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The holiday season is finally upon us, and Chicago residents are preparing for a few weeks of celebration, giving thanks, and lots of family time. One of the best ways to usher in the holidays is to give your apartment a mini makeover with festive decor. If you’re crafty and looking for a great way to transform your apartment into a winter wonderland, we suggest checking out a few of our favorite DIY holiday craft projects.
4 DIY Holiday Decoration Ideas
1. Black Paper Tablecloth
Are you planning to entertain at your apartment for one of the big holiday celebrations this year? If so, say goodbye to that old fussy tablecloth and opt for black butcher paper instead. With this blank canvas, you can decorate your table however you’d like, using paint pens or liquid chalk to create custom place cards and more.
2. Crafty Candles
It’s always nice to bring your favorite natural holiday scents indoors, but purchasing enough three-wick candles to make it through the winter can be costly. So, why not DIY your own pine-scented candles to create a welcoming atmosphere in your apartment instead? Check out this fun tutorial from Sugar and Charm for inspiration.
3. Fairy Light Lanterns
Welcome your holiday guests into an inviting winter wonderland with a few simple and beautiful lighted lanterns dotted throughout your apartment. All you need for this craft project are a few strings of battery-operated string lights and a handful of lanterns or interesting vases. Bunch up the lights inside the lantern, doing your best to hide the battery pack, and cluster them in your entryway, on a side table, or as your dinner table centerpiece.
4. Felt Garland
Jazz up your holiday tree or add some interest to your entryway with the help of some colorful felt garland. This fun craft from Tell, Love, and Party is super simple to make and can be modified to match with your existing holiday decor. Additionally, the beautiful felt garland makes for the perfect holiday gift from the heart!
Happy Holidays From North Harbor Tower
At North Harbor Tower, we want to make sure you have a happy holiday season. Give us a call today at 1.866.473.1997 to learn more about life at our luxury apartments in Chicago.
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You love the location and amenities of your apartment, but it just doesn't feel like home quite yet. Fortunately, there are many numbers of ways to personalize your space without losing your deposit in the process. Simple design changes can breathe new life into any space, just a touch here and there and your apartment home is reborn! Here's a quick look at several relatively easy ways to change up your apartment's appearance without losing your deposit in the process.
Add Colorful Rugs
Whether you like contemporary design or a more modern style, adding a couple of bold rugs that reflect your personality goes a long way toward making your apartment feel like home.
Provide an Artistic Touch
What kind of art truly appeals to your soul? Add a common decorating theme to your apartment, taking advantage of any shelves, niches or windowsills to let your personality show with art displays.
Get Creative With Soft Furnishings
Fabric and a few decorative thumbtacks make it easy to add a lot of personality to your apartment quickly. Instead of painting an accent wall, purchase a drapery scarf, sarong or large piece of fabric that appeals to hang.
Add Removable Wallpaper
To create an accent wall that is easily changed back to its original appearance, check out removable wallpaper. If you're ordering online and aren't sure which pattern to use, print out a few pages and put them on the wall to select a swatch.
Throw It Around
To finish unifying your overall decorating theme, adding a few special touches that can be moved is an easy way to go. A few throw pillows, blankets, and other small decorating options make it pop and take it easy on your wallet.
By using some of these options to add a touch of personality to your apartment, you'll be able to make it yours in no time, without having to worry about whether that deposit is lost for good. If you're looking for apartments in Chicago that have that appealing modern feeling, North Harbor Tower apartments have tons of updated character that make it easy to feel like you've come home.
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Living in a nice, clean apartment and having pets doesn't have to be mutually exclusive. While a lot of people aren't sure how they can really have a good-looking place and still enjoy their pets, there are options. You can even decorate your apartment in ways that are pet-friendly so you don't have to worry about your pets damaging the things you love. Proper pet-based decorations can reduce the chances of your pet becoming injured by anything you choose to have in your home. Some plants, for example, can be very toxic if ingested by a cat, dog or other small creature. Here's what you need to know about decorating when you have pets.
Keep It Simple, and Keep It Safe
With so many options for apartments in Chicago, you can definitely find something that's perfect for you and your pet. Then, once you get settled in, you'll want to decorate so your new place feels like home. But you have to make sure your pet is protected, and the best way to do that is to keep your home decor simple. By using artificial plants, reducing clutter — including knickknacks and sentimental items — and putting artwork up higher on the walls, you can reduce the chances of having decorations that bother your pets or potentially cause them harm.
Base Your Decorating Choices on Your Choice of Pet
One of the main things you have to consider is the kind of pet you have. Cats and dogs have different requirements from one another, and if you have a bird or fish, you have to handle things differently, too. You can likely put artwork up higher to keep your dog from chewing on it, but your bird may still land on the frame and damage the picture. By carefully considering the needs of your pet, you'll be better able to decide on the best way to decorate. It's similar to having a small child because you need to watch out for the things your pets could easily get into.
You can find the perfect apartment for you and your pet today when you let us help you choose the floor plan that's right for your needs and the decorating ideas you have in mind.
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When it comes to decorating your apartment home, there are ways to make it look like you hired a designer without spending the money on one. Use the following five simple decor hacks to get a decorator look for less! Source supplies online or in local Chicago stores.
1. Make Curtain Tiebacks Out of Vintage Necklaces
Only a confident decorator would have the courage to use vintage necklaces as curtain tiebacks, which is why this simple decor hack works so well. If you don’t actually own any vintage necklaces, just visit a local antique shop near your apartments in Chicago. You’ll surely be able to pick up a nice selection at affordable prices.
2. Use Jute to Hang Draperies
If you like the nautical look, this simple decor hack will do the trick. Loosely wrap jute around a curtain rod and through the holes in the top of your drapery panels. You’ll achieve a longer drapery look and acquire a nautical atmosphere in your apartment home. Jute is available at craft stores.
3. Paint Designs on Bureau Drawers
You don’t have to hire a decorator or be an accomplished artist to implement this easy decor hack. Simply use a few pre-made stencils to paint beautiful designs on the front of the drawers on your bureau. Look for designs such as flowers or leaves.
4. Use Pops of Color in Threes
One of the decorating secrets that professional decorators use is to add pops of color in threes. For example, you could place three throw pillows on the sofa, with each of them in complementary or matching colors.
5. Use a Decanter for Your Mouthwash
Mouthwash typically comes in attractive colors like green or blue. Why use the plastic bottle it came in when you can use a simple decor hack that looks like you hired a decorator? Pour your mouthwash into a beautiful glass mini decanter that you’ll be proud to display on your bathroom sink countertop. You can buy faux vintage decanters online or find them in consignment stores.
Your Chicago apartment can have the look of a professionally decorated space very easily with these five tips. For more apartment home inspiration, please contact us today to see model apartments and available floor plans.
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Spring is in the air in cities across the country, and many people are looking for ideas to freshen up their Chicago apartments. If you're ready to dust off the winter blues with a bright spring palette, these tips can help get you started.
Spring Decorating Tips
Use these four tips to bring your apartment to life:
- Choose real or artificial flowers to design new spring table accents. Fresh flowers deliver sweet scents and eye candy for visitors and family alike. Shop around for a fun pot or vase emblazoned with a meaningful or seasonal message to set the tone for a clean spring look.
- Change your color palette. If your apartment consists mainly of dark hues and muted color schemes, it's time to shake things up. Choose a bright color that appeals to you — whether that's neon green or pink pastel. You might want to match an existing statement piece to build a theme to carry from room to room.
- Rearrange the furniture. Has your furniture been in exactly the same spot since you moved in? In the spirit of renewal, it's time to grab a few buddies and try out new arrangements. This can be a great opportunity to move your task area under a window or skylight for tons of natural lighting, or maybe you'll decide to replace a piece of furniture that's dated or doesn't maximize the space.
- Add small accents. You don't have to start all over to achieve a completely new look. How about starting with a few changes here and there? You can even try swapping knickknacks and items of interest with friends for a no-cost update. You might even start a new spring tradition!
Enjoy this beautiful time of year and experience your own renewal. You might even choose to invest in incense or aromatherapy candles to experience a feeling of renewal that touches more than one of the five senses. Candles are an affordable, easy way to incorporate color and beauty into your interior design. However, don't be afraid to introduce items of significance to you, such as pebbles you gathered on the beach or pressed wildflowers from a hiking expedition.
If you would like to make a bigger change, feel free to contact us to see what floorplans we have available for our apartments in Chicago.
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The kitchen is one of the most important rooms of any living space, and it's probably one of the spaces you use most in your apartment. With that in mind, shouldn't it be everything you want it to be? While you may not be able to take on a complete kitchen renovation in a rental unit, there are some kitchen upgrades you can do in an apartment without losing out on your security deposit in the process!
Add a Fun Wallpaper Backsplash
If your apartment kitchen has plain drywall throughout, consider adding a fun and temporary backsplash using wallpaper. You can find wallpaper that looks like real stone (if that's the look you're going for), or go for something a little more bold (like a creative pattern). Either way, wallpaper can make for a great (and easy-to-clean) backsplash that you can simply peel away before you move out!
Personalize Your Hardware
If your current kitchen hardware (including cabinet knobs and drawer pulls) aren't quite your style, consider swapping them out with ones that are. You might be surprised at what a difference a fresh set of hardware can do in your rental kitchen space, and you can always swap them back out for the originals before you move out. Hardware is relatively inexpensive, too. Just make sure you won't need to drill any new holes to install your drawer pulls or cabinet handles.
Consider a Portable Kitchen Island
Add storage space and counter space with a portable kitchen island. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you could even use your portable island for additional seating when you're entertaining guests! If nothing else, this can be a great area to prep food. Many portable islands even come with unique storage features like wine racks and hangers for pots and pans so you can really maximize space. They also come in a wide range of styles and colors so you can find one that suits your unique wants.
These are just a few ideas for personalizing your apartment kitchen space without spending a lot of money or making any major changes in the process. Looking for apartments in Chicago with beautiful kitchens? Contact North Harbor Apartments today to get started!
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Some items come with a price tag but are worth every penny you spend on them. The quality pieces on this list are an investment. They will also likely last for years or decades. Splurging here will make your apartment more comfortable and enjoyable.
A High-Quality Mattress
A good night's sleep can make all the difference in your mood and productivity. Your mattress is a fundamental part of this, and it's definitely worth buying the highest quality you can afford here. Some mattresses have memory foam, which conforms to the natural curvature of your spine and supports you in a neutral position. Others are filled with high-end materials like down or horsehair. Finally, you can find mattresses that adjust the firmness of each side. This can be a lifesaver for couples that have different ideas about a comfortable night's sleep.
The Perfect Sofa or Recliner
Pick the right fit, and it will rapidly become your favorite piece of furniture in the apartment. Some features to think about include:
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adjustable seats
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massage functions
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stain- and tear-resistant upholstery
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heated seats
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footrests
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plush stuffing with just the right amount of give
If you have friends who visit from out of town, think about investing in a sofa that folds out into a bed. Do you live with any older family members? Consider a power recliner that adjusts at the touch of a button.
A High-Quality Food Processor
A food processor is a great investment because it takes over the duties of may lesser appliances in the kitchen. However, the quality ones work much better and more efficiently. You may have spent years wrestling with a low-powered blender, maybe going through several as the motors burn out or the blades bend. Decent food processors have no such problems. They're quiet, easy to operate, and if cared for correctly can last for years.
You deserve the most comfortable living that Illinois's premier city has to offer. North Harbor Tower apartments in Chicago pair a great location with amenities like hardwood floors, stunning master suites, and in-unit washers and dryers. We have pet-friendly apartments that accommodate singles and families. Contact us to see which units are available.
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Whether your furniture is looking a little tired or you want to fix up a beautiful antique you saw at a yard sale, restoration can really change the look of your apartment. Plus, it's a smarter choice for the environment because you're essentially recycling something that could have easily been put in a landfill. Knowing how to restore furniture is a useful skill that you'll be glad you picked up.
Understand the Piece
Not all furniture should be restored, so you'll have to answer this question before going any further. If the piece is painted, shoddy, or unstable, it may not be worth it. Look for furniture that is made from solid wood so you don't have to worry about laminates or particleboard. If you have an extremely old piece, say from the 1850s or before, you may want to call an antique dealer to see if it's valuable. Restoring a piece like this can actually hurt its resale value.
Learn the Options
You don't always have to go through a lot of effort to perk up your furniture. For example, you can rejuvenate a piece merely by cleaning and waxing the furniture. You can touch up dents and cracks in the wood without stripping its original finish. These tactics are excellent ways to hold onto the integrity of the furniture while still improving its aesthetic qualities. However, if the furniture is full of watermarks, blemishes or the surface is still sticky after it's been washed, your only choice is to refinish it.
Undertake the Task
From cleaning to stripping to staining, full restoration is a major undertaking. You'll likely need to visit the hardware store at least a few times to ensure you get the tools you need. You'll need to consult with a few professionals to determine which type of varnish you should use. As you go about collecting the items and learning the skills though, you'll develop a stronger attachment for the furniture that graces your apartment.
Chicago, IL apartments should be a place where you can learn and grow as a person. If you're looking for a new apartment that can help you do just that, call North Harbor Tower today to schedule a tour!
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Even though there’s still a little summer left to get through, why not get a jump-start on getting your place ready for the approaching fall weather? Residents of our apartments in Chicago, Illinois, know how fast the weather can change once September hits. That’s why we’ve brought you a few ideas on bringing autumn’s splendor into your apartment.
Add Some Festive Centerpieces
Find flowers in red and gold colors and place them on your dining room and kitchen tables. You can also look for different fruits like apples and oranges as well. This is an easy way to start putting glimpses of your favorite fall colors around your apartment.
Other Centerpiece Ideas
- Combine fruits and flowers into one basket.
- Add in fall-colored greenery.
- Use a colorful piece of pottery.
Come up with different mixes to place around your home for a unique look that will dazzle your visitors.
Decorate Your Walls
Fill up any blank spaces on your walls with pictures of different fall scenes. It gives you a good reason for making a trip to Chicago’s many flea markets and art galleries. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to find some great art to give your apartment more depth and color.
You can also find different decorations and configure them in different patterns. Why not invite some friends over and have a party where you come up with different creations to place around your apartment? That might give them some ideas on what to do with their own place.
Add Some Throw Pillows
Throw pillows are another easy way to add some fall flavor throughout your apartment. Find some big ones to put in front of the TV or smaller ones to give that old couch a little extra pizzazz.
Don’t limit your new pillows to the living room. Add them to your bedroom or on your patio furniture as well. Try mixing different patterns with solids for a more sophisticated look.
North Harbor Tower Apartments in Chicago, Illinois, provides great views of the city regardless of what time of year it is. Get a look for yourself by calling us at (866) 473-1997 and scheduling a tour.
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With the bright sunshine and warm days ahead, it's only natural to want to spruce up your home and make it look fresh and inviting for guests and residents alike. Here are a few ideas for how you can decorate your special place for the summer.
Summer Apartment Decorating Ideas
Add Pops of Color
Nothing says “summer” and “fresh” quite like clean, bright colors. Change out darker curtains for brighter ones. Find some bold pillows for the couch and bed and toss out the old ones. Put up some striking paintings or artwork to draw the eye upward. Grab some pretty tablecloths and napkins to make the place seem really nice.
Keep it Natural
Wicker is in. Buy some light wicker chairs and tables for your space. Find some natural nautical pieces such as a large conch shell or driftwood and add beach-themed decor to complement it. Or, try bamboo shades or rugs made of a natural fiber such as jute or even sisal. Buy a pretty straw basket and use it as a container for your items. Wooden plates and bowls are great for barbecues, mixed salads or holding those juicy berries you just bought at the local farmers market.
Add Flowers
Flowers, whether natural or in print, make a place really feel like home. Grow a pot of flowers on your windowsill or some fresh herbs for your kitchen. For even less maintenance, try planting some succulents and enjoy the different variety of shapes and colors that they come in. Or simply purchase fresh flowers from a shop or a local farmers market on a regular basis and enjoy their aroma and natural beauty. Try replacing your darker textiles with bright and cheery floral print textiles. Having flowers in your home can boost your mood and make a place seem more charming.
If you are looking for a really great place to call home, contact North Harbor Tower today. With grand views of the city and Lake Michigan that can be seen from our wraparound windows, we have some of the best apartments in Chicago. Add to that luxury amenities, excellent service, and a prime location, and you find yourself at a place called home. Stop by our office or give us a call to learn more about our apartment community!
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