Hero image for blog post on shows for home design and organization inspiration. Image from Manja Vitolic on Unsplash

Housekeeping Shows for Design and Organization Inspiration

Home is not a static place. People fill their homes with things that speak to them; they decorate and redecorate with the changing seasons, and once in a while things can get a little messy. Everyone has their own tastes, and organizational skills are always welcome. Tune into these shows for some inspiration regarding design and organization in your home.

Tidying Up With Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo image from Instagram for design and organization blog post.

Image from @mariekondo on Instagram

Marie Kondo has helped millions of people reorganize their homes since her show debuted on Netflix in early 2019. Kondo’s method of decluttering isn’t easy for everyone, but it will certainly promote joy in your household. She begins by rounding up all the clothing, books, paper, “Komono” (Japanese for “small things”, Kondo uses the word in reference to kitchen, bathroom, garage, and miscellaneous belongings), and sentimental items. The next step is to go through each item and determine which ones “spark joy.” If it doesn’t spark joy, then it needs to go. It’s no easy feat, but it brings a feeling of zen to the home.

Amazing Interiors

Amazing Interiors show image fro m Netflix for home design and organization blog post.

Image from Netflix

This show reveals the elaborate interior designs of unsuspecting homes. These homes belong to real people with passions you’ll see reflected within their spaces. Among the more grandiose spectacles, you’ll see some ideas you can try for yourself without needing any renovations.

Holiday Home Makeover

Holiday Home MakeoverNetflix image from Instagram for home design and organization inspiration blog post.

Image from @holidayhomemakeoversnetflixtv on Instagram

Decorating a home isn’t always a “set it and forget it” endeavor. This show focuses specifically on holiday decor. Benjamin Bradley (Mr. Christmas) meets different families and helps transform their interiors to reflect the magic of the holidays. If you love arts and crafts, then you’ll love the DIY projects this show will teach you.

All of these shows are available to stream now on Netflix. Cozy up on your couch with a cup of hot cocoa and get inspired to tidy up and decorate your apartment so it may bring you nothing but joy.

Sweaters on rack demonstrating loungewear. Image from Priscilla du Preez on Unsplash.

Loungewear: Embrace the 2020 Trend at These Local Shops

As the weather outside becomes frightful, the fire sure is delightful. There’s nothing like lounging in the warmth of your home on a cold winter day. Take your comfort to the max by embracing 2020’s loungewear trend at these Shadyside shops.

Apricot Lane Boutique, 5533 Walnut Street

Faux fur slippers sold at Apricot Lane Pittsburgh at Shadyside location. Image from Instagram.

Image from @apricotlanepgh on Instagram

The Shadyside location of this women’s boutique brand opened up in 2018 and is run by a mother and daughter duo. Walk in with a pair of sneakers and leave with a pair of warm slippers you’ll never want to take off. Prefer browsing online? There’s a whole loungewear section on their website!

Apricot Lane is open for in-store shopping Monday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

MODA, 5401 Walnut Street

Sweater selection at MODA Pittsburgh. Image from Instagram.

Image from @modapittsburgh on Instagram

Nothing says loungewear quite like sweatshirts and sweatpants. Stock up on these classic garments at this fashionable store. You’ll find styles for men and women, so load up on some of your favorite work-from-home attire. Browse their inventory online or pay a visit to their Shadyside location.

MODA’s hours of operation are Monday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. In-store and online shopping are both available.

Feathers, 5408 Walnut Street

Woman modeling pajamas at Feathers Shadyside store. Image from Instagram.

Image from @feathers_shadyside on Instagram

Sometimes you just don’t want to shed your pajamas when you get up in the morning. Feathers has a selection of comfy women’s pajamas you can wear all day long. They really are the cat’s pajamas. Be sure to check out their nightshirts and gowns as well.

Feathers is open for in-store shopping from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday.

Fill in your wardrobe with comfortable staples in solidarity with this year’s work from home lifestyle. These shops are all within three blocks of each other in the heart of Shadyside, and they’re only a two-minute walk from some of Franklin West’s Shadyside apartments. Shop at your leisure and hit them all in one go. Remember to wear your mask and check these stores’ websites for updates to hours of operation.

Featured Apartments for Rent Along Shadyside’s S. Highland Avenue

The tree-lined streets of Shadyside, along with the many parks throughout this charming neighborhood, make for a spectacular fall season. Journey with us for a walk along S. Highland Avenue where we’ll pass by wonderful eateries, historic sites, and some Franklin West apartments available to rent today.

We’ll start our tour at Howe Springs on Fifth Avenue where the road meets the southernmost end of S. Highland Ave. What you see today is the 1912 neoclassical redesign where the spring’s structure first stood in 1892. When Thomas Howe sold the land featuring the spring,  he stipulated that the spring would remain free for public use.

Howe Springs from Google Street View

Photo credit: Google Street View

As you cross Fifth Avenue and follow the sidewalk on the right side of S. Highland Avenue, you’ll soon arrive at one of Franklin West’s S. Highland Avenue apartment buildings.

509 S. Highland Ave

This location offers peaceful seclusion while providing the ideal proximity to all the city’s amenities. You’ll notice just how close it is to Fifth Avenue, which can easily bring you all the way downtown in only minutes. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Market District are all within walking distance, so you can run your errands without the carbon footprint.

For rent now: Apt. 33

This 2-bed, 1-bath residence features a private balcony where you can sip your morning cup of coffee and get a dose of fresh air. When it’s too cold to go outside, enjoy the natural light flooding in through the large windows while you stay nice and warm. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, range, and dishwasher. Laundry facilities are available within the building, so you can knock out your chores without darting all over town.

Let’s continue about three and a half blocks further up S. Highland Avenue. Cross S. Highland Avenue at a crosswalk on your way up, and you will be met by the historic Highland Towers. 

Highland Towers

You’ll find this historic residential gem conveniently situated in the heart of Shadyside’s East End. This urban neighborhood with a suburban feel is just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and the city’s most prominent universities, such as Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh.

Highland Towers has been a fixture of Shadyside since 1913, and the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The building’s architect, Frederick G. Scheibler, Jr., began his career as an apprentice in 1888 at age 16 and was a lifelong Pittsburgher. This beloved example of Modern American architecture takes direct inspiration from the Vienna Secession art movement; it is a superb example of Scheibler’s natural talent.

Two fourth-floor residences are currently available.

For rent now: 340 S. Highland Ave, Apt. 8A

This 2-bed, 1-bath apartment can be all yours. Enjoy the spacious living room where you can immerse yourself in a good book and decorate to your heart’s content. The wall-to-wall carpet in this space will keep your feet cozy all winter long, and the decorative fireplace provides a warm accent to this interior. The large dining room will keep you from getting stir-crazy while working or studying at home.

For rent now: 342 S. Highland Ave, Apt. 16B

Take full advantage of the inclusions in this 2-bed, 1-bath unit. A built-in chest of drawers in the living room checks off some of your furniture needs, while the dishwasher will allow you to focus more on the art of cooking rather than the aftermath.

Ready for a delicious hot meal after this stroll through the crisp air? Continue up S. Highland Avenue to the next block and stop in at Noodlehead. This restaurant centers its menu around popular dishes from Thailand’s many street markets. With plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something here for everyone. Noodlehead is currently available for takeout, delivery, or outdoor seating. Bring your face covering as well as cash, because they do not accept credit cards.

If you decide on the takeout route, or you wish to continue up S. Highland Avenue, make your way up to the South Highland bridge and have a seat on one of the built-in benches on this award-winning bridge. The $2.9 million project wrapped up toward the end of 2013 and spans Ellsworth Avenue, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Busway, and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Take note of the glass panels highlighting various pieces of the area’s history; you’ll truly find a window into the past.

South Highland Bridge from Google Street View

Photo credit: Google Street View

This brief stretch through Shadyside is just a small portion of what makes this neighborhood so charming. We hope you enjoyed your tour, and we encourage you to request a tour or more info regarding our current availability.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen with these Useful Gadgets

A kitchen is a magical place where all your favorite meals are born. Be it your own kitchen or the one in a restaurant you frequent. Of course, a kitchen won’t act on its own. Cooking is an art and a hobby for many of us, and following a recipe is only the beginning. 

Bust out the cookbook, roll out the dough, and check out some helpful kitchen gadgets you’ll love using. Plus, all of these items can be found at the Williams Sonoma location in the heart of Shadyside, so pay a visit and discover the useful tools and gadgets among many other items.

Photo Credit: William Sonoma via Instagram
  • Stainless-Steel Odor Absorbing Splatter Screen. Are you a pan-fried food lover? Keep the oil in the pan and off your arms with this safety-minded tool. The simple screen rests atop your frying pan so you can easily take it off and on while you tend to your food.
  • Casabella Guaclock Guacamole Storage Container. Tired of your fresh guacamole turning brown after just a day in the fridge? The air exposure is the problem. This airtight container works by squeezing all the excess air out of your guac container so the dip stays green and fresh.
  • Souper Cubes Freezer Tray. Do you prepare your food well in advance? Cooking in bulk can break down to a more cost-effective solution and you’ll have plenty of leftovers. In other words, less cooking and cleaning. These trays allow for uniform portions of food you can rely on for many meals ahead.
  • Molcajete. This ancient tool is just as useful today as it was thousands of years ago. Crush spices with the included pestle or whip up a batch of guacamole. The basalt bowl is a wonderful serving piece making the molcajete a versatile item.
  • Rabbit Freezable Beer Glasses. September will soon be behind us, but there are likely still a few good warm days ahead. You’ll want a cold drink in a cold glass, and this will help you beat the heat. Pop these glasses in the freezer for at least an hour, then pour in your favorite brew. Sip away without worrying about warm beer.
  • OXO Simple Mandoline. Slicing fruits and veggies take a bit of prep time if you have a demanding recipe. This simple device delivers clean, quick, and consistent cuts so you can get cooking. Perfect for apples, squash, cucumbers, and so much more. Speaking of apples, it’s the time for picking, so bring some home and slice them up.
  • OXO Adjustable Potato Ricer. Having a similar function to a garlic press, this potato ricer does so for larger items. Choose between 3 settings for finer or chunkier consistency in your creation. Great for mashed potatoes, tomatoes for sauces, and even baby food.
  • Paderno 7-Blade Spiralizer. Don’t spiral out of control when you cook. Create perfectly controlled spirals with a spiralizer. Add some fun to your dishes and experiment with the different blade settings. Want some thin cuts on salads or soups? This will take care of it with ease.
  • Pressure Cooker Accessory Kit. If you love your pressure cooker, then these accessories will allow you many more capabilities. They all work in tandem with your cooker, and they bring out some of the best in what it can do. Keep eggs steady, elevate your entree from the bottom of the pot, securely and easily lift hot items, and even bake a cake.
  • Prepara Stainless Steel Herb Savor. Instead of using your herbs up all at once or risking they go past their prime, keep them in this herb savor. You’ll enjoy having fresh herbs around and the flavors they bring to your meals will make the rewards of cooking even greater. Just keep it in your fridge door with some water and your preferred herbs should stay fresh for up to three weeks.

These are some of the many gadgets available for your dream kitchen. Get your hands on whichever ones align with your expertise, tastes, and cooking methods. As always, when visiting local shops bring a mask and keep a safe distance from other patrons and store associates. 

Tricks to Deep Clean Your Bedroom for Better Sleep

A good night’s sleep can set the tone for the next day. We all know sleep is important, so why not get the most out of your snooze sessions?

If you often find yourself waking up on the idiomatic “wrong side of the bed,” then these tips and tricks are for you.

De-clutter

There’s a certain peace of mind a cleanroom brings. When you’re in a slumber, you’re probably not paying any mind to heaps of clothes on the floor, but it’s one less thing you’ll worry about while falling asleep or waking up.

Everyone knows how much time is already spent dwelling on work and chores, so why let another thing enter the mix? Startup a favorite playlist and put those clothes where they belong.

Clean

For quality sleep, you’ll want fresh air and no dust. Bust out the vacuum for your carpet or a broom or mop for hardwood floors. Don’t forget about any fan blades, HVAC filters, and high shelves.

If you have allergies or asthma, then your immune system will thank you. Cordless hand vacuums work wonders for higher up surfaces, so add one to your cleaning arsenal if you want a good dust buster.

Wash

Slipping into a bed made up with fresh linens is bliss. The sheets smell wonderful and the comforter is cozy! It really is amazing how much satisfaction stems from something so attainable.

But most things are easier said than done, so washing linens and making a bed requires some diligence. The good news is if you take the first step of throwing your linens in the wash, then it forces your hand on the drying and folding steps. After all, if your sheets are wet, where will you sleep?

Aside from linens, see if your windows need a wash as well. Grime builds up throughout the seasons, and although it might not make its way inside, it diminishes the morning light which can help people wake up.

There you have it. It’s something we’re all familiar with but often overlook. Don’t let it take up your whole day; just start small and do one thing at a time. We hope you can rest easy with these tips!

Where to Find Home Furnishings from Secondary Marketplaces

There are many great benefits to buying home furnishings used. You can find excellent deals, score unique items no longer sold anywhere else, and more importantly, shop locally. Plus, you’re recycling through reuse, and in some cases, the money you pay benefits charity.

These are some of the best places you’ll find the decor you’re looking for in a secondary marketplace.

Secondary Marketplaces to Find Unique Furniture.

We made a list of five potential marketplaces for you to potentially find great pieces of furniture for even better deals. Keep in mind to practice safe delivery and pick-up when shopping on services like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

  • Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is quite a bit younger than other services, but since it’s part of Facebook there’s no shortage of users. It provides a friendly interface for finding what you need and utilizes Facebook Messenger as a built-in chat feature. Feel free to ask sellers questions about listings or even negotiate a fair price.

Filtering by location is simple since your Facebook account may already have the city you’re in as a default. If not, you can search by city or zip code and adjust the radius you’re willing to travel when you collect an item. Facebook eliminates anonymity since each listing is tied to a profile, which helps both buyers and sellers feel more comfortable.

  • Nextdoor

In case you’re unfamiliar with Nextdoor, it’s a hyper-localized social media platform for learning about things going on in your immediate vicinity. Each member must be address verified to ensure everyone indeed lives within the locale they claim.

Among many other things, Nextdoor includes a “For Sale & Free” section. Here you’ll find categories such as Automotive, Home decor, Neighbor services, and Tickets to name just a few. Listings include images and there’s a built-in chat feature for buyers and sellers.

  • Caboodle

Although it’s not your traditional marketplace, Caboodle is exclusive to Pittsburgh residents. It works like a “give an item, get an item” deal. Download the app on Google Play or the App Store and begin shopping for new treasures.

When you sign up for Caboodle, you’ll have 90 seconds to swipe through a variety of items. The first 90-second swipe session is free. Find something you like and it’ll be delivered to your address. But, it’s worth noting when you swipe past something, you can’t go back to it.

If you run out of time, you win whichever item you’re currently viewing. If you want to earn another swipe session, you must give an item of yours you no longer want or need. It’s a trade made simple and fun.

The Trading post is a central hub where you’ll take items to give away, and it’s conveniently located right in Shadyside. After you’ve parted with your item, the Caboodle team will select items of roughly equal value from their user pool, which is what you’ll swipe through in your next session.

It’s a novel idea right here in the neighborhood, so try it out! Plus, the more you use it the more it learns your interests and presents items more in line with your tastes.

  • Goodwill

A staple amongst thrifty shoppers, there’s always something new (but used) here. The Goodwill location on Centre Ave on the edge of Shadyside will have a myriad of things for your home.

This location is currently open, but you will need a mask while you browse and purchase. Goodwill varies in its furniture selection, so keep an eye out, and don’t hesitate when you find something you love!

  • Pittsburgh Furniture Company

This thrift store located in Shadyside will wow you with its inventory. It may not be as budget-friendly as some other secondary market outlets mentioned, but you’ll surely find furnishings you adore.

The folks here have a keen eye for style and they keep up with trends. Most of the inventory is used, but it’s all in top shape, so you may not even realize you’re not the first owner. They currently keep temporary hours on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. But, check their website for up to date info.

Steps to Deep Clean Used Furniture.

Now that you found a piece of furniture you love, it’s time to get it all shined up and new again! Secondary marketplace shopping can offer bargains and stylish pieces. As the saying goes one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

After you buy, it’s important to deep clean and disinfect the item before bringing it into your living space. Otherwise, you may end up bringing in unwanted odors, pet dander, bacteria, or pests.

First things first, the best time to pick up used furniture is on a clear, sunny day, that way you’ll have the opportunity to clean your new item outside. But the UV rays from the sun will also help kill any bacteria.

Of course, you can grab your vacuum cleaner and/or disinfectant wipes. But, if you want to get rid of any odors one great trick is using baking soda. For couches, upholstered chairs, or mattresses, The Spruce recommends sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda all over the furniture then let it sit for a few hours.

If you are out of disinfectant wipes, you can make your own disinfecting spray with common household ingredients. The Spruce offers a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part water to do the trick. If you need to remove a stain, simply add mild dish soap to the vinegar and water solution. Be careful not to oversaturate the furniture though!

Now you’re all set. Give these secondary marketplaces a look and find something fit for your own style. Remember, it’s okay to exercise caution and sanitize the items you buy before bringing them into your place.

Smart Home Gadgets to Liven Up Your Space!

There are plenty of ways you can make an apartment your own. Your design and decor is an extension of your own personality and interests. Spending some time on the aesthetic of your place will allow a level of comfort suitable for your lifestyle. 

After working on creating your ideal space, why not let that space work for you? Many pieces of smart home tech exist for your benefit, comfort, and ease. Here are some favorites you should check out.

Smart Home Speakers

  • Amazon Echo speakers feature one of the best virtual assistants available all within a small, space-saving device. If you don’t like fiddling with your phone when you play a song, then leave it to Alexa. It’s also great at compiling shopping lists for the grocery store.

  • Google Home speakers achieve many of the same results as Amazon Echo. The biggest perk here is the Google ecosystem. It’s no secret; Google has answers to almost any question you may have. All you have to do is ask with your voice rather than with your fingers. These speakers come in a few sizes including the Home Mini, which gives you all the same benefits in roughly the footprint of a hockey puck.

  • Sonos smart home speakers shine brightest where it matters most for speakers – audio quality. If you’re all about the music, then these devices will deliver. Gone are the days of wiring all your speakers via walls and ceilings. Simply plug in the speaker, follow the setup instructions on the dedicated app, and enjoy. A real bonus here is the availability of both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Exercising your preference is one of the many perks of a Sonos speaker.

Smart Lighting

Philips Hue lights are remarkable for creating your desired ambiance. These bulbs come in different shapes and sizes including LED light strips. 

Control them all with a dedicated app or play “scenes” with 3rd party apps. A scene simulates different effects with lights. This may mean the flickering colors of candlelight, the vivid explosions of fireworks, or the sudden flashes of lightning. 

You can even turn these lights on and off using the virtual assistant in your smartphone or your smart speaker.

Smart TV

Not all TVs are made equal, but an Amazon Firestick can change this. The same goes for a Roku or an Apple TV. Supercharge your TV with one of these if you haven’t already. 

You’ll get the best programming the world has ever known with a selection of streaming apps for your viewing pleasure. Sure, you know about Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, but how about Hoopla? A free membership from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hoopla offers free access to its movie titles, music, audiobooks, and eBooks. 

Don’t just decorate your home. Make your space work for you using the latest in-home technology.

How to Get a More Satisfying Work-Out at Home

Some gyms have recently opened up again for business, but not everybody is hitting the gym just yet. If you’re eager to get back to your regular workout routine, know that the staff is likely taking precautions in ensuring you have a safe, healthy, and positive experience.

On the other hand, if you’re waiting until you’re 100% ready for a gym excursion, then check out some excellent ways you can get in your workout at home.

Resistance Bands

These economical pieces of equipment are great for a total body workout. These versatile rubber bands will work your legs, glutes, chest, shoulders, and arms. They take up very little space and you can even bring them with you for an outdoor workout or pack them up before your next travels.

Ready to get started? Here’s a guided 30-minute full-body routine from HASfit.

Exercise Balls

These are great for plenty of reasons. Need an extra seat while watching TV in the living room? Inflate one of these and you’re good to go. Tired of sitting on the same old desk chair for hours on end? Mix it up with an exercise ball. You can get a great stretch in, prop up your legs for some push-ups, or get a satisfying core workout.

Check out this full-body strengthening video from YogiApproved.com once you have your very own exercise ball.

Yoga Mat

One of these isn’t a must for yoga, but it makes the activity much more comfortable. Mats vary in thickness, but some of the more common ones are just thick enough for some padding, but thin enough so you can roll it up and store it away easily. Aside from the padding a mat provides, it offers insulation from the ground as well as a non-slip surface so you don’t slide around during your routine.

Time for a stretch! This yoga exercise from Makeba offers a great way to get started.

Stationary Bike

You don’t need a Peloton for an indoor cycling exercise. Any stationary bike you find will do the trick as long as it’s in working condition. A stationary bike with variable resistance will allow for a satisfying cardio workout. There are plenty of videos online you can follow along with. FitnessBlender has a ton of free workout videos including this cycling routine.

Already have a regular bike? Take a spin outside through many of Pittsburgh’s bike paths and trails. If you have a bicycle, not only do many Franklin West apartments have in-building storage lockers or bike areas to keep your bike safe, but one of our Shadyside area apartment buildings has a large bike room for our residents to use.

On the other hand, if you’d still rather stay indoors, you can convert your usual bike into a stationary one with a stationary stand, too.

Dumbbells

Get your hands on some dumbbells for a traditional strength training routine. You can get these on a rack with a variety of sizes, a bar with a selection of plates, or choose a set with a dial for inputting your preferred weight if you don’t have space for a rack. Check out the secondary marketplace if you have trouble finding dumbbells from your usual retailers. 

Dive right in with 21 upper body dumbbell exercises from Redefining Strength.

Medicine Ball

Medicine balls provide many of the benefits as dumbbells in a different form factor. Whereas with dumbbells, you may not be inclined to toss them around in the air, medicine balls are designed for this sort of maneuverability. There are fantastic core exercises, and it makes for a more interactive experience if you’re working out with a partner.

Hit the ground running with your medicine ball with this 30-minute workout from Qinetic Live.

Pull-Up Bar

The pull-up bar is another classic gym staple. But you don’t need to visit the gym to take advantage of it. These can be found in many shapes and sizes so you may get your pull-ups in at home. 

There are standalone devices that include a sturdy base with lateral supports and a bar up top. If you don’t have space, then a standalone bar for your doorway will work like a charm. You can even install one without drilling, nails, or screws, which is very convenient when renting. 

Aside from standard pull-ups, there are plenty of attachments available so you can add more variety within your pull-up bar routine. Need some pull-up inspiration? Watch this quick demo from Adidas Runtastic of 11 exercises you can accomplish on a bar.

Running

Maybe this one isn’t the best for an in-home workout unless you have a treadmill, but the outdoors await. Sure, there are plenty of parks and trails throughout Pittsburgh, but Shadyside is also known for its runnable community. 

Take advantage of a light run while practicing social distancing and getting some fresh air. The same goes for hiking, walking, or even biking! 

 

These pieces of equipment are perfect for apartment use. Don’t forget to clean your equipment after use! Wiping your equipment down after use, as you would at a gym, will help your things last longer, eliminate any odors, and kills any germs left behind after working up a sweat. 

With plenty of options available, hopefully, you’ve seen something that resonates with your workout interests. As always, please be courteous to your neighbors as you go through your exercise routine!

Add These 5 Fun Decor Pieces to Your Space Now

Whether you are settling into a new place, or you’ve lived there for years, some things just need to be changed up every once in a while.

If things start to feel like an old hat, then there are plenty of ways to spruce up your place and make it a breath of fresh air. Keep reading for some of the current trends and home decor people are using to liven up their spaces.

Neon Lights

It’s no secret that lighting can transform the mood of a room, and neon isn’t shy about changing the mood. Add some ambiance to your TV area or make a statement on your wall with some text or imagery. You could visit Etsy to shop for eye-catching LED decor. 

If neon is too extreme for your taste, then LED light strips might make for more subtle accents to ceilings and countertops.

Striking Rugs

Perhaps you like moving around your apartment by sliding across the floor a la Risky Business. But to make sure you don’t fall, put a few rugs down. 

Rugs are timeless pieces to include in your space. Find a vintage rug for a classic look, or choose something bright and bold with geometric patterns. Layer them if you have too many to choose from. 

Already have a carpeted floor? Hang a rug on your wall tapestry style. Don’t forget rugs can be used as a sound barrier from neighbors too. 

Plants

Indoor plants are the key to freshening up a living space, and boy, plants are definitely in right now! When deciding on a plant type, consider these three things first: the lighting of your space, the watering needs of the plant, and the upkeep it will require. 

If you don’t have a green thumb, some of the more forgiving plant types include aloe vera, spider plants, pothos, and snake plants. Plants that will need a little extra care, but can be worth the work, are monsteras, palms, and fiddle leaf figs. Check out the Shadyside Nursery for a range of indoor plant selections.

Gallery Walls

Bring the museum into your own home with the addition of a gallery wall. A collection of artwork and photos is an easy way to boost the personality of your space. 

Gallery walls can include anything from travel photos to colorful plates to mirrors. Visit one of the many local artists in Shadyside, or put your creativity to the test with self-made art using supplies from Brick Art Materials in Shadyside. 

Pillows & Poufs

These small touches are a sleek and easy way to add seating for guests. Poufs are sturdy pillows or ottomans that are available in styles and fabrics that range from eclectic to modern. 

On the other hand, throw pillows that complement the surrounding furniture can really make the room pop. Head over to Arhaus in Shadyside for a wide selection of different pillows and poufs. 

Now is the perfect time to make a few changes to your living space, but don’t forget to shop local too. Make your apartment your own with these 5 decor tips. Which will you try?

DIY Veggie Gardens & Local Markets for Apartment Life

When sourcing fresh produce for meals, big-box grocery stores are ever popular. Even now, supermarkets are evolving to cater to shoppers in various ways. But summertime is near, and it’s the time of the season for some DIY veggies and supporting local farms.

Here are a few simple kitchen garden veggies and herbs practically made for your windowsill. No worries if your thumb isn’t too green – we’ve got some recommendations for farmer’s markets in and around Shadyside.

Indoor Herbs

Quite a few herbs do well in apartments. It’s nice having them fresh and readily available, so plant away! Make sure they get the sunlight they need and keep the soil moist.

  • Basil – Pack moist soil into a small pot and sprinkle the surface with seeds. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently.
  • Mint – Start with a seedling and transfer to a pot with drainage holes. Water it well after planting and keep in indirect light.
  • Chives – Add moist soil to a pot with adequate drainage and sprinkle seeds on top. Add about ¼“ of moistened soil on top and expect germination within two weeks.

Indoor Vegetables

Herbs aren’t the only edible plants you can maintain indoors. Some veggies are just as easily doable.

  • Carrots – Depth is important here, so use an 8” – 12” deep pot. Fill the pot to an inch from the top with moist soil and plant seeds ¼” deep. Once they germinate, separate them so they’re at least an inch apart from each other.
  • Lettuce greens – Fill a pot with moist soil and sprinkle around 10 seeds on the surface. Cover with ⅛” of damp soil and move seedlings apart when they germinate.
  • Arugula – Follow the same steps here as you would for lettuce greens and you’ll have harvest after harvest of scrumptious arugula. Just remember to pick the bigger leaves and leave the smaller interior leaves to grow.

Farmer’s Markets Near Shadyside

Farmer’s markets are terrific, open-air excursions with tons of variety. Get your fruits, vegetables, meats, and more at the Bloomfield Saturday Market and the East Liberty Farmers Market.

  • Bloomfield Saturday Market is located at 5050 Liberty avenue
  • East Liberty Farmers Market is located in the Garland Park lot on N Euclid Ave

Local vendors showcase the freshest foods you can get. Supporting these vendors helps local farms, bakers, cheesemakers, and more so check them out.

Keep in mind, these markets are doing their best in adhering to health and safety procedures. Refer to the Bloomfield Saturday Market Facebook page and the East Liberty Farmers Market website for more information regarding current restrictions.