apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We like free things. So when we heard of FreeFroot.com, where you can register and then enter giveaways for items such as Modern Twist placemats, a Le Creuset skillet and a FLOR rug, we said, sign us up. Plus, if you choose to buy anything from the site, a portion of the purchase may go to charity.

You may be planning your Thanksgiving decorations, but I'm already mapping out my Christmas glitz. Here's one of my 2009 must-haves: a mini-version of Crate & Barrel's window ornament display. It's a genius way to display treasured ornaments, especially if your tree is overburdened &mdash or, if you don't have a tree at all.

Whether you live in the Mid-Atlantic or the middle of California, many of us live near old homes. If you're lucky enough to own one, you may want to know the house style, how to remove asbestos, how to make it greener, etc. We recommend HomeRx, a useful feature of Preservation magazine, in which you ask and the editors answer.

What would Eva think of this Target copycat of her Classic Century sauce boat? And why do I care, when I'm not up in arms about other copycats? The controversy over design "idea theft" is not new, but I've been thinking about where the line is for me. I've decided it's when I think the copycat is disrespecting the integrity of the original.

Mid-Atlantic resident Mandi Ehman will help you organize every part of your home and life with her blog, Organizing Your Way. There are some great seasonal tips on her blog right now, including planning a Thanksgiving cooking schedule and planning Christmas decorations. Today's post is about hosting overnight guests...

Wreaths have become our 2009 holiday obsession, from the wreaths of Annapolis, to book-page wreaths to unconventional wreath placement &mdash and now an ornament wreath. We saw this how-to on CB2's blog and now have our holiday project set before us.

Let's re-think the tassel-clad drapery tie-back. We recently found these glass-beads-plus-silk ones from Brimar and are now seeing this once-passé décor item in a new light. From beaded tie-backs, to ribbon, to sailing rope &mdash can you see textile tie-backs working in a contemporary space?

Wreaths can be hung in more places than just doors. This fall and holiday season, try a wreath on a window, over a mirror, in place of a print, or another one of these ten options...

One of the reasons that Jill Vegas' book is a great one to have on your shelves is that she has a ton of lists that help with last-minute makeovers. We love her quick and inexpensive last-minute cocktail party prep tips.

DC-resident Robert C. Lautman was a great architectural photographer, shooting during his career for Residential Architect, Home and Garden, House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Elle, Smithsonian and multiple others. He died at 85 on October 20, and to honor his legacy we share a sampling of his work.

Entertaining season means guests. And guests need somewhere to sit. But if you're space is small like ours, then maybe you're looking for stow-able folding chairs, or one or two stools or poufs.

Music is the most important part of entertaining, no? But it's hard to find the right music for entertaining: to keep the mood upbeat but not drown out conversation. Let's put our heads together for some cocktail music for the current entertaining season. We'll start you off, but we want your suggestions!

Yes, the architecture of a home inspires the interior design of the home, but in our age of modern and postmodern cleverness, architecture as a motif also inspires product designers...

We received Speed Decorating in the mail and want to share it with you as it's good inspiration for the Fall Cure. In the book, Jill Vegas shares the tips and tricks she learned from staging homes to sell, including five fast cleaning tips and instructions for a closet makeover. Here are some of our favorite tips...