The post Organization Tips for Apartment Living appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Apartments have a different dynamic than a house which means that you treat the space a little differently. You can really make it your own while maximizing its potential with multifunctional furniture and décor.
Discover the thrill of making your apartment in Lake Oswego a true reflection of your personality with these stylish organizational tips.
Kitchen
Install a small whiteboard on the back of a cabinet door allows you to jot down items for your grocery list as well as important appointments. Hang your utensils and pots. Yes, it’s just that simple. Create sections in your drawers so that you don’t have to dig through the “junk drawer” to find something. Use a vertical spice rack or try a magnetized container to keep your spices in and keep them organized.
Bathroom
Instead of a single hamper, use a laundry sorter. This way, when laundry day rolls around, the sorting is already done. Use interesting containers to store things and declutter your countertops. Use a shower rack that hangs on the showerhead to organize your bathing products and shampoo.
Living Room
Turn an empty wall into an interesting focal point with modular units that feature open shelves and closed cabinets. You can make the most of your space since a lot of the storage will be vertical with several rows of shelves going up the wall at various points and cabinets along the bottom.
Designate one place for your keys, purse, briefcase, and backpacks. Put up some hooks and you can even add some cubbies for shoes. This keeps everything neat and tidy while ensuring you will never spend another morning frantically searching for your keys.
Bedroom
Create your own charging station by mounting a power strip inside a drawer on the rear wall. This way you can keep your devices in one place and all cords tucked neatly away. A murphy bed can transform from a bed to a desk, saving you space and creating a versatile home office. A closet organization system can help you optimize your closet space. The systems are fully customizable, and you usually don’t need a professional installer. A few clever touches and your apartment can be organized, elegant, and all you.
Your new apartment in Lake Oswego is waiting for you! And with up to 1,240 square feet of living area, you’ll have plenty of room to organize and make it your own. Call our office today and schedule an appointment to view our available apartments and find a home that fits your style.
The post Organization Tips for Apartment Living appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post 5 Thrift Store Finds That Inject Worldly Personality Into Your Apartment appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
If you have an eye for international design and enjoy surrounding yourself with items from around the planet, there are all kinds of ways to deck out your Lake Oswego apartment. And, you don't have to spend a lot of money in the process. You can get a lot of thrift store finds to bring some worldly personality into your apartment.
A Globe
The globe is almost a trademark symbol of someone who loves to travel. Therefore, if you are looking to add some worldly personality to your apartment decor, there should be at least one globe situated somewhere. You can pick up globes in a lot of different forms from thrift stores, from smaller, more decorative pieces to the traditional globe you may remember from school.
Maps
Maps can find all kinds of uses in home decor. You can use maps you pick up at a thrift store:
- To create framed artwork for your walls
- To cover an accent table using decoupage techniques
- To create placemats for your kitchen table
International Figurines
It can be so fun to scout out internationally crafted figurines at thrift and second-hand stores. Some of the more vintage pieces can have some pretty unique characteristics, especially those made in China, Japan, or other Asian countries. Having just a few interesting pieces on coffee tables, in your kitchen, or hanging out in a bathroom can really add some international flair to your home environment.
Woven Works of Art
Woven works of art can be found in the form of throws, wall art, and even tablecloths. These pieces often have color combinations that highlight the culture from where they came, and they can really add some visual interest to your apartment.
Plates
Plates are normally not something people think of when it comes to worldly appeal or travel-related decor, but for centuries, plates have been collected because of where they come from and the hand-painted details they can portray. These artistic collectibles are easy to find at thrift stores. Pull together a collection from different countries and create a sort of collage on a wall for an interesting touch.
Whether you love to travel or just love international flair, creating a worldly ambiance in your apartment can really make the place all yours. Check out the apartment floor plans we have available at Kruseway Commons.
The post 5 Thrift Store Finds That Inject Worldly Personality Into Your Apartment appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post How to Make a Perfect Spring Centerpiece appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Warmer weather and longer days are in store for residents of apartments in Lake Oswego, Oregon, making it a perfect time to bring the outdoors inside — and there are few better ways to do that than with a seasonally themed centerpiece for your dining room table. The following are just three of the many ways that you can bring a welcoming breath of spring to your home interior.
Fill a Vase With Cherry Blossoms
Springtime in Oregon means cherry blossoms everywhere, so get in the spirit and place them in a vase on your dining room table. Don't go out and pick them from the orchards, though — in several months, those will be ripe, delicious cherries. Your local farmers market or florist may have flowering branches, and if not, consider using silk blossoms. They look extremely realistic, and you'll be able to reuse them on a regular basis.
If you can't find cherry blossoms, apple blossoms also make a lovely statement. Fruit trees of all types grow in Oregon's Willamette Valley, so you should have no trouble finding just the right blossoms to suit your personal preferences and individual home decor.
Force Paperwhites
Another way to bring a piece of the beautiful Oregon countryside into your apartment is to force paperwhites to use as a centerpiece. Paperwhites are a type of narcissus that are extremely easy to grow indoors if the bulbs have been properly forced. You can do this by putting the bulbs in the freezer, but you can also purchase bulbs that have already been frozen. All you need to do is to plant them in pots or place them on a flat plate with pebbles and some water, and within two weeks, you should have blooming plants that smell fabulous.
Buy Some Peonies
Peonies are old-fashioned favorites that look more like cabbage roses than cabbage roses themselves. They come in all shades of white, pink and red and make an ideal spring bouquet that complements any style of decor.
Please feel free to contact us if you'd like more information about enjoying life in beautiful Lake Oswego. We've got several floor plans to choose from, gourmet kitchens with energy-efficient appliances, cozy fireplaces, and balconies or patios.
The post How to Make a Perfect Spring Centerpiece appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post How to Make Use of Your Home’s Vertical Space appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Do you have a lot of unused space in your Lake Oswego apartment? Try maximizing your vertical space! Most people think in terms of the amount of floor space they have and pay little attention to the immense space that they have along their walls. If you are looking to maximize your vertical space, try some of the tips below.
How to Make Use of Your Home's Vertical Space
Decorate Using Stackable Crates
If you have multiple items that you want to decorate with but don't have enough space on the floor to fit them in with your current decor, you can use stackable crates. This will give you plenty of space whether you are looking to display knick-knacks, stores books, or even have a place to stash extra clothes in the bedroom, or towels in the bathroom.
Consider an Armoire
Armoires are a closed cabinet that is tall and has space for you to hang clothes and store folded clothes. These pieces are great because they help you stay organized, give you extra room for closet overflow, and make good use of the vertical space in your bedroom.
Don't Forget the Backs of Your Doors
You have a lot of storage space on the back of your doors that is likely to go unused. Doors can be the perfect place to put a shoe hanger! You can also use a shoe organizer on the back of your bathroom door to store your small health items and keep them organized.
Give Your Plants a Penthouse Home
Whether you love your houseplants for their air purifying properties, or just to improve the look of your decor, they can sometimes take up some valuable floor real estate. Considered a vertical tiered plant stand which will allow you to display multiple plants and flowers in a smaller area. You can also add your favorite plants to floating shelves.
Make use of every bit of your apartment space by trying some of the tips above. Looking for a new place in Lake Oswego, Oregon? Check out the vertical space available at one of the apartments at Kruseway Commons. Stop in today or call for an appointment.
The post How to Make Use of Your Home’s Vertical Space appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post How to Make Your Living Space Unique to You appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Even when you live in a space that you rent instead of own, you can still make your home different and comfortable. While you don't want to make any permanent changes to the apartment, you can use your creativity in your Lake Oswego apartment and make the space unique to you. Enjoy your living space by creating an environment you love to come home to.
Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting in any rental unit will be sufficient, but it isn't going to make your apartment unique. Pay attention to the lighting, and use small accent lamps to brighten up dark areas. Soft lighting will make areas feel cozy and can be used just about anywhere to make your space different.
Take the Time to Decorate
Many people don't bother to do much decorating in their apartment. Find some fun art, and decorate your space. If you leave your walls blank, it is going to be a boring space. Frame some pictures of loved ones and place them strategically around your apartment. When you want to feel like you are home, decorate the apartment with things you love.
Use Quality Window Treatments
Good window treatment make a big difference in your living space. While you may already have blinds in every window, consider enhancing the window with some curtains or drapes. Different hardware can look great, and you are only limited by your imagination. This will bring color to your apartment and help make your space look finished.
Throw Rugs Make a Big Impacts
Throw rugs give you the ability to put spots of color all over your apartment. Even when you already have a rug, a well-placed throw rug can give you the added color you want. Throw rugs are affordable and easy to clean, and they provide you with floor covering options even when you can't make permanent changes.
If you are searching for apartments in Lake Oswego, Kruseway Commons is ready to talk to you about your living needs. Contact our office today at 844-222-2681 to see what floor plans are available.
The post How to Make Your Living Space Unique to You appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post What’s Wabi-Sabi? Learn About this Latest Decor Trend appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Creating a simple and elegant living space doesn’t always mean striving for perfection. The Japanese décor style called Wabi-Sabi embraces that idea and here are some tips we hope our Kruseway Commons community residents in Oswego, Oregon, enjoy.
Don’t Fight Father Time
The term “Wabi” loosely means humility in English and “Sabi” speaks to accepting the flawed world as real and not in need of fixing. When applying these ideas to your living space, items that have a weathered and worn appearance are valued. Many American country-styled homes embrace faux-aged furniture. The Japanese décor process would seek out those items that have aged naturally and possess an inherent beauty all their own. Time isn’t something to battle back. Wabi-Sabi sees the past as part of the present and future.
Homemade Items Have Value
Store-bought, manufactured items tend to be perfect in appearance. Straight lines, sparkling finishes and vibrant colors are wonderful. However, the Wabi-Sabi approach places a high value on things that you and your loved ones create regardless of so-called “imperfections.”
What could add more authenticity to your living space than a quilt made by a valued elder, painting from a youngster or ceramic pots you create at a local facility. Mainstream culture tends to put more value on well-crafted, mass-produced items than those that have added personal value. Shift your thinking and personalize décor choices.
Unclutter Your World
Reading up on the most recent spring cleaning ideas can become redundant after a gazillion years. Much of traditional Japanese culture places a high emphasis on clean, clear and uncluttered spaces.
The Wabi-Sabi style encourages a minimalist approach to living spaces. The notion that a space needs something to fill it is replaced by a vision of openness and a sense of freedom to move around. As a result, Wabi-Sabi interiors tend to feel more spacious and enjoy a calming vibe.
Bring The Outdoors Indoors
In recent years, scientists have drawn a strong connection between outdoors immersion and mindful well-being. The Japanese go as far as to employ “forest bathing” as a rehabilitation method for patients. The underlying idea is that your connection to nature and the natural world helps ground you in everyday life. It makes us feel better. The Wabi-Sabi approach is to bring vibrant plant life into your home.
Whether you like cactus, seasonal flowering plants or year-round greenery, bringing nature into your Wabi-Sabi living space will help provide a sense of comfort and calm.
We hope our Kruseway Commons community residents enjoy these Wabi-Sabi ideas. If you or a friend would like more information about our Oswego apartments, call us today.
The post What’s Wabi-Sabi? Learn About this Latest Decor Trend appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post How to Choose Artwork for Each Room appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
One of the most satisfying ways to decorate apartments in Lake Oswego is with artwork. Artwork is affordable, and it helps define your personality like nothing else can. Of course, there are tricks that designers use when decorating rooms with artwork. Here are a few insider secrets.
Artwork in the Kitchen
The kitchen is often most overlooked when it comes to decorating with artwork. But smaller, accent pieces can make big statements, and help to define your cooking style. Love pasta? Choose small prints of Italian bistros with outdoor seating. Is your kitchen the heart of your home? Say so with a phrase piece of art that celebrates family life. Place kitchen artwork near seating areas and on the sides of cabinets.
Artwork in the Bedroom
The bedroom is a place of solace and rest, and the artwork in here should be understated, with muted colors that imply relaxation. Opt for landscapes or seascapes with soothing brush strokes and gentle themes. Place bedroom artwork where it can be enjoyed as you recline in bed, or while you get ready in the morning.
Artwork in the Bathroom
Bathrooms do well with seaside-themed artwork. Images of beaches, sunsets, seashells and ocean life are particularly appropriate for bathrooms. Place bathroom artwork where it can be viewed as you bathe, or on the wall facing the mirror, where you can see its reflection during your morning routine. Opt for colors that evoke natural waterscapes, like coral, aqua and gold.
Artwork in the Living Room
The living room is where you can place big, bold art pieces that express your home’s environment and lifestyle. Whether you favor abstract designs, portraits, or cityscapes, it will all look at home in your Lake Oswego apartment living room. Place living room artwork where it can be seen from the sofa. Use smaller accent artwork pieces and arrange them in groups on smaller walls. Choose artwork with colors that either match or complement your furnishings.
At Kruseway Commons in Lake Oswego, we have floor plans that will suit any personality or style. Come see what we have to offer and envision your own artwork in these beautiful apartment homes. Contact us today to learn more.
The post How to Choose Artwork for Each Room appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post 4 Halloween Tablescape Ideas appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Ghastly ghouls, gruesome goblins, grisly gargoyles; oh my! Halloween is in our midst once again. Let's take a look at four Halloween tablescape ideas to get your Lake Oswego apartment looking spooktacular!
Bowl of Eyeballs
If you're wanting to decorate your Lake Oswego apartments, your tabletops are a great place to start. Peel some green and red grapes for a bowl full of jiggly eyeballs. Put the grapes on a bed of red hots, red M&Ms or red Skittles for a bloody bath.
You can also use opened Oreos, white cream side showing, and put a Skittle or M&M on the white cream to create an eyeball.
Candy Corn
Create a candy corn themed tablescape by using glass jars in varying sizes and filling them with candy corn. Placing a Jack-O-Lantern to one side can offer some more orange to accent the candy corn.
Or, cut out candy corn shaped paper decorations to add to the flair, and top it all off with a white cake decorated with candy corn as the centerpiece.
Creepy Crawlies
Get a bouquet of pure white flowers and place them in a black or dark-colored Halloween vase. Arrange 12 black plastic spiders of varying sizes, two black rubber snakes and two black centipedes on the flowers. The perfect whiteness will provide a striking contrast to the blackness of the creepy crawlies.
Go Simple and Spidery
Simplify your tablescape by using an orange and black decorated tablecloth and place a festive pumpkin on a platter in the center. Arrange pleasant-smelling Halloween candles around the platter and orange and black cupcakes to one side.
Add an element of creepiness by using the simulated spider web material and cover the pumpkin platter and rear wall with the web. Put some black or purple plastic spiders at strategic places throughout the web. You can even put an insect in the web and arrange the spiders as if they're going in for their prey.
Finding an Apartment in Lake Oswego
Halloween is arguably one of the most exciting times of the year. You get to dress up, decorate and have fun parties with great friends. If you're looking for an apartment near Lake Oswego, check us out at Kruseway Commons Apartments.
The post 4 Halloween Tablescape Ideas appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post Tips for Styling Your Bedroom appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
When styling your bedroom, tackle your room from the outside in. Because it is your own personal private space, it can be one of the trickiest rooms to decorate. The question is, have you found what you're looking for on Pinterest or your home improvement shows? Keep in mind, staged photos and fancy shows often have access to an outside styling budget. However, you can still tackle your design dreams by starting from the outer walls working into the all-important bed.
The Walls
When you admire art, is it from the Renaissance or Cubism eras? Are you more likely to find it in a modern art museum or a museum showcasing historic pieces? Framed art can fill empty looking spaces while three-dimensional art can liven up many designs.
The Windows
Windows are a functional design feature of bedrooms. Go big in your quest to control the amount of light entering the room. Choose curtains or drapes that hang from ceiling to floor. Don't forget to enjoy the fresh air when weather allows.
The Closets
Keep a closet on track with these organizational hacks. Use the same style hangers throughout the closet to avoid tangles. Put things in their place and take a moment to pick up fallen items to keep the closet neat.
The Dresser and Bedside Tables
Show off who you are with your choice in dressers and bedside tables. Choose a dresser with a mirror to help with everyday prep time. Dressers and bedside tables should coordinate in some way to bring the room together. Table or floor lamps are great for lighting specific areas.
The Pièce de Résistance of the Room: The Bed
Now we get to the most irresistible piece in your bedroom, your bed. It is the first thing the eye sees upon entering the room. Pillows are a must. Go with a minimum of two bed pillows. Add throw pillows and a signature decorative pillow to complete your look. Whatever look you choose, make sure it is one you can't wait to crawl into at night.
If you would like to explore floor plans in our Lake Oswego apartments, give us a call. One of our apartment homes in Lake Oswego is bound to have the bedroom of your dreams.
The post Tips for Styling Your Bedroom appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>The post 4 Thanksgiving Centerpieces That Are Sure to Impress appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>
Thanksgiving is right around the corner! That means it is time to get ready for food and loved ones. Whether you have been in your Lake Oswego apartment for a few days or a few years, nothing says home like making dinner for the whole family. You can make your space feel even more comfortable and wow your visitors by creating your own Thanksgiving centerpiece for your table.
Rustic Charm
You don’t have to pull out the fine china this year. Instead, you can use natural centerpieces and give your entire event a more laid back feel. Use an arrangement of gourds, Indian corn, small pumpkins and squash. You can also incorporate wheat, pinecones and other natural elements as well.
Copper Coated Coloring
Thanksgiving is filled with rich oranges, reds and copper colorings. Bring that copper flair to your table by covering artificial fruits, like pomegranates or oranges, with copper leaf. They are easy to create, and you can use them over and over again. You can also use them for other holidays as well. Use skewers to prop the fake fruits in Styrofoam to coat and allow them to dry. They are affordable but look expensive — a perfect way to impress the in-laws.
Vintage Touches
Flowers are definitely a go-to option when it comes to an easy centerpiece. Use flowers with lots of oranges and reds to go with traditional fall colors. Then, instead of using a vase, try using an old watering pail, wooden spools, or unique buckets to add some flair to an otherwise traditional centerpiece. Mix in dried branches and leaves as well.
Pumpkin Vase
Pumpkins can make great vases if prepared correctly. All you have to do is find a pumpkin that will hide a flower vase, cut a hole in the top large enough to fit the vase and remove the pumpkin innards. These pumpkin vases are showstoppers when paired with the right Thanksgiving-inspired flowers (think deep orange and red roses). You may also want to use a foam block with water so you can arrange the flowers just how you like them.
Many of our floor plans offer ample space for a homey Lake Oswego Thanksgiving dinner. Visit our website for more information.
The post 4 Thanksgiving Centerpieces That Are Sure to Impress appeared first on Kruseway Commons Blog.
]]>