Tag: East Austin luxury apartments

How to Prep Your Apartment for Overnight Guests

If you’re downsizing from a larger home into one of our RPM Living communities, you may be wondering if there is still enough space for hosting overnight guests. If you’ve selected a floor plan that doesn’t have a dedicated guest room, we have some tips to help make it easier for hosting overnight guests. These tips will give your guests a comfortable place to stay while you maintain your own privacy and peace of mind.

Clear Space For Your Guest’s Belongings

Whether it’s a coat rack by the door, bathroom counter space, or a shelf in the hall closet, make sure your guest has space to put their belongings. This will make your guest feel welcomed and prevent clutter from piling up in your shared living spaces while they’re staying at your apartment home. With spacious floor plans like the ones offered at Clover Apartments, the possibilities are endless!

We recommend doing this even if it means moving some of your things to a less convenient location while your guest stays with you. It’s more comfortable for you to be slightly inconvenienced in your own apartment than it is for a visitor trying to settle into someone else’s apartment.

Invest in a Pull-Out Couch

A pull-out couch makes hosting overnight guests much more convenient both for you and for your guest(s). This way, you can visit in your living room during the day but still give your guest a comfy place to sleep at night. Spacious and stylish floor plans like you’ll find at properties like The Lennox are going to be perfect for adaptable furniture such as this! Make sure you have spare linens for the pull-out bed, too!

Pull-out couches can be expensive, so if you’re looking for a little less financial commitment, an air mattress also works.

Take Advantage of Collapsible Furniture

Drop-leaf tables, nesting coffee tables and end tables, folding chairs, and the like help you expand your space to suit more people without adding permanent clutter to your RPM Living apartment. In fact, this tip is useful whether your guests are staying overnight or not; being able to expand the table for a shared dinner, then collapse it to make more room in a spacious living area is a great option to have up your sleeve whenever you want to host friends or family in your apartment home.

Get a Folding Screen for Privacy

Especially if your overnight guest is staying in your living room, offering a little extra privacy can make a huge difference to their comfort and yours as you move through each other’s space. A folding screen can be just the thing you need to give your guest a little of their own space within your apartment and still be able to transition easily between guest mode and guest-free mode. You can easily store a folding privacy screen in a closet for the next time you have guests.

Plan To Spend Time Outside of Your Apartment

There’s no need to spend all your time inside your apartment! Plan some excursions to your favorite places in town, or enjoy an afternoon in a local park. The more time you can spend outside of your apartment, the less frustrating it will be to have limited space to share when you and your guest are both at home.

Be sure to take advantage of the vast community amenities with your guests that we offer at our RPM communities, like the resort style pool at Eastpark Apartments, or the private theater with oversized seating at The Crossings at Canton!

That’s it for our tips for hosting overnight guests! Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

RPM Living Community Highlights - Austin, TX

Avendale at The Colony

Avendale at The Colony is a luxury townhome community set in the envy-inspiring riverside city of Bastrop. Experience the benefits of single-family living surrounded by various amenities that include a shimmering swimming pool, fun and safe playgrounds for the whole family to enjoy, and well-maintained and easily accessed dog parks.

Each 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom floor plan has been designed with stunning finishes, and even includes smart home technology to make your life that much easier. Ideally located near downtown Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, accessing your favorite local (and out of town) destinations will be a piece of cake.

Learn more about Avendale at The Colony.

Medina Highlands

At Medina Highlands, you’ll find carefully designed and thoughtfully crafted studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartment homes with a luxe feel. Enjoy expansive living and entertaining spaces that keep comfort in the driver’s seat without sacrificing modern design. All Medina Highlands residents can enjoy full access to our vibrant concierge-style amenities that range anywhere from our resort-inspired swimming pool with cabanas, high-end fitness center, and coworking spaces.

Easily access the Highland MetroRail, ACC Highland, and a variety of local restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. At these Austin apartments, you’ll never run out of things to do just outside your door.

Learn more about Medina Highlands.

Citizen House Pflugerville

Citizen House Pflugerville is located just outside of Austin, and offers its residents the best of both worlds when it comes to apartment living. From all the luxuries of living in a pet-friendly community with vibrant amenities, to the convenience of being just minutes from accessing all North Austin and all its attractions have to offer.

Surrounded by major employers such as Dell Computers, IKEA, INPEX, Circle C Ranch shopping center and Google, there’s no shortage of opportunity when you call Citizen House home.

Learn more about Citizen House Pflugerville.

Veranda

At Veranda, each home includes stunning designer finishes, and are ideally located near all the best that Austin, TX has to offer, from shopping and dining to entertainment and adventure. Find the perfect middle ground between access to all things city life, while also coming home to the peace and quiet that everyone craves after a long day.

From one-bedroom apartments to spacious townhomes, Veranda has a floor plan for everyone - including you. Including state-of-the-art appliances, lavish interiors, and access to vibrant community amenities, there’s so many things to love about this property!

Learn more about Veranda.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Luxury RPM Living Apartment

Kiss those winter blues goodbye as we dive headfirst into spring - and spring cleaning! Check out a few of our tried and true recommendations that are sure to refresh your space and that should definitely be on your spring cleaning checklist this year.

Shampoo carpets & rugs

From snow and salt to dust and grime, winter can be hard on all carpeted surfaces throughout your home, so be sure and give them a good wash as we lead into the cleaner, fresher spring season! Believe us when we say, even if they look clean, they can ALWAYS be cleaner. Thank us later with this one.

Wash curtains

If you’ve never thought about cleaning your curtains before, you’re not alone. As one of the most forgotten items to clean in the majority of homes, your window curtains can easily collect dust and debris without you realizing it, and can even be responsible for aggravating your allergies. While you should always follow the instructions specific to your items, typically a simple wash cycle or steam cleaning is an effective way to refresh your luxury RPM Living apartment.

Deep clean mattresses

A good rule of thumb to follow to keep your home at its freshest is to deep clean your mattress once every season, and spring is no exception! As you replace your winter bedding over to your spring selection, clear off your mattress, give it a 180 flip, and sprinkle in some baking soda. After letting it sit for 20-30 minutes, vacuum up the baking soda, and using a damp sponge and gentle dish soap, generously give your mattress a good wipe down. Always allow your mattress time to air out and dry fully before reapplying your bedding!

Wash outdoor areas

Scrubbing or power washing your deck / patio, washing your driveway, treating your home for any mildew, and washing your outdoor furniture are all prime examples of ways to properly refresh your outdoor space and prepare your home for spring. This is also the perfect time to get ready for any outdoor hosting events you have planned, such as BBQs, pool parties, and more!

Declutter closets

While this is a task that can eat up some time, decluttering your closet in preparation for spring and summer is the perfect way to renew your space, and should definitely be on your spring cleaning checklist. Donating unwanted items and reorganizing your closet will not only enhance the visual appearance of your closet, but will make getting ready and finding your favorite outfits so much easier.

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Renter-Friendly Tech For Your RPM Living Luxury Apartment

Are you looking for some renter-friendly smart home technology recommendations to make your life a little easier? Many often mistake that living in an apartment means limiting your smart-home technology. That isn’t true, and we’ve put together a list of smart-home technology recommendations that you can easily implement in your RPM Living luxury apartment today.

Robot Vacuum

Whether you’re a little messy or even if you’re a neat freak, robot vacuums are a lifesaver for day-to-day life, especially in apartments. Our open-concept layouts make it easier to get your apartment in tip top shape without you having to lift a finger. What else could you ask for? Bonus: this one even has a mop feature for all your hard floors.

Bluetooth Speaker

If you’re cleaning, working, or anywhere in between, a wireless speaker is a great way to set your mood - no matter what mood it is. This bluetooth speaker from Ikea may look and sound like it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg, but really, it’s only $79.99.

Smart Plugs

Feeling like your energy bill is a little higher than it should be? Invest in a smart plug! These little gadgets will allow you to check via WiFi just how much energy any of your appliances or other electronic devices are pulling, and they can be remotely turned off and on. That’s right - you can turn your coffee pot on without even getting out of bed in the morning. Sounds too good to be true? Wait until you see how affordable it is.

Indoor Smart Camera

Hoping to keep an eye on your pets, plants, or belongings when you’re away from your apartment, without installing an expensive home security system? If so, an indoor smart camera should definitely be on your list. Easily connect to your smartphone, and check out what’s going on in your apartment when you’re out of town, visiting with friends, or simply out for an errand.

Digital Assistant

This may seem too easy, but we mean it when we say that EVERYONE at our RPM Living luxury apartments should have one of these. Whether you need an answer to a question, set a timer or reminder, or even control your smart plugs, an Amazon Echo or a Google Home is a great way to make apartment life more efficient without breaking the bank or taking up space.

With so much helpful tech available in today’s world, we can’t wait to hear what your favorite tools are for your home, too! Let us know in the comments or on our social media.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Tips On Saving Money While Renting

Choosing to rent is a big decision that many are faced with, and we’re thrilled you chose an RPM Living apartment community! Now that you’ve decided to rent your home, even if only temporarily, it’s a good idea to look ahead and start thinking about how to save money while you’re in a rental. Here are some of our tips!

Pay rent with a cash-back credit card

You’ve probably heard people say that credit cards are “scary” and you should avoid using them unless absolutely necessary, but this isn’t true for those who know how to use them responsibly. By paying your rent with a credit card that offers cash back on all purchases, you can truly make some of your money back on your rent payments each month, all while spending the same amount of money you’d be spending anyways.

Find a roommate

This one may seem a little on the nose, but there’s a reason why many renters choose to go in 50/50 with roommates! You’ll still be able to live in a space you love in a perfect location for your lifestyle, but at only a fraction of the cost. However, it’s important to choose your roommates wisely. Just because someone is your friend - or even family - doesn’t mean they’ll be a good fit to live with. There’s no point in choosing a roommate to split costs with if they aren’t going to stick around long enough to really make a difference.

Know how much space you need

It can seem tempting to choose an apartment that comes with extra space for storage, living, entertaining, etc., but if you’re keen on saving your money, choose a space that adequately suits your needs. In order to get more, you oftentimes have to pay more, so why pay for more than you really need? Trust us, you’re going to thank yourself in the long run.

Eliminate your debt

From credit card debt to student loans, it’s no secret that getting out of debt is one of the most common challenges that people are facing these days, especially with rising costs of living. Getting out of that hole is a great way to start seeing your savings grow each month, rather than sit in the same place month in and month out. Consider working with a free financial advisor to create a plan, both short and long term, to get your debt into a good place - or eliminated altogether.

Watch your utilities

It’s easy to get caught up in cranking your heat in the winter and your A/C in the summer, but how much extra are your utilities really costing you each month? While we would never suggest a tactic that would cause you to be uncomfortable in your own time, keeping an eye on your energy, water, heating and cooling usage each month could be what helps add some extra funds into your savings.

There are so many benefits to renting your home, don’t sell yourself short over fear of not being able to grow your savings in the meantime. Let us know if these tips have helped you, or if you have any additional tips that have proven effective in your time as a renter!

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM Living communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Apartment-Friendly At-Home Date Night Ideas

Prepare your favorite meal together

There’s next to nothing as satisfying as enjoying your favorite meal with your favorite person, and crafting it together is half the fun! Head to the nearest grocery store and pick up the necessary ingredients for your favorite at-home meal, or recreate one from your favorite restaurant, and enjoy this fun, delicious, and affordable night in.

Create your own spa

Everyone could use a spa day to wind down, but not everyone wants to spend the money - we hear you! Instead, opt for a spa day (or night) in with your partner full of face masks, massages, and body scrubs. Bonus points for including a bubble bath!

Double feature movie night

This one’s pretty straightforward, but we’ll give you some inspo anyway. Both of you pick a movie to watch together, and neither of you can complain, gripe, or speak negatively in any way about the other’s choice. To really enhance the moment, pop some popcorn, grab a couple of your favorite drinks, and put the phones away like you’re in a real theater - no interruptions!

Cocktail night

Just because you aren’t heading out to a cocktail bar doesn’t mean you can’t DIY your own! Each of you creates your own cocktail - or mocktail - for you to enjoy together. These can be made as a surprise for each other, or can be crafted together - your pick!

Wine tasting

Hit your local grocery store, winery, liquor store - you name it, just as long as you can get your favorite wines to enjoy together! To add to the anticipation, you can opt for drinks that neither of you has tried before, and who knows, you might even find your new favorite bottle!

While there is no limit to the number of at-home date nights to enjoy, we hope these ideas help guide you in the right direction! After all, with apartments like ours, any night at home is still going to feel romantic.

Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Apartment Winter Cleaning Checklist

Sterilize garbage cans & wastebaskets

As we trudge forward through cold and flu season, your garbage cans can be a breeding ground for bacteria that you may not even realize are entering your home! Washing and disinfecting your trash cans - big AND small, people - will not only aid in preventing sickness in your home but will also keep your bins from beginning to smell. No one likes a smelly trash bin.

Vacuum underneath furniture

You might have heard some say it’s important to regularly move your furniture to vacuum behind and beside it, and that’s all true! But something just as important is to flip your furniture to vacuum the underneath of any couches, chairs, etc. you may have. The dust covers found on most upholstered furniture do their job well, and collect a vast array of dust bunnies and more, so be sure and keep on top of it all! You may even notice a dip in any sneezing and coughing from allergies after this one.

Clean ceiling fan blades

If you’re someone whose ceiling fan runs virtually 24/7 (we get it), or someone whose ceiling fan is more of a decoration than a useful home appliance, dust WILL accumulate! Just because you can’t see it from underneath does not mean it isn’t there. This is another area where you could see a drop in coughing, sneezing, and other allergy-like symptoms after cleaning.

Disinfect toilet brushes and cleaners

Be honest - when was the last time you sterilized your toilet bowl cleaner, plunger, or any other toilet-use item? No shame, but for many, this isn’t at the top of their regular cleaning checklist, but it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done! For an easy fix, mix equal parts vinegar and water - or for a vinegar-free option, create a mixture of six parts water, and one part bleach - and let the items soak for 3-5 minutes, rinse, and air dry.

Clean your washing machine

Regular dirt and grime mixed with winter dust and germs can make a serious difference in your washing machine’s cleaning quality, and you may not even notice until after it’s been cleaned! For an easy and effective cleaning routine, pour two cups of baking soda into your washer, and run it on the longest, hottest cycle option. Once completed, pour two cups of white vinegar in, and run the longest cycle again, but this time, only use warm water. This will freshen up your washer’s interior and will result in noticeably cleaner clothes as well. It’s a win-win!

Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be the huge hassle chore that many think it is, and we hope this list of cleaning tips during the winter months helps take some of the dread away for you at your luxury RPM apartments.

If you’re looking for a few more seasonal cleaning tips to add to your arsenal, here are some more of our recommendations:

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.

Increasing Productivity When Working From Home

Dedicate a working space

Working from your bed might seem like a dream come true when it comes to being able to work from home, but to tell you the truth, it’s only going to keep you from your highest level of productivity. We wish it wasn’t true, either! Instead, create a dedicated working space that will keep your mind free of distractions, whether it’s a home office, a simple desk in the corner of the room, or even the dining room table or bar, depending on your space options. As long as it’s an area that you know won’t be tempting you to take a snooze, get caught in a Netflix binge, or get distracted by any other vices, you’re on the right track.

Implement quiet hours into your daily schedule

If this is your first time hearing the term “quiet hours'' while working, you’re in for a true treat when it comes to maximizing productivity - especially when working from home. Quiet hours are exactly what they sound like; scheduled time throughout your workday with no distractions and no interruptions. This means: turn off the TV, silence your phone (or even put it in a separate room), don’t schedule meetings, and turn your Microsoft Teams/Slack/Google/whatever-your-company-uses-to-communicate status to ‘away.’ This separation, even if it’s only for an hour or two out of your workday helps to eliminate all distractions and put your mind in a place of focus that it otherwise couldn’t reach, even if you don’t realize you’re being distracted in the moment.

Keep a schedule

So many are tempted by the flexibility of working from home due to the ability to, oftentimes, work on your own time, in your own chosen environment. While this is certainly a perk of the WFH lifestyle, it can cause a decline in personal productivity if you don’t have a set schedule in place to keep yourself on track. This is a level of self-discipline that can be tricky for those who aren’t used to working with this much freedom (gone are the days of micromanaging office managers!), but with the proper implementation, can increase your productivity in ways you never thought possible, and sometimes, in even less time than before.

Declutter your space

We already discussed having a designated working space in your home, but having a separate area in itself isn’t going to be enough to improve your productivity if that area is full of distractions and clutter. There’s a reason that minimalism is rising in popularity each day, and when it comes to working from home, it’s even better. While it’s important to personalize your space to make yourself comfortable, covering your desk or table with unnecessary items, leaving behind trash and dishes, and not having dedicated areas for important work documents and other items are going to keep you from being your most productive self.

Incorporate breaks to prevent burnout

PSA: increasing your productivity does NOT mean overworking yourself and getting burnt out!

In fact, it should mean the exact opposite. Working an 8, 9, or 10+ hour day with no breaks is one of the least effective ways to remain productive, and one of the best ways to get burnt out on your job, which is exactly what this list is trying to prevent! Even if it’s only 5-10 minutes, it’s important to allow yourself to take time throughout your day to take a step back from the screen or the papers, refresh your mind, and come back recharged. This allows you to increase not only your productivity but your creativity as well, to ensure the work you’re producing is truly your best.

Looking for more tips on crafting the perfect work-from-home lifestyle? Check out some of our other blogs:

For more recommendations on resident life, and for finding your ideal home at one of our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Best Restaurants in Dallas

In a city as big and full of life as Dallas, having a guide to the best local restaurants can be a lifesaver for last minute plans, or even for a month in advance. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Capital Grille

500 Crescent Ct., #135, Dallas, TX, 75201

With an extensive drink list and a dinner menu to die for, this steakhouse favorite is the perfect place to enjoy a night out. After all, with a menu including everything from beluga caviar to filets, and mongo-sized portions to put the icing on the cake, you better get your reservations in now.

Fearing’s

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX, 75201

If you’re looking for a Southwestern array of options for your dinner of choice, allow Chef Dean Fearing to take over the cooking this time. Begin with some griddled lump crab cakes or lobster tacos, and pair it with a buffalo tenderloin and one of their extensive wine options. If you’re looking for a laid-back evening, head over to the Rattlesnake Bar for some Wagyu short rib and a drink of your choice.

Princi Italia

5959 Royal Lane, Ste. 707, Dallas, TX, 75230

Be sure and add this chic Italian cafe to your dinner must-visit list! Whether your heart yearns for a bowl of pasta, a bite of bruschetta, or a slice of pizza pie rather than a dessert, Princi Italia has got you covered. Don’t forget to include a glass of vintage wine with your entree, no matter which direction you choose! Wines as good as these can be paired with anything.

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, & Crab House

2401 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

As their name implies, there is something on this menu for everyone at the dinner table, whether you’re in the mood for surf or turf. As the cravings call for, keep it real with their dessert menu by ordering a slice of decadent chocolate cake to finish off your meal - whatever it looks like, the choice is yours.

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro

3020 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

If your hope is for a more intimate dining experience, St. Martin’s Wine Bistro is just the place to visit. With over 200 options on its wine list, St. Martin’s food and drink menu includes something for every taste palate. It’s also a great idea to finish off your night with their signature creme brulee, but we won’t tell you how to spend your time.

No matter where you choose to dine in Dallas, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget, if you want to shop our RPM communities across the US, check out our Communities page.

Minimalist Decorating Tips for Your Apartment

Essential elements

Minimalism is based around only using essential elements to create a simple, functional, and clutter-free space. This is done through utilizing light, form, and materials most often in an open concept layout. Avoid excessive ornamentation and decoration, and instead opt for single pieces of artwork or other decorative elements in a large space.

Clean lines

Functionality and practicality are at the forefront of a minimalist design. This means focusing on maintaining flat, clean surfaces. Avoid lots of small decorations or furniture on tables, desks, shelves, etc., and stick to the basics. When choosing furniture, avoid excessive patterns and textures, and instead opt for a simple form, and neutral colors to your scheme.

Monochromatic color schemes

Whites, beiges, and greys will become your best friend, and are very standard in minimalist spaces. Colors are to be brought down to their most simple, natural shade rather than incorporating vibrance. When including colors, opt for the soft or baby shade rather than a hot or neon.

Textiles

To add a sense of dimension to your minimalist space without clashing designs, textiles such as linen, wool, and cotton are easy ways to add a sense of texture, color, and warmth to your space without causing distraction. Simple additions such as bedding, rugs, blankets, etc. are an easy and often inexpensive way to incorporate this element.

Combine shades

While all your shades should remain a faint, soft color as was previously discussed, it’s important to know that a blend of those faint shades in a room is key to keeping your home from looking washed out or bland, which is a fine line when it comes to minimalist design patterns. Wallpapers, fabrics used in furniture or decor, and even tile design can be used to incorporate this subtle, yet tasteful mix.

For more decorating tips, check out some of our other blogs!

As always, if you’re looking to live in one of our luxury apartments, you can always shop RPM communities across the US by checking out our Communities page.