Apartment Therapy Archive: Jul 2011

Name: Trace and Lisa Location: Capitol Hill — Seattle, WashingtonYears lived in: 2.5 — rented You may remember a few of the snapshots from Trace and Lisa’s lovely apartment but it’s now time to do a full “House Tour.” Yes I did indeed misquote because the residence is not at all a house. The 800 square foot dwelling is decorated to the last inch of space, showcasing the couple’s eclectic style.

If you saw this chair in a thrift store would you jump at the chance to give it a new life or is it in such disrepair that you would just have to pass it by? Well, Irina wanted to take on the challenge and had an incredible vision for this lucky little piece. After a month of dedication and a lot of love this dilapidated chair has been transformed into a stunning work of art.

If you’re still hanging onto a DVD collection, you might find your years-old discs are getting a little worn. The good news is minor scrapes and scratches on DVDs and CDs are easy to repair, especially if you have one of these unusual home remedies at hand. To fix a disc and get it playable again, you need some solution to fill in the small surface scratches.

Although most people loathe going to the laundromat, I often find comfort in doing all of my laundry at the same time. In and out in two hours and I don’t have to worry about things for a few more weeks. That said, I’ve often felt it’s more expensive to operate this way. The question is, is it really?Over at The Simple Dollar they’ve broken down and averaged out your basic laundry costs including supplies and drive times.

Name: Antonio Ballatore + Chewie, the 6 year old English BulldogLocation: Downtown — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 3,300 square feetYears lived in: 10 months — rent To win a show such as HGTV’s Design Star you must have an extremely rich point of view and a unique vision. I also believe what makes a successful interior designer is the ability to find what is special about the client and integrate that into the design.

This chair looks like it’s on its last leg. Um, literally. The leg on this chair had rusted through and the whole thing was bent out of shape. No wonder it was sitting out on the curb, waiting for the garbage collector. But wait! This chair hasn’t quite reached the end of its life just yet …Rachelle, from Adventures in Creating, saw this old metal chair on the curb and decided to rescue it from its garbage heap fate.

IKEA EKBY RISET Bracket for sloping walls • $5 • IKEA Here’s a $5 solution for on-the-wall shelving for unusual spaces where your walls may not be 90 degrees perpendicular to the floor (e.g. attic home offices). These IKEA EKBY RISET brackets are designed to work with sloping walls and can be adjusted and locked in different angles (maybe even folded flat when not in use on regular walls), optimizing storage and display space above your desk.

When you have the world’s most generic (i.e. ugly) doors in your apartment like me, you can easily develop a fondness for old doors with a bit of character. And if I had one I would strongly consider doing what Gail did – make it into a toddler bed.Even a quick perusal around Gail’s blog My Repurposed Life lets you know that she is a pretty fearless DIY’er.

We’re not movie buffs, by any means. But we’ve got a modest collection of DVDs gracing the shelves of our TV unit. DVDs that go entirely un-watched, save for a few series’ worth of Sex and the City episodes that have played through many a girl’s night in. The rest—well, the rest should be making their way out the door soon, but I just can’t purge them yet.From what my mom tells me, the introduction of the VCR was a pretty big deal back in the day.

Name: Isabelle Dahlin and Brandon BoudetLocation: Echo Park, CaliforniaSize: 1,250 square feetYears lived in: 5 years — Own What do you get when you mix an interior designer and chef under one roof? A lovely one bedroom English style cottage with incredible landscaping, an organic vegetable garden and a chicken coop! Isabelle Dahlin, owner of deKor, and her boyfriend Brandon Boudet, of Little Dom’s, have created the ideal getaway right at home in the hills of Echo Park.

Name: Julie Montgomery and son, Henry Location: Carpinteria, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 3 Julie and her young son, Henry, were offered the chance to live at the base of a tropical fruit farm in Southern California, about a mile from the Pacific ocean. Included in the deal was a small studio within the packing facility to create her large–scale abstract paintings. Too good to be true, right? The only catch?

When Korrie came across this mid-century dresser in need of some TLC, she immediately envisioned the piece redone in a style inspired by an Anthropologie dresser. Given the beat up finish, she knew painting was her best option, but wanted to preserve some of the wood tones that drew her to the dresser in the first place. The end result is a fun look that gives new life to a classic piece.

We’re at the halfway point of the summer and it’s almost time for me to shake off the dust of this town and fly off to parts unknown. I love traveling. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve often got my luggage out and open and waiting days before the actual packing needs to be done. But, as much as I love packing, I hate having a lot of luggage. Even in the days before baggage check fees, I rarely checked luggage.

Name: Ryan ZagoneLocation: Georgetown — Washington, DCSize: 330 square feetYears lived in: 1.5 — Rented In a leafy corner of Georgetown that is also a quick walk to Dupont Circle, Ryan has made a studio apartment into an efficient home. He has drawn on some of the District’s best resources for vintage and antiques while adding contemporary pieces and travel finds. The result is distinctly masculine and simultaneously rustic and refined.

Name: Meg and DanLocation: Jamaica Plain, MassachusettsSize: 925 square feetYears lived in: 1 — owned Meg and Dan, professional classical musicians with the Jupiter String Quartet, travel frequently for their work. So an uncluttered, streamlined home is all the more important. In fact, they were remarkably relaxed about the fact that we scheduled our photo shoot only hours before they had to head to the airport for an international work trip.

The “before” shot of this bathroom looks like the kind of room I’ve seen a million times. A plain old bathroom, nothing unusual, perhaps a little dated, and definitely boring. Oh, but this bathroom is anything but boring now…See, what did I tell you? The “after” is anything but boring! When I saw the changes that Percy has been making to his home over on Design*Sponge I had a moment of design envy. How can one dude be so unbelievably creative?

I come across so many beautiful baskets in stores that I forget these items are often handmade. With a little bit of practice and patience, it’s not so hard… as long as you start small. After all, they don’t joke about bird courses as ‘basket weaving’ courses for nothing! I recommend preparing your materials (find local materials, then dry and soak them), then weaving them into small shapes or flat mats.

Strolling around our verdant neighborhood enjoying the summer weather, I was surprised to spot a patch of bright rainbow colors standing out among the green and carefully manicured lawns.Upon closer look I was delighted to discover an array of pink polka dots, blue and white toile, and 50’s fashion girls. They were decorating the ceramic shards our neighbor used to bring an extra punch of color and personality to her front yard.

Drifting through the winding streets of Venice, Italy, slowing down and getting lost, you see domesticated dogs running off-leash. With no cars or other vehicles in the city, the animals run free through the streets, canals, alleys and bridges. Dogs have a long, honored history in Venice…Venice honors Saint Roch and the dog that saved his life by bringing him bread and licking his wounds. Statues and artwork depicting Saint Roch and the dog can be found throughout Venice.

If you happen to live in a home with one tiny window AC or a portable unit — or no AC at all — battling against 90+ degree heat can make spending time at home during the summer far less enjoyable. Add a heat wave, a prolonged period of unusually warm weather, to the equation and you’ll probably find yourself counting down the days until fall.Minus the luxurious arctic blast of central AC, there are creative ways to stay cool and keep from sweltering.

Name: Trent and Carly Shepherd, our 4.5 month-old baby, Gray, our 14-year-old golden retriever, Levi and our 8-year-old cat, Phoenix. Not listed in order of preference.

Name: Vince StroopLocation: Flower District — New York, New YorkSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 4 years — rented There is a magical place that exists amongst the grit and hustle of New York City where the scenery demands you take a breath and stop to smell the roses. It is sweet, fresh, and totally unexpected. Walking down 28th street you find yourself strolling straight into New York’s garden district.

Name: JessicaLocation: Kerrisdale — Vancouver, BC We found this gem of a character building in 2010, while hunting for a new, pet-friendly space and something to get us out of the suburbs and a little closer to work downtown…The SO good!:This building blew our minds, 1200 square feet, late 1920’s – early 1930’s character, built in glass door cabinet, wood floors, 10 foot ceilings, working fireplace, window seat, cat and dog friendly, above an amazing candy store (!!

Innovative DIY projects are always inspiring, but even more so when they’re budget-conscious! All of these Before & After DIY projects can be done for under $50. So pick your favorite and get to it!

You’ve probably heard that indoor air quality is more polluted than outdoor air thanks in no small part to off-gassing chemicals in our household furniture and accessories. So to help combat that, you’d like to get an “eco-friendly” rug. But you’re probably wondering: what does that even mean? Get informed and confident about your purchase with these 5 shopping tips:1. Look for natural fibers.

The colonial housing style is so ubiquitous in the United States; it has a continuing influence on how we live in this country. My home — and perhaps yours, too — finds its roots there. Dating back to the 1600’s and prevalent even today, the colonial style is synonymous with American style:Colonial houses are, most simply, houses that were built during the colonial period of our country’s history.

For travelers looking to experience natural landscapes in a sustainable way Australia offers an abundance of pristine world heritage listed parks and reserves that can be enjoyed by everyone. From camping to luxury eco resorts, from bushwalks to skywalks and everything in between, these 10 Australian eco-tourism destinations offer something for everyone.1.

Buying a new mattress is a big investment, and knowing where to go to find the best options for your health and for the planet—not to mention for a sound night’s sleep— is key.

Espalier refers to the practice of tying the branches of trees to some sort of flat support (a wall or trellis, for example), creating formal, geometric patterns. The use of espaliered trees isn’t reserved for formal gardens, but are a great way to get a high fruit yield in a very limited space. • Read

Name: Zoe Feldman and Trey Location: Georgetown — Washington, DCSize: 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 2 half baths. Approx: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: almost 2 years — owned Seeing what tricks designers use in their own homes is always a treat, but getting to peek into the home of an interior designer as unique as Zoe Feldman is a total thrill, especially since she was so open about sharing tips and resources.

Madeline wrote us with not only a great Before & After to share, but a lovely story: I had done a lot of looking around online for inspiration for recovering old gliders and really didn’t find as much as I’d hoped. Now that my old glider has a fresh new look I was hoping it could be some inspiration for someone else out there.

It’s not everyday you come across an old bench that has so much potential. If you do ever come across a run-down version of the perfect outdoor (or indoor) piece you’ve been looking for, don’t keep walking — pick that bad boy up and head straight to the home improvement store! You never know how that thing will look after a good sanding and a fresh coat of paint!Christina took to her blog to boast about the recent transformation of a pretty run down wood bench.

My friend, Erin, just had the sweetest cupcake-themed party for her daughter, Sara’s, 3rd birthday. Were there fun games? Yes. Were there adorable little girls in party dresses everywhere you looked? Yes. Was there gorgeous, sugary food? Oh, mama, yes. • Read the full post at Ohdeedoh

NameNick Keppol Location Size/Room Years lived in Brooklyn-based master typographer Nick Keppol shows us how form truly follows function in his beautiful home office that’s bursting with modern details. Terrariums that add an organic detail, library stacks of creative reads, and enough Herman Miller gear that’ll bring a tear to your eye – everything screams style (or perhaps even slightly obsessive on the curation front, depending on who you ask).

Name: Maryam and MaxLocation: Beachwood Canyon – Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1,900 square feetYears lived in: 10 years Living in the Hollywood Hills with an unobstructed city view is one of the ultimate LA fantasies. Maryam and Max’s home is beautifully designed with modern furniture and a collection of Maryam’s pottery scattered throughout the house. My favorite room is definitely the sitting room, where they often enjoy breakfast while taking in the view.

Name: Kate Brierley and Joseph SwiaderLocation: Jamestown, Rhode IslandYears lived in: 3Who else lives here: Otto the bulldog, Bize the Dogue de Bordeux, and William Shatner the cat. A swath of deep purple silk billows in the misty breeze that sweeps into Kate Brierley’s home studio. Beyond the open door opposite her desk, Southern New England fog hovers above a lush green lawn.

Look in practically any room today, and you’ll find some element that has its design origin ties to that high era of style, smoking and culture known as the Sixties. Sure TV’s “Mad Men” has certainly had its impact on the recent style resurgence in today’s interiors, but folks were going mad for 1960s style even before Don Draper started sipping whiskey at 10am in the morning.

Q: I have a very old mink coat, handed down to me from my mother. It is not in great condition, and I’m not into wearing fur anyway. But this coat has a lot of meaning tied up in it from my family — it was a really big deal to her. My question: is there anything I can do to re-purpose this coat into something useful for my home and family? I’m not opposed to cutting it up.Sent by AnnEditor: My first thought was maybe to turn it into a small throw for the back of a sofa?

Names & Ages: Phia, 12 and Anthony, 5Location: Yonkers, NYRoom Size: Approximately 200sf Sara has a knack for organizing and zero tolerance for clutter. Both of these traits are clearly evident in Phia and Anthony’s shared bedroom. It’s no easy task to divide a room between a twelve-year-old girl and her five- year-old brother but a combination of cleverly arranged shelving units, distinctive paint colors and a few good-natured children make it all work wonderfully.

This half bath had its fair share of problems: an ugly floor, a water heater in the space and very little style. For only $25, it has been restyled to look much fresher with a cottage feel. Check out the dramatic change after the jump.From dirty and green to bright and blue, this half bath has had quite the intervention. Check out the cost breakdown: Glidden white paint ($7.77 at Wal-Mart) I used 1/2 gallon so cost is $3.89 Five 4′ wood strips at $1.65 each – $8.

This headboard was inspired by an Apartment Therapy post on how to combine IKEA Mandal headboards to create a dramatic wall installation, but not wanting to seriously damage the walls of their rental, Jeremy and Joe came up with a solution to create a more temporary setup.

During the last few weeks, our home has been filled with various family members visiting from out of state. With cooler-than-average weather and a bit of rain, we spent plenty of time in our favorite local restaurants. From casual lunch places to more formal venues, one trend I noticed was the use of simple wine bottles as water carafes.Although glass bottles can be recycled in most cities, why not remove the label and call it a carafe instead?

If you’re traveling the world at all this summer, chances are you’ll come across homes smaller than your average U.S. house. We found the above chart at the BBC (love its Josef Albers-esque aesthetics) and we converted to square feet after the jump:The article we read is about home sizes in the UK. The Brits’ homes are actually the smallest, on average, for all of Europe!

If like me you love gardening but aren’t a huge fan of all the plastic pots that seem to multiply in corners and pop up wherever plants need transporting, then chances are you’ll love these DIY coffee bag planter pots as much as I do. • Read the full post at Re-Nest

Gone are the days of the simple photo album. Thanks to the rise of digital photography, we have many more creative ways for displaying our travel photographs. Check out these five inspirations for printing, framing, binding and blowing up your favorites photos.1. Instant-RetroThanks to the retro-style filters of Hipstamatic, now everybody with a smart phone may fancy themselves a photographer. Hey, they make for beautiful photos taken on the fly, so why not show them off?

Most people have a hard time associating cork with anything other than wine. While bottle stoppers account for roughly 70% of cork production worldwide, cork can also be in musical instruments, insulation, and a tremendous variety of flooring products. But the amazing thing about cork is how sustainable the production is, from cradle to grave. It’s almost too green to be true.

The iPad is a nifty tool for the kitchen. We love a bunch of recipe apps for the iPad like the Photo Cookbook or 20 minute meals by Jamie Oliver. However, there are food blogs out there chock full of delicious recipes and incredible photographs that are free and just look better on the iPad