Know your goal!

Like every apartment-improvement project, it’s important for you to lay out your goals first. Are you looking to supplement your vegetable and herb selection for all those summer meals? A cozy retreat for you and a friend? Or just a bright splash of happy color every time you step outside? By knowing your ultimate goal from the beginning, you’ll streamline your time and effort—and you’ll be much more likely to love the result.

Survey your space—the good, the bad, and the possible

Does your patio or balcony get blasted with sunshine or is it tucked into the shadows? Is it a private nook or open to the elements (and passersby?) Adapting your garden plans to work with your space, not against it, is key. Shade and privacy can be created with screens and awnings, and you can work with a shadowy space by choosing plants and flowers that love cooler temps and less sunlight. No matter what challenges your space provides, there’s a workaround if you are willing to get creative!

Translate your personal style to your garden

What style defines you inside your apartment—do you prefer sleek lines? Lots of color? Defined angles or rounded edges? Take those preferences outdoors to make your garden feel like an extension of your home. You can always surf the latest design magazines to see what trends are popping, but for a garden space you’ll truly love, be true to your style soul.

Figure out how you’ll make it rain

If you live in a rainy area, plan on incorporating lots of drainage options to your garden, whether it’s container-focused or in-the-ground. If you worry your plants will get too dry, look into portable irrigation solutions or ways to establish a watering schedule that will carry you all the way to Fall. A little planning up front can save you tremendous frustration in the height of summer.

Draw it, then do it!

If it’s currently winter, you have a few months before you will be able to spend much quality time outside, so take the opportunity to draw out your ideal patio or balcony garden, even to a very basic scale. Then, take your design to a local nursery or home improvement store and show it to an expert to get advice on materials, drainage ideas, and the perfect plants for your climate. By the time Spring rolls around, you’ll be able to create the garden of your dreams—more quickly than you think

The post Planning a patio (or balcony) garden? Here’s what to keep in mind. appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Learn that one thing

We all have things we wished we’d taken the time for—knitting, cooking, mastering a new language, reading all the classics, learning to write a book, making art—the list is overwhelming. But take the time now to whittle it down to three things you feasibly could do during your “downtime”… and then take a few hours a day to try out each one for size. You’ll find out really quickly if you truly have a passion for learning French or if that is still a “maybe someday” idea, vs. another subject that feeds your soul. After you’ve test driven your three most likely options, choose one…and commit to spending a set time every day pursuing it. It could be thirty minutes—it could be three hours—but whatever minimum amount of time you can spend, make a pledge. This could be the start of a brand new hobby, passion project, small business or lifestyle change!

2. Ramp up your self-care game

You know how you’ve promised yourself you’d give yourself a makeover, finally learn how to use that “beachy wave” haircurler you bought, or sort the half-dozen facial products you’ve purchased over the last several months but never tried? This is the time. Whether you’re interested in starting a yoga, spiritual or meditation practice, exercising on a daily basis, creating a customized skincare routine or even simply walking in the fresh air while giving thanks for your health and future possibilities, making a conscious effort to improve your self-care will pay dividends long after life returns to its usual hectic pace.

3. Spark apartment joy

This one is probably not surprising, but it absolutely should be on your list. There has never been a better time to go through your apartment and decide what you truly need, and what someone else could possibly use more than you. Check to see what charitable organizations are still open and accepting donations, and determine what you’re able to part with in order to open up space in your home. If you have items that you would be embarrassed to give away, but which no longer make you happy, this is your permission to throw those items away. Just do it! You’ll open up space and energy in a time where both are rare commodities.

4. Become an ambassador of hope

Now more than ever, people are in need of those who are willing to reach out either online or via snail mail. As nursing homes and other care facilities shut their doors to visitors, a great many people are alone and probably scared, cut off from outside contact in a time when they need it most. Contact your local nursing home (or church, or community center) and ask if there’s some way you can help by sending cards and notes to those who may not have anyone contacting them. Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing—any positive, caring message will help, to let the recipient know you’re thinking about them. You will do more with a simple, cheerful card than you can possibly realize.

Beating boredom takes effort, but it’s effort that is well worth it! Here’s hoping you find an activity or passion that becomes an important part of your life, and that you remain healthy and safe.

The post Stuck in your apartment? Try these boredom-busting ideas! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

1. Take advantage of the holidays!

First comes Halloween, then comes Thanksgiving, and both of these holidays mean that stores will be filled with seasonal decorating ideas. From spray-painted pumpkins to glittery witch brooms, look for décor that can make the transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving with just a few changes, so you can get more bang for your decorating dollar. Even a strand of orange fairy lights to decorate a wreath of autumn leaves can be switched out for a strand of white lights to take you easily from October to November!

2. When in doubt, bring the outdoors in

There’s something about fall that makes you really appreciate being outdoors—the crisp scent of pine cones, the sound of crackling leaves underfoot, and the brisk breeze rustling through the trees. Capture that feeling with little signs of nature throughout your home. Whether you get your pinecones, tree branches and fall leaves at the market or in the park, make sure they’re clean and free of any debris or bugs, then bring them inside to create your autumn oasis!

3. Candles, candles, everywhere (but be safe!)

Nothing says fall as much as the bright, cheery light of a candle, and today’s “flame-free” battery-operated candles mean you can light up the night while being safe as well. Consider flickering flame votives that are scented with cinnamon, spice and pumpkin to add more power to your candle punch. Even if you don’t want to light scented natural candles, many of them can add fragrance to a room without being lit, or you can use scented diffuser sticks dipped in oil to set the mood.

4. Throws and pillows and blankets and more pillows…

Autumn is the quintessential time of cuddling up, so it’s the perfect opportunity to drape comfy blankets on your couches, chairs and at the edge of your bed. Mix and match colors to create a bohemian vibe, or stick to variations on a simple palette for cool, classy comfort. Your choices are endless!

5. Pumpkins and fall flowers

Whether you prefer your gourds large or small, spray painted with bright colors, bedazzled, or soft and monochromatic, pumpkins are the official decorating mascot of fall. Pair small pumpkins with a spray of fall flowers for a fantastic centerpiece, trail them whimsically along a shelf or across a kitchen counter, or set them up in small collections in each of your rooms to keep the spirit of fall alive throughout the next few months.

6. Make a wreath!

Don’t wait for Christmas to put a wreath on your door! Fall wreaths can make you smile every time you return home. Whether you use natural ingredients or great finds from the craft store, create a fall masterpiece with berries, leaves, woven grape vines, mini pumpkins and more. Here’s to a happy fall for you and your apartment!

The post Decorating your apartment for fall appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

For many parts of the country, it’s taken a little longer for spring to decide it’s here to stay. Now that flowers and trees are finally blooming, the days are staying warmer longer, and everything is fresh and new outside…it’s time for you to bring some of that great energy into your apartment. And not just to pay your respects to the season, either. Studies have shown that the drab, dark colors of winter can dramatically affect your mood once the chilly months have passed, and that adding some pops of color to your environment can truly help energize you.

Stumped on how to begin your spring apartment makeover? Start with these easy ideas!

1. Add some flower power

Whether you have a green thumb or the closest you like to get to nature are wooden tulip cutouts, nothing says spring like brightly blooming flowers. If you’re feeling ambitious, invest in a few live flowering plants to add to your kitchen counter, dining room table or window sills. Otherwise, consider posting pictures of flowers, picking up some inexpensive wall or table décor at a thrift market, or even spray painting gardening equipment like trowels and watering cans with bright colors to create a spring focal point for your living room. Everything counts!

2. Get colorful

Speaking of color, look for ways to easily add fun, fresh, spring-like color to your space without breaking the bank. Get a couple of new, bright throw pillows, switch out that heavy wool blanket over the couch with a light, open-weave afghan, or even paint an accent wall a cheerful bright color if your apartment community allows. Another option is to buy inexpensive plastic picnic-ware in fun colors to add some zip to your daily meals. Let your imagination wander to see how you can brighten every room in your home!

3. Lighten Up

Pull back those shades during the days and let the sun shine in! In most areas of the country, temperatures don’t get too hot during the months of spring, so enjoy the season to the fullest—and if you have a balcony or outdoor seating area, spring is the perfect time to take advantage of the longer, sunny evenings or the cool morning sunshine. Brightening up your interior spaces with natural sunlight might also encourage you to do some spring cleaning, so give into that urge to tidy up, and donate or discard those items you don’t truly love.

4. Brighten your balcony

Speaking of balconies, decorating your outdoor space is a great way to encourage yourself to get out and enjoy the mild weather more frequently. Adding a chair with inviting cushions and throw pillows as well as a small bistro table can be just the ticket to creating an outdoor oasis. Once again, get creative, and decorate with items that fit your lifestyle…don’t choose fussy furniture that can’t stand up to rain or too much sun unless you have covers at the ready to protect it during inclement weather.

5. Say goodbye to winter

If your apartment has extra storage space—say, beneath your bed or in the back of your closet—consider storing away all your heavy blankets, winter jackets and thick wool sweaters and jeans, so that every time you look inside your closets and drawers, all you see are the light, bright clothes suitable for the season. Pro Tip: If you find a sweater or jacket you haven’t worn all winter long…consider giving it away. You’ll be glad you did!

Here’s wishing you an absolutely beautiful spring, and a colorful, bright apartment space to go with it!

The post Decorating your apartment for spring! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

Stumped for ideas? We’ve got five to get you started!

1. Pick a project, any project  

If you find yourself with time on your hands during long winter nights, don’t fall into the easy habit of binge-watching TV shows or streaming endless media. Instead, choose a project you’ve always wanted to try, and dedicate time to it every night. Whether it’s knitting your first scarf, dabbling in a craft, scrapbooking, or building something, start small and spend just a few minutes a day on it. If you discover a project you truly enjoy, time will shoot by in a flash.  

2. Do something different

Stepping out of your comfort zone is a sure antidote to the winter blues. Consider trying a climbing gym, going on bundled-up walks in different parts of the city, or joining a book club at your local library. Alternatively, you could volunteer at a local animal shelter or nursing home, take up a new fitness regimen, or sign up for a class. The key is to do something new and different, to shake up your routine. Let this be the winter you become what you’ve always wanted to be!

3. Connect with friends

Easier said than done if you’re in a new city, but one of the best ways to create long-term positive change is to find or build a community. You could try the local library, gym, or rec center—or check out churches or community centers in your area—to find your new tribe, or use online apps like MeetUp.com. Your people are out there! You just need to find them.

4. Exercise!

Whether indoor, outdoor, at your apartment or at a local gym, exercise is one of the fastest methods to improve your mood and change your state. You don’t even need to exercise for the purpose of losing weight. Just go at it with the idea that you’re getting your heart pumping and body moving, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel (as long as you don’t overdo it). Shoot for 30 minutes a day for optimal benefit, but everything counts!

5. Lighten up!

It’s difficult to stay positive when it’s dark outside, so you’ll need to work doubly hard to make sure you have enough light in your life. Getting outside even on cloudy days will help more than you think, but another option to consider is investing in a happy light or energy lamp. These lamps emit light that mimics the natural effect of sunlight, and can be incredibly useful to help you fight fatigue, regain focus, reduce eyestrain and improve your mood. If you are stuck inside for long periods during the winter or if you live in a particularly grey and gloomy part of the country, happy lights may be the perfect solution for you!

Winter may seem like it’ll last forever, but little by little, the days will get longer and the sun will shine more brightly. Until then, show the season who’s boss with these fun tips!

The post Surviving the gloomy days of winter! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

Ready to get started? Here’s our top three low-cost decorating ideas for fall:

1. Light up the night 

Candles aren’t always a good idea in an apartment but battery operated “flickering” candles solve this problem masterfully. Many of these candles have timers so once you set them up, they switch on every evening to set a cheerful mood! Pick up a set or two of cream colored battery-operated pillar candles or tea-lights, and you’re halfway there. Then it’s time to get creative! To tailor your candles for fall, you can:

• Purchase a small packet of cinnamon sticks and secure them to your candles with twine
• Get a small fall-themed wreath and place a large pillar candle (or 2! Or 3!) inside it
• Fill a shallow glass bowl with fake cranberries then nestle your pillar candle in the center
• Set up several tea lights on a long dish and surround them with candy corn…then try not to eat your own decorations!
• Make a mini arrangement with dried leaves, small gourds, and fake berries and position your candles in the center

2. Got Gourd?

Speaking of gourds, there simply is no other design element that so immediately conjures up thoughts of fall, than the humble pumpkin. Setting aside its association with Halloween – no jack-o-lantern carving necessary! – gourds of all sorts are fair game for fall: mini pumpkins, squash and more. You can get the real deal from farmers’ markets or health food stores or even many grocery stores, or you can find faux gourds in a variety of sizes and colors at craft and hobby retailers. Once you have an armful, get creative! Decorate the gourds with paint pens, sticker, stencils, chalk paint or glitter spray, then position them on your window sills, on your balcony or peeking out from your shelves. Whether your designs are whimsical or classic, gourds are your go-to!

3. Get hung up on fall’s magic

There’s something about hanging strands of lights and garlands of decorations that really spruces up your space, but you don’t have to wait for Christmas to light up the night! You can find low-cost strands of illuminated fall leaves or pumpkins at the hobby shop, or go no-electricity and craft your own strands of pine cones and artificial leaves and berries strung with twine. Extra points for spraying gold paint on your pine cones (or miniature pumpkins) to give them an extra pizzazz! Another great choice is to cut out squares of burlap, add stencils of letters and leaves (perhaps spelling out FALL or AUTUMN or HARVEST) and then string the burlap squares on a length of thick twine. Even coiling a strand of plain white miniature Christmas lights through a basket of pine cones can make a beautiful fall welcome next to your fireplace or front door.

With the start of fall, now’s the perfect time to add all the welcoming touches of the season to your home. Here’s to a fun—and creative—autumn!

The post The Frugal Decorator’s Guide to a festive fall! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.