How to Decorate Your Patio for Summer Living

With the weather getting warmer and brighter with each passing day, you might be looking for a new space to entertain and spend some peaceful time in your apartment. And if you have an outdoor space like a balcony, you may already be looking to those doors to make your way out this summer.

Especially as COVID-19 restrictions are lifting in New York City, people still want to be cautious and careful with their health and wellness. So while you might not be ready to go out to the bars and clubs, entertaining friends and family at your place is always an option you can control.

Your patio or outdoor space should be the perfect place to unwind. If you’re looking for the best ways to decorate your city patio or balcony, here are some ideas you can check out.

1. Start With the Furniture

One of the first things you might want to consider when decorating your patio or balcony is the type of furniture you want to have around and use. The kind of furniture you want to include on your patio depends on what you want to do with your space.

If you want to entertain and have places to serve summer treats, invest in a nice coffee table or dining table for outdoor eating. If you’d rather read and listen to music with just one pal, put your focus on comfortable chairs.

2. Plants Everywhere

This pointer can be especially helpful for those who live in urban settings without much greenery outside. Whether you have a flat patio, a tiny balcony, or a terrace, putting plants all around can truly make you feel like you’re experiencing the outdoors.

You can use planter boxes, hanging plants, or simple potted plants. You can even grow fruits and vegetables that are easy in urban environments like tomatoes and cucumbers.

Take inspiration from some of the best-designed outdoor spaces NYC buildings have to offer. Private and community terraces alike offer a more serene setting with plenty of potted plants and greenery to dress up an outdoor seating area. Small trees and shrubbery can be low-maintenance with all the benefits of nature.

3. Light It Up

Even in the summer, the sun goes down. That’s why it can be functional and aesthetically pleasing to find lights that work for your patio.

While using a standard porch light can be a great starting point, finding string lights, fairy lights, and other lighting solutions — like outdoor candles or torches — can both cast light into unexpected places and add to the chic style of your outdoor space.

4. Establish Social Space

This one might depend on exactly how much space you have, but if you’re looking to entertain in your space, leaving a bit of standing room can help out a lot. Nobody likes to feel cramped, especially if you’re socially distancing. Know the purpose of your space so you can design it accordingly. And if that includes a bit of extra room, don’t ignore that need!

Many large residential buildings in New York City have designed patio spaces to accommodate several groups of residents, allowing for small gatherings that don’t create crowding. 25 Park Row, for example, is a tower structured with terraces and balconies to boost its biophilic design philosophy. If you don’t own your own outdoor space, securing a unit with well-design outdoor space can still provide plenty of summer socialization.

5. Throw Some Shade

The summer sun can be a bit hot. That’s why having a place to get outside but still get some shade can be a great balance. Each balcony and patio will require its own shade solutions and shade structures. While some will work best with a parasol, others might require an awning.

If nothing else, a nice umbrella can usually get the job done. Find something that matches your style and you should be good to go!

Decorating Your City Patio for Summer

Each patio and balcony is different. Living in the hustle and bustle of New York, you deserve an outdoor space where you can relax, entertain, or do any mix of the two. It’s all about finding what works with your personal style and taking things from there.

From the furniture to the lighting, there are so many ways to use your outdoor space for function and style. Do you have a favorite decorating technique for outdoor spaces?

About the Author:

Evelyn Long is a real estate writer and editor. She manages Renovated, a web magazine for renters, buyers and professionals. She’s also contributed to Rental Housing Journal, National Association of REALTORS®, and other online publications.

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Space-Saving Alternatives to the Classic Dining Room

Square footage can be a hot commodity when it comes to living space. Urban rentals are especially notorious for a lack of space. When physical space is limited, a dining room or designated dining area may be the first thing to go. On the flip side, you may find yourself needing your dining space for another purpose.

Given that most people don’t use a formal dining area these days, that space may serve you better if you use it in another way. Whatever your dining space needs are (or aren’t), there’s a solution for you.

1. Multipurpose Furniture Arrangements

If you’re looking to add a dining area to your rental but your square footage to work with is less than plentiful, you might want to consider a multipurpose furniture arrangement. Especially when you’re renting, you won’t be able to expand your space, so it’s important to utilize the space you do have in the smartest way possible.

Maybe your rental has a built-in furniture feature, such as a window seat or extended kitchen counter. If you have a window seat, you can use it as a reading nook or lounging spot, but a table and some chairs can turn it into a functional dining area.

With 86% of home buyers preferring a kitchen/dining area combination, it’s likely you may have some extra counter space that you can add a few barstools to, and it can serve as a great spot for entertaining or your everyday dining needs without the need for a formal dining set and designated room.

If you’re creating a space entirely out of your own furniture, consider using benches or tables with extra storage. This can offer you a solution to a lack of storage, or allow you to use this space for multiple purposes.

With the advent of remote and hybrid work, you may need to use your dining area as a workspace as well. Simply stow away your work materials when you’re clocked out, and enjoy your meals in a cozy dining area.

2. Utilize Other Areas of Your Living Space

Even if you don’t have a dedicated dining area, you might have another area that can double as a dining and living space.

If your rental is blessed with an outdoor living area and favorable weather, consider adding a dining set to your outdoor setup. Depending on the space, you may be able to accommodate a bistro set or a formal dining set. Either way, adding dining space to your outdoor living setup can give you the benefits of outdoor time and the perfect place to enjoy your meals, weather permitting.

Unfortunately, not all of us have the luxury of a usable outdoor area or the climate that allows for its use. Without a dedicated room or area for dining, you may have to make your own with the living space you do have. If a lack of square footage is your main concern, try some space-saving techniques like using the corners and wall space you do have available.

3. Use Your Dining Space for Another Purpose

You might find yourself needing more space, but not for a dining area. Maybe you have a formal dining area and an eat-in kitchen, and don’t utilize your dining space often enough to justify keeping it around for that purpose. 

If you have a dining space in your home that you don’t find yourself using, you might consider using that space for something else that will serve you and your lifestyle better.

Depending on the setup of your living space, a guest room may be the perfect replacement for your formal dining area. Even if this has less privacy than you’d like to offer your guests, using room dividers or curtains can supplement both privacy and an aesthetic touch.

With the right vision, an unused dining area can provide an excellent home for really any spatial needs you may have outside of mealtime. If you find yourself getting a lot of work done at home, give yourself an adequate space for productivity and turn that dining area into a home office.

A keyboard and drums might find a home in your repurposed dining area if you’re a musician looking for a spot to practice. You might even want to swap out the dining table for a pool table and enjoy your new game room.

Get Creative With Your Dining Space

Whether you find your dining area becoming dispensable in your lifestyle or you don’t feel you have enough space for a dedicated dining space, there’s always an answer to your problem. Even if you’re renting, one of the most exciting things about having your own space is making it yours. Getting creative with the limits put on your living space can make it feel all the more like home.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

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How to Find Zen During Life's Most Difficult Moments

With so much going on all the time, it can be hard to find relief from stress. When the chaos of life gets to be too much, it's important to find your Zen; that inner peace that helps you refocus and calm yourself so you can take on all of life's challenges. Here are some simple ways you can find your Zen:

Take a Deep Breath

This is a great go-to strategy for many people because it allows them to relax whether they're at home, work, or somewhere public. All you need to do is stop where you are and take several deep breaths in and out. Try and relax by moving your arms and legs to release the tension in your body too.

Play Some Music

One of the best things you can do to find your inner Zen is to play music. Studies have shown people who sing are less anxious and much happier. You can create different playlists you can listen to depending on your mood and it's a great way to take time for yourself, even if it's only a few minutes. This can be the perfect way to unwind after a long day of work.

Close Your Eyes

If you find yourself needing a moment of Zen, close your eyes. This allows you to shut out outside noise and find inner peace. This can also be beneficial in difficult moments, such as arguments at home. Studies show that couples with a husband that does not work full-time and a wife who is the income-earner are 33% more likely to divorce. So if you find yourself in an argument over big issues like money, pause, take a breath, and close your eyes to refocus. This will give you a new perspective.

Hug A Loved One

Make no mistake: life events like divorce or a family death or changing jobs can be stressful. In those difficult moments, you can help yourself find your inner Zen by hugging a loved one. Say, for example, you're going through a divorce that's tough on you and your child. Studies show that in divorce cases, children will spend 277 days out of the year with the custodial parent.

Go To Your Happy Life

You've often heard this when you're facing a difficult task or trying to work through a difficult situation. But there's a good reason why. If you can identify a place that brings you happiness, it can help feel total tranquility and peace when things are stressful. So when you need to find Zen, think about your ultimate happy place and picture yourself there.

Smile

Believe it or not, research has shown that putting on a smile can shift your mindset and mood. When you find yourself in a stressful situation where you need to find your Zen, smile and keep smiling. When you smile, endorphins are released, which can put you in a great mood. Let's say you're working on a house project removing mold, something that 70% of homes have been found to have. It can be hard, stressful work, but if you smile while you do it, it can make it more tolerable.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to find your Zen, even during life's most difficult moments. So, when you find yourself going through a divorce, hard times at work, or troubles at home, stop for a minute. Take deep breaths, hug someone you love, put on a smile, and think about your happy place. You may surprise yourself with just how much your mood and mindset shift for the better.

How to Deck Out Your Apartment for Entertaining

When you have a place built for entertaining, you create the chance to fill your life with fun and excitement. Even small spaces have abundant functionality when you take a certain approach to design. After all, living in smaller urban homes has never stopped New Yorkers from enjoying a good party.

To make the most of your apartment for friendly entertainment, here are a few ideas to take with you.

Maximize Seating for Dinner Parties

You may not have the room for a large dining table that seats eight people. Instead, take what you have and create seating for everyone throughout the entire apartment. 

Many apartment dwellers stick to the stand-and-mingle party arrangement. However, you can still set up a dinner party with seating arrangements in the living room and the kitchen. Rely on your kitchen island, existing tables and other surfaces to provide creative eating space for guests.

Then, set up other party stations away from eating areas to free up room for plates. Create a makeshift bar area with stools for endless drink options. And if you have an outdoor space available, be sure to place a table on the deck so guests can get a breathtaking view.

Decorate for Comfort and Drama

You'll want to create the perfect entertainment space for all types of guest activities, including sitting, standing, and conversing. If you’re a major entertainer, you’re probably looking to impress your guests with your design chops — so combine functionality with drama in your furnishing and decorating choices.

Make your space more inviting by using leather sofa seating to create a comfortable seating area for an upscale cocktail lounge. Vegan leather couches are easy to keep clean and provide various prints for a classy look.

Consider layering options with lighting. Decorative chandeliers and modern wall sconces can add functionality and dimension to the overall space.

Optimize Counter Space

Tiered trays and cake stands are your best bet when it comes to maximizing countertop space. They're perfect for serving up your favorite finger foods and making your countertops feel bigger.

Another way you can accommodate guests is to try cocktails and hor d'oeuvres instead of a full, formal dinner. Think about offering fine wine and staple liquors or beers for entertainment. Once guests arrive, you can create an accessible self-serving area for refreshing drinks and light bites.

You could also consider adding a moving cart when you need additional counter space. While this creates the added space, it also adds class to your apartment. Plus, bar carts are practical for any situation because they're compact and roll away easily for storage.

Declutter With Storage

Entertaining guests can get messy, especially when people have a good time. In that case, it's always a great idea to incorporate stackable storage units for keeping areas neat and making more room.

Multifunctional furniture and storage spaces help you keep the entertainment stuff – like games and magazines – out of the way, so guests have a spot to set their drinks. Having everything in its proper place keeps your apartment organized. Plus, it makes it easy to clean up afterward.

Rearrange Your Furniture

The more floor space you have, the better it is for entertaining guests. You can move your furniture to suit guests for mingling when holding a cocktail party. Consider moving furniture up against the walls and removing bar stools for the evening.

Place the extra seating in your bedroom or ask your neighbor to keep them for you overnight.

You can also swap furniture if you're hosting a dinner party. By moving the dining table into your living room – and shifting living room lounge chairs in the dining area – you can make the table the focal point of your apartment. This creates more space and a better flow for a great party.

Create an Overall Ambiance

A successful party can entirely depend on the mood you create for your guests. So, when you don't have room for a ton of décor, try getting creative. Add scented candles around the room and hang up color-changing LED strip lights for a fun effect.

Make the music quiet enough that people can talk over it but also hear it simultaneously. When the party mood evolves, switch up the music from time to time so guests can stay engaged.

Also, if you want to keep the noise from disturbing your neighbors, consider adding paneling, carpets, and thick curtains. This will keep the noise to a minimum and provide great sound quality throughout your apartment.

Choose a Place for Hanging Coats and Bags

The colder months mean you'll need a space to hang heavy coats, boots, and bags. Try to pick a spot so guests won't have to carry their stuff or wonder where to set their things.

To make the most room, consider using your bedroom. Or, clear out a space in the front closet so guests can hang their things.

Decorate Your Apartment for Entertaining Guests

Be sure to set aside time so you can plan everything out carefully. When you plan, you get more done before the party. And once it starts, you get to relax more as the host. Once you've successfully decorated your apartment, it's time for the fun to begin.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Last Minute Presents For Even The Pickiest of People

Most people you’re able to get the best present for, but this year with shipping delays and last-minute deals it can be hard to make sure you have the right present in time. Especially for the pickiest of people, between the cousin who has everything or the Aunt who wants nothing here are last-minute presents you can get just about everyone.

Perfectly timed for seasonal celebrations and holiday gifting, exceptional sparkling winery Chandon and specialty food curator Food52 have partnered to launch ‘A Taste of the Bay’ - a limited-edition gourmet kit that celebrates a classic yet refined California-inspired combo: briny bay-grown oysters and bubbly Chandon By The Bay Reserve Blanc de Blancs.

This thoughtfully curated ‘A Taste of the Bay’ sparkling wine and oyster kit comes complete with Food52’s favorite California accoutrements and go-to oyster toppers, festive oyster recipe ideas, and a bottle of Chandon’s finest By The Bay Reserve Blanc de Blancs for popping and pairing. Add your own personal twist or dash of heat to any fresh oysters you enjoy, or complete the culinary experience with a special gift from Chandon – 50% off freshly bay-farmed oysters from Real Oyster Cult delivered directly to your doorstep along with glove and shucking knife. Ideal for gifting, the kit is also perfect for holiday entertaining, happy hours and festive nights in.

The Chandon + Food52 ‘A Taste of the Bay’ kit will be available for purchase HERE from November 12, 2021 to January 7, 2022, for $75.00 USD.

Pointy Snout, the stylish caviar house known for its outstanding caliber and commitment to sustainability through responsible sturgeon farming, celebrates its 10-year anniversary with a chic new digital identity and the Edition Decennial Gift Set.

When Pointy Snout launched a decade ago, founders Alexandra Du Cane and Michael Kline were forward-thinking outliers for making sustainability a core tenet of their business, and in the ten years since, the industry has begun to follow suit.

Now, with their striking new online platform, conceived of by creative studio Monogram Paris — sought after fashion Creative Director Ashley Helvey (The Line, Gabriela Hearst, KHAITE) and acclaimed art book publisher and Art Director Jurgen Maelfeyt (Art Paper Editions) — Pointy Snout once again differentiates itself, this time with a timeless, utterly sophisticated yet playful aesthetic, unseen, heretofore, in the caviar sector. With tactile and textured images by top tier photographers such as Gentl + Hyers that invoke art photographers such as Jan Groover, Edward Weston and Irving Penn, Pointy Snout’s appearance now perfectly mirrors its principle: that enjoying the finest caviar should be a pleasure — an embrace from a treasured friend, a caress — without the pomp, intimidation and outdated constructs prevalent in this luxury category.

Make It Personal with Dewar’s

These dark spirits are giving people the option to add a thoughtful addition to their bottle through their Personalization Emporium. Customization is available to Dewar’s 12 year, Dewar’s 15 and the 1.75L bottle of Dewar’s 12. Labels can be received through the mail just in time for the holidays when ordered.

SRP: Labels free, simply purchase bottle of choice

Mount Gay Rum x Sea Bags Ocean Currents Tote

This ready to go anywhere bag is perfect for the adventure seeker or beach goer. Whether you are travelling for a long weekend, heading on a family outing or off on an adventure in the mountains or beach, this bag can carry all you need.

Price: $230

Hawthorne Revitalizing Bergamot Set

Refreshingly effervescent, our citrus-scented formulas are both nuanced and incredibly energizing. Dive head first into these subtly intoxicating formulas scented with premium citrus ingredients.

• HAND WASH (10 FL. OZ. - 300 ML)

• BODY WASH (8 FL. OZ. - 235 ML)

• FACE CLEANSER (4 FL. OZ. - 118 ML)

Bubbys Holiday Bundle

Save with our Holiday Bundle!  Includes Bubby's Pancake mix and a Bubby's T-shirt

Masktini’s Metal Head Mask

Do you want to glitter like gold this Holiday Season? Shine on with Masktini’s Metal Head. This metallic face mask contains mineral micro-pigments that leave behind just the slightest hint of glint—even after you’ve washed that pretty face. While you are sparking on the surface level, Metal Head is helping to reduce redness and inflammation from the harsh winter weather.

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9 Luxury Goods for the Well Off

Quality over quantity is a phrase that often applies to those who love luxury products. Whether you’re looking to splurge or simply for something to aspire towards, this list will cover it. From Dolce & Gabbana haute couture to designer furniture, here are nine luxury goods to fawn over.

1. Margaret Bracelet Armchair

This fabulous chair from Fendi Casa combines leather and steel in a sleek yet ornate design. Covered in Fendi’s classic Astuccio motif, it is recognizable without being gaudy. It would make a great statement piece for any room in the house.

2. Dolce & Gabbana Venice Collection

It’s impossible to pick just one item from this haute couture collection. From the kaleidoscope-inspired dress to the embroidered mini-skirt, there are plenty of details to drool over. Even more impressive, the brand always creates its Alta Moda shows and corresponding clothes around the locations they take place in.

3. Invasion Barbare Fragrance

This men’s fragrance has base notes of vanilla, musk, and patchouli and top notes of violet leaf and bergamot. Add to that some middle notes of lavender, cardamom, thyme, and ginger, and you have a captivating cologne that is sure to turn heads. Not only that, this rare scent comes in a bottle with a bust on the lid. It’s art for your skin and your countertop.

4. Tom Ford Oud Wood

Another woody and rich fragrance, this scent is unisex and is sure to bring compliments your way. With notes of rosewood, sandalwood, amber, and vetiver, you will love this smell if you like warm aromas. This fragrance is also easier to find than Invasion Barbare, but no less captivating. Tom Ford’s clothing isn’t half-bad, either.

5. Dyson Airwrap

This hair tool is taking over the beauty world with its versatility and ability to create salon styles at home. Dyson revolutionized the vacuum industry, creating some of the world’s best home cleaning tools. Now, they have moved into the beauty space creating practical tools with luxury design and materials. They sometimes produce limited edition colors that you’ll want to display in your bathroom.

6. Crème de la Mer

If you’re a skincare junkie, you’ve probably heard of this cult-favorite skin cream. It’s so potent that the brand refers to their main product’s base as “miracle broth.” You can expect smooth skin, less dryness, and fewer lines after using this product consistently.

7. Nocturnal Alchemy Bracelet

Handcrafted jewelry is underappreciated, as is evidenced by this gorgeous 24ct gold bracelet by Alighieri. Made in Hatton Garden, London, this piece is hand-carved, then cast in bronze and plated. This brand focuses on sustainability and uses recycled excess bronze to create its next pieces as a bonus.

8. Lawrence of La Brea Vintage Rugs

These incredible rugs can add depth and comfort to your living room and bedroom while providing quality that a warehouse sale rug cannot match. Those located in Los Angeles can browse their showroom, but fortunately for those elsewhere, much of their stock is available online. Their vintage collection is outstanding and will cost you a pretty penny.

9. Gaggenau Steam Oven

Luxury in the kitchen is just as important, and home cooks and professional chefs alike love this combi-steam oven from Gaggenau. Its steam feature prevents cross-flavoring if you want to cook dinner and dessert at the same time and cooks more quickly while retaining moisture.

If you’re looking for some new fashion, or you want to enhance your home’s design, there are items on this list for you. The caliber of the gems on this list might inspire you to start saving for a more luxurious future.

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How to Get the Most out of a Smart Home Setup

Smart homes can make your life much more convenient. With today’s technology, you have many options when picking devices. Once you have them installed, the next step is using them efficiently. Here are some of the best ways to use your smart home setup.

1. Coordinate Your Lighting

With smart lights, you can control your lighting from your phone or with your voice. But don’t stop there to take full advantage of your smart light bulbs — you can take this feature a step further by pre planning routines triggered by time of day or voice prompts.

Struggle to find the motivation to wake up and start an early morning workout? Try setting your lights to turn on at 6 am without prompting from you. Want to dim the lighting to reflect candlelight for your 7 PM dinner? You can try that too. Enjoy truly automated lighting routines with just a little prep work.

Also, some lights let you change the color to create a specific ambiance. It’s perfect for setting the mood during a party or date night. Another benefit of smart lights is that they help with security. For example, you can turn them on remotely while on vacation to deter potential break-ins and throw off anyone who may be keeping an eye on your schedule.

2. Play Your Favorite Songs

Smart speakers, like HomePod or Amazon Echo, can make it easy to hear your favorite music whenever. You can simply ask your personal assistant to play a particular song. It’s perfect for parties or when you’re cooking.

Again, though, routines can really level up this speaker setup. With the Alexa Routines feature from Amazon, for example, you can now schedule your music. You can set it to automatically play your favorite artist when you wake up in the morning or play soothing music to fall asleep.

3. Create a Shopping List

Don’t forget everyday functionality that can take the onus off you for grocery shopping each week. With voice assistant speakers, you can easily create a shopping list. Your Google Home or other smart hub will sync with your phone’s grocery list app. Then, whenever you want to add an item to the list, simply use voice commands. 

Having a digital copy ensures it will be with you wherever you go so that you won’t leave it at home. Also, if you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you need something, you can add it to your list right away. The bonus is you don’t even have to use your hands.

4. Save Money on Your Energy Bills

Smart thermostats are an excellent way to conserve energy and reduce expenses. These devices can shut off when you’re away and turn back on when you come home. Also, they learn your ideal temperature and adjust accordingly. Besides conserving energy, you can save up to $140 on your heating and cooling bills per year.

Another benefit of smart thermostats is their convenience. You can control it from your phone  — letting you warm up your home office in the middle of a meeting or while you’re on your way back from a trip away.

5. Take Further Advantage of Voice Assistants

Voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa, can make your life so much simpler. This may seem obvious, but without really exploring the capabilities of these voice assistants, many people may invest in these devices without building the habit of using them to their full potential.

In addition to playing your music on cue, you can control them hands-free to accomplish lots more. Suppose you’re cooking but need to look up a recipe. You can simply use your smart assistant. Also, if you’re doing work and need to Google something, you can ask right from your seat.

Here are some other tasks smart speakers can help with:

• Set up calendars and appointments

• Make phone calls

• Set a timer for food or laundry

• Get weather and news updates

• Play a game, like trivia

6. Improve Your Security

Smart security cameras are excellent for monitoring your home remotely. It can give you better peace of mind when you’re traveling and help you keep tabs on package deliveries.

The cameras allow you to upload footage to the cloud for greater convenience, which can come in handy if you or your neighbors need footage of a local concern. Look for cameras that have high-resolution video, motion detection, and audio recording.

Along with the camera, upgrade to a video doorbell and smart lock for better protection. Having a video doorbell allows you to see who's at the door before even opening it. When you live with roommates or family, this can be a great way to conveniently grant them access in the case of lost keys or visitors.

7. Charge Your Devices More Efficiency

Smart plugs can help you power all your electronics remotely so you can adjust your usage from any room in the house. It’s also convenient for those hard-to-reach outlets. Some plugs even offer real-time energy monitoring and recommended on and off schedules.

8. Get Your Smart Devices Working Together

We’ve already mentioned routines and their capacity to make lighting more intuitive. However, routines can coordinate lots of various smart devices to work in tandem with a central trigger or command. Experiment with these to find routines that work best for your lifestyle

For example, you can set the lights to turn on and music to start playing at certain times in the morning. You can prompt your smart hub to remind you of your scheduled meetings and turn down your lights and thermostat by saying “I’m leaving” on your way to work.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even ask your smart hub to set all the lights to bright colors and play disco music when you say “I’m ready to party.” Whatever experience you’re looking for, your smart hub won’t judge you.

Best Ways to Use Your Smart Home

Smart technology is quickly growing in popularity. However, you might find yourself with a purchased or gifted smart hub and no idea what to do with it. Learning the full capabilities of these smart devices can help you have a little fun and create more organization at home.

With these devices, you can complete tasks right from your phone and set yourself up for success. Consider these tips for enjoying your smart home.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Contemporary Fall Decor Trends for Your Home

As the weather begins to cool and the leaves start turning, it only makes sense to reflect that comfortable, cozy feeling inside your home. The holidays are coming up and nature-inspired colors are all around. Whether you’re in the mood to switch up your decor or you’re starting from the ground up, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Here are some contemporary fall decor trends for your home. These options can make your home feel like the ideal autumnal retreat, and may encourage you to get cozy and snug for the season — even if you leave far from country farmland.

1. Pumpkins

Sometimes you just can’t go wrong with the classics, and pumpkins are about as classic as things come. Whether you go with the completely traditional all-orange pumpkins or you pick out a few white and green gourds to spice things up, they are classy and sophisticated choices for any home. 

You can always carve up some jack-o-lanterns, but the contemporary look is to keep these vegetables intact. A bonus? They’ll last longer this way, meaning you may be able to avoid multiple trips to the pumpkin patch — unless you’re looking for more autumnal getaways, of course.

2. Candles

If you want a bit of subtle warmth and Gothic charm in your space, look no further than candles to do the trick. Whether you deck the center of your dining table in full candlestick glory or you fill your fireplace with candles for a classy glow, there are so many ways to bring warmth to your space.

For contemporary design that’s actually a throwback to old-fashioned classics, look for petty candlesticks and tapered candles to get an elegant look for autumn. Candles encased in glass are still fantastic elements, of course — and you can support small crafters by perusing fall markets for handcrafted fall scents.

3. Natural Materials

The fall has so many amazing natural choices to offer when it comes to decor, so why not utilize them? Leaves, fresh flowers and autumnal plants can make their way into your home for a wonderful outdoorsy charm. If you want to get into the fall spirit, hang a natural wreath on your front door or spring for some fresh flowers on your kitchen table.

Autumn is all about bountiful harvests, so it’s not the time to give up on natural decor. Green leaves and flowers can still deliver on a fresh look without needing to switch to hay and colored leaves.

4. Get Dark

If you hear fall and think “Halloween,” you’re in luck. Halloween decoration isn’t just for kids — you can embrace darker elements in sophisticated ways. There are so many classy, contemporary ways to decorate your place for the spooky season. 

One of the best ways to show off your Gothic spirit is to get dark with your decor. Of course, you can’t paint the walls black for one season of the year, but you can get dark throw pillows, flowers and even art to hang seasonally while you wait for Allhallow’s Eve. Turning your contemporary space into a Gothic-inspired mansion is a great way to celebrate Halloween without plastic skeletons and cartoon jack-o-lanterns.

5. Cozy Blankets and Pillows

There’s nothing better than cozying up with a cup of hot chocolate under the blankets while you watch a scary movie with friends. Therefore, the coziest and most comfortable fixings must be in store. 

Stacking your space with the coziest blankets and throw pillows for decorative and practical purposes is exactly what you need to do come autumn. Put them on the bed, the couch and in every corner of your home — you’ll likely use every last one of them.

6. Transition Outdoor Living Space

City dwellers with a balcony or outdoor courtyard know how precious this living space is, so there’s no reason to abandon it once autumn arrives. This season is a great transitional time for your outdoor living space, letting you deck it out with warmer elements before you need to guard against winter snow.

Outdoor pillows and throws can also help you cozy up on cool fall nights, though you may want to keep an eye on rain reports to know when to store them inside. Outdoor lighting including lanterns and warm-toned string lights can add some seasonal twinkle. Imagine how nice Thanksgiving would be at your home if you can cap off the night with an outdoor cocktail.

7. Light It Up

Once you’re done stringing lights outside, it’s time to rethink lighting in your interior, too. One of the best ways to decorate your place for autumn is by bringing in the warmth using lighting. It begins to get darker outside earlier in the fall, making your lights even more important than they are during the summertime. 

Try creative candles, fairy lights and warmer light bulbs to match the season. This can serve both for function and aesthetics. You may not get that bright summer sun any more, but you can still embrace pleasing lighting for a darker season.

8. Aromatherapy

Even though aromatherapy isn’t a form of decor you can see, it definitely contributes to any space. Autumn has so many scents that are truly symbolic of the season, so it should be easy to find candles, incense and even air fresheners that match your home’s decor. 

Whether you tend to be a bigger fan of essential oils or the classic scented candle, go for scents like cinnamon, bergamot, cranberry, cedar, sage and other autumnal aromas.

Contemporary Fall Decor Trends for Your Home

From classic and natural options to the comfortable, cozy and Gothic, there are so many ways to decorate your home for fall. Whether you love pumpkins, raw materials or the spooky spirit of Halloween, you can find decor that matches your taste while you shop around for your favorite looks this season.

Author

Evelyn Long is the editor-in-chief of Renovated. Her real estate work has been published by the National Association of REALTORS®, Rental Housing Journal, and other online publications.

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