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Many households prefer a fresh Christmas tree to a fake one. However, you have to be careful that your tree stays fresh, or you run the risk of it not only looking bad but becoming a fire hazard. Here are a few tips that can help you to keep your Christmas tree fresh for as long as possible.
Trim the Trunk of Your Tree Before Placing It in Water
One of the best ways to keep your Christmas tree fresh for as long as possible is to trim the trunk of the tree before placing it in water. Many people make the mistake of assuming that the trunk of the tree doesn't need to be trimmed because the tree lot trimmed it. However, after the trunk is trimmed, sap and resin can begin to cover up the cut trunk very quickly. This seals off the pores in the trunk that help to drink and absorb water, which limits the water intake of the tree. Always freshly cut the tree trunk and immediately place it into water.
Ensure Your Tree Has Enough Water at All Times
Some people believe that you can help your tree last longer if you place bleach, sugar, clear soda or additives in the tree's water. None of these have been scientifically proven to help your tree stay fresher longer. The only thing that has been shown to help is to ensure that your tree has enough water at all times. The tree should be in a stand that always has enough water in it to fully cover the cut end of the trunk.
Position Your Tree Away From Heat Sources
The final tip for keeping your Christmas tree fresh for as long as possible is to position it away from any heat sources, including vents, air ducts, a stand-alone heater or heat that radiates from sunlight shining in a window. Heat can dry your tree out quickly, so keeping it away from such sources can help it last longer.
A fresh Christmas tree can make your home smell wonderful and feel festive. But a tree may not be all you're looking for this holiday season. If you're planning to move soon, you may be searching for Phoenix, Arizona, apartments. Here at Element Deer Valley, we offer everything from studio to four-bedroom apartment homes. Contact us today to learn more about our floor plans or to tour our complex.
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The holidays are nearly here, and for many people, that means it's time to begin decorating to create a festive display. When most people think of decorating, they often think of hanging lights on their home or placing inflatables in a large yard. If you live in an apartment, you may not think that you can do much. But, with a little creativity, you can turn your patio or balcony space into an illuminated, glittery holiday display. Here are a few tips to help you decorate a patio or balcony for the holidays.
String Lights Along Your Horizontal Railings
One of the easiest ways to decorate a patio or balcony for the holidays is to string lights along the horizontal railings on your outdoor space. You can wrap the lights around the horizontal railing or use light hangers to adhere the lights into place. You can use traditional large bulbed Christmas lights, or opt for smaller lights, such as icicle lights.
Make Use of Your Vertical Railings or Panels
While many people make use of their horizontal railings when decorating a patio or balcony space, many people neglect to use their vertical railings or wall panels to their advantage. If you have vertical railings, you can wrap lights around the vertical railings to create a candy cane effect. If you have wall panels, you can hang light up signs or fun shaped decorations on the panels. Make the most of the space you have by utilizing your vertical railings or wall panels.
Take Advantage of the Depth of the Space
Speaking of making the most of the space you have, don't forget to take advantage of the depth you have on your patio or balcony. You can place things like an inflatable on your porch or balcony, or you can use a projector to project images on the exterior walls of your building.
Everyone should live in a place that they love and are proud to call home. If you are looking for Phoenix, Arizona apartments to move into before the holidays, let Element Deer Valley help you. Contact us today to learn more about availability, pricing and move-in specials.
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When you think of texture, you might envision cut-pile carpets or quilted wall hangings, and you would be correct. These are elements that add texture to a space, and they're vital because they provide interest and depth. A room without texture of any kind, or a room with too little texture, tends to feel flat or boring. It's the texture that livens up a space, both visually and by touch. Learn about the important design element of texture to help make apartments in Phoenix feel more cohesive.
Visual Versus Actual Texture
While it's true that you can feel many textures, there are just as many that are only visual. Picture a piece of artwork that's a macro image of a fall leaf. You can see the veins in the leaf. You can see the drops of dew sitting on the leaf, and you can see the edge of the leaf where it's bent forward and the back of the leaf shows. This is art that's adding texture to your space, even though you can't physically feel it.
Actual texture is the texture that you can physically feel with your hands — a braided rug, a bamboo placemat or a pillow made from faux fur are all elements that bring actual texture to a room.
Importance of Texture
Adding texture to your space is important because it provides both interest and depth. Both a dominant and contrasting texture should be present to keep boredom at bay and to keep your space from feeling flat or incomplete. Texture can be comforting and cozy, or it can be sleek and modern, depending upon the intent of the designer.
How to Add Texture
Adding texture to your space is as easy as bringing in items you love and pairing them with plain or solid decor elements such as white space, lines, and forms. Play around with your design until you find an arrangement that feels right for you to get the most from textures.
When you're ready to view Phoenix, AZ apartments, come see us at Element at Deer Valley. You're going to love our nine-foot ceilings, new appliances, and our full range of amenities to fit every lifestyle.
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White walls are generally the standard in Phoenix apartments, and it can be difficult to redesign a space that features bland, vanilla walls. Changing things up and adding color are easy to do without jeopardizing your security deposit. Here are some tips to help you add pops of color and make your mark on your new apartment.
Turn Your Walls Into a Canvas
Showcase your personality by using your white walls as a canvas for your own personal style. Go all out with your furniture, fixtures and accents. Of course, you can work with the white and go for a monochromatic palette, but why not add pops of color? Treat your blank walls as a showcase for your personal style.
Go Bonkers for Books
Adding bookshelves that feature a wide array of books is an easy way to add color to your interior. It’s a great way to display your favorite authors. Not a big reader? Hit up your local thrift store and pick up some books for cheap. Look for covers that reflect the color scheme in your room design.
Show Off Your Art
Whether you have original paintings, prints, framed photographs or sculptures, having a white backdrop will make your art sing. Don’t have any art? Why not showcase collections you have of records, CDs or personal collectibles? Anything with a pop of color can be presented as art.
Go for Green
Nothing makes a home feel more welcoming than plants. Tuck a plant into corners around furniture, or make a statement with a large indoor tree. A small group of cacti will brighten your desk. A little herb garden will and a punch of color to your kitchen.
Play With Light
Use LED tube lighting to define spaces. Install them under cabinets or below your ceiling molding to highlight works of art and just generally give your Phoenix apartment a warm glow. Keep your windows open if you have a great view of the Arizona skyline.
Designing a space that is fun, fresh, colorful and fascinating is easy if you use your blank walls to your advantage. Check out the Element at Deer Valley apartments today to find a blank canvas you can use to create your own colorful living space.
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The one thing people lament most about their kitchens is that they tend to be organized a little too inefficiently. Even if you feel as though you have plenty of countertop and cabinet space for food storage and food prep, there always seems to be wasted time in the process of preparing food for your daily routine. These organizational ideas will help you prioritize the way you organize your kitchen.
Prioritize Access to Essentials
Think about the small appliances you use daily. Are they located within easy reach, offering easy access? If not, how can they be more convenient for you? Think about whether you have to walk across the room daily to fill the coffeepot. Could you move the coffeepot closer to the sink? For that matter, do you even drink coffee daily? If you don’t use appliances daily, or even weekly, could they be stored out of the way and only brought out when needed?
The idea is to have easy-and-fast access to the items you use daily while placing other items out of sight and/or out of reach.
Where Do You Store Your Cooking Tools?
Make a list of the tools you use almost daily when cooking. These include things like:
- Cooking utensils
- Pots and pans
- Potholders, towels, etc.
- Spices and seasonings
- Waste bins
These are the things you want to have close at hand when cooking. In the same vein, you’d like to have easy access to kitchen knives, cutting boards and colanders near your sink, where they are most likely to be used.
Storing Dishes for Greater Efficiency
Glasses are also wise to have either near your sink, for easy access to water, or near your refrigerator where most of the drinks are stored. You might want to avoid, however, storing dishes directly above your dishwasher as this area is difficult to reach when the dishwasher is open to retrieve clean dishes.
Are you ready for a newer, more efficient kitchen? Check out the kitchen floor plans in these apartments in Phoenix, AZ, and put them to the test to find the one that meets your needs best.
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Did you know the way you decorate your bedroom can affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep? It’s true. From the colors you use to the items you bring into your bedroom, having the wrong décor can sabotage your beauty rest. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consider the following bedroom decorating ideas to improve the quality of your sleep as well as the amount of sleep you get at night.
Remove all Electronics From Your Bedroom
Many people not only bring their mobile phones into their bedrooms with them at night, but also have televisions, laptops, personal computers, tablets, and more. Get rid of all of them. They aren’t the sleep aids you intend them to be and actually serve as distractions to the sleep you’re trying to get.
Decorate in Soothing Colors
Bright, bold, and vivid colors, even in the dark, can become distractions from your ability to sleep. They draw the eye when lights are on and capture the imagination when lights are off. Your bedroom needs to be a room filled with soothing colors and imagery.
Clear Out the Clutter
Clutter comes in many forms. In the bedroom, it is easy to find actual clutter from clothes, papers, and other items on every surface, as well as visual and sound clutter. You want to get rid of all these things to create a space that is relaxing for your mind and body. Clean up your bedroom and eliminate the things that aren’t conducive to your good night’s sleep.
Turn Down the Lights
Stop using harsh, bright, overhead lights close to bedtime. This triggers the brain into a full state of wakefulness. Invest in light dimmers or bedside lamps instead. Save the bright overhead lights for morning time instead, when your body and mind are trying to wake up and face the day.
Little changes in your bedroom décor can make it easier for you to go to sleep at night and help you get the good night’s sleep you need. Contact us today to explore bedroom floorplans and options at our apartments in Phoenix, AZ to help you find the home that’s right for you.
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During winter, you’re not limited to decorating your apartment for the holidays only. You can decorate your home with seasonal touches to add warmth and cheer throughout winter. Use the following tips to give you some ideas as to how you might want to dress up your apartment this season.
Decorate with silver
Silver gives homes an elegant wintery look for the season. Consider adding accent pieces, such as silver vases or candles, to your home. For your dining room table, you can use silver napkin rings and a silver centerpiece to add this color to your apartment. If you don’t have anything silver to decorate with, you can make your own decor items. Spray-paint glass jars to make silver vases for your home.
Add seasonal throw pillows and blankets
Placing throw pillows and blankets in seasonal colors, such as deep greens, reds or blues, on your living room furniture can make this room look cozier and inviting. You can experiment with different textures for pillows and blankets to add more visual appeal to your apartment as well. If you prefer lighter winter colors, consider adding pillows and blankets in white, silver or a creamy off-white shade.
Get an area rug
If you don’t have an area rug in your living room or bedroom, adding one can change the look of this room while also making your floor warmer in winter. The size and shape of the area rug to get depends on where you’re putting it and what kind of furniture you have. For example, a rectangular area rug works well next to beds, and large, square rugs tend to be suitable for living rooms.
Hang lighted garland strands
If you have these up for the holidays, you can just leave them up. If not, consider hanging lighted strands of garland in white and silver around your home. These strands can make rooms look more cheerful and brighter during winter, especially when it gets dark out earlier.
Our community in Phoenix, Arizona, is located close to shopping, so you can easily pick out decor for your apartment. Please contact us today to learn more about our apartments in Phoenix.
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When residents entertain guests in their Phoenix apartments, people naturally form knots around food and drink and seating areas. Use this to your advantage to keep pathways open. For instance, you can place the bar supplies on a console, your meal or snacks on the main table, and dessert in the kitchen. This breaks up the space and helps prevent a bottleneck.
Add in Extra Seating or Tables
Chances are your apartment doesn’t have a table that fits 12. Instead, use ottomans and poufs to double as seating. If you have a piano bench, you can use it to make your friends comfortable. Get creative with pillows and stacked blankets for extra places around the coffee table. You can even borrow chairs from the neighbors.
Maximize Serving Space
You can maximize your serving space with a smaller table. Then, go vertical with the food and snack trays. For example, cake stands and tiered platters let you put out more food. You can also creatively stack cookies and sandwiches and let the organized bounty double as a centerpiece.
Multipurpose Furniture and Creative Storage
Use furniture placement to set up areas for smaller groups to chat. If the main area of the apartment is large enough, sofas, tables and even rugs double as room dividers. This is a great way to separate areas for a cozy feel while still keeping the space open and airy.
Get an ottoman with storage for the ultimate multipurpose item that keeps books and games safe, doubles as seating, and is easy to move out of the way.
To keep clutter out of the common areas, multipurpose furnishings like beds with drawers underneath provide extra storage. Even though it’s a good idea to put away most of your belongings, open shelving lets you display pretty dishes and other stuff you don’t mind showing off. They’re also easier to find.
How you move through the apartment should influence your furniture placement. Your living space feels even more open when you can easily navigate through each area. Enjoy your apartment even more with great organization and inventive ideas. Space-saving strategies will vary based on your floor plan, and you can call our office today to which the exciting layouts are still available at Element at Deer Valley.
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From pumpkins to cardboard turkey cut-outs to a small evergreen, seasonal decorations are always a smart choice to make Phoenix apartments look a little more festive. Plus, it can help you feel genuine excitement in anticipation of all the fun parties and gatherings to come. The holidays give everyone a chance to forget about the standard stresses of work and life so they can focus on the people who matter most to them. Here are a few tips for setting just the right mood.
Start Small
It's easy to get excited about all the new seasonal decorations out on the shelves. If you've never really shopped for these kinds of items, you may feel like you have to make up for lost time. To stop yourself from going overboard, you concentrate on picking up just a few decorations for each season. Once you set them up in your apartment, you can see how it looks. Start with a hanging wreath, a few tchotchkes and one large object (a tree, cornucopia, etc.) If you still need more, you can always head back out to the store.
Look for Interactive Items
Try to select seasonal decorations that bring people together. For example, you can light a jack-o-lantern when you're watching a scary movie with a glass of wine. Or you can decorate a few evergreen boughs with tinsel and ornaments. These kinds of activities are a way to connect with the items that you buy and an excuse to invite friends over to do the same. It's a way to form the sentimental connections that prove you celebrated the holidays the way they were meant to be celebrated.
The apartments in Phoenix, AZ can be a great place to experience the holidays, whether you spend the big days there or not. Decorating your apartment can make it easier to get into the spirit of things, so you actually look forward to the many traditions of this special time of year. If you're looking for a new place to set up your favorite decorations, call Element at Deer Valley today. Whether you love to entertain or prefer something quieter, our amenities and floor plans make it easy to lead the life you want.
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It’s time to celebrate fall! Okay, so it may not quite feel like fall in Phoenix, AZ apartments, but you can still get into the spirit of the season.
Not quite sure how to? Just try a few of these handy and pretty fall decorating ideas.
Get Cozy With a Plaid Throw Blanket
This is such an easy and simple decorating idea, but it really adds a pop of color to your space. You might not need to use a plaid throw blanket in Phoenix, but placing one on a bed or a couch contributes to your seasonal ambiance.
Hang a Few Fall Wreaths
Wreaths aren’t just for Christmastime. You can make yours out of branches and twigs or even a bunch of faux fall leaves and some wire. Adorn with fake fall fruit (like apples), a ribbon, or whatever your heart desires.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!
Nothing says fall more than pumpkins. These gourds come in all shapes and sizes, so surely you can find one (or more!) to adorn your apartment. Whether you place a few pumpkins on the porch or even some inside, you’ll totally embrace the season.
Prop up Some Corn Husks
Corn husks, being mostly dead, should survive through at least Halloween. You can tie these to a pole or post outside of your apartment. Rustic rope or ribbon would add to your fall display. Fishing wire is another good option, as it’s sheer and sturdy.
Make Leaf Art
If you have kids or even nieces and nephews, they can help with this simple DIY project. By gluing leaves onto card stock paper, you have unique, natural art that you’ll love to decorate with year in and year out.
Element at Deer Valley is the perfect place in Phoenix to spend fall and the rest of the year. Right in the middle of all the action, you can easily get to North Phoenix and Scottsdale, including the airports and other transportation in those areas.
The community amenities are all-encompassing, such as a 24-hour fitness center, garages, Java Café access, a lounge and coffee bar, a games room (which includes a billiards table), covered parking, a spa, four swimming pools, and a barbeque grilling area. The apartments are gated as well.
Why wait? Schedule your walkthrough at Element at Deer Valley today by calling 866-367-3402.
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