Category: art

  • Check out the recent ApartmentGuide article we were featured in:

    Check out the recent ApartmentGuide article we were featured in:

    Check out the recent ApartmentGuide article we were featured in:
    You just moved into your beautiful new apartment in Seattle, and those blank walls are staring back at you. Or maybe you’re refreshing your Austin rental, ready to hang some new art finds in the living room. Either way, you want to make your space feel like home—but without damaging the drywall or risking your security
    deposit
    .

    Used with permission from Blackband Design

    Hanging pictures on drywall can be tricky, especially if you’re working with rental restrictions. Should you use nails? Do you need anchors? What if there’s no stud? Don’t worry—we’ve got expert-backed tips to help you hang your pictures securely while keeping your walls (and your lease) intact. From using the right tools to damage-free solutions, here’s everything you need to know to get your art up like a pro.

    Read the full article here: How to Hang Pictures on Drywall: A Renter’s Guide | ApartmentGuide
    ApartmentGuide is a subsidiary of Redfin.com

  • How to decorate your home to showcase art

    How to decorate your home to showcase art

    Today I have an amazing home tour for you! Lindon Art Manor by Alice Lane Interior Design is a work of art itself, but it is also provides boundless inspiration for how to decorate your home to showcase art!

    Designing a home that showcases art can be a wonderfully creative and personal endeavor. Here are some ideas to consider when designing a home full of art:

    First, the walls

    Neutral Background: Opt for neutral walls, floors, and ceilings to create a backdrop that allows the art to take center stage. White or light gray walls are versatile and complement most artworks.

    decorate your home to showcase art

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Gallery Walls: Create a gallery wall to display a collection of artworks. Mix different sizes, styles, and mediums for visual interest. Ensure proper spacing and alignment for a cohesive look.

    decorate your home to showcase art

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Check out our post about modern interior design ideas for your walls.

    Use Favorite Pieces As Focal Points To Showcase Art

    Statement Pieces: Choose one or two large, impactful artworks to serve as focal points in key areas such as the living room or entryway. These pieces can set the tone for the rest of the space.

    decorate your home to showcase art

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    decorate your home to showcase art

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Artistic Furniture: Incorporate furniture pieces that double as art, such as sculptural chairs, unique coffee tables, or custom-made cabinets with artistic detailing.

    Lighting: Proper lighting is essential for showcasing art. Install adjustable track lighting or picture lights to highlight individual pieces. Consider natural light sources and how they interact with the artwork throughout the day.

    Functional Art: Invest in functional art pieces like handmade ceramics, decorative vases, or artistic textiles that serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.

    Curated Collections: Display art collections in curated groupings based on themes, artists, or styles. This approach adds depth and narrative to the space while allowing for rotation and experimentation.

    decorate your home to showcase art

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Artisanal Details: Pay attention to details like custom framing, unique hardware, or handcrafted finishes that enhance the overall artistic ambiance of the home.

    Interactive Installations: Incorporate interactive or immersive art installations that engage the senses and encourage exploration and interaction within the space.

    Personal Touches: Infuse the home with your personality by mixing in personal mementos, heirlooms, or DIY artworks alongside curated pieces.

    Remember, the key to designing a home full of art is to create a harmonious balance between the artworks and the surrounding environment while reflecting your individual style and appreciation for creativity.

  • What Needs To Be Considered When Revamping Multiple Residential Properties At Once

    What Needs To Be Considered When Revamping Multiple Residential Properties At Once

    Owning multiple residential properties that generate rental income can be a huge responsibility. Hiring a property management company can take much of the work out of the equation. The one aspect to remember is that you are still responsible for paying for repairs and renovations. Revamping properties can improve the residences’ value and the ability to charge more for rent. Figuring out which improvements improve value yet are durable is immensely important. Research on the various renovations and enhancements can be crucial when maximizing your investment. Below are details to consider when revamping multiple residential properties simultaneously.

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Cleaning After The Project Is Complete

    The construction of any project is only complete once the space is cleaned. The last thing a renter wants to come in to see is a plethora of dust, along with dirt present. Commercial construction cleaning services are available, which can be critical. A tenant coming back to a dirty apartment can be a nightmare as they might rightfully refuse to pay rent. Taking the time to find cleaners that handle various forms of cleaning should be done. If you own an apartment complex, these cleaners can work wonders in keeping the property and spaces as pristine as possible. 

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Keeping The Budget Tight

    Transforming your home into a vacation rental requires careful financial planning. Staying within budget can be a challenge for a single home or apartment renovation project. Hidden issues like water damage can lead to rot or mold issues. Keeping the budget tight while still having room in the budget for issues is wise. A property owner wants to avoid covering these with a credit card as this can accumulate interest quickly. Purchasing materials can be important as these are marked up by most contractors to increase their profit margins. Buying in bulk is possible with multiple projects being worked on simultaneously.

    Financing is available through various avenues for improvements on residential properties. Home equity loans can be beneficial as the interest on the loans can be written off on taxes. Taking time to evaluate how improvements will impact rental prices is very important. Comparable properties in the area can be a great place to start the research process.

    Used with permission from Alice Lane Interior Design

    Current Tenants

    Current tenants might be happy their current residence is going to be improved. The residents may go out of town for the holidays to complete the project. It is likely more manageable to renovate between renters rather than when tenants are still occupying the space. Revamping the properties might be done simultaneously when multiple tenants move around the same timeframe. Cutting rental fees for the time the residence is being renovated is an option if tenants have somewhere to go for a week or two. Putting tenants in other owned rentals is an option, but this has to be agreed upon. A renter is likely to enter into a longer lease if rent stays at the same rate while the apartment or home has been improved. The rental market has huge hikes annually in rental prices, which is a variable most renters do not want to deal with.

    Finding A Single Contractor To Handle All Projects

    Finding a contractor to handle all improvements could lead to some form of discount. You do not want to handle juggling multiple contractors as a single contractor. Completing multiple projects is challenging enough. A single contractor will use the same subcontractors, so the consistency of the finished projects will be steady. For those who own several rentals, forming a rapport with a contractor can benefit both parties. Being able to list apartments with incredible pictures of the properties can garner a number of rental applicants. The ability to choose between multiple rentals can increase the quality of each renter.

    Renovations That Will Stand The Test Of Time

    Wood flooring and carpet are not ideal options in terms of durability. Tile is going to be durable and great for tenants that might have pets. Tile can even look like classic wood flooring without the upkeep or potential to be damaged. Tiles can crack, but replacing a single tile is far easier than replacing a hole in a wooden floor or torn-up carpet. Owners also need to consider what renters are looking for in terms of a rental. A luxury kitchen with an island is quite popular due to the increase in counter space as families tend to congregate in the kitchen.

    Revamping residential properties is rarely done due to wear and tear. Updating apartments or homes is also imperative to get the most rent possible for the property owner. Finding a balance between renting out the spaces and improving them is paramount. Thanks to Compass Phoenix for consulting

  • What Are the Most Common Uses and Advantages of Mean?

    What Are the Most Common Uses and Advantages of Mean?

    Mean is considered to be a measure of central tendency because it is very much capable of representing the average of a given collection of data. It is always applicable for both continuous as well as discrete data and the best part is that it will be equal to the sum of all the values into the collection of data divided by the total number of values. The overall concept of mean formula is very much successful in terms of providing the kids with multiple advantages and the only thing to be understood by the kids is to be clear about the mean formula so that they never get confused throughout the process and are very much successful in terms of solving the questions very easily.

    Following are the most important uses of the mean in daily life:

    Designed home office with desk, plant and chair
    Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio
    1. Mean is perfectly utilised into different kinds of fields like engineering, computer science and business to ensure that people can make accurate decisions with the help of proper access to data sets.
    2. It is perfectly utilised in the report card or into the population of any kind of nation so that people can have a complete idea about the average values.
    3. In addition to mathematics and statistics the arithmetic mean is very well utilised in economics, history, sociology and several other kinds of fields. It is also perfectly used in government departments like calculation of the GDP so that people have proper access to be an approximation of the root medical average income of the nation‘s population without any kind of problem.
    4. The arithmetic mean is very well utilised by the people to report the central tendency is to ensure that people have proper access to the accurate data set.
    5. Mean can also be perfectly used by the people in terms of computing the variance and standard deviation which further make sure that inferential statistics can be carried out very easily and efficiently.

    Following are the most important advantages of the mean values and mean formula:

    Decorated home office with flowers, picture with quote, lamp, laptop and glasses on notebooks
    Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
    • It is very simple and easy to learn: One of the most important advantages of calculating the mean is that it is very simple and easy to learn and can be very easily undertaken with the help of simple formula. Even small children can very easily understand it.
    • It comes with easy comparison: Different types of observations are very easily compared with the help of mean navigation so that there is no problem throughout the process.
    • It is a very good measure: Mean deviation is considered to be a very good measure in comparison to the quartile deviation and range because it will be based upon the entire range and observation of the series.
    • It is less affected: Mean is also very less effective from the extreme values in the series and comparison to the standard deviation which makes it very much popular among the people to be used.
    • It is rigidly defined: Mean values are always rigidly defined and will always have a fixed value which will further make sure that people will be able to make the right kind of decisions.
    • It is very useful: Mean values are perfectly useful for people in different kinds of fields like economics, commerce, government agencies and several other kinds of areas.
    Home office corner in living room with desk, chair, shelfs and a picture with Native American
    Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

     Hence, because of all the above-mentioned points mean is one of the most preferred options for people because it is very much capable of making sure that everything can be treated mathematically and can be capable of indulging in statistical analysis as well. This is least affected by the fluctuations which further make sure that overall goals of the people will be efficiently achieved and further enrolling the people on platforms like Cuemath is a good idea so that people are clear about mean formula and mode formula which will further allow them to solve the questions very easily and efficiently.

    Thanks to cuemath.com for consulting on this post.

  • 5 simple home updates to make a new build house a home

    5 simple home updates to make a new build house a home

    Purchasing a property is a really exciting time as it offers the opportunity to put your own stamp on your place; yet if you’re not hugely into interior design, it isn’t always a simple process to start. If your new house is a new build, it will most likely feel like you have a blank canvas to fill, with many a white wall needing attention.

    Regardless of whether you prefer decors that exude tranquillity or more dramatic styles, there are various ways to change your interiors quickly and effectively. Here, housing association and shared ownership specialists, Aster Group, discuss their top 5 tips for turning your new-build house into a home.

    home office

    via Breeze Giannasio

    Choose the colour palette

    Everything starts with colour. For rooms that require a sense of peace and quiet, aim to incorporate pastel shades. Blues, creams, greens and light purples are the perfect hues for radiating serenity, which is particularly suited to bedroom and bathroom spaces. Once you’ve set up your colour palette for each individual room, you can start mixing and matching furniture and decorative pieces accordingly, bringing your personality to life within each space.

    dining room

    via Breeze Giannasio

    Add in artwork

     There is no better way to inject life into a space than through artwork and photographs. This part of the decorating process is a fantastic opportunity to look over old photos and treasured memories to bring those most precious moments into your new home with you. A mixture of photographs and art adds depth to a space; whether you’re a fan of abstract, asymmetric elements, nature or simplicity, there are so many options to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, consider three main factors. Do the colours match your theme? Does the style go with the aesthetics of your space? And finally, how does the artwork make you feel? Once your artwork has ticked all of these boxes, go ahead and dress up your walls.

    Use home accessories

    Soft furnishings, such as cushions and throws, are a simple addition to making any space feel more homely. Layering different textures and patterns is a great way to add depth to a space and this can be done both in the form of soft textiles and window treatments. Incorporating a variety of different furnishings into a room will immediately make the space appear more welcoming and will ultimately create a cosy atmosphere.

    living room

    via Breeze Giannasio

    Bring in the outdoors 

    Particularly if your new home doesn’t have outdoor space, incorporating plants into your home décor is highly recommended. Houseplants are having a real moment within the world of interiors, with their popularity soaring as most people are spending more time at home than ever before. Though real plants have some fantastic health properties, faux plants are a fantastic and budget-friendly alternative. They have the same visual effect and require a lot less maintenance, all while providing a much-needed injection of personality to a neutral space.

    living room

    via Breeze Giannasio

    Light it up

    Your lighting choices can make the difference between a room having a warm and inviting feel as opposed to dark and gloomy. Of course, the more natural light coming from the windows the better, but there are still many great lighting solutions that can be applied in spaces where sunlight is at a minimum. Consider warm-toned lights rather than blue-tinted or bright white ones, as the latter can feel more sterile and less homely. Try layering different lighting sources like fairy lights or candles within living spaces to create an effective ambience.

    Though some homes require more investment than others, incorporating these simple tips into your decorating routine is a sure-fired way of making your new-build house feel like a home in no time at all. Thanks to Aster Group for consulting

  • Tips to Save Money on Air Conditioning

    Tips to Save Money on Air Conditioning

    Summer comes with scorching heat and the need to keep yourself cool. The weather gets super-hot, sweaty, and can be a bit uncomfortable when it comes to surviving. Especially if you live in countries that are close to being hot like the Sahara Dessert. Places like Australia, Middle East and some of the Asian countries increase in temperature till a 30 degree Celsius and sometimes even more. During such a temperature, there is a need to cool yourself down with the air conditioners, which is definitely a relief for those who live in endless summers.

    interior via Leo Designs Chicago

    However, there is a downside to that as well. Your air conditioner works super hard during the peak seasons. Well, of course that also means the bill would drastically increase, depending on the usage and demand. The consumption of energy soars just like the temperature during the day. Nevertheless, these problems can be combated, by following some effective tips that enable the users to decrease their air conditioning bill during the summers. Other than that, it also gives them a chance to live in a comfortable environment. Applying these tips and visiting Deep Chill air conditioning Gold Coast would definitely help you cool down this summer.

    Night Mode

    Since the weather is comparatively hotter during the day, keep your air conditioner on and when the weather cools down during the night, turn it off. The logic behind this is very easy. The breeze during the evening is cooler, which can be taken advantage of by turning off the air conditioners and letting the cool breeze come in through the windows. It will definitely cool the atmosphere down.

    Nevertheless, our body does not require the temperature to be the same as that of when you are awake during the day. So, by turning off the air conditioner, you can save energy and have a good night sleep as well.

    via Blackband Design

    Ceiling Fan

    Using a ceiling fan can make the room feel six times cooler and give a chilling effect. Although a fan does not cool down the room, instead it just makes the room more comfortable to be in. However, remember to turn the fan off whenever you are not using it, so you can conserve energy as well. Moreover, using a ceiling fan would enable the cool air to disperse efficiently and it also allows you to raise the thermostat to as much as four degrees, without any hassle.

    Thermostat

    The thermostat and the degree of the AC really matters. Keeping it at a moderate temperature maintains the energy and prevents the consumption of excessive electricity. So, the best thing that you can do to save money is keep your Ac at a temperature between 24-26 degrees. This will enable you to save money on the bill and it will also regulate the temperature of the room keeping it comfortable. However, do not set it a degree warmer than the actual room temperature because that would just exert the energy and have little or no effect on saving energy.

    In order to save energy, consider setting a timer on the thermostat so it automatically adjusts and saves energy efficiently.

    Interior Design: Mimi & Hill Photography: @tonideiscreative

    Shades

    Keeping the room dark prevents the excessive heat from soaking in and helps save energy because the solar heat is drawn away. Reflective blinds, curtains and closed windows reduce the gain of heat in the room. Moreover, use light color treatments because that prevents the scorching rays of the sun.

    Clean Equipment

    Lastly, here is another way to reduce the Ac bill during the summers. Ensure the maintenance of the filter by either replacing it or cleaning it optimally. Thanks to Deep Chill for collaborating!

  • Feminine style: Stephanie Bradshaw’s gorgeous apartment

    Feminine style: Stephanie Bradshaw’s gorgeous apartment

    Feminine Style

    I love this girl’s style, I did a post on her office space awhile back.  You can see it here: gorgeous home offices.  So, it’s no surprise that her home was just as beautiful.  I am a sucker for feminine style.  Soft colors, lush textures and attention to the tiniest details for me make create an environment where one feels comfortable and pampered.

    Check it out

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Love the sunroom type space she has going on…

     

     

     

     

     

    What do you think?

    See and read more at The Glitter Guide

  • Summer Entryways and Foyers

    Summer Entryways and Foyers

    Summer Entryways and Foyers

    There are your “traditional” elements that no entry or foyer should be without – but shoe storage and a key tray don’t necessarily make an entry way that makes you smile when you walk in the door.  Here are a few elements that do…

    Art with impact.

    via Pinterest via Waiting on Martha

    Live plants/flowers.

    via Pinterest via 11 Magnolia Lane

    An oversized mirror.

     

    A dramatic entry rug.
    …and of course, your best friend waiting for you.

     

  • New York City townhouse modern design and traditional bones

    New York City townhouse modern design and traditional bones

    House Tour!  An 1850s  New York City townhouse!

    Architect Ambler had grown out of his apartment when the 400 sq ft. studio next door came up for sale.  It seemed like fate so he bought it and worked to combine the two into a unified New York City townhouse perfect for displaying his collection of vintage and modern art and furnishings.  Combine that with subtle renovations in line with strict landmark district regulations, you end up with a beautiful classic modern contrast.

    new york city townhouse livingroom

    What attracted me most to this space is the beautiful arched window.  It acts as a frame out to the street.  In New York City you often have to be willing to welcome street life into your home as art through your windows!

    new york city townhouse livingroom

    So much natural light is a blessing on street level.  I love the modern furniture, like these black leather chairs, combined with classical elements like the arched windows.

    new york city townhouse bar

    The townhouse feels like a museum with all of the modern art and interesting furniture.

    new york city townhouse bedroom

    How beautiful are the antique mirror closet doors.new york city townhouse den

    The den and the chandelier in the office are one of my favorite parts of the house.  The technique of leaving the top 12 inches of the wall unpainted really create an illusion of height.

    new york city townhouse den

    new york city townhouse hall

    The real showstopper in the townhouse are the gleaming herringbone hardwood floors.

    new york city townhouse kitchen Ambler honored the traditional bones of the house in all of the renovation except for the kitchen and baths, which he intentionally wanted modern.

    via Lonny

  • Art Force Giveaway Winner!

    We are so happy to announce the Art Force Giveaway Winner!
    Want to know more about Art Force?
    “We believe artwork is an asset providing an intrinsic return on investment (ROI). When carefully selected, framed and installed, artwork has the ability to serve many valuable functions that far exceed decoration. Your organization’s environment is a reflection of who you are and what you value; painting a picture of your mission through art not only enriches the brand experience, but we feel it drives prolonged brand trust and loyalty.”

    Congrats Florina! We hope you enjoy your new piece of art!