Willowbend Apartments

Rental-Friendly Ways to Display Art There can be many challenges in rental living. Not being able to paint the walls or change cabinetry, outdated appliances, and odd layouts are just a few. But what if you can't put holes in the walls? A lot of renters face this problem and either might bend the rules a smidge or just never display their art, photos, and wall decor. As renters, we should be able to create a personalized space that everyone can enjoy. All you need is a l...Continue reading

Making the Most of a Small Closet Hi there! I’m Melissa from Polished Habitat, where we help you create spaces that are stylish AND functional for your daily life. Whether you’re in a short-term rental or own a home, I have lots of tips for creating beautiful, organized rooms. Speaking of functional...imagine finding your dream apartment, in your dream neighborhood, but opening a door to find a tiny bedroom closet. Before you start storing your shoes in the oven like Carrie...Continue reading

Small Patio Design Ideas Warm weather has finally arrived, and that means it's time to start focusing attention on your outdoor space. As a small home dweller myself, I’m a firm believer in designing spaces that are both stylish and functional for real life. I love the warm summer months when an outdoor space becomes an extension of a home. It’s like doubling your footage, courtesy of the sun. Summer marks a chance to transform your little-used patio or balcony into the perf...ect outdoor spot to entertain friends or enjoy a meal. While small outdoor spaces can initially feel tricky, with a little planning they can become a getaway. I prefer to look at design challenges as opportunities to get creative and think outside the box. Today, I’m sharing small patio design ideas to help you transform your outdoor apartment space into a summer hotspot. Before jumping into your design plan, determine how you intend to use your outdoor space. Will you be dining al fresco? Need a spot for morning coffee? Or looking to create an outdoor lounge area to entertain guests? Below are ideas to help you design a patio that’s stylish, comfortable and perfect for summer. Bring the Indoors Out. Treat your outdoor space like you would your indoor space. Your patio or balcony should feel as comfortable and be inviting as your indoor spaces are. If you have an outdoor lounge furniture and chairs, add lots of pillows! Remember, comfort is key. When selecting pillows for your sofa and chairs, be fearless. It's fun to experiment with color and mix patterns; prints you might typically shy away from indoors feel right at home outside. The More Plants the Merrier. It’s amazing how plants can really help transform a small patio into an outdoor oasis. Add lots of plants on your patio with containers! For visual interest, use different style planters in various heights and widths grouped together. Plant a mixture of annuals and perennials for pops of color. Lots of greenery on your patio can help evoke the feeling of an outdoor garden. If you have no room for planters, consider using deck planters on the patio rail to add in pops of color and help soften the lines of the railings. Also add flowering hanging planters; placing one just outside the doorway to your outdoor space is a nice welcome. Under Foot: Add color patterns and comfort to your outdoor space with an outdoor rug, which is great for defining small seating and dining areas. Set the Mood with Lighting. Add ambiance to your patio or balcony with string lights, which can create a magical feeling at night. I also love using lanterns in my outdoor space. Instead of real candles, use battery operated candles that flicker like the real thing but are much safer for outside use. I hope these design ideas are helpful for you this summer as you transform your apartment patio into your own outdoor oasis. Remember, be fearless with color, patterns and there can never been enough plants!

Seven Easy Ways to Create a Temporary Statement Wall Just because your current "home sweet home" may not be your forever "home sweet home," doesn't mean you can't go bold with your decor. One way to make a big impact in your space is with a statement wall - a singular wall that "pops," is very striking, and represents your personal style. Even if you’re unable to make any permanent decor changes, be it because your lease doesn’t permit it, or you’re not able to make a long-t...Continue reading

5 Unique Ways to Recycle Coffee Grounds in Your Apartment Most of us need our coffee in the morningthat's just a fact. Americans are so heavily driven by coffee that, according to the Huffington Post, 400 million cups of Joe are consumed each day so you know it’s a go-to drink for most, especially for productivity purposes. But did you know that coffee can serve other purposes as well? Coffee grounds can be recycled and used around the home for multiple tasks. Continue on... to see how recycled coffee grounds can improve your apartment and health. Natural Pest Repellent A garden is an excellent way to dress up an apartment patio or balcony. However, when you begin filling your space with vibrant blooms and shrubs, pests such as snails, ants and slugs tend to follow. A pinch of coffee grounds at the base of your plants can actually drive these nuisances away, so you can enjoy time relaxing on your patio without those pesky bugs. Natural Kitchen Cleaner Believe it or not, coffee grounds are used to scrub stuck-on food to kitchen appliances and countertops. Grounds are considered to be abrasive, so gently scrub with a wet rag to ensure the quality of the kitchen features. Natural Fridge/Freezer Odor Eliminator Much like baking soda, coffee grounds are used to absorb food odors in the refrigerator and freezer. In a small bowl lined with plastic wrap, add coffee grounds and place in the back of the fridge/freezer for a couple of weeks. The coffee grounds will absorb the odor and keep the appliance from smelling like old food. After some weeks have passed, toss out the grounds and replace. Natural Fertilizer Coffee grounds make an excellent, nutrient-rich fertilizer for your patio garden especially if you’re trying to grow azaleas, hydrangeas and roses. Simply combine brown leaves and coffee grounds, and then spread the mixture around the base of your plants. Coffee provides plants the boost of nitrogen, potassium and magnesium they need to grow beautiful and healthy.