apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Along with Escapes, this month we're also blogging a sub theme: moving. Now, not all of you may be moving, but you might know someone who is, and there may soon arise the need for the inevitable "housewarming gift."

The housewarming gift can be such a tricky thing. I've always felt uncomfortable giving an actual decor item because a) I haven't seen the new space, and b) I know I'd hate to be given something that wouldn't match my tastes or something I know I would never actually use...

ATLA reader Lindsay asks " Where can I find this Lamp? I found something similar at CB2, but I love this one!" ...

If you're going to be in Palm Springs this weekend, there's a great opportunity to meet celebrated photographer Julius Shulman. Shulman, along with co-authors Alan Hess and Michael Stern will be having a book signing and cocktail reception for their new book "Julius Shulman Palm Springs...

This week's LA Times Home & Garden feature story is a great profile by David Keeps on ceramist Otto Heino. Heino was a key figure in the California crafts movement during the 1950s through the 1970s. At 94 years old, he's still creating amazing pottery...

The outdoors is a great place to play around with bold colors. We spotted these brightly painted red, orange, and yellow Adirondack chairs over at The Camp retail center in Costa Mesa. We loved the contrast of the vivid colors against the neutral wood deck. Some other fun outdoor inspirations we spotted after the jump...

The July 2008 Issue of House Beautiful is their "Small Space" Issue, a topic obviously dear to us at AT. Under the category of "Small and Natural" they featured the Los Angeles bungalow of designer Moises Esquenazi. His home is a gorgeous mix of lush colors, exotic accessories, and an overall comfortable, warm, and bright disposition. (More ...)

With the warm weather upon us, it's prime time to get our patio in shape for entertaining. We've recently been looking into ways to add light underneath our patio umbrella. We love the look of fairy lights, but don't have an outlet close enough and the thought of a long extension cord wasn't appealing. We also love the look of hanging lanterns and came across this fun idea in the Summer 2008 issue O at Home. They suggested putting up wooden birdcages and inserting battery powered candles. (We've used battery powered tealights indoors, but for some reason never thought to put them outside! duh!) Do you guys have any other mood lighting ideas for outdoor entertaining?

It's gettin hot in herrrree... So at our house, we're finally ditching the down comforter and replacing it with a lighter coverlet. However, how do you store your down comforters? The last time we had ours cleaned, the cleaners returned the comforter in a handy zippered bag that had ventilated sides. We've been re-using it ever since. Do you put yours in a bag? Are there any you recommend? Or do you just forgo it and store it in the closet? Please share your tips in the comments!

It's that time again! For all you coffee table book lovers, Taschen is having their Warehouse Sale again at both their Hollywood and Beverly Hills locations. The sale starts today through Sunday, June 22 2008. Thousands of slightly damaged and display copies on sale at 50-75% off!...

Today's LA TImes Home and Garden section is all about kitchens. If you're considering doing a kitchen remodel, this week's section includes a feature on cookbook writer Martha Shulmans' small kitchen, ideas on how to get a "showroom" kitchen on a budget, some new products to create a "eco-bistro", and more... Links after the jump...

We first saw this idea when AT:LA reader Alex shared his DIY loft room divider made out of a PAX wardrobe from IKEA. Here's another version of the same idea spotted on Ikea Hacker. They used IKEA laminate wood flooring to finish the back side, and framed it out with corner trim they got at Home Depot...

If you're looking for a gift for a non-fussy guy, these new candles from Baxter may be just the ticket. Baxter, a California based men's grooming products line, has joined up with fragrance company Joya to launch their new line of candles targeted for men called "Flammable."...

We've featured some cool birdhouses here before, but here's one you can actually build yourself! Architect Michelle Kaufmann created a birdhouse using the chopsticks that always come with all the take out orders from your local asian restaurants. All you need are the chopsticks, some non-toxic exterior glue, and string or wire. Full how-to video after the jump...

Los Angeles Interior designer Kevin Haley's home is featured in the July 2008 British Elle Decoration. Located on a hill top in Hollywood, it's a gorgeous mix of lush colors and glamorous details. We're in love with all the turquoise, gold, black and red. More pics after the jump...