such as evergreens, rose hips, ivy, and even bare branches or twigs. Succulents and ferns are right at home in any season to add a low-maintenance touch of year-round green to bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways that will keep your apartment looking vibrant throughout the year.

Alta Legacy Farms features one- and two-bedroom apartments in beautiful Hopkinton, MA, just steps from state parks and convenient public transportation into Boston. Visit us on the web to discover the benefits of renting an apartment with us, including stainless steel appliances, large kitchens and bathrooms, and an on-site pool, park, and fitness center.

Creating Visual Vignettes

Visual vignettes are small groupings of decorative objects that complement a room’s décor and add personality to a space. Creating visual vignettes is a fun and easy way to add one or more focal points to any room to complete your decorating scheme. Keeping a few tips in mind can help you turn your apartment into a unique and fun space where your personality and style really shine.

Find Your Inspiration
Every vignette starts with a little inspiration. One of the best places to find inspiration is among your own belongings—take an inventory of the decorative items you own and select any number of pieces that you want to show off. From this selection, group items together that have a similar theme, color, pattern, or any other feature. You can also look to each room’s existing décor for ideas; choose a color, theme, or other element of your decorative style and search for items that reflect these concepts. Alternatively, you can look to outside sources for inspiration, such as on the internet, in home decorating magazines, or even by touring furniture stores and showrooms. If you find a vignette concept you like, there’s nothing wrong with recreating it in your own apartment!

Find the Right Space

Vignettes aren’t just about the objects on display—they are about where you display these objects as well. Places such as bookcases, coffee tables, mantels, and end tables are all great locations for a visual vignette. Try to keep your vignette in a place where it won’t interfere with a functional surface to avoid reaching around a decorative item every time you need a flat surface to use. Vignettes also work well under light sources, such as lamps or overhead track lights, which help to highlight your display by acting as directed accent lighting.

Find the Right Grouping

The key to a successful vignette is the way in which you group your objects. Visual designers recommend grouping objects in odd numbers, such as three or five items, because odd groupings are most pleasing to the eye. You should also try to vary the heights of your objects to add visual interest and texture. Keep in mind that tall doesn’t necessarily mean large, especially if you don’t have a lot of space for your vignette. Even if you choose items that are all of similar size, consider elevating one or more on a stand or a stack of books to add an extra element of depth.

Alta Legacy Farms features spacious apartments with remarkable amenities in the heart of idyllic Hopkinton, MA. Just minutes from both convenient public transportation into Boston and some of the area’s most beautiful state parks, you’ll love coming home to a personalized apartment space with features such as private outdoor living spaces, double windows in each bedroom, and entryways with weathered plank flooring. Check out our latest move-in specials on our website or contact us to find out more about our availability, application process, and on-site tours.

Making the Most of Your Space

Although an apartment is not a full-sized house, there are many ways you can make the most of the space you have to enjoy a luxurious and comfortable home. Learning how to use your apartment’s space effectively hinges on understanding how your eyes and your brain perceive a room. Taking advantage of a few tried-and-true tricks allows to expand upon your apartment’s spacious floor plan even further. From smart decorating tricks to minimizing visible—and hidden—clutter, the tips below can get you started on your way to creating a Phoenix apartment you’ll love returning to at the end of each day.

Use Light

Light is an important decorating element that is often neglected or underused. The right lighting will draw the eye to the open spaces in your apartment, creating the feeling of a more expansive and welcoming home. Natural lighting is a great asset—keep your windows open during the day and watch how the sunlight plays through your space, adding artificial lighting where necessary. You can enhance the quantity and quality of light in your apartment with mirrors, which reflect incident light to open up the space and brighten it even further. At night, make sure you have a sufficient level of ambient light in each room to avoid unappealing dark corners; a good rule of thumb is to have at least three working lights in each room to provide a steady level of illumination. Use accent lighting to highlight decorative elements and brighten darker spaces to show off your style and improve your comfort at home. For brighter lighting on a smaller budget, consider choosing LEDs or CFLs, which put out more light for less energy, allowing you to use brighter bulbs without worrying about your bills.

Remove Clutter

Clutter can be a great detractor from the look and feel of any room. Getting and keeping your clutter under control will help your apartment look cleaner, more streamlined, and more organized. The first step in dealing with clutter is finding ways to store items out of sight, rather than allowing them to accumulate on tables, chairs, or even the floor. You can enhance the storage capacity of your closets, cabinets, and other storage areas using organizing tricks such as shoe racks, wall-mounted hooks, over-the-door organizers, and portable plastic bins or drawer systems. Baskets, boxes, tins, and jars can also help you contain items on counters, shelves, and desk spaces so everything you need is at hand without lying scattered over every surface. Having “a place for everything” and keeping everything in its place will ensure you can find items easily even when they are stored out of sight. If you don’t have enough storage space to contain your clutter, it may be time to consider your belongings and find items you don’t want or don’t use often. Selling or donating items you no longer need will help to keep your clutter under control while benefiting your community as well.

Are you ready to make your dream of a luxury penthouse lifestyle in Phoenix, AZ, a reality? Visit 44 Monroe on the web to find out more about our amazing apartment community, which includes secure parking, a 24-hour lobby attendant, and large public-use outdoor spaces with the finest appointments. We also invite you to take a look through our online gallery and floor plan listing to get a better feeling for your next Phoenix home.