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Wednesday, July 4th, 2018
Thomasville Bedroom Kristiania Daybed
Your big move from a house to a tiny apartment is a great way to have a new start. This change, of course, comes with some adjustments that may feel foreign or even overwhelming. Some might even be downright scary. But this does not have to happen to you. When you finally make this big leap, then you have to know what to expect.
These days, a lot of people have decided to downsize. Just go to the Internet and you will see hundreds of options. The news is that downsizing is just a small part of moving from a house to a smaller housing unit.
Smaller Space
This is probably the most obvious change that you will encounter. The reduced living space is needful for efficiency, meaning, every square footage is used even when the rooms are smaller. Since this is so, you need to rethink the furniture that you bring in. You will have to say goodbye to that oversized sofa and find a sleeker version.
Little Yard
Do you detest mowing the lawn? Busy working people and families with smaller children might view lawn mowing as a chore rather than a treat. A smaller yard means having a smaller landscaping to work on. Most apartment dwellers are contented with a container garden – maybe you would, too.
Limited Storage
It’s time to take a hard look into your cabinets, cupboards, and drawers. What do these storage units contain? This is the perfect time to declutter your life and keep your possessions in check.
Are all the things stored in your cabinets used on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Or have then been used at all in the last few years? It’s time to decide which things you would want to keep and which things need to go.
Here are some things that you might want to check again –
See if you can give away some items that you no longer use and be sure to create a list of the things that you do use every day.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Cheshire Drawer Ottoman is a seating and storage unit in one.
Safety and Security
Living in smaller quarters means you are within an earshot from your neighbors all of the time. It also becomes easier to make friends with your neighboring units so anyone who doesn’t look familiar would be easier to recognize.
Also, rental communities come with security guards or pass cards or even security codes when you need to enter the premises. Ask your landlord about the kind of security that is in place on your premises. Most homeowners are surprised with the added safety measures which they are able to get for zero cost.
TV and Internet
Apartment living may come with TV and Internet subscriptions. Do not immediately consider this as a downside. The advantage to this is that you no longer have to worry about an extra expense for these things that you regularly use anyway.
Be sure to check the internet situation before you decide to move in. Many complex owners are able to get better packages or deals for TV or internet packages.
Love the Daybed
Moving to a tiny apartment might mean using multipurpose furnishings. Instead of putting the bed in the middle of your living room, why not have a daybed which folds to a couch in the morning? Why not add an ottoman with storage when you’re thinking of adding another storage box?
Remember always that you have limited square footage so learn to use furnishings as functional pieces and also as aesthetic stuff. Instead of creating tiny rooms, why not have one room serve as a living room in the day and a bedroom at night?
Tags: living in a small house, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small home, small houses
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Tiny Homes | Comments Off on Downsizing to Apartment Living
Tuesday, February 7th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Nest of (3) Tables are perfect and convenient for small apartment settings.
An apartment is a wonderful habitat option for people who have just gotten married, graduated from college or who have just moved in to the big city. When you’re trying to decide between getting an apartment or investing in a house, it is crucial to take certain things to consideration. In essence, you have to look at the pros and cons from all angles.
Another option is for you to rent while earning ample finance for your real estate property. There are rental spaces that could give you a fair share of comfort and beauty. There are design dilemmas to worry about, though, but they can be overcome.
Up the look of your new apartment by stylizing. Don’t be fearful about screwing things up a bit. Just be smart as you create the design that actually works for you.
Liven Up the Walls
Use removable wallpaper to make your walls more exciting. This is a less permanent way of beautifying your walls initially. Pick a vibrant pattern that could offer an exciting statement wall or just stick to the neutral style that could easily make larger spaces look more colorful.
You don’t have to go gaga over the pattern. Just focus on what color you really want and what is the right one that would set the right mood. You can also create a lovely wall right behind your headboard or that charming loveseat. The right pattern could also make the bathroom walls more interesting (just make sure that you get the waterproof type, though).
Spotlight on the Details
Invest in some Japanese masking tape. This will help you spruce up any plain edge of a desk or dresser. What’s great about this is that it’s also easy to remove.
Lighting can also be effectively used to transform any part of your home. A simple LED lighting system can make any rental home look chic. Define any room using the correct kind of lighting. Have some ambient lighting right in your living room and some dimmers installed for your bedroom lights.
It’s All About Location
If you still don’t have a car then it matters that you choose the correct location for your apartment; more so if you’re just starting on a new job.
It is also a lot easier to invest in an apartment when you want to live in a prime city location. Houses that are built in such areas tend to be more expensive and more difficult to acquire especially for a single homeowner. Living in an apartment is the beneficial alternative that can make walking to work possible and enjoying the nightlife without hassle.
If it’s impossible to have a grand piano placed in your living room, then the best alternative is the Maitland-Smith Accessories Patina Piano 1054-922.
Think of the Amenities
Many homeowners would love to live in a home with complete amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court and a gym. Unless you’re ready to invest in those at the moment, then your next best alternative is to rent a unit in an apartment complex and enjoy these amenities in your small community. Yes, you will have to share with a few people for now but what’s social life without connecting with your neighbors?
Security Is Crucial
When you’re moving to a new property, it is also vital that you and your loved one would feel secure. A huge advantage of living in apartments is that you have layers of security especially when you’re going to live in a gated complex.
There are codes before anyone can get to the apartment building, there are also CCTV cameras installed, and there are even some that have a lock and an alarm clock right on the front doors.
Less Cost
On top of it all, the cost of living in an apartment is a lot less than when you’re maintaining a huge home. With the above factors checked, see if you’re ready to commit to apartment living soon.
Tags: designing small space, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on You and Your First Apartment: Factors to Consider When Moving to a Tiny Habitat
Thursday, December 8th, 2016
CYNTHIA ROWLEY FOR HOOKER FURNITURE EN POINTE UPHOLSTERED ARM CHAIR
Vertical living and privacy characterize self-sufficient living in the city. Home buyers are often attracted to these characteristics but these could also be a turn off to some would-be homeowners. In essence, townhouse living requires that you take out your own garbage, maintain the boiler as well as the HVAC. What’s great about townhouse living, though, is that you don’t need the approval of the board in order to renovate your place. You also won’t worry about a neighbor living downstairs who’s complaining about your noise.
Hunting for the Right Townhouse
The very experience of buying or selling a townhouse is a lot different from purchasing an apartment. There are more spaces to cover with a townhouse than an apartment. There are also other items that you need to evaluate such as width. Of course, the wider the townhouse, the more value it has. In NY, for instance, the average width of a townhouse is at 18 to 20 feet. Anything that’s narrower than this is, therefore, more difficult to sell. Over 25 feet and what you have is already considered a trophy property.
Location Always Matters
Location parameters differ when you’re scouting for a townhouse. Understand the value of location. There are apartments with winning amenities but are located in an inferior block but this doesn’t seem to affect its value. Do this same scenario to a townhouse and the value of the property become a lot less.
Another factor that brings the price down for townhouses is the kind of tenants. The best buys are those that have rent-stabilized tenants. The value is greatly discounted because of the rent-stabilized tenants. On the other hand, if you are seeking to renovate the whole building, then rent-regulated tenants won’t make that possible.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Montgomery Loveseat: Townhouses are perfect homes for a loveseat.
Loving History
Townhouses have an honorable history to offer. European royalty used to dwell in such habitats. Today, they still make sense because townhouses are shelters for single families who can live comfortably in an urban setting. Empty nesters who are also looking to downsize will find that townhouses are a wonderful alternative to condo or apartment living.
Townhouses aren’t for everyone, though so it is crucial that you do your research before you sign up.
Townhouse Living – The Benefits
Townhouse Living – The Downside
Decorating the Awkward Spaces
Get the idea from the first Harry Potter movie – have a room constructed under the stairs. This could become a room where the coat rack will be placed or where the cleaning tools will be stored. That space above the radiator could be used as a place for your artwork, some practical hooks and flower vases.
The secret to small space decorating is to make use of every nook and cranny. Townhouse living could be a tad more difficult but it also has its perks that other homes can’t offer so you might as well embrace those.
Tags: designing a small space, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space
Posted in Townhouse Living | No Comments »
Monday, August 15th, 2016
Fine Furniture Design Living Room Chaise 3101-06 offers restful lounging and sitting.
There are various upsides to small apartment living. First, there’s lower rent, also, it is at a closer proximity of many downtown areas. Small is also cozy depending on how you design the space so it’s all a matter of how you would beautify you place.
One of the sad mistakes that apartment owners make when decorating their small apartments is that they focus only on functionality instead of coupling it with design. Don’t go through the same errors – it’s time to learn some small apartment styling tips.
Delineate Different Areas
Living in a tiny space shouldn’t automatically mean embracing the open space layout. In fact, there are so many other designs that you can look into. There’s just one thing that you need to keep in mind – that you must keep yourself from overwhelming the space with unnecessary stuff.
Define the different areas by giving each a function. Shoe and coat racks can be placed by the door and that’ll define your entryway. A simple buffet should divide our dining and kitchen areas. This provides easier food service and ample storage. Backing your sofa right by the foot of your bed can draw the beholder’s eye towards the living area.
Be sure to highlight your hobby or interest as this will cap the look of your home. A bike rack will tell everyone that you are a fitness enthusiast or maybe just a lover of the outdoors. Make who you are become an integral part of your design project.
Use Dual-Purpose Furniture
When you are dealing with a tiny space, know that every inch counts. Maximize the space by buying only the kinds of furniture that have a double purpose. Find pieces that will work with the limited space that you have.
The space where you’ll set up your bedroom can have a foldable sofa. An ottoman can be a seating and storage unit at the same time. A foldable dining table can be hidden from view when no longer in use.
Find dual-purpose pieces that are the appropriate size to your tiny space. Those overstuffed furnishings will only make a small place look a lot smaller.
Look for Unused Spaces
Having moved into your cute space for months, it’s easy to be stuck with the design that you initially came up with. There are many spaces that you can free up and repurpose. If you’ve been storing old magazines in huge boxes for the longest time then this just means that it’s time to unclutter.
Nooks and crannies could also have their purpose. They can be used as a corner library or as a small corner office.
Grow Vertically
It is crucial that you think vertically when you have a small space to work with. The tall, narrow storage units can help solve clutter issues. You can begin by placing two bookshelves of the same height on both sides of the doorway. A single entertainment center can also be used, one that reaches from the floor all the way up to the ceiling.
Hooker Furniture Living Room Melange Joli Nesting Ottomans offer dual purposes – they can be used as a seating as well as a storage unit.
Make Organization Your New Best Friend
Storage is your best pal when you have a small apartment. This is your tool in hiding stuff that you don’t need at the moment. Practically speaking, though, you have to learn to find and keep just the things that you need.
Make good use of back-of-door hangers and hanging organizers. Line your shelves and drawers with extra bins or baskets.
As soon as your organization tools are set, you would soon realize how much space can actually be freed up. Just cap your design project with a light paint palette and you’re done.
Tags: decorating a small home, decorating a small space, furnishing small apartments, interior design for small spaces, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small apartment furniture, small space, small space design, small space interior design, small space organization, small space solutions, tips
Posted in Apartment Living, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Thursday, July 28th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Living Room Windward Dart Honey Loveseat can cozily sit two.
A small living room can be described in so many ways – teensy, compact, minute, etc. If you have done everything but have already hit a roadblock in terms of making the living room more livable, then you have to know the secret.
But is this really a secret? More than a secret, small living rooms need a smart solution. Here are some of the wisest solutions ever that designers have come up with –
Get Started
Just like any design project which you are going to take on, it would help to look at the task with a fresh set of eyes. Go out, take a walk, breathe deep, then come back refreshed. If you can, you can also bring a design-savvy colleague with you so she can help you determine what to do with the space. Most of the time, hearing ideas can bring out the creativity in anyone.
That Long, Narrow Hall
If you have a long, narrow hall to deal with, think of an art gallery. White walls are the classic choice although a fresh coat of rich color or grass cloth can also work well. Go basic and sleek with black and white stuff.
Create a unique gallery with an eclectic appeal using your most colorful, large artwork. You can also hang a series of photo frames with the left side of the wall intentionally left empty. Top your design scheme by adding proper lighting. Use overhead track lighting or wall-mounted lighting in illuminating artwork.
For a smaller yet still long hall, it is wise to make good use of every nook and cranny. Now how is this achieved? You can use floating shelves and cabinets. These floating pieces keep the floor free from clutter.
Measure with care, pick the cabinets that are also narrow so that you will have enough room to walk around in. Make sure to keep the floor area clean and clutter-free as these don’t have a room in any tight space.
The Eat-In Kitchen
This kind of kitchen with a lot of openings and doors will make the room less functional. A door that opens inwards will occupy space as do the cabinet openings.
A solution to this dilemma is to use round-edge tables instead of the square or rectangular types. Curved edges fit better in awkward spaces more than hard-edged furniture pieces. Pull the table near a wall even if it is just a small section. Placing the table dead-center will leave an unnatural look.
Multiple Windows and Doors
The living room has many elements – the door, fireplace, windows, radiator, walls ,etc. All these prevent you from placing furniture near the living room walls. If you are faced with this dilemma, then try to pull the arrangement to the center of the living room. A matching pair of sofas could serve as the anchor to this whole design. It will also counteract the confusion that exits and entries bring about.
Add a cozy rug to set up a conversation area.
Make wise use of vertical space with this 1586-75906-BLK1 Twin Peak Display Cabinet
Limited Wall Space
There are also living rooms with limited wall space. If you can swap the living room with the dining room (provided that the latter is more spacious), then do so. Various doors and windows don’t matter that much inside a dining room, in fact, they can even add to the drama and romance that dinners could bring.
A Studio-Type Apartment
Small-scale furniture pieces are your best friends when you have limited living room space. Again, furnishings with rounded edges work better than those with sharp edges.
Install also ample storage units so that your life would become a lot easier.
Tags: decorating a small space, designing a small space, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small space interior design, small space living, small space organization, small space solutions, small spaces, tips
Posted in Apartment Living, Condo Living, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
Friday, June 24th, 2016
1586-90014-BLK1 Belle Semainier Chest is petite and vertically superb for any small apartment.
Small apartments may have their upside but they also come with some furnishing concerns. Sure, you love paying the lower rent and being close to your work, add the coziness and all, and what you get is a warm, easy-to-decorate place. But is it really that easy to furnish a tiny apartment?
One of the greatest misconceptions about decorating smaller apartments is that functionality should always come before design. While function is important, it is also just as crucial to create a design that describes who you are. An apartment might have limited space but this does not mean that you have to be short on style, too. You have to find the right balance between style and function or you won’t be comfortable in your apartment, eventually.
You Can Still Define Separate Areas
One advice that homeowners often get when it comes to style is to use an open space layout. This lack of definition on space could look cluttered if not given much attention.
As much as you can, try to define separate areas by giving each area a purpose. For instance, you can place a coat and shoe racks right by the entryway. Place the buffet between the kitchen and dining areas so serving and storage become easier. Back the sofa up to the foot of the bed so the beholder’s eyes are drawn to the living area.
If you have a hobby, go ahead and experiment in separating the area where you would display your collections and other living areas. Don’t be afraid to show who you are. If your hobby is biking, then install an indoor rack that will make your bike look like it’s been intentionally made into a décor. Plants may also be used to signify changes in space use.
Make Use of Dual-Purpose Furniture
Every inch counts when it comes to dealing with small space. Invest in smaller furniture that, preferably, can double into something else. Focus your energies on buying furniture pieces that work with your chosen theme.
Bedrooms are often the perfect rooms for dual-purpose furniture. It is best to buy furniture that has a dual purpose than to work the space around the furniture that you purchase.
Consider having a trundle bed that folds into a sofa when you want to watch the television. A hollow ottoman can also double as a storage case, or a dining table with built-in leaf to make guest entertainment a lot easier.
Whatever kind of dual-purpose piece you buy, just make sure that you buy the sizes that are appropriate to your available space. Overstuffed pieces will only make your space look a lot smaller than it already is. Now don’t worry too much about searching for sofas, there are many designs that will fit your micro-living space.
Assess Unused Spaces
Living in a small space means you also have to rethink unused areas now and then. If there are extra pots that lay around or candles that have not been used for so long, then what’s the point in keeping them around?
Now look around your apartment and find out if you have any dead spaces that serve very little to zero purpose. Find blank walls and unused corners then discover how you can make these spaces more useful. Use them to your advantage, create storage where there was none before.
Extend Vertically
Planning the best way to use space means you have to know how to use vertical storage. Narrow, tall storage systems work best in smaller spaces so shop for those kinds. An entertainment center that is narrower yet reaches from floor to ceiling is your perfect divider between the living and sleeping areas.
Decorating tiny apartments doesn’t need to be taxing. All you need is a little creativity and a tad of patience and you should be fine.
Flexsteel Living Room Love Seat 1139-20 is the right solution for small apartment seating needs.
Tags: decorating a small home, decorating a small space, designing a small apartment, designing an apartment, furnishing small apartments, furniture for small apartments, interior design for small spaces, living in a small space, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, small apartment design, small apartment furniture, small space, small space organization, small space solutions, studio apartment living, styling an apartment
Posted in Apartment Living, Furniture, Interior Design 101, Tiny Homes | No Comments »
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