HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

We would like to wish all of our residents a very happy Valentine's Day! To all those who have recently moved in to our community, there's nothing like moving into that new-to-you apartment. It's a chance to decorate unadorned walls, cook in a new kitchen and see if the furniture looks better in a different setting. If you're in the middle of your lease and have fallen out of love with your place, there are things you can do to get that new-apartment feeling. So how do you get the magic back? Follow the ideas below and watch yourself fall in love with your place all over again.

• Work the walls ~ If it's okay with your landlord, repainting the walls can make a dramatic difference to the light, atmosphere and even the perception of space in your apartment. Or maybe it's time to cycle out the old posters and framed items hanging throughout your place. Chossing a new theme, era or style scheme for your decorations can make it feel like a new place!


• Revamp the floors ~ Whether it's a good steam cleaning for carpets or new area rugs, dealing with your floor coverings can make a big difference in bringing back the charm of your current pad. Websites like Flor.com offer some amazing options, including lightly adhesive area rugs, which you can take with you someday if you move out.


• Makeover your bed ~ In most bedrooms, the bed is the most prominent part of the scenery. Make it work for you! Splurge on a new bedding set and create a sanctuary. Go with the fabric's dominant colors or style and build around it, making a space you can't wait to get to at the end of the day.


• A few new pieces ~ Maybe it's time to ditch that cinder-block and wood bookcase for something with more staying power. Your local thrift store, garage sales, IKEA, furniture outlets or scratch-and-dent stores can offer plenty of reasonably priced options for redecorating. And don't forget e-Bay and Craigslist! Search for items that can be picked up locally and you can even save on shipping. A simple slip-cover and new pillows can completely transform your current sofa, as will a new finish or coat of paint on your bookcases and tables. Also ask friends and family if there are pieces they want to get rid of or may have in storage. You never know what treasures you might have passed on to you, even if only temporarily.


• Details, details ~ Plants, candles, ceiling fans and lighting can also work wonders in creating a new atmosphere. Consider moving things around and swapping items between rooms. With a small table, chair and your laptop, that corner of the kitchen just became your new office and you now have a spare room for guests, music or your favorite collection. Perhaps you'd be happier making the spare room your bedroom. A new view out the window can give you a new perspective on all kinds of things.

If you're bored with your apartment but aren't going anywhere in a hurry, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to breathe new life into the old place and make you feel like you've just met for the first time.