Bring Summer Indoors

Last Saturday marked the official start of summer, and now that it’s official, isn’t it time to change your decor to match the season? None of these tips from Style at Home and Bonnie Trust Dahan, author of Living with the Seasons (Chronicle Books, 2003) involve a huge overhaul, but rather small changes that can add up to some festive summertime results! 

Photo courtesy Hotel del Coronado

1 Change textiles throughout

Lighten up any room by exchanging heavy fabrics for breezier ones. In the living room, take downdrapes or replace them with an open weave such as chiffon or organza, suggests Bonnie. Change throw-pillow covers and sofa slipcovers in the den, add crisp white -- or bright solid or floral -- percale or linen sheets in the bedroom, use quick-drying towels in the bathroom and opt for natural woven placemats instead of a tablecloth in the dining room.

2 Play with your fruits and vegetables

Turn seasonal produce into a centrepiece for your kitchen or dining table. “Try a dozen lemons in a cobalt blue bowl -- yellow and blue are the colours of summer and it adds a nice citrus scent,” says Bonnie.

3 Let nature take its course

Formal floral arrangements can be too heavy for summertime. Take a cue from the garden and casually arrange flowers as they would grow outdoors, writes Kristin Perers, author of A Home For All Seasons (Ryland Peters & Small, 1998). Toss some fragrant herbs, such as mint, rosemary and sage, into arrangements or plant them in a window box outside a bedroom and enjoy the aroma all night long.

4 Smell like summer

Put away products with which you regularly bathe or shower and opt for ones with summer scents, like rosemary bath soap or fruity body wash.

5 Bring the outdoors in

“I like to take accents from the garden -- a cachepot, a tool -- and use them out of context in the home,” says Bonnie. “They're little reminders of what's going on outdoors.” Store spatulas or wooden spoons in a terracotta pot, frame a collection of antique gardening tools to create a seasonal wall collage or move patio furniture indoors.

6 Cut a rug

Who needs that heavy Oriental rug during summer? Lay down a more natural alternative, such as a sisal rug, or better yet, keep the floors bare. “It's a nice feeling walking barefoot on a hardwood floor,” says Bonnie.

7 Spruce up your cleaning

Stores like Crabtree and Evelyn sell an array of aromatic cleaning products. Try one infused with delightful seasonal scents, such rosewater linen wash and lavender carpet refresher.

8 Get crafty

Simple summer shirting can get the creativity going, writes Kristin. Employ the fabric in decorative details like a patchwork quilt or pillow shams. If you prefer more floral works, press petals between two framed pieces of glass for instant art or use them to border a mirror for a touch of summer all year long.

9 Dish it out

Summer usually brings with it a playful mood. Mix and match dishes in fun vibrant solids or with funkypatterns like stripes and botanic prints.

10 Colour your world

When visiting a farmers' market, pay attention to all the wonderful colours that surround you, Bonnie suggests. Then pick a room in your home, designate it the “summer room” and repaint the walls one of those luscious, incredible hues.

Renting 101

(Image courtesy of Elegant Thread)

We couldn't be more excited to have you living in our beautiful gated community on the lakes at Dos Lagos! After moving in and reorganizing we're sure your ready to relax and enjoy the time that you spend with us.

Though many of you are seasoned renters, it never hurts to take a moment and look at some tips to simplify. The writers over at apartmentguide.com have some concise ideas about how to keep your apartment living easy as pie. Keep reading, and don't forget to leave us a comment if there's anything we missed! 

1. Over-Decorating 

You never know how long you’ll be in your apartment. You may want to customize and personalize your new place immediately, but don’t get too carried away. The more you do to the apartment, the more there is to undo when you move out.

Read more: Add Color to Your Space Without the Commitment of Painting

2. Lax Security

You might not own the apartment, but it’s still filled with your belongings—including yourself. Remember to lock your door and secure your windows. Here’s something to consider: ask your landlord to install a peephole (or for permission to do it yourself.) It may seem like a stretch, but you don’t know if it’s possible unless you ask!

Read more: How to Assess the Security of a New Apartment

3. Making Permanent Changes to the Apartment

When you are hanging curtains or decorating your apartment, make sure that you ask permission before drilling holes, painting walls, or doing anything permanent. Often permanent changes will need to be undone upon moving out, or you will be charged for them.

4. Carelessness

That carpet stain in the bedroom might seem like a minor issue. But in reality, it’s a problem that will cost you when you move out. Moral of the story? Be careful! Treat your apartment as though you own it.

Read more: Cheap Green Cleaning: The Only 5 Products You Need

5. Failing to Repair Damages

From minor scratches on the wall to missing floor tiles, it is important to get problems fixed as soon as they arise. If for no other reason, a little problem could soon become a bigger one if left untreated. When it’s time to move, you’ll be held responsible if you don’t speak up sooner.

Read more: May a Landlord Choose Not to Renew a Lease?

6. Not Getting Renter’s Insurance

You insure your health and your car, so why wouldn’t you want to insure the other things that are important to you? Most people don’t realize how important renter’s insurance is until it is too late. Don’t let that be you.

Read more: Renters Insurance: What You Need to Know

7. Not Cleaning Regularly

This may seem obvious, but it’s a point that deserves stressing. If you made a list of fun things that you like to do in your spare time, there’s a good chance that cleaning wouldn’t be on it. However, cleaning your apartment consistently will save you a giant headache when it’s time to move out.

Read more: Apartment Cleaning Mistakes: Are You Guilty?

8. Failing to Notify Landlord of Problems

Some people fear that they might be blamed for any problems that they report to their landlord, but it is actually something that every tenant should do. If you don’t let your landlord know about that faucet leak, it could get worse and you could get blamed for it when it might have been a relatively simple fix in the first place.

Read more: Be Aware of Actions That Might Violate Your Lease Agreement

9. Wasting Money on Utilities

Ever looked at your utility bills and wished that you could just rip them in half? You might not be able to get rid of them altogether, but you might be paying more than you need to for utilities each month. How often do you leave your heating or air conditioning on when you go to work for the day? Switch it off when you leave, or use a programmable thermostat. There’s no need to pay to heat or cool an empty apartment.

Read more: Saving Money on Utilities

10. Not Taking Advantage of Tax Benefits

If you live in certain states, such as California, Missouri, and Maryland, you could be receiving tax benefits for renting a property. Check your state tax laws to see if you’re missing out on possible tax breaks. Cha-ching!

Welcome Home

It's almost time.

In just a few shorts weeks our first residents will be moving into our brand new apartments. If we can share a secret - we're almost as excited as you are!

We want you to feel as comfortable as possible in your new home. So while you're packing and preparing your move, take a look at a few of these tips, courtesy of renters.apartments.com, to design your dream home!

Design for Use

The difference between a home and just another room is how much you really dwell in it. If you're ready to think of your apartment as a living space and not just where you crash at night, start designing your environments around their utility. Approach kitchen improvement projects around making it easier and more fun to cook and host company, tackle your bedroom as a pursuit of true coziness and relaxation, and think of your living room as a great leisure space just waiting to emerge from the blank canvas of the floor plan.

Color and Light

The cheapest, most functional way to establish a real decorative aesthetic is with careful color and lighting concepts. Look into whether your lease allows you to paint the walls. A fresh coat of the right color can really personalize a room. Even if you're not allowed to paint, you can start thinking of other kinds of decor along a color scheme that makes your home feel more intentional and personal. It's also a good idea to have plenty of lighting to open up each room and make the space feel more inviting.

Think Beyond the Now

Even if a given apartment is just a temporary arrangement, that doesn't mean everything in it has to be temporary as well. When you furnish and decorate your space, invest in items you'll want to see in your next home as well. By putting the effort and money into your belongings now, you'll feel literally and emotionally more invested in the space, plus you'll be less likely to have to start from the beginning the next time you move. Every chair, poster and candlestick can be the start of a continuous story, rather than just a lost chapter.

Add Some Life

Tending to your space or something within it is a great way to make your rental feel like home. When you're ready, bring a pet or some plants into the apartment so you'll have something you can help thrive in your environment. If you opt for something practical like a small garden of fresh herbs like mint and basil, you'll also have another reason to step into the kitchen and make your home a source of physical and spiritual nourishment. Apartment gardens are often as easy as a few potted plants on a windowsill, or even a small DIY project to install a floating shelf near a source of light.

Match the Mismatched

Especially when you're just starting out, it's pretty common to have a mishmash of furniture acquired more out of convenience than an eye for catalog perfection. Making a matching set just takes a little extra work, though. If you have wood, plastic or metal furniture, a fresh coat of paint can make them into companion pieces. Leather and fabric seating are good options for slip covers an upholstery, which will also increase the longevity of furniture that's either at risk of wear or is worn already. Taking on these small-scale DIY projects is not only a fulfilling and productive use of leisure time, it's also a great way to develop new skills that will serve you well when you're ready to take on larger home improvement projects in the future.

No matter how small your apartment or how short your stay, there are plenty of things you can do to improve and customize your space. A little effort and TLC will definitely make your rental feel like a home you're happy to call your own.

Chill It With Flowers

(Image courtesy of bex)

Summer time is here so let the celebrations begin! If you're looking for a little something extra to shake up your iced tea this season, this video from thekitchn.com may be just what you're looking for. Don't let dull ice cubes water down your drinks - add a little color with frozen flowers! Watch the video below for a quick tutorial. 

Get Your Move On

(Image courtesy of Jason Saul)

Though moving to a new place is exciting, we all know that it can be a stressful time. Between packing up rooms, organizing boxes, downsizing items and coordinating your move times, it can quickly become a daunting experience.

If you’re not looking forward to your move, we can help! With these simple steps courtesy of renters.apartments.com you’ll be packed up and ready to go in no time! Don’t believe us? Keep reading to find out how!

Create a Timeline

As soon as you know your moving date, write it down on a calendar. Then, you know exactly when all the packing has to be finished. You can also schedule the movers, fill out a change of address form at the post office and write a reminder to contact utility companies about switching service.

Organize the Supplies

With your timeline in place, get down to business. Make sure you have enough supplies before you start packing, though. Otherwise, you’ll become frustrated and lose you packing momentum. Suggested packing supplies include:

• Packing tape
• Boxes, suitcases and bins of all sizes
• Permanent markers in several colors
• Cushioning materials including bubble wrap, foam, towels and sheets

Get Rid of Stuff

The less stuff you own, the less you have to move. That means you save time and money because you don’t have to pack up stuff you no longer need, want, use or love or pay someone to move all your unwanted stuff.

• If the items are broken or have missing pieces, toss them.
• Sell gently used items at a yard sale or consignment shop, and apply the money you make going toward moving expenses.
• Donate gently used items to a charity.

Pack Each Room

You are now ready to begin the packing process. Start with the items you don’t use very often. They might include books, artwork or collectibles. Remember that heavy items go on the bottom of the box, and wrap fragile items securely in cushioning materials.

You should also give each box a label. Use a different colored marker for each room, and include the contents, room and number. So, the first box of kitchen items you pack might be labeled, “Baking Dishes, Kitchen, 1” while a bedroom box might have the label, "Sheets, Master Bedroom 25." On a master list, record each box number along with its contents. This system ensures you can also easily find your baking dishes or bed sheets in an instant, and it helps your movers place each box in the right room of your new home.

Remember to consult your packing plan throughout the moving process. It keeps you organized and reminds you to turn the utilities on in the new apartment or verify that the movers will arrive on time. It also reduces the stress of a move and makes setting up your new home easier. With your plan, you’re set to unpack, host a fun apartment warming party and tell all your friends how to pack for a move.

Bust It Out!

(Image courtesy of Mark Van Laere)

We all have those little projects around the house that we can’t wait to get finished. Starting them is a breeze, but then...another project comes our way and all the progress that we’ve made seems to fall to the wayside.

If project ADD is striking down your efforts every turn there is a simple solution. Rather than getting bogged down in a project try one of these simple tricks, courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com. You’ll be relaxing and enjoying the rewards of your hard work in no time!

1. Identify exactly what it is

This might sound a little too simple, but when you've got so many things swirling around in your head — from work stuff to family stuff to trying to remember to pick up almond milk on the way home — it can help to quite clearly identify what it is you actually want to get done. Don't have a sort of vague "make the closet look nicer" idea; tell yourself you want to organize your closet, completely making sure everything has its own place. It's the same with setting intentions; get specific.

2. Break it down into its absolute smallest parts

Don't just write "organize pantry" on your to-do-list and expect to get that done. You've got to narrow it down into all the tiny actions that are required to complete the task. And I mean tiny. From buying the necessary organization tools, to throwing away old or expired items to dividing the space to adding labels, give each task its own line on a to-do-list. Then, put it in the order that it has to be done, making a special note for things that have to happen before you can begin (like gathering tools or supplies). This will make sure that you don't keep putting off your project because you forget you've got to grab some supplies before you can actually start it.

3. Prioritize and do less

After you break a project or task down to its absolute smallest parts, now's a great time to really consider what actually needs to be done, and to choose the priorities. Decide what needs to be done and start on the vital tasks, first. But also consider not doing as much stuff. Do you really need to polish all your shoes before you organize them? It's admirable to want to try, but not at the risk of not doing any of it because you get burnt out.

4. Post it

I'm a big fan of large white boards scribbled with goals on it. It's hard to run from the truth when it's staring you in the face. This can be especially nice if the thing you want to do has a lot of tasks that need to be completed to finish it. It can just be on a sheet of paper, but the point is to get it out of your head and in front of your eyes so your brain can wrap itself around the project at hand.

5. Set a real day and time for it

Don't just set a goal and then not set a deadline — it may continue to stay undone for awhile. Find a day and time you can dedicate to tackling the project. And then keep the appointment as if it were a work appointment (or perhaps, like it were a spa appointment). And the best time to actually schedule getting started? Right now! (Starting ASAP prevents procrastination.)

6. Chip away at it regularly

If this isn't the sort of project that can be tackled in one afternoon or weekend, make sure it gets done (and doesn't end up in half-way finished land) by chipping away at it regularly. Set a weekly appointment to work on it, tiny task-by-tiny-task, until it's finally completed. Use an app or an alarm on your phone to keep you on track.

7. Talk yourself into — and through — it 

Don't doubt the power of persuasion — especially when it comes from you! Talk yourself into the project by visualizing how great it will feel to finish. Talk yourself through it by countering all your excuses about giving up like you would if it were a friend saying these things aloud. Be your own annoyingly optimistic cheerleader.

What's Your Vintage?

(Image courtesy of Derek Gavey)

Now that summer is here, many people forego heavier drinks for light and fruity cocktails - but what get together would be complete without a fantastic glass of wine? If you’re like us, the idea of sipping a heavy red wine during the hot, sticky summer months just doesn’t sound appealing.

If you want to give your wine list an upgrade for the summer, this article from apartmenttherapy.com has just what you’re looking for. Peruse this list of light, fruity summer wines to find your next favorite!

Vinho Verde

In Portuguese this translates to green wine and it’s the perfect drink for hot nights in Lisbon. A young, tart white wine this one is a crowd pleaser as it’s easy on the palette and great for drinking in the sun or after a long day in it.

Caprice de Colombelle

This French wine is robust for a white and has great notes of pear that evolve on the tongue. It goes well with chicken dishes or Brie cheese. This wine is pretty widespread as far as its exportation in the States so ask your local wine merchant if they carry it (and if they don’t, to start to!)

Santo Wines

These Greek wines from the island of Santorini are all delicious! From the sparkling wine to the dry red Vedema (as seen in the image) these wines are Dionysius approved. If you ever get to Santorini, a visit to this winery is a must as it sits high on the hills giving a view of the entire island and the caldera.

Wollersheim Winery’s Prairie Fumé

This semi-dry white wine believe it or not comes from Wisconsin. Naturally yes, it pairs well with cheese being from the land of cheese, but the experts at Wollersheim Winery, who won Winery of the Year at the San Diego International Wine Competition in 2012, know what they’re doing. The Prairie Fumé has won more awards than we can list here, including, “Blockbuster Wine of the Year” for its delicious orange and grapefruit flavors. Pairs well with grilled foods, pasta and seafood.

Sineann Yates Conwill Vineyard’s Pinot Noir

You don’t have to say goodbye to reds in the summer but you will want to lighten your palette’s load. Do that with a great Oregon Pinot Noir, fruity and light but still with plenty of evolution as it travels down the tongue, this wine is one to savor on a special summer night – we recommend the 2012 vintage.

Do you have a favorite warm weather wine or recipe? If so, share it with us!