Tag Archives: Allentown apartments

Pendant Lights for Allentown Apartments

Modern-Glass-Pendant-LightsSearching for lamps and great lighting for Allentown apartments can be fun…and confusing at times. One of the most popular light fixtures today is the pendant light. More and more Allentown apartments feature pendant lamps because of the their unique beauty, along with the generous luminescence they provide.

Pendant-Lighting-PhotoPendant lights are great and can be hung at whatever height a tenant wishes in Allentown apartments.

favorite-things-pendant-lightsPendant lights come in many shapes, sizes and colors. But this example shows how unique and creative a clear glass pendant lamp can be in Allentown apartments.

pendant lamps kitchenPendant lights are great for diffusing or concentrating light, depending on your preference, and are great hung anywhere in your Allentown apartments. They are lovely in living rooms of course, as well as over Allentown apartments kitchen counters and even in your Allentown apartment home office space.

desk pendant lightAlways look for the best lighting options when choosing Allentown apartments and ask your new landlord if it would be possible to install a few great pendants lights in your new living space.

Image sources: Pure Home, Chandeliers With, Dig Home Design, and Lamps Plus.

Spring into Floral Prints – Allentown Apartments

Feeling Spring? Why not step into spring-filled floral prints when pick decor for your Allentown apartment? Floral or flower printed furniture or wallpaper doesn’t mean antique or Victorian style anymore. There are beautiful modern choices in prints that bring a fresh comfortable feeling to any apartment. Hope you like some of the finds here for your Allentown apartment. I love these chairs above, color and print.

Adding some soft floral print pillows will add a nice contrast in a softly colored room like this one. Note the printed wallpaper also.

A great fresh floral touch for Allentown apartments: Amelia Sofa from Anthropologie.

I love this fresh bright Gerber Ottoman by Skyline Furniture.

More flowers…no fear…

Art in your Allentown apartment bathroom:  Beautiful sink and decor by Fratelli Branchetti.

Dive into fresh floral bedding after a long day! Poppy Flower Print bedding set by Arya. I love the bold colors.

Keep your Allentown apartment modern with this unique floral choice. Love the sleek furniture featured here.

Finally, add some wonder spring-like floral art to you Allentown apartment. Click here to order this great print.

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Curve Appeal

Adding curves to your apartment space will create a whimsical feel and bring comfort to the eye. Hard edges no more. The following are some great ideas for you Allentown apartment. Adding a bit of circle to your space may bring you a round! Have fun.

Above image from Rug Centre. Infinite Damask rug in red and cream.

Sybarite Round sofa, curved, comfy and fun.

Canasta circular sofa…

A more classic style with a round coffee table ottoman.

Dare to be different with a curved bed.

Crop circle wallpaper add interest to any ordinary space. Consider decals for the walls to add interest and artistic flare.

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Sharing an Apartment: Roommate Agreements

One of the best ways to share your apartment peacefully is for you and your new roommate to put together a Roommate Agreement. This agreement can be as formal or informal as you want, as long as you both agree to the terms presented. Both parties (or more if you share your space with 2 or more people) should sign the agreement, promising to uphold the issues presented. You and your roommate should sit down and take some time to address the issues that below and write up your agreement according to the specifications of your living space, as well as your personal preferences.

In the long run having this agreement as a reminder of each of your responsibilities will ease tension when disagreements happen. All childishness and drama will be set aside, and you and your roommate will live together peacefully…and have fun too!

The following are some things to consider when forming your Roommate Agreement:

  • Expenses.  This for many is the hardest issue, but once things are made clear as to who is responsible to pay for what life together will be easier. With respect for each other decide on the rent payment division, food and grocery expenses, and any subsequent utility expenses such as electricity, garbage pick up, or parking.
  • Storage Spaces.  If your apartment, like many, is limited to closet and cabinet space, thoughtful division for personal items will be helpful. Examine all the storage areas together and agree to who will use what space. Keep the space division as equal as possible. This includes kitchen cabinets, refrigerator shelf space, bathroom cabinets, closets, and the entertainment center if you have one, and any built-in shelving.
  • Space of Apartment in General. Consider what areas of the apartment are shared, like kitchen, living room, and bathroom, and what areas are considered private space, such as your bedroom. Agree to how each of you will approach the others’ private space and adhere to this agreement.
  • Personal Items. It is most important to consider what items are to be shared and what items are to be kept for individual personal use. Decide how all food items will be shared and be respectful. If one of you has dietary issues this could be very important. Also make agreements on other personal items like shampoos, towel usage, and other grooming essentials like blow dryer use. Apply labels to items that are personal so there is no confusion.
  • Cleanliness. If both of you are neat freaks I see no problems! But, as with normal living, not all of us are neat 100% of the time. Make an agreement to keep the place looking neat by not leaving unnecessary items around the shared spaces, like clothing, used dishes, ashtrays, magazines, etc. Also, and most importantly, make a chore list for each of your weekly responsibilities to keep the apartment clean. These chores can be rotated weekly or to your own preferences. In this way each of you will be clear on who is responsible for what and held accountable. Post the list in the kitchen area, or somewhere visible as a reminder to get things done.
  • Noise issues.  Make rules to acceptable noise levels for certain times of day. If you or your roommate is a musician, make agreements to when and where you will each practice your instrument and at what times of day so as not to inconvenience the other. Other things to consider are music playing and TV watching and the volume used for each.
  • Parties and Overnight guests.  Another thing to consider is when and how often each of you will have overnight guests or parties.  Set agreeable limits.  Decide on how much notice needs to be given to your roommate when planning a party or having someone stay over. It’s no fun to wake up and make your way half naked to the kitchen for coffee, only to find some strange guy sitting there. Be sure to inform your roommate beforehand when having someone over. This way no surprises or problems will arise. Planning to have a party together will be tons of fun and with each of you informed properly, with enough time to make arrangements for it or otherwise, this will keep the occasion from getting ruined with a disagreement.

Hope you found some of these suggestions interesting and useful. If you are already sharing an apartment, there is no reason not to incorporate a Roommate Agreement into your present arrangement. This will inevitably help to remove potential conflicts.  Thanks for reading.

Visit Apartments To Like.com for more useful renters information.

Sharing an Apartment: Roommate Questionnaire

Finding a roommate to share your Allentown apartment can be a difficult task, but one of the key strategies on your search is to meet the potential roommate in person and interview them. They in turn may do the same. I discovered through experience some interesting questions that you should include on your questionnaire and thought I’d share.

image: Cafe by Stockholm Syndrome

As protocol for the meet up, make sure you decide on a public place to have the interview, especially if this is a stranger responding to your ad for a roommate. Make it a comfortable place, where you can have a coffee or tea and get to know each other. Avoid bars and liquor. You want to have a clear head and a clear atmosphere. Also, I suggest you meet during the day if possible, on a weekend perhaps if you both work full time, or during a lunch hour.

Open your meeting with a nice greeting, and a handshake. First impressions? Take notes in your mind when you can. Your first impression will take you far. Trust them. An immediate bad feeling can be telling you something. When you sit down, don’t be afraid to bring out your list and take notes. This is your place you want to share after all. You will want to find someone truly compatible to make life easier, not more stressful. With that said, here are the questions:

  • Have you shared an apartment with someone before?
  • Was the person you roomed with a relative, girlfriend or boyfriend, co-worker, or friend?
  • Why did you decide to move out?
  • Was there any problem with your previous roommate?
  • Do you have a full time job?
  • What are you work hours?
  • Do you do any work at home? How often?
  • Do you smoke?
  • Do you use recreational drugs or alcohol?
  • Are you in a serious relationship? Will your boyfriend or girlfriend be staying over and how often?
  • Do you have a special diet that you follow, vegetarian, diabetic, vegan, or any other?
  • Are you religious? Does your religious principles effect you daily living and how so?
  • Do you consider yourself a neat person or carefree and sloppy?
  • Will you be will to do a share of the chores to maintain a neat and clean apartment?
  • Will you share the cost of cleaning products for the apartment?
  • Are you willing to work out and divide the cost of a grocery list each week?
  • Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
  • Friends? How many?
  • Will your friends visit a lot, and do you like to throw parties for your friends? (This isn’t a bad thing, as long as the two of you are in agreement!)
  • Do you watch much television? What do you watch? How often?
  • What time do you usually go to bed, and what time do you get up?
  • Are you a musician? What instrument do you play? How often do you practice?
  • Are you willing to co-sign a lease?
  • Are you willing to sign a roommate agreement?
  • Are you able to supply references from previous roommates, employer, or previous landlord?

Asking any of these questions will open a dialogue with your new acquaintance and will help you get a feel of what the person is like. Keep in mind that this list is designed for an interview with someone you’ve never met before.  If the person you’re meeting is an acquaintance, adjust the questioning accordingly….or perhaps not! It’s up to you, but do take the time to get to know a person before jumping in to sharing your Allentown apartment.

Visit Apartments To Like.com for more renters information and advertise a rental to share for FREE.  Please visit and list!

In Brutalist style…

I found this fascinating studio apartment at Interior Arcade.  This cool studio in Londrina, Brazil evokes the Brutalist Architecture style and was designed by young architect Guilherme Torres.

The term “brutalism” refers to a style of architecture first coined in 1953 by British architects Alison and Peter Smithson and was taken from the French term  beton brut, or “raw concrete.”  Brutalism style is usually defined by the striking angular forms in design, where concrete is used in creating a rough appearance and which structural materials of a building are exposed, such as brick, steel, pipes, and stone.

In Torres’ studio we find many experimental design ideas in the Brutalism sense.  He uses exposed brick work, concrete for the table and couch, exposed pipes for the wiring, then softens it all up with a gorgeous chandelier, soft cushions for the couch, and fluffy white shag carpeting.

The architect keeps it simple with a color palette of basically black, white, and shades of gray.  Color touches are added with pillows and decorative pieces.

If your apartment has wide spaces and exposed walls and pipes, a true studio, loft feel, consider the many ideas with Brutalism style in mind.  It is a fresh new way to express yourself and make your living space a true work of art.

If you are a renter and are planning to move into a new apartment, check out the Renters Corner at the top of this blog for info on making your move with ease and less stress.

Apartments i Like.com
Article and photos: via Interior Arcade

Unique Bar Stools

Many apartments have service counters or bar areas within the kitchen/dining rooms for serving and eating.  Making this feature of your Allentown apartment can be a fun creative way to show your decorative expression.  I found some incredible examples of uniquely designed bar stools to enhance your apartment, like these retro zebra print bar stools found at Etsy.com.

Eli Comtemporary bar stool in orange suede from www.1contemporary.com.

Ultra modern bongo bar stools will add great conversation piece to your Allentown apartment.  These are from Ibebi, found on www.trendir.com

Your Allentown apartment might be enhanced with these Rio bar stools for a perfect modern expression…found at Furniture Italia.

For a more classic look in your Allentown apartment…this swivel bar stool in black from www.barstools.com

And who can resist 6, 7, and 8…sculpted with black and white fiberglass by Bulgarian designer Svilen Gamolov?

We just wonder how comfortable they can be to sit in?…but what wonderful conversation pieces they’d make in your Allentown apartment.

If you are looking to move, or looking to move to Allentown Pa, use the Renters Corner at the top of this blog for information on making your move stress-free.

If you are a landlord and would like to like an available apartment in the Allentown area (and other Pa areas also) please visit Apartments i Like for more information on listing.

 

Creating a Chic Bedroom

Moving into a new apartment can be a life-changing experience…and when we’ve settled in we long to make our new space feel like home.  Our main sanctuary has always been the bedroom…and this room should not simply be the place where you let it all hang out, rumpled, tossed, and cluttered.  You can make your bedroom a real chic get-away with a few ideas I’ve found.

Keeping it simple is key to a comfortable space and this Newcastle Bed frame and nightstand are simple, elegant and chic.  Priced around $450 for both pieces at JC Penny.com.

Add more chic with the floor…

The shag rug is definitely still in style and a softly chic way to pamper your toes.  Consider placing one next to your bed for fun and comfort.  www.inmod.com

The simplicity of a glass lamp adds instant glamor and chic to your bedroom. I love these Eva Colored Glass table lamps I found at Pottery Barn for $99.00.

An easy touch to make a bedroom romantic and chic are votive candles.  A set of 8 of these scalloped votive glass candle holders add a nice expressive touch.  These can be found at Lamps Plus.

I love the simplicity of this bedding…White always looks fresh and clean, and can be highlighted with soft colors for added chic.  Here: Harbor House Dots coverlette and shams I found at The Home Decorating Company.

The final tip for making your new bedroom space chic is to de-clutter your bedroom!  Always make your bed, like your mother said. It really does make a difference to come home to a neat and smooth welcoming space.  Keep side table objects to a minimum. Use the drawers of nightstand for books and incidentals.  Keeping your bedroom neat and the floor space free from unnecessary objects is the best way to add chic-ness to the bedroom of your new apartment.

If you are looking for a new apartment or moving, check out the Renters Corner at the top of this blog for useful links to make your move easy and stress-free.
Apartments i Like is a great place to start.

The Art-full Carpet

I’ve been coming across more and more designers using carpets that make a statement, the more unusual the better….and I call these carpets art carpets.  Consider one of these unique creations to spice up your Allentown apartment living room.

Love this area rug.  Using an area carpet to cover cold hardwood floors can be more than just a way for your tired feet to feel comfy, it can actually work as a piece of art and totally reinvent the living space in your Allentown apartment.

The two designs above, and the one below can be found at Locoav.

And why not try out more funky designs to make your Allentown apartment an expression of your personality.

Love this one from The Funky Rug Shop.

Cozy and softly colored new art damask rug from RugsCentre.

Add color and fun to your Allentown apartment entrance way or hallways with one of these carpet runners.

Or add stylish flare with a rug like this one; area rug by Surya found at
Rug Studio.

Adding art-full designs to the floors of your Allentown apartment is an easy way to express your creativity and give your living space a spark of interest.  Area rugs give you many options to show your new apartment style.

If you are looking for an apartment in the Allentown Pa. area or are a landlord with an available apartment check out Apartments i Like for info on renting, moving made easy, or listing an apartment to rent.  And click the Renters Corner at the top of this blog for useful information to make renting a new space and moving a stress free endeavor.

The Romance of Candles

Adding candles to your Allentown apartments can add instant romance, elegance, and a softer mood.  Everyone looks better in candlelight!
Why not start with a classic pair of lead crystal candlesticks like these, found at My Tableware.  They were made in Slovenia and are $84.99.

A fun Valentine’s gift, to someone special, or to yourself are these cute realistic looking cupcake candles featured at Carolina Candles.  A unique fun arrangement of them on a plate and lit would add a nice touch for Valentine’s Day at your Allentown apartment.

One of my favorite delights…the floating candle.  Set them afloat in a large glass bowl of water (add coloring to water if you wish) and light away.  The soft glowing reflections adds warmth and romance to your Allentown apartment.  Light, right before guests arrive.

Along with the floating candles, I found these delightful spheres at Home Decor Arcade.  Just love the shape, and the glass holders. They are scented too!  Would add a nice conversation piece to any Valentine’s dinner occasion.

And here’s a project I’m considering doing…creating my own soy candles.  Found all the simple instructions for a soy candle project at Country Home.  By using some old sturdy glassware that you find in your Allentown apartment, you can make these wonderful decor additions.  Waste not. Don’t throw away the chipped glass. Easy to do, and these are wonderful romantic examples.

If you are looking to rent an apartment in Allentown or are a landlord who has an available apartment to list please visit Apartments i Like for more information.