Plants are well known for their de-stressing and air-purifiing abilities — both pretty nice pluses when it comes to dorm living. Plus, they just look nice. If you'd like to have a plant or two, but aren't sure what can survive in a cramped space with one window, check out this list from the Daily Green. More

Our first how-to video of the Spring 2012 series comes from John Gleeson Connolly, and it's called "How to Build a Hammered Light." It's by far our most complex how-to to date (including information on how to wire a light socket from an old extension cord!), but I was so inspired by his creativity that I thought that all of you would be inspired to create something after watching it, and some of you, like me, would try and make one (or a variation on the theme) yourself. More

One of the enduring debates among our readers is whether to transition a child from their crib to a toddler-size bed or go straight to a twin bed (or bigger). It's a decision most parents will make at one time or another and there are a multitude of competing factors to consider. This debate has come up time and again on Apartment Therapy with hundreds of comments on the topic. To make your decision easier, I've distilled this reader feedback into the primary pros and cons for each course of action. More

Q: I will be moving into my first real apartment, and it is mainly unfurnished. The one piece of furniture it does have (a bookcase) as well as the doors and cabinetry are a light brown wood. The furniture I want is black. More

A room, or a home, that is otherwise stark and simple can be transformed by adding a dramatic light fixture. Whether a curvaceous chandelier, simple drum shade or paper globe, lighting a room is like adding earrings to an outfit: a bit of bling, a bit of sparkle and whole lot of bang and boom! More

I've been working hard on the "back 40" of our place out in the country - a garden about twenty yards from the house that I'm slowly making into a destination and a series of outdoor rooms where you can hang out all evening under the summer stars. This Saturday, my friend, Chris Gauger, and I put up the garden yurt… More

Sean has been transforming his white box of an apartment into a stylish and personalized home. In one of his recent blog posts Sean shows off this DIY bathroom lighting makeover that works around an existing awkward location in a creative way. More

It's not revolutionary information, but these photos are great reminders that obvious solutions are often still worthwhile. If you have a few bags you love, a hook or two — hung artfully — can help organize your space and add character. More

Q: I love blue and white china and have registered for some Spode blue Italian as well as some gorgeous blue with red Polish porcelain I found on Amazon. I love the dishes, but all of the tablescapes I've seen online are way too gussied up or precious: white tableclothes, napkins spilling out of tacky blue goblets. More

Q: I'm just about to start painting my new living room, but it has interesting walls. I can only paint in neutrals per my landlord's request, but any recommendations on how to best use these neat wall designs with paint? More