The post How to Achieve an Art-Deco Look in Your Living Room appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.
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You're settling into your new Flagstaff apartment, but so far, the main living space simply does not reflect your preference for artsy things. If you want your living room to have that same artistic flair that you do, you may have to make some adjustments. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
It's All About the Wall Art
Without question, wall art is going to be the one thing in your living room that helps exude that art-deco style you are trying to achieve. You could go with one piece of large artwork, such as a painting or tapestry, to set the theme of the room, or you could hang a collection of items, such as:
- a few small paintings
- framed art-themed pieces, such as mini sculptures
- sculpted pieces of metal filigree
Bring in Some Artsy Furniture Pieces
You really do not have to go all out with your furniture to generate a more art-worthy space, but you really should have a few noteworthy pieces. For example, it is perfectly fine if you only have a basic contemporary sofa and chair, but dress up the space by bringing in a deco coffee table or statement piece.
Don't Forget the Small Stuff
A conservatively sized sculpture on your bookshelf, a small framed Monet print on a coffee table, a hand-stitched throw—the small details can do a lot to support your art-deco theme. Something as simple as a trinket placed on your coffee table or a throw pillow with a hand-painted or embroidered image will tie the look together.
With a little creative thinking, a few good art pieces, and a couple of changes, your apartment living room can look just as art-deco as that swanky art museum you love. Reach out to us at University Square to find out what floor plans we have available at our Flagstaff apartment community to suit your or someone you know's art-loving lifestyle.
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As summer rolls around, most of us love heading to the beach. Even when you don't live near the beach, you can still bring the beach vibe into your home. Here are a few easy décor tips and tricks you can use to get that beach feel you love in your Flagstaff, AZ, apartments.
Tips for Decorating with Beach Decor
Tip #1 – Decorate With Seashells
There’s nothing that makes you think of the beach quite like seashells, and they’re perfect for decorating around the home to bring in thoughts of the ocean. Try displaying shells on shelves or in glass vases around your home. It’s especially great for creating contrast if you have a darker décor.
Tip #2 – Add Some Pops of Beachy Color
Just one or two pops of beachy color in your home can make a huge difference, and it’s totally DIY. Grab some spray paint in a beachy color like seafoam green, turquoise or aqua, and paint a lamp, picture frames or a small coffee table.
Tip #3 – Choose Beachy Fabrics
Displaying beachy fabrics can also add to the beach vibe without making a lot of changes. Throw pillows with sea turtles, anchors, shells or fish on them are perfect. Window dressings in beach-themed patterns also add to the look.
Tip #4 – Combine Blues and White
Don’t forget about changing up the colors of your décor. Going with blues and white can give you that breezy, gorgeous look that you often see in beach houses. Add blue lamps and decorative pillows to a room of white furniture for a look that makes you think of the sea when you walk in.
Tip #5 – Hang Beach Wall Art
One of the simplest ways to get that beach vibe at home is to hang some beach wall art. Find a framed picture of the ocean waves or a stretch of beach. You’ll love sitting down and just looking at it as you dream of the ocean breezes and refreshing waves.
It doesn’t take a big investment in time or money to add some beach vibe into your home. A little creativity can go a long way to creating that seaside atmosphere. Have some family visiting this summer interested in relocating to apartments in Flagstaff, AZ? Have them contact us today to find out what floor plans we still have available.
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Since there is still a lot of winter left, embrace the rest of this beautiful season with activities that remind us of the joys of winter. These enjoyable crafts can be made by adults or by kids with supervision, and they look great when put out on display in the living room, kitchen or dining room.
1. Rustic Snowflake String
Cut out 10 paper snowflakes from good quality craft paper. Make the snowflakes all about the same size, but try to vary their shape. When you're done, string a piece of rustic twine between two nails on your wall, and hang up the snowflakes with clothespins. This looks great against a dark background! If your walls are a lighter color, use dark blue paper to make your snowflakes.
2. Wintry Candleholder
For this project, you'll need a thick, sturdy pillar candle and a glass candleholder of the proper size. Fill the bottom of the candleholder with blue, silver and white glass beads; then place the candle on top of the beads. For the finishing touch, wrap twine around the base of the candleholder, and tie a bow with the twine.
3. Snowy Candy Jar
Paint a jar with the image of a snowman. Use a sponge or a paintbrush to apply acrylic paint to the jar and allow it to dry. Use a paint pen to write a funny phrase ("all my best friends are flakes!") or an inspirational message on the other side of the jar.
Finally, fill the jar with a favorite winter candy. Leave the jar out on a coffee table or on your kitchen counter where friends and family can access it.
Join Us at University Square
University Square is a vibrant community throughout the year, from beginning to end. Come join us for fun and good times at our apartments in Flagstaff, AZ. Call to view our available units.
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In the year 2017, pink was the most popular color in the home and fashion design. The chances are high that you’re so used to pink and all its rose incarnations and would like try something new. We bring you the two colors we believe will rule the home and fashion design in 2018.
Lavender
It’s becoming a trend to have lavender in its numerous hues take over decor accessories. Maybe you're concerned that lavender will make you look like you're stuck in the ‘90s. That'll not be the case if you learn what to pair the color with.
Pearly whites and silvers do an excellent job of counterbalancing the intensity of the color. While you may not like too much purple, there's proof that lavender will blend perfectly with wood, gray and white.
You can also take a pretty creative approach when it comes to using lavender for home décor. Try pairing it with Kelly green and yellow. You know what? Several of the rental properties with such color combinations look excellent.
Mustard Yellow
There’s yet another contender for the color of the year–mustard yellow. Aside from being earthy, mustard yellow hues are close to being neutrals themselves. The mustard yellow color is highly versatile as it qualifies as a gallery wall backdrop, fits pretty much every furniture and will still look fantastic.
Besides, the kitchen seems to welcome the mustard yellow, too. The bright, earthy hue brings a lightness to this room. Go right ahead and pair your yellow with black for something even more stunning. Also, mustard pairs well with mint and other pastels.
Looking to upgrade your décor in your home? We can tell mustard yellow, or lavender will become the next big thing. Either of the two tones will live your room polished and classy. And if you’re looking for Flagstaff apartments, University Square Apartments located off-campus NAU never disappoint. Call us at (844) 795-6793 to find out about apartment floor plans and the directions.
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With winter settling in and the days short, it is important to find things to do that brighten up your day. Decorating with string lights is perfect for wintertime—you can customize your home and enjoy beautiful illumination in the process. Here are three easy decorating ideas for string lights.
String Lighting: 3 Decorating Ideas for Your Home
1. Write a message to brighten the room.
One of the coolest ways to use string lighting is to write out text with the strings. Light and flexible, string lighting is great for creating messages. You could write a message to a loved one or to yourself. You could even create a motivational message that makes you happy every time you see it.
2. Make bottle lamps.
String lights are small enough that you can stuff them inside of objects pretty easily. What better place to put them than a pretty bottle? As long as the bottle lets light through, you can turn just about any bottle into a lamp. Experiment with different bottles and different colored lights to achieve a variety of effects.
3. Create a display for your photos.
Another cool thing to do with string lights is to use them for displaying your favorite photos. You can build a framework out of the wires between the lights that you can then hang the pictures from. Everyone will be able to see the pictures clearly because they are perfectly lit by the string lights. Try building a zigzag pattern with the lights in a corner of the room, hanging from each wall. Or you can hang the lights and pictures in a line, either vertical or horizontal.
Getting the Most Out of Your Apartment
At University Square, our team is dedicated to helping you enjoy your apartment to the fullest. Please contact us to find out more about any of our Flagstaff apartments!
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Making a floral arrangement may seem daunting if you've never tried it before, but it's a fun and fresh activity that is worth the effort. It's also one of the best ways to bring the outside into your Flagstaff apartment during this special time. Follow these steps for a perfect bouquet this spring.
Choose Your Blooms
Use a variety of stems, and don't overcrowd one type of flower. You can have your favorite bloom stand out in the arrangement by having more of them, but it shouldn't have more than two or three stems more than the rest of your choices. The flowers should be as fresh as possible, and they should be clipped at 45°. Use cool water in a clean vase for best results. Remove any leaves that may be submerged in the water (or risk bacteria growth), and let the flowers sit for an hour or so after you cut them.
Use the Greenery First
The greenery you're using should make the shape of your flower arrangement. When it comes to the exact shape of your arrangement, you'll need to follow their twists and turns for inspiration. You can't fight their natural patterns, but you can arrange and rearrange to find something that works for you and still fits for the stems too. Once you do that, you can then add the main flower into your greens. Set one low, and one high to create some depth and dimension. You can then add your secondary flowers to fill any gaps. Any fillers (baby's breath, hyacinth, etc.) should be last so they're less likely to be trampled by the more substantial flowers.
Spring flowers are what you make of them, and so are Flagstaff apartments. Your home is a place to let your personal tastes shine, and nowhere understands that more than University Square. Let us show you around our community when you call us today.
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It’s springtime, which means it’s officially time for spring cleaning. Before you run screaming for the hills (We’re at 7,000 feet, guys, is running uphill really a better plan than cleaning?), we invite you to consider a new way of cleaning and decluttering your home: The KonMari Method. The KonMari Method is focused on helping you get rid of clutter forever. Here are five tips to help you tidy up your apartment and keep it that way!
Find What “Sparks Joy”
The idea of throwing things away is probably one of the most miserable thoughts we deal with when cleaning. Instead of thinking about what you’re losing, focus on cherishing items you love. As you declutter, hold each item and ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to go. Part of this process is physically touching every. single. thing. in your home and asking this question. It’s about getting more emotionally in tune with what compels you to keep things, and more realistic about what actually brings joy to your home.
Clean By Category
The key to effective tidying, according to the KonMari Method, is tidying the right categories in the right order. Use this order to start tidying your home: clothes, books, papers, and miscellaneous. You can break down each category into subcategories, but the key is keeping them in this order. Did you notice how the order works from least emotional attachment to greatest emotional attachment? Consider, for instance, which is harder: tossing a sweater you never wear and don’t love, versus throwing away a letter from a friend. We love this method because it gives you time to build up to the hard stuff.
Tidy All At Once
This method takes some time, and depending on how much stuff you have can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. Don’t rush the process, but also don’t let it get too drawn out. Resist the urge to read every piece of paper you come across. Resist taking extended breaks. Resist bulk tossing.
Stop Decluttering By Room
Many of us grew up using the “clean each room” method of decluttering and tidying. But think about what you risk when you clean this way. Think of how many times you might move an item from one room to another to avoid dealing with it. Instead, use the categories above, and gather all items from that category in one place at one time to declutter. That means when you start with clothing, open every drawer, and pull every item of clothing from socks to scarves to Halloween wigs, and have at it all at once.
Picture Where You Want to Be
This might be one of the most important steps of the KonMari Method. The method asks you to clearly define where you want to be and how you want to live after you’ve finished decluttering. It’s not as simple as saying, “I want to live clutter free.” It needs to be more specific than that. Think about how you envision living, and ask yourself why you want to live that way. This helps you really take hold of the decluttering mission you’re about to undertake, and creates a stronger commitment to the task at hand! Why do you want to be tidy? What difference will it make in your life? Consider this long and hard, and then get started.
Part of what the KonMari Method teaches is to have a place for everything, and keep everything in its place. The first part of discovering this place is to get rid of everything that doesn’t belong. It may be hard, but during this spring cleaning season we invite you to give it a try and see what a difference the KonMari Method can make in your home! Want to learn more about the method? Check out “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, the founder of the KonMari Method!
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- Fabric Headboard– headboards are usually pretty boring and can be downright ugly. If you have a headboard that has seen better days, consider wrapping it in your favorite fabric. All you need is fabric and a staple gun, super easy. For exact instructions, check this out.
- Papier Mache Side Table– How about a side table made of recycled material? It's a great way to reuse cardboard and scrap paper. This table is light but study and easy to make. The instructions can be found here.
- Saw Horse Coffee Table– What's better than a coffee table that you can easily take apart and move around your apartment? This coffee table allows you to use a variety of inexpensive wood; depending on your specific taste. It doesn't require many tools and you can do it in an afternoon. Here is a PDF file on how to build this rustic yet stylish piece of furniture.
There You Have It
Three simple furniture pieces you can decorate your apartment with here at University Square. These three creative ideas cost very little money and only require a little time and imagination to complete. Try one of three DIY decorating hacks this weekend. Let us know how it went!
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]]>Here are five trending shades that are quite popular these days to theme your interior decor around:
- Blue and white: White and different shades of blue have always been a popular combination. The blue could be royal blue, light blue, sea blue or darker shades of navy. It gives a soothing effect and can be matched up with coastal decoration and sea-inspired ideas.
- Coffee and cream: This is one of the trendiest combinations. The mix of brown and beige gives a warm and comfortable feeling to the ambience. Based on the color used, the furnishing and accents can vary depending on your personal style and preference.
- Jazz it up with black and white: This combination is powerful and classic. It gives a feeling of cheerfulness and optimism. It also leaves plenty of room to add colorful accents in the form of vases, flowers, pillows, etc.
- Powerful gray and white with metallic accents: The timeless beauty of gray shades, when combined with metallic accents, can give a lovely look to your rooms. The rooms will look more futuristic and modern.
- Go green: Green is always associated with eco-friendliness, and it gives a nice natural look to the rooms. It can be combined with other neutral shades to give a lovely, picturesque effect.
These were 5 of the trendiest colors and color combos that are ruling interior design right now. Experiment with all kinds of shades in the rooms of your apartment, and incorporate them through rugs, linens, wall decor, and table toppers. The color that you use will reflect your personality, so use the color that defines you. And, give different designs to it to make them look unique. You will feel your mood change while you move through your rooms.
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]]>The post 5 Trending Colors in Interior Design appeared first on University Square Apartments Blog.
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- Warm Browns. Chocolate brown was the go-to choice in previous years, but spicy colors like cinnamon and coffee are pulling ahead this year. Brown tones make an excellent choice for large furniture or accent walls that need to lean neutral without looking too plain.
- Gray. From a light heather gray to deep slate, gray is the neutral of choice in modern homes because of its clean appearance and ability to blend with almost any accent color.
- Green. If you're searching for just the right accent color, green is the right choice for making a relaxed, calm statement. Choose deep greens to anchor large furniture, or bright greens to lighten up with accent pillows and artwork.
- Red. Make a bold, lively statement by selecting red for your accent pieces. Choose a washed-out pink tone for a more subtle effect, or heighten the drama with deep crimson or robust rust colors.
- Violet. From a true purple to something closer to red wine, violet is slowly starting to make its way indoors and onto your throw pillows and accent rugs. Stay away from softer lavenders that may appear dated; instead, go bold with plum or lean more masculine with eggplant or indigo.
Start Sprucing
Now that you know which colors to choose, you're ready to start decorating. Learn about the spacious layouts and stylish amenities in our Flagstaff Apartments that are just waiting for your creative touch. Call or stop by today!
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