July 3, 2025

How to Decorate an Apartment on a Budget

Are you looking for ways to make your apartment feel more like home without spending a fortune? Whether you are renting or owning, decorating an apartment can be challenging. 


But don’t worry: There are plenty of creative and affordable solutions that can transform your apartment into a cozy and stylish sanctuary. In this blog post, we’ll share with you some tips and tricks on how to decorate an apartment on a budget, using items that you already have or can easily find at thrift stores, flea markets, or online.


Tip #1: Use Wall Art to Add Color and Personality


One of the easiest and cheapest ways to decorate an apartment is to use wall art to add some color and personality to your space. Wall art can be anything from paintings to posters, prints, photos, or even your own DIY creations. You can use wall art to create a focal point, fill up an empty wall, or create a gallery wall with different sizes and styles of art. Wall art can also reflect your interests, hobbies, or passions, making your apartment more personal and unique.


To save money on wall art, you can use items that you already have, such as old magazines, calendars, maps, or postcards. You can also make your own wall art using materials such as canvas, fabric, paper, or wood. You can find tutorials and inspiration online for various wall art projects, such as decoupage, string art, or wall hangings. Another option is to look for wall art at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms, where you can find vintage, quirky, or original pieces at low prices.


Tip #2: Use Rugs to Define and Warm Up Your Space


Another way to decorate an apartment on a budget is to use rugs to define and warm up your space. Rugs can help you create different zones in your apartment, such as a living area, a dining area, or a bedroom. Rugs can also add some texture, pattern, and color to your floor, making it more inviting and comfortable. Rugs can also help you cover up any stains, scratches, or damages on your floor, especially if you are renting and cannot change the flooring.

To save money on rugs, you can use items that you already have, such as blankets, quilts, or towels. You can also make your own rugs using materials such as yarn, rope, or fabric. You can find tutorials and inspiration online for various rug projects, such as pom pom rugs, braided rugs, or rag rugs. Another option is to look for rugs at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms, where you can find unique, vintage, or handmade rugs at low prices.


Tip #3: Use Curtains to Dress Up Your Windows and Walls


A third way to decorate an apartment on a budget is to use curtains to dress up your windows and walls. Curtains can help you control the amount of light and privacy in your apartment as well as add some style and flair to your space. Curtains can also help you create the illusion of more space and height by hanging them from the ceiling or above the window frame. Curtains can also help you hide any flaws or imperfections on your walls, such as cracks, holes, or stains.


To save money on curtains, you can use items that you already have, such as sheets, tablecloths, or shower curtains. You can also make your own curtains using materials such as fabric, lace, or beads. You can find tutorials and inspiration online for various curtain projects, such as no-sew curtains, tie-dye curtains, or beaded curtains. Another option is to look for curtains at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms, where you can find beautiful, elegant, or funky curtains at low prices.


Tip #4: Use Plants to Add Life and Freshness


A fourth way to decorate an apartment on a budget is to use plants to add some life and freshness to your space. Plants can help you purify the air, reduce stress, and boost your mood. Plants can also add some color, texture, and fragrance to your space, making it more lively and pleasant. Plants can be displayed in various ways, such as on shelves, windowsills, tables, or hanging from the ceiling.

To save money on plants, you can use items that you already have, such as jars, cans, bottles, or mugs. You can also make your own planters using materials such as clay, wood, or metal. You can find tutorials and inspiration online for various planter projects, such as succulent planters, wooden planters, or macrame planters. Another option is to look for plants at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms, where you can find cheap, healthy, or exotic plants.


Tip #5: Use Accessories to Add Personality and Flair


A fifth way to decorate an apartment on a budget is to use accessories to add some personality and flair to your space. Accessories can be anything from pillows, throws, candles, vases, baskets, or trays. Accessories can help you create a cozy, stylish, and fun atmosphere in your apartment. Accessories can also help you express your taste, preferences, or hobbies, making your apartment more unique and authentic.


To save money on accessories, you can use items that you already have, such as books, magazines, souvenirs, or collectibles. You can also make your own accessories using materials such as fabric, paper, or beads. You can find tutorials and inspiration online for various accessory projects, such as pillow covers, candle holders, or trays. Another option is to look for accessories at thrift stores, flea markets, or online platforms, where you can find cute, quirky, or elegant accessories at low prices.


If you’re looking for an apartment in Riverside, CA, come live with us at Mission Lofts Apartments! We’re a luxury apartment community located in the heart of Riverside, CA. Contact us today to schedule a tour!

The Surprisingly Wonderful Benefits of Rental Living

July 3, 2025
If you’ve recently moved, chances are you looked at apartments, especially if your new area was especially expensive. With over 43 million renter-occupied units in the country, renting is clearly a popular choice. Home ownership is often seen as the gold standard, but there are plenty of reasons why home ownership might not be your best bet. Here are four reasons why renting might win over buying. Location Because there are so many rental units spread throughout the country, renters can live almost anywhere. But according to Investopedia , “homeowners are restricted to areas where they can afford to buy. Living in an expensive city such as New York may be out of reach for most home buyers, but it is entirely possible for renters.” When you value location over ownership, renting is perfect. There are rarely homes in large cities; most are located in suburbs, which means long commutes into the city. If you value your time, living in an apartment a few blocks from your workplace could save you hundreds of hours a year. And time is money! Even if rent is the same as or even slightly higher than a comparable mortgage, most people never factor in time costs, or even fuel and transportation costs from living farther away from where they work. Before you make a final decision, consider all these variables. Amenities Have you ever bought something you thought you’d use more than you do? Imagine doing that with something as large and involved as a swimming pool. Renting an apartment often comes with access to great amenities that you can use for free! There’s no need to pay for installation, upkeep, or maintenance, and you can use the amenity as often or as little as you’d like! This is often what draws most people to renting. Renting also comes with access to amenities many consider essential, such as a washer and dryer. These large appliances make daily life so much easier, but can be a source of headaches if they stop working or malfunction. If you own your home, you’re on the hook for all maintenance and repair costs, and any damage caused by the appliances. As a renter, you simply contact your landlord or property manager to take care of any issues you have. Benefits without responsibilities is a major draw for many renters, and apartment managers know it! Newer apartments often offer outrageous amenities to attract potential renters. You’ll likely be able to find the exact amenities you’re looking for in an apartment. Flexibility Buying a home is one of the largest commitments of time, energy, and money that we make. Not everyone is ready for such a serious commitment. Renting can help you avoid taking on unwelcome responsibilities. Unlike a temporary contract, buying a home is final. Sure, you can always sell, but selling too early can cost you. You have to live in your home for a minimum of two years to avoid capital gains tax upon selling, and selling any sooner than two years after purchase will usually mean you love money on the sale due to closing costs, and that’s assuming the house has appreciated in those two years. There’s a ton of things you have to consider when buying a home. If you don’t like where you live, you’re stuck until you can sell your home. If you’re renting an apartment, just don’t renew your lease and you’re free to go wherever you want. This is especially nice with the increase of remote work opportunities. If you value flexibility, renting is most likely the best situation for you. A sense of community  Just about everything in life can be done remotely. From paying bills to ordering groceries, there’s no need to go anywhere in person anymore. This can be extremely lonely. If you’re someone who struggles with getting out and meeting people, being a part of an apartment community can help. Apartment complexes often host parties and activities where you can meet your neighbors and others who live nearby. Even if you’re not interested in any social activities, you’ll still rub shoulders with your neighbors now and again as you go about your day. Renting can be better than buying because renting allows you to choose the location where you want to live, offers great amenities, gives you flexibility, and helps you be part of a community. If you’re looking for apartments in Riverside, California, consider Mission Lofts Apartments!

Our Goal Is to Make Coming Home the Best Part of Your Day

July 3, 2025
Our Goal Is to Make Coming Home the Best Part of Your Day We’re pleased to announce that Mission Lofts is now under new ownership and new management: Advanced Management Company! This exciting change should have little effect on you as a resident, and we are here to communicate with you about the process should you have any questions. First, here’s a little bit about us. Advanced Management Company proudly serves over 10,000 apartment homes in Southern California. We set out on a mission in 1982 to raise the bar for apartment life. We believe in a Live Happy®, Live Healthy, Live Green philosophy. We invest in our communities and are committed for the long term. At AMC, our passion is providing first-class service and a high-quality, convenient apartment lifestyle where you, our VIPs, can create lifelong memories with your family. One of our core values is to treat others the way we want to be treated. We value the importance of family and warmly welcome you to ours! We truly appreciate your residency and patience during this transitional time. We are confident you will love calling Mission Lofts your home under our management. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact our resident services team. It is our pleasure to serve you. Create a Personalized Portal and Pay Rent Online In our communities, we strive to provide quality services to help make your life as a resident a little easier. Our residents can visit our Resident Portal to pay rent online, enter a maintenance service request, browse our calendar for upcoming activities, and much more! To get started, here’s how to set up a personalized portal: Call or email our leasing office to confirm that the following details match our records: first name, last name, email address, date of birth. Visit www.missionlofts.com and click Resident Login in the upper right corner of the homepage. Click Create An Account and enter your email address, first name, last name, and date of birth (must match the info you supplied to us exactly). Enjoy the convenience of paying rent online, submitting maintenance requests, and more! We’re excited to be the new management team at Mission Lofts! Be sure to reach out and ask us any questions you may have about setting up a personalized portal or any concerns about the transition as it would be our pleasure to assist you. We know you’ll love it here!

Looking to Have Fun This Summer? Riverside Is the Perfect Place!

July 3, 2025
Looking to Have Fun This Summer? Riverside Is the Perfect Place! Riverside is a beautiful city with gardens, golf courses, farmer’s markets, and plenty more to keep you busy and smiling during the summer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like biking and hiking, opportunities to shop local, or want to take in some live music, Riverside, CA has exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at this list of the best summer activities in and around Riverside, CA. Summer Activities University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens The UCR Botanic Gardens is a 40-acre garden with more than 3,500 plant species and thousands of plants from around the world, focusing on plants that do well in dry and arid lands, similar to California and the rest of the Southwestern United States. The botanical gardens are meant for learning, research, and development, but are also open to the public part of the time. If you’re interested in the natural flora and fauna of the Riverside area, the UCR Botanical Gardens are a must-see! The gardens are open to the public during the summer, Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guided tours are also available. It’s the perfect place for an elementary school field trip but can be adapted to fit any need. Tour tickets cost $7.50 per adult. Fairmont Golf Course This 55-acre golf course offers nine holes and a putting green. Unlike other golf courses, Fairmont makes golf affordable for everyone. A nine-hole round of golf at Fairmont Golf Course only costs $13–15, not including all the discounts for seniors and those under 17 years of age. Buckets of balls at the range are also affordable, costing only $5–8. At Fairmont, golfing is accessible to everyone. Their hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Check their schedule to see specific hours and various discounted times. Despite its affordable price, Fairmont Golf Course is beautifully kept and makes an awesome place to spend some time golfing. Mount Rubidoux Just west of Riverside, Mount Rubidoux is a popular and culturally significant place. Designated as a city park and landmark, Rubidoux draws hundreds of visitors daily to take advantage of the 3.5 miles of paved trails, the dirt pathways, and the excellent views from the top. It’s a popular place for bouldering and hiking. On the Fourth of July, the city launches fireworks from the top, lighting up the city below. Mount Rubidoux is open from dawn to dusk. The parking lots are closed at night, and none of the trails are lit, making it unsafe to hike at night. There are restrooms at Ryan Bonaminio Park as well as extra parking. Mount Rubidoux is a landmark you won’t want to miss if you’re in the Riverside area this summer! Events Downtown Riverside Certified Farmers Market One of the often-overlooked benefits of summer weather is the fact that it ripens up fresh fruit and vegetables. This delicious produce can always be found freshly picked at the local Downtown Riverside Farmers Market. But you’ll find much more than just fruits and vegetables: You’ll find vendors selling freshly baked bread, honey, chocolate, and home-cooked meals ready to eat. Local craftsmen will also be present, selling their handmade goods. The farmers market takes place Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on the chance to get locally grown fresh produce and other products made by local farmers, crafters, and chefs. The market is free to attend! Reunion Jazz Festival This multigenerational event aims to reunite local artists, community leaders, and small business owners who share common roots within Eastside Riverside. There will be performances, of course, by some of the top jazz musicians in the area, as well as plenty of vendors selling food, drinks, commemorative clothing, and a variety of other items. Tickets start at $40 and move up to $100 depending on seating location relative to the stage. There are VIP options for those looking for a special experience and unlimited access to the bar and VIP bathrooms. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy spectacular jazz performances, food, drinks, and plenty more. Summer Fun Concerts in the Park Put together by the city of Riverside, Summer Fun Concerts in the Park is the perfect opportunity to enjoy live music, fun and games, food, entertainment, and even a beer garden! Between July 6 and August 3, 2022, Fairmont park will host a summer concert series. No matter what genres you prefer, you’ll likely enjoy at least one or two of the concerts in the series. Motown, top 40, and Latin are just a few of the genre themes for the concerts this summer. Come to Fairmont Park on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to experience the warm summer evenings with song and the smell of fresh food lingering in the air. Best of all? The event is free! Shows and Performances Weird Al Yankovic: Unfortunate Return of the Ill-Advised Vanity Tour Weird Al is famous for his amazingly funny songs and parodies of modern hits. His concerts are something different than you’ll find anywhere else. Enjoy the beats of your favorite songs, but with new and interesting lyrics you’d never think of. But there’s more to Weird Al than just parody; his own songs are also witty and fun. Enjoy a more personal experience with Weird Al, thanks to his tour’s emphasis on smaller venues and less theatrical performances. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a cultural icon! Buy your tickets now. Back in the Day: A Tribute to 90s Hip Hop! Do you miss the good old days of 90s hip hop? Well, you’re in luck! This summer at The Concert Lounge in Riverside, CA, you’ll enjoy an evening solely dedicated to celebrating the great hip hop of the 90s. Tickets cost $10 if you buy them early and $15 if you pay at the door. Guests can start finding seats at 8 p.m., with the show starting shortly after. If you’re a 90s hip-hop connoisseur, don’t miss this event! New Found Glory: 20 Years of Sticks and Stones Are you a fan of New Found Glory? Celebrate at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium the 20-year anniversary of New Found Glory’s most popular album, Sticks and Stones . In addition to standard tickets, VIP packages are also available. Tickets start at $34 per person and increase in price based on seat location. This will be a spectacular event that you won’t want to miss! If you’re going to be in Riverside, CA, this summer, be sure to check out some of these great summer activities. If you’re looking for a place to live in Riverside, consider Mission Lofts Apartments. We’ve got great amenities you’re sure to love. Find out more by calling us or scheduling a tour today! Come On In DAILY 9 AM–6 PM Schedule A Tour Contact CALL + TEXT (951) 289-9333 Address 3050 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507 Contact
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