apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Another great solution for small spaces, this daybed from West Elm makes a cute couch and transforms into a nice twin bed in a snap.

THIS WEEK
• Design Research Exhibition
• Kartell Lighting Sale
• InsideOut: The Museum School Art Sale
• Rhody Craft 100
• Smith & Hawken Liquidation Sale
• Todd Farm Antiques & Flea Market LAST DAY 11/29

COMING UP
• Crafts Showcase at Brookline Arts Center
• MGBW Book Launch Tour
• Sowa Holiday Market

Jump below for more information...

There's no shortage of beautiful handmade Thank You cards out there, but they tend to be on the pricey side. With all the parties and gifts to give thanks for this time of year, we tried to come up with some simple DIY card ideas that would be unique on the cheap.

This isn't one of the sexiest design products you'll see on Apartment Therapy today but it could be one of the handiest, particularly as you make plans to entertain over the holidays.

Fans of modern design who lived in Boston in the 70's will fondly remember the revolutionary Design Research store in Harvard Square. In fact, the floor-to-ceiling glass building that Crate & Barrel just vacated was originally designed and built for "D/R" — the store that introduced modern designs by Marimekko, Hans Wegner, Alvar Aalto, Joe Columbo and more to the US. For the next few months, Design Research is back in its original space … as an installation.

I usually avoid traditional holiday decor, but when I spotted this wreath made from book pages on Design Crush, I instantly fell in love with its elegant form, ruffled texture, and vintage feel. If the thought of taking an exacto to your favorite read makes you a little squeamish, take heart. Most of these designs were made using mass market fiction or found materials.

Are you in need of an upholstery project to keep you busy until spring? If so, this Eastlake couch and chair set can be yours for $250.

Name: Asya Palatova of gleena
Location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Size: 750 square feet
Years lived in: 5

The first thing we noticed about Asya’s light-filled loft was how similar her home feels to the delicate ceramics she creates under the name gleena. Both the space and her handcrafted porcelain dishes have a minimal quality, but her playful color palette and use of graphics give both the loft and the tableware a warm approachability.

Try as I might, I’ve never quite gotten the whole Steampunk thing, but after seeing this incredible Victorian Steampunk house on wheels, I’d say I’m pretty much sold.

Q: I'm in the process of potentially buying a new place. It'll take a lot of work, but most of the tune-ups I have figured out. What's most confounding, though, is the flocking in a bathroom. I appreciate its retro charm, but have no idea how to clean off what looks like either oxidation or rust or... something else?…

Sent by Allison

When perusing paint swatches, most of us wonder who really uses the deep black shades to encapsulate an entire room. Interior Designer Windsor Smith didn't just stop at black walls, she added black trim, a black rug and black furnishings to this game room.

We're no strangers to modern bunk beds, but this nautical-inspired design featured in Coastal Living's 2009 Idea House is especially see-worthy.

A nice comfortable looking scoop chair with all original finishes is available in Boston today.

Our post last week about the grand dining rooms of the Newport mansions got an interesting response both from readers who like the idea (if only the idea) of ornate dining room décor and those who prefer a more minimal approach. When it comes to entertaining we tend to hop back and forth to both sides of the elaborate versus simple debate. Which do you prefer?