If you’re looking at apartments, don't rule out options with one more bedroom than you actually need. There are many creative ways to use that spare bedroom to significantly improve the way you use your space.
 

Consider upgrading to a slightly larger apartment and using the spare bedroom for the following options.  

1. Home Office

With the recent surge of remote work, a home office is becoming a must for many professionals. Instead of propping your laptop up on the dining room table, convert the extra bedroom into an office. Furnish it with a desk, comfortable chair, and storage options to create a space that you want to work in. Be intentional about the light fixtures you use to limit the glare on your computer screen, and decorate in a way that will help you focus while fostering creativity and productivity. 

2. Home Gym

While many apartments have shared fitness centers, sometimes you just want to work out in your own space. If you’re an avid exerciser, having easy access to your weights and workout equipment can make doing what you love even more convenient. If you’re starting a workout routine, having easy access to your home gym will limit excuses and help keep you on track. Although your downstairs neighbor may not appreciate a full gym above them, you can find several quiet and low-impact exercises to stay fit without leaving your apartment or causing disruption. 

3. Guest Room

When hosting guests, it’s nice to have a comfortable and dedicated place for them to stay that’s not your couch. A guest room can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, as long as it has a comfortable bed and a place for guests to put their things. If you have frequent visitors, a guest room can be the perfect option for that spare bedroom.

4. Hobby Room

If you’ve picked up a new hobby over the last year or two, you may be looking for a space to store your things and work on your craft. Maybe you started painting or drawing, perhaps you’ve finally created that YouTube channel or you’ve gotten into video games, sewing, yoga, or you want a sunny place to put all of the plants you’ve managed to keep alive. Whatever your new hobby or interest is, the spare bedroom can be a place to express yourself and keep it all organized so it's not spilling out into the rest of the apartment. 

5. Dressing Room/Extra Closet Space

Even in the most spacious and modern apartments, the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house. If you need a little more room to get ready in the mornings, consider using the spare bedroom as an extension of your closet. Use the space to set up a vanity or put in an extra dresser, so there’s more room for your wardrobe. Hang mirrors, install decorative lights, and use creative storage hacks to give yourself more room to get ready in the mornings. Apartments like Prairie Pines at The Ridge in Williston, ND, have bedrooms with large closets, but having an extra room could change the way you organize your clothes and prepare for the day. 

6. Second Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home and where most of the “living” is done, hence the name. But sometimes, the main living room can’t accommodate everyone’s needs, and this is when a second living space comes in handy. Convert the spare bedroom into a place where you go to watch sports, decked out in memorabilia from your favorite teams. Or, turn it into the ultimate movie room where you can store your expansive DVD collection and fill the space with comfortable seats. Or, don’t install a TV at all and use this secondary living room as a place to write, journal, read, or play games. 

7. Play Space 

Sometimes, families with kids have to get creative in utilizing the space in their apartments. A spare bedroom could be transformed into a kid-friendly play area, where they keep all of their toys and books, so they’re not all over the living room. You could decorate this space with their favorite colors and themes and enjoy the luxury of closing the door to avoid the mess. The “Ridge” floor plan at Prairie Pines at The Ridge Apartment Homes works perfectly for this idea, as the open-concept floor plan has 1,291 square feet of living space with two bedrooms on one side of the home and the third near the living room. 

Start Your Apartment Search Here

Whether you’re planning a move to the quiet town of Williston, ND, or a big city like Seattle, you want to make sure your modern apartment suits your lifestyle. Don’t eliminate larger apartments with an extra bedroom from your apartment search, as there are plenty of creative and useful things you could do with the extra space. If you’re ready to start your apartment search, schedule a chat with us today! You’re one call away from finding your home sweet home at Prairie Pines at The Ridge Apartment Homes.
 

The post 7 Creative Ways To Use The Spare Bedroom In Your Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

It is easy to underestimate the amount of usable space that a patio or balcony offers because they are most typically used as seasonal spaces when the weather is nice. Now, the first thing to consider before decorating (or redecorating) your balcony is what your lease permits you to do with it. In some apartment home communities, residents are not permitted to hang signs or banners from their railing. There might also be weight restrictions when it comes to furniture, plants, or other large decor. If you find yourself uncertain as to whether something is permissible, just give your property manager a call. They are always happy to help, and will steer you in the right direction!
 

A patio or balcony is a great space to designate for specific activities, and we have a whole list of ideas for you to make the most out of your outdoor space!

Workout Spot

Your balcony can be a nice, sunny spot to get a light workout in for more months out of the year than you realize. You won’t have the space or support for heavy duty weight lifting, but your balcony can be a really fun spot to do some yoga, pilates, or other low-intensity workouts!

Meditation Area

Spread out a nice yoga mat, surround yourself with plants, and let nature provide the rest of the ambiance for a quick meditation at the end, or beginning, of your day. You could strategically plant herbs like lavender or chamomile to add relaxing aromas to your quiet time. You will love having this special place to go and relax, journal, or anything else that helps you to unwind.

Cozy Outdoor Retreat

Sometimes you just want a classic setup for a relaxing morning, afternoon, or evening on your patio. Get some comfy cushions for your patio chairs, hang some nice outdoor lights, and light a citronella candle, and you will be in store for a lovely evening listening to crickets, cicadas, and other wildlife. Or play some quiet music while you hang out with friends after a long week at work!
 

Urban Balcony Garden

Just because you don’t have a backyard, does not mean you can’t have fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs! You will want to be mindful of how much weight you are adding to your balcony, so avoid very large plants or raised garden beds. But there is plenty of fresh produce that grows well in pots and other containers, so do a little research and get ready for some delicious ingredients!

Outdoor Studio

If you have pets that are always messing with your easels, canvases, or other art supplies, try setting up your studio outside. Your paints, clay, or other mediums should stay indoors to avoid humidity and other variables that could affect their quality. Throw down some tarps or something else to protect the floor of your patio or balcony, and get ready to be inspired by the splendors of nature around your apartment community!

No matter how you decide to decorate and utilize your own patio or balcony, there are a few essentials that you will want to make sure to include. Some kind of lighting, a seat or two, a citronella candle, and a table or other surface to set down your book, coffee, phone, etc. Those basic elements will allow you to enjoy your balcony no matter how else you choose to use the space.
 

The best part about decorating your apartment home is that you can make it exactly how you have always dreamed it would be. Your taste, style, and preferences will surround you, making your apartment not just a home, but your home. 
 

Do you have other great ideas for how to decorate a patio or balcony? Share them with us in the comments, so we can be inspired too!
 

The post How to Maximize Your Patio or Balcony Space appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Are you looking for a way to update your plain apartment walls? Although having an apartment with a monochromatic color scheme can make it easy to decorate, leaving your walls stark can make your home look bland and lack personality. Read our tips below to spruce up your walls to see how you can decorate your personal space in your Weidner Apartment Home.

Efficiency And Efficacy

Wall décor is pivotal when decorating your apartment. Arguably more so than your couches, rugs, or other furniture, what you put on your walls is distinctive to your personality and helps showcase your character and personal touch in your apartment. Therefore, it's important to pick color shades that complement your furniture and choose frames that create a cohesive design.

Each piece you display should add quality and esteem to your home. We're not suggesting that everything hanging or placed onto your wall should be expensive; however, every item should convey an emotion or bring sentimental value. This will bring personalization to your rooms and will serve as great conversational pieces when you have guests over. 

What Should Go On The Wall

With so many new ideas for interior decorating, you can never fall short of what to throw up on your walls. Do you want a modern chic look? Buy your own macramé kit and create your own design! Macrame’s are a perfect wall staple; whether you decide to go small or grand, you will create a captivating and eye-catching statement piece.

Want a boho look? Look into tapestries with natural settings, wall-hanging flower pots, or artwork with earthy tones. A good place to start your boho search is Society 6 or Etsy, where most pieces are curated for a personal touch.

Frugality As A Necessity

If you're working on a budget, no problem! Visit your local Dollar Store, Walmart, or Target’s dollar spot, and pick up any fun trinket and paint, and decorate it to your liking. Not only will you end up with something one of a kind, but it is also sure to increase your apartment’s wall worth!

All in all, finding items to decorate your apartment’s walls is no easy feat. However, that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable! So, if your walls could talk, what would they say about you?

The post A Complete Guide to Wall Art appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Now that you're spending more time at home, you may be growing tired of staring at your plain surrounding space and undecorated walls. You deserve a beautiful setting to enjoy, so consider taking this opportunity to update the interior of your apartment and embrace some new trends. Here are a few contemporary interior design ideas to help you take your apartment to the next level.

Less is More

Simplicity goes a long way when ti comes to interior decor. Although it's nice to display your belongings and collections, a little bit of clutter feels like a lot in a small space. Instead of placing an abundance of belongings on your bedside table or entertainment system, opt for one or two favorite pieces instead. Then, switch them out every once in a while to experiment with your favorite combinations. 

Calming Colors

When decorating your apartment, you may feel inclined to include a bunch of bright colors to make your room POP, but the truth is, bright colors can clash and throw off the entire aesthetic of your apartment if not used correctly. Instead, think about opting for calming, cool tones. The colors you use in your decor, from blankets and pillows to wall art and tapestries, can dictate the vibe of your entire place. By utilizing calming colors, you, too, may feel calmer in the serene setting you create. 

Functional Furniture

If you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment, don’t clutter it with plain furniture. Instead, find great pieces that have more than one purpose, such as a footrest or ottoman that also serves as storage space. You can invest in a sofa bed so your friends or family have somewhere to sleep if they decide to spend the night in your apartment. The more functional an item is, the more ideal it may be to keep it around. 

Feeling inspired? Consider redecorating your apartment based on these up-to-date decor trends. Got any additional ideas regarding modern interior design tips? We'd love to hear them below!

The post Interior Design Trends for Your Apartment While Staying at Home appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

In fact, studies show that “light can decrease depression scores and even increase cognitive performance such as reaction time and activation.”

If you’d like to maximize control over the lighting in your apartment, here are some tips to help you get it just right: 

Install lighting under the cabinetry.

There are different forms of inexpensive under-cabinet lighting available, many sold as strips that you can attach by using Velcro to ensure easy removal. By strategically placing lights under your upper kitchen cabinets, you can increase the brightness in the area for better visibility while you prepare delicious meals. 

Choose the right lampshades.

Consider shopping for table lamps that have thinner or lighter-colored lampshades. Or you can replace your current lampshades with ones that will help you achieve the look and lighting you desire. The height of the lamp combined with the width of the lampshade will determine where the light will shine. 

Add floor lamps.

By adding floor lamps to your décor, you can enhance the overall style and mood of the room while also providing lighting in specific areas to enhance visibility. Whether you’re reading, working, creating art or engaging in your favorite hobbies, a well-placed floor lamp can help you get the job done.    

Incorporate mirrors.

Placing large mirrors on the wall opposite a window with a lovely view can create the illusion that you have two windows on either side of the room, and it can add a feeling of symmetry and balance. Adding mirrors can also create a perception of a larger space by adding depth and dimension through the reflections. Of course, it will also increase the overall light in your apartment. 

What are some of the ways you maximize and control the lighting in your apartment? We’d love to hear from you. Please share your ideas in the comments section below. 

Looking for an apartment? Click here to find the perfect place to call home. 

The post How to Achieve the Perfect Lighting in Your Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

When it comes to making your first place feel like a cozy and inviting home, here are a few tips to get you started:

Start small

You don’t have to decorate the entire apartment all at once. Instead, start by choosing just one or two rooms to focus on. Many people begin with the living room and/or their bedroom since that’s where they’ll spend the most time. Once you finish those first two rooms, expand from there.

Enhance with plants

Bringing plants to your apartment is the easiest way to bring life (literally) into your residence instantly. It will feel fresh, provide oxygen, and help reduce stress. Here’s a helpful list of the best houseplants to nurture in your new home.

Put up shelves

Furniture is excellent for filling in empty spaces. Shelves are a great way to keep things organized while adding personality to your home. And they’re not just for books. Use them to display some of your most treasured belongings like photos, candles and art. Here are some unique shelves that will make any wall look beautiful.

Add pops of color

Incorporate throws (blankets), rugs and picture frames into your décor scheme to add interesting focal points throughout your apartment. Colorful accessories for your bathroom can include your toothbrush holder, towels and shower curtain. How about a bright red toaster and bright butter dish for your kitchen? The trend for vibrancy and boldness is predicted to rise in 2020. Check out this article for inspiration on how to weave bright tones throughout your cool place.

How will you be decorating your new home? Share some of your best apartment décor tips with your neighbors at #LifeAtWeidner

The post Decorating Tips For First-time Renters appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Go With Miniatures

A little can go a long way… literally! Skip the oversized bows and jingle bells, and opt for some miniature decorations to do the trick. Not only will this help to keep your apartment less cluttered, but also, when it comes to storage space, they'll take up significantly less room than their larger counterparts during the rest of the year. 

Fill Up Some Vases

If you have an empty vase sitting around, fill it up with some holiday greenery. Something as simple as some spruce tree branches can fill up a vase and look minimalistically mesmerizing. You can also utilize objects from your holiday decorating box such as ornaments or forage outdoors for various sizes of pine cones that you can easily throw into the vases and spread the winter cheer. 

Incorporate Fragrant Decor

'Tis the season of wonderful aromas, from fresh-baked cookies to winter pine! It helps to remember that decorating isn’t just a visual thing… it's more fun to try and include something to please all five senses. Besides the fragrant pine that your fresh tree, wreath and garlands may add, consider making a centerpiece or bouquet by tying together a few bay leaves with some rosemary and marjoram. Other options include boiling some spiced cider and using scented candles to create an aromatic experience for all.  

Now that you know how simple it can be to turn your Weidner Apartment Home into a winter wonderland, get started today. These decor ideas are easy, fun, and can be made with objects you most likely have in or around your home. Let us know how you decorate for the holidays in the comments below.

The post Easy Winter Holiday Decor appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Layer Up

When it comes to cold weather, you can bundle up by dressing in layers to help you stay warm. Start with some thermals, then throw on your normal clothes, then add sweaters, jackets, scarves, and beanies to help keep your body warm. Also, did you know that loose clothes will hold onto the heat much better than form-fitting ones? This also serves as an opportunity to try out some new fashion trends this winter. Who knows? You may end up creating outfits you might never have put together otherwise.

Seal the Leaks

Even if your apartment is nice and toasty, if there's a leak, you may be losing warmth and driving your utility bill up. Check your home for leaks, specifically near door frames and windows, where you could be losing heat, and seal them up, or submit a service request through your online resident portal to enlist an onsite maintenance professional to help. 

Get Cooking

When using the stove and oven, your home will warm up due to the extreme temperature. Take advantage of this season by testing your chefing skills and simultaneously heating up your apartment. You can even leave the oven door open while it's cooling off to add additional heat to your warm and inviting apartment.  

Open and Close the Blinds and Curtains

During the day, make sure that your blinds and curtains are open to allow in all possible natural light and warmth from the sun. Once it gets dark, close them up to help keep the warmth inside.

Wear Socks and Beanies

Most of your heat leaves your body through your feet and through the top of your head. Throw on some socks and a beanie to stay nice and cozy all winter long.

Use a Hot Water Bottle

Many people use hot water bottles when they're sick or feeling sore, but they can actually be very beneficial to you during the winter. Just fill one with hot water and place under your sheets for lasting warmth. They're also nice to hold onto during cold evenings to keep your hands and lap nice and toasty. 

Now that you have some tips on how to stay warm this winter in your apartment, start getting cozy! Layer up those clothes, cook a hot meal, put on some socks, and get ready for the best winter ever. Do you have any other helpful winter tips? Let us know in the comments below. 

Curious about Weidner Apartment Homes? Learn more about what we do here.

The post Stay Warm on a Budget appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Crafty Corner

If you live in an apartment, you most likely do not have an entire spare bedroom you can utilize for arts & crafts, but who needs a whole room when just a corner will work great? Pick a corner of the apartment to designate for crafting. We recommend choosing one that isn't within the direct line of sight from the front door as a craft tornado is more than likely to occur during your creative streaks. Consider using a corner that's out of the way and rarely used by others, then it's time to set up shop!

Organizers

Organization is key when it comes to crafting. You work with so many tiny objects that are easy to lose or drop, such as beads, scraps of material, etc. So, come up with a system to keep everything in place. A cute and trendy idea is to utilize mason jars as they hold everything together and can be tightly sealed. You can even take it to the next level with some chalkboard paint and write their contents on the outside. Also, consider using some wicker baskets to store larger crafting components such as fabrics, drawing materials, crafting tools and more as a way of hiding things in plain sight.

Protection

Your arts and crafts should not be limited by where you live, but you should keep in mind the safety and protection of your home. If you regularly work with paint, superglue, bleach, or other materials that could potentially cause stains, be sure to cover the carpet and walls since you most likely gave a security deposit when you moved in, and you don't want to lose that money due to a crafting catastrophe. It's always better to be safe than sorry. 

Now that you have some tips on creating the crafting corner of your dream, it's time to get started on it! It's the perfect season to begin making Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving decorations, and even homemade gifts for Christmas. Let us know your crafting goals in the comments below. 

The post Creating a Crafting Space in Your Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Fall Color Palettes

To subtly bring the crunching leaves inside your apartment without a mess, simply incorporate their colors into your decor; this can be done throughout your entire home! For example, put your old towels and washcloths in storage and bring in some red, orange, and rust-colored ones instead. These colors may seem a little unusual to have in the bathroom, but they will create the desired effect! 

Light Some Candles

Nothing screams “fall” quite like a pumpkin-spice-scented candle. Not only will the candles give your apartment a lovely aroma, but they will also create a warm and comforting environment with the glow they emit. For an added effect, purchase a candleholder with fall shapes engraved into it which will reflect on the surrounding walls. 

Make a Wreath

Get creative this season by making your own fall wreath! These can be used to dress up windows, doors, or any empty spaces in your home that could use a pop of color. Grab some supplies from a local craft store, then select what fall component you want to feature. Some popular fall wreath ideas include: pine cones, leaves, corn husks, and mini pumpkins and gourds.

Grab some Blankets & Throws

One of the best aspects of fall is the sweater weather! After a long day, nothing sounds better than cozying up in a fuzzy blanket with a hot chocolate and a good book. So, break out all the blankets you have in storage and give them a new home in the living room. 

Fill Up Some Vases

Do you have empty vases sitting in the cupboard? Why not grab them and put them to good use? You can fill the vases with anything that feels like fall to you, from candy corn and mini pumpkins, to leaves and twinkling lights, and everything in between. 

Hot Chocolate Station

On your next evening with family and friends, make a hot chocolate station. This simple but fun idea can go a long way towards making your house feel like a home. Grab some mugs, fill mason jars with toppings like marshmallows and candy corn, purchase some hot chocolate packets and whipped cream, and you'll have all the ingredients necessary for a cozy evening in. 

Now that you have a few ideas about how to bring fall indoors, let’s get started! Do you have other fun ideas you would like to use to celebrate autumn? Let us know in the comments below. 

The post Fall Decor Ideas for your Weidner Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.