apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Posts By Kimber Watson

A Walking Tour: Historic Montford
Asheville

While visiting the quirky yet charming city of Asheville, we stumbled upon the neighborhood of Montford. We were searching for a Caribbean restaurant that a local had recommended, but once we caught a glimpse of some of the amazing homes, we were quickly distracted and decided to take ourselves on a self-guided walking tour...

Round Up: Multipurpose Trays

From breakfast trays to boot trays; plant trays to catchalls. Trays have become my favorite way to reign in clutter and display prized possessions. No matter how many trays I own, I'm always able to find just the right spot or purpose for them. Here are a few favorites that can serve us in a variety of ways...

Selecting Window Treatments for a Long Room?
Good Questions

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Q: I just recently purchased a Baltimore rowhome and finally decided to get rid of the curtains the seller left. Characteristic of Baltimore rowhomes, the room is long. It is one large room containing the living and dining areas.  I have my home decorated in a mid-century modern style, but I’m at a loss as to what to do with the curtains... 

Sent by Sonia

Baltimore Architecture Week

Yesterday marked the launch of Architecture Week here in Baltimore. So for those of you who think Charm City is just one brick rowhouse after another, Architecture Week hosts a plethora of events to help you see otherwise...

Hue Matters: Does Your Paint Choice Fit Your Personality?

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I read a quote from designer Thomas O'Brien where he described his favorite paint color. "I painted my entire apartment in Timidity, a chalky khaki that reminds me of limestone or old pale ivory. It's the non-white white — a rich, surprising color that changes throughout the day. . . And I absolutely love the name. I was always the shy one. I have this reserve and I've had to grow out of it."

Roundup: Picture Perfect Ledges

Artwork? Check. Frame? Check. Perfect spot to hang newly framed image? Hmm... How about I sleep on it. Sound familiar anyone? Perhaps it's because I live in a newly renovated house that makes me hesitant to put nail holes in the wall, but I think I have the answer to my growing stock pile of framed images. Picture ledges!

Baltimore Row Home Revamped with a Modern Twist
Chesapeake Home

A lovely Baltimore row house was recently featured on the August cover of Chesapeake Home. This modern renovation took place shortly after Howie Bartz purchased his home, with help from interior designer Michelle Miller. Inspired by the interiors of boutique hotels, Howie envisioned a space that would reflect his urban lifestyle.

How To: Master the Art of the Tablescape

Tablescapes are a great way to show off your most cherished items or collections. Be it art, books, family heirlooms, or vacation souvenirs - tablescapes are just a pleasing arrangement of objects. But lets be clear. Not just any haphazard arrangement thrown on a table counts as a tablescape...

Look! Sweater Tree Gets a New Sweater
Baltimore

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Since the resurgence of DIY and the handmade renaissance, it seems there has been some rebellious crafting happening these days. Knit grafitti to yarnbombing to yarnstorming, it doesn't matter what you call it - the idea is still the same. Simply put, guerrilla knitting is just a way to revitalize urban spaces with knitted pieces.

Inspiration: Woodberry Kitchen's Farmhouse Decor
Baltimore

When I heard one of my favorite eateries had just been named one of the top ten best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit, I can't say I was surprised. They turn out some of the best farm-to-table fare in the Chesapeake region. But it's not just the fantastic food that keeps me coming back for more — the restaurant's rustic farmhouse decor is as equally appealing.

Chuck & Jessica's 196 Square Foot Green Shed
House Tour

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Name: Chuck and Jessica
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Size: 196 square feet
Years lived in: Completed this year, 2009

Chuck is an architect and furniture designer and Jessica is a painter, so their shed was built out of necessity to provide additional workspace behind their home. Built from the ground up and using many salvaged materials, the shed keeps in line with their philosophy on environmental responsibility. And given Chuck's occupation, it's no surprise their shed won the International Shed of the Year award for 2009.

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Luxury Hotel in a Historic Setting
Baltimore

Whenever I write about a new or interesting accommodation in my city, I often think "I'm going to play tourist and stay here for a night." Then reality sets in and I think of hundreds of ways the money could be better spent. Well, with the new luxury-boutique Hotel Monaco opening its doors earlier this month, perhaps it's time to plan that 'staycation' after all.

Inspiration: Pedal-Powered Camper

Someday, I see myself taking some time off and exploring the country in an RV. My boyfriend has a similar dream of his own, but his involves a bike and panniers. Artist Kevin Cyr, might have the perfect solution for us with his pedal-powered camper.

Roundup: Eco-friendly Mulches

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Dried Pine Needles Used for Mulch

Lately, I've heard a lot of confusing information about mulch. We've been told it's wise to use because it helps conserve water, fights erosion, and blocks weeds. But I've also heard there's mulch that's toxic to dogs, harmful to plants, and one where trees are harvested just to make mulch. As a newbie gardener, I decided to do a little digging and find a mulch that was good for my garden, as well as the earth...

Free Store: Give What You Can, Take What You Need
Baltimore

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Free Market at Artscape

For me, the most difficult task when faced with a move or tackling a spring cleaning is deciding what to get rid of — I hate throwing perfectly good items in the trash. But let's face it, during those hectic days, who can find the extra time for a yard sale? And while other avenues like Craigslist or Freecycle have come in handy to unload an item or two, they can prove to be just as time consuming. That's where Baltimore's Free Store comes into play.