Jazz Up Clear Ornaments

Clear glass ball ornaments can be easily personalized with a variety of items. Here are a few ideas for items you can add to the inside of a glass ornament:

• Pretty small feathers in a variety of colors

• A sprig of rosemary, which resembles a pine tree branch
• Beaded or faux pearl necklaces
• Fake snow and some silver or white glitter to add some sparkle
• Rose petals
• Sand and small shells (for a beachy Christmas scene) 
• Clippings from succulents and small house plants can give a clear ornament a fun Instagram worthy look!

You can also create:

• Marbled ornaments. Simply, add a little water to the inside of the ornament, then dump it out. Next, squeeze a little bit of acrylic paint into the ornament. You should add two or three different colors. Place your finger on the opening and swirl to spread the paint around the inside of the ornament until the interior is covered. 
• Glitter ornaments. To create these glittery balls, add a small amount of glue to the inside of the glass ornament. Lightly swirl the glue around until the interior is coated. Next, pour glitter into the ball and swirl again until the interior is completely covered. 

Fun Holiday Vases

• Fill hurricane lamps or large glass vases with small ornaments and/or fairy lights to create a festive, bright look.
• Take a wide vase and fill it with pinecones, you can either paint these or leave them natural and add in fairy lights to make the vase shine!
• You can also make adorable vases out of plastic decorative pumpkins by cutting off the tops and repainting them with fun personalized designs. 

Is a new place to live on your list of things you want for the holidays? Then, please come check out our beautiful apartments in Northridge. Our community boasts everything you'll need for a happy new year, including a resort-style pool and an on-site laundry center. Our apartments are also pet-friendly. 

The post Deck the Halls with these DIY Christmas Decorations appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Add Some Throw Pillows

Effective throw pillows are about more than just throwing together a bunch of pillows on your couch. It's all about layering. Start with three to five large neutral-toned pillows that match your couch's base tone. Then shop around for five to seven accent pillows to add as the final layers. These accent pillows should be different sizes and feature various shapes, colors, and patterns to give the couch an extra pop.

Take Off The Fabric Skirt

Furniture has trends just like clothes, and currently, the trend with couches is to have them show some leg. So if you have an older model that has a fabric skirt or similar piece of fabric that was designed to hide the legs of a couch (which was once fashionable), then now is the time to lose it. If you can't remove the skirt with tearing your couch, use a staple gun to secure it to the bottom of the couch.

Wrap Things Up 

Using some bright and colorful fabrics, you can test out different looks on your couch by wrapping each cushion with a large piece of fabric. Or you can opt for a throw or quilt that decorates the couch by day and offers a comfortable blanket at night. The key to adding a quilt or throw is to choose colors that are the opposite of the color of your couch. Contrast is king here.

For a more intensive update to your living space, maybe you should swap out your apartment keys altogether! Our Northridge, CA apartments are now accepting resident applications for our spacious and scenic apartments that include access to a long list of on-site amenities. 

The post Ways to Update Your Couch and Refresh Your Living Room’s Look appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Spruce Up a Small Table

If your patio or balcony has a small table, add some fall flair to it with a simple display. You can put a basket filled with silk autumn leaves and small gourds on your table, or arrange a few fall-colored candles on a small tray. This display gives you a bit of seasonal cheer to admire while sitting outside. 

Get Cozy

Add some texture to your balcony or patio that gives it a cozy feel. Since the weather usually doesn’t get chilly in Northridge during fall, you don’t really need heavy blankets or throws out there. Instead, drape a couple of lighter throws or blankets in fall colors over patio chairs. You can also put throw pillows with fall designs, such as autumn leaves, on these chairs. Adding a fall-colored outdoor area rug to your balcony or patio can make it seem even cozier. 

Set Up a Pumpkin Display

Pumpkins are one of the most common symbols of the season. Depending on how much space you have, you can make a small or large pumpkin display to celebrate fall. If you don’t want to risk having fresh pumpkins get moldy, you can decorate with artificial ones. This gives you more creative options to choose from, such as realistic-looking pumpkins or metallic pumpkins in vivid colors. 

Add Fall Flowers

Putting flowers on your patio or balcony is one of the easiest ways to decorate for fall. You can put a colorful vase on a small table with seasonal flowers in it, such as mums, marigolds or pansies, or place potted fall flowers in different spots on your patio or balcony. Consider using silk flowers, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them or watering them. 

Our apartments in Northridge, CA, include a private balcony or patio where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or unwind after work. Contact us for more details on our community and apartment amenities.

The post 4 Ideas for Decorating Your Patio or Balcony for Fall appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Floating Bookshelves

Floating bookshelves add a very unique and modern look to an apartment. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to build. All you need to do is secure the wooden planks that will serve as the shelves to your wall and place your book collection on top of them. Get creative about where you place your shelves and the material that they are made out of to make this design your own. 

Cinderblock Bookshelves 

A cinderblock bookshelf is a design that is both rustic and modern at the same time. To build this bookshelf, all you need to do is use cinderblocks for the support and decorative wooden planks for the shelving. You can then keep adding more levels of blocks and planks to make your bookshelf as large or small as you want. Best of all, a cinderblock bookshelf is quick and easy to disassemble if you ever decide to remove it. 

Wooden Crate Bookshelves

Unfinished wooden crates are typically fairly easy to find, and your local supermarket may give them to you for free if you ask. Once you have these wooden crates, making a wooden crate bookshelf is incredibly easy. All you need to do is paint or stain the crates to your liking then stack them on top of each other with the open side of the crate facing out for a fun and creative DIY bookshelf. 

Conclusion 

Building your own bookshelf can be an enjoyable project and a great way to add a creative flair to your apartment's decor. If you are looking for a new place to make your own with fun DIY projects such as this, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about our Northridge, CA apartments. 

The post Three DIY Bookshelf Ideas That You Are Sure to Love appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Rearrange What You Have 

Your space is a resource that you can experiment with, so take full advantage of it. By rearranging furniture, rugs, lamps and end tables, you may start to see the apartment in a completely different way. You may even realize you don't have to spend very much once you see how you can transform a room with only the objects you own. You can also raid the attics or basements of your friends and family and borrow (or beg) for certain pieces that catch your eye. 

If you're looking for inspiration, it's time to start combing through old magazines to get an idea of what you like. As you start to piece together the colors, fabrics and furniture styles that you like, it should make it easier to form a picture in your mind of how you want your apartment to look.

Shop Used 

In today's transient culture, there are some real deals to discover if you know where to look. This is especially true when you live close to a huge city like Los Angeles. Those in Northridge apartments should shop garage sales and classified ads with enthusiasm. You should also brush up on negotiation tactics so you're not overpaying. Used furniture may seem distasteful, but consider the fact that it may have only been used for mere months before someone had to move to the other side of the country. 

Candlewood North provides real value to our residents. From our amenities to our grounds, you'll see the difference from the moment you step on our property. To learn more about our availability, give us a call today to find out more. 

The post How to Redecorate on a Dime appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Task Lighting

Task lighting is ideal for work areas such as the kitchen counter, an office desk or a reading desk or sofa. it won't brighten up your entire apartment, but it does shed plenty of light over areas that need it the most. Pendant lights are ideal for the kitchen while a bright lamp is often the solution of choice for a desk or table.

Mix and Match Lighting

Don't rely on only one form of lighting to brighten up a living room, kitchen or bedroom. Mix and match ceiling lighting with floor and wall lighting to brighten up the area. Adding light fixtures to different parts of a room will ensure that there are no dark corners to ruin your apartment ambiance. It will also enable you to change the mood of the room by only using select lights at certain times. Nonetheless, it's important to make sure that all the lighting fixtures are similar in style; otherwise, the room may appear disorganized. 

Using Mirrors to Reflect Natural Light

Make the most of the natural light already coming into your apartment by reflecting it with one or more mirrors. You can use a large mirror or several smaller ones in various locations to shine natural light into dimly lit corners of your apartment. As an added benefit, mirrors will give your apartment a spacious appearance.

If you are looking for bright, cheery apartments in the Northridge, CA area, Candlewood North may be just right for you. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment plans are available in various price points to suit your needs, and the apartment complex offers a host of great amenities such as covered parking, a resort-style pool, a BBQ grilling area and easy access to Metrolink and main roads. Additionally, each apartment has its own balcony/patio area to provide ample natural light, making it easy for you to enjoy a bright, cheery home where you can work, hang out with friends or simply relax and take in the view.

The post 3 Great Ways to Light Up Your Apartment appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Does the new year mean a new look for your apartment? If you are going to put in the time and money, you want to make sure the results are modern and fresh. Yet, what trends are up-and-coming, and which are tired and worn out? Jumping onto Pinterest can be a bit overwhelming. Before you find yourself lost in pinning ideas, take a minute to look at some of the hottest decorating trends predicted for 2019!

Green Reigns Supreme

This year’s hottest color is going to be green, but not just any shade. This green is a moody, deep green named “Nightwatch.” You may not want to color an entire room in your Northridge apartment this vibrant color, but consider adding some accents that embrace this hot trend. A rich green throw rug against wood-style flooring is a great look!

Multi-Function Furnishings

This trend is great news for apartment dwellers. As more and more people are moving into the city, multi-purpose furniture with a small footprint and multiple uses is becoming a hot trend. Look for couches that double as guest beds and ottomans with hidden storage as part of this trend, all with attractive and modern designs.

Statement Ceilings

Forget wallpaper on the walls. In 2019, watch as it shows up on ceilings. With removable wallpaper options, this is an idea that apartment dwellers can embrace with gusto. Choose a bold pattern and create a statement ceiling, or grab a bucket of paint to do the design yourself.

Curves

Curves are making a comeback in furnishings for 2019. Soft, rounded edges on everything from coffee tables to couches are going to be a hot trend, and these can add quite a bit of texture and interest to your space. If your redecorating will include new furnishings, consider embracing this idea.

Now that you have some ideas, are you ready to get to work? Candlewood North Apartments in Northridge, California, provide the perfect canvas for all of your decorating ideas. With a wide range of floor plans available and the amenities you crave, you’ll feel right at home. Stop by the website today to see available units.

The post Hot 2019 Decorating Trends to Consider appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

5 Ways to Beach Up Your Apartment

• Select beachy colors. The next time you visit the beach, observe the natural color scheme. You'll see a lot of blue, of course, but also shades of white and green. Use decor, furniture, and fabric to incorporate these colors into your apartment. Avoid brash and bold hues, and, instead, opt for something a bit more calming.
• Adorn your apartment with linens and canvas. The right fabric can make a huge difference as you strive to capture that beachy vibe. Linens, in particular, will create the atmosphere you desire. Likewise, canvas will make you feel like you're about to set sail. 
• Make the most of photography. Oversized photographs or posters of your favorite beaches can make you feel like you're actually there. Distressed wood or nautical-themed frames further add to the beachy illusion.
• Choose the right beach-themed decor. A few pieces of decor can make a huge difference. If you have a shell collection, don't hesitate to put it on display. Everyday items can also highlight your love of the beach. Nautical coasters, for example, add a touch of whimsy while protecting your furniture.
• Ditch clutter. There is no need to cram your apartment with accessories that, at surface level, seem to evoke the beach. Doing so will make your apartment feel less beachy, not more. Instead, capture the airy feel of a beach setting by keeping your apartment clutter-free. 

With the right linens, furniture, and decor, your apartment can look and feel just like your favorite setting. A calming, beach-inspired atmosphere will have you feeling at ease the moment you set foot in your apartment.

Life's a beach at Candlewood North, which offers the serene environment you crave. Reach out today to learn more about our apartment and community amenities. 

The post 5 Simple Steps for Making Your Apartment Feel More Like a Beach appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

Patios and/or Balconies

More and more people are extending their living spaces to include the great outdoors. While you may not have a large yard to do with as you please, a spacious balcony is a space in your apartment you can make all your own with lighting, seating, and plenty of vertical space to grow your own private flower or vegetable garden. You can even install curtains for a private outdoor space.

Flooring Options Other than Carpet

While carpet is most apartment communities' go-to for flooring, many apartment communities are beginning to understand and adopt wood-style flooring that offers versatility, durability, and an infinite array of decorating options, including the ability to add brightly colored area rugs, throw rugs, etc. These allow you to display your personality in a way throwing a can of paint on the walls could never accomplish.

Vertical Space

Far too often, people only look to horizontal surfaces for decorating opportunities. Apartments with taller ceilings offer an abundance of vertical space to consider for decorating. Use them wisely as opportunities to let your personality and tastes sparkle and shine. Whether you prefer a shabby chic living space, want to go modern or retro, the vertical places in your apartment home are ideal for showing off your own personal style and flavors.

Use Pops of Colors for Accent Pieces

Most apartment communities choose neutral palates for their walls and common spaces. Your apartment is your personal space to add little pops of colors that suit your personality perfectly. Use throw pillows, paintings, pottery, and other things to add those colors judiciously for an overall look that is all your own.

When searching for apartments in Northridge,CA, you don’t have to follow a one size fits all philosophy for decorating. Contact us today to learn about all the options available to you for floor plans and features we offer, so you can let your personality shine in your new home.

The post Apartment Features that Help Your Personalize Your New Home appeared first on Candlewood North Blog.

1. Scale It Down

One thing you can do to make your living room seem larger is to scale down the furniture. If a piece of furniture is too close to the boundaries of the living room, chances are, it's too large. There should be a decent amount of space between the walls and the sides of your furniture to create a sense of spaciousness in your living room.

Steer clear of furniture pieces that take up too much of your living room's usable space. For example, you should opt for a sleek chair instead of an overstuffed sofa. The sleek chair can perform the same function without taking up as much space. If you want a large statement piece in your living room, opt for a mirror or piece of art, which can be hung on the wall. Don't waste space in your living room by positioning large statement pieces on the floor.

2. Keep a Low Profile

To create a sense of openness in your living room, you should buy furniture that is closer to the ground. Low-to-the-ground furniture pieces will make your living room seem more spacious by leaving more space above them. Nineteenth-century-style furniture pieces tend to have a low profile if you're going for an ornate and romantic look. Mid-century pieces are also good choices as they tend to be low to the ground.

While there's not much you can do to change the size of your living room, you can make the space look even more spacious than it already is by heeding the tips discussed above. To learn about moving into a spacious Northridge, CA apartment, don't hesitate to contact us.

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