The importance of an exciting outdoor room can change the living dynamic of any apartment. Many of our properties have patios that allow for renters to get creative with this space. However, figuring out ways to decorate a small apartment patio can be a challenge. Here are some of our favorite solutions that can change a plain patio space into an exciting addition to your apartment.

Pick a décor theme for patio furniture:

Patio furniture can run in many different styles and themes. It is important that you stick with a central theme when decorating this space. By doing this, you can create an outside room that is comfortable and doesn’t look disorganized or haphazard. One of our favorites is Victorian décor, which is traditional wicker made furniture, perfect for the summer months.

Grilling out:

With summer right around the corner, it’s about that time to unleash your inner grill master. An apartment patio is a great place to set up a small grill so you can dine in with your family and friends. By adding a grill to your outside space, you now have a multifunctional outside room in which you can make your favorite foods and still enjoy the sunshine.

Gardening:

Now that your patio has comfortable seating and a grill, it’s time to make your outside space beautiful. The best way to make a patio feel like home is by starting your own garden. Growing different plants adds a personal feel to your patio space and can yield vegetables throughout the year. Having a garden can save you trips to the grocery store and give you the satisfaction of growing your own food to throw on the patio grill.

We hope that these tips will give you some ideas on how to design your patio space. If you have any other suggestions on how to spruce up an apartment patio, please share them with us.

Schottenstein Real Estate Group, a leader in columbus apartments, contributed content to this article.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

Finally warm weather is upon us! So why get stuck in traffic jams in search of the nearest beach? Use the long weekend that Memorial Day provides to reclaim your neighborhood with a staycation. Make that staycation even better for your friends who want to do the same thing by hosting a fete at your place!

Just because you’re not at the beach (sardine style) doesn’t mean you can’t act like it. For starters, greet your guests with a cocktail and cheers to the fact that you didn’t have to flag down a cabana boy to get it for 20 minutes. As a theme-lover, I recommend a themed cocktail of course. For Memorial Day, try this:

• Dry white wine in a tumbler glass (can be Champagne/Prosecco)
• Pour crème de cassis or raspberry liquor into the wine to color it red
• Load stir sticks with blueberries and place inside the cocktail

Keep the beach theme running by giving your guests a cheap pair of flip-flops as they arrive. Encourage them to throw them on—not only will your party feel more beachy, but you’ll have only clean shoes in your place, score! The theme can serving snacks like tortilla chips and pretzels in sand buckets. Finally, some ocean-scented candles will help bring that last bit of seaside to your apartment.

As for décor, get festive in a classy way, do-up your apartment in patriotic colors that add charm like with these red and blue stars. Buy several pairs and string inside your abode and if you have a terrace, add ‘em there too!

And of course, it wouldn’t be a party without food. Create a healthy dish that continues the theme with this Red, White & Blueberry Pasta Salad:

Pasta: Cook pasta shells al dente

Sauce:

• Pour a couple tablespoons of balsamic vinegar into a bowl
• Add a large tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Add 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic
• Add dried spices like herbes de Provence or oregano and then salt and pepper
• Slowly pour extra virgin olive oil into the concoction while vigorously stirring the ingredients (you want oxygen to get added while you stir the oil so that the sauce thickens)
• Pour over the pasta

Add-Ons:

• Add bleu cheese (if you hate it, use Parmesean)
• Blueberries
• Candied pecans
• Chopped up tomatoes (vine tomatoes are best)

Serve hot or cold and add chicken or shrimp if you wish, in a cup with a drink umbrella!

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

When you live with a roommate, there’s a very good chance that the two of you made the decision to live together for financial reasons. Regardless of how well you think you know your roommate, there will inevitably be things that cause friction between the two of you. If you’re a messy roommate and you live with someone who is a clean freak, or vice versa, things can easily go from peaceful to hostile if you don’t come to a mutual agreement as to how each of you can deal with living habits that are the complete opposite of yours.

Make Sure You Each Have Some Personal Space

The most obvious way to ensure that you each have some personal space is by having separate bedrooms. Decide that each of you will be responsible for cleaning your own bedroom. Your messy roommate can then keep that one area of your apartment as messy as he/she wants, and you can be as tidy as you want.

Establish Ground Rules for Common Living Spaces

If you’re going to get along with your roommate, one of the first things you need to do together is establish ground rules for common living areas. It isn’t fair of your messy roommate to turn the kitchen into a disaster area so that you can’t find a clean plate or cup, and there isn’t an inch of clean work space so that you can make a sandwich.

Decide from the get-go that you’re each going to clean up after yourselves, or create a kitchen cleaning plan so that you clean up on alternating days. If you intend to eat your meals together, you might want to decide that when one of you cooks, the other does the clean up.

Create Storage Areas Throughout the Apartment

No matter where you live, how big your apartment is, or how much you’re paying for rent, there is probably a serious lack of usable storage space. If you don’t want to see shoes piled up everywhere when you walk into the apartment, put a bench and shoe shelf as close to the door as possible. That way, people can sit down, remove their shoes and put them on the shelf.

Anytime you subscribe to a magazine or ask to receive catalogs from different companies, you are opening up the possibility that paper clutter will accumulate very quickly in the apartment. Put baskets in a space close to the apartment entry so that garbage can be thrown into one, and things you need to look over and sort through can be thrown into the other.

If you don’t have a coat closet at the entry to the apartment, you might want to consider purchasing a coat rack, or some sort of hook system for the wall that will allow you and your roommate to hang your coat up as soon as your walk into the apartment. This will make it easy for both of you to hang up your coats as soon as you walk in the door.

Decide on Laundry Arrangements in Advance

If you have laundry in your apartment, you should each have a sorting system for sorting your laundry. You should also clarify your expectations about leaving stuff around. Since you have to share appliances, you should both remove your clothing from the washer or dryer when it’s done. Help your messy roommate get into the habit of cleaning the lint trap after using the dryer, and decide in advance whether you’re going to share laundry supplies or buy your own.

Be as clear as possible about your expectations of one another before moving in together. If necessary, put things in writing. A mutual understanding of what you expect from one another will prevent many potential fights that would otherwise be inevitable when a neat freak tries to live with a messy person – kind of like Felix and Oscar from The Odd Couple.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

When shopping for an apartment in the city, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to rent a high-rise or low-rise apartment. Each of these apartment types has its own advantages and disadvantages, so making your final choice can be a little challenging. As you consider your options, refer to the pros and cons listed below for guidance.

High-Rise Apartment Pros

Most high-rise apartments are located near the center of the city, which may provide a better commute to work. High-rise apartment complexes have many more rooms available, allowing for more variety and leasing options. Most high-rise apartments also include a variety of amenities, including laundry services, pools, convenience stores and even small grocery stores located within the building itself.

While low-rise apartments may or may not have an elevator, high-rise apartments almost always do. Finally, high-rise apartments usually have live-in supervisors, doormen and concierges who can meet your needs at any hour of the day.

High-Rise Apartment Cons

Because high-rise apartments have room for more people, they are busier and involve more social interaction. For renters who like privacy, this can be a disadvantage. Because of the luxurious amenities and superior location, high-rise apartments are harder to find, and they tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, when you live in a high-rise apartment, it takes more time to get to the street, and private outdoor space is limited or nonexistent.

Low-Rise Apartment Pros

Low-rise apartments may not offer as much luxury as high-rise apartments, but they are usually cheaper to rent and the price is often negotiable. The residents in low-rise apartments tend to be older, which means you will enjoy less noise, fewer parties and a cleaner environment. Low-rise apartment complexes are usually located in quieter, residential areas, thus offering more privacy. In addition, low-rise apartments are closer to the street, which means that you will spend less time going from your home to your car or public transportation.

Low-Rise Apartment Cons

Low-rise apartments can be further from downtown areas, which could mean a longer commute. Because there are fewer units available, you won’t have as much variety, and most units come without extra appliances or furniture. In some cases, you may also find that you have to set up your own phone, internet, cable and utility services, as landlords are unlikely to do this for you. Furthermore, low-rise complexes aren’t as luxurious, and very few will include extra amenities like gardens, pools, fitness centers or laundry facilities. Finally, supervisors and property managers rarely live in the building, and you may not have your own parking space.

Making the Choice

When choosing between high and low-rise apartments, it usually comes down to your personal preferences. If you enjoy the bustle of the city, luxurious amenities and access to service at all hours, a high rise may be the best option. Conversely, low-rise apartments are often best for renters who like a cozy, private atmosphere.

Would you rather live in a high-rise or low-rise apartment? Let us know in the comments below!

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

What the heck am I talking about? About having a mini-bar chez vous, that’s what. Skip happy hour in the over-hyped and totally overpriced bar downtown and host it at your place.

• Entertaining Magic? Check.
• Money Saver? Check.
• Time Clincher? Check.

Little by little you can collect the necessary liquors and the best bar accessories to create the perfect bar in your apartment and you know what, all those checked items above will be yours! Putting a bar in my place was the smartest thing I’ve done and I’ve learned what to stock it with in my year playing home bartender. Here’s my list:

People Pleasing Liquors.

Where to begin when it comes to stocking your bar? You’ll be inclined to buy your favorites but consider what will please your crowd while making your bar fun and adventurous too.

• Skinny Girl Margarita: It’s easy, tasty, and of course, waist-friendly
• Grey Goose Vodka: Chances are you’ll have plenty of vodka fans, keep a variety of juices on hand and boom, you’re done.
• Crème de Cassis: Mix with Champagne or white wine for a Kir (instant pizzazz)
• Bailey’s: What beats a coffee and Bailey’s at the end of the evening?
• Death’s Door Gin: Conversation starter, delicious and refreshing, just don’t forget the tonic water

Shaken, Not Stirred.

• Start with a drink cart. Why? Because it adds such Hollywood flair to your bar. Tight on money and space? A little guy like this will do the job. Want something fancier? Opt for the super chic nickel bar.
• Tools? Get the whole she-bang with the Gatsby Kit by Crate & Barrel.
• Wine night? Don’t risk butchering another cork, get the rabbit.

• Drink labels? Why not slap a mustache on your drink to identify which is yours! Adorable, funny, kitschy, yet effective.

Raise Your Glass.

Finally, you need cool drink glasses and forget the big box stores for these, too plain. Go for something vintage to ensure yours has a special je ne sais quoi to it, all the better with your Hollywood drink cart, too! Try Etsy for great deals on unique glasses such as these Depression Era etched glasses.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

Working from home works great for three kinds of people: Those with unbelievable self-discipline, those with lots of money and giant homes, and those who don’t actually do their jobs, but will somehow never lose them.

For the rest of us working-from-home stiffs, carving a workspace out of our living space is tricky business. There are countless concerns to consider, including: ‘Are there any outlets in this room?’ And, ‘Is my neighbor really going to play “Let’s Get it On” on a loop the entire day?’

Such is life. But a good ergonomic chair and a power strip can fix most things. The rest is just E.T.C.:

Environment: What do you need to work well? Complete quiet for writing? Lots of space where you can leave your tools out and keep them out of the way? Natural light? Your home office doesn’t always have to go in the room that seems most obviously designed for it if there’s another place that might work better. The beauty of designing your own office is you can exactly accommodate yourself.

Tasks: What’s on your daily to-do list for work? Lots of phone calls? Hours of video gaming to check for bugs? Cooking and photography for your food blog? Think about what you do most and the ideal conditions for you to complete those tasks. If it’s gaming, upgrade the beanbag to a state-of-the-art gaming chair. If 80 percent of the day is phone calls, get a headset or consider the merits of a standing desk. If it’s food blogging, get a silicone cover for your keyboard so the great laptop + kitchen experiment doesn’t end with the first cup of chicken broth you elbow.

And finally, comfort: Picking the right environment and tailoring your workspace to your tasks are vital to functioning at work, but creating a comfortable space is how you thrive. Roald Dahl wrote most of his books in a writing shed he outfitted with a wingback chair, a footstool and blanket for his feet. George Bernard Shaw built his writing hut on a rotating foundation so he could shift along with the sun. Textile designer Helena Hernmarck’s office has a “wool wall.” And Richard Branson’s office is basically a hammock and the whole of Necker Island.

With a little ingenuity, creativity and – seriously, I can’t stress this enough – a good chair, working from home can be great. Plus, you can’t beat that commute.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

It’s almost Memorial Day weekend. That means time to pull out the grill, bring out the cooler, fill up that kiddie pool and get ready to kick off the un-official start of summer.

You’ve waited a long time for a three day weekend, gone through a long winter and spring with some crazy weather, and dieted and exercised to be able to fit in that bikini (well maybe that’s just me). What better way to enjoy the three days off by inviting your friends over to your place to celebrate the lazy days of summer.

Here are some fun ideas of ways you can celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at your place:

Nothing says summer like a BBQ. Even if you don’t have a backyard, there are tons of smaller grills that can fit on an outdoor patio, balcony area. The only thing you’d need to decide is whether you want charcoal or a gas grill (or what your property allows). Have your friends each bring what they’d like to throw on the grill and share with the group: sausage, burgers, kabobs, ribs  or fish. Then everyone can enjoy a little piece of char’d heaven, and you only have to worry about side dishes to complement their choices, like a great summer salad or fruit.

Red, White and Blue. Memorial Day also marks the holiday we remember our fallen soldiers in combat. Why not bring out the red, white and blue to show your appreciation and pride. To decorate, use some bright colored napkins, straws, cups and utensils, some American flags, hang some battery operated lanterns, light some candles and use simple flowers like white daises as centerpieces. Plan some menu items around the stars and stripes.

Here’s a fun red, white and blue sangria recipe:

Red, White, and Blue Sangria

Ingredients:

• Strawberries, sliced
• Blueberries
• Pineapple, cut into star shapes
• 2 bottles sweet red wine
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup of ginger ale

Combine the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours.

A Day at the Beach. Even though the closest beach might be miles away, who says you can’t have your day there. Bring out the seashells you picked up on your last vacation and decorate your table with them. Use some large hurricane candle holders and fill them at the bottom with some sand before placing the candle in. Soft blues and whites are great choices for napkin colors and your tablecloths and will make your guests feel like they’re at the water’s edge. Make your menu seafood based with shrimp, scallops, salmon, lobster or crab. Fill up those beach balls and tell your friends not to forget their floppy sun hat!

Here are some other general tips for planning your first summer get together:

• Ice, ice ice… if someone asks what they should bring, ice is always something you’ll need more of.
• Stock your cooler or beverage station with some non-alcoholic options, lemonade, water or soda.
• Sides like veggies, fruit or chips and deserts like cookies and brownies are great, but keep mindful of the hot temperatures that can spoil food and invite the uninvited guests, bugs!
• Keep your food, condiments and drinks in a buffet style line, this keeps things moving and lets you enjoy your time with your friends or family as well.
• Make sure there are plenty of seats for your guests, even if you’re moving some of your indoor furniture outdoors.  You can even ask your friends to bring their own chair that folds up if you think you’ll run out of room.
• Leave some sunscreen out, or provide a shady area in case it’s a hot day to provide a cool break.
• If you have some younger guests, build a kid-zone where they can have some fun playing games, coloring or watch a movie (if indoors).  This way they can have a good time, as well as their parents.
• Most of all be safe and enjoy your time with family and friends!

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

In case you missed it, here are the top posts on Renter Resources for the week of May 13-17, 2013.

Herb Gardening in Your Apartment

If you love to cook, an indoor herb garden can be a great addition to your apartment, and you might be surprised at how easy they are to start and maintain. If you have at least one sunny windowsill, a planter and some herb seeds, then you’ve got the basics needed for an indoor herb garden.

Moving in With Your Significant Other: Tips for Marrying Your Styles

Moving in with your significant other is exciting. Moving in with their stuff is less so. Naturally, I assumed he had no opinions on decorating and that I would have free reign over our shared space. But when I kept coming home with new throw pillows, his eye started to twitch. As it turned out, there were one or two decorating opinions he did have, chief among them a general disdain for throw pillows. And so the great style compromise began.

Quiet Workouts: Don’t Bother Your Neighbors With These Quiet, At-home, Workout Ideas

Working out in your living room is so convenient – not to mention free! However, it’s best to keep things quiet if you want to stay on good terms with your downstairs neighbors. That means jump roping, dancing, jumping jacks and other cardio exercises are out, especially if you like to exercise at night. Here are seven quiet workouts you can do at home that work up a sweat without shaking dust from the ceiling below you.

Four Ways to Save Money Today

When you live in an apartment, you are already saving a lot of money compared to your home-owning counterparts. Good for you! However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t always more money to be saved. In fact, there are tons of ways to save money every single day.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

From our friends at Entheos.com 

Are you focused on extrinsic “bling” goals or intrinsic “being” goals? Hint: The second one leads to more happiness, meaning and mojo while the first leads to social comparison, dissatisfaction, and general ‘ick.’ In this Optimal Living 101 video Brian Johnson goes into the psychology behind goal setting and how to choose pursue goals that will actually make you happy!

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.

If you love to cook, an indoor herb garden can be a great addition to your apartment, and you might be surprised at how easy they are to start and maintain. If you have at least one sunny windowsill, a planter and some herb seeds, then you’ve got the basics needed for an indoor herb garden.

A Traditional Herb Garden

There are a actually a couple of different methods you can use for creating the herb garden. One way is to fill a planter with good potting soil and plant the herb seeds of your choice. Place the planter in front of a window with plenty of natural sunlight. Ideally, the window you choose should get at least six hours of sunlight per day and not be too hot in the afternoon. Southern exposure is best. If your apartment has a spot like this, you’re good to go! Pick up a bag of potting soil, the herb seeds of your choice, and water as needed.

The Hydroponic Method

However, if like many apartment residents you just don’t have the ideal conditions for an indoor herb garden, don’t despair; you can go hydroponic! A hydroponic kit is a no-soil setup that utilizes liquefied nourishment instead of soil as well as special lights to facilitate the growth of plants quickly. Since herbs are some of the most popular plants grown in this sort of system, it’s relatively easy to procure them from hydroponic retailers offering products geared toward indoor herb gardens.

Regardless of your choice, the three main things needed for an herb garden are good light, consistent watering and the ample nourishment.

Indoor Herb Garden Tips

To increase your chances of a successful and thriving herb garden, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose healthy starter plants or grow your own from seed. Inspect any plants you are considering before bringing them home. Bypass any that show signs of disease or insect activity. If it looks even a little off, pass on it!
• Make sure each plant has plenty of room. Check seed packets for spacing recommendations.
• Water plants regularly and make sure pots drain after watering. Stagnant water can be very harmful to plants and cause the roots to rot.
• Go easy on fertilizer; most herbs actually like more challenging soil conditions.
• If possible, turn pots regularly to keep them growing evenly on all sides.
• Wait until plants are at least 6 inches in height before harvesting.
• Don’t harvest more than one-fourth of a plant at any one time. After clipping, wait for that amount of the plant to grow back before clipping again. If there are certain types of herbs you know you’ll be using a lot of in your kitchen, plant several of them so that you can rotate your harvest.

Follow these basic steps, and you’ll be well on your way to having a thriving indoor herb garden! The herbs will be suitable for use in your cooking, your home craft projects or wherever fresh herbs are called for.

Visit Renter Resources for more great articles.