Alison Gerber

From Sydney, Australia, now freezing to death in New England, Alison Gerber is a writer, Mom and master's student. When she's not blogging, she's usually found eating popcorn in bed, watching a BBC mystery series.
Small Space Solutions: 10 Ways to Turn Your Small Kitchen into an Eat-In
Are you living with a tiny kitchen? And thinking that means no space to actually eat in your kitchen? Think again! Here are a handful of ideas and products that might just make an eat-in kitchen possible for you. 1. If you are short on space, get creative on where a table and chairs might go. Why not consider creating a window seat as in the kitchen shown above, from Studio Oink via The Style Files… 2. …or quite literally making one out of a window and a couple of seats… 3.
May 3, 2023
The Ultimate (Probably Practically Free) Dress Up Box Checklist!
Ssh! We’re putting together a dress up box for my kids this year for Christmas! To aid in my quest for putting together the best dress up box ever, I have made this handy “Ultimate Dress Up Box Checklist”. How many of these do you have in yours? Or, even better, waiting to add to yours, currently lying around your house? Used adult clothes: short dresses (they will become full length on a child) bridesmaid dresses (possibly cut short?
Jul 17, 2020
Kids Room Throwdown: Trofast vs Kallax/Expedit
One of the most challenging decisions a parent faces in decorating a kids’ room is storage. Where on earth does one store all their stuff? Two popular options among Apartment Therapy readers are IKEA’s Kallax (originally the Expedit) and Trofast storage systems. But which will work best for your needs? Read on to find out who wins out in the Trofast/Kallax kids room throwdown! As a bench? Winner: Trofast. Sure, the Expedit looks lovely beneath sun-filled windows.
Jul 17, 2020
8 Surefire Ways To Save Money On Laundry
Every kid with a piggybank knows that careful saving can add up. If you could find a way to save just $4 a week at the laundromat or in your own laundry room, you’d have over $200 at the end of the year to use however you like! Here are 8 simple steps I feel confident will put those extra dollars in the bank. 1. Wait until you can wash full loads.
Jul 16, 2020
In the Running for the World’s Most Popular Crib: IKEA’s Sniglar
It doesn’t look like much in its stock photograph, but IKEA’s SNIGLAR crib has been turning up all over the place in our tours lately – everywhere from Sydney, Australia to Pennsylvania, USA. The crib’s airy, simple design and raw wood aesthetic work well with eclectic, modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist decor. Don’t believe us? Click through to those nurseries that feature the one-and-only SNIGLAR. 1. Elke’s Sweet As Honey Space 2.
Jul 16, 2020
10 Cheap IKEA Rugs Meet Real Kids’ Rooms
I’m sure we’ve all been there: hanging around some bargain in a big-box store wondering “will this actually look good in the room, or will it look… you know…. cheap?” But there’s no reason why a reduction in cost should result in a reduction in style. Here are 10 IKEA rug bargains, priced from $2.99 – $129, all looking stylish in situ. 1. The TÅRNBY rug ($99) in Samantha Rose’s Daydream Nursery (top two pictures).
Jul 16, 2020
Stylish Names for Stylish Families: 100 Baby Name Ideas from Apartment Therapy
Baby on the way? Need a little name inspiration? We’ve scoured our nursery tours and kids’ rooms posts to make this list of what could very well be the coolest baby name list on the web! Here is a list of all the names of the girls and boys who inhabit the rooms we have featured in the last 6 months. See a favorite? Have an amazing baby name suggestion you don’t see here? Don’t forget to say so in the comments!
Mar 12, 2020
4 Ways to Inspire Wonder in Your Kids
Wonderment. The state of awe. And the starting place for creativity and delight. Sounds…wonderful? Then how do we increase wonderment in our kids’ lives? By surrounding them with things that inspire wonder, that’s how. Most items that increase wonderment in a child’s life fall into one of the following four categories. Consider placing them in your child’s room as your four-step plan to designing a wonderful, creativity-inspiring space.
Mar 11, 2020
Trend Watch: Moroccan Poufs in the Baby’s Room
They’re everywhere! And why shouldn’t they be? Moroccan poufs add an incredible pop of color, are comfy to sit on, and handy for Mom to pop her feet up on while feeding. And unlike the crib, they’ll only get better (and more use) with age. Interested in investing in one of your own? Read on for the down-low on perfecting the pouf! If you’re planning to use the pouf as a footstool, think about what will complement your rocker.
Mar 11, 2020
Trendy Kids Decor on a Budget: Black-on-White Wall Decals
They’re everywhere! From playrooms to nurseries, we keep seeing black wall decals appearing on kids rooms all over. They are affordable, renter-friendly, versatile and chic. Interested in following suit? Click through for a few tips on how these Moms and Dads used black wall decals with style. 1. First up, go geometric. Not just any black wall decal will do. Stick to a simple geometric shape for a modern look. 2. Use black and white elsewhere in the room.
Mar 11, 2020
Alison’s List: Baby Goods I’m Glad I Bought & Ones I Wish I Hadn’t
Every time I meet a soon-to-be-first-time Mom, I feel like we end up discussing “the list” – that crazy checklist of stuff you are told you simply must get before the baby arrives. But do you really need it all? Two years after my youngest was born, here’s my reflection on that list – what I am glad I bought, and what I wish I hadn’t. 1. The dream stroller. Okay, I went crazy on the stroller. I bought a Bugaboo Bee.
Mar 11, 2020
What Happened To My Home When I Took A Month Off Social Media
At the start of this year, I took a month off social media. I was changed. And, of all things, my home changed, too. Here's how...
Mar 4, 2020
How To Baby Proof Your Rental
Uh-oh. Has that baby of mine really worked out how to get in the refrigerator? Already? And the cabinets? Time to baby proof our rental. But how, when there is so little we can change? Here are a few of the challenges we renters face when baby-proofing, and the simple steps we can take to overcome them. If you can, start at the very beginning. When looking at a property, speak to the landlord about any safety concerns you have about the space.
May 5, 2019
10 Blackout Curtains To Help Babies & Kids Sleep Longer
Summer is lovely, except… why-oh-why are our kids waking up at 6am? Oh, that’s right, they have this horrible innate sense to get up the instant the sun gets up. Well, if you, like me, would rather trick your tots into sleeping a little longer, rather than waking up daily before 7am, then here are some curtains for you! It’s black-out time! 1. Ruffle Blackout Panels from Pottery Barn Kids. From $89 per panel. 2. Chevron Blackout Panels from Pottery Barn Kids.
May 4, 2019
Room Finds for Budding Mineralogists
As a kid, I loved collecting rocks and minerals. Now, years later, my son does too. As much I love to encourage him, the last thing I want to do is set some great hunk of quartz in his (shared) room to clobber his sister over the head with. Here are a few more kid-friendly finds to spur on interest in the wonders that can be found hidden under the earth… 1. This incredible vintage-inspired science poster is from Vol25 on Etsy. $70.00. 2.
May 4, 2019
Nature Calls: Tools For Budding Birdwatchers
It’s the perfect time of year to have the kids active and outside and, if they love to watch birds, to encourage that, too. If you have a beginner birder at your place, here’s everything they’ll need (and a couple of things they’ll love) to get started on what often becomes a life-long hobby. 1. Audubon Bird Call can produce generic bird calls $8 from Los Poblanos Farm Shop. 2.
May 4, 2019
Noisy Kids? How To Keep The Peace With Your Next-Door Neighbors
No doubt about it: kids make noise. What happens when you have kids, noisy kids and your neighbor doesn’t? Apartment living can be tough, but it’s even tougher when a case of shared walls meets very different lifestyles. Here are a few guidelines for ensuring everyone gets along just fine. 1. Get to know each other. Invite your neighbors over for dinner. Nothing beats a shared meal for wearing down divisions and clearing up misunderstandings.
May 4, 2019
Surviving Life in a Walk-Up Apartment With Kids
I know exactly how many stairs there are to our apartment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve counted—through tantrums, while carrying strollers or sleds in the dead of winter. We’ve lived here four years now, they were babies, they were just-learning to walk, I even had one C-section. Friends who live large on the ground floor tell me they’d never go back. So…how do we do it? How do we make life work with kids in a walk up? 1.
May 4, 2019
10 Sources for Scandi-Style Kids Bedding
Is there anything more enviable about a Scandinavian kids room than their amazing mix of bright and bold textiles? Of course there isn’t, just look at those quilts! Ready for some new bedding? Here are some Scandi-style sources to brighten up your little one’s room: 1. For Scandi-style on a budget, look no further than IKEA. Remember their cheaper pieces can always be paired with more expensive Scandinavian linens. This duvet cover and pillowcase is just $29.99. 2.
May 4, 2019
Kura For Two? Using IKEA’s Low Loft As A Bunk Bed
Reversible and versatile, the IKEA Kura bed is shaping up to be a firm favorite of Scandi-style and budget-loving parents the world over. Its low profile means its perfect for small spaces and younger kids. But…is it possible you could make the Kura sleep two? Here are examples of some families who have done exactly that.
May 4, 2019
How To Set Up a Treasure Hunt In Your Home
Is there anything more fun than hunting through your house for hidden goodies, treasure map in hand? If you are 5 years old, the answer is probably no, there isn’t. Want to set up a treasure hunt in your house? Here’s how. What you need: Paper: printer, and at least one large sheet Printer + ink Pencil + eraser Sharpie Decorative craft items: aluminium foil, glue, cotton wool, faux fur, crayons, pencils, glitter – whatever you can dream up! TREASURE! Instructions: 1.
May 4, 2019
Dorm Room Survival Ideas: How To Pack the Clothes You’ll Actually Wear at College (and Leave the Rest at Home)
That time is upon us! Back-to-school, off-to-college time. Which means that all across the country, a whole bunch of soon-to-be-freshman are staring at their wardrobe and wondering what on earth should I pack? Here are a few helpful tips for navigating the college closet quandary! Make a list of what you’ll need. Make a list of the clothes you’ll need for going to class, going out, lounging around, sleeping, and going to the gym.
May 4, 2019
Is a Nursery Even Necessary?
New crib, new crib mattress, new rug, new curtains, new rocker, new wall art, new bookshelves, new dresser, new change mat—no doubt about it, the nursery business is big business. But do we really all need to buy into it? I mean, is it possible to just do no nursery? Would that be okay? How would that work? Well, ultimately, the answer to that question is going to be personal. And by personal, I mean it’s going to depend on you.
May 4, 2019
Why Spring Cleaning Should Totally Happen In Winter
I get it—it’s cold out and all you want to do after work is get under a blanket with a hot cocoa and a good book. Why on earth would anyone want to spring clean in winter? Well, here are five very good reasons why… 1. You just got a whole bunch of stuff over the holidays. Moms and dads of the world, you probably know what I’m talking about: your lucky kids might have recently acquired a mountain of new toys.
May 4, 2019
6 Things You Can Throw Out Of Your Kid’s Room Right Now
Ever open the door of your kid’s room and think: oh my, there is just too much stuff in here? Well today—seriously, today—let’s throw some of that junk away. Here’s where to start: 1. Recycle papers from school. Not everything is a masterpiece. Not everything will even be noticed if it is gone. Kids bring home reams upon reams of paper from school. Fight back. Recycle. 2. Throw out broken crayons. No kid draws with broken crayons.
May 3, 2019
Reasons You Need To Go To Bed Early Tonight
You’re getting very sleepy… no, seriously. Last night was a late one. And the night before that. And the night before that. You know deep-down you should be going to be earlier, so let’s help you get started. Here are some darn good reasons to get in bed early tonight. 1. Because this is what you would do if you were on vacation: Imagine, tonight, that instead of being at home recovering from a long day at work, you were at some resort someplace.
May 3, 2019
5 Tips for Cutting Down On Dirty Dishes
As hard as one might try to piece together the perfect kitchen, if you find yourself with an uncontrollable mound of dishes, that perfect kitchen ends up looking like a pile of mess. But is every spoon, fork, cup and plate in the sink absolutely essential? Can you really cut down the amount of dishes you do every day, without using disposables? Yes! Here are five places to start. 1. Own fewer dishes.
Mar 9, 2019
Small Space Solutions: Hacks to Upgrade Your Compact Bathroom Vanity
Do you have a tiny bathroom without a vanity? Sure, you could go on without a vanity, but you know there always seem to be this mound of things around the sink begging to be put away, begging to be placed out of sight. Perhaps one of these small space bathroom vanity hacks could be the solution to your no storage and no space woes? Option 1: Take a piece of furniture and cut it to fit Basically any dresser can be turned into a vanity with little work.
Aug 24, 2017
Tried & Tested: How To Get Your Kid To Sleep in their Own Bed
They’ve got a super cute room with a comfy bed. Why don’t they ever sleep in it? And when they do? Why is it never alone?! If it’s time to get your little one to sleep through the night in his or her own bed, here’s advice on how to do just that. First, let’s face facts: the issue of our kids sleeping in our beds is not totally about them. It’s also about us. We like it! We like snuggles! We like that they are little! And that’s okay.
Feb 10, 2016
See How Much You Can Save: 25 Creative Ways to Save Money This Year
I have a friend who swears that, when she was in college, she saved money by only going to the bathroom at work. Never fear—there is nothing that crazy here. Just simple, creative ways in which to save a few dollars here and there, which, as we all know, will surely add up over time. How many of these could you implement in your life starting today? And how much will you save by the end of the year? 1. Limit your trips to the ATM to one a week.
Feb 9, 2016
10 Things To Know About Your Eames Chair
So you bought an Eames chair because it was cool. It’s okay—so did I. But now when people come over and say, “I like your chair, where did you get that?” it’d be nice to tell them a little more than, “It’s from a designer.” Here are 10 fun facts about your chair that you can throw around at the next cocktail party, because, you know, knowing stuff is also pretty darn cool, too. 1.
Feb 3, 2016
The Tips That Will Absolutely, No Question About It, Most Definitely Build Up Your Savings This Year
We’ve all tried the money-in-a-jar thing—but it doesn’t work that well. Or maybe you’ve tried the envelope system like I did, and found the envelopes soon wore out and were abandoned. How does one really save money? Like, real, serious amounts of money? Here are the tips that really do make a difference. 1. Prioritize paying down debts. If you have a debt that is accruing interest, and you’re not paying it back as quickly as you can, you are wasting money.
Jan 31, 2016
Alison’s Before Photos: Too Much Basket
Welcome to my parent’s spare room, soon to be Man Cave for Snoring Father, or Respite for Tired Mother, depending on which way you look at it. Dad’s official take on the room’s “before” status? “Too much basket.” There’s not really that much “basket,” just a woven chair, laundry basket and tiny basket on the bedside. For a mother and daughter team who love all things woven, is that really too much?
Oct 29, 2014
15 Beautiful High Chairs You’ll Drool Over (& They’ll Drool On)
We spend so much time in the kitchen. We spend so much time on our kitchens. The last thing you want to plonk in that space is a great big hunk of rainforest-themed plastic! Here are some high chairs that are good looking and long wearing, that you will use many kids over and never tire of seeing (and wiping down) day in, day out. 1. Svan Signet’s High Chair. A customizable chair with optional seat cover, wrap around bentwood bucket seat.
Aug 12, 2014
Reader Intelligence Report: How To Get Rid of Diaper Smells at Home
Last year we ran an article on how to avoid the dreaded dirty diaper smell, one of the most odorous odors a new Mom or Dad must face. And you couldn’t resist! The rest of you joined in, with your incredible tips on how you’ve defeated the dastardly diaper. Read on for all you need to know about how to conquer the stink! 1. First up, flush it away! Dumping solid waste out of any kind of diaper—cloth or disposable—will help a great deal with the smell.
Mar 25, 2014
Wooden Doll Prams and Strollers: A Long-Lasting Gift
My sister and I had a doll stroller we shared. We took that thing everywhere — there are countless photos of us pushing it in the house, in the front garden, out the back. Even as many favorite dolls came and went, together we loved our stroller for years. Do you have a doll-loving little-y in your house? Perhaps this would be a great option for a treasured gift? 10 fantastic wood strollers and prams after the jump! 1.
Dec 10, 2013