apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Ever since we laid our eyes on this powder room in Lonny Magazine, we've been slightly obsessed with how the monogrammed hand towels just add the perfect finishing touch. So we did some research and were surprised to find out that monogramming is widely available and it can costs as little as $5.

This weekend, we're looking forward to the Old, Weird America: Folk Themes in Contemporary Art exhibition at Seattle's Frye Art Museum. It explores the resurgence of folk themes and mythic history in recent art from the United States and was awarded the prestigious Best Thematic Museum Show Award by the International Art Critics Association in 2008.

We've written about Japanese interior design books from Édition Paumes before here. Since then we've discovered another publisher of interior design "mooks" (magazine + book) that showcase European interiors by way of Japan.

When we think of black couches, most of us immediately envision big clunky pieces best suited for man caves. But we spotted this piece at Skona Hem and its curvy shape, intricate details and nail head trim are anything but lubberly.

Looking ahead to the holiday season and all the upcoming festivities, we can't think of an easier or better hostess gift than a nice bottle of wine presented in a Wine Tote by Maptote.

Name: Kelly Rae Roberts
Location: Seattle, WA
Size: 1465 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year

There are some homes that truly reflect their owners' personalities. The Seattle home of artist Kelly Rae Roberts is one of those homes. Like the mixed media pieces for which she is known, Kelly's house is colorful and whimsical with lots of feminine details. In just one year, she has made a cozy home, filling it with vintage collections, art and plenty of personal touches.

Vintage telephones can add visual interest, a little fun and a nice pop of color to a room. They could be functional too, of course, if you had the patience to dial. (Remember dialing?)

Garage doors continue to pop up as alternatives to French and sliding glass doors and with good reason. They let in lots of lights, come in endless styles and add a cool industrial vibe to any home. Here are some of our recently found favorites.

When we spotted this chandelier on the new sitcom Modern Family, we immediately put the tv on pause and began investigating. It turns out to be the Fosarini Caboche Chandelier designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto. Info on the original Caboche and a budget-friendly version below...

We spotted these painted ceramic bowls as vessel sinks at the Story Hotel in Stockholm and thought it was a simple yet brilliant idea.

The steel Tolix A Chair is definitely not just for bistros anymore. Also known as the Marais AC Chaise, it’s one those timeless, versatile pieces that seem to work anywhere. It’s made for indoor or outdoor use and comes in a variety of bright colors or brushed steel. They can also be stacked if you’re tight on space.

Temperatures are dropping fast and that has us coveting the Mackinaw blanket from that true Northwest original, Filson. Large enough for a king size bed and weighing in at close to 10 lbs., you’d be hard-pressed to find a thicker or warmer blanket.