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Thrift and Second-Hand Store Treasures
Who doesn't like a good treasure hunt? Whether it's as simple as using a metal detector along a beach or deep diving for a shipwreck, we love to hear stories from those who have discovered everything from some loose change to a gold coin or expensive jewelry. But treasure hunting can mean finding a nice piece of art to decorate your Charlotte apartment or discovering a toy from your childhood. These can easily happen when visiting thrift and second-hand stores. In many cases, you may also be helping a non-profit organization who may operate the store. What treasures might you find at a local thrift or second-hand shop?
Items to Decorate Your Living Space
Second-hand stores are loaded with vases, knick-knacks, wall hangings and artwork that can help you decorate your space. Many of these items are in perfect condition. They are donated simply because the donor got tired of them. You may even find an antique or rare item that can be worth significantly more than what you pay for it.
Seasonal Items
Decorating for the holidays is easier, more affordable and may even be more creative when you visit a thrift store. Second-hand stores can sometimes be filled with expensive seasonal decorative items that previous owners have no use for. You can decorate for any season with the help of a local thrift shop.
Trendy Clothes and Costumes
Maybe you'll get lucky and find a classic t-shirt from your favorite band or a cool branded promotional t-shirt. Thrift shops can be loaded with old-school clothing, Hawaii 'n-style shirts, jeans, hats, boots and more. They may even inspire a costume for that upcoming party. You may find some surprising names and designer brands.
Get Hunting!
Whether you are in search of memorabilia or collectibles, glassware or tools, an area thrift or second-hand shop may have just what you are looking for. They can be a fun, interesting and potentially rewarding way to spend a few hours.
If you or someone you know is hunting for quality, convenient apartments in Charlotte, North Carolina, we invite you to learn more about Ashford Green. We are located across from the University of North Carolina's Charlotte campus and offer a variety of floor plans and desired amenities. Contact us and learn more.
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If you’re planning a move to an apartment, you’ll want to make your new home as comfortable as possible. What are some steps you can take to create a luxurious, welcoming environment — on a budget?
Make Use of Colors, Textures and Natural Lighting
Many people who move to apartments in Charlotte don’t spend significant time choosing colors and textures that coordinate well. However, doing so can affect both your feelings about your new residence and your outlook in general.
Neutral color palettes can help you create a warm atmosphere. To enhance that cozy feeling, choose highly tactile decor pieces such as cashmere throws and velvet pillows.
The amount of natural light in your new residence also can play a key role in your daily mood. To enhance available light, consider incorporating shiny surfaces — whether with acrylic furnishings, mirrors or metallic accent pieces — that reflect light throughout your home.
The window treatments you choose also can make a big difference in the natural light available in your home. Instead of thick or dark curtains, consider sheer fabrics in light weights that allow in as much light as possible while preserving your privacy.
Incorporate Inviting Seating
When you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, having a plush, comfortable chair available can bring a feeling of true luxury to your home.
Along with a sofa or love seat in a color and fabric you love, consider an upholstered chair for maximum comfort.
Aesthetics also matter, and you’ll find a wide variety of styles to suit your preferences. Be sure to sit in several chairs before you buy to find the right shape and fit for you.
Once you’ve chosen your furnishings, consider how you can arrange them for the activities you love. Whether you prefer reading, watching TV, playing video games, engaging in hobbies, or simply chatting with a friend, keep those preferences top of mind as you place furnishings for maximum use and enjoyment. For assistance with finding the ideal apartment residence for your lifestyle, please contact us.
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When renting an apartment, it is not uncommon to run into conflict with property management concerning the ways that you are permitted to decorate your apartment. When searching for an apartment in Charlotte, your likely to search for a floor plan and community with the type of amenities that will provide you with the most comforts for you and your family. However, the most comfortable apartment that you can find will still lack that special bit of personality that makes your home uniquely your own.
This is why finding ways to decorate your new home in ways that won’t leave any permanent damage is such a good idea. By taking a few simple precautions, you can create a home environment that is uniquely your own without facing the risk of losing your deposit or having to pay fees when you eventually move on.
Here are a few strategies to help you decorate without damage:
- Instead of putting holes in the wall, try putting a piece of painter's tape on the wall and hanging pictures and posters with glue. A little dab on top of the painter's tape will adhere to the wall, but when you are done, you can take the painter's tape down without any damage.
- Similar to decorating with glue, you can use paperclips and magnets to adhere to lightweight items to the wall. This is particularly great for posters because you won't need to use thumbtacks, which cause holes in the wall and can be unsightly over the poster.
- Decorate from the ground up instead of from the ceiling down. You can find a lot of different home accents that will bring personality into your home without adhering decorations to the wall. Large vases, artistic lamp posts, and creative furnishings are all great ways to decorate without damaging the walls of your apartment.
Renting is such a convenient option when searching for a home, but the temporary nature of renting leaves many apartment dwellers to put off home decorating in an effort to avoid permanently damaging their living space. By following these simple tricks, you can create the type of home environment that will keep you happy and comfortable without breaking any property management rules. Contact us to learn more about apartment availability in your area.
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Although the wall color isn’t always something you can change in your Charlotte, North Carolina apartment, you can still add plenty of dramatic color to the bedroom. Neutral-colored bedrooms make the perfect canvas for creating a bedroom that represents your own personal style. Plus, you can have fun with color in your bedroom with a few easy décor items that won’t break the bank.
Accent Pillows
Accent pillows can add a dramatic pop of color to the bedroom without going over budget. Accent pillows in bold colors with dramatic designs will draw in the eye. Although accent pillows are gorgeous statement pieces, avoid the temptation to go overboard with piling them on the bed. Ideally, choose between one and three pillows to add on top of the duvet cover. Coordinate the pillows to match a throw blanket strategically placed at the foot of the bed. Best of all, pillows and throw blankets are very easy to switch out when you’re in the mood for a décor change.
Area Rug
Whether you have hardwood floors or carpet, spice up the room with a colorful throw rug. Choose an area rug that includes a contrast color or displays a design that ties into the overall décor theme for your bedroom. For instance, if you have dark wood flooring, choose a white rug. Bedrooms with nature-inspired décor could have an area rug with a floral or woodland design.
Greenery
Plants are underused when decorating bedrooms. Flowers and green plants add color to any room in an apartment, including the bedroom. Crystal vases with red flowers or white vases with greenery are examples of easy pops of color in a room. No green thumb? Not a problem. Choose artificial plants and dust as needed.
Mood Lighting
Create a statement piece by choosing an interesting lamp for your bedroom. Go with a bold color such as red, orange or green, or pick a lamp with a stylish shade. The shade could come in a non-traditional shape or have décor elements like beads or ribbons.
Ashford Green, a luxury apartment community in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the ideal place to call home. Contact us today to learn more about our home amenities and view our selection of floor plans.
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