Add Pops of Color Everywhere

Look for brightly colored throw pillows at your favorite flea markets or discount stores and add them to your sofas. Find some fun new dishes for your kitchen in your favorite summer colors.

Make the room appear fresher by finding some inexpensive art prints. We recommend using your furniture to lean them against the wall to avoid any damage.

Put Some Plants Around the Room

Flowers and hanging greenery do wonders for changing the look of an apartment. Add a centerpiece to your coffee table or place them along the edges of the room. If you don’t have much of a green thumb or aren’t home enough to care for plants properly, going with some nice fakes is fine.

Change Up Your Rugs

When’s the last time you added new rugs to the room? Go with vivid colors or different textures with fun designs embedded to switch up the look of your rooms. Place a few in your living room or down your hallways to add some summer pizzazz to your apartment.

Other Ideas for Rug Placement

• Straw mats to your front and patio doors
• Beneath your living room furniture
• Next to your bed for your feet to enjoy

Try Some Sea Shell Flair

Look in your favorite thrift stores or other decorating shops for different seashell designs if you don’t get the chance to travel to the beach. Leave them as is or decorate them to place around your apartment.

We hope residents of our Flagstaff, AZ Highland Village apartments have a great time this summer. Reach out to the staff anytime by calling (844) 819-1677.

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1. Add Textiles

Textiles like pillows, area rugs, throws and even wall hangings have a warming effect on acoustics. If you want to instantly make your apartment more cozy, add textiles throughout your apartment home.

2. Burn Fragrant Candles

Scented jar candles in fragrances like cinnamon make the apartment feel like home. Burn fragrant candles for an instant cozy and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Bake Goodies

Nothing makes an apartment home feel and smell more cozy than a fresh baked pie, homemade bread or a batch of warm cookies straight out of the oven. Get out your favorite family recipes and bake away.

4.  Hang Cozy Paintings

Paintings can add to the cozy ambience in your Flagstaff apartment at Highland. Choose artists that you enjoy who paint beautiful landscapes or seascapes, and hang them where you can enjoy them throughout your apartment.

5. Create a Nesting Nook

Somewhere in your Highland apartment, create a nesting nook that might be the perfect spot to have a cup of tea or read a book. Fill the nook with comfortable seating, a small table and a warm blanket where you can sit and enjoy your apartment.

6. Play Music

Music can have a dramatic calming effect on you, making you feel cozy. Choose ambient music that doesn’t distract you from activities that you’re doing in your Highland apartment in Flagstaff.

7. Place Plants

When you place potted plants around your Highland apartment, you will instantly add to the coziness feeling. Plants are known for making people feel better because they give off oxygen and help to keep the air clean.

These seven tips for making your apartment even more cozy are easy to do and can be completed in an afternoon. For more ideas about enjoying life at Highland apartments in Flagstaff, contact us today.

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DON’T try to declutter your entire apartment in one day. It takes time, and it takes consistency.

DO break up your decluttering sessions into smaller pieces. Work on one room at a time. You can even break the room down into smaller sections: the closet, the dresser, the bed, etc.

DON’T be clingy. Yes, you used to love that sweater/album/book/coffee maker, but if you haven’t used it in the past year … it’s time to let it go.

DO donate! Instead of just throwing away the things you no longer need, head on over to the local thrift shop and make your “trash” someone else’s treasure.

DON’T go overboard. We love those colorful decorative storage bins as much as anybody, but try to avoid heading to the store and investing in a ton of new storage items before you even know what you’ll be storing. That said …

DO make use of cabinets, bins, and boxes. You might have a hard time keeping all your magazines in order, but sticking them into a bin makes them look tidy instantly! The same goes for crafting supplies and knick-knacks that might not exactly have a “place” of their own.

DON’T stress yourself out. Trying to declutter your apartment can be stressful, especially if you get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of STUFF surrounding you!

DO make it fun! Give yourself 15 minutes to clean one spot in your apartment. Have a reward planned if you get it done. Put on some upbeat music and do a little dance as you declutter. Cleaning may be a chore, but that doesn’t mean it also has to be a bore!

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Formal Dining Rooms

The traditional six chair dining table has been making a strong comeback. Most people believed that the age of the dining table and room has been phasing out, however, the newer generation seems to be realizing traditional values of family bonding and the formal family dining room and table has made it to the list.

Statement Mirrors

An often overlooked and monotonous aspect of home décor is the kind of mirrors used on dressing tables and in bathrooms. The statement mirror has outdone that. For instance, people now place vanity mirrors in bathrooms. Be on the lookout for a larger, and more decorative mirror to add to your living room, mantle, or master bedroom.

Rustic Lighting

Industrial and rustic lighting accents to any room are a popular trend for any interior. Using bulbed lights, mason jar lanterns, steel-wire ledges, and subtle lamps are a great way to add both light and style to a room. Experiment with string lights, end table lamps, and other rustic lighting that will evenly disperse light throughout your rooms.

Less is More

 Getting back to the basics and approaching your interior design with a more minimalistic goal in mind is a modern way to make a statement. Keeping colors neutral, adding pops of color with natural accents like plants and flowers, furniture made of repurposed wood, and glass materials are just a few of the ways to implement these styles. Less is more, and focusing on the simple and classic beauty of interior design rather than overdressing your interior will go a long way.

Mixing Textures

Combining textures is another amazing trend that can be applied to many different areas of your apartment. To give you some examples, try adding a fuzzy throw blanket over your smooth, down comforter in the bedroom. Place a furry, asymmetric rug overtop an even, pattern rug. Or, add both suede and silk pillows to your living room sofa. Mixing and matching textures is a great way to combine more than one style preference to a room. 

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1. Prints! 

The style world has been all about solid shades of color for a while, which is understandable after the chaotic kaleidoscope of prints that the 80s and 90s threw onto the scene. This year, experts predict that prints will dominate.

2. Minimalism (With a Twist) 

When you think "minimalism," do you think of a space that feels as sterile as an operating room? Today's minimalism looks brighter and a lot more fun than that. Keeping only a few of your very favorite things in a space allows you to make it feel livable and make it yours while keeping that open, airy feel that minimalism is all about. 

3. Custom Eclecticism 

The pendulum traveled from antique love to midcentury modern worship, but in 2016 it's all about making a space reflect your personality. By investing in object you love that reflect your own personality, you'll create a refuge that bears your own trademark. Apartment living lends itself to that eclectic spirit beautifully. 

4. Neutrals

After a few years of color everywhere, some people are ready for a break. Neutrals like ivory, taupe, bone and eggshell create a spa-like atmosphere that makes you want to kick your feet up and sip a cup of chai tea. This trend is particularly great for apartment dwellers who want up-to-date style without painting. 

5. Black Metals

Accents featuring black metal or steel add to the simple, straightforward feel that minimalists love and tend to make small apartment spaces feel more open and airy. Designers expect to see more pieces featuring black metal this year. 

Have ideas for the perfect space, but not sure where to make it work? Feel free to contact us to see what Highland Village apartments have to offer, and start dreaming about your ideal interior. 

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Christmas Tree Wire Ornament Holder

For this project, you’ll need crafts wire, an old frame, plenty of ornaments, and a handful of other accessories and craft tools. We love that this untraditional “tree” gives you the chance to take something old and make it new! It also makes a wonderful tree alternative if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment for a full-sized tree. Hang your tree in a central spot in your home, or lay it wherever you’ll be doing your holiday gift exchange! For a full tutorial, pack up your crafty sleigh and head on over to Better Homes and Gardens!

DIY Pallet Christmas Tree

Looking for an easy decorative piece for your patio or balcony? Check out this easy guide to making a Christmas pallet tree. This is a project that you can size to meet your needs; if you want a bigger tree, just get bigger pallets, or go small for a corner tree for your living room. You’ll need several pallet slats, paint, tools, and maybe some holiday lights and ornaments to make your tree extra festive! Get all the supplies and instructions you’ll need to bring this project to life at Hometalk.

Paper Christmas Tree

We’ve seen this project done a few different ways, but one thing they all have in common is that they are super easy! For a homemade paper tree, all you’ll need is tape, several pages from old books or sheet music, twine, and something decorative to serve as your tree’s star. We’ve seen folks use empty frames, wooden cutout stars, favorite family photos, and more. Simply hang your pages in the general shape of a tree, securing them with tape (or adhesive putty) to the wall and each other. Decorate your “tree” with twine, lights, or any other décor you’d like (just keep in mind … your tree is made of paper, so avoid fire hazards). Hang your “star” at the top, and lay your gifts at the base. You can find a ton of tutorials for making a paper Christmas tree, but we used this one from My Sweet Savannah!

Upcycled Sparkly Christmas Tree

This tree DIY calls for the use of cemetery vases, but you can easily replace them with paper mache cones or doll cones, which can be picked up at almost any craft store. The project has you wrap the cemetery vase in craft paper, but with our craft cone alternative, you can easily skip this step! The main craft supplies you’ll need are hot glue and strands of gold beads! You can find the beads you’ll need at a craft store or a Dollar Store (just head to the party section). This is an easy tree to place on your table or bookshelf. Just set it down as it is, or place it on top of a pretty matching candlestick! For easy to follow instructions, visit Vintage News Junkie … and scroll all the way down for a ton of other fun DIY tree ideas!

“From Trash to Trees” Book Spine Tree

Unless you’re a diehard book junky who thinks dismantling a book is sacrilege, we think you’ll love this project as much as we do! All you’ll need is a pallet wood or other sturdy craft background and pretty spines from some vintage books (head to a second hand or consignment shop to find some if you don’t have any of your own), plus some craft glue. (If the idea of taking an old book apart is giving you heat palpitations just scroll down on the tutorial page for a tutorial for another tree project; it calls for vintage book pages, but you can easily replace them with craft paper or old newspaper!) Check out the full tutorial from Vintage with Laces.

In these final days until Christmas, we wish you happy crafting, and much joy!

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Our theme for October is Fall Into Autumn! We’ll be bringing you everything from tasty treats for the season to décor ideas that will “leaf” you inspired to deck out your home in the colors of the season! We’re lucky to be in a four-season town, so we’re excited to “fall” in love with Autumn with you!

Harvest Vases

All you need for this beautiful table topper are a few cylinder vases (we like these from Michael’s), a few handfuls of shelled nuts (think pecans), wheat bunches, and a sheet of autumn-colored scrapbook paper (brown, deep red, rust, gold, etc.). First, roll a strip of scrapbook paper and tuck it into the top of your vase as a decorative cuff. Stick a wheat bunch or two (you can also pick this up from Michael’s!) into the vase, and surround it with a big scoop of nuts! These make beautiful coffee table centerpieces, or you could hang them in wall sconces!

Twine Pumpkins

Have any extra toilet paper lying around? Turn it into a beautiful DIY pumpkin! You’ll need a roll of toilet paper, a skein of twine, scissors, a hot glue gun, and a stick. Secure one end of your twine to the inside of the toilet paper tube with a dab of hot glue. Wrap the twine around the toilet paper until the full roll is covered. Once the full roll is covered, glue the other end of your twine into the center of the roll to secure it, and stick your stick through the center to make the stem! Voila … an easy, beautiful autumn decorative piece!

Burlap Leaf Wreath

A wreath is a beautiful and simple statement piece to make your home’s exterior a little more welcoming. For this project, grab a straw plain wreath (you can snag one for under three bucks at Jo-Ann’s), a half- to full-yard of burlap, and either various colors of crafting felt, craft leaves, or head out to the Flagstaff forests to pick up some real fall foliage. If you go with craft felt (think greens, reds, yellows, and oranges), cut out some leaf templates on the felt—you’ll want at least twenty! You’ll also need some scissors and a glue gun. Cut strips of burlap; use hot glue to secure one end to the wreath frame, then wrap the full wreath with your burlap, gluing down the other end when needed. Once the full wreath is covered, begin placing your leaves on the wreath, securing them with hot glue. Make sure you leave some of the burlap exposed; it’s a beautiful fall textile, so let people see it! Once you’re happy with the look, hang your wreath on the door to welcome friends and fall to your home!

Mason Pumpkin Jars

For this craft, raid your cabinets for mason jars; you’ll also need brown and orange acrylic paint, wood pegs, scissors, glue, and fall-colors card stock. First, paint your mason jars orange (you can get a variety of shades for not a lot of cash at any craft store). Paint the lids brown. You can also paint the wood pegs, or leave them their natural shade of brown. While the jars and lids dry, cut leaf shapes from the card stock. Cut thinner strips of your card stock to curl as vines. (All you need to curl your strips is either the edge of a scissor blade—to curl like curling ribbon—or a pencil to wrap the strip around.) Secure a leaf and a few paper “vines” to each wood peg with glue, and then secure the peg “stem” to the jar lid with more glue. Simply screw the lids on to finish your project. These are great as centerpieces, or as candy jars! You can also use them as beautiful fall gift containers if you don’t mind giving up your beautiful craft!

Pine Cone Place Cards

Make beautiful pine cone place cards or card holders with pine cones you can find right here in Flagstaff! First, hunt for some pine cones with relatively flat bases. Secure them to a drink coaster with hot glue. To create a holder for your place card or stand for your greeting card, use sturdy craft leaves or dried real leaves; secure the leaf to the pine cone by tucking the stem into the pine cone and securing with hot glue. Secure the place card or greeting card to the leaf with either hot glue, foam tape, or double sided tape. Place these beautiful pine cone card holders on your table, bookshelf, or window sill!

Happy Crafting!
 

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Get in the (Study) Zone

We all know your favorite part of your apartment is your bed (ours, too), but that doesn’t mean it’s where you should be studying! It’s time to invest in a desk. You can go pretty basic, like this sweet little Mainstay Parsons Desk with convenient drawers for organization. But we’re in love with South Shore’s “Smart Basics” desk with an above-desk shelf for photos (or framed reminders to start studying!), drawer space, and a sliding keyboard shelf. Don’t forget to invest in a basic task chair, like this basic rolling wonder from Target. (Hint: We prefer armless chairs so we don’t get in the habit of dumping clothes and other stuff we should put away on it!) Don’t forget a basic desk organizer—something to hold pens, desk supplies, and even store that paper print out so you don’t lose it before class—and calendar, and of course a nice desk lamp!

The Five Ps

One of our favorite NAU professors always reminded students to “Remember the Five Ps: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” Well, here are our Five Ps for proper planning:

1. Planner: Check out these Day Designer planners from Target, stylish and perfect for organizing your day to day activities during the school year.
2. Portfolio: Buy yourself at least one three ring binder or portfolio to keep track of all your course materials for the semester.
3. Pens and Pencils: Here’s a “Duh” moment … you’re not going to get very far this year without a good supply of writing instruments. (Pro Tip: We know you’d love to just take your iPad to class, but keep in mind you always run the risk of having that ONE prof who hates tech and bans it from their classroom.)
4. Plenty of Paper: Use your desk organizer to store a reserve of printer and loose leaf paper, and plan to have at least one notebook for each class. (Remember that three ring binder we told you to buy?)
5. PDA: Don’t worry, we’re not recommending you go old school. We personally love the myHomework app (free) to track assigments, iHomework ($0.99) to track your coursework to-do list, and iStudiez Pro ($2.99) to keep color-coded track of class schedules and assignments.

No Bore Décor

We love Walmart’s special section of Inspirational Wall Art! Target has a huge selection of College Décor that will help you deck your apartment out in impeccable style, including floor lamps, pillows, posters, and must-haves like this sweet bulletin-chalkboard combo!

Sundries

Don’t forget to add your personality to your apartment! As much as you should be focusing on your studies, home is where your heart is, so put your heart into your home. Check out these unique and sometimes-classy-sometimes hilarious mugs from Urban Outfitters. Keep an eye out for inspiration, like Pier One’s Boho look selections and room inspiration guides. And for all your Lumberjacks: Don’t miss NAU’s Apartment Décor deals!

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