apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We firmly believe that travel is always worthwhile - worth the cost, the time and all the preparation. It's a treat and a privilege to get away from home, see new things and have some adventures. That said, there are quite a few chores that have to get taken care of at home before you can hit the road - here is our quick list:

Sara sent us an email. She writes: To paint or not to paint? We inherited this dining room color when we bought our apartment, and I've been struggling with deciding whether to keep it or paint it. On the one hand, it creates a very cozy atmosphere, coordinates with the (original) light fixture, and stands out as a bolder pop of color against the more neutral color palette of the rest of our home...

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

We always feel so inspired after visiting The Selby. The photographs and the untold stories presented there are so great! Recently, more inspiration came via Emma Balfour's home. The tour featured several snapshots Emma's children's rooms. Bruno and Elliot's rooms feature great shelving with plenty of storage for their books and toys, simple furniture and plenty of colorful artwork created by them....

Check out the entire post on: Ohdeedoh

Gwyneth's GOOP that arrived in our inbox today is all about products geared toward living a greener life - we always find it interesting to see what eco-entrepreneurs are working on. As Gwyneth says: We are living in exciting times. We are confronted with the challenge of sustaining our food, our water and our environment. We are changing things. It’s big. Here are five of her picks, some familiar, others coming soon:

In Lakeview/Lincoln Park, a Gus*Modern Spencer Sofa in gray for $1000. Jump below for links to this and more good finds:
Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in our Shopping Guide.

THIS WEEK

• Jayson Home & Garden Tree Sale
• Artists Frame Outlet
• Ikea Summer Sale
• The Container Store
• Emeco
• All Modern
• Alessi
• Advantage Kitchen & Bath Gallery
• Zola Jones

....and lots more below the jump:

Once a year, the wonderful Wright Auction House holds "Mass Modern", their auction with no minimums (just held this past Saturday) . No minimums means that some lucky bidders walk away with really good deals. And, while plenty of the items go for much MORE than the estimates, it's lots of fun to see the ones which go for LESS...

We've been enjoying the content coming in from the Apartment Therapy readers in Canada - over the years, we've discovered wonderful spaces and great resources from this design-loving community. To help celebrate Canada Day, we've gathered the links to five favorite homes and have a survey especially for our Canadian readers below the jump:

When we left off with the Maternity Series from Porchlight Pictures and Pacing The Panic Room, our now internet famous Mother-to-be was moving along steadily at week 26. This past Sunday began week 39 and contractions started during the photoshoot! Check out the progression of her pregnancy after the jump...

Check out the entire post on: Ohdeedoh

Jasmine is looking for some color feedback. She writes: I need some color inspiration or suggestions for painting my front door & window shutters. We just moved in last summer, and I don't like the dark pink paint the previous owners chose. The siding is a light sand color & the roof is grey... Not much I can do about those ( I am definitely not going to paint the siding). I am drawing a blank on the color(s) I should use for the door & shutters. I want something thats NOT "ordinary" and "traditional"...

In Lincoln Park, a tobacco-finished Restoration Hardware Camden Table for $1000. 54" in diameter, it extends to 76" with the leaf. Jump below for links to this and more good finds:
Apartment Therapy Furniture Classifieds are open for your business in our Shopping Guide.

Our neighbors Craig and Sam have lived in their lovely small Chicago home for many years and as a regular passer-by, we'd have to say that every bit of care and effort that has gone into their front yard garden has been worth it - it is easily our favorite in the neighborhood. We love walking by and hearing the fountain gurgling and seeing the the fu lions guarding the entrance to their building through the gate...

Name: ThirdCoastGirl
Location: Chicago
Type of space: Backyard Patio and Garden

Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: I always wanted to have my own little bit of land here in the city. When I finally found my house it came with a large sized yard (bigger than a normal city lot). I actually get to enjoy the outdoors whether on the patio with family and friends or out in the garden working my mojo trying to keep it all going strong.

Name: Kathryn
Location: Chicago
Type of space: Roof Deck

Tell us about your outdoor project and how you enjoy it: I was fortunate that my loft has a 200 sq foot private deck with a great view of downtown Chicago. Unfortunately, the deck also had no privacy, east-facing sun and lots of wind. I wanted to improve the space so that it can be enjoyed more often during that brief window of time we call "summer".