Last year, I had the huge honor of being a member of an Advisory Board to the Mayor for Bloomberg's adAPT micro unit project. Back in November, I met with my fellow board members and reviewed the finalists in the competition to help determine the design the city would move forward with. (Talk about a day to remember - it was all a bit of a dream come true for this design-obsessed editor.) Today, the Mayor announced the winning submission and the choice is a very interesting one. Super small and modular in construction, the 55 units will range from 250 to 370 square feet. Jump below for a look at one of the floor plans and a rendering of the interior... More

Hosting an election night party is a daunting prospect this year. Since the race is a nail biter, the night is sure to be fraught with tension and, according to recent polls, you have a 50/50 chance of ending up in tears at the end of the night.

More

Love it or hate it, graffiti has been around as long as there have been public spaces. From the interiors of ancient caves to the walls of Pompeii to subway cars in Brooklyn, humans have always made their presence known using this subversive art form. Graffiti is about making one's mark, creating a legend and a constantly evolving conversational history.

More

If you frequent any other decor blogs, you'll know that there's been a widespread fascination with all things pink, blush, gold, glittery, soft, and generally "feminine." Even here on Apartment Therapy, we've talked about how pleased we are to see this delicate side emerge in home decor. But whence comes this penchant for prettiness?
More

There is a major development being proposed right across the street from my house. Needless to say, I'm no happy camper. After going through stages of disbelief, anger, and sadness, I decided to get busy: More

Even leaders of the free world deserve some down time. Celebrate the holiday with a glimpse of our Presidents' other "White Houses" - private spots where they went with their families to rest, recuperate, and regroup, all away from the public eye. They range from glamorous to comfortably simple to downright austere. More

We all already know President Obama likes Al Green. But No Doubt, Arcade Fire, Wilco, REO Speedwagon, and Bruce Springsteen? His official 2012 Campaign Playlist on Spotify was released this morning via his Twitter feed... More

Part of the well-known El Ateneo chain of shops, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is on the list of most visited bookstores in the world. Housed in a historic theater, this bookstore attracts just as many photographers as it does readers, and inspires a few thoughts about the reuse of architecture in a city...

More

"Kickstarter. Zipcar. Shareable. Etsy. Kiva. Prosper. Airbnb. These and other 'collective consumption' companies are part of the new economy arising out of necessity, as traditional businesses and government are increasingly unable to meet Americans' needs and provide basic supports. This sharing economy is based on people coming together to create their own markets (Airbnb), their own products, (Etsy), and their own currency (TimeBanks). It relies on shared needs, trust, and the belief that the group is stronger than the individual..."

MUST READ: Occupy Big Business: The Sharing Economy's Quiet Revolution | The Atlantic

Last Tuesday the City Council of West Hollywood, California, unanimously approved an ordinance to ban the sale of fur apparel. It's the first such ban in the nation, and a final vote will take place in October to determine if the measure becomes law. In response, The New York Times opened up a debate around the issue, questioning whether or not it's hypocritical to ban sales of fur, but not sales of leather and hides... More