<h2>#1: Schedule Game Nights Ahead of Time</h2>
<p>Will you host game nights weekly or monthly? Will the location change or stay the same?</p>
<p>It’s important to plan ahead to avoid confusion and accommodate your guests&#8217; schedules. It could take some time to find a day that suits everyone, but you might also need to make an executive decision if an agreement can’t be reached by the group.</p>
<p>Once you’ve selected a day, try to schedule several game nights in advance, so people have time to clear their schedule.</p>
<h2>#2: Choose Games Beforehand</h2>
<p>Are your visitors competitive? Or are they interested in a casual soiree?</p>
<p>Understanding your guests’ personalities can help you select the right games to suit their preferences. You can also ask for suggestions or recommend each person bring their favorite game. Selecting games based on a theme is another option if you or your visitors want to try something new.</p>
<h3>Games to Play on Game Night</h3>
<p>For laidback players:</p>
<ul>
<li>Traditional card games, like euchre or poker</li>
<li>Scrabble</li>
<li>Monopoly</li>
<li>Uno</li>
<li>Ticket to Ride</li>
</ul>
<p>For enthusiastic competitors:</p>
<ul>
<li>Werewolf or Mafia</li>
<li>Outburst</li>
<li>Pictionary</li>
<li>Telestrations</li>
<li>Cards Against Humanity</li>
</ul>
<h2>#3: Read Instructions</h2>
<p>Avoid rules disputes by reading the instructions right off the bat. Even if your friend says they know them by heart, or your coworker has played the game before. Reading instructions will help you run the game efficiently and prevent arguments.</p>
<p>Your job as host might require you to mediate between guests if there are contrasting opinions. Sticking to the instructions can help you de-escalate small issues before they get out of hand.</p>
<h2>#4: Prepare Food and Drinks</h2>
<p>Playing games can work up an appetite, so be prepared with plenty of food. Keeping your guests fed can also prevent “hanger,” which may spark tension or disagreements during intense games. Lay out a mixture of flavors and tastes to satisfy your friends’ preferences.</p>
<p>Finger foods are simple to prepare and refill and are edible at room temperature. Set out chips and dip, pretzels, mixed nuts, cheese trays and cut fruit and vegetables. Or try your hand at <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/easy-to-make-football-party-food-ideas-with-recipes">easy recipes like pigs in a blanket or pizza strombolis</a>.</p>
<h2>#5: Set Up Your Space</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/how-to-declutter-your-apartment">Declutter your apartment</a> and <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/tips-for-deep-cleaning-your-apartment">clean common areas</a> so your guests have space to unwind. Determine where your party will gather so you can provide appropriate seating. Arrange the play area before your visitors arrive so you don’t have to scramble in a crowded space.</p>
<p>Are you hosting games around your dining table? Make sure there are enough chairs to accommodate your friends comfortably.</p>
<p>Playing games around your coffee table can create a more relaxed environment. Your friends can sit on couches, chairs, cushions or open floor space if they wish.</p>
<h2>Find an Apartment That’s Perfect for Game Night</h2>
<p>Are you <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/columbus-is-booming-why-you-should-consider-making-the-move">considering moving to Columbus, Ohio</a>? Ardent Communities has a variety of spacious apartments and townhomes that are well-suited for hosting game nights. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/apartments">Find your apartment</a> and <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/contact-us">schedule a tour</a>.</p>


Friends having a game night in an apartment living room

5 Tips for Hosting a Game Night in Your Apartment

<h2>What is Wellness Interior Design?</h2>
<p>It’s a design concept that focuses on maximizing physical, mental and emotional health. Wellness interior design is more than aesthetically pleasing décor and trendy paint colors. It’s about creating an immersive space that addresses your senses to relieve stress and support wellness.</p>
<h2>Use a Variety of Lighting</h2>
<p>Lighting affects your body’s ability to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Incorporating natural light helps synchronize your body’s internal clock and supports good sleep habits.</p>
<p>Place furniture close to the windows and open blinds or curtains during the Soaking in the sun will also give you a natural boost of Vitamin D.</p>
<p>Warm-toned ambient lighting is more soothing than sterile, overhead alternatives. Consider installing sconces, floor lamps and pendant light fixtures to create a cozy glow.</p>
<h2>Include Mood-Boosting Color</h2>
<p>Neutral tones like white and tan make for a bright, natural palette that’s easy on your eyes. You can still add pops of color to enhance your mood and the room’s visual appeal.</p>
<p>Warm colors that motivate:</p>
<ul>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Red:</b></strong>Stimulation, energy, passion</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Orange:</b></strong>Warmth, comfort, inspiration</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Yellow:</b></strong>Brightness, happiness, optimism</li>
</ul>
<p>Cool tones that soothe:</p>
<ul>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Blue:</b></strong>Calmness, serenity, relaxation</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Purple:</b></strong>Luxury, mindfulness, creativity</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Gray:</b></strong>Tranquility, sophistication, simplicity</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Green:</b></strong>Rejuvenation, balance, organic</li>
</ul>
<p>Paint a feature wall or place a cluster of accessories in your preferred color. Use paintings, vases or pottery to create a focal point in a room.</p>
<h2>Add Inspirational Artwork and Designs</h2>
<p>Reflect your values and aspirations by displaying motivational artwork and trinkets. That helps you establish a personal connection with your space, especially if you’re <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/4-tips-for-first-time-apartment-renters"><u>moving into an apartment for the first time</u></a>.</p>
<p>Exploring and embracing your personal aesthetic and then incorporating it into your surroundings can improve your mood and boost your productivity.</p>
<p>Here are some ideas:</p>
<p><strong><b>Photography:</b></strong> Landscapes and seascapes can provide a sense of tranquility. Travel photography can spark a sense of wanderlust and adventure. Displaying your own photographs is also a good way to spark conversations with guests.</p>
<p><strong><b>Typography:</b></strong> Framed inspirational quotes or affirmations can help you center yourself, especially when you’re having a bad day.</p>
<p><strong><b>Posters and prints:</b></strong> Hang prints or posters to evoke various emotions. Vintage prints create a feeling of nostalgia; pop art adds energy and whimsy.</p>
<p><strong><b>Paintings:</b></strong> Whether you prefer watercolors, oils or acrylics, an original painting will add an authentic feel and a unique interpretation of the subject to any room. You can buy new works online and at art fairs or search for older paintings in antique shops.</p>
<h2>The Health Benefits of Houseplants</h2>
<p>Plants naturally purify the air and eliminate airborne toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/want-to-improve-your-health-get-growing"><u>Caring for plants ca</u><u>n also </u><u>trigger feel-good hormones</u></a> that ease stress and enhance your mood.</p>
<p>Looking for a specific benefit? Add the appropriate plants to your apartment:</p>
<ul>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Air purification:</b></strong>Snake plants, spider plants and aloe vera</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Humidity regulation:</b></strong>Peace lilies and Boston ferns</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Stress reduction:</b></strong>Eucalyptus and lavender</li>
<li><b></b><strong><b>Allergy relief:</b></strong>Rubber plants, English ivy and pothos</li>
</ul>
<h2>Relax with the Right Scents</h2>
<p>Your sense of smell is closely linked to memory recall, so it can impact your mood. Using scents also <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/tips-to-make-your-apartment-feel-more-luxurious"><u>adds a touch of luxury to your apartment</u></a>. Light candles, burn incense, incorporate essential oils or keep fresh flowers to change the aromas in your space.</p>
<h2>Design Your Dream Apartment at Ardent Communities</h2>
<p>Are you looking for a place to live in Columbus, Ohio? Ardent Communities has a variety of <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/apartments-vs-townhomes"><u>apartments and townhomes</u></a> for solo renters and roommates. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/apartments"><u>Check out our properties</u></a> and <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/contact-us"><u>schedule a tour.</u></a></p>


Health and Wellness Design Ideas for Your Apartment

<h2>Don’t Wait to Talk It Out</h2>
<p>Your disagreements won’t resolve themselves, so it’s important to discuss them before they escalate and bad feelings take hold. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you should have a discussion if the two of you are still mad or frustrated.</p>
<p>Talk after you’ve both had a chance to calm down. That gives you time to collect your thoughts and find a neutral, shared space to chat.</p>
<h2>Be Accountable</h2>
<p>Stepping away before trying to settle a dispute allows you to look at an issue from the other person’s point of view. It’s important to acknowledge your errors or mistakes so the dialogue doesn’t sound like accusations. Clearing up disagreements requires both of you to be accountable for your words and actions.</p>
<h2>Find Common Ground</h2>
<p>Being compassionate can go a long way toward resolving conflict and maintaining healthy relationships. You and your roommate may need to make concessions to reach a reasonable solution that benefits both of you.</p>
<p>For example, let&#8217;s say you have an issue with your roommate blasting their music all night, but he doesn’t want to shut it off. He could compromise by adhering to quiet hours after a certain time. You could give in a little by accepting the music at a lower volume.</p>
<h2>Use “I” Statements</h2>
<p>Saying “you’re too messy” or “you don’t pick up after yourself” might put your roommate on the defensive. Reword your statements to reflect your emotions without blaming her. That can prevent feelings of hostility and encourage productive conversation.</p>
<p>Here are some “you” statements:</p>
<ul>
<li>You always leave dirty dishes in the sink.</li>
<li>You’re really loud when you have friends over at night.</li>
<li>You never do your half of the chores.</li>
</ul>
<p>These are alternative “I” statements:</p>
<ul>
<li>I get frustrated when I see dirty dishes in the sink.</li>
<li>I have trouble falling asleep when there’s too much noise.</li>
<li>I feel overwhelmed when I complete chores on my own.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Listen to Understand</h2>
<p>Giving your roommate your undivided attention shows her you care about what she has to say. Listening to understand requires you to put your thoughts and emotions aside and devote your attention to your friend. If you’re listening to respond, you aren’t paying as much attention to what your roommate is saying because you’re only thinking about how you want to answer.</p>
<p>Here are some tips for active listening:</p>
<ul>
<li>Put away phones and other distractions during discussions.</li>
<li>Don’t interrupt while your roommate is speaking.</li>
<li>Make eye contact and use nonverbal cues like positive facial expressions and body language.</li>
<li>Summarize your roommate’s thoughts to ensure you understand their meaning.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Show Respect</h2>
<p>Being respectful will set the stage for your conversation. Expressing yourself without blaming and pointing out what you perceive as your roommate’s shortcomings can go a long way toward building trust.</p>
<p>You have to show respect to get it, especially if you want to have a worthwhile exchange. Yelling, name-calling and dismissing his feelings won’t produce a positive outcome.</p>
<p>Remember, not all discussions end in solutions, so it’s important to know when to walk away. Give your roommate time to gather his thoughts and then reconvene later. You may have to agree to disagree at least temporarily.</p>
<h2>Apartments for Roommates in Columbus, Ohio</h2>
<p>Ardent Communities has a variety of two and three-bedroom apartments that will provide you and your roommate with plenty of space. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/apartments">Check out our apartments</a> and <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/contact-us">contact us</a> to schedule a tour.</p>


Two female roommates arguing on a sofa in an apartment living room

Tips for Handling Conflict Resolution with a Roommate

<h2>Install Mirrors</h2>
<p>Hanging mirrors in a room makes the space feel bigger, especially when the mirrors face windows and reflect natural light. Set up a gallery wall with mirrors of different shapes and sizes. Stick with simple frames for a clean look or try a maximalist approach with ornate frames. Then, play with the angles by installing a floor-length mirror in a corner instead of flush against a wall.</p>
<h2>Decorate the Walls</h2>
<p>If your landlord or <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/4-reasons-to-find-an-apartment-community-with-onsite-management">property management team</a> doesn’t allow painting, you’ll need to think outside the box to create the transformational magic of paint.</p>
<p>You could use stick-on wall art and decals that are easy to peel off. Or try temporary wallpaper in rich jewel tones and intricate patterns for an extra touch of luxury.</p>
<p>Hanging tapestries is another way to quickly enhance the style of a room. Choose from images, abstract art or textured fabric to add visual appeal.</p>
<h2>Update Lighting</h2>
<p>Swap existing lighting fixtures for something more intricate or modern in metallic, antique or matte finishes. Exchange single-hanging bulbs for chandeliers and multi-bulb lamps for basic free-standing lights.</p>
<p>Traditional apartment lighting can be harsh, leaving your home feeling cold and sterile. So, install yellow-tone bulbs to create warmth. Replace traditional table and floor lamps with wall sconces or strings of lights.</p>
<h2>Use Different Textures</h2>
<p>Take your pillows, blankets, drapes and area rugs to the next level by swapping cotton and linen for more luxurious fabrics.</p>
<p>Here are some examples:</p>
<ul>
<li>Chiffon or velvet drapes</li>
<li>Silk or velvet pillows</li>
<li>Cashmere blankets</li>
<li>Leather ottomans</li>
<li>Fur or cashmere rugs</li>
<li>Silk lampshades</li>
</ul>
<p>Experiment with metallic fabrics, embroidery and fringe to add dimension to your apartment.</p>
<h2>Add Fragrance</h2>
<p>Add more sensory layers to your environment with candles, oil diffusers, wax melts, incense or aroma sticks. Placing candles in front of mirrors creates a soft glow. Just consult your landlord regarding the policy on open flames before lighting candles.</p>
<p>Switch scents to suit your mood or the season. Try woody or amber notes if you want something musky; citrus and florals are brighter scents.</p>
<h2>Keep Houseplants</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/want-to-improve-your-health-get-growing">Surrounding yourself with houseplants can positively impact your health</a> as well as your aesthetic. Greenery makes your apartment feel more open, vibrant and literally more alive. Keep it simple with green leaves and vines or include bright colors with flowering plants. If you’re away for long periods and can’t care for live plants, buy high-quality silk plants.</p>
<p>As long as the sunlight is sufficient, you can keep houseplants virtually anywhere in your apartment. Position them at different heights to draw the eye and create interest.</p>
<p>That could include placing plants:</p>
<ul>
<li>In a floor stand</li>
<li>On your coffee table</li>
<li>Atop your fridge or cabinets</li>
<li>In bookshelves</li>
<li>On windowsills</li>
</ul>
<h2>Customize Your Apartment at Ardent Communities</h2>
<p>Are you looking for an apartment in Columbus, Ohio? At Ardent, we have several luxury living communities in and around the Columbus metropolitan area. Each suite is a blank slate and has plenty of space so you can customize your apartment to your preference. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/apartments">View our apartments</a> and <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/contact-us">schedule a tour</a>.</p>


The living room of a luxury apartment with rugs, furniture, plants, and wooden flooring

Tips to Make Your Apartment Feel More Luxurious

<h2>What are Apartment Features?</h2>
<p>They’re the appliances and design features in your apartment that make your life.</p>
<h3>Modern Appliances</h3>
<p>You won’t have to worry about buying gadgets for your apartment when you have built-in appliances. Purchasing a refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher adds up, but you’ll save that money when those items are already in your apartment. Newer appliances are also less likely to malfunction and require repairs.</p>
<h3>Walk-In Closets and Storage</h3>
<p>Spacious walk-in closets and ample storage space allow you to bring your belongings without downsizing. Walk-in closets provide plenty of room to <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/apartment-organization-ideas">organize your personal items so they don’t clutter your apartment</a>. Indoor and outdoor storage units are good for stowing seasonal decor, bikes, furniture and other bulky items.</p>
<h3>Open Floorplans</h3>
<p>Tall ceilings, natural lighting and plenty of floor space can make an apartment feel more expansive. Those features enhance the flow of traffic and offer flexibility when you’re <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/apartment-decorating-ideas-on-a-budget">decorating your apartment</a>. That allows you to customize your apartment so it feels more like home.</p>
<h2>What Are Apartment Amenities?</h2>
<p>Like apartment features, amenities are communal components that contribute to an enjoyable living experience.</p>
<h3>Onsite Fitness Center</h3>
<p>Save time and money by using the gym in your apartment community. You don’t have to pay for membership fees and can walk to the fitness center if you don’t want to <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/apartment-friendly-workout-equipment-to-help-you-stay-active">exercise in your apartment</a>. Apartment fitness centers may include cardio equipment, free weights, walking tracks and weight machines.</p>
<h3>Pool</h3>
<p>A pool provides an outdoor area to unwind, meet your neighbors and make friends.</p>
<h3>Outdoor Space</h3>
<p>Consider the outdoor spaces attached to your apartment, like a patio or balcony. They extend your living area so you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air just outside your door. Community amenities such as grilling stations, fire pits and picnic areas can be good places to entertain.</p>
<h3>Clubhouse or Lounge</h3>
<p>A multi-purpose clubhouse can be used for work and socialization. You can attend community events or reserve a room to host meetings or classes. A clubhouse or lounge is also beneficial if you work from home and want to separate your business space from your home.</p>
<h3>Pet Amenities</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/blog/a-guide-to-apartment-living-with-pets">Living with a pet in an apartment</a> requires planning and room to accommodate their needs. Modern apartment communities usually have dog parks where your pet can exercise and play. Other bonuses for pets may include a washing station, complimentary treats and pet-friendly events.</p>
<h2>Find Exclusive Apartment Amenities and Features at Ardent Communities</h2>
<p>If you’re looking for an apartment in Columbus, Ohio, that has a variety of features and amenities, come to Ardent Communities. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/apartments">Our locations</a> have suites with open floorplans, modern design elements and new appliances. Each community also offers different amenities to provide you with a high-quality lifestyle package. <a href="https://www.ardentcommunities.com/about-our-company/contact-us">Contact us</a> to schedule a tour.</p>


Our Blog

5 Tips for Hosting a Game Night in Your Apartment

Health and Wellness Design Ideas for Your Apartment

Tips for Handling Conflict Resolution with a Roommate

Tips to Make Your Apartment Feel More Luxurious

Must-Have Apartment Features and Amenities

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