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.
 

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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!
 

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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.

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Utilize Cabinet Doors

The inside of your cabinet doors is a great place to store kitchen gadgets. Simply attach some removable adhesive-backed hooks to the surface and hang many of the items that are taking up valuable space in your drawers. You can also use magnetic hooks on the side of your fridge where you can hang utensils and save valuable drawer space.

Tuck Away Those Smaller Appliances

It may feel convenient to have your small appliances out on the counter, such as your toaster, coffee maker, mixer, etc., but how often do you actually use them? Store away the appliances you don't typically use in an easily accessible space. This will diminish the sense of clutter and give you more countertop space to work with. 

  Organize by Task

When completing a task like making coffee, it's not ideal to be digging through a bunch of different drawers and cabinets to find all the items and ingredients you need. Instead, consider organizing things by task. For example, keep the coffee, filters, and sweetener in a cabinet near your kettle or coffee maker. This will ultimately make tasks faster and help keep your kitchen organized.

Utilize Pop-Up Shelves and File Organizers

Make the most of the vertical space in your cabinets and add some pop-up or hanging shelves to maximize space. Keeping a step stool nearby to help you reach the taller shelves helps. If you have file organizers or shelves that you no longer use, move them near the kitchen for additional storage space.

Incorporate Under-seat Storage

Whether it's a bench seat with a lid or seating with storage spaces beneath them, this can be a crafty way to store items that are unseen but easily accessible.

Hang a Tension Rod Under the Sink

To save room, you can hang up your spray bottles and cleaners on the rod and gain valuable shelf space.

These are just a few simple ways you can make the most of the cozy kitchen in your apartment. What are some space-saving tips you use? Share your best ideas with us in the comments below. Learn more about the Weidner Apartment Homes properties in your city.

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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. 

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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. 

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Are you tossing and turning all night long? Sleep deprivation is something we can all relate to from time to time, but if you’re not getting your desired allotment of sleep, maybe it’s time to give your bedroom a makeover.

First and foremost, do a quick check-in on your overall wellbeing.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average amount of sleep needed for adults is 7–9 hours per night. While sleep needs to vary by individual and circumstance, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor to rule out any physical issues if you’re not able to fall asleep or stay asleep. Stress, caffeine, dehydration, and even minor illnesses like the common cold can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.

Dim the lights.

It sounds simple, but sleeping in a room that’s too bright can significantly hinder your sleep. Invest in some blackout shades or curtains, cover up blinking devices, and change out light bulbs that are too bright. Is your nightlight keeping you up at night? Consider an activation nightlight that turns on and off when it senses your movement.

How’s that mattress treating you?

The average lifespan of most mattresses is 7 years, so if you’re tossing and turning, your old mattress might be the culprit. Check out these 5 tips for choosing the right mattress from Sleep Advisor.

Choose relaxing colors and bedroom décor.

While red might be your favorite color, if you’re not sleeping well, you might want to consider switching up your wall paint, bedding and décor accents to softer, more neutral hues which mimic nature’s colors, such as soft greens, blues, grays and beiges. You can always move those vibrant-colored décor items over to your office to help wake you up in the morning!

Shut out the noise.

First, start with your environment. If you’re someone who likes to fall asleep on the TV, make sure to set it on a timer so you don’t wake up to a blaring news report or a horror movie in the middle of the night! Next, if your bedroom faces a noisy street, consider moving bookcases to that wall to help drown out some of the street noise, and hang tapestry or fabric-style art on your wall to absorb some of the sound. Throw rugs and carpeting will also dampen sound. If you like falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, but you live in the city, try playing white noise soundtracks to accompany your peaceful slumber. You can also invest in some nifty earplugs, especially if the cause of your sleep deprivation is your significant other’s snoring! Sleep Advisor rated these the 6 top earplug brands.

Check the temperature.

The average temperature for a good night’s sleep hovers around 65 degrees, but again, comfort levels differ. Find the temperature that’s right for you. You might want to invest in some bedding that can enhance comfort, such as a cooling mattress pad or down comforter.

Say goodnight to nocturnal pets.

Sometimes, no matter what we do, animals are on a schedule all their own. If your animals are hampering your sleep, consider investing in a special dog or cat bed and see if they’ll adjust to this exciting new décor item. Also, consider shutting them out of your room completely, even if that might be a tough adjustment. After all, who doesn’t like cuddling with their fur babies?! Try increasing your pets’ activity level during the day in the hopes of getting a better night’s sleep. Or…try those earplugs!

What are your bedroom makeover tips for peaceful slumber? Tell us all about it at #LifeatWeidner.

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We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with easy and affordable furniture, it can just lack some personality. There’s no better way to infuse your home with style and sustainability than by completing a DIY project. These projects are a way to make something with your hands and upcycle a piece of furniture or fabric that could very well end up in a landfill. It’s easy to go green and create amazing accent pieces, with the DIY projects outlined below.

Put a Curtain On It 

Have a blank space you don’t know what to do with? What about hanging a large statement piece? With a little hardware, some patience, and a shower curtain, you can make a wall hanging that only looks expensive. This DIY from House of Jade Interiors may look complicated, but it’s actually quite easy.

All you need to do is go to your closest Home Depot, pick out some wood for the frame–the lovely employees can cut the wood for you–pick up the necessary nails and hardware if you don’t have them already, and repurpose an old shower curtain. Put the frame together, iron the curtain, then stretch and nail the curtain onto the frame. It helps to have an extra set of hands. We’ve found that bribing your friends with a large pizza will do the trick. 

This is an easy way to create a statement piece for your home that’s incredibly light and easy to hang. You can display it with strategically placed command hooks. Sourcing all these materials, from the nails to the shower curtain, is easy, just check your nearest Home Depot.

Fix Up Your Old Furniture!

Have some old or ugly office furniture you don’t know what to do with? It’s amazing what a simple coat of paint can do. If you’re stuck staring at an old file cabinet and wondering what to do with it, paint it! If you’re on the hunt for some cheap pieces, flea markets and antique malls are full of old office furniture waiting for a facelift. Kelly, of the DIY blog Sprinkled & Painted, shows how she gave a 100-year-old file cabinet a much-needed facelift.

With a little bit of elbow grease and spray paint, a drab piece of office furniture can really tie the room together. A simple trip to Home Depot is all you need to get the supplies. As for a workspace, just ask your property manager! There are some outdoor spaces on your property, and you are more than welcome to use them. Just ask your property manager what space you can use for things like sanding and spray-painting. 

Personal touches make your apartment truly feel like home. Though DIY may seem intimidating at first, these projects are truly an easy and fun way to add some unique charm to your living space. Do you have any projects you’re planning or want to show off? Share your photos with us at #LifeatWeidner.

-The Weidner Team

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• Natural Accents – What’s the best thing about summer? For us, it’s longer days, warm nights, and the chance to truly get out and experience nature. One of the best ways to make your apartment summer ready is to include some natural accents. By bringing in nature, you can incorporate the best part of summer into your home decor. It’s easy to add some natural accents to your apartment. Wood furniture is one, plants are another. Even by bringing in one succulent, you can add a bit of summer into your home.
• White Wood – One of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel like summer is with white wood. Whether it's investing in a few decorative items or a new piece of furniture, white wood can bring a beachy, summery vibe to your home. It’s not expensive to invest in some white wood furniture, just hit up your local flea market or antique mall. If that’s not an option, IKEA carries white wood furniture. Also, white furniture can brighten up your space for months to come.
• Splash of Color – On the flip side, do you have too much white in your apartment? Sometimes white walls, furniture, and other accents can make your home feel a little like an asylum. To bring in a bright summer mood, consider a splash of color! A splash of color can come from a bright throw blanket, throw pillows, or a new art print. Bold colors can add new life to an old apartment. 
• Macramé – The 70s are coming back in style, and we’re not just talking about clothing. Some 70s decor trends are hot this summer. For example, macramé. If you don’t know what macramé is, it’s a decorative textile weaving technique made from knots. The knots can be formed to make wall hangings, cushion covers, planters, and almost anything else. This decor is often made with white or neutral colored cord and can make almost any home feel like a beach bungalow.
• Sustainability – Sustainability is more than a hot buzzword, it’s a way of life. As more people are aware of the challenges facing our planet, the sustainability movement is catching on. One of the ways you can bring this trend into your home is with used furniture, upcycling projects, antiques, and locally made furniture. If you want to bring sustainability into your home without a hefty price tag, try some DIY projects. Keep an eye out for our next blog about DIY projects where we’ll share some of our favorite ways to repurpose furniture, materials, or most other things you have around the home. 

Are you updating your apartment with any of these summer decor trends? Let us know and share your photos with us at #LifeatWeidner.

-The Weidner Team 

The post This Summer’s Hottest Decor Trends appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Summer is fast approaching, and we thought it might be fun to look at some ideas for decorating your porches and patios.
Porches and patios give you the opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air while still enjoying a measure of privacy in your own apartment. An extension of your apartment home, balconies and patios give you another opportunity to express your personal style, while also blending with the outdoor environment for a seamless, natural look. Here are a few tips to create your ideal outdoor space:

• First, select your “anchor” items, and then you can decorate around those for holidays and special occasions. Anchor items are those items that probably won’t change much – bistro table and chairs and chaise lounges, potted plants, and the barbecue grill, if applicable. Once you have these items in place, you can change your patio’s look with accent pieces like rugs, chair cushions, and outdoor art.
• Don’t forget to measure the patio or balcony space before you buy your patio furniture. It seems like that’s a no-brainer, but we’ve all made the mistake of eyeing a space and making that purchase, only to find out the new furniture is never going to fit. Save yourself the hassle and get out the measuring tape.
• Blend, blend, blend. If your patio is directly outside your living room or dining area, consider blending your décor style for a consistent look. Then accent with a pop of color in a rug or seat cushion. For instance, if your apartment home décor is mid-century modern, scout out some retro pieces, representing the outdoor version of your current style.
• Choose plants and flowers that will thrive on your patio. Make sure the flowers and plants you choose for your outdoor space are a match for the sun exposure and temperature. Then – don’t forget to water your newfound friends! Make sure your plants have a tray for excess water so you don’t drip on your neighbor’s outdoor space below or stain your patio rugs.
• Get patriotic! Here are 200-plus great ideas from Pintrest, to express our gratitude and sense of freedom to gather with family and friends on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Another idea is to display photos of beloved family members and friends who have bravely served and sacrificed for our freedom. Surround the photo with mini-flags, a string of lights, and some beautiful flowers to say that we will never forget.
• Turn your patio into an outdoor yoga studio. Turn your patio or balcony into a Zen-palace with bamboo plants, yoga rugs, and plenty of comfy seating where you can meditate afterward.

What are your décor ideas for a festive patio this summer? Share them with us at #LifeatWeidner.

– The Weidner Team

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