Auston Woods Apartment Homes Blog

Finding your new apartment is just the first step in creating your home. Decorating makes your apartment feel like a home. It is important to create a space to come home to after a long day at work. It’s a good idea to start with a focal point for each room like a piece of furniture that can multitask. For example, in your living room, use a chest which could be used for storage and as a coffee table. Pick a piece of furniture you love or a color palette that feels inviting, and the rest will begin to fall into place. You can find affordable furniture at a number of stores as well as by asking around your new apartment community.

Once you've got the furniture in, it is time to make the space feel comfortable. There are several things you can do to warm up the space. Pay extra attention to lighting, which can make a room feel larger and increase the ambiance. You can use both natural and artificial light to make your apartment feel big and bright. Along with windows for natural light, lamps and ceiling lights can bring the effect you are looking for to your apartment.

Along with light, think about color selection as well. Use a fun and interesting color on the wall which will accent the quality craftsmanship, crown molding, or cathedral ceilings. Lighter colors on the walls and white ceilings with a darker floor, carpet, or throw rug will make the room look and feel larger and taller. For bright colors, you can use toss pillows with exciting and bold colors.

Accessorize your space with mirrors, plants, vertical pieces and lamps in vertical shape. Also, be sure to keep your eyes open at flea markets and garage sales for interesting items with character. If you keep the color, texture, and feel consistent in the items you buy, they're sure to look great in a room together. Greenery is a simple and inexpensive item that can enhance any room. Plants not only help to clean the air, they give your new place a splash of color and life. Enjoy your new apartment home.
 

While driving in my car the other day, I heard a radio commercial for a really popular home builder in this area.  As someone who has rented an apartment, owned a home, and had a father who constantly taught fiscal responsibility, I tend to see the flip side of any type of new and exciting financial obligation (such as buying a home or car).  This particular commercial touted that you could own a home for just as much as you pay in rent.  This is almost always a misleading statement and I really can’t believe that builders and sometimes realtors can tell people this with a straight face.

Here are three things to consider where renting apartments and buying houses are concerned:

First of all, the monthly mortgage that they typically advertise does not include property taxes and insurance.

Secondly, it does not include HOA fees which can be anywhere between $50 per month to $300 per month, depending on the neighborhood.

Thirdly, and most importantly, the advertised monthly price does not include the yearly maintenance (usually 1% of the home value per year) and decorating costs.

Obviously, you don’t have any of those costs when you are renting an apartment home at our community.   I know that many of you have owned a home and understand the financial responsibility of home ownership.  For those who haven’t, keep this information in mind when listening to one of those commercials!

I know St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, but any day of the year is great for Italian food! It’s my favorite. I love fettucine alfredo with shrimp.

Just south of us near Uptown Charlotte is Mama Ricotta’s, an authentic Italian restaurant with an exquisite menu and fantastic desserts. (Also, my favorite!)

It’s the perfect place for a date night…good food and a great atmosphere! It’s also very reasonably priced.

Mama Ricotta’s was opened in August 1992 by owner, Frank Sibelli. He also owns a Mexican restaurant in Charlotte. I hear that’s a great place too.

Has anyone at Auston Woods eaten at Mama Ricotta’s? We’d love to hear your review! Share with a comment below.