apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The other day, we were sorting through old photographs we have stored in a box. It then occurred to us that, except for our wedding album, we really don't have any photo albums in our home. Are photo albums truly a thing of the past?

Perhaps we're partial to this lamp and shade because we had a couch in our childhood home which was festooned with peacocks. Whatever the case, we're totally feeling Anthropologie's Plumage lamp and shade.

You enjoy decorating for the holidays, and you don't care who knows it. Just about every holiday deserves attention and quite frankly, you have fun doing it. And when it comes to Halloween, you definitely go all out as even the inside of your home gets decked out. Would some of these items appeal to your Halloween sense of style?

We love color in unexpected places. It's a surefire way to liven up any space. A yellow sink? Yes, please. An orange coffee maker? And how! A green side table? Why of course! Which brings us to today's "Best of Three..."

A few weeks ago, while walking to the neighborhood ice cream parlor, we noticed that a new store had opened down the street from our home. Being a fan and supporter of independent local shops, we entered the door of Fly Right Gifts with great curiousity and anticipation. Jump below for a look at the shop.

Cue the theme to Goldfinger! When we were very young, we thought that any sort of gold accent in a room was the ultimate in sophistication and class. We blame all those episodes of Dynasty. As we got older, we became less of a fan -- but now, we may have cause to reconsider. We've rounded up a few gold items that are definitely growing on us. They have all the boldness of gold, without the "lamé" effect.

There are certain houseware items that just evoke such a great memory of childhood, it's almost overwhelming. For us, the classic CorningWare Cornflower set sends us into a tizzy. Our best friend is usually moved to tears when she finds any Fiestaware. And, who could forget the blue and white Liberty Blue and Willow knock-off plates that were ubiquitous in 1970s households? Our mother purchased a complete set at Jewel, one piece a week -- along with an entire Funk & Wagnall's encyclopedia set.

"There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."

Name: Jen Schuetz and Naz Hamid
Profession: Jill-of-All-Trades and Designer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Size: 1200 Square Feet
Years lived in: 2 1/2
Type: 2 Bedroom Apartment

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We first met Naz around 2000, when we were both members of a fledgling Chicago bloggers group. Later, we had an opportunity to write together when he co-founded Gapers Block, with Andrew Huff. During these past 8 years, it has been our pleasure to know this creative, great individual. When we saw the apartment Naz and his wife, Jen, a talented photographer, had created together we knew a tour was in order...

Why let hotels have all the fun? Keep your very own mini bar and stock it with whatever you like -- without the outrageous fees -- with CB2's Acacia Mini Bar.

A contemporary plush lounge chair, by Garnet Hill, in a muted mango shade. With matching ottoman. Hot or Not?

If your walls are bold, your floors covered with vibrant rugs and your accents are dripping in bright hues you may be looking for furniture that, when it comes to color, is a bit more understated. We love the classic Tolix stool, available at Sundance.

We love the eclectic and continually charming finds Janet Morales and Stu Eli keep sharing with us at their store, Three Potato Four. With crisp winds and sweater weather quickly approaching, we love how many of these items just scream autumn. Actually, one thing can actually spell out "Autumn"...