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Christmas Decor for a Small Apartment

Living in a small apartment doesn't offer many options for elaborate holiday decor. With a little ingenuity, however, I've created a lovely holiday-themed apartment. A miniature lighted Christmas tree carefully placed on my side table greets visitors as they enter my home. Making good use of my front room window, I have adorned it with decor, using tinsel and garland, as well as miniature stockings hung with suction cups. As a festive alternative, you might try hanging shiny ornaments on the window in much the same way. If your apartment is designed with a staircase, decorate the banister. Use garland, tinsel, holly or even holiday greeting cards. Finally, if your apartment is furnished with a fireplace, decorate the mantel. I've placed a two-foot tall animated and musical Santa on my mantel. I hope my blog gives you some fun decorating ideas for your small home.

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Christmas Decor for a Small Apartment

Outdoor Patio Covers That Improve Resale Value

by Luke Patterson

An outdoor space is a great way to get vitamin D and relax while never having to leave your home. It's also a great way to improve your home's resale value. Homes with patio improvements or outdoor living spaces rake in an 80% return on investment depending on the quality of materials and design.

In this article, you'll discover popular outdoor patio covers that help you transform your patio into a relaxing oasis and get the most bang for your buck.

Wooden Patio Cover or Pergola

As one of the most attractive options, wooden patio covers are a great way to add a rustic look to your outdoor space. Wooden covers are structures with permanent, retractable, or open rooves.  A Pergola is a type of wooden open roof structure. It offers a base for different roof options such as wood, glass, aluminum, or acrylic.

One advantage of wooden covers is that they can be built to match any style. Also, wood is solid and durable and easy to replace in sections if necessary. In addition, wooden covers offer great shade in the summer months.

A downside of wooden patio covers is that they can be high maintenance. Wood becomes bleached and deteriorates in the sun and rain over time if it's not properly maintained. While they are beautiful, wooden covers may not be best for those in moist climates. 

Glass Patio Cover

Natural light is a major selling point for homes. A glass patio cover is a great option when you want to enjoy the outdoors without obstructing the light entering your home. They come in a variety of tints to offer shade and cover from the elements while still letting light in. The glass option is great when combined with retractable glass walls or an open-air pergola.

A major pro of glass patio cover is that your patio becomes an attractive outdoor room without changing the overall look of your home. You can watch the rain and stars while remaining safely covered. A downside of glass is that it may not be the best option if you live in an area with intense sun several months out of the year. For these climates, installing a retractable shade can block out enough heat during the sunny months to keep your patio feeling pleasant. Additionally, some people may not enjoy water spots and debris that can collect on the glass.

Aluminum Patio Cover

Aluminum patio covers are a stylish, inexpensive, and lightweight option for homeowners that want the protection of a solid roof. They are resistant to weather damage and pests and can be painted to fit the look of your home. Modern aluminum panels are doubled so they don't let in as much heat as their predecessors. 

A major pro of aluminum panels is their affordability. The panels can also be incorporated with skylights to let in more natural light. A major downside of aluminum patio covers is that more effort is required to achieve the aesthetic appeal of wood or glass. Also, even the most durable aluminum is susceptible to dents and damage.

A custom outdoor patio cover is another way to make your backyard into the zen garden of your dreams. A qualified contractor can walk you through the best options to improve your home's visual appeal and comfort level. 

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