Anyone else been super obsessed with rugs lately?
It seems like every time we scroll through Insta or Pinterest, there’s another rug company we want to buy from or a new design that we just need to have!
Whether you’re looking to add flare, funk or just a practical piece of foot-warming fabric, rugs will give your space an upscale upgrade. (And hint: they don’t have to cost an upscale price!)
In Joanna Gaines’ recent blog, she said the three most important things to consider when selecting a rug are your style, your space, and your lifestyle.
While rugs obviously serve as a staple design element in your home, selecting a rug goes beyond physical appearance. We can’t stress this enough. You need to know yourself to know the right rug for your home. For example, if you’re married to a mechanic who comes home a tad dirtier than a desk-dwelling counterpart, you might not want that all white shag rug. Or if you have a furry friend with muddy paws, same thought process applies. In either instance, you may opt for a natural-fiber rug. While you won’t get that soft and fluffy feel, you will get a longer lasting, life-resistant rug. Sites like Rugs USA offer chic and tough styles!
Perhaps the most basic thing you should know while rug shopping is a term called “rug pile.” The pile of a rug refers to the density of a rug’s fibers. A flat rug would be described as having short piles, while a shaggy rug would be described as having long piles. In this One Kings Lane blog , you’ll discover 5 useful tidbits to help you choose the right rug pile! In general, shorter pile rugs are longer-lasting than longer piles! Plus, cleaning and maintaining shorter rugs is much easier than maintaining your 70’s shag (mostly because your vacuum won’t get in a tug of war with those pesky long fabrics).
Photo from Rugs USA
Now, maybe you’re super clean, don’t do much playing in the dirt, and don’t have any pets. You could definitely swing that white fluffy rug. But for real, if you’re looking for that lush feel, you may want to move toward Moroccan rugs. These rugs are experts at keeping your toes toasty, while also pulling in some plushness. As you may have guessed, these are considered high-pile rugs and are usually made of cotton or wool. Check out some of these Moroccan looks from West Elm.
Photo from West Elm, Souk Rug
A rug is an important decision, so don’t take it lightly. There are virtually thousands of different styles you can choose. To make your hunt a bit easier though, here’s a great read: 10 Sources for Good, Cheap Rugs on a Budget from our friends at Apartment Therapy. So while you’re seeking the perfect piece, keep your eyes peeled for some design inspiration. Some of our favorite social accounts to follow these days are Loloi Rugs, West Elm and Apartment Therapy.
You can find Joanna’s rug buying guide by clicking here.
You can find our available ones right here!
There are tons of things to do with friends in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Northshore. From beautiful city parks to the rambunctious nightlife scene, the options seem endless.
But, sometimes it’s more fun to stay in and have fun with your buddies at home. That’s what game nights are for!
In this post, we’ll provide you with some tips on how to host a great game night in your 1st Lake apartment. Pour yourself a glass of wine, grab those board games off the shelf, and read on to learn more!
First things first. Before hosting a game night, it’s important to make sure your apartment is in good condition.
Start by cleaning all the surfaces you’ll be using, like coffee tables, counters, and dining tables. Remember that in addition to games, you’ll need room for food and drinks.
Make sure your bathrooms are clean and fully stocked. Avoid the awkwardness of running out of toilet paper or hand soap.
Provide ample seating for your guests. De-clutter and organize your living area to maximize couch and chair space, as well as space for walking.
Wash your dishes and drinking glasses, and check to see if you have enough ice. If you’re running low, make a quick trip to the gas station or supermarket and buy a bag or two.
Overall, the lesson here is that your apartment should be tidy and fully stocked with the bare necessities.
If you want to liven up your apartment’s atmosphere, a few simple decorations go a long way. It just takes a little creativity. Try one of these fun suggestions by apartment therapy: “Make a banner out of Monopoly money, bingo cards or playing cards. Hang vintage board games on the wall or use a Twister mat as a tablecloth.”
When you host a game night, it’s important to have some snacks on hand. There’s no need to provide entire meals for your guests, but consider providing a few of the suggestions below:
It’s important to choose a game that all of your guests want to play. So, we suggest having a few options available to pick from.
Provide options that range from the classic to the contemporary. Twister, Monopoly, Life, Balderdash, and even charades are tried and true games that most people are familiar with.
Newer games like Cards Against Humanity, Settlers of Catan, and Code Names are super fun games that aren’t very hard to learn.
For more options, check out this list by Hobby Lark.
Contact us today for information on our private residential communities.
Create instant warmth in your home by streaming our cozy, crackling fireplace on your TV, iPad, or smart phone. You can stream directly from our blog or head to our Youtube channel.
Let’s get crackling!
Want your own apartment with a fireplace? See our list of apartments here: http://bit.ly/1stlakefireplaceapts.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just having a relaxing night watching Netflix, it’s important to feel like you’ve got space to breathe.
Even though 1st Lake’s apartments are quite spacious, there are plenty of ways to creatively and elegantly “open up” your home. Read on for a few tips on how to add depth and space to your apartment!
Implementing a monochromatic color scheme in your living space will immediately give it a sense of increased space and depth. According to Apartment Therapy, “Monochromatic schemes are more peaceful as a rule, as the eye can move easily around the room without abrupt interruption by other colors.”
Adding glass to doors and walls will create the sensation of added space by disrupting the continuity of wallpaper and paint, and mirrors create the perception that your space is twice as large as it actually is. Glass also adds a sense of delicacy to your living room or bathroom.
Studies have shown that the more furniture you put in a room, the smaller it appears. Try to limit your use of big furniture pieces, such as ornate couches, coffee tables, and chairs.
Try instead using open-framed chairs and tables to maximize visibility within your living spaces. Also, “fitted” furniture designed to hug walls and corners are preferable to pieces that aren’t suited to maximize movement within your living space. Mounted televisions and speakers free up lots of space compared to stand-alone units.
Make use of natural light by using light-colored fabrics and sheers for curtains, because they will pleasantly diffuse light.
Brighter color schemes in your living space will be more reflective of natural or indirect light, giving your room a sense of spaciousness and fluidity.
Take advantage of the spaces underneath your counters and inside your cabinets. Freshome says, “Don’t forget space on top of your cabinets, refrigerator, and back of the bathroom door. In the bedroom, take advantage of space under the bed, and over doorways.”
Also, finding ways to hang miscellaneous items within cabinets as well as using vertical bookshelves is a simple and extremely effective way of creating space.
Contact us today for information on our private residential communities.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on how to create a warm atmosphere in your apartment. Soon enough, your home will be the coziest place around.
You can look forward to game nights, large dinners, or relaxing movie nights with friends and family.
There are several ways to use light to your advantage when creating a warm atmosphere in your apartment.
Flameless candles, stringed lights or wax burners are great alternatives for creating a warm ambiance because they provide a sense of calm and a source of indirect light. Still want a cozy winter scent? Essential oil and stick diffusers can also add to the atmosphere — think lavender, pine, or other smells that evoke a warm haven from the cold weather.
Purchase window curtains that are slightly transparent, allowing some natural light to seep in and brighten your living area.
If you have a fireplace, use it when you have guests over. Fireplaces are especially useful during the coldest days of the year — you and your guests can bond by warming your hands and feet in the warm glow of the fire.
Finally, try to use lamps rather than overhead lights as much as possible. Lamps radiate soft light while overhead lighting can be harsh and uncomfortable for intimate gatherings.
Keeping lots of cozy, soft blankets around your living room will give your guests easy access to quick warmth, and will make people feel at home. Plus, you can choose blankets that visually complement your apartment’s interior.
Well-placed, warmly-colored flowers and other plants add feelings of life and vitality to your living space. Reds, yellows, and oranges make your space seem vibrant and lived-in, rather than sterile and dull.
In addition to blankets, use other fabrics and textures to your advantage. Cover cold wood floors and bathroom tiles with plush rugs.
According to Kenmore Development, rugs help rooms look larger while also providing texture and color to your living areas.
If there are any parts of your apartment that get drafty or particularly cold, strategically place space heaters. A small, portable heater will work just fine — there’s no need for anything large and difficult to move.
Make sure you use a space heater that will automatically shut off if it gets too hot.
Contact us today for information on our private residential communities.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
