Whether it’s your first apartment or you are starting over in a new city, furnishing an entire apartment can be an expensive, if not overwhelming process.  You may already have some idea of what you’d like your space to look and feel like, but your bank account is not quite ready to support your vision; we have a few solutions for that as well.  The most common mistake is leaving the big purchases to the last minute.  Planning for the essentials early affords you time to find, save, shop and possibly order what you really want. 
 
Thankfully, others have been where you are, made the mistakes and shared their valuable hindsight.  Give yourself a 3-month lead, and in three easy steps, you’ll be on your way to first apartment heaven.
 

• Start a Design Board – pin photos of the look you want to accomplish, paying special attention to prices and order times of the larger pieces (mattress, bed, dresser, sofa, dining).  Furniture stores typically don’t stock everything on the showroom floor.  It may take a week or so to receive it from the furniture store's central warehouse, possibly 4-12 weeks if they need to order it from an American manufacturer, and 3-6 months if they need to order it from overseas.  Giving yourself the 3-month lead allows you time to order, shop for suitable alternatives, or wait for a sale if the items don’t fit your budget.  * Furniture stores generally have a sale every couple of months. 

 

• Place your order for the larger pieces 8-10 weeks ahead of the move-in date, unless the store or website suggests differently.  About two weeks before your move-in date, arrange for pickup or delivery of your ordered items. Many furniture stores have a week or longer wait time for delivery, depending on the season.

 

• Next, you can focus on the smaller essential pieces - bed linens, window treatments, bath towels, pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils and cleaning supplies (broom, dustpan, mop, sponges for bath and kitchen, lavatory brush, etc.)

 
With the large and small essentials out of the way, you can relax on the finishing touches.  Take your time finding the perfect wall art, accent tables, and other decorative touches.  Give yourself time to curate accents that reflect your unique taste and personality.  Better yet, if you or your friends are crafty or artsy, create a few one-of-a-kind pieces yourself.  Below we offer a few nationwide locations for inspiration and fixer-upper finds. 
​
Keep in mind, you don’t need to start with all of the essentials at move-in, if you own a mattress, but don’t have a frame – furniture stores carry metal bed frames starting around $50, and platform bed frames can be ordered for about $100. 
 
Estate Sales
Estate sales happen for a variety of reasons, downsizing, debt, divorce, or in some cases, the passing of a loved one.  While most estate sales are run by professionals who know the value of the items being sold, occasionally you either find something that you feel is undervalued, or worth every penny they are asking for it, and you considered it a steal.  Opening day at estate sales are very busy, many local antiquers, and even dealers, will visit hoping to score a treasure or two.  You can expect to pay full price for the first and possible second day of an estate sale.  By the third day, discounts usually ensue, if an item has not sold.  You can expect prices to drop 25% on the second or third day, and 40 – 50% on the last day.  If you find you have fallen in love with an item, you can ask the professional in charge to be placed on a sort of last call list.  If the item has not sold when they are wrapping up the estate sale, the professional will start the call list for the remaining items.  It helps if you establish a relationship with an estate sale professional. 
 
Flea Markets are Gold Mines
Sometimes in the most literal sense, you are just as likely to walk away not having found anything as you are finding the perfect fixer-upper.  But the sheer amount of creativity, ingenuity, and variety behind the vendors at open markets is hard to find. You never know what you’ll see, and it is probably different every time you go.  For many of the vendors, this is a full-time job.  Their time is spent acquiring and curating the best finds.  It is possible you’ll find a seller that matches your taste to a tee, and you’ll find yourself visit them for years to come.  The great thing about these small businesses, they are hunting for new items all the time.  If you share the piece, treasure or concept you’re looking to execute, they might just be able to find it for you or point you in the right direction.    
 
Secondhand Stores
Industry insiders refer to it as the resale industry.  You may also hear it called goodwill hunting, consignment cruising and bargain hunting.  Regardless of the name, you might be surprised that 1 out of 6 Americans goes thrifting a year.  On the hunt for a good deal and perhaps you want to contribute to a good cause, you can find new and used clothing, shoes, electronics, washers, dryers, furniture and exercise equipment at thrift stores across the U.S.  Research estimates there are around 18,000 reseller stores across the nation, bringing in revenues over $12 billion annually.
 
Donations to these stores come from all walks of life.  Often, they are the recipients of yard sale leftovers, emergency move-outs or relocation, estate sale leftovers or upgrades.  Donators receive charitable donation receipts for the value of their gifts.  There is really no telling what you might find at a thrift store.   TV shows like Baggage Battles, American Pickers and Storage Wars publicize locating rare and valuable treasures in peculiar places.  Thrift stores are among the hiding spaces of these items.
 
Are you hunting apartments in Lafayette Louisiana?  Do put Lafayette Gardens Apartments on your must-visit list. ​

TAGS:

​College students headed to life away from home for the first time may fair better in an apartment community with the amenities and privacy of home, than in living in a dormitory.  Consider the following when looking for college freshman living accommodations in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Freedom:  while rules and regulations lend themselves to a civil society, dorms life comes with many more restrictions than an apartment does.  The ability to welcome guests without someone watching over your shoulder, like a resident assistant or advisor would, is one such freedom.  Also, having control over your roommate selection is a welcome advantage to apartment living.  There will still be rules that the college student will have to observe, like paying your rent on time, keeping the noise level down, and avoiding anything illegal on the premises that risk eviction.  Many would argue that living without an RA (resident advisor) builds maturity more rapidly.

Space:  A dorm room, well, is a room.  No private full bath, well-equipped kitchen, or separate study space exists.  An apartment that comes with an appliance equipped kitchen will save many a trip to the dining hall with limited offerings and hours.  Imagine your late-night study sessions not having to be interrupted for coffee runs or trips for snacks.  Your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator can be well-stocked accommodating special diet needs.

Having a private bathroom is a wonderful plus when it comes to health and hygiene needs.  Rather than having to share facilities and tote your toiletries down the hall, an apartment allows privacy.  Having your own private bath stocked with your personal items is a small luxury for the first-year college student.

Parking spaces come with most leases at an apartment complex.  Campus parking at the dormitories can be limited and further away from some buildings than most apartment complexes in the Acadiana area. If you have a vehicle and visitors with cars, the ability to park in designated areas within a well-lit gated community is a considerable safety advantage.

Finances:  Dormitories may cost more in the long run.  Consider meal plans and having to move to another room at the end of a term may end up costing more in time and effort than renting an off-campus apartment. 

Additionally,  establishing a great renting history at an early age is another advantage of renting an apartment off-campus.  You will have established credit and rental history before holding your first professional job.  

The ability to stay year-round and not leave for holiday breaks is an advantage students don’t always think of when deciding where they will live while earning their degree.  24-hour fitness centers, high-speed internet connections, and nearby shopping, entertainment, churches, and restaurants that come with leasing at Lafayette Gardens Apartment makes economic sense.

Looking for a place to live minutes from campus in Lafayette?  Tour Lafayette Garden Apartments in Lafayette, La and ask about student move-in specials.

TAGS:

TAGS:

You’ve made the decision to get an apartment. You know the amenities that the complex you choose must have:  24-hour gym, dog park, pool, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and work or school. What you haven’t decided is if you want your new domicile to have one or two bedrooms.
 
Don’t ponder the situation alone. Here are three pointers for your consideration and ultimate decision making:
 
Me, Myself, and …
Are you going to live alone? You might immediately say, “Yes, it’s just me. So, a one bedroom is perfect.”  While this may be true, you might want to consider your lifestyle. 

If you enjoy having guests visit, especially in a city like Lafayette, that has festivals almost every weekend and live music nightly, an extra bedroom might be just the convenience you need for friends and family coming to town to experience the sights and sounds with you.  Do you really want your overnight guests camping out on the sofa or do you want them to enjoy the privacy of their own room?
 
Are children a part of your life? If they are, even young children benefit from having their own space when visiting once or twice a month.  Being able to keep to a bedtime schedule, especially for little ones, makes for a happier, healthier child.  Can you or they truly get the rest you need when sharing sanctuary of your room instead of a room of their own? Probably not, so it might be best for everyone to have a room of their own.
 
Consideration 1:  If you truly are going to live alone, have infrequent visitors, and never have the need to provide overnight accommodations for children, a one bedroom is the way to go.  Otherwise, consider a two bedroom.
 
Hi, Ho, Hi, Ho, it’s off to work I go…
Do you work or take online classes at home? Some work from home can be done at the dinner table or at a desk in the corner of the bedroom. Study after study shows that work and sleep are best kept separate.
 
Your bedroom is where you go to rest, restore, and revitalize. Can you do that if you are also using the space to read instructional materials and work on a laptop or tablet? Probably not as successfully as if you have a two-bedroom apartment where you could set up the room as your home office.
 
A home office affords you space and the atmosphere to conduct business or study with greater concentration and attention. If you are splitting the space of a bedroom for too many activities, it can be distracting.
 
Consideration 2:  A one bedroom is fine if you don’t work from home and are not pursuing higher education. Go with a two bedroom if your life includes a home office.
 
These are a few of my favorite things…
Most of us accumulate things. You may be a minimalist and pursue hobbies that require little by way of materials and/or equipment. You may be a shopper, sports enthusiast, collector, or hobbyist that needs extra room to house your accruements.
 
Consideration 3:  Most of us indulge in possessions that make us happy. If you can keep a one bedroom tidy and clutter free with the belongings you own, a one bedroom apartment will probably do. If you know extra space would mean being able to display more and easily access your favorite things, consider a two bedroom.
​
Whether you opt for a one or two-bedroom apartment, Lafayette Garden Apartments is the way to go. Move-in specials are offered now. Schedule a visit today.

TAGS:

​The place you live and create memories needs to be welcoming to you. It should please your senses and entice you to participate in activities surrounded by décor that comforts, inspires, and gives you a sense of well-being. Whether you are decorating your first apartment or you’ve become bored with your present décor and need a change, these ideas will help.

1) Picture This
Photographs can tell your story and are appropriate for every room in your apartment. Print out photos in black and white and frame them in a signature color to scatter around a bedroom. Print random shots and make a collage by gluing them onto a huge black canvas that becomes a focal point in the living room. Hang pictures from that special dinner party or Thanksgiving in your kitchen. Photographs of you poolside or at the beach are terrific accents in the bathroom.

2) ​Can I Quote You?
Use an inspirational quote in every room. Take hints from the things that quote conquers up in your imagination on how you should decorate. For instance, print out that famous quote from Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home”, and put it on your nightstand. Rather than ruby slippers, a couple of red sequin accent pillows will add a splash of color and make you smile because you know what they represent.

3) Go Bananas, Go Cherries, Go Grapes, Go Whatever
What’s your favorite fruit, animal, or place? Use just a touch of that ‘whatever’ in every room. One of the simplest decorative touches is to use the same theme throughout without going all out. Instead of decorating the whole room to look like Paris, an Eiffel Tower statue on the coffee table reminds you of that special place. One of the best examples of this is an apartment that had a monkey in every room. Monkey candlesticks on the dining table, monkey toothbrush holder in the bath, monkey lamp on the bedside table, Curious George book on the coffee table, you get the idea! A little touch in each room brings a sense of unity and fun overall.

4) Go Big
Get that oversized chair, king size bed, exquisite antique, or table for eight and let it rule your décor. A great investment piece will be with you for a lifetime and can set the stage in your first home or forever home when it comes to the mood you want to create. Let the magnitude of your signature piece do the decorating for you.

5) Let Me Collect
My… Those baseball caps, books, vacation spot t-shirts, crosses, dolls, or linens that you’ve collected for years inspire great home décor. They can become your theme when decorating one room or your entire apartment. Display them grouped together instead of letting them remain unseen taking up space in your closet.

A few things to keep top of mind as you go to decorate:

• Decide and keep to a budget - the above ideas work on a tight budget or one that gives you plenty of leeway.
• Use non-damaging hangers - if you rent, be mindful of the rules you need to follow to hang things.
• Tidy up - a clean, uncluttered space looks better.
• Ideas are a magazine or store display away - walk through Paul Michael, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, or Rooms to Go for ideas on furniture arrangement. Look at a copy of Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Dwell, or Country Living for inspiration.
• You’re your best decorator - no one knows you like you do, so trust your ideas.

​​
Looking for the perfect place to decorate? Lafayette Gardens Apartments offer one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Lafayette LA.

TAGS:

Insurance is extremely important in Louisiana, from your car and health to property, it is present in every aspect of our life.  When it comes to a rental apartment, the property owners carry insurance that protects them against the loss of the apartment buildings, garages, office space, common areas, fences, swimming pools and storage buildings, as well as any business personal property that is kept on the premises and used to maintain or service the buildings and grounds.  But their commercial insurance does not cover contents in the rental units.

What is Renters Insurance? 
Renters insurance provides coverage to your personal property such as furniture, electronics, clothing among other possessions. This insurance only covers your personal contents, injury you may cause to the building or someone else and as such is far more affordable.  Renters Insurance cost about the same a couple going out to a movie once a month.
 
Why is it Important? 
Fire, theft, flood and other hazards can devastate a household. But most important is that it ensures your assets are covered. Renters insurance covers your belongings from theft and damage, but it also provides liability coverage in case someone is injured while in your apartment.
 
What does it cover?
The damage or loss of your personal property from fire, lightning, explosion, theft, a falling object, smoke, vandalism, weight of snow or ice, riot, or damage caused by vehicles and aircrafts.  Also, while your belongings while off-premise if you are traveling and lose your luggage or laptop. 
 
We should mention that wind damage is not covered.  It has been excluded throughout most of Louisiana by underwriters.
 
Liability – This section of your rental insurance will cover any accidents on the rental property caused by you or family.
 
Living Expense - If you are displaced by flood or fire. Here, renters insurance can pay for interim lodging until the property has been restored to livable condition.
 

A few facts about Rental Insurance in Louisiana 

• A rental insurance in Louisiana can protect your entire family that also includes your children.  
• In Louisiana, the average price of renters insurance is around twenty dollars a month.​  
• This insurance coverage basically protects you from the risk to your personal property, liability risk and the costs that have been incurred following that covered loss.

 
Also, having an insurance for the damage caused by you doesn't make you exempt from any liability. The damaged party’s insurance company can sue you for the amount they have paid to cover the loss. If you are liable, your insurance policy will defend you and pay for the losses but only up to your policy limit.
 
When you are apartment shopping in Louisiana, renters insurance is probably the last thing on your mind, but we highly suggest you take the time to investigate this low-cost protection that most insurance offer.  It should only take a few minutes of your time. To rent a luxury apartment in Lafayette, LA, take a virtual tour of our apartments right away!

TAGS:

Our gated apartment community was designed with you in mind, from the moment you walk through our front door you feel the warmth and hospitality that makes our residents happy to call Lafayette Gardens home. Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, at the heart of the city; directly across from the highly sought after River Ranch neighborhood. We offer 1, 2 and 3-bedroom townhomes complete with vaulted ceilings, stainless steel appliances and modern decor. You'll enjoy our modern amenities and meticulously groomed grounds as well as our dedicated staff that sets the bar for apartment home living. Our amenities include a movie theater, tanning beds, two 24-hour fitness facilities, beach front entrance swimming pool, business center, clubhouse, laundry facilities, furnished units upon request and more. Convenient shopping, award-winning schools, local museums and parks are all close at hand, with sponsored activities to develop new hobbies while getting to know your neighbors.

​Call to schedule your tour of our community and come see why we truly are a cut above the rest. Take advantage of our Valentines Day Special Call our front desk for details (337) 993-8886

TAGS:

A little history; Our beautiful and diverse city was founded in 1821 by a French-speaking Acadian named Jean Mouton. In 1884 it was renamed for General Lafayette, a French military hero who fought with the American Army during the Revolutionary War. The city's economy was based on agriculture until the 1940s, when the petroleum and natural gas industry became dominant.

Today, Lafayette has diversified by positioning itself as a medical, transportation, finance, technology, entertainment, education, and retail center. It has a strong tourism industry, attracted by the Cajun and Creole cultures of the surrounding area and serves as the retail and shopping hub for Acadianas seven-parish area. In the heart of Lafayette is the renowned River Ranch traditional neighborhood development. Uniquely designed for walkability, connectivity, beauty, and a sense of community. By having both residential and commercial spaces, residents of this area have the convenience of visiting nearby restaurants, shops, and other businesses within their own neighborhood.

Lafayette Gardens Apartments was developed to offer a maintenance free lifestyle to this growing community known for its award winning schools, local museums, parks and recreation. Just one block Northeast of Lafayette Gardens is Acadianas premier lifestyle center Parc Lafayette. Located on the corner of Kaliste Saloom and Camelia, Parc Lafayette is a mixed-use development that combines upscale shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Unlike other shopping centers across the nation, most of the stores and businesses in Parc are locally owned and operated drawing interest from both Lafayette and surrounding area patrons. The following are but a few of the restaurants, lounges, shopping and services within walking distance: 

Agave Mexican Grill and Cantina - The largest patio, addictive margaritas, lively atmosphere and irresistible food - Agave Cantina is one of Lafayette's hot spots. 

Grub Burger Bar - Food you love to eat. Scratch baked buns every hour, chuck & brisket ground in house daily, fresh sliced cheese, homemade sauces and dressings. 

La Creperie Bistro - Creperie cafe. The core business is selling Savory and Sweet Crepes. It has several other choices (Salads, Soups, Panini, Pastries and Gelato). 

Indulge Desserts - unique pastries with a European twist - slightly sweetened, light, and made with the richest ingredients. Discover one of the many varieties of teas and coffee products from our full-line espresso bar. The Grouse Room - Sophisticated lounge featuring live bands, specialty cocktails & a members-only scotch room. 

Kiddeauxs - Fashionable clothing and gifts for boys and girls sizes newborn-14. Unique clothing choices to suite your child's style whether they want to be a prince, princess or have a cool casual style! 

Coco Eros - A locally owned boutique known for their on-trend women's clothing. They carry VSA, Trina Turk, The Landry Room, Paige, MAAIJI Swimwear and much more! 

La Femme - Intimate apparel boutique. Fine lingerie, sleepwear, shapewear, and bridal registry. Bra fitting specialists. Post Mastectomy care facility. BOC accredited. 

Shoe La La - The 3000 square foot space provides the Lafayette customer with an unparalleled shoe, accessory, and clothes shopping experience. 

Blow Bar - Blow Bar Salon offers a diverse and experienced group of stylists who can meet the needs of any hair type: Blow Outs, Haircuts, Modern Colors, Styles, Up-Do, Makeup Applications, Extensions, Keratin Treatments. 

Superior Nails - Specializes in providing a relax, stress-free atmosphere for your nail or pedicure needs. Armentors Jewelers - Family owned independent jewelry store that was established in 1939 and now spans three Generations. 

Raymond James - Providing individual investors and corporations with investment, financial planning, investment banking and asset management services internationally. 
​
Oui Yoga - We practice Baptiste Yoga, founded by Baron Baptiste. A combination of vigorous, flowing, heated asana, meditation, and active self-inquiry, Baptiste Yoga is designed to condition the whole body while encouraging students to step into their full potential. 

9Round Gym - is a specialized gym, fitness center & health club dedicated to circuit training with an emphasis on kickboxing fitness training. What make it different is that includes everything you need: a full-body workout that's fast, effective and fun... personal trainers to help you... and expert nutritional guidance. And it's all based on the latest exercise and nutritional science. 

Jay Faugot Photography - Has enjoyed providing Acadiana with timeless and quality wedding photography for over 25 years. As a bride of Jay Faugot Photography, you will benefit from our studios expertise and creativity starting with your Engagement portrait session all the way through to your completed custom album and beautifully custom framed portraits. 

Le Pavillon Ballroom operated by the Petroleum Club of Lafayette As one of Acadianas premiere social clubs, The Petroleum Club also serves as an elegant setting that can cater to a variety of functions. Our staff of planning experts, headed by our Private Events Coordinator, Denise Richard, brings experience and excitement to help plan your event from start to finish. 

Pete Nicolosi & Associates - An independent insurance agency, we are not tied to one insurance company. Rather, we compare policies and rates across national and regional insurance companies identifying opportunities for savings and protecting clients with unique coverage issues in health insurance, life insurance and financial services. Wells

Fargo Advisors - Our Financial Advisors can provide a full range of financial products and services, from helping you select individual investments to developing a retirement plan. 

Quality Plus Insurance - offer the following personal insurance products: Homeowners, Automobile, Watercraft, Motorcycle, Rental Property, Valuable Items, Recreational Vehicles, Umbrella Liability and Flood insurance. 

Home2Suite by Hilton - Vibrant, extended-stay hotel in Lafayette, LA. Located in Parc Lafayette and within walking distance of the River Ranch Development. 

AXS Property Management - ASX Properties has profitably managed 24 properties over our 22 years in business. We have managed apartment complexes, shopping centers, senior housing, office buildings and mixed use centers. We take extra care to hire only top notch managers, leasing agents, and maintenance personnel. We pay all of our employees extremely well and offer full medical/dental insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan. We treat our employees as family and in return they treat the properties we manage as if they owned them. ASX Properties uses a proactive approach that encourages employees to make suggestions on how we can manage our properties more efficiently.

We use preventive maintenance programs at all of our properties to minimize maintenance problems and keep the properties in pristine condition. ASX Construction - is a design build contractor that starts on the front end of projects to help maximize efficiencies with development and construction cost with developers/owners.

We pride ourselves in providing quality construction services for owners while helping them in the design process to achieve the most efficient use of project funds. With commercial, multi-family, student housing and senior living experience, we are able to assist developers/owners in all of their needs for a successful project. If you are looking for a luxury maintenance free lifestyle, look no further than Lafayette Gardens Apartments.

​We offer one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes in a gated community with unparalleled amenities: a movie theater, tanning beds, two 24-hour fitness centers, beach front entry pool, business center, clubhouse, playground, pet parks, unfurnished and furnished corporate packages with short and long term lease options. Lafayette Gardens Apartments, where you can have it all, in the middle of it all!

TAGS:

Finding the right apartment in Lafayette Louisiana is not an easy task and you can spend days looking for the one that suits your needs. If your work schedule is like most, you will obviously look for some time to relax after coming back from work. What better way to relax than to come home to an apartment community chock full of convenient amenities.

We have created a list of convenient amenities that make a busy person's life just a little easier while saving time and money.

1. Community recreational space or a playground Having access to gated recreation, playgrounds and parks are essential if your family includes children or pets. Such amenities make apartment living feel more like a home and are a great way to relax, meet your neighbors and arrange play dates for the children or just breath in fresh air and read a book...

2. Swimming pool Having a pool to beat the summer heat with your loved ones is more than convenient, it is nearly a must here in the South. A gated child-friendly pool area complete with lounge chairs would certainly top the list of must-haves for convenience and recreation.

3. Fitness center If you struggle with time management as most of us do, having an on-site gym and fitness center can really add value to your apartment living experience, not to mention save you travel time and membership fees. A few apartment communities in Lafayette offer 24-hour access to their fitness centers which means you can visit the gym around your schedule.

4. Movie theatre and clubhouse Community Movie Theatres are one of the newest amenities offered. While everyone loves the idea of going to the movies, it is not always convenient or cost effective. In selected apartment communities you can have use of their movie theatre free of charge during office hours or for a small fee you can rent the entire theatre for birthday parties, football games or any special event that would be enhanced by a theatre sized screen after hours.

Theaters usually come with access to Netflix, traditional cable, and a DVD player. What a great concept, where you can spend quality time with your family and friends.

Access to a clubhouse for larger get-togethers can also be important when searching for an apartment and can be a place where you can socialize with and make new friends.

5. Pet park Pets are an important part of the family and it is crucial for pet owners to find pet-friendly apartments. Newer communities realize the importance of fur children and have started designing their communities to include gated pet parks, where you can take your furry friend for a walk, exercise, and socialization. The convenience of an on-site pet park is seen essential for pet parents and is becoming more standard than not.

6. Dishwasher and Washers & Dryers While most apartments come with a dishwasher, newer communities are also including full sized washer and dryers in the apartments they lease. While this may seem unimportant to older tenants who own their own, those just starting out or who have moved into an apartment only to find their washer and dryer set does not fit would argue the inclusion very valuable.

These are just a few of the amenities we deem important in making life easier and more complete when looking for a place to hang your hat.

If you are looking for luxury apartments in Lafayette, the Lafayette Gardens Apartments should be on your list to visit.

These apartments in Lafayette Louisiana have the above-mentioned amenities as well as BBQ areas, reflection pond, car care center and a tanning salon. Lafayette Gardens Apartments, where you can have it all in the middle of it all. If you found this article interesting, what are you waiting for? Contact us today and book your luxurious apartment right away!

TAGS:

Moving into your very own space is an exciting first step, and some would say a rude awakening.  You want your new apartments to be stylish and chic, but your budget is more inline with a resale shop.  Don’t dismay, we've come up with a few do it yourself tricks that will take shabby to chic in just a few man-hours. Few individuals are born with the great eye for the designing and decorating.  You just need to learn a few tricks and then apply them successfully.
 
Buy Removable Decals or wallpapers:
Permanent wallpapers are not usually advisable as a renter, your contract with the apartment community will probably state you have to leave the apartment as you found it and removing permanent paper typically damages the sheetrock.  However, the design world has started catering to apartment renters and have created removable decals and wallpaper, allowing you to add color and style to your apartment.  They are easy to place on walls and can be removed whenever needed.  They also work great on furniture makeovers.  ​

Paint your Furniture:
Don’t have the budget for new furniture?  Consider a fresh coat of paint. Painting one or two pieces in the living area or bedroom can add the extra design punch you were looking for without costing you too much.  Some of the new chalk paints don’t require much preparation either.  Simply dust the piece, pass a sanding block over it a few times, before applying the paint to the furniture.   Apply one or two coats of paint to your piece and allow ample drying time between coats of paint.  For a durable finish, add a coat of water-based lacquer after it dries.  Do be sure to let the paint dry completely before placing it in your apartment.

Hide Storage in a Creative Way:
Too much clutter in a room can make it feel disorganized, messy and much smaller.  Before shopping or accepting hand me downs think of function.  Could an old chest work as a cocktail table and serve as a storage venue for throw blankets and extra pillows?  What about an armoire with adjustable shelving that can serve an entertainment center in the living area providing extra storage for books, folded blankets, stereo equipment, CDs and more.

Inspiration with Words:
Create an atmosphere that is both motivational and inspiring by hanging custom quotes on the wall. Words have great power and a way of affecting your mood.  So, having a motivational quote awaiting your arrival home from a long day at work or school may be just what you need to shake off the day.

These are just a few suggestions you can use when decorating your Lafayette Louisiana Apartment efficiently and on a budget. To see more, follow us on Pinterest. 

TAGS: