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Chances are, wood doesnt come to mind when thinking of the best materials to use in your bathroom. As it turns out, however, if you take the necessary steps, it can be an excellent choice for showers, soaking tubs and practically anything else in this space. Of course, what makes it even more appealing is that appointing your bathroom with rich wood grain finishes can really be tailored to a variety of styles, from a sleek and modern aesthetic to laid-back, rustic vibes. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, here are the basics of what you need to know when using wood in the bathroom.

Choose the Right Type
First off, you need to choose a type of wood thats naturally resistant to rot and moisture, otherwise youre going to end up with problems very quickly. Teak, ipe and cedar all exhibit these qualities, which is why they are often the go-to for outdoor showers, but of course, can fare just as well when used inside.

Ventilation is Key
If your bathroom stays moist and humid for long periods of time after you take a shower, that can cause the wood to warp or even rot. A proper exhaust fan will help to remove the steam and allow the wood to dry quickly after each use so that it doesnt get damaged over time.

Keep It Safe With a Sealant
Just as you would apply a sealant to your wooden deck, its wise to do so in the bathroom to further protect the wood from moisture even if it wont be coming in direct contact with water. This can be done with a natural oil, such as linseed oil, which is so effective that its used for wood soaking tubs. In addition to repelling the water, a natural oil will also be able to maintain the distinct feel and smell of the wood, unlike a harsher chemical-based sealant.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Clothes, shoes, belts, bags. Are these items taking over your closet? Get organized without the hassle of an overhaul or the cost of hiring a professional. These simple tricks will help keep your closet clean and keep you stress-free each and every time you get dressed.

Use the Back of the Door
More often than not, the closet door is nothing more than the entry to your wardrobe. By maximizing this vertical space, you can easily organize your accessories. Attach hooks, decorative knobs, towel bars, a cork board and even a mirror. This organizational hack will make it easier to mix and match jewelry, belts and other accessories to your favorite outfits in no time.

Install Some Hooks
Inside the closet, put up a few additional hooks on the wall, perfect for hanging belts and ties. Hooks will provide additional storage without taking up too much of your precious space. Hanging bags or purses, no matter how large or small, is a great way to use this hack, freeing up any floor or shelf space.

Maximize the Floor Space
Clear any clothes or bags off the floor – they dont belong there. Add a mat, tray or even a rack to organize shoes while keeping the floor clean of dirt or grime. For easy access to your shoe collection, add a rolling tray that you can slide out.

Color-Code Your Hangers
When seasons change, so does fashion. And pieces can easily get lost in the shuffle. By color-coding your hangers, you can make seasonal items easy to spot. This method can also be helpful for taking inventory to determine what pieces you may be missing or to prevent you from overbuying.

Label Bins and Drawers
Avoid the hassle and mess of digging through any drawers or bins you may have in your closet. Whether its a large bin full of cold-weather sweatshirts or a small drawer for your socks, labeling helps you keep your closet organized, clean and easy to manage.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you are renting an apartment but want to buy your own home, youll have to save enough money for a down payment first. The amount will depend on the price of your dream home and the terms of your mortgage, but itll most likely be several thousand dollars more than you currently have in your bank account. Saving money for a down payment while putting a significant percentage of your monthly income toward rent can feel daunting, but you can do it if you make some strategic decisions and commitments.

Figure out How Much You Need
If you have a pretty good idea of where you want to live and the size and features you want in your future home, you can look at recent sale prices and come up with a ballpark estimate of how much youll need for a down payment. Having a target can help you stay on track.

See Where Your Money Goes & Look for Ways to Cut Expenses
Keep track of every dollar you spend for two or three months. Knowing where your money goes can help you identify areas where you can make changes to save. For example, you may be surprised at how much you spend on things like eating out and entertainment.

If you live in an area where rental costs are high, consider relocating. You might have a longer daily commute, but cutting your rent bill could give you hundreds of extra dollars each month to put toward your down payment. If moving isnt an option, consider getting a roommate to share expenses.

Utility bills can fluctuate from month to month as your usage changes with the season. If possible, find an apartment with some or all utilities included. The rent payment may be higher, but paying the same amount each month can make budgeting easier. If you cant find an apartment with utilities included, look for ways to use less electricity and water.

Increase Income & Reduce Debt
You can earn additional income by taking on a part-time job. Whether you capitalize on an in-demand skill that you have or look for odd jobs or a freelancing gig, every extra dollar can bring you closer to your down payment goal.

If you have credit card balances, high interest rates can cause you to pay thousands of dollars extra. Paying off your debt means that money could go toward a down payment instead. Eliminating credit card debt can also raise your credit score and help you get a mortgage with a lower interest rate.

Focus on a Goal & Create a Strategy
Saving money for a down payment can be tough if youre paying to rent a home, but it can be done. Set a goal, figure out where your money is currently going each month and then look for changes you can make to reduce your living expenses. A multi-pronged approach can help you reach your goal faster.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Renting doesnt always leave much room for personalization. And when youre a bibliophile, it can be hard to organize your large collection when you cant build out bookshelves or are limited on space. But dont fret, book lovers, there are ways to display your literary assortment in a creative and organized fashion. Heres a few ideas

Line Your Windowsill
Utilize the space youve been given by lining up your collection in front of your window. Use plants or other decorative items as bookends to give your presentation more style. Add some photos around your display for even more personalization.

Create a Headboard Library
If reading in bed is your way to relax before slumber, displaying your collection in arms reach is the perfect solution. Build your own headboard with shelves and cubbies that will easily fill up with your favorite reads. Add a coaster for your cup of tea to add another layer of comfort.

Build a Makeshift Library
Bring back the elegance of an old-fashioned study with bookshelves you can assemble on your own or with a friend. Whether in a cozy corner or across an entire wall, show off your collection of novels with a classic and timeless look. Add this display to your home office to create a studious and intelligent space.

Make Use of Extra Space
Take a look around your apartment to find unused and open spaces. A shelf above your cabinets, the lid of your toilet or any sort of built-in nooks are perfect spots for stacks of books. Even dress up your coffee table in your living room or your end tables in the bedroom with a set of visually appealing hardcovers.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Renting a house or apartment is a great alternative or interim solution to buying. Maybe youre saving up for a more permanent home or youre just moving into your first place away from your parents. Whatever the case, the rules of renting can sometimes get in the way of you feeling at home.

In most rentals, painting, putting up wallpaper, installing floors and adding anything permanent is not allowed. Plus, you dont want to spend time and money renovating something that you dont own. There are, however, many temporary options that can keep you from sacrificing comfort and style.

1. Peel & Stick Tiles
If the kitchen in your rental is a bit outdated, or you just cant stand the existing backsplash, these tiles are a great temporary option. You can find them in almost any shape, size and design. Simply remove the film from the adhesive side of the tiles and place onto the wall. When you are ready to move out, apply heat – you can use a hair dryer – and remove to reveal a damage-free wall.

2. Adhesive Window Film
If privacy in your neighborhood or apartment complex where you rent is an issue, look no further than this decorative and ingenious solution. With styles ranging from a plain frosted look to an intricate design, window film is a great way to add subtle style to a room and ensure your privacy. You can cut it to size, and with the adhesive spray and smoothing tool, youll have upgraded windows in minutes! And, as easily as the installation is, the removal process will take half the time!

3. Removable Wallpaper
Its easier than ever to totally redesign your rental space with this incredible invention. Add an accent wall or paper the entire apartment, and before you know it, your space will be transformed. You can even use removable wallpaper on shelving, under your island or even inside drawers and cabinets for an extra pop of color. You can find almost any style, design or color depending on your style. Simply remove and ensure your full security deposit when youre ready to move out!

4. Faux Flooring
Some rental properties feature older flooring styles, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, such as outdated linoleum or an unattractive tile. Temporary flooring offers an opportunity to update the aesthetic of an entire room, or even an entire apartment. From all different grains of wooden planks to desirable patterns of ceramic tiles, there are many styles to choose from, and just like a removable backsplash – easy on, easy off!

5. Command Hooks
No more unsightly holes will be left in the wall with this inexpensive trick. Command offers hundreds of hooks that can handle a myriad of weights, as well as outdoor options that can stand up to tough weather and humidity. These hooks come in all shapes, sizes and finishes, offering a way to hang curtains, framed artwork, coats, towels and more without leaving a trace.

6. Contact Paper
Turn any surface into a chalkboard or line all of your shelves and drawers in florals with this customizable tool. Marble patterns are also available, providing an instant enhancement to your countertops, as well as a stainless steel look to upgrade your appliances. Using a similar application process to window film, this option is easy to install, can be cut to shape or size and be easily repositioned or removed.

7. Tile Decals
Maybe your rental has a boring backsplash behind the stove or a plain white tile floor in the bathroom. Instead of living in a bland space, add character to your rental by decorating pieces that already exist. Take an extra styling step by sticking these to your staircase or using them to make a welcome mat in your entryway. With hundreds of colors and designs, youll never be short of style with the easy-to-apply stickers.

Personalizing your rental space is the first step to making it feel like a home. By taking these steps and utilizing these temporary tools, ensure not only the return of your full security deposit, but endless design possibilities wherever you go – with no trace left behind!

Published with permission from RISMedia.