We all love a good night of Netflix and Pizza. However, instead of calling your favorite pizza place, you should try this easy recipe. This BBQ Chicken Pizza will quickly become your favorite. You can learn more at The Kitchn.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Love Your Color
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:25 AM
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| Image courtesy of Boa-Franc |
Changing the feel of your apartment can be as simple as playing the color-scheme in your place. So rather than going renovation crazy, you can simply update a few accessories by following the color coordination tips below, (courtesy of renters.apartments.com).
First thing to know are the 6 different types of color schemes; monochromatic, complementary, split-complementary, double-complementary, triad and analogous.
Second thing to know is the color wheel. They're all the same when you search them on Google Images.
Third thing to know is that red, blue and yellow are your primary colors while green, orange and purple are secondary. Everything else falls into place.
Monochromatic
If you can just remember that mono- is a prefix meaning "single" or "one" you'll be able to remember this one super easily. A monochromatic scheme is pretty much when you've taken your space and applied various hues or tints of the same shade. I think this idea works super well in a laundry room or bathroom; something you don't plan on changing for a while but want to have a nice feel and flavor in. I also say that the best way to pull off this scheme is to keep the walls either a cream, white or grey base color. Painting the ceiling a shade from this scale can really bring a nice pop without having an overdose of color.
Complementary
Everyone remembers complementary colors from their elementary art class. To make this scheme you pick one color from the color wheel and match it to the color directly across from it. Examples would be Christmas (red and green) or the University of Illinois (blue and orange.) My advice on this is to remember that your primary and secondary colors all come in so many different shades, and you really need to remember that. I struggled with only imagining bright orange and royal blue, which can look okay but is also a very bold jump if you've kept to basic colors the whole time. An idea to start this off in a very calm way is to pastel one of your colors and make the other be bold. Baby powder blue with bold orange? Pastel yellow with a rich plum? Yes and yes please.
Split-Complementary
This is where we're treading waters; in a split-complementary scheme you pick your base color you want to deal with, find it's complement and then use the two colors next to it on either side of the wheel. For example, if I chose a blue-green as my base color, my split-complement scheme would include blue-green, orange and red. Typically the farther down I'll go on this list the bolder your scheme will become, and split-complementary is no exception. My suggestion would be to take your base color as a wall coating, utilize one split color in the furniture and then the second as just a splash in either the curtains, rug or throws.
Double-Complementary
By definition a double-complementary scheme is "four colors arranged into two complementary color pairs." Chances are you'll never perfect this in a way you'll love (unless you're a BIG risk taker.) The best way I can help you visualize this is with a teenage girls room; teal and red-orange (burnt orange) paired with yellow-green and a red-violet (deep pink.) This scheme is super hard to harmonize correctly but can be done well in an apartment, as it actually allows for you to pick a bunch of colors to have in maybe a bed spread or in a kitchen, especially if you have neutral walls.
Triad
This one's simple to remember, the prefix tri- means "three." Three colors on the wheel that are equally spaced from each other will create this funky theme. Easily enough this combo could just as easily be your primary or secondary colors just grouped together as normal. This example is the featured image of this post, which I stumbled upon during my class and fell in love with.
Analogous
Last but not least we have analogous, which is simply just colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. One of the most popular choices of this scheme tends to be usage of your blues, greens and yellow-greens. However, with the way the wheel works this is your best choice if you want a little variety, but something not quite as bold of funky as the above mentioned.
First thing to know are the 6 different types of color schemes; monochromatic, complementary, split-complementary, double-complementary, triad and analogous.
Second thing to know is the color wheel. They're all the same when you search them on Google Images.
Third thing to know is that red, blue and yellow are your primary colors while green, orange and purple are secondary. Everything else falls into place.
Monochromatic
If you can just remember that mono- is a prefix meaning "single" or "one" you'll be able to remember this one super easily. A monochromatic scheme is pretty much when you've taken your space and applied various hues or tints of the same shade. I think this idea works super well in a laundry room or bathroom; something you don't plan on changing for a while but want to have a nice feel and flavor in. I also say that the best way to pull off this scheme is to keep the walls either a cream, white or grey base color. Painting the ceiling a shade from this scale can really bring a nice pop without having an overdose of color.
Complementary
Everyone remembers complementary colors from their elementary art class. To make this scheme you pick one color from the color wheel and match it to the color directly across from it. Examples would be Christmas (red and green) or the University of Illinois (blue and orange.) My advice on this is to remember that your primary and secondary colors all come in so many different shades, and you really need to remember that. I struggled with only imagining bright orange and royal blue, which can look okay but is also a very bold jump if you've kept to basic colors the whole time. An idea to start this off in a very calm way is to pastel one of your colors and make the other be bold. Baby powder blue with bold orange? Pastel yellow with a rich plum? Yes and yes please.
Split-Complementary
This is where we're treading waters; in a split-complementary scheme you pick your base color you want to deal with, find it's complement and then use the two colors next to it on either side of the wheel. For example, if I chose a blue-green as my base color, my split-complement scheme would include blue-green, orange and red. Typically the farther down I'll go on this list the bolder your scheme will become, and split-complementary is no exception. My suggestion would be to take your base color as a wall coating, utilize one split color in the furniture and then the second as just a splash in either the curtains, rug or throws.
Double-Complementary
By definition a double-complementary scheme is "four colors arranged into two complementary color pairs." Chances are you'll never perfect this in a way you'll love (unless you're a BIG risk taker.) The best way I can help you visualize this is with a teenage girls room; teal and red-orange (burnt orange) paired with yellow-green and a red-violet (deep pink.) This scheme is super hard to harmonize correctly but can be done well in an apartment, as it actually allows for you to pick a bunch of colors to have in maybe a bed spread or in a kitchen, especially if you have neutral walls.
Triad
This one's simple to remember, the prefix tri- means "three." Three colors on the wheel that are equally spaced from each other will create this funky theme. Easily enough this combo could just as easily be your primary or secondary colors just grouped together as normal. This example is the featured image of this post, which I stumbled upon during my class and fell in love with.
Analogous
Last but not least we have analogous, which is simply just colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. One of the most popular choices of this scheme tends to be usage of your blues, greens and yellow-greens. However, with the way the wheel works this is your best choice if you want a little variety, but something not quite as bold of funky as the above mentioned.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Bedroom Styling
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:18 AM
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| "IMG_1208" by Matthew Piatt is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 |
Your bedroom should be the oasis in your apartment, so you want that space to feel as large as possible, whether it is actually large or not. You can use the decor and furniture pieces in your bedroom to manipulate the size of the space. So how do you make a room feel larger than it is? Try these tricks from Apartment Therapy:
1. Bed drawers and multi-tier nightstands
It's not within every budget to buy a bed that has built-in storage, but in this small and closet-less space, it appears to have been a vital element to ensure this small space actually functioned the way they needed it. Another fun storage feature? Not just one nightstand, but three, on each side! Floating nightstands have long been a smart choice for small spaces, but here, the addition of even more wall-mounted (or in this case, headboard-mounted) ledges means more room for both needed and decorative objects.
2. A large, horizontal wall-mounted mirror
We all know that wall-mounted reflective surfaces like mirrors work magic in small spaces, and in here it's no different. They chose to add the mirror to the wall opposite the door, which is a smart move since it'll reflect an image of the other room, making it feel a little more open than it actually is.
3. A sliding door
For privacy, you can't beat a door. For saving space and adding privacy, you can't beat a sliding door, which they made here themselves using mostly items found at Home Depot.
4. Light-colored black-out drapes that blend
For those who need a lot of darkness to sleep peacefully, black-out drapes (lined with dark, light-blocking fabric) are a must. But keep the side of the drapes that face the bedroom a light color, preferably a similar color to the wall. This will help them blend in and expand the look of the space visually.
5. A minimal style
It just makes sense — small spaces need less stuff, and keeping the decorative elements to a minimum will help keep a small space from feeling cluttered. But, that doesn't mean you have to keep everything out. As this small bedroom proves, you can find a good balance between art, decorative elements and more and still have a room that feels spacious for its size.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
5 Savvy Online Shopping Strategies to Know Before You Click "Buy"
Posted by Larimer Associates on 8:12 AM
Online Shopping something you love to do? Or maybe you dread navigating the online waters to buy a needed item? Either way you should peruse these tips for making your online purchases. Check out "5 Savvy Online Shopping Strategies to Know Before You Click "Buy""!
Even if you consider yourself a serious shopaholic, picking out the perfect thing online is a whole new set of skills. Lucky for you, we're here to help with these smart strategies so you can easily get what you need at the best price.
Adjust your monitor
It sounds too simple to work, but the first defense against buying the wrong thing is to simply make sure you're getting an accurate representation. Nothing can compare with seeing an item in person, but making sure your computer's colors are on point can go pretty far. If you suspect that the site's photography may be wonky, search that product to see if you can find another photo elsewhere for comparison.
Figure out the "real price"
Remember, your total charge will be the price you see, plus tax, plus shipping. If you need to return, that could be another fee. So do your math and determine if the savings you'll get online are really savings at all.
Double check the return policy
Even if you think you know it, check. Even if you know the store's brick and motar policy, check the site's language, too. The last thing you want is to get stuck with something that wasn't what you expected or wanted.
Brand loyalty will serve you well
That is, if you're familiar with a certain brand's sizing, finishes or fabrics, buying online will usually work out just fine. But if you're trying something new, it's more of a gamble. If you can make the extra effort to see your item in person, it might be worth the hassle of mailing back a return.
Price match
Our favorite dirty little online shopping secret? Stores want you to buy from them. So much so that they'll often match another, lower price elsewhere. No guarantees, of course, but it's well worth it to ask. Another get-the-right-price-trick? Alerts! There are tons of apps that will let you know when the price of an item you're eyeing has dropped to a must-buy amount. Use them. Use them now.
What else? Spill your online shopping secrets!
(Image credits: Jessica Isaac)
Original Article Here:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-savvy-online-shopping-strategies-to-know-before-you-click-215899
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Smarter Storage: 7 Ways to Reclaim Usable Space UNDER Your Shelves
Posted by Larimer Associates on 9:14 AM
Got a little clutter in your apartment you'd love to turn into a more organized and clean space? There's plenty of places in your pad you can use for a little extra storage, like under the shelves! This article breaks down some clever ideas that can give you a more organized feeling, so check out "Smarter Storage: 7 Ways to Reclaim Usable Space UNDER Your Shelves"!
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/smarter-storage-7-ways-to-reclaim-space-under-your-shelves-215691
Always on the hunt for ways to reclaim space from your small or cluttered home? Look now UNDER your shelves — you can make use of that space for storing stuff, too. We've gathered a number of examples of ways that people have transformed the space under their shelves; grab inspiration for your own!
Small wooden boxes
Small wooden boxes attached to the underside of a strong and sturdy shelf create little miniature and functional drawers. Seen here as a great addition to an entryway landing strip. Image spotted on Seventy Nine Ideas.
Undershelf baskets
Particularly great for reclaiming space in your kitchen cabinets and pantry, undershelf baskets that hang or affix to your existing shelves can be found at most home organization stores. Though not always the most stylish, they add a lot of function to your shelves. You could also use this idea with plastic bins for more hidden storage. Example from The Container Store.
Mason jars
Screwing or gluing the tops to mason jars to the underside of your shelves can be magic for creating a series of screw-off, see-through storage jars that can hold just about anything from craft supplies, to seasoning to more. Seen on House to Home.
Metal strip
You could go streamline and affix a large metal strip to the undersides of your shelves, making it magnetic and able to handle the storage of all sorts of things, from metal jar tops to knives to anything magnetized.
Undershelf hooks
Such a simple, affordable idea that just about anyone can implement to reclaim extra space under their shelves. The best part is you can use hooks under your shelves for just about anything. From coffee cups to KitchenAid attachments to dog leashes and more, these handy and unobtrusive organizational tools could be used wherever you have shelves. Image via Design*Sponge.
From The Kitchn → Clever Storage: Undershelf Hooks for KitchenAid Attachments and More
Wire wine hanging rack
This easy fix turns any shelf into a professional looking wine area great for entertaining. Jen from IHeart Organizing affixed these wine glass racks to the shelves in her dining room, reclaiming space and making it easier to serve guests.
A hanging rod
Depending on the type of shelves you have installed, you might be able to rig up a hanging rod underneath, that could serve as hanging space for a number of items that need storing, particularly in the kitchen. Spotted on Better Homes and Gardens.
(Image credits: Sam McAdam-Cooper for Homelife Magazine via Seventy Nine Ideas;The Container Store; Spike Powell for House to Home; Design*Sponge; IHeart Organizing; Better Homes and Gardens)
Original Article Here:http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/smarter-storage-7-ways-to-reclaim-space-under-your-shelves-215691
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Monday, February 2, 2015
Happy Groundhog Day
Posted by Larimer Associates on 7:36 AM
This year the Groundhog saw its shadow, and you know what that means - 6 more weeks of winter!
