Our TeamJanel Laban

Janel Laban

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    How To Create Your Own (Quick but Powerful!) Style Profile
    Congrats, you’ve made it to the second half of the Cure, which means that you’ve got one week and lots of sorting down! Your closet and drawers should be less crowded and hopefully you have a stronger sense of what clothing has and hasn’t been working for you, which is half the battle. Today, we’ll focus on a little assessment and introspection, so we can take a bit of a breather before we dive into rebuilding.
    Janel Laban
    Oct 3, 2023
    Definitely Not the Sexiest Time You’ll Spend in the Bedroom This Year
    One of the best moments of the Cure is when that oh-so-virtuous feeling when you’ve just completed a big weekend assignment kicks in and you can relax, just basking in the glow of your job well done. This weekend, we’re moving into the bedroom for a deep clean. It’s one of those jobs – like the first weekend’s floor assignment – that sounds (and is) very unsexy but has a powerful effect on the space (and you!) once you’ve done it.
    Janel Laban
    Nov 14, 2022
    The 6 Stages of Emotion While Doing a January Cure Assignment
    One of the very best parts of the Cure each January are the comment threads. This year is definitely no exception; you are all really creating a community and it’s super fun. Just check out this comment by Dulcibella from today’s assignment for a perfect example of how the Curers are making a little humor go a long way to help move the cleaning and organizing along: 1) Optimism – Day #5 What a great assignment!
    Janel Laban
    Nov 3, 2022
    Tips for Hanging a Flat Screen TV Over a Fireplace
    We know that folks are pretty divided over the concept of a flatscreen over the fireplace — there are concerns about the aesthetics of this location, as well as proper viewing angles and the impact heat may have on your tv performance. But, let’s say you have decided that it is the way to go for your room and are now facing the second part of the equation — how to place it just right.
    Janel Laban
    Oct 25, 2022
    12 Steps to Deep Clean the Bedroom
    We’ve mentioned a bedroom cleanup before as a good weekend project, but since we are planning to do it ourselves tomorrow, we put together a checklist (that always seems to make the job go faster for us). After “cleansing” our closet, we think we can definitely knock out a bedroom deep clean in a few hours. These 12 simple steps will get your bedroom clean and comfy in no time!
    Janel Laban
    Oct 17, 2022
    How To Host a Successful Super Bowl Party: A Countdown Checklist
    If you are hosting a party this Sunday, you may be pretending that it’s all about the outcome of the battle between Patriots and Seahawks. But, everyone knows that the real reason for any party is for everyone to have a good time and the best way to make that happen is to be a relaxed and happy host. If you want your Superbowl shindig to be a success, the time between now and Sunday evening is key.
    Janel Laban
    Oct 14, 2022
    100 Ideas & Inspirations for Small Spaces
    We’re powering along during our celebration of small spaces this month. For those of us who can’t get enough of the topic, here’s a group of posts from our archives presenting a nice round number (100!) of ideas and inspirations. These are time-tested, proven-popular posts that are sure to have something for everyone… dig in, dive deep and bookmark for the best results!
    Janel Laban
    Oct 12, 2022
    We’re Hiring: House Tour Contributors
    Love the Apartment Therapy Tours? Want to join our team and share stylish spaces from your part of the world? Apartment Therapy is putting out a special call for Tour Contributors! If you’ve got strong photography skills, an excellent eye for style and are inspired by wonderfully designed homes and the people who live in them, read on. This is a paid, freelance position (minimum 2 tour posts per month to start, more openings possible).
    Janel Laban
    Oct 12, 2022
    Calculating Optimum Distance from Sofa to TV
    In our previous apartment, the distance that we placed the sofa from the TV was essentially a nonissue — there was really only one spot where the placement of the screen worked, and it dictated the overall size of the TV. The sofa just went across from it, utilizing as much space as was available, no more and no less. But now, in our new place, everything is negotiable.
    Janel Laban
    Oct 3, 2022
    Is “Goodbye, Things” the New “Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”?
    Marie Kondo is more than a household name. She’s crossed over to the next level and has become a verb for those of us who write, think and obsess about all things home. Yes, “KonMari-ing” and “Kondoizing” are things now. We need our socks to spark joy if we are going to keep them around; why should we settle for anything less?
    Janel Laban
    Jul 18, 2020
    5 Simple, Safe & Surprising Metal Cleaners
    Inspired by the folks who described their own homemade cleansers in our green cleaner comment thread yesterday, we remembered this list of simple and safe homemade metal cleaners in Real Simple Cleaning, and pulled it off the shelf this morning to take a look. Perfect for keeping your kitchen or bath faucets shining bright without chemicals!1. Ketchup brightens copper. According to Real Simple Cleaning, the acetic acid in ketchup dissolves the oxide tarnish that makes copper look cloudy.2.
    Janel Laban
    Jul 18, 2020
    Less Mess & Stress: Getting Your Paperwork & Files Organized
    Paper! This is a big one for lots of us and it’s one area where clutter not only causes mess, but can actually cost you money and time. Keeping on top of bills and being able to find important documents when you need them reduces the possibility of mishaps like late fees and getting a routine set streamlines the paperwork process. So, let’s think about this assignment as a investment – clear it out, set it up and permanently reap the rewards of less stress!
    Janel Laban
    Jul 17, 2020
    Clear Out & Help Out: A Big List of the Best Donation Centers for All Your Stuff
    Professional Organizer Amelia Meena helps clients get their homes in order and, as we all know, that often involves getting rid of things no longer needed. To help us all out as we work to declutter our homes (one less thing to think about!), I asked her to share her list of great places to donate; because if you’re clearing out, you just may be able to help out as well.
    Janel Laban
    Jul 17, 2020
    How To Really Enjoy a Day Off
    A day off is a gift and in today’s hard-working world, a thing to be savored. For some of us, that means a recuperating and revitalizing opportunity — a day without any goals beyond recharging batteries. For others, the idea of an “extra” day to accomplish a home-based goal, whether crafting, cleaning, decorating or renovating is simply too good to let pass by.
    Janel Laban
    Jul 15, 2020
    Jessica’s Unbelievably Chic (and Colorful!) Edinburgh Flat
    Name: Jessica Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, UK I live in a 2 bedroom Georgian flat in Edinburgh, built around 1890. The flat is 1200 square feet and I completely renovated and refurbished it in 2013 so that I could have it exactly the way I wanted it.
    Janel Laban
    Mar 25, 2020
    Day 1: Complete the Style Cure Interview
    Day 1: Thursday, August 1 Assignment: Complete the Style Cure interview Welcome to the start of the Style Cure! This is the first day of our inaugural month-long group decorating project. Step-by-step, day-by-day, we’ll work together to makeover a room in each of our homes. Whether you choose your living room, bedroom, kitchen, entryway or bath, by the end of the month it will have a fresh, renewed look for you to show off and enjoy.
    Janel Laban
    Mar 12, 2020
    Day 18: Lock in Your Furniture Layout
    Day 18: Monday, August 26 Assignment: Work on your furniture placement only – no accessories, artwork or decor yet! Congratulations to everyone on making it to the last leg of the Style Cure, with an extra round of applause for everyone who tackled the big paint job this past weekend.
    Janel Laban
    Mar 11, 2020
    10 Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Three
    The 10th Annual Small Cool contest has entered the free-for-all voting stage – every single one of our 189 entries are live and accepting thumbs up votes. Here’s a look at 10 fun-to-see homes from the past week to get you started but be sure to check out all the wonderful homes on our “All Entries” page to help send ALL of your favorites on to the next round!
    Janel Laban
    Feb 21, 2020
    10 Must-See Small Cool Spaces: Week Three
    Here we are, rounding the corner just before the home stretch. We’ve shared over 130 small cool homes with you so far and still have a few more days of new entries to come. Here are 10 entries that caught the eye of voters this past week; check them (and ALL of the competitors who are looking for votes) out and enjoy the supersized dose of small space inspiration and ideas.
    Janel Laban
    Feb 21, 2020
    12 Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week One
    We’ve seen 25 homes so far in our 11th Annual (!) Small Cool contest and it’s already a memorable year. These homes all have square footage under 1000 square feet but miles of style to spare. Today, we’ve got a look back at some standouts from Week One, along with a link to ALL the entries so far. Dive in, peek inside these stylish small, cool homes and give all your favorites a vote to help them move on to the next round. (And if you haven’t entered yet, do that too!).
    Janel Laban
    Feb 21, 2020
    The “Rustic Hunting Cabin to Cozy Family Home” Makeover
    Project by: Stella and family Location: Quebec, Canada Do you ever dream of a simpler life? Living with your family somewhere quiet, close to nature, maybe next to a pond, with a farmers market close by to visit on the weekend? Here’s the story of one family who made that dream a reality, one DIY challenge at a time.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “Just Isn’t Me” $500 Kitchen Makeover
    Renovation by: Kristyn Location: Pittsburgh There was nothing WRONG with the kitchen when I purchased my first home except that it wasn’t me. It didn’t fit the 1920s Tudor Revival style of the house or my preferred bright, colorful, organic modern look. Although I don’t love bead board, there was no reason to replace the clean and sturdy cabinets. So I embraced it, adding more to the side and back of the island that separates kitchen from dining room.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “See You Later, Princess” Kitchen Makeover
    Renovation by: Patti Location: Phoenix, AZ We moved into our fixer-upper exactly one year ago and finally finished the last room – the kitchen. I think the previous owner must have fantasied about being a princess because every single room was painted pink (including ceilings and doors!) and had wall to wall purple carpeting.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “From Gutted to Gothic Glory” Living Room Makeover
    Renovation by: Laura Location: Oak Park, Illinois My husband Michael and I just purchased this 1892 gothic Victorian home in outlying Chicago’s historic Oak Park. (land of Frank Lloyd Wright and Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace.) I own a jewelry boutique called Gem Jewelry Boutique and Michael is a general contractor. The home is perfect with its nearly 10 foot high ceilings and elegant moulding, original marble fireplace and gothic windows.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “Present for Grandpa” Living Room Makeover
    Renovation by: Katie Location: Canada For Christmas this year, I decided to update my grandfather’s living room as my present to him. My grandmother passed away last February, and he needed a change – something that he could see everyday that would make him happy to remember his life with her. They had kept their 1960s furniture in near perfect condition, so I knew I would just need to update the styling of the room with fabrics and some interesting wall art.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “Darkly Dreary to Modern Minimal” Master Bedroom Makeover
    Renovation by: Heather and Mike Location: Phoenix, Arizona We are Phoenix, Arizona natives that have never left our little neighborhood of Arcadia. Born and raised in such a gorgeous and historical area of the city, we decided to buy the perfect ranch-style home (in serious need of some TLC!) in our citrus-filled area of town 8 years ago. We’ve had some serious adventures in renovations, and the master suite was the last piece of the puzzle!
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: A 100 Year Old Bathroom Gets a Makeover
    We recently moved into a charming 1913 American Foursquare home in Joplin, Missouri. Our first major remodel was the upstairs bathroom. It was replete with plumbing issues (missing a sink), sporting stick on floor tile and press board wall “tile.” Our desire was to make things functional and restore it what it may have originally looked like, while adding our own sense of flair. From start to finish, the project took about a year and cost $2500.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: The “Oops, You Got Us in Trouble” Bathroom Makeover
    Sometimes a little unexpected “trouble” can go a long way toward creating a beautiful room. You start out with the plan of simply changing up a few decorative elements and find yourself in the middle of a full-on makeover. It happened to Renato, and he not only lived to tell the tale, he’s got a great looking room to show for it. Take it away, Renato… Tired of living with a bathroom falling apart, one day I woke up with design school ended, no jobs and nothing to do.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: Goodbye Basic Fireplace, Hello Custom Built-Ins
    Project by: Holly Location: Portland, Oregon Holly had the perfectly nice fireplace shown above in her new place, but she had a vision of how the room could be really something special and decided to make it a reality. It involved a bit of demo and the building of a bunch of built-ins but it was worth it – the “after” looks great.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: No Excuse for a Naked Window
    Makeover by: Jennifer Location: San Diego Moving into a new place means lots of little unfinished spots that need solutions, which means spending both time and money. Jennifer dressed up this window corner quickly, stylishly and for less that you would think possible. Check it out… Jennifer added triangle vinyl decals to a plain rolling shade that she picked up at Home Depot.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: Becky’s BOOOR-ING Bath Gets Some Oomph
    Becky sent in before and after shots of her master bath makeover. She writes: Our house was beautifully renovated about 15 years ago, long before it was ours. All the important stuff was done perfectly, but a few aesthetics left something to be desired. Like our master bathroom. BOOOR-ING. Square tile on the walls, pinkish-peach square tiles on the floor, builder grade sink top and vanity. Cheap, boring fixtures. And GIANT wall-encompassing mirror.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: An Architect’s Own Creative Kitchen Renovation
    Renovation by: Takbir Fatima from DesignAware Location: Hyderabad, India This kitchen had been through a lot of wear: the original construction was faulty, causing leakage in the floor, the original design allowed for almost no natural light to enter the kitchen, and previous tenants’ lack of maintenance had made an entire wall stubbornly greasy. Before moving in, I brought down the wall separating the kitchen and dining areas, opening up the space.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    Before & After: The Amazing 6-Day RV Makeover
    Renovation by: Carissa Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma My husband and I renovated our R.V. to make it more livable and cozy before taking it on a cross country trip to Yellowstone. We did the entire project in 6 days, which was crazy, but fun! We changed the dated woodwork by painting it a “modern greige” color then ripped out the old seating and replaced it with a couch from IKEA. We also replaced the dining room chairs with some more modern chairs from IKEA.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 20, 2019
    The “Maisie Toot Camper Turned Glamper” Makeover
    Project by: Julie and Laura Location: New York State Without further ado, another inspiring camper transformation! Take it away, Julie and Laura: We are identical twin sisters, are both registered nurses, both married, and we are mothers to three little boys collectively. Ever since we were teenagers and we watched the cult classic The Long Long Trailer with Lucille Ball, we have dreamed of having a little camper turned glamper to call and make our own.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 19, 2019
    The “Sorta Scary to Sweetly Stylish” Camper Makeover
    Project by: Meg Location: Colorado If this project doesn’t convince you that just about any sow’s ear can be turned into a silk purse than I don’t know what will. This funky old, water damaged, faux woodgrain and formica-filled caravan is now a super sweet spot to hang out in. To top it off, he transformation was quick and the budget was lowlowlow. The perfect makeover!
    Janel Laban
    Dec 19, 2019
    The “Pop of Pink to Stylishly Simple” Breakfast Nook Makeover
    Project by: Christina of andchristina Location: Philadelphia, PA Last year my boyfriend (now fiance 🙂 and I bought our first house (a rowhome in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia) and we’ve spent the last few months transforming the first floor, mainly the kitchen (check it out here!), and also building this breakfast nook in the main living area.
    Janel Laban
    Dec 19, 2019