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The many unique finds you can get from the many weekend markets that are springing up all over the place cannot be understated as they are a very good source of recyclable furniture and other trinkets that can be turned into unique stuff. Using some basic tools, loose crystals from antique chandeliers and some silver bits and parts can be made into very attractive lighting fixtures that would be the envy of your peers. Most chandelier crystals have holes which were used to hang them and with some gold or silver wire, available at crafts stores, these can be turned into light accents or other interesting pieces that would allow you to create one of a kind masterpieces. Read the rest of this entry »

Curtains and other coverings can be easily made for old sofa’s that would give them a new light making them more interesting seemingly changing with the times as it passes by. Scraps from yard sales and thrift shops where odds and ends can be sewn together cheaply making them look as if they were quilts or purpose made covers. Have the measurements made by a professional seamstress if you don’t have the necessary skills or simply wing it and get it on to find that creative side of you that’s been hidden for a long time. Sill can’t find your groove Read the rest of this entry »

Flea markets are vast resources of bits and pieces to help make your condo or apartment more spiffy and smart. When going to a flea market, here are some tips that might help you out:

1. Get there early.
When you see people coming out and carrying lamps and picture frames – they are considered the most popular items – then you’ve come too late. To find the best pickings, get there early before anyone else beats you to a good lamp or couch or collection piece for your display cabinet.

2. Don’t load up on big bills.
Carry small denominations instead – with the total depending on your budget – so you have more bargaining power.

3. Don’t doll up or dress up.
Vendors will be inclined to give higher prices to pricey looking people. So if you want to get a good price, dress in casual, comfortable clothes.

Many people find it hard to imagine the fact that going green doesn’t entail a lot of cost, for simple DIY projects can not only add beauty but make your small space more earthy and natural. Have carpet, why not opt for wooden floors made from laminated bamboo, they are sustainable and cost little compared to more expensive and rare hardwood. Want natural walls, simple hemp fiber mats hung on stainless steel rods can add a natural feel to an otherwise harsh cinder block wall, you can also use them for window coverings.
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Lighting can be use to create dramatic effects for a small condo or an even bolder one for a big one. So lighting is a way of bringing to light some of the hidden features of your house you might want to share or not with your guests. Use it to sine light on an impressive collection of vases you have on the shelves. Behind plants, they add drama combined with the beauty of your green friends.
Ugly corridor you hate, use a centerpiece at the end of it and get the ceiling re-done perfect installed with indirect lighting and you get drama on the ceiling, that once the guests eyes leave that area, the art piece of sculpture takes over. Got a bland bedroom, use indirect lighting with colors to bring it to life. Be sure to use your inner artist and sure enough you get something personal and not store bought or copied right off a magazine.

Image Source: designyourwall.com

Mylar is a polyester film joined with a very thin metal sheet like aluminum. It is quite durable and is not easily torn. The paper weave is a very common kind of wall covering found in Japan which is like real grasscloth. This weave is actually made of thinly cut strips of paper which were twisted and spun into yarn which looks like grasscloth. However, this kind of weave is not recommended for high moisture areas. A wallpaper made of hemp does not have a soft structure like a grasscloth but has a finer weave. The hemp fibers are then attached to the a paper backing to create a good product. Its unique beauty comes from the irregularities of its color and pattern. when using this wall covering, be sure that the seams don’t show.

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Despite some space restrictions, a number of people still go for lofts because you can turn your it into your working space too, if you work from home. You need not wake up early to go to the office and join the rat race for the day. Lofts have more than enough light coming in usually courtesy of its big windows. Ventilation there is also usually good. Decorating wise, lofts wake up your creative juices and keep them flowing. The creative you rises to the challenges of some restrictions, you get to invent new and different ways to decorate your pad and in the process, you learn some space saving lessons too. Converting lofts is just like renovating a part of your home, be sure to get the proper permits and have the standard inspections done. In modern times, lofts are being converted when a family needs an extra breathing space at home. Others do it for the supplemental income it provides.

Styling a condo is more challenging because of the limited space. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to living with functional but ugly furniture. There are a lot of new designs that are suitable for condos (compact!), but are still chic and stylish. I especially love ingenious transforming furniture such as this:

The Doc sofa/bunk bed unit by Bonbon Trading is a single couch that swings easily into two separate beds. Now that’s what I call a real space saver!

Image Source: www.kauai-condo-vacation.com
Most colleges and universities provide (usually for a fee) single or multiple occupancy rooms for their students. These buildings consist of many such rooms, like an apartment building, and the number of rooms varies quite widely from just a few to hundreds. Many colleges and universities no longer recognize the word “dormitory” and staffs are now using the term residence hall or simply “hall” instead. This is promoted as better describing a living and the learning community that is part of the larger academic institution. When the word “dorm” was first adapted for universities and colleges, the atmosphere of the buildings served as places for students to sleep. Often students had a curfew to be in the building for “lights out” and a “dorm mother” was in charge of running the building.. Features of life such as cafeterias, academic centers, active and passive programming, resident assistants and hall coordinators have given a new experience to living on campus.

Reason #4: You Can Get More Space

Often, buying a condo is a good alternative for those looking for a large piece of real estate but that do not have the funds. If you want to buy a 3,000 square foot home, you may not have the funds for it. On the other hand, it might be within your budget to buy a condo that provides 3,000 square feet of space. In fact, there are some pretty good deals going on in the condo aspect of the real estate market right now that some savvy shoppers are happily taking advantage of.

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