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 us renters face when baby-proofing, and the simple steps we can take to overcome them.
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All white walls provide a neutral backdrop that lends itself well to introducing texture.  Unlike pattern and color, which often make a bold statement, texture may not be quite as obvious, but can still make just as big of an impact.  Texture can add dimension to a room, create harmony between different elements, or serve as a focal point.  Consciously adding and playing with  texture — especially layered and contrasting textures — can be a quick way to transform any room, especially those rentals with stark white walls.

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When I think of paint treatments for walls, I automatically think of yellow-y brown paint, faux Tuscan facades (complete with crumbling "plaster" to reveal "brick" underneath), and really bad splotchy sponge paint. Yeesh, the 1980s and 1990s were rough. In search of big impact, low commitment rental solutions, I set out to find ways to mess around with paint — things that were both easily reversible, and that look like they belong in this decade. Here's what I found:

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Since this month is focused on renting and all that comes with it, I thought I would compile a list of our best rental tips in one bookmarkable place for you to keep at close reach. More

For reasons aesthetic and practical, I am not a fan of carpeting. Unfortunately for me and many people, wall-to-wall carpeting is a common feature of rental units. Here are a few ways to make the best of a shaggy situation.

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My current flat has a dishwasher, which, after 5+ years of living in London without one, felt like a huge luxury when I moved in a year ago. In my naivety, I thought I'd become so used to and efficient at washing my own dishes that I'd barely use the thing. Yeah, you can guess how long that attitude lasted.

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In the 7 years I've lived in San Francisco, my rent has only increased by 7%. My rent is half the city average for a studio apartment and a few hundred less than the price of a room in a multi-bedroom apartment, so though it is near the max of what I can afford to pay, it is a hell of a deal. Any bets on how much the rent will increase when I move out this summer? 

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Following up on last weekend's post, 7 Ways to Rescue a Rental Kitchen, this week I'm looking at temporary solutions for the bathroom. From floor covering to shower heads, here are 8 ways to make the best of even the most vintage bathroom.

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Even if you can't or don't want to paint, living with white walls does not have to be boring. White walls can be the perfect background to keep a space feeling neutral and bright or as a contrast to colorful furniture, home accessories or artwork. In these examples from our house tours, we see that classic white walls can be chic and desirable. More

If I tried to fully describe Los Angeles to you, we'd be here all day; it's just too vast. Whatever you think LA is, you're right-- it's that and much more.  More than boobs, Botox and bottle service, we have a multi-cultural population, a diverse landscape and a thriving arts community.  And traffic...lots of traffic.  Still interested?  Okay, okay, I'll break it down for you.  

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