Shannon & Dean Create a Contemporary Farmhouse
Name: Dean and Shannon Acheson + their three lovely kids + Penny the dogLocation: Ajax, OntarioSize: 3 bedroom, 1050 square feetYears lived in: 2 — owned The Acheson family moved into this suburban bungalow two years ago to cut down on Dean’s work commute.
Dec 16, 2011
Before & After: Vintage Radio Cabinet Becomes the Star of the Party
Sherry and her husband lucked out when they stumbled upon this vintage 1930s radio in a store that was closing the very day they dropped in to browse. Though the radio components were beyond salvage, the cabinet was just crying out for some TLC in order to become a showpiece in their home.Sherry’s husband devoted hours of time and lots of elbow grease as he sanded, glued, clamped, and stained this piece to restore the finish to its original glory.
Dec 16, 2011
Before & After: Contemporary Bathroom Remodel
I met architect Branka Knezevic at the AIA home tours a while back. When she was contracted to remodel an outdated bathroom in a ranch home, she promised me a big reveal with before and after photos. For the last few weeks she has strung me along with “the bathroom is almost finished.” Now, it is finally finished and the result was definitely worth the wait! The owner of the home wanted a bathroom that had a sleek and modern design.
Dec 16, 2011
Chris & Erin’s Farmhouse Add-On
Name: Chris and ErinLocation: Carlisle, MassachusettsSize: 680 square feetYears lived in: only 4 months — rented I’m used to getting crushes on the homes I photograph for Apartment Therapy. But this one? This home I WANT. It fits in so perfectly with my recent obsession with the idea of living in a smaller space. Chris, a woodworker with his own shop, and Erin, a yoga instructor, massage therapist and writer with her own studio, scored this amazing rental on Craigslist.
Dec 15, 2011
Guy & Jennifer’s Contemporary California Modern Home
Name: Guy and Jennifer Genis Location: Sherman Oaks, CaliforniaSize: 3500 square feetYears lived in: 6 years — Own Guy and Jennifer, plus their son and daughter, all live in a bright and airy home in Sherman Oaks. The house lends its roots to California mid century modern architecture, but with the design savvy of designer Bryan Wark the Genis’s brought in a mix of traditional and Hollywood Regency design.
Dec 15, 2011
Before & After: Making Over Nightstands for Mom and Dad
Allison didn’t have to look very far to find these project pieces- her parents have owned them for over 36 years! Part of the bedroom set her parents got for their wedding, these nightstands lived in Allison’s childhood home before making a move to her parents’ cabin 10 years ago. When the cabin sold, these pieces came to Allison to work some makeover magic.Solidly built pieces by Lane, these nightstands are dark and heavy; Allison herself calls them “ominous”.
Dec 14, 2011
Before & After: A Fresh Look for an Old Office Chair
This $3 Goodwill score didn’t beckon to me with its good looks — the beige body and stained corporate-blue upholstery weren’t exactly stylish — but it felt really sturdy and comfortable when I tested it at the store. It wasn’t much uglier than the chair I was already using in my home office, either, and when I flipped it over, I discovered it was made by Steelcase.
Dec 13, 2011
Before & After: Old Chairs Turned Ornate Frames
Before and after makeovers are always rather shocking right? It’s always some sad piece of furniture that gets a new paint job or rework to be a brighter, bolder, more modern form of itself right? They’re always so cool. This one is no different except the after photo of these chairs — well, how do we say this — they’re not even chairs anymore.We checked in with Brooke over at All Things Thrifty where this simple chair with busted caning was in need of a makeover.
Dec 13, 2011
PiƱatas, A Christmas Tradition
In Mexico, Christmas festivities officially begin with the Posadas, a series of nine parties occurring every day from the 16th until the 24th of December. Posadas are said to have been invented by the Spanish priests who in their attempt to convert the locals to Catholicism began holding nine masses before Christmas due to the similar timing of the celebration of the birth of the Aztec god of war, Huitzilopochtli.
Dec 13, 2011
5 Gift Wrap Ideas From the Kitchen
I positively love wrapping gifts. But I’m not a big fan of wrapping paper, and holiday-themed gift bags? No thank you! In lieu of purchasing what will just be tossed away in an unwrapping frenzy, I like to turn to my favorite room in the house for something I can recycle or upcycle. Here are
Dec 13, 2011
Mark’s Original Mid Century Modern Home
Name: Mark W. KnowlesLocation: Los Feliz — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1,900 square feetYears lived in: 3 years — own Mark lives in an incredibly restored Mid Century gem that offers the best example of 1960’s modern architecture. Not only was the home built the same year he was born, but he was lucky enough to acquire some of the original furniture from the original owners.
Dec 12, 2011
Beautiful, Non-Electric Dehumidifiers?
Q: Hello! I was searching around in the Home Hacks and I found great suggestions for adding moisture to the air in a home without a humidifier, but I was wondering if anyone had any bright ideas for dehumidifying the air without a dehumidifier? Dehumidifiers are loud, not very attractive, and an energy drain. Are there any non-electric (and even better–beautiful) solutions for a humid basement or closet? Thanks!
Dec 12, 2011
Before & After: Rolltop Desk Gets Youthful Makeover
Rolltop desks are a classic element for any office, but sometimes they can be a bit staid for a modern aesthetic, not to mention a bit big for a small space. This small-scale rolltop desk had wonderful lines and is perfect for a kid’s room, but the horrid orangey stain really dated the piece. Thankfully, Baltimore designers Kahli and Milla had a plan modernize this vintage desk.
Dec 9, 2011
Jenny & Collin’s Bold Mix of Books & Media
Names: Jenny Carlson, a Ph.D. candidate in anthropology at the University of Texas and an improviser with Damned Avalanche, and Collin Cannaday, a multimedia content producer who runs a podcast, “You Should Be Watching.”Location: Allandale Neighborhood — Austin, TexasSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 1 year — rent Jenny and her boyfriend Collin are like most of us: they love a home with built-in personality and charm.
Dec 8, 2011
Troy’s 750 Square Foot “Crowd Pleaser” Apartment
Name: Troy Vanderheyden Location: Hollywood — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 750 Square FeetYears lived in: 2 months — rent Whenever my friend Jeff Eyser is behind a project I always know it will be well executed with charm and a sense of humor. When he was hired by the producer of his network, Troy Vanderheyden, he was given literally three weeks to completely renovate and decorate the apartment.
Dec 7, 2011
Before & After: Decoupaging a Thrift Store Desk
Some people just have all the luck when it comes to sniffing out thrift store bargains. When Kim found this battered yet solid desk for the incredible price of $26, she knew she had to have it; learning it was on sale for half that was just icing on the cake. She immediately wrestled the desk into her car, determined to try out a decoupaging technique on this bargain find.
Dec 7, 2011
Chris & Roger’s DIY + Modern Farmhouse
Name: Roger and Chris Stout-Hazard of Design Hazards, Buck the dog and an evil housecat Location: Agave Neighborhood — Austin, Texas Size: 1500 square feet Years lived in: 4 years — owned Roger Stout-Hazard might be best known for introducing home staging to television ten years ago with the Emmy-nominated show “Sell This House.
Dec 6, 2011
Marcia Patmos’ Modern Sense and Sensibility
Name: Marcia PatmosLocation: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn — New YorkSize: 750 square feetYears lived in: 13 — owned Three shades of gray (from pearly to charcoal) that define and ground, personal art hand-picked to delight, and an island forever banished to unlock a room’s worth of living potential, all in a thoughtful, smart, economical and collaborative facelift that reshaped the space, but not the spirit, of a Brooklyn brownstone.
Dec 6, 2011
T-Shirt Produce Bags
I love bags, especially reusable bags. I have my reusable grocery bags, I have take-a-long shopping bags, but I hadn’t found a produce bag that I liked enough to remember to bring along until I found this tutorial for t-shirt produce bags. • Read the full post at Re-Nest
Dec 6, 2011
Fi & Livvy’s Simple & Cozy “Caltrans” Home
Name: Fi Campbell and Olivia JohnsonLocation: South Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 1 year Fi and Livvy greeted me on a cool Sunday morning with a warm fire and a beautiful breakfast. I instantly fell in love with their small and cozy home and couldn’t believe it was only 700 square feet! There were so many special moments in their home and then their backyard topped it all.Fi and Livvy live in Caltrans housing in South Pasadena.
Dec 5, 2011
Toby & Samy’s Mid-Century Makeover
Name: Toby Shawe and Samy Badawy Location: Roxborough – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 2300 square feet Years lived in: 18; Renovated 2008 – 2010 “Space becomes more an exciting entity that is allowed to exist purely for the pleasure of experiencing it.
Dec 5, 2011
Perfect Kitchen Inspiration from House Tours
I’m a firm believer that the more you love your kitchen the more you love to cook. Obviously you don’t need a nice kitchen to whip up delicious meals; but it certainly helps! Take some inspiration from these 10 kitchens culled from our House Tour archives… • Read the full post at Apartment Therapy
Dec 5, 2011
Before & After: Curbside Dresser Becomes a Custom Bench
Gail found this dresser by the side of the road, obviously already the victim of a failed DIY effort. The top had been removed and two drawers were missing (though the drawer fronts remained). Despite its sad condition, Gail brought it home, certain she could make something great from this curbside find.Gail removed the interior supports for the upper two drawers, and used the drawer fronts to form the back of the bench.
Dec 2, 2011
Clint & Lisa’s Bold Crayola-Inspired Abode
Name: Lisa Zagumny and Clint HardisonLocation: Cookeville, TennesseeSize: 1500 square feetYears lived in: 7 — owned Clint and Lisa’s home appears similar to other homes on their quiet street until you walk in the front door and are greeted with a distinct, colorful palette. They have definitely put their signature on what would otherwise be a very common, and (dare I say?) boring standard house plan.
Dec 1, 2011
Carly & Jason’s Cozy, Charismatic & Glamorous Home
Name: Carly Uson, Lifestyle/Fashion/Beauty Publicist and owner of Carly Co. Public Relations and Jason Uson, Film/Commercial Editor with Posey (a female rottweiler), Gunner (a male rottweiler) and Rain (a male pit bull).
Dec 1, 2011
Before & After Project Submission Form
Online Form – Apartment Therapy Before & After Submissions (Taxonomy) <a href=”https://www.formstack.com/forms/?
Dec 1, 2011
Heather & Alex’s Nostalgic Cottage in the City
Name: Heather Taylor (Gallery Co-Owner & Lifestyle Blogger) and Alex de Cordoba (Gallery Co-Owner & Social Media Consultant)Location: Spaulding Square – Hollywood, CaliforniaSize: 1600 square feetYears lived in: 3 years Heather and Alex embrace all the character that their home embodies. They love their wood paneling in the bathroom and definitely appreciate the generous windows that allow for natural light.
Nov 30, 2011
Before & After: A Preppy Makeover for a Beat-Up Dresser
When Meg’s sister had a baby boy, she knew she wanted to give her new nephew a special present to welcome him into the family. She found a dresser on Craigslist desperately in need of a makeover and saw the potential for the perfect gift. Though many would agree with her husband’s assessment that it was only good for firewood, Meg had a vision of what a little paint could do.
Nov 30, 2011
Before & After: From Wrecked to Airy White Kitchen
Lots of us have dreamed of designing fantasy kitchens with all the bells and whistles. Then our actual budgets deliver a brutal reality check. That’s the case with this “before,” which belongs to a house that was bought to be fixed up and flipped. The owners couldn’t spend a lot of money, so they made up for it with smart shopping and a barrel of elbow grease.
Nov 30, 2011
Alex & Wendy’s Evolving Victorian
Name: Alex and Wendy and their adorable pets, Lulu and MelLocation: Alexandria, VirginiaSize: 2,000 square feetYears lived in: 9 Situated just off the main street in the historic district of Old Town Alexandria, Alex and Wendy’s home is the epitome of the classic elegance that defines the city’s character.
Nov 29, 2011
Small Project: Sprucing Up Inside the Cabinets
Tackling the smallest projects in my home always seem to create the most happiness. Sure giving a room a new coat of paint is exciting, but most of us live with some silly repair need for far too long, so when it’s finally fixed, it’s like this marvelous miracle. So today, I’d like to talk about the area under your sink. Did you know it could make you happy? Oh it totally can.
Nov 29, 2011
Is It Safe to Mount Your TV Over the Fireplace?
Out of all of the options available for mounting your flat-screen television, you’ve decided to save space and go for above-the-fireplace placement. Good move! Or is it? (dun-dun-dunnnnnn…) Is the heat from your fireplace doing damage to your TV? Could your mounting decision end up voiding your warranty?Sorry for the eleven-o’-clock news-y intro, but this is critical info for anyone who cares about their gear. Want to know if fireplace placement is safe for your gear?
Nov 29, 2011
Beth & Brian’s Fashionably Eclectic “Chic Grandma” Home
Name: Beth and Brian JonesLocation: Costa Mesa, CaliforniaSize: 1,350 square feetYears lived in: 1 — Rent (interiors were originally designed by JR Walz) Style blogger Beth Jones and her husband Brian live in an unassuming multi unit condo in Costa Mesa. By “unassuming” I simply mean that from the outside you would never know that this creative eclectic interior exists in there. They have exposed raw wood beamed ceilings with plenty of vintage charm and a huge open patio space.
Nov 28, 2011
Kirstyn’s Peaceful Pacific Heights Hideaway
Name: KirstynLocation: Pacific Heights — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 2 — rented Kirstyn’s apartment is the quintessential San Francisco home, chock full of the impeccable architectural details we go crazy for. Each element, from the built-ins, to the molding, to the hardware, has been restored and finished with care.
Nov 22, 2011
Seasonal Produce Centerpieces as Sustainable Tablescapes
A colorful bouquet of flowers is like therapy, it instantly puts a smile on my face. But purchasing weekly arrangements is a habit I can’t afford to sustain. Fall produce provides a great alternative to your standard floral centerpiece with the benefit of a longer life. Check out this roundup of tabletop decor that embraces
Nov 22, 2011
Kay’s Curated Somerville Nest
Name: Kay McGowan of Mohr & McPherson and A Curated WorldLocation: Somerville, MassachusettsSize: 1500 square feetYears lived in: 4 — rented When it comes to eclectic furnishings and housewares from around the world, Mohr & McPherson is a Boston institution. One of the forces behind that institution is Kay McGowan, the general manager for the past 15 years. This woman knows her imports.
Nov 21, 2011
The Jewelry of the Table: Napkin Rings
Napkin rings are the jewelry of the holiday table, the finishing touch that can really pull everything together. Whether your setting is rustic or glam, modern or crafty, here are 10 napkin rings for every table… • Read the full post at Apartment Therapy
Nov 21, 2011
Michael’s Mid-Century Modern Abode
Name: Freelance writer/director Michael Holbrook Moss, his youngest daughter, Adrian, little dog Peanut and lab Zoe.Location: Barton Hills — Austin, TexasSize: 1950 square feetYears lived in: 14 — owned With cool blues music pouring out of a stereo from a gorgeous wall of built-in cabinets and surrounded by vintage furniture finds, we immediately felt at home in the house of talented writer and director Michael Moss.
Nov 18, 2011
Before & After: Battered Dresser Goes from Drab to Fab
The tagline for Julia’s blog and furniture design business is “from ugly ducklings to beautiful swans”, an accurate description for the transformation she achieved with this battered Craigslist find. Purchased from a family that just didn’t have the space to hang onto grandma’s dresser any longer, this piece was crying out for a little TLC.
Nov 18, 2011
Bradley’s Mini Historic Echo Park Home
Name: Bradley DuncanLocation: Echo Park – Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 500 square feetYears lived in: 1 year When Bradley moved from Chicago to Los Angeles he looked at multiple apartments and rentals. Nothing felt like home until he finally agreed to look at a newly renovated duplex in Echo Park. The home dates back to some of the first houses in Echo Park and is made from concrete. The space was small, but had original architectural features that sold him on the rental.
Nov 17, 2011
Klemens & Robert’s Sophisticated Eastern Mix
Name: Klemens Affandy and Robert DelaneyLocation: Grange Park— Toronto, CanadaSize: 1250 square feet; 2 bedroom + denYears lived in: 4 — owned While Klemens and Robert’s 15th floor condo offers stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood and Toronto’s downtown, it’s their interior that really shines. This bright and spacious space embeds tranquil Eastern elements within a modern, urban envelope.
Nov 16, 2011
Beautiful Bar Carts
Bar carts are making a huge comeback and we’re 100% on board with that. Entertaining doesn’t always involve booze; but typically when we do break out the bottles, bar carts make it a little easier. • Read the full post at Apartment Therapy
Nov 14, 2011
Before & After: A Server Goes Back to Basics
When Cynthia picked up the server above at auction, it was completely covered in that creamy yellow paint; she was so eager to begin the redo, she didn’t even take true before pics! Though not a fan of the paint treatment, Cynthia loved the lines of this little server and price tag of $20 was hard to pass up.
Nov 11, 2011
Before & After: Wicker Chair Made Pretty
There’s nothing particularly wrong with this wicker chair. It’s got a nice shape and nice legs. It’s just so…brown. But not for long!Oh, spray paint, is there nothing you can’t do? This chair is so pretty now! Kendra from Sweet Magnolia Way has been working on a big girl room for her daughter so she pulled this forgotten brown chair up from the basement and gave it new life with a few coats of spray paint.
Nov 11, 2011
Caitlin Creates an Artist Retreat in the Hills
Name: Caitlin WyldeLocation: Echo Park – Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1500 square feetYears lived in: 13 years I fell in love with Caitlin’s home immediately as I walked through the red and white striped entryway. With her collection of vintage finds from New England and ship decor I felt like I was on vacation in the East Coast.Caitlin’s place is filled with her collections and her own art.
Nov 10, 2011
Good Tip: Add Temporary Color To Your Bookcase
Want to add some color to your bookcase but are a afraid of making a long term commitment? You can experiment with as bold a color you like with this simple, temporary foam board trick.That’s right. Foam board. Cut the foam board to fit in the back of the case and paint it any color you want. Hey, paint each side differently and switch it up twice a year if you like. If you have a bookcase with no back, even easier, tack the painted foam board to the whole backside.
Nov 10, 2011
Apple 27″ Cinema Display vs. Apple 27″ Thunderbolt Display
Around February 2011 I picked up an Apple 27″ LED Cinema Display for my home office, as a way to help upsize the screen real estate on my 2008-era MacBook Pro. I loved it, and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it when the Thunderbolt Display came out, so I didn’t think anything of it. Then I bought a 13″ MacBook Air, and next thing I know, I’m putting the original 27-incher on Craigslist…But why would I do that?
Nov 9, 2011
Steve & Stacey’s Vintage-Inspired DIY Modern Apartment
Name: Steve Reidell and Stacey MarquardtLocation: Humboldt Park — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 1200 square feetYears lived in: 3 — rented At the risk of sounding creepy, I am enamored with Steve and Stacey and their amazing style. Not only do they both have cool jobs, theyalso live in this fabulously decorated vintage apartment. Plus, Stacey is a DIY Queen — a girl after my own heart! What is not to love?! Steve is a DJ and the man behind The Hood Internet.
Nov 8, 2011