Use the Depth to Your Advantage

When you're decorating a patio or balcony, you may think that you don't have much space to decorate with. However, you can use the depth of your patio or balcony to your advantage. You can hang skeletons, bats, witches or other fun decorations while using items like strobe lights or black lights to illuminate the figures. By layering the elements on your balcony or patio, you can create an elaborate scene that can be haunting and scary. 

Drape a Tarp Over Your Railings

When you are decorating a patio or balcony for Halloween, you may think the only way you can use outdoor lights is to wrap them around your balcony or patio railings. However, there's an alternative: First, drape a tarp over your railings. Then superglue your outdoor lights onto the outside of the tarp to create a design that shines from your railing when the tarp is draped over it. Or, you can poke holes through the tarp and push the lights through in a pattern or design. Either way, this gives you more space to come up with a creative design for your railing. 

Take Advantage of Outside-Facing Windows

The final tip that can help you when decorating for Halloween is to take advantage of your outside-facing windows. You're not limited to just decorating your patio or balcony. Consider placing light-up decorations in your window to help add more color, light, and design. 

If you are planning on moving in the near future, you may be looking for Chicago, Illinois, apartments that have a patio or balcony space. Here at The Montrose, our apartments come with balconies that have beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Stop by today to take a tour of our community. 

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Mirrored Boxes 

It’s hard to get more glam than mirrored décor nowadays. Most dollar stores sell mirrored squares or framed mirrors. Pick up five mirrors for each box along with some E-6000 glue. If framed, remove the mirrors from the frames. Glue the mirrors together in the shape of a cube and use as a beautiful vase, accent piece or bathroom organizers. 

Shower Caddy Plant Holder 

Whether you’re a plant-lover or just like the look of greenery, a dollar store shower caddy can be transformed quickly into a wall statement piece with a fresh coat of paint and some real or faux plants in brightly colored planters. Choose a bright color for your paint, such as teal or red, to really make it pop. A plus is that if you use it to display live plants, you can easily remove the entire caddy from the wall and water your foliage in the shower! 

Hula-Hoop Chandelier 

Want an inexpensive chandelier without having to replace your light fixture? Brighten up your room with a fun chandelier made from a silver-painted hula-hoop wrapped with dangling LED fairy string lights. 

Indoor Care-Free Faux Terrarium 

Don’t have a green thumb, or have poor lighting in your apartment? You can bring in some green by filling a large globe-shaped glass bowl with white pebbles and inserting some faux succulent picks for an instant no-care cactus garden. 

Spa Aesthetic 

For a true spa look, buy some matching dollar store pump bottles. Fill them with your shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other beauty items. Dress them up by adding a large initial sticker to the front of each to identify what they contain.  

The Montrose Apartments in Chicago offer all the amenities you are looking for. Call or come by today to see your new apartment and get started on the new DIY décor projects that will make you feel at home.

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The eyes have it, and mirrors make it happen

The human brain works far more on perception than it does on the literal translation of what the eyes see. That means it is possible to trick our eyes and senses into thinking areas in Chicago apartments are brighter and larger if some simple optical tools are put to work. Since mirrors are basically reflectors of light, they can help you bend that light to your advantage. Here are a few basic tips for using mirrors in your space.

• Place mirrors where they reflect natural light into your spaces. Windows are the primary source of this light, of course. However, properly positioning mirrors to reflect this light into different living areas will enhance the power of that light. This is especially the case if the mirror is placed on a dark wall and diffuses that light sponge.
• Expand narrow spaces with larger mirrors. Skinny hallways and small bathrooms are immediately enhanced with the proper mirror. Think tall and wide with curves and geometric shapes for these mirrors, and add to the effect with accent lights. You’ll be stunned by the added sense of spaciousness.
• Choose your reflections. Even if your primary objective is to capture and spread light, take time to evaluate what your mirror is reflecting. Use the right objects in front of the mirrors, such as a floral display, for added depth. Also, make sure the reflection is not picking up your bathroom or bedroom and sharing it into other community spaces

As a final tip, think big. Mirrors are so popular with designers as a key element that you will find them in all shapes, sizes, and frames. You might find a larger mirror works better to enlarge your space.

Come visit us today at the Montrose and visualize one of our apartments in Chicago with your strategically placed mirrors.   

The post Mirror Magic: Using Mirrors to Enhance Your Space appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Floral Patterns in 2019

If you want to see what's likely to be hot in interior design, pay attention to the fashion runways each spring and fall. Paris and New York dusted off your grandma's florals and added new twists, which are now filtering through in new decor looks. Watch for floral patterns as they take root on chic pillows, bedding, chairs, and wallpaper. 

We aren't talking about the oversized floral prints of the past. Today, the blooms are still growing big and bold, but there's an abstract element that makes them more vibrant and as fresh as spring. Choose from enlarged paintings and photos of flowers with painted highlights or banners of Asian-influenced cherry blossom and other pretty vignettes on small or large wall banners. These new patterns are a refreshing break from the trellis, chevron and geometric shapes that have made the rounds the last few years.

Get Chintzy

Chintz first appeared in glazed calico textiles imported from India, and the printed motifs included floral, animal and other motifs in bright or muted colors against a lighter background. Starting in the 19th century, the term stood for a particular style of floral decoration deriving from the calico textiles. It now notes the use of that style or similar patterns in pottery, wallpaper and home accents.

Chintz was big in the ’80s and is experiencing a resurgence. The feminine floral patterns of 2019 give a nod to Colonial fabrics. If you fall in love with the style and have a little spare cash, de Gournay wallpaper exudes chintz style in a very big way. You can also make or buy slipcovers for your throw pillows to add a touch of elegance to your living area. 

Use orate chintz patterns to renew apartments in Chicago and lend your living space the newness of the season — and feel free to ask us about our available floor plans if you need more room to grow your passion for floral patterns.

The post Chintz Floral Prints Are Back in 2019 appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

1. Spring Wine Bottles and Flowers

Collect six wine bottles and remove the paper labels. Paint each bottle with acrylic paint in colors that will match your home. Paint the first bottle with an "S," the second bottle with a "P," the third bottle with an "R" and so on until each bottle has one letter of the word "spring."

Place one artificial (or real) tulip in each wine bottle, then place the bottles in order so they spell the word "spring" when viewed together. This is a creative and cute decoration to place on your dining room table or coffee table.  

2. Rain Boot Door Decoration

Everybody needs rain boots in the spring! To create your own rain boot door decoration, find an attractive, gently-used rain boot with loops on each side (normally used to pull the boot up). Fill the boot until it's overflowing with artificial flowers like tulips and daffodils. Finally, tie a ribbon to one of the loops on the side. Use the ribbon to attach the boot to a hanger on your door. 

3. Jelly Bean Candle Holder

Jelly beans are the quintessential spring candy. To make your own jelly bean candle holder, pour an assortment of jelly beans into a large glass vase or candle holder. If possible, select pastel-colored jelly beans, or beans that match the room where the vase will be placed. Next, place an electric candle into the center of the vase, nestled into the pile of jelly beans. Turn the candle on at night to create a beautiful, glowing decoration. 

Ready for a Change This Spring? Contact Us!

At the Montrose, we're enjoying the season by hanging fun decorations and spending time with friends. At this time of year, the Montrose is a wonderful place to spend time! Check out our Chicago, IL apartments today. We'd love to have you join our community! 

The post 3 Spring Decor Tips You Can Make Yourself appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Design Trends for Your Chicago Apartment 

Eye-catching trends, fascinating furniture situations, and new twists on old faves — 2019 has a lot in store for those who love to align their interiors with what is trending. Here are three easy-to-implement trends for the new year. 

Beautifully Bold Plant Life and Greenery 

Remember those miniature palms, elephant ears and giant ferns that used to hang around your home when you were a kid? Those gorgeous green implements are making a huge comeback in 2019. Adding greenery and live plants to your apartment helps bring out this certain air of nature inside your home, which falls in line with some minimalist designs of 2018. Pick up a potted fern, add a herb garden to your window sill, or consider picking up a faux version of plant life if keeping things alive is not your thing. 

Jewel-Toned Walls and Furnishings

Perhaps one of the most unexpected twists in interior design for 2019 is the return of those bold jewel tones that exude a regal appeal. Deep ruby reds, navy blues, and even burnt orange are showing up in new furnishings, floor coverings and decorative objects. Even with white walls and muted flooring, these jewel tones pop with uber personality. 

Ceilings Boasting Highlights of Color 

If you want to give a room an entirely new personality, paint is the go-to thing to use, but you don't necessarily have to paint the walls to make a difference. Add a fresh coat of color overhead and your room becomes something else entirely. For example, you could slather a coat of charcoal grey on the ceiling over the living room and it instantly becomes more demure and elegant. 

Just a few alterations are all it takes to make your Chicago apartment appear more trendy. Reach out to us at The Montrose to find out about available apartments you can call home. 

The post Top Interior Design Trends for 2019 and How to Integrate Them Into Your Chicago Apartment appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

The following are some easy things you can do to enhance the vibe in your Chicago apartment:

Declutter Your Chicago Apartment

Minimizing clutter is perhaps the most foundational Feng Shui principle. With Feng Shui, less is often more. Strive for a minimalist feel, get rid of extraneous items, clean and dust regularly and keep your apartment as organized as possible.

Natural Elements

Adding items from nature to your home enlivens the space and increases the life force energy (qi) flowing through it. Plants, shells, crystals, driftwood and pine cones are just a few examples of natural elements that can help to enhance your decor. Elements from nature can do wonders for the atmosphere of your home.

Improving Health

The eastern end of your Chicago apartment is associated with physical health and well being. Place a natural item such as a plant or shell in this area to increase the flow of vital rejuvenating energy in your home.

Relationships

The relationship area of your living space is the southwest corner. Energize this area by placing an item of value here, such as a sculpture or other piece of artwork. Placing a beautiful scarf or other brightly colored items can also inspire and optimize the relationships in your life.

Wealth and Career

The southeast corner of your living space is associated with financial wealth and abundance. The northern part of your home is a secondary wealth area and is associated with career success, including auspicious business partnerships and client connections. Enhance these areas by placing something of value here. The colors red, purple and metallic gold can all have an energizing effect on your career and finances.

Feng Shui is a time-honored tradition practiced in Asian countries for thousands of years. While special charts and numerous considerations are required to conduct a full Feng Shui interior design treatment, these ideas can help get you started.

If you don’t already call our Chicago apartments at The Montrose your home, contact us to find out more about availability.

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Bring On the Light

While a dark, gloomy apartment is great when watching a horror flick, adding some light can make a huge difference. Try adding light-colored wall decor, such as a gallery wall or hanging tapestry, or utilizing a nice rug. 

Utilize Curtains

With so many different styles of curtains out there, you can really get creative with the look of your apartment. Create some height by using curtains that go from the ceiling to the floor, or try adding curtains with creative designs to give your apartment some life. 

Add Lamps and Extra Light

Aside from the use of color and furniture, lights create a sense of a warm and welcoming home. In addition, utilizing light can make your apartment seem larger and more inviting.

Prioritize, Prioritize 

It's vital to decorate according to your priorities. If you work from home or spend a lot of time at the computer, consider adding a desk that’s in the perfect location. It’s important to really take the time to figure out what truly matters most with your decor.

Splash Some Color

Although utilizing white space can make your apartment seem larger, too much white can create a boring look and feel. Try to spice up your decor by adding some color throughout the apartment, and try utilizing creative wall decor to create more balance and style.

With sophisticated floor plans, large living quarters, and creative designs, The Montrose creates a warm and welcoming feel to anyone who steps inside. Our Chicago, IL apartments are conveniently located in the city, so you’re right down the street from everything you love most. To find your next dream home, call us today to schedule a tour!

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Paint It

This is usually the first rule of garage sale crafting. There are so many pieces of furniture out there that would look fantastic if they just had a little update. Spray paint can cover up anything from chips to small amounts of rust, and most are incredibly easy to use. You can buy spray paint with rust protection that dries in just a few minutes!

Look Beyond the Object

A bunch of books you’ll never read? A typewriter you’ll never use? You don’t have to skip over these objects if you can look past the initial use of the item. For example, you could use the typewriter as a decoration at the very top of your bookshelf, or you can stack the books in an artful way, fuse them together, and then use that as your nightstand table. Your creativity can really shine through if you just use a little more imagination.

Doing the Research

Believe it or not, there are plenty of ways to find treasures that don’t need any repair or renovation if you know what to look for. Many homeowners don’t realize that they’re selling valuable objects for a fraction of what they’d fetch on the open market, and it only takes a little research on auction websites to learn more about which antiques and used items are in demand.

Chicago apartments don’t have to be furnished with expensive items to be fabulous and comfortable. In fact, you’ll probably get more out of your furniture and decorations if they’re custom-made the way you want them. If you’re looking for facilities that can live up to your high standards, tour The Montrose to learn how we offer our residents exactly what they’re looking for.

The post How to Turn Garage Sale Duds Into Works of Art appeared first on The Montrose Apartments Blog.

Warm Up the Great Room

Add a cozy area rug. Switch out light-colored toss pillows and replace those with some fluffy fall-toned pillows on sofas and chairs, and throw a warm decorative blanket over a furniture arm. Use dark burnt orange and muted yellow, maroon and pale chocolate tones to add a warm, inviting feel. Now you get ready to cozy up in front of the TV or with a good book.

Make a Crafty Pumpkin Display

Create a unique pumpkin display in a corner near your front entry, in your living room, dining room, or on your deck space. Use any one of the countless great designs available online to add painted or glued on decorative patterns on your pumpkins and to mix a few varieties and sizes of beautiful gourds to create a fabulous fall display.

Create Autumn Bedrooms

Change out lightweight linens for warm flannel and tee-shirt sheets in richer fall shades, such as russet, pumpkin, darker gold, or even a subtle seasonal pattern. Dress up the bed with an extra autumn-toned blanket for added warmth and welcoming appeal. Add a vase of fresh fall flowers. Plus, your guests will appreciate bunking in such a well-appointed and cozy room. Get more tips for readying a guest bedroom for company. 

Add Cozy Layers

In the same way you add layers to your wardrobe for warmth in the fall, apply this concept to your home. Add cozy cotton, chenille, wool, or even some cashmere throw blankets across sofa, chairs, storage trunks and beds. Though fall colored blankets add to a seasonal theme, blankets of any color contribute ideally to a warmer look.

Add Autumn Table Accents

Fill lanterns or glass containers with candles held in place by acorns, coffee beans, candy corn, or fall shades of decorative pebbles, to quickly create a unique and charming accent piece. Add vases of fresh flowers, bowls of mixed fruit and mixed nuts in shells. Fill a pretty bowl with pine cones, or with fall leaves (loosely packed, standing vertically).

The Montrose

The Montrose offers floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, high ceilings, city and lake views, 24-hour entry staff, resort-style pool, and many other high-end features and amenities. Contact our helpful staff at The Montrose apartments in Chicago, IL by calling (866) 659-3593 for information about available floor plans.

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