Clean

Apache is functioning normally




Photo Source: Adobe Stock


Welcome to Virgo season, a time synonymous with practicality, organization, and meticulous attention to detail. For people born under this Earth sign — or anyone who appreciates the Virgo way of life — this time of year resonates deeply with their core values. Virgos are renowned for their analytical approach to life, focus on improvement, and knack for bringing order to chaos. As they strive for efficiency and practicality in every aspect, they also have an inherent desire to create harmonious environments.

These diligent individuals believe that everything has its place and purpose, whether in their personal life, professional goals, or home décor. In essence, Virgo season is a celebration of the functional, the orderly, and the beautiful. It’s about creating spaces that are not just clean and organized but also meaningful and serene.

As we journey through this special season, let’s take a leaf out of the Virgo book and strive to create a home environment that reflects these traits. We’re bringing home decoration tips embodying the Virgo spirit’s practicality and harmony with a dash of elegance.

1. Kiss Dirt Goodbye: Tumble’s Washable Rugs




Photo Source: Tumble


As we bask in the energy of Virgo season, it’s time to bid farewell to stubborn dirt and grime — especially the kind that clings to your beloved rugs. While charming, traditional rugs can be a nightmare to keep clean. The solution? Tumble’s washable rugs! They shout practicality and whisper elegance in every thread.

Imagine sipping your morning coffee, curled up on your sofa, your feet luxuriating on a soft, clean rug. A clumsy spill? No problem. You have a washable rug, which means all you need to do is toss it into your washing machine, and it’ll emerge as spotless as the day you bought it.

These rugs don’t just offer easy cleaning, they also add to the harmony of your home. They’re available in a plethora of designs and sizes, meaning you can find the perfect match for your hallway, living room, or even your bathroom. Choose a calming pastel hue to bring serenity to your study or a vibrant pattern to add a touch of joy to your kitchen. Either way, it’s the perfect stylish yet practical touch for any Virgo or Virgo-lover.

2. Shield Against Mayhem With Steadily

In our quest for a harmonious living space, we shouldn’t forget the importance of a strong, reliable shield against unforeseen mayhem. Yes, we’re talking about home insurance. A well-organized home is about more than neat shelves and pretty décor. It needs to ensure the safety and security of your space.

If you’re renting your space, it can be challenging to figure out where your coverage begins and where your landlord’s ends. That’s why it’s important to have Steadily on your side, to help clarify everything you need to know about coverage, from the landlord insurance cost to whatever you need to know to protect your space.

No more fretting over potential water damage or fire incidents. Instead, you can enjoy your neatly arranged bookshelf or beautifully coordinated living room without worry. As we embrace the practicality of Virgo season, let’s not forget to protect our homes. After all, a secure home is a serene home.

3. Elevate Your Throne With Squatty Potty




Photo Source: Squatty Potty


It’s time to talk about a throne that isn’t adorned with jewels or velvet cushions … it’s your bathroom’s porcelain throne! Embracing the practicality of Virgo season means taking a hard look at every aspect of our daily routine, including our bathroom habits. That’s where Squatty Potty comes into play.

This quirky but practical tool might just revolutionize your bathroom experience. Offering a new level of comfort and efficiency, squatty potty can improve your bathroom game.

The design of this tool helps you assume a more natural posture, aligning your body in a way that eases the process. Trust us, once you start using the Squatty Potty, you’ll wonder how you managed without it!

This little gem can also contribute to your bathroom’s harmony. Available in various styles, squatty potty can blend seamlessly into your bathroom decor, adding a touch of elegance to the most private room of your home. So, why not take your bathroom experience up a notch this Virgo season? After all, harmony starts from the most basic routines.

4. Harmonize With Good Essential’s Essential Oil Sets

When we talk about creating a harmonious environment at home, it’s about what you can see and what you can smell. The power of scent to influence mood and create a sense of peace and calm is undeniable. That’s why Good Essential’s essential oil sets should be at the top of your Virgo season shopping list.

Each drop of essential oil holds the power to transform a room. Whether you’re looking to bring a sense of calm to your home office, energize your living room, or create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom, these oils have you covered.

With essential oil sets, you’re not limited to just one scent. You can mix and match, creating your own personalized home fragrance that perfectly captures the essence of your space. It’s like having a secret weapon to combat stress, lift your mood, and promote a sense of harmony within your home.

As we navigate through Virgo season, let’s not forget to pay attention to scent’s invisible yet powerful element. With essential oils, you can fill your home with the fragrances that resonate with you the most, creating a space that’s not just organized but also emotionally balanced and inviting.




Photo Source: One King’s Lane


Ever wish you could simply wave a wand and make clutter disappear? Unfortunately, we don’t live in a magical world. That said, an ottoman with storage from One Kings Lane gets you pretty close. It’s a simple, effective solution for the common and often frustrating problem of clutter in our living spaces. Plus, it looks stylish and at-one with your living space, so you don’t have to worry about solving one clutter problem with another type of clutter.

On the outside, it’s an elegant piece of furniture, perfect for resting tired feet or offering an extra seat when guests arrive. Inside, it’s a spacious storage unit ready to hold your knick-knacks, magazines, or those throw blankets you always need on chilly nights.

Isn’t it refreshing to have a clean, clutter-free living room to relax in after a long day? Or a neat bedroom where you can retreat and recharge? If you want to embody the Virgo spirit fully this season, it’s all about creating a harmonious space where everything has its place.




Photo Source: Pepper Home


Who would’ve thought curtains could play a vital role in harmonizing our living spaces? But the truth is, they do. They add warmth, create privacy, and contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of a room. When they’re custom curtains from Pepper Home, they become even more magical.

Pepper Home’s custom curtains are an opportunity to express your style while adding a touch of elegance to your rooms. Whether you prefer dark, heavy drapes for a dramatic effect or light, airy curtains for a minimalist vibe, Pepper Home has fully covered you (and your windows).

While curtains can be a hugely grounding element in any room, which leads into this earthy sign, they’re also incredibly practical, making them a doubly perfect addition to your decor this season. Curtains also help control the light and temperature in your rooms, contributing to a more comfortable and eco-friendly home environment.

7. Sip Some Goodness With Olipop’s Healthy Soda

Let’s take a quick departure from home decor to talk about something equally important if you’re looking to ground your life: what you eat and drink. If you love soda, you probably know that all that sugar and questionable additives aren’t good for you.

Not to mention, the caffeine can get in the way of your internal harmony, too — and when your body isn’t at its best, it doesn’t matter how sleek your living space is … you’ll feel out of balance. That’s why Olipop’s healthy soda is the perfect addition to your harmonious Virgo home. It has all the flavor you crave and satisfying fizz without the negatives.

Working healthy soda into your lifestyle doesn’t just make your taste buds happy, but it also contributes to a well-organized and harmonious kitchen. With no sticky spills or sugar-laden residues to worry about, you can maintain a clean and tidy kitchen effortlessly.

8. Claim Your Space: Ewart Woods’ Cute Desk Organizer

Piles of paper, scattered pens, and misplaced Post-it notes are a recipe for chaos. Just in time, Virgo season brings the promise of order. We have what you need to tidy up your trust desk: Ewart Woods’ cute and customizable desk organizer.

Imagine having a spot for everything on your desk. Pens? Check. Sticky notes? Check. Phone? Check. Not only does this streamline your workflow, but it also reduces the time you spend hunting for that one elusive pen that always seems to disappear.

This desk organizer isn’t just about functionality, though. It also makes your workspace a lot more pleasing to the eye. You can choose the shape and combination of the pieces to this desk organizer, ensuring that you have the perfect accent to suit your space and hold everything you need. When everything has the perfect place to go, your office space will feel more harmonious instantly.

9. Shelf the Chaos: Songmics’ Shelves for Kitchen Cabinets

While your kitchen cabinets may hide clutter, that doesn’t mean they aren’t cluttered. These areas often become a wild jungle of pots, pans, food containers, and more. The best way to keep your cabinets clean and make sure that all of your kitchen supplies stay clean, safe, and visible so you don’t forget what you have and end up with forty of the same cups is by getting some cabinet organizer shelves.

They’re your secret weapon in taming this wilderness. These shelves help maximize the space in your cabinets, allowing you to neatly stack dishes, organize pots and pans, and arrange your food containers in a way that makes everything easy to find.

Just picture opening a cabinet and seeing all your baking supplies neatly arranged on a shelf or your collection of spices lined up in alphabetical order. It’s enough to make any Virgo swoon with joy!

These organizer shelves also contribute to the overall harmony of your kitchen. With everything in its right place, your kitchen becomes a more enjoyable space where you can unleash your culinary creativity without worrying about the chaos that usually follows.

Make Every Season Virgo Season

Embracing the practicality of Virgo season isn’t about transforming your home overnight — it’s about making mindful choices that contribute to a more organized and harmonious space. It’s about incorporating products that simplify your life and add a touch of joy to your everyday routines.

Whether it’s a washable rug that makes cleaning a breeze or a cute desk organizer that personalizes your workspace, these tips are all about celebrating Virgo’s love for order, efficiency, and beauty.

As the last days of summer give way to the freshness of Fall, let’s take a moment to appreciate the practicality of Virgo season by creating spaces that are not only well-organized but also warm, welcoming, and uniquely ours. Here’s to a harmonious home and a harmonious life!

Source: sfweekly.com

Apache is functioning normally

Nothing gets me more excited for spooky season than seeing stylized home decor that complements it. Seriously, all I can picture are the different welcome mats and led lights that’ll let my neighbors know I’m in celebration mode. The best news is I’m moving right before fall, so I get to start the season with a clean slate. Luckily, I don’t have to look far — or go over my shopping budget — for kitschy decorations because IKEA has affordable fall decorfinds that are making my knees buckle. All jokes aside, I’m thrilled to share everything on my wishlist with anyone who’s willing to listen — er, look. Let’s get into these fall decor finds!

LED Pumpkin String Light ($18)

But, there’s always something for those who can’t wait to get the party started. This LED pumpkin string light can be hung indoors or outdoors, making it a fall decor must-have.

LED Pumpkin Pendant Lamp ($12)

If you don’t care for string lights, you’ll love this LED pumpkin pendant lamp. It’s a low-maintenance lamp that’s battery-operated and can be used for your upcoming Halloween party.

White Ghost Cushion ($10)

Another way to start prepping for Halloween is by adding this adorable ghost cushion to your living room sofa. Guests will get a kick out of seeing it perched in the center!

Cushion Cover, Orange ($13)

To complement your new ghost cushions, add a few orange cushion covers for a pop of fall color.

White/Black Ghost Throw ($20)

If having ghost cushion covers isn’t enough, spread the love with this ghost throw. It’s guaranteed to be comfortable so you can snuggle up with during a warm, cozy night.

Throw, Orange ($25)

If the ghost decorations feel like you’re trying too hard, I understand. I’m sure my boyfriend will only let me have one ghostly sofa reference so this throw is a nice medium for anyone who doesn’t really love spooky things.

Pumpkin Doormat ($10)

Usually I love a doormat that has a humorous saying, but this one doesn’t need any introductions. Delivery drivers and guests will crack a smile once they’re greeted by the different pumpkin faces.

‘Boo’ Doormat ($15)

Halloween decor doesn’t have to be outlandish if you don’t want it to. Sometimes all you need is a simple “boo” to greet people with.

‘Mummy’ Lantern For Tealight ($4)

This lantern looks inconspicuous when unlit but casts a ghastly glow when lit. It reveals a mummy’s face so you can easily light this while watching The Mummy franchise.

Artificial Wreath, Indoor/Outdoor ($15)

This wreath isn’t exactly spooky by itself but it can be once you pair it with your other decorations. Think of it as an accent fall decor find.

Place Mat, Gray ($5)

Leaf patterned place mats are the kind of fall decor finds that are as festive as they are functional. They’re sure to be hit during meals!

Dish Towel, Black/Red ($8/2 pack)

Dish towels are the kind of things you don’t know you need until they’re needed. For a low-key festive fall vibe in the kitchen, I highly suggest investing in these affordable dish towels. You get two in a pack so there’s no need to buy multiples…unless you want to!

There are so many good options to choose from, and I just know I’ll come across even more fall decor finds between now and next month. My rule of thumb for those of you with a case of the shoppies? Opt for pieces you know you need, and pick kitschy things I can easily transition from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Happy shopping!

What are you thinking about buying from IKEA’s new fall collections? Let us know in the comments and subscribe to our newsletter for more fall decor.

Header image via IKEA

From Your Site Articles

Source: brit.co

Apache is functioning normally

Ready or not, artificial intelligence seems poised to play a larger role in the home lending industry, but companies are trying to create their AI strategies in what are largely uncharted regulatory waters.   

While some have already found ways to take advantage of generative AI tools on the back end of the home buying process, the arrival of ChatGPT shined an even brighter spotlight on potential opportunities and dangers in artificial intelligence, which many expect to propel technology development in the mortgage industry.

But while real estate companies have taken advantage of generative AI chatbots as plugins to their own home-search platforms, few mortgage lenders and servicers have joined the bandwagon by using ChatGPT-like tools in a consumer-facing capacity amid concerns of noncompliance. In a regulatory environment that currently provides few clear-cut rules but frequent warnings about possible enforcement, companies designing AI-enabled communication find themselves in a situation comparable to building an airplane while trying to fly it.

The potential risk within generative AI corresponds directly to the quality and quantity of data contained within it, experts agree. A key challenge for developers lies in ensuring available data  is sufficiently rich enough to provide accurate responses from the AI.

Inherent bias in some data models represents “a real danger” and could result in discriminatory practices and violations of fair lending, according to Jennifer Smith, principal at mortgage advisory firm Stratmor Group.

“The black box of those algorithms can be very difficult to understand. There’s very little transparency of what is this being built on as it’s learning through,” she said.

“Regulators are very much wanting to force lenders to understand what’s going on inside those systems. And that’s darn near impossible.”    

One home finance company striking up a conversation on AI chatbots is Providence, Rhode Island-based Beeline. In July, the company, whose products range from traditional refinances to investment-property loans, launched what it claims is the first AI-powered mortgage chatbot, called Bob. 

Rather than drawing on the same sources of data ChatGPT taps into, Bob attempts to form answers based on what is within its own “brain,” which is continually tested to ensure accuracy, said Jay Stockwell, Beeline’s co-founder and chief marketing officer, who helped develop the proprietary platform. Much of the original data and answers fed to Bob’s brain came from analysis of over 70,000 previous messages that came through an older Beeline chatbot.

“We took that big body of messages and then we did a cluster analysis based on what are the clusters of questions that people ask, because a lot of people ask more or less the same question but just in different ways,” he said. 

“We just went at it for months to provide really rich, clear answers to those exact questions.” But Bob is constantly learning, Stockwell added. 

“We review it every day. We go through and then we improve the brain, and run the same questions again and continually optimize this.” 

Among other safeguards Beeline has introduced to try to ensure the safety and accuracy of its AI are deployment of multiple AI models, including a constitutional version, to regularly check on its responses. Beeline also will not allow Bob to collect personal client data that could result in discriminatory bias and can “turn it dumb” when necessary, according to Stockwell. 

“Bob doesn’t know the name, doesn’t know their email, doesn’t know the location, doesn’t know any of that. And then if we ever kicked them into a quote, that’s removed out of the AI system.” 

Removing potential bias triggers is key because just as a lender would be held accountable when human personnel errs, the same will hold true if a chatbot does, Smith said. 

“The regulators have been very clear that a violation is a violation, whether it’s a chatbot or a live person, and that’s where it becomes very difficult,” she said. 

Other guardrails placed around Bob are similarly no different to what certain human employees would require. “What would that person be held to, thinking of it as an unlicensed non-loan originator position?” said Jess Kennedy, another Beeline co-founder as well as its chief operating officer.    

“All the things that you would train a human on, we said — hey, let’s make sure Bob doesn’t do any of these things either.”

For instance, Bob, as well as any type of chatbot, is prohibited from doling out anything resembling financial or legal advice, a rule that will likely always be in place, according to Alec Hanson, chief marketing officer at loanDepot.

“There’s going to be some clear lines in the sand because it’s not a licensed entity. And in lending, you need to be licensed to do certain activities and that clearly isn’t,” he said.

But even with consumer safeguards in place, responses AI generate still hold the risk of unintentionally misguiding clients through the omission of some options.

“The problem is sometimes we have datasets —  you’re not going to fit into the majority of them if you are oftentimes a low-to-moderate income minority borrower. And so you’ve got to be very careful,” Smith said. 

Whereas lenders have made dedicated efforts in the past two years to open up homeownership opportunities to underserved communities, the AI black box may not hold the information about various affordability programs a human agent knows, Smith added.

“If your algorithm has been built upon datasets that have an inherent bias in them, you may end up having that same chatbot steer a prospective borrower to a product that’s not good for them,” Smith said. “It might steer them toward a subprime product when they are actually very eligible for a conventional product, especially if you’re including special purpose credit programs or down payment assistance programs.”

AI chatbots are also still not close to the point, nor intended or allowed by regulators, to be a full replacement for human interaction, developers say. “For today, it’s a very reactive system,” Hanson said. “It doesn’t necessarily ask you the right questions.”

To prevent user frustration from building, Beeline programs its chatbot to not provide any responses to queries it lacks answers for and also reads customer sentiment while the tool is being used. If it senses growing dissatisfaction or misunderstanding based on the language or punctuation in a message, Bob will instead send the user to a service agent.

“That was a key thing in terms of best practices,” Kennedy said. “It’s evolving so quickly, so we know the best practice, but there often hasn’t been a method to do the best practice because it’s so new. 

As chatbots develop further and become “smarter,” mortgage fintech leaders think they may possibly realign the workforce at lenders, taking over the customer service tasks which don’t demand a licensed employee.

“We’ve been big believers in how the mortgage industry itself is ripe for this type of application, where you can take tons of this raw data and have AI go through it and better organize it, clean it, model it to really enhance the human beings that we have working,” said Dan Snyder, co-founder and CEO of lending fintech Lower.

“I think you end up getting people like your customer service agents — instead of answering the same questions every day — they can move to higher-paying elevated jobs,” he said. Snyder added that his company was exploring bringing AI tools to his business, either by resurrecting old blueprints the company initially developed a few years ago or adopting new models

The next two years should be a pivotal period that will determine the full potential of AI, Snyder noted. “You’ll start to see a lot of the vendors that are launching AI into their existing product to maybe speed it up.” 

But that anticipated growth of consumer-facing AI platforms will likely occur in a still-fluid regulatory environment. Although a full set of rules might hold some lenders back, the  opportunity that lies ahead makes development today vital to future growth, Beeline’s Kennedy said. While the warnings agencies issued in the spring may not have spelled out regulatory details many would like, Beeline welcomed them, as it gave them hints at how to best proceed.

“We understand that if you’re looking to innovate, there is inherent risk because you’re on the bleeding edge of something that regulators and I mean, Congress, has yet to wrap their arms around,” Kennedy said. 

“Our goal is just to be transparent and as proactive as we possibly can be with the regulatory environment.”

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

Simple strategies can turn your kitchen cabinets from cluttered to stylish.

Have you ever had a few friends over and turned around to find everyone in the kitchen? You prepared the living room with fresh flowers and fragrant candles and fluffed up your comfy couch, only to find your guests drifting back to the kitchen like moths to a flame.

Why? Considered the heart of the home, the kitchen is where all the action takes place. It’s where people grab a crispy cheese twist fresh from the oven, chat with the host, pour a glass of wine and linger.

And open the kitchen cabinets.

Suddenly, your spices appear a little disorganized, the plates overflowing, and where’s the perfect-sized container for leftovers? Is someone looking for the wine opener? It’s in the drawer to the right of the sink, buried under numerous kitchen utensils.

Fortunately, there are some simple strategies to take your kitchen cabinets from dysfunctional to fabulous and from cluttered to stylishly organized. Yes, it may seem a little overwhelming, but with these tips, you can do it! And, in the process of learning how to organize kitchen cabinets, you’ll find yourself enjoying the art of cooking and entertaining a little more.

1. Start by decluttering

As organizational expert Barbara Hemphill said, “Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.” Start with three cardboard boxes or garbage bags labeled “donate,” “sell” and “trash.” Then, take one cabinet and drawer at a time, decide what you no longer use or love and place it in the appropriate container.

If you find yourself contemplating an item for several minutes, place it in a separate box marked “later.” This box will be tucked away in storage. If you haven’t pulled out any of your “later” items in one month, it’s time to release them to their forever home.

2. Put all like items together

Like attracts like, whether people, positive experiences or plastic food containers. Putting all like items together in separate boxes lets you see exactly what you’re working with. Eventually, you’ll find a place for everything and put everything in its place.

Before you start putting things in their rightful place, clean kitchen cabinets, shelves and drawers. You can make a natural, refreshing household cleaner with 1 cup white vinegar, 2 cups water and 15 drops each of lemon and lavender essential oils.

3. Reorganize according to zones

A kitchen has five main zones: food, cleaning, cooking, dishware storage and preparation. Consider storing items in the areas you use them. For instance, pots and pans go near the stove.

These zones are uniquely yours based on your lifestyle. For example, if you start your day with a smoothie and end it with a cup of tea, a little corner health bar may call to you. Consider placing your blender, teas and supplements in a countertop corner basket. You’ll find woven, wood and wire baskets explicitly designed to fit into corners.

4. File your dishes

If you have a choice between stacking or filing, filing almost always wins in the organizational world. Plate racks let you store dishes vertically. Bakeware racks are ideal for cutting boards, cookie sheets and even cumbersome pot lids. These vertical solutions offer easy access and align with the motto for how to organize kitchen cabinets: A place for everything.

5. Incorporate a pot and pan organizer

Pot and pan organizers provide a special place for every cooking item, from skillets to saucepans. Many are self-adjusting, letting you create the perfect size for every object while fitting right into your cabinet.

6. Add stylish storage

As you know, one of the biggest challenges is simply not enough space. One workaround is to take advantage of walls, sides of cabinets, and even under cabinets.

When living in an apartment, you can’t always drill holes into existing structures. Fortunately, manufacturers consider this dilemma. Here are a few drill-free items to consider:

  • Under cabinet coffee mug holders with a hanging arm that slides onto the shelf
  • A modern kitchen rail with stainless steel or bamboo hooks for holding utensils, cups, and cutting boards
  • Small clips on interior cabinet doors for holding measuring cups and spoons

7. Maximize cabinet space

Stacking or riser shelves may become your best friend. Simple, beautiful and easy to incorporate, they add another layer to your kitchen cabinet organization. From wood to metal and plastic in every color, there’s a stacking shelf with your name on it.

8. Make friends with clear storage bins

In today’s clutter-free environment, you can find storage bins and containers of every shape, size and color. Some good choices for organizing kitchen cabinets include clear bins that fit side-by-side. These storage containers let you use the entire shelf and easily slide in and out. They’re particularly helpful for those hard-to-reach top shelves.

The versatile bins are also ideal for your food cabinet, holding condiments, cereals, grains, soups, snacks and unrefrigerated produce. If your property manager’s okay with a few screws, pull-down shelves also offer an ideal solution for top shelves.

9. Decant dry goods

While you’re organizing your food area, consider decanting dried goods. Decanting refers to taking items like pasta, rice, flour, quinoa and sugar and placing them in matching containers or canisters. This streamlined look shouts well-organized and clutter-free. Make sure to label.

10. Hang a spice rack on the wall

If you only have time to perform one of these how-to-organize kitchen tips, this may be the one to consider. You’ll find that keeping your spices and herbs well-organized and visible adds color and charm to your kitchen. It also prompts you to get creative and explore global cuisines. Bon Appétit’s 20 must-have herbs and spices include allspice, cardamon, cumin, ginger, sumac and turmeric.

11. Divide your drawers

Simple inserts or drawer dividers provide just the right spot for everyday items, from silverware to knives and bottle openers. If you have a nice set of knives you wouldn’t mind having on display, a magnetic strip offers the perfect setting.

And don’t limit drawer dividers to your utensils. Almost everyone has a junk drawer that can turn into an organized hideaway with a few dividers.

12. Organize under your kitchen sink

The space under your sink can quickly get out of hand, yet it’s the perfect location to organize cleaning supplies. Take some measurements and then select stackable wire or mesh baskets that fit below the sink plumbing. These create the ideal place to stash disinfectant wipes, natural sprays, microfiber cloths and other essentials.

Consider self-adhesive hooks or over-the-door bars on the inside of the cabinet door. Here, you can hang small kitchen towels, scrub brushes and other cleaning tools.

13. Add an artistic pegboard

There was a time when pegboards were a great tool for organizing the garage, period. Take a glance at Pinterest, and you’ll see that times have changed. People use pegboards to organize everything imaginable while adding their unique artistic spin.

From shelves with plants to pots and pans and baskets holding lemons and garlic, this is the place to let your inner muse shine through.

14. Hang curtain rods

Yes, you can use curtain rods for more than hanging window coverings. One or two curtain rods with hooks can hold cups, towels, pans, cutting boards and more. Make sure to have a design in mind so your rod looks like part of your kitchen’s aesthetics and not an afterthought.

15. Use turntables

Turntables can make any space a functional masterpiece. That may be a slight exaggeration. They can, however, offer an easy method for organizing condiments, oils and other items you routinely use while cooking.

Create a kitchen worthy of your time

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen. Use these tips to make a room that’s fun, functional and organized, starting by organizing your kitchen cabinets and surrounding storage spaces.

Still looking for that perfect kitchen where you’ll create culinary masterpieces and good memories? Find the perfect place here.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

I mentioned my little brother earlier because he was taught his son that two pairs of shoes equals one iPod. (Remember that they’re moving, and his wife is packing sixty pairs of shoes.) He just called to chat. I told him I was busy, but he offered me another story and gave me permission to print it.

His wife used to work at Nordstrom. While there she took advantage of the employee discount. A lot. In fact, she spent over $10,000 on clothes during that period. (Meaning $20,000 retail price, I think.)

Even when the family didn’t have any money, she’d come home with clothes. My brother would call her on it, but she’d deny that they clothes were new. “Come on,” he’d say. “I know what’s in your closet.” One day he complained to her about the new clothes she was wearing, and she claimed they were old, when he pointed out that there was a price tag still dangling from whatever it was she was wearing.

After that, she started to be more subtle about bringing home new clothes. She’d buy them, stash them in her trunk, and then sneak them into the closet. My brother didn’t discover this for a while, though. He only found out because one day they had to take her car to a family Christmas gathering. He went outside to put some food in the trunk, and there were several Nordstrom bags full of clothes. He was not pleased. He began to refer to these mysterious new clothes as “trunk clothes”.

A few months ago, my brother managed to convince his wife to get rid of some of her clothes. She filled two bins full of goods to take to a consignment shop. But she never took them. They just sat around for a while, taking up space. Recently she moved the bins to a storage shed. She’s trying to make room to clean out her closets for real.

Today her mother came to help her clean. My sister-in-law wants to keep all of the clothes, but her mother won’t let her. “Fine,” my sister-in-law said. “I’ll take them to Goodwill.” (Goodwill is a thrift store — I’m not sure how universal they are.)

“You can’t take them to Goodwill,” my brother told her. “You need to take them to a consignment shop. You need to get some money for them. Especially if they’re trunk clothes.”

“That’s too much of a bother,” his wife said, glowering at the use of the phrase ‘trunk clothes’.

“Then you need to itemize each piece of clothing so that we can claim it on our taxes.”

“What does that mean?” she asked, so my brother explained. But that didn’t sound any better to her. “I’m not doing that. You do that,” she said. But my brother refused, so she said, “Fine, I’ll just give them away.”

“You cannot give them away,” he told her. “That’s TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS.”

My brother laughs when he tells this story. Though he’s frustrated, he’s not angry. He knows that his wife has a spending problem, and it bugs him, but he also sees the humor in the situation, which is one of his special gifts. I, too, once had a spending problem, but I certainly never spent $10,000 on trunk clothes. It was on computers. And books.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

Step into a world where sleek lines, open spaces, and a harmonious marriage of form and function reign supreme.

Mid-century may be a classic style from the mid-1900s, but homes built in this style have a timeless appeal. With their distinct architectural features — which often include flat roofs, horizontal planes, and geometric shapes — they embrace simplicity, functionality, and a seamless integration with the surrounding environment.

Nature and lifestyle were key when designing mid-century houses, so many of them were built with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the yard, sliding glass doors, and many access points to the outdoors.

Incorporating clean lines and basic shapes, simple furnishings, a practical Scandinavian approach with muted color palette, and warm inviting earth tones, simplicity is a notable characteristic of mid-century design. Mid-century modern homes also used spaces efficiently with their split-level design, which makes it easy to see why the this architectural style continues to fascinate with both its practicality and its aesthetic appeal.

Our favorite midcentury modern houses

For those who want to immerse themselves in the world of midcentury beauties, we’ve rounded up our favorites. Carefully restored by their owners while preserving their original character and incorporating modern amenities and technologies, we believe the examples below have done a great job at striking a balance between maintaining the historical integrity of the house and making it functional for contemporary living.

Without further ado, here are 13 stylishly refreshed-yet-classic mid-century modern houses that we’ve covered in the past, many of which had some quite famous owners (or architects).

#1 A secluded mid-century modern home with unique features and views of lush surroundings

There is so much to love about this Santa Clarita property — which was home to ‘Dallas’ Star Linda Gray for almost FIVE decades. Named Oak Tree Ranch after the stunning oak trees that grow on the property, the private California compound has many unique features.

Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency

Designed by acclaimed architect A. Quincy Jones, the mid-century house is unquestionably elegant and captivating. True to the principle of bringing the outside in, the floor is made of heart pine, (meaning the heart of the pine tree), sourced from a New Orleans schoolhouse.

The freestanding fireplace is another unique feature of this property. The kitchen was designed by renowned architect Josh Schweitzer who added beautiful racks to hang pots and pans out in the open, pro-style appliances, and a pizza oven.

Photo credit: Marc Angeles, inset DFree / Shutterstock.com
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency

Sitting on 2.7 acres of lush land, the property has stables for four horses, a tack room/barn, a north-south tennis court, a large swimmer’s pool with spa, organic gardens, koi pond, chicken coop, and an endless lawn to enjoy the outdoors.

#2 This mid-century modern home built by Steele & Van Dyk resembles a semi-secluded paradise

The 8.86-acre property located in the Sonoma County town of Sebastopol is one of the most spectacular (and most lovingly preserved) mid-century homes you’ll find.

It was once owned by Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and his children have fond memories of the property, which was used by their father as a creative studio.

Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

There were several lots on the original 27-acre property such as Schulz’ main house, his grandmother’s house, a large pond, a baseball field, a miniature golf course, a large swimming pool, an enclosed entertainment pavilion, and his studio, all surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards.

The family who bought the property after Charles Schulz’ ownership made a few changes to the studio but made sure not to alter the nature of the design.

They renovated the studio and turned it into an inviting one-bedroom home which operated as a licensed vacation rental for a few years.

True to the architecture of mid-century modern houses, the former art studio has clean lines, minimal decoration, and large, flat panes of glass windows and doors which allow a connection with nature.

Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

With the home surrounded by natural beauty, you’ll find a four-hole golf course, Redwoods groves, and walking trails lined with numerous rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, dogwoods, several varieties of ferns, fruit trees, and plenty of flowers.

Photo credit: Jim Nevill Productions courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

#3 One of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s last projects, a mid-century masterpiece

Sitting on 14 acres of protected land in New Canaan, Conn., we find one of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s final projects, built in 1955, just a few years before his death in 1959.

Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Known as Tirranna — a moniker inspired by an Australian Aboriginal word meaning “running waters”, as the home is cantilevered over a pond and overlooks a waterfall on the Noroton River — the property is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s largest residential properties.

The architect also lived here while building the Guggenheim Museum and even used some of the scalloped glass windows from the Guggenheim Museum project to complete the home’s south-facing greenhouse.

Clocking in at a generous 7,000 square feet, the 7-bedroom, 8.5-bath home blends geometric complexity with nature’s flowing curves, in typical Frank Lloyd Wright style.

Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty
Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

Throughout the home, the architect combined and contrasted soaring ceilings and open living spaces with cozy and cocoon-like mahogany-paneled bedrooms. 

Photo credit: Udor Photography courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty

The home’s functional wood-paneled and stainless-steel kitchen epitomizes the mid-century modern aesthetic, while each of the bathrooms are spa-like and adorned with spectacular wood panels and unique features.

#4 A Mid-century home in Palo Alto that has maintained the integrity of its original design

This mid-century modern home is so simple that it reads as sophisticated.

It bears the signature of internationally recognized architect and Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Aaron Green. The 3-bed, 2-bath home features extensive use of mahogany, slab floors with radiant heat, built-in beds, desks and dressers, and Formica counters.

Photo credit: David Eichler

With flat roofs, both the exterior and interior have a clean and functional design. Inside the home, there is minimal decoration and the various cabinetry adds depth and variation in elevation.

The large windows give magnetic views of the yard. All in all, a gorgeous home updated for modern living while still retaining its mid-century authenticity.

Photo credit: David Eichler

#5 One of the most spectacular mid-century modern houses with a Moroccan theme and great views of the Coachella Valley

This stylish home is located in a compound in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights — a prestigious gated hillside community adjacent to Thunderbird Country Club.

Photo credit: Kris Magenheim, inset CBS Radio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The mid-century home was custom-built for famous entertainer Bing Crosby and his second wife, Kathryn Grant, and was an absolutely perfect fit for its celebrity owner who loved to live large.

Among its most striking features, Bing Crosby’s former home lists a large living room with a stone fireplace and bar, a chef’s kitchen, a movie theater, and a beautiful and spacious 1,400-sq. foot master suite with a stunner of a walk-in closet and a fireplace, as well as four additional en-suite bedrooms.

Spread over 1.36 acres of land, the phenomenal home has approximately 6,700 square feet of living space that extend into the outdoor areas.

Photo credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Kris Magenheim courtesy of The Agency

The home’s most famous guests, though, were definitely Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy. In honor of their stay there, the two-bedroom attached casita has been named the JFK Wing.

#6 An architectural gem with mesmerizing views of its lush surroundings and direct entrance to Rustic Canyon Park

Set in Los Angeles, this mid-century home designed by notable architect David Hyun has formerly been the residence of prominent entertainment lawyer Gary Concoff and his wife Jean.

The house dubbed ‘the Modern Tree House’ has large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide scenic views of the century-old trees that surround it and encourage a sense of harmony with the outdoor spaces it’s built around. The combination of the large windows and open floor plans let in a lot of beautiful natural light into the two-story home.

Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency

Notable features on the lower level of the house include an eat-in Eggersman kitchen, a full-service bar, a formal powder room, and three bedrooms. The distinctive spiral staircase leads to the primary suite upstairs fitted with generously sized closets as well as two separate offices and a large den/media room.

Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Marc Angeles courtesy of The Agency

The massive backyard of the nearly quarter-acre property features a large swimming pool, a unique area for dining set amongst the trees, and a gate directly into Rustic Canyon Park, said to be one of the best parks in Los Angeles.

#7 The lovely mid-century modern house Richard Neutra designed for his secretary

One of the most impressive celebrity homes on our list, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea’s house is made out of two architecturally significant structures: The first is a modern heptagon-shaped house designed by AD100 architect Michael Maltzan and the other is a lovely midcentury-style house built by famed architect Richard Neutra in the early 1950s.

Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass

Clocking in at 1,350 sq ft, the midcentury-style home has 2 bedrooms, and one bath, and is surrounded by walls of glass.

The home was built by Richard Neutra for his secretary, Dorothy Serulnic and her husband, George, back in 1953. Neutra, one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century, made sure that his secretary’s home is as livable and comfortable as it is visually appealing.

He designed several built-ins including a sofa system with a record player and concealed speakers, multiple desks, shelving systems, a dining room table, and a sliding breakfast nook, which are still present in the house today (or, rather, were still there when Flea tried offloading his La Crescenda compound a while back).

Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass
Photo credit: Cameron Carothers courtesy of Compass

Architect Michael Maltzan then built a dramatic, seven-sided house on the property half a century later. The spaceship-like house is surrounded by seven exterior walls (some made out of glass) and is anchored by an open-air courtyard that sits right at the center.

A small cabin built by artist and craftsman Peter Staley provides a little extra space for guests and an eye-grabbing feature.

#8 Master architect Richard Dorman’s award-winning home, the Seidenbaum Residence

Tucked away down a long private driveway into a quiet, secluded compound we find architect Richard Dorman’s Seidenbaum Residence.

With its timeless appeal and unique design, the home is nestled in the Hollywood Hills on Mulholland Drive, overlooking outstanding views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood sign.

Image credit: The Agency

Spanning 3,198 square feet, the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has two peaked roofs and clerestory windows that capture the California sunshine inside the main living area.

Boasting an open-concept layout, the home blends mid-century and modern designs. From the dining and main living areas to the kitchen, the fluid design captures a sense of tranquility amid the walls of glass that draw in the natural light.

Providing warmth and intimacy, the see-through, double-sided fireplace is a show-stopper in the great room.

Image credit: The Agency
Image credit: The Agency
Image credit: The Agency

#9 This elegant home with a zen factor beautifully remodeled for modern-day living

Originally built in 1955, this home offers a fresh, contemporary take on the timeless midcentury style. Esteemed architectural firm OWIU (which stands for the only way is up) updated the property, building on its mid-century modern legacy.

Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency

The 1,516-square-foot home is in Mount Washington, a historic neighborhood in the San Rafael Hills of Northeast Los Angeles. It has bright, warm interiors, and is filled with the natural finish of attractive light oak wood.

The house — which has retained its original charm — is all about comfort, timeless design, and an approachable elegance. Kane Lim from the popular reality show Bling Empire was once the owner of this beautiful property.

Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency

It has all the standard features of a mid-century home and then some, with floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, breathtaking views, and a deck in the primary suite that leads to a Japanese-style garden with bonsai and maple trees.

Photo credit: Justin Chung courtesy of The Agency

The house’s exterior has fresh pathways and gardening beds, a gate that leads to the lower portion of the property, and a large open space that has a sculptural staircase and custom wood bench surrounding a fire pit.

#10 A charming, thoughtfully updated former celebrity home on a quiet hilltop

On a quiet hilltop right above the famed Mulholland Drive sits a 4-bedroom hilltop hideaway once owned by power couple Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.

Photo credit: One Shot Productions / Compass, insert Tinseltown / Shutterstock

The secluded, single-level mid-century home has a large open plan design and walls of glass that allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.  

With soaring, beamed ceilings, wide plank hardwoods, and original stonework, the living room is as eye-catching as it is inviting and features a gas fireplace.

The primary bedroom suite is one of the main highlights of this home and it looks and feels like a retreat in itself. With its vaulted, beamed ceilings, and massive windows inviting the outdoors in, a sitting area, custom built-ins, a walk-in closet, and a marble-clad ensuite bath with a soaking tub and steam shower, it truly is a stylish and elegant space.

Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass
Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass
Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass

The flagstone patio is surrounded by mature oak and olive trees and features a bubbling fountain, making it a great place to relax and soak in the picturesque views of mountains, the canyon, and the slivers of the city skyline.

Photo credit: One Shot Productions courtesy of Compass

#11 A spectacular stilt house with jaw-dropping views and a unique taste of Los Angeles history

Nestled in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, this is one of 17 unique homes propped up over the side of the Beverly Glen Canyon. The mid-century house was tastefully modernized by its previous owner, acclaimed architect Donald M. Goldstein. It’s undoubtedly a part of architecture history in Los Angeles.

Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency

Known as Neutra’s Platform Houses because they were originally designed by legendary architect Richard Neutra, these gravity-defying homes are incredible. Also known as the Stone-Fisher Speculative Houses (as they were built for the Stone-Fisher development company), the unique abodes were later completed by architect William S. Beckett.

The one-story home creates the illusion of a floating vessel in the sky. The unique structure has a rectangular form, horizontal emphasis, long balconies stretching the full width of the house, and large windows to display magnificent views of the San Fernando Valley.

Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency
Photo credit: Andrew Orozco courtesy of The Agency

Some of the notable features of the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home include pyramid skylights, raised ceiling and roof lines, a 300+ bottle wine cellar, a Roman soaking tub, and its black metal exterior is coated with a 24-gauge Kynar finish.

#12 A classic mid-century house in a prime location with a long list of past celebrity owners

The star-studded Los Angeles Tree House — carefully tucked away from prying eyes in the famous Mulholland Drive — has attracted names like Ellen DeGeneres, Heath Ledger, and Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson as its owners.

Image credit: The Agency

The charming home with its lush surroundings is as serene as it is private. Inside, the clean mid-century modern style is warmed by a blend of natural textures, with walls of glass opening the home to the beautifully landscaped outdoors.

Image credit: The Agency
Image credit: The Agency

The home’s most extraordinary feature is its expansive 2,500-square-foot outdoor deck which is pretty phenomenal.

Image credit: The Agency

It overlooks the leafy treetops illuminated with ethereal lights at night and is furnished with an outdoor grill, lots of seating areas, and an open-air screening room with a retractable projection screen.

#13 A two-story mid-century gem in Bel Air with artsy appeal

Set in a quiet cul-de-sac, the 5,134-square-foot mid-century modern home features 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and has been fitted with everything from stone counters to auto window shades, radiant limestone floors, and high-end SS Thermador appliances.

Image courtesy of Compass

The two-story Bel-Air home features dramatic vaulted ceilings that soar over the living, dining, and family rooms.

With its seamless indoor/outdoor living, scenic surroundings and the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that are popular in mid-century modern houses, the house is flooded with natural light.

The home’s interior is stylishly refreshed with inviting warm-toned furnishings providing a relaxing and enriching experience, with art and pops of color accenting its midcentury aesthetic.

Image courtesy of Compass
Image courtesy of Compass

Midcentury modern houses continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless charm and architectural elegance. From their clean lines and expansive windows to their innovative use of materials, these houses represent a design movement that has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, one that will continue to attract homeowners and renovators for years to come.

Especially since, as we’ve seen with the examples listed above, updating these midcentury gems creates true masterpieces.

Which one did you like the most?

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Committing to a paint color can be a huge challenge. You don’t want the hue you choose to overwhelm your room, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of color all together. Give your favorite paint color a try with half-painted walls; our latest edition of Ideas to Steal.

However, we must make clear that this idea is much more than a color-testing system. A half-painted wall is a fabulous design trick in and of itself. Let’s have a look!


Using this painting scheme is a great way to add the appearance of architectural detail to your space, even when there really aren’t any. Consider it a modern approach to wainscoting.A half-painted wall usually follows the perimeter of a room, creating a nice flow. Layering a dark color below white or at least a much lighter tone also helps you create a feeling of height.

I love that the technique lets you make a bold statement without overwhelming a room. It will create a dynamic feel to your space. As a lover of white walls, I think this option would be the perfect happy medium for a slight color-phobe such a myself. I could introduce drama and wonderful design detail while maintaining my beloved modern, clean aesthetic. I’m already considering repainting our bedroom!

What do you think? Would you be willing to give the half-painted wall idea a try?

image 1 via // image 2 via // image 3 via // image 4 via // image 5 via // image 6 via

%%youtubomatic_0_0%%

Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

Most buyers are honest people, and are happy to be working with a private party instead of a dealership. To get the best price from your car, follow these steps:

  • Prep your vehicle. Check the vehicle to be certain that everything works. You may consider having a mechanic examine your car and issuing a report about its condition.
  • Research the market. Spend a few weeks scouring your local used-car classifieds to learn what people are asking for similar vehicles. Use the Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guides to get additional information.
  • Set a competitive price. Determine what you think your car is worth, and then add a little to the price for wiggle room. (You don’t want to start negotiations from the price you think the car is worth.) Decide on a rock bottom price below which you will not entertain offers.
  • Gather records. Prepare a folder containing all maintenance records. If you had a mechanic inspect the car, include his report. Consider purchasing a vehicle report from CARFAX — it can help set potential buyers’ minds at ease. Also have a bill-of-sale ready to go. (What you need for a bill-of-sale will vary by location; here’s a list of state motor vehicle division web sites.)
  • Clean your vehicle. Wash the car thoroughly. Don’t just run it through a car wash — scrub it down. Wax it. Clean the interior. Get all the junk out of it and vacuum it. Make it look its best.
  • Create an advertisement that sells. Mention top options and improvements. List any recent upgrades, such as new tires or battery. Has your car lived all its life in a garage? Say so! Do you have all the maintenance records? Mention that, too.
  • Spread the word. Get as much exposure for your ad as possible. The more demand you can generate, the more money you’ll make. Online, try craigslist, Autotrader, and Cars.com. (Quality photos are important for online ads.) Run your ad in a newspaper over the weekend, when it will reach the largest audience.
  • Be prepared to answer questions. People will call or e-mail to ask for more specific information. Be ready to provide it. Keep a list of key facts by the phone.
  • Show your car to interested buyers. If you’re nervous about your ability to deal with people, get somebody to help. You’re selling yourself as well as the car, so make a good impression. Allow the buyer to take a test drive, but be sure to ask for a valid driver’s license first! Permit buyers to take the car to their mechanic, even if you’ve already taken it to yours.
  • Negotiate a fair price. A good price is fair to both parties. Having done your research, you’ll know what your car is worth. Be confident in this knowledge. When you’re sure of a vehicle’s value, it’s easy to stand strong when somebody tries to lowball you. Have a firm bottom price in mind, but if a reasonable offer is only a couple hundred dollars from this figure, consider accepting it.
  • Make the sale. Complete a bill-of-sale transferring ownership. Again, what you need for a bill-of-sale will vary by location. (Here’s a list of state motor vehicle division web sites.) Ask for cash or a cashier’s check. (Here’s a page about avoiding fraud, including fraudulent cashier’s checks).
  • Take care of details. After the sale is complete, cancel your insurance on the vehicle. Offer your phone number to the buyer so that you can answer questions, but be clear that the sale is final.

If anything about the transaction makes you nervous, call it off. If the buyer seems shady, he probably is. If the buyer wants to pay more than you’re asking and then be issues a refund, he’s probably trying to pull a scam. Don’t do it. Trust your gut.

If your car has trouble, if it’s a lemon, don’t sell it to a private party. Sell it to a dealer. You’ll get less money, but you won’t be screwing over somebody else. And the dealer will be better equipped to repair the trouble. Remember: your goal is to provide an excellent transaction for yourself and for the buyer. You’re not there to rip anybody off.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

When shopping for apartments, listings feature numerous dimensions stating how small or large the space is. Obviously, a 1,000-square-foot apartment will be larger than an 800-square-foot apartment. But if both apartments have two bedrooms, it’s hard to distinguish how much larger the 1,000-square-foot apartment is.

So, how big is 1,000 square feet? Learning how to measure for yourself and looking at some comparisons can go a long way in putting 1,000 square feet into perspective.

How to measure 1,000 square feet

To provide guidelines on standardized measurements, the American National Standards Institute oversees standards and conformity assessment activities to keep everyone on the same page. However, not everyone adheres to these standards, so it’s imperative to take your own measurements to confirm an apartment is an advertised size.

To adequately measure an apartment, condo, townhome, rental house, tiny home or other property, start by listing all the different rooms in the unit on a piece of paper. This includes all closets, hallways, utility spaces and so on.

Next, measure each room with a tape measure. Measure both the length and width of the room and then, multiply those two numbers. That’s the square footage of the room, which is noted by the correct space on the list.

If you have a room with an offset that’s not flush with the rest of the room, measure that section separately. For instance, if the kitchen has an eating nook, measure the straight lines of the kitchen, and then measure the straight lines of the eating nook to get each section’s square area.

To keep the math simple, round all measurements to the nearest half foot. For example, if the master bedroom is 12 feet by 8 feet, 7 inches, multiply 12 by 8.5 to get the square footage: 102 square feet.

After measuring all spaces in the unit, add them together for the unit’s total square footage.

Source: Rent. / Buckhead Town Homes and Gardens

What does 1,000 square feet look like?

It’s not easy to picture how much space 1,000 square feet actually is, so consider some comparisons. One example is a regulation tennis court for singles matches. This court measures 2,106 square feet, so a 1,000-square-foot apartment would sit on about one-half of the tennis court. Here are some other comparisons:

  • The average two-car garage is 400 square feet, so imagine two and a half two-car garages sitting side by side
  • On an NBA basketball court, the foul line is 19 feet from the baseline behind the basket. The court is 50 feet wide. If you measure the court size from the baseline to the foul line, it is 950 square feet.
  • The average size of a rectangular in-ground swimming pool is 200 square feet, so imagine five swimming pools side by side

How much can I fit into a 1,000-square-foot apartment?

Although actual layouts may vary, many 1,000-square-foot apartments often have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a dining area and a kitchen. Within those layouts, the rooms may vary, such as a larger living and dining area and smaller bedrooms.

In some cases, the living and dining rooms could be about the same size as the bedrooms. Or, the bedrooms could be larger, with small main living spaces.

It’s likely a king bed will fit comfortably in at least one of the bedrooms. The living area likely will accommodate a sofa, a couple of chairs and two or three side tables. The dining area usually is large enough for a kitchen table and four chairs.

Given these are basic items, a 1,000-square-foot apartment also usually will accommodate accessories, such as bookshelves, TV consoles, dressers and other furnishings.

A 1,000-square-foot apartment generally accommodates a family of four or less.

The benefits of living in 1,000 square feet

When considering a 1,000-square-foot apartment, there are many benefits to choosing an apartment of this size.

You’ll have extra space for storage

In a 1,000-square-foot apartment, you could find yourself with plenty of storage space. For instance, if you plan to use the second bedroom as an office or guest room, you can use that bedroom’s closet for storage.

Plus, you can put furniture in there to use as storage, such as bookcases, chest of drawers and armoires.

You could save on utility costs

Choosing a 1,000-square-foot apartment could help keep utility costs in check. Having a smaller floor area means less work keeping it warm or cool enough, which reduces the cost of your electric bill. Fewer windows could help, as well, since you can keep curtains closed in the winter to keep warm air in and help prevent cold air from escaping during summer.

Use effective interior design to maximize space

Once you start moving into a 1,000-square-foot apartment, the rooms may start to feel smaller. But you can take steps to prevent that from happening with the right home designs.

For instance, decorating with lighter colors can reflect light and make the rooms feel bigger. If the walls are already white or a light color, just add pops of color through accessories like area rugs, throw pillows and artwork.

While you want to maximize the storage space in your apartment, don’t try to cram too many furnishings into the rooms. For example, choose a large sofa, chair and coffee table instead of several chairs, a loveseat and side tables.

Adding baskets also can help keep your apartment decluttered, so you don’t feel like your stuff is overtaking the place. Baskets are great catch-alls for books, magazines, papers and other items in the living room.

They also serve as a good storage spot for towels if you don’t have a lot of cabinets in the bathroom. Throwing toys in your child’s bedroom also can make clean-up quick and easy.

Turn 1,000 square feet into your perfect living space

For many people, 1,000 square feet may seem like a small apartment while, for others, it may seem like more than enough square footage. Regardless of your circumstances, you can make 1,000 square feet your perfect-sized property with the right furnishings and home designs in each of the rooms.

Source: rent.com