Art To Get You Talking

Decorating is one of our favorite parts of moving. When filling a new space, it's almost as though you've got a completely blank canvas to work with - have fun with it! If you're moving into one of our custom units, don't you think you need to feature art as unique as your space is?

These top five picks from writer Courtney Lochner at renters.apartments.com might be just the thing to add the perfect pop of color to your apartment - and who knows, they could spark some interesting conversations. Take a peek for some one of a kind art. 

1. What’s black and white and read all over? Okay it’s a newspaper but, this print made me think of that old riddle. Almost a zebra quality albeit with a splash of red, this photograph of simply tights and red shoes adds drama and a major pop of color and interest.

2. It Girl. A giant face full of color will instantly add wow factor. This print has enough colors to make up for a virtually colorless design plan, so let it do all the work for you. (Pictured above).

3. Color Blocking. Color blocking has been the rage in the fashion world so why not apply it to your home? This is a great way to add a ton of color without having to choose a specific image you are committed to (thus the beauty of abstract art). It is what you want it to be.

 

4. Colonel Deer. How can you not want to talk about Colonel Deer? Love him.

5. At the Moulin Rouge by Toulouse Lautrec. This is my personal pièce de résistance. The original hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago and I became so obsessed with it, that I had 1st Art Gallery paint me one to my specific size needs.

What's Your Office Style

(Image courtesy of Nick Keppol)

We all have those days when getting to the office seems like an impossibility. For such occasions we all need a place to sit and focus. Though you don't need to devote an entire room to your workspace, the fact remains that you need a place where distractions are minimal and all your essential tools are within easy reach.

Though the word 'workspace' doesn't quite conjure images of exciting decor, that doesn't mean your home office has to be boring. This quick and simple quiz from renters.apartments.com will help you pinpoint what elements make up your ideal workspace, and goes so far as to offer a few suggestions for great pieces to pull the perfect look together. Keep reading to play and learn more.

1. I’m simplistic and do not have a need for a lot of storage:

A: Yes – then try the Gunnar Desk for Z Gallerie, its simple design will match your minimalist taste

B: No – The Design Workshop from CB2 could be a great solution for you, tons of storage and shelving with the option for matching add-ons like file cabinets if you need them

2. I’m a visual worker and like to have notes and reminders available:

A: Yes – then you need a chalkboard and bulletin board – create the system that works for you withPottery Barn’s Build Your Own Components System

B: No – then perhaps all you need is a little desk organization, try the Kvissle collection from Ikea

3. I want a super comfortable computer chair even if it looks like an office chair:

A: Yes – go for the SAYL chair at the Herman Miller Store, it’s pricey but your butt and back will thank you

B: No – you prefer a more natural looking chair, it is your home after all. Try the Boss Office Chair from Office Depot, it’s a classic that will never go out of style.

4. I like a neutral space so I can concentrate, no bright colors or art:

A: Yes – spice up your space with some simple stripes and keep the rest clean and white. Black and white striped rug from Crate & Barrel

B: No – give your office a punch of color, the kind you wouldn't get in most real offices with this NuLOOM Alexis Moroccan print rug from Overstock in whatever color you fancy.

Time For A Picnic Lunch

(Image courtesy of Paul)

If you haven't gone on a picnic yet this summer, now's the time! The best season of the year may be winding down but it's not over yet, and a beautiful weekend in the park is the perfect setting for a fabulous picnic with friends, family, or a significant other.

The next question, then, is what should you prepare and take to enjoy on your picnic? Well, renters.apartments.com has a few ideas - 10, to be exact!

1. It’s a lazy summer day. You’ve got all the time in the world, and there’s a good chance your picnic is going to last half the afternoon. If so, you’re going to need some snacks and appetizers. Hummus and pita bread is classic picnic cuisine.
2. If you want something flashier and more indulgent than humus, bring along some pate; mushroom, chicken liver, and duck pate with apple jelly are just a couple of options.
3. Cheese and fruit are essential to any picnic. Smoked Gouda, Edam or goat cheese go nicely with grapes or figs. Throw some salami or smoked salmon into the mix and you’ll have a nice charcuterie plate.
4. If you want super-fresh fruit, opt for strawberries, raspberries or blueberries. They are all in season during the summer.
5. Any European -and they know a thing or two about dining al fresco- will tell you that a crusty baguette is a must have at a picnic.
6. While people will argue that macaroni or potato salad are picnic staples, if you’re planning on being outside for a long time, mayonnaise that’s slowly going sour will have you thinking differently, and probably hating future picnics, too. Instead of macaroni potato salad, make a salad using orzo rice shaped pasta. Add asparagus, spring onions, peas and pine nuts, and then sprinkle it with olive oil.
7. A classic chicken Caesar salad with hard boiled eggs is filling and easy to share, and it’s the perfect addition to an outdoor pick-up meal.
8. Is there any food more portable than a wrap sandwich? Wrap up your favorite deli meats with some sprouts and lettuce and voila.
9. Desserts can be tricky, not to mention messy and a magnet for bugs, bees and other picnic creatures. Cookies aren’t really fancy enough, and a pint of your favorite ice cream is going to melt in five minutes. This is where the cupcake comes in. Small, portable and eaten in a couple of bites, cupcake frosting won’t melt too fast, causing a mess, nor will the dessert be around long enough to attract bugs.
10. Depending on where you’re having the picnic, a chilled bottle of white wine is the perfect beverage. If that’s not possible, opt for lemonade or sweet tea. 

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

(Image courtesy of Daniel Foster)

One of our favorite features of our beautiful building on Market Street is our fantastic walk score (98%)! Though it's easy to get out and explore the vibrant area around our building, every once in awhile it's great to get where you need to go a little faster - so jump on your bike!

San Francisco isn't the only city that's getting on board with popularizing green transportation. Don't believe us? Writer, Steve Harper, from Apartment Guide spells it out for us. Keep reading to learn more, and after get out and explore!

Where biking rules the road

Summer 2012 brought the Citi Bike program to the streets of New York City.

With Citi Bike, it’s easy to get access to a public bike; in fact, they are rented curbside. A prospective cyclist can pick up a bike from a street kiosk, swipe her credit card, and then leave the bike in another kiosk at the destination. It’s inexpensive and convenient.

There are different payment options, as well. Riders can pay for individual trips, but also have the option of purchasing 7-day or 24-hour passes. Trips must be kept to thirty minutes to avoid fees and, presumably, to keep plenty of bikes readily available for use.

Some feel the availability to bikes this program affords will add greatly to the popularity of biking as a preferred mode of transportation in this metropolis.

Similar programs exist in cities like Chicago, Denver, Nashville, and Washington, D.C.

Hotel chain supports biking for tourists

The Kimpton hotel brand has begun offering smart-looking bicycles for guests to borrow for free. The chain hopes to promote city adventures by bike which create great memories for their patrons and add to their overall wellness. Their Santa Barbara location even hosts an urban wine trail trip experience.

The National Complete Streets Coalition

A group called Smart Growth America advocates for public transportation efficacy, including efforts to support biking and pedestrian access. This agency studies what makes a neighborhood “beautiful, affordable and easy to get around.”

In 2005, the National Complete Streets Coalition was created as an advocacy group for more accessible street travel by all. Their research suggests what they feel should be federal policy priorities to make communities more bike-friendly, for instance.

Biking safety and statistics

To the untrained eye, biking on busy city streets might seem dangerous. Looking at statistics, however, safety and general road awareness for cyclists seems to go a long way. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that, in 2012, only about 2 percent of traffic fatalities (726 of 33,561) involved those pedaling on two wheels.