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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Jason Petrina | Posted under News and Society
Urban Living Tips
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One of the most frequent problems facing individuals living in an urban setting is finding ways to make your living space more personal without stepping over the boundaries so often imposed by less than understanding landlords. While you may not have the freedom to change everything you would like in your apartment, there are a few things you can do to make your space seem less institutional and give it your own personal flair. Most landlords have very strict policies about painting the walls. When you move in, the walls are often white and your landlord wants them to stay that way. It's easy to see his or her logic in the matter. After all, who is to say that just because you like tangerine walls, the next person to move in will as well? Just because you're forbidden to paint the walls; however, does not mean that you have to settle for institutional white the entire time you live there. Consider these options: Wallpaper borders are now easier than ever to install and come in a wide variety of peel and stick designs. Fifteen foot rolls usually start out at about $8 each; making them a very affordable decorative option. Because wallpaper borders are relatively easy to install as well as remove, many landlords have no problem with this. You can also liven up your living space by hanging area rugs on the wall to create a great focal point. Window treatments are also a great way to draw the eye away from plain white walls. This is a great way to satisfy your passion for color without offending your landlord and his or her pesky rules. Opt for colorful shades or drapes and finish them off with details that provide a big impact such as elegant brackets and prominent wood poles. Many apartment dwellers frequently find that storage space, or the lack thereof, can be an absolute nightmare. Short of stashing your belongings in a storage unit somewhere else, there are a few clever ways you can handle this common problem. One of the best ways to tackle this issue is to consider ways that you can coordinate storage with home furnishings. Consider using a trunk for a coffee table, for example. The roomy interior makes a great place to store items you don't use on a regular basis and gives you a smooth surface for placing drinks, snacks, etc. You can also use the same theory to create a nice window seat in front of your living room or bedroom window. Simply line a couple of trunks in along the wall in front of the window and place some comfy cushions on top. This is the perfect place to stash everything from out of season clothing to photo albums and it provides additional seating for guests as well. In the kitchen, consider asking your landlord if you can install a pot rack above your stove or another convenient location so that you can free up cabinet space. A baker's rack makes another practical, but attractive addition, to maximize your storage space. You can store everything from dishes to food products here with ease. With a little creativity, you can easily solve your storage problem while keeping your apartment warm and cozy. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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