Transforming Your Apartment Bathroom into a Luxurious Space

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Editor

Just because you don’t live in a five-star hotel, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice living in a luxurious space! Trulia has put together several ways that you can make your apartment bathroom a spa-like retreat, and we will share with you how to utilize these tips in your Arcadia Run apartment home!

Add some colorful art: Studies have shown that blues and greens are two calming colors that you will commonly see in other relaxing spaces, like salons and spas. Paint your own peaceful landscape to hang on the wall or find accessories that embody your favorite colors.

Invest in quick drying mats: Nothing is worse than getting out of the shower to a soaking wet bath mat, or brushing your teeth and stepping in a puddle. Quick dry bath mats will ensure that your bathroom tile does not get super slippery and your feet will stay warm and dry.

Listen to calming sounds: If you love listening to music, or the sounds of the great outdoors, there are devices out there specifically designed for your shower! Waterproof speakers, or a sound machine, will create the ultimate relaxing atmosphere as you wind down from a long day.

Low lighting: Lighting is one factor that can always set the tone of a room, and having dimmed lighting can be a great way to relax. Opt for some candles or a standalone light dimmer that can be placed on the bathroom counter or hung from the curtain rod.

Add soothing scents: Believe it or not, certain scents like eucalyptus and lavender have a calming effect on the mind. You can incorporate these scents in many different ways like candles, bath crystals, air fresheners, or even a eucalyptus or aloe plant.

Create a display: Display your products or accessories in glass jars along the countertop or a shelf. The beautiful materials of the jars will exude a more luxurious feel rather than having them in boxes or shower bottles.

Warm it up: Keep a pair of slippers and a cozy bathrobe hanging on the back of your bathroom door so you can dry off and warm up quickly after every shower or bath. Having these items will also make getting ready each day much more enjoyable in the colder months!

Creating a luxurious bathroom space is really about incorporating items that will play to your senses and relax your body and mind. For more information about leasing a brand new apartment home to create your personal oasis in, visit www.arcadiarun.com.

Sources: trulia.com

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in Your Arcadia Run Apartment Home

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Editor

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family, and food, and our apartment homes at Arcadia Run are the perfect place to host Thanksgiving dinner, or even a ‘Friendsgiving’ gathering. If you’re stressing about how to clean, cook, and have everything ready in time, don’t worry. We’ve compiled a list of tips for how to host a stress free Thanksgiving meal at your Arcadia Run apartment home. Check them out below:

Make a Plan

First things first, figure out who will be joining you for Thanksgiving. Once you have a head count, you can start planning the seating arrangements and calculating how much food you will need. Ask that everyone RSVP as soon as possible, so there aren’t any last minute additions.

Divide and Conquer

Between all of the shopping, prepping, and cooking, there will be a lot to do! One of the best ways to reduce stress before everyone comes over is to divvy up the responsibilities. If you’re out at the grocery store, have your roommate start cleaning the apartment. When you get back, you can team up and get everything done in less time!

Less is More

When it comes to decorations, try not to go overboard. You’ll have your hands full with preparing the food and eventually the cleanup, so you don’t want to add to the list of tasks with tons of decorations. Keep it simple and classy with a festive tablecloth, a wreath, or a few seasonal candles scattered throughout your apartment home. A few simple touches can go a long way.

Bring Your Own….

If you’re having more than 3 or 4 people over, it’s completely fine to ask guests to contribute something to the celebration! Make sure you specify what you would like people to bring over, so you don’t end up with 3 cheese platters! Once you’ve made your lists of everything you need, see what you are still missing and ask guests to fill in the gaps. Some easy things for people to bring would be a bottle of wine or champagne, desserts, or appetizers.

Clean As You Go

Thanksgiving dinner is wonderful, but the aftermath can be a hassle, especially if you’re hosting! One way to cut down on the giant pile of dishes after your meal is to clean as much as you can after every course. Once people are done nibbling on appetizers and you’re about to serve dinner, clear and put away all of the appetizers. Remove empty dishes from the table throughout the meal and give them a quick rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. Save the larger dishes, such as the turkey pan, for after dinner.

All of these tips will help reduce your stress when hosting Thanksgiving, but the most important thing to remember is being thankful that you are sharing the day with friends and family. For more information on how you can make Arcadia Run your home, visit us online.

Making Smart Use of Shared Spaces in Your Apartment

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Editor

Although every new Arcadia Run apartment comes with plenty of storage space, it can be a challenge to stay organized, or deciding how to divide space up between roommates. There are some simple solutions for keeping your apartment home in tiptop shape that can make living with your roommates even easier! Take a look at these tips for shared spaces to keep your apartment living easy:

Clear bins: If you use bins to store things in your closets, opt for clear bins so that you can always find what you are looking for. We are all guilty of having things in storage and completely forgetting what is in all of the different boxes and bins.

Shower territory: The bathroom is a very important place to keep clean and organized, especially if you share one with roommates! In the shower, assign locations for each person’s products and shower accessories. There is nothing worse than mixing up products or someone moving your stuff around! If there isn’t enough shelf room in the shower for everything, invest in a hanging shower caddie.

Parking: In many apartment communities, there is assigned and/or limited parking for each apartment home. Luckily, here at Arcadia Run, we have an open parking policy so there is no fighting over the best (or only) spot designated to your apartment!

Food storage: This kind of shared space varies among roommates, but it’s a good idea to discuss it with your roommate. If you want to share certain items, keep them in a designated area and then divvy up the rest of the space between roommates. This can go for the fridge, pantry and even cabinets!

Pets in the apartment: If you have pets in your apartment home, make sure you are courteous and aware of where you keep pet supplies in the apartment. Discuss with your roommate where they are comfortable keeping a pet bed, food and water bowls, toys, etc., and try to keep these items organized if they are in common areas.

Wall space & decor: Don’t decorate the common areas of your apartment without agreeing on something with everyone. It can be uncomfortable living in a space where you don’t feel like it is truly yours!

Among all of these other things, communication is key about sharing spaces in your new apartment home at Arcadia Run! Check out even more tips and tricks for apartment living on our blog, and visit www.arcadiarun.com for more information on renting at Arcadia Run!

Source: zillow.com

Ways to Celebrate Virginia Wine Month at Arcadia Run

Posted on October 17, 2016 by Editor

October is such a fun month, with fall in full swing and Halloween just around the corner. However, it is also Virginia Wine Month! Virginia has many vineyards and produces some of the best wine in the country not far from our historic city of Manassas. Check out some ideas below for how to celebrate Virginia Wine Month here at Arcadia Run!

Wine Wednesday at Arcadia Run

Don’t have time to drive to different wineries in Virginia? No worries! We host Wine Wednesday’s at our beautiful clubhouse right here at Arcadia Run every other week. Sample different wines from around the region, brush up on your wine knowledge, and get to know your fellow neighbors! Even better news: Wine Wednesday is this week! Grab a friend and head to the clubhouse from 6pm-8pm and start celebrating Virginia Wine Month.

Host Your Own Wine Night

One of the best ways to celebrate Virginia Wine Month is to host your own wine night! Our spacious apartments are perfect for gatherings with friends and family. Invite a few of your friends over and have everyone bring a different bottle of local Virginia wine. This way, you’ll be able to sample a variety of Virginia wines and even some that you might not have picked out yourself!

Friends at the Fire Pit

These cool autumn nights are perfect to spend at the fire pits at Arcadia Run. Cozy up with a blanket and a bottle of wine in front of the fire to celebrate Virginia Wine Month. Chat with people around the fire, and maybe even get recommendations about different types of wine to try.

Events

If you’re looking to get out and experience Virginia Wine Month, there are plenty of events and activities going on around the area! Check out the official Virginia Wine Month list of events and see which ones pique your interest. Many wineries are offering specials when you purchase wine, food specials, and even live music! Make sure to tag any pictures using #OctVAWineMonth to get featured by Virginia Wine!

For more information about our wonderful apartment homes and amenities at Arcadia Run, visit us online.

Source: https://www.virginiawine.org/october-wine-month

Things to Remember When Moving Into An Apartment With Your Significant Other

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Editor

If you are moving into your new apartment home at Arcadia Run with your significant other and have not lived with them previously, it will be an adjustment. Below, we have listed all of the things you should remember when moving in with your significant other for the first time!

It’s okay to have your own things: If you are merging all of your belongings together and are protective of certain things, let your partner know! Doing this will ensure that next time you reach for your favorite coffee mug, hopefully it will be right where you left it.

Get to know each other’s pet peeves: When you discover something your partner does at home that you are not used to, don’t get upset or annoyed over it. Have a conversation with them and let them know what is on your mind. If you fold towels different ways, agree on a certain way together that will make you both satisfied.

Maintain some independence: Just because you live together, doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking moment with each other! Remember to maintain relationships with your own friends and create a balance in your life. Make a point to do things on your own once a week so you don’t spend an unhealthy amount of time together.

Set a budget: Since you now share an apartment, you are going to have to manage your money together so that you still have funds to do things, like go see a concert at Jiffy Lube Live! Sit down and sort out a weekly budget that you can stick to together and make sure to factor in rent, food, shopping, travel, etc.

Make compromises: You are going to have to make compromises now that it’s not just you living in your home. You will probably have to compromise on apartment décor, a TV schedule, candle scents, closet space, and many other things. Communication is key, so make sure that both of you talk about what you want and need.

Try not to sweat the small stuff: There may be times where you get into small disagreements, but that is okay, it’s bound to happen! If someone leaves dishes in the sink overnight, it’s not worth fighting over! Don’t let it get you down and don’t hold a grudge about small things that are easily resolved.

A living situation with any new roommate can be a learning experience, especially if it’s with your significant other! Don’t forget to enjoy it, and take advantage of everything here at Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA together!

Which Apartment Floor Plan Is Perfect For You?

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Editor

Choosing the perfect apartment home community was easy with all of the features and amenities here at Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA. Now, it’s time to decide which of our seven different floor plan options will work best for you! Before you make an appointment with our wonderful leasing team to find your perfect floor plan, there are some factors that you should evaluate about your lifestyle and needs.

How much furniture do you have?

With seven different 1 or 2-bedroom apartment floor plans to choose from, each choice will provide a different amount of living space. If you are bringing along furniture from your previous apartment home, consider how much room you will need to fit it all and if you’re willing to sell some, or if you’re going to buy new furniture.

How many bedrooms will you need?

This question may seem obvious, but is an important question to ask. If you are moving to Arcadia Run by yourself, do you want to search for a roommate to share a 2-bedroom apartment or are you looking to live by yourself? There are benefits to both options but you just have to find the right answer for you!

Do you need a space at home to work?

It is not easy to live in an apartment home with other people while trying to get work done if you are studying for school or work a full-time job from home. Arcadia Run offers some floor plans with a den added on, in addition to the standard living area.

What are your storage needs?

Every apartment home at Arcadia Run has multiple closets for ample storage space, but depending on your needs, you may want to consider a larger floor plan. It’s easy to store your wardrobe, linens, pantry items, and kitchenware, but if you have large items like extra furniture, sports equipment, etc., you may need to consider a larger plan that will have one or two more closets.

Do you entertain often?

No matter how many bedrooms you may need in your home, the kitchen and living area are where you will entertain family, friends, neighbors and other guests. Consider looking at the square footage in each available plan, and if you entertain often, you may want something larger than what you originally thought.

What does your budget look like?

If you have a range for your budget, use the importance of other factors to determine which floor plan is right for you! At Arcadia Run, there are apartment homes in a wide range of pricing to fit budgets of any size.

Every apartment home at Arcadia Run includes luxury apartment features, storage space, and modern layouts so you won’t have to sacrifice all of the high-end finishes that you want in your dream apartment. Visit arcadiarun.com for information on how you can rent a brand new apartment home today!

6 Decorating Trends to Try Now!

Posted on August 30, 2016 by No One

Photo Source: newdarlings.com

Looking for the hottest decorating trends to incorporate in your new apartment home? Below we have listed 6 popular trends we are crushing on right now!

Mud cloth: Although the name does not have the most appealing visualization, “mud cloth” is actually a very up-and-coming pattern. This pattern is African inspired and mostly seen in fabrics for throw pillows or comforters, but we are seeing this trend everywhere now, even on clothing!

Copper: This hue is a very trendy way to incorporate a hint of metallic into your apartment décor, if neither gold nor silver is your thing. Copper is a more feminine metallic because of its pink undertone, similar to rose gold. You can find copper apartment accessories pretty much all over the place, from tableware to light fixtures.

Curio shelves/cabinets: The coolest way to display all of your little trinkets is with a curio shelf! These shelves have a bunch of tiny compartments built into one frame, and they come in all different shapes to express your style.

Flower bombing: This may be one of the more daring trends that we have seen in recent years, but it sure is pretty. The idea of “flower bombing” is simply just covering an item or space in flowers. It is a bold trend that is sweeping the interior design world and we can’t get enough! You can “flower bomb” a lampshade, pillow, chair, or even a bed frame.

Shell chairs: This vintage chair style is back and better than ever! The unmistakable design was first popular in the 1950’s and is resurfacing as the modern day “minimalist” chair. You can find shell chairs in a variety of colors to match your apartment’s design theme.

Concrete: Industrial interior design has been very popular in the last couple of years. Concrete accessories lend a great hand to this trend if that is the route that you want to take your apartment décor.

To see some great examples of how you can incorporate these trends into your apartment home, visit our Pinterest board here. If you’re in the market to rent a new apartment, visit arcadiarun.com to see how you can get used to getting more with a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run!

5 Ways To Have a Great Relationship With Your Roommate

Posted on August 12, 2016 by No One

At Arcadia Run, we offer a number of floor plan options to fit your lifestyle, whether you are living on your own, have a family, or are moving in with a roommate. When it comes to sharing a home with a roommate, you want to make sure that living together doesn’t cause unwanted tension, so check out our tips for having a great relationship with your roommate!

Know each other’s schedule: This is one of those things that you and your roommate should discuss right off the bat! Know each other’s work/school hours, weekly activities, etc., so that your communication runs smoothly. Make sure to send a quick text to each other if your plans change so you are both aware of the apartment status, like if the temperature should be changed, or the trash taken out.

Respect privacy: It is important to make sure you don’t invade your roommate’s personal space, as it can become awkward if they feel you are invading their privacy. Always knock on your roommate’s door before entering and ask permission to borrow things from each other.

Split responsibilities: There are some chores in a household that no one ever likes to do, but someone has to! Equally carry the weight of household chores around the apartment, like taking out the trash, vacuuming the carpet, sweeping the floors, etc. It is a good idea to make an agreement or schedule so that you are on the same page with who does what and when!

Fridge zones: A common discussion among roommates is about one of the most important things in life: food! It is important to make sure you talk about things you might share, like condiments or spices, and things you absolutely do not want to share. The best way to go about this is to create “zones” within the fridge, where you each get your own shelf and then there is a common zone for shared items.

Agree on guest boundaries: Together, discuss when you would like to host guests and who will be visiting the apartment. If your roommate is working at home, don’t have a get together as it could be distracting to their work. Make sure to let each other know if you will have overnight or weekend guests so that you can plan accordingly.

Although you may have heard some roommate horror stories, there are ways to stay friendly and live in a peaceful way! For more information on moving into a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run, visit www.arcadiarun.com!

6 Need-to-Know Tips to Make Your Guests Feel at Home

Posted on July 25, 2016 by No One

Summer is here and chances are that friends and family will want to come visit you at your new apartment home at Arcadia Run! Although the apartment homes here are very spacious, the reality is that you probably don’t have a spare guest room for weekend visitors to claim. Thanks to one of our favorite apartment lifestyle sites, Apartment Therapy, we have collected some of the best tips for hosting guests in your apartment home!

Tip #1: Give them a spot for their luggage

Sometimes it can be a bit awkward having your guest’s belongings scattered throughout the apartment while they are visiting. You can eliminate this by giving them a space, such as a closet or dresser, which can be just theirs while they are staying at your place. At Arcadia Run, it will be easy to find a space with the plenty closets and storage in each apartment home.

Tip #2: Supply some necessities

Since guests will most likely be sleeping in a common room of your apartment home, make it feel more like a bedroom by putting a table tray where an end table would normally be. Fill this tray with things like water, a candle, tissues, alarm clock, and even a pair of socks in case they get chilly. Your guests will appreciate that you thought of everything they would grab for the moment they wake up in the morning.

Tip #3: Plan ahead

It is always a good idea to plan activities and meals ahead of time so that you are prepared when your guests arrive. The entire visit will be more relaxing for you and your guests, and they will appreciate your effort for making them feel so welcomed into your home!

Tip #4: Stock your home

Because your guests won’t have a ton of space to themselves, you can make up for this with proper supplies. When we say “supplies” we don’t mean toilet paper. We are talking about the good stuff, like snacks, drinks, movies, and games. This will give you and your guests a lot to do and you will spend less time running errands and more time enjoying each other’s company.

Tip #5: Buy a quality guest bed

If you plan to host guests frequently at your apartment home, it may be wise to invest in a great guest bed. We suggest taking a look at buying a nice sleeper sofa or a high quality air mattress. With guest beds like these, you won’t have to struggle with the idea of giving up your own comfy bed for the couch!

Tip #6: Let them help you

Often times, guests will offer to help you cook or clean and you may be tempted to say “No thanks, I got this.” The truth is, if you let your guests pitch in with some of the daily chores, it can be a great time for bonding and they will probably feel better that you are willing to include them in whatever it is you are doing; even if it requires some elbow grease. Plus – everything will get done that much faster!

With a little bit of planning and thoughtfulness, hosting guests at your apartment home will be a breeze. With all of the great amenities and things to do here at Arcadia Run, there won’t be a shortage of activities! To schedule your tour of our amazing community, visit arcadiarun.com.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com

Prepare Your Apartment Before Leaving for Vacation

Posted on July 21, 2016 by No One

Before you head out on the open road for a summer vacation, there are a few things you should take care of at your new apartment home at Arcadia Run! Completing a handful of simple tasks before you leave will ensure that returning home won’t be a chore, so take a look at our tips below!

The day before departure

Make pet arrangements: If you aren’t bringing your pet along for the vacation, be sure to make alternative arrangements so your pet is as comfortable as possible while you’re away.

Set an email autoreply: If you rely on constant email contact for work or school, make sure to install an autoreply message while you’re gone. This will ensure that anyone trying to contact you will know that they are not being ignored or forgotten.

Organize & clean apartment: The last thing you want to do when returning from a vacation is spend hours cleaning your apartment home, so get these things done before you leave:

· Clean out leftovers/perishables from refrigerator

· Vacuum and sweep the entire apartment

· Do all laundry and put clothes away

· Change sheets

Set out all packed bags & supplies: Put everything you are bringing on your trip by the front door so that you can wake up and go. If there are things that you cannot pack the night before you leave for vacation, like food or your phone charger, write yourself a sticky note as a reminder!

The day of departure

Save energy: Save some energy and keep your apartment maintained by turning the AC down while you are gone. Also remember to turn off and unplug your electronics!

Eliminate fire hazards: Before you leave, make sure your oven and stove are off and there are no candles lit in your apartment home. If you have a coffee maker with a timer, or made coffee in the morning, you should unplug it during your vacation just to be safe.

Make your bed: After getting home from a long trip, there is no better sight than a bed all made and clean waiting for your next slumber.

Take out the trash: Any food in the trashcan can really stink up the place if you let it sit there for a few days or more. Be sure to take out the trash before you leave!

Last but not least, on the way out of your apartment, lock all windows and doors and you’re good to go. If you follow all of these steps before leaving for vacation, you will come home to a clean space that will relax you and ease you back into your everyday routine! Not renting an apartment home at Arcadia Run yet? No worries! Visit us any day of the week, or contact us here: http://staging.arcadiarun.com/contact-us/.