3 Keys to a Cozy Space

Create a cozy apartment with these three tips: 

1. Throw blankets: Adding fall-inspired blankets in your space will create coziness in an instant. Hobby Lobby has plaid throw blankets for under $10 right now, and Target has ridiculously soft fall throws for under $20! We recommend snagging a few of these throw blankets and putting them in a designated basket in your living room. This will tell guests: you can get comfy here.
   
   

   Basket & Blanket from Hobby Lobby

2. Throw pillows: Throw pillows and blankets are like the power couple everyone wants to be. Right now, deep orange, gold, and green hues are making a statement in the world of fall decor. Lucky for you, World Market has a great deal on throw pillows in a myriad of fall colors. You can snag these pillows for just $9.99 in store or online!
   
   

   Always a Deal Throw Pillows from World Market

3. Textured Accents: From woven baskets to cotton pumpkins, we’ve found countless cozy ways to spice up our space. In this apartment, we created a comfy centerpiece by stuffing a plaid and burlap basket with gold spray painted pine cones, a bundle of burlap, a golden pom pom bush and floral accent pieces.  We got everything but the pine cones from Hobby Lobby. The pine cones were free. We found those at our apartment community under our trees!

Bonus tip: Next time you’re at the dollar store, grab a box of flameless, battery-powered candles. Sprinkling these throughout your apartment will create an ambiance of peace and quiet.

To snag one more bonus tip, head to our Instagram Story! 

Looking for an apartment you’ll fall in love with? We can help! Just click here.

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How to Keep Your Cat Happy in Your Apartment

Here are four pawsome tips to help your cats cozy up to their new apartment. 

1. Elevated Points 

By cleaning the tops of bookshelves or setting up small cat posts around your apartment, your cat has room to perch and move. This gives them a great view of your space and even outside! 

2. Scratching Posts 

Scratching posts are sure to be loved by your kitty! Scratching allows them to stretch and flex their paws. Grabbing a small scratching post from your local pet store will reduce unwanted scratches throughout your home. Keep your place and feline friend happy. The Humane Society goes in depth about the benefits of having a scratching post. 

3. Playtime 

Set aside some time for you and your cat for playtime, where both of you can play together either with a string toy or a laser pointer. This helps with bonding and gives your kitty some needed exercise. Cats also love to play on their own so by grabbing little balls of yarn or smaller toys, they can play with themselves when you are busy. 

4. Calming Smells 

You can’t be there for your cat all day every day so they can get sad without you. Help calm their separation anxiety with lavender and chamomile diffusers. Check out Chewy’s cat-friendly diffuser to create a calm environment for your cat and yourself!

Keep your cat and apartment happy with these little tricks. Are you and your feline friend looking for a new home? Find your new place at any of our pet-friendly apartments today!

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Labor Day Furniture Sales

In case you didn’t know, home decor stores everywhere are offering incredible Labor Day sales starting today! To save you time and money, we rounded up the best deals we could find. 

First, the Pier 1 in Elmwood Shopping Center is closing! That means the entire store is on sale with deals ranging from 20%-75% off! We already snagged the accent pieces of our dreams. 

Next, hit the bullseye at everyone’s favorite place on Earth: Target. With 25% off home decor items, you can get what you want for less! Our personal obsession right now: throw pillows. Target has some of the trendiest throws for prices you’ll want to tell your friends about. 

For a savings overload, head to Overstock.com. They’ve got multiple sales happening right now including the Labor Day Blowout Sale (extra 20% off products), the One Big Rug Sale (extra 25% off area rugs), and best of all the Fall Preview Event Sale (up to 70% off items)! 

Our next furniture giant, Wayfair, has a click-worthy sale going on!  The Fresh Start Sale has all things from back-to-school to bedding to storage and appliances.  

Rooms To Go has a Pre-Labor Day Sofa Sale happening right now: all sofas are on sale! It doesn’t get better than that. With brand new couches starting at $425, you just found the perfect excuse to finally get a new sofa. Head to the local Rooms to Go on Veterans Blvd. for more in-store deals! 

Happy bargain hunting, friends! 

Need an apartment for all these great furniture finds? Visit 1stlake.com to find your perfect place.

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5 New Orleans Stores for Decorating on a Budget

Redecorating your space? We’ve got the perfect guide to snag some used furniture in New Orleans at a price that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.  

These five second-hand stores in New Orleans have some of the best reduced-cost, quality inventory around. They’re perfect for a DIY-style approach to apartment decor!

House Stuff: House Stuff is a boutique consignment store full of used furnishings, from living area furniture to accent pieces. Located at 3939 Toulouse St., House Stuff is a store owned by Flora Shaughnessy that pays homage to “well-designed, solid wood craftsmanship.” If you’re looking for used mid-century modern furniture, this is the place to start.

Junk’s Above: This Mid City spot has some of the best used furniture in New Orleans if you’re looking for funky, vintage finds to decorate your apartment. 

Plus they’ve got plenty of tchotchkes that add some retro flair to your place!

 

Bridge House Thrift Store: Bridge House is a remarkable New Orleans institution that primarily offers individuals seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction the time and structure needed to begin a new life. They also happen to have two thrift stores featuring a wonderful rotation of home furnishings for a bargain. 

You’ll find their locations at 4243 Earhart Blvd. and 7901 Airline Drive.

Floor 13, formerly Canal Furniture Liquidators is another great spot for furniture finds. In their own words,  they “buy and sell pre-loved furniture.” Find them at 400 Jefferson Hwy.  

Seasoned: Seasoned’s inventory is a bit more specific than the rest of our list, as it only sells second-hand kitchen items. They’re on the pricier side, but this store is just too cool for us to pass up. 

Seasoned sells vintage cookware, both online and at their brick & mortar location at 3824 Dryades Street. If you’re looking for the coolest cookware in the city, Seasoned is your spot to shop.

Click here to find more furniture stores in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Looking for a New Apartment to Decorate? Let Us Help!

Check out our website to find a 1st Lake residential community near you! 

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Sales That Suit Your Style And Your Budget

Looking for more pieces to make your apartment feel like home? We did the digging for you and found deals on everything you need! From kitchen appliances to accent tables, we scrounged up several sales you can benefit from today!

1. Kitchen Clearance

Spice up your kitchen with new cookware! With up to 75% off from Sur La Table, you can feel like a master chef while trying out that new recipe. Plus, take advantage of Williams & Sonoma’s semi-annual cookware event and save up to 25%  on essentials at Home Depot. We love this juicing blender from Sur La Table and it’s currently 56% off! 

2. Bed & Bath Bargains

Looking for a fresh new look for your room or bathroom? Head to the semi-annual bed & bath sale at Wayfair. They’ve got steals like this classic comforter set that’s 78% off! Oh and you can snag 60% off items at Birch Lane’s Memorial Day Presale.

3. Furniture Finds

Home Depot does it again with this functional, classic side table. With up to 25% off here, you can find anything from headboards to dining tables without breaking the bank. 

4. More Steals

Still have things on your shopping list? No worries, we found even more deals. We love how this rug from West Elm adds subtle color and class to the room (and that it’s 25% off!) Once you’ve filled your virtual shopping cart, take advantage of the Overstock Memorial Day Blowout with up to 70% off and free shipping! World Market has big sales on everything too! From chairs to towels and even snacks, you can get a bargain. 

 

Already have your pieces but need a place to call home? Check out our apartment homes to find your perfect place today! 

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