Friday Favorites

FREE IMAGES Things I am loving on Twitter:

A sneak peak at Sarah Jessica Parker's NY Apartment that she just listed for sale!

Clutter free living, because honestly it really makes a home so beautiful!

The cold weather is coming! Time to get prepped!

Because who doesn't love to look at adorable nurseries!?

Tips On Searching for an Apartment as A New Mom

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Finding apartments for rent isn’t easy. You worry about location, size and amenities. If you’re a new mom, you have even more to think about. Finding an apartment that works not only for you, but also for your baby is a top priority for new moms. Here are some things to look for during your apartment search.

via yankeemagazine

1. Location

Location is a primary concern for all apartment seekers, but even more so for new moms. Getting an apartment close to work and day care is priceless. Babies require a lot of work and saving time is important. Look for rental properties near work, friends, relatives, and day care. Even if you pay a little more or if you have to accept a slightly smaller place, the advantages will likely far outweigh the drawbacks.


via weheartit

2. Security

Keeping your baby safe is on the top of the list for all new moms. Let’s say you’re looking for apartments in Orange County, for example. While this is a very nice area, crime isn’t negligible and having a secure entry point, gated or monitored parking, security cameras, and even an on-site security guard can really put a new mom’s mind at ease. There are plenty of other things for moms to be concerned about – security shouldn’t be one of them.




via thebooandtheboy

3. Extra Space

Contrary to what you might thing, babies actually take up a lot of room. New moms are always surprised at how much space such a little person needs. Think twice before deciding to have the baby share a room with you. New parents need some breathing room. Initially it may be nice to have the baby in your room, but after a while you’ll want the baby to have his or her own space so you don’t wake up startled at every little sneeze. You’ll also need plenty of space for diapers, a crib, baby clothes and lots and lots of fun baby toys!


via kvanum

4. Storage

Speaking of needing extra space, new moms will also want to check for extra storage space. Whether it’s a small garage area or big closet under the stairs, it’s a great idea to make sure you have space to store items that your baby has already grown out of, or hasn’t grown into yet.


via ebay

5. Safety

Above all else, you want to find apartments for rent that are safe for a new baby. If you have to walk up a lot of stairs to get into your unit, it may be difficult to lug the stroller, baby seat, diaper bag and baby – and you certainly don’t want to leave the baby unattended while you run back for the second load! You’ll also want to check for upgraded appliances, new paint, and clean, up-to-date electrical wiring. Safety guards on outlets and other child-proofing features are a huge plus.

Fashion Forward Apartment

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When it’s time to find apartments, you probably think about the size, location and available amenities, but what about style? How can you make your apartment unique and represent you, rather than looking like the boring, cookie-cutter versions that everyone else has.  It’s easier than you may think.


via interiordesigning.net

Here are a few tips to find that perfect apartment:

One of the best ways to design a fashion-forward apartment is to start with the best possible unit. You will find apartments that are better than others when it comes to unique features or modern upgrades. For example, apartment communities like BRE Properties include amenities such as dishwashers, washing machines and updated kitchen appliances. If the unit looks nice from the start, half of your job is already done.


via ghoofie.com

Before you sign a lease to the apartment, it would be a good idea to figure out what the lease will allow you to do. Can you paint the walls or hang pictures? Find out what you can do and ask if there is any process you'll need to take to make any changes!


via lifearts.blogspot.com

While a splash of color on the walls will go a long way in making the apartment unique and stylish, there are plenty of things you can do even if you can’t paint. Start by hitting the magazines and online sites like Pinterest.com. You’ll find the latest apartment fashions and design ideas.


via Pinterest

If you’re on a budget, it’s time to hit the thrift stores, swap meets and online classifieds. You can find furniture, decorative pillows, pictures, shelves and more if you keep your eyes open. Some colorful throw pillows, well-placed decorations or table centerpieces can help transform a lackluster room.


via bhg.com

Consider getting crafty as well. It’s quite easy to make curtains and other decorative items that will give your apartment a sense of individual style. You can even recycle items for an eco-friendly touch. Wine bottles turn into flower vases and milk crates turn into side tables. There are lots of ways to repurpose everyday items into distinctive decorations.

via Pinterest

Even if you can’t find apartments that are stylish, with a little creativity and imagination you can still create a space that suits your sense of style.

this post is in partnership with breproperties

Simple and Elegant: A San Francisco apartment

FREE IMAGES I've been in beautiful San Francisco since Saturday, and today is my last day. I thought I'd pay homage with this gorgeous Pacific Heights 700 sq. foot apartment. Enjoy!

I LOVE her bedroom.  Calm but happay at the same time.  The architectural elements are to die for.

This lady is good at editing her stuff - but maybe a tad bit more - like some art, etc. - would help us learn a little about the person who lives here.

What do you think?
via Apartment Therapy

A GORGEOUS Barcelona apartment you don't want to miss

FREE IMAGES While searching Apartment Therapy for some eye candy the other night I fell in love with the 2010 Small Cool International Winner. This apartment is small on square feet but big on beauty.


I ADORE this beautiful reading room. Plenty of books, a big comfy couch, what else do you need?

For small bedrooms a bed like this one with under bed storage is the best use of space


So pretty - love the lighting!

Do you agree?

via Apartment Therapy

Modern city Homes - More variety than you think

FREE IMAGES Every morning I read a little bit of the New York Times. While looking through the home and garden section, I was surprised by the homes they featured - mostly because I liked them, and also by the variety...

This home was once a synagogue

The rooftop deck is separated from the bedroom by only a glass wall

Not cozy enough for me, but pretty

I adore the tree photograph!!!

An industrial style SOHO apartment...

Look closely - the table is a vintage suitcase

A true New Yorker - making the most of space, and building vertically

I like the warmth of exposed brick, which we have in our kitchen


An eco-brazilian home...
Found dresser drawers fitted with casters now serve as rolling magazine storage!

Newspaper decoupaged chair.

Bright new Manhattan condominium...

I can't imagine a pond in my house and a wall of ivy!




Another SOHO loft. While this space is way too cold for me, I am in awe of the massive amount of empty space, the beautiful floors and ceiling, and the amazing windows...




Do you have a favorite out of these homes?

via New York Times

Amelie's adorable apartment! Lots of pictures!

FREE IMAGES I was watching Amelie the other night, and decided I had to write about her apartment. Probably the first thing that stands out is the palette- almost everything is warm red and oranges, with some green and blue here or there. For a "woman of almost 23" her apartment is very put together, and looks as if she's lived there for years and years. Being introverted and a little bit isolated, it makes sense that her place is much more than a crash pad, but her save haven. She also has great taste in art and wallpaper!


Her whimsical bedroom




The entry way...*love* this wallpaper



Her kitchen...I'm guessing it's only the wall behind her that is red, and then the other walls are tiled.

Even her windowsill is cute.




The living room. I really like the blue lampshade



I love that she has a dresser in the bathroom.



Images via Hotflix.net and Screencaps