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2013
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The Latest: 2013

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Before & After: A Handmade TV Stand Gets Stunning
Mary’s brother made this TV stand for his 8th grade shop project in 1983, and her mother’s been using it ever since. Looks like it’s ready for the next 30 years! From Mary: My mom asked me to paint it for her but wasn’t specific on the color, she trusted me to pick it out. Since her favorite color is yellow, I chose this bright and cheery shade. I also bought new hardware with an oil rubbed bronze finish and added a shelf inside to store her books and magazines.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 7, 2013
Before & After: Don’t Get Stumped by This DIY
Merrill loves the organic, natural look of tree stumps as end tables, but doesn’t love the price: individual tree stumps can cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily crafty Marril decided she could pull this off on her own. From Merrill: After tracking down some free tree stumps in good condition, the rest was a simple process. The bark was ripped off with a hammer and chisel and the stumps were sanded. Four coats of polyurethane were applied to finish them.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 6, 2013
Before & After: From Blank Slate to Simply Stunning
When she moved in, Diana had a lot of books but little else. Considering her tight budget and completely empty room, she faced quite the challenge. From Diana: $4500 sounds like a decent amount of money, but we started with no furniture, no linens, not even a rug liner. To shop wisely, we hunted for the largest pieces of furniture first. The sofa was the biggest challenge — we finally found a red sofabed for $500. We wanted the rug to make an impact so we found one from Urban Outfitters.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 5, 2013
What’s the Deal With Vermilion?
Often called “Chinese Red,” vermilion actually has a long and storied history throughout many cultures of the ancient world. Read on to find out more about this ancient color. It starts with a mineral, the undisputed champion of cool mineral names: cinnabar. Grinding cinnabar produces the brilliant red powder called vermilion, evidence of which was found as early as 8000 BC in the area that is now Turkey.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 5, 2013
Before & After: TV Nook Upgraded Into a Home Entertainment Center
Renting almost guarantees you’ll be living and working around compromises, and perhaps nowhere more so than when it comes to planning a home entertainment setup. Awkward layouts can prove a challenge, especially when you can’t move or tear down walls like a home owner.
Gregory Han
Nov 5, 2013
Your Next Favorite: Minimalist, Hand-Made Pottery
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → Melissa Maya Pottery
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 5, 2013
Before & After: Dial D-I-Y With Vintage Phone Bookend Project
I might belong to the last generation who grew up using these touch tone style handset telephones (aka, the Trimline). I see them pop up regularly at thrift stores, yard sales, and on eBay. They’re commonly found stored away in garages, attics, and closets, disconnected and forgotten.
Gregory Han
Nov 4, 2013
The Charming Brooklyn Studio of Antoni from “Queer Eye”
Name: Joey Krietemeyer, Art Director at 1stdibs.com, Antoni, and one very well loved Fiddle Leaf Fig Location: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Size: 600 square foot studio Years lived in: 3 years; renting Walking into Joey and Antoni’s studio apartment is not like walking into other studios in New York. They have managed to create a home that feels open and spacious, but still has distinctly separate living areas. Details abound that catch the eye without cluttering up the space.
Liana Hayles Newton
Nov 4, 2013
Before & After: From Big, Brown Box to Pretty & Posh
Laurel originally purchased this tall IKEA cabinet as a storage solution to be tucked away out of sight; but after a move, she needed it out in the open. So she endeavored to make this big brown box into something that she’d want to look at! From Laurel: I had discovered a seller on eBay, Victoria_larsen_stencils, that sold stencils designed not to be used with paint, but with joint compound.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 4, 2013
A Pop of Pink in the Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → Kitchen Colors: Mahogany, Gray, and the Perfect Shade of Rose.
Jennifer Hunter
Nov 4, 2013
Fabienne’s Most Happily Colorful Apartment in Canada
Name: Fabienne Location: Montreal, Quebec Color, color, color! Cats and dogs and lots of artwork and funky found furniture. What I love most about our apartment is that it feels like a country house even though it’s in a big city. It is a work in constant progress that reflects our interests and passion for animals. Right now, it’s all about birds, birds, birds! Thanks, Fabienne! • Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy?
Janel Laban
Oct 31, 2013
Before & After: This Chair Will Scare Your Socks Off
Happy Halloween Eames lovers, get ready to jump out of your skin. Denny happened upon this Eames DCW chair at an abandoned house in his neighborhood so he took it home and gave it a makeover you won’t soon forget. Boo! Okay purists, before your hearts stop, let’s hear what Denny has to say: The chair was damaged, the lamination was separating in the seat and there were water stains down the legs.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 31, 2013
Bento Boxes So Cute It’s Scary
(Image credit: Flickr User Gamene) cc by 2.0 From The Kitchn → Bento Boxes: Halloween for Your Lunch Year Round.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 31, 2013
The Creative Process: 5 Ways to Cultivate Inspiration & Ideas
I had a conversation with a friend recently about the creative process and how people seem to just “come up” with amazing ideas in the spur of the moment. For those who depend on their creativity for a living, and even those who struggle to fill a blank wall at home, here is a little secret… If you want moments of inspiration, you have to cultivate them.
Kim Lucian
Oct 30, 2013
David and Jennifer’s Handmade Home
Name: David, Jennifer, and Tupelo Clancy Location: Jamestown, Rhode Island Size: approximately 900 square feet Years lived in: 16 years; owned Long rays of golden light stretch across the Clancy lawn and fill their small cottage with a warm glow as the sun rises over Narragansett Bay.
Jacqueline Marque
Oct 30, 2013
Before & After: Fireplace Nook to Lofted Playhouse
Anna Hansen had a prepped and framed nook in her kids’ playroom for a gas fireplace. But a gas fireplace isn’t exactly the most kid-friendly feature, so Anna decided to repurpose the space. For a while, the frame held a toy rack, until she got inspired and motivated and turned it into a fantastic indoor playhouse. With no carpentry experience at all, Anna managed to build this sweet house. (She did get a little instruction from her in-laws.
Beth Callaghan
Oct 30, 2013
Getting Ready for Gift Giving: Monthly Subscription Club Ideas
In the past, monthly subscriptions only came in the form of magazines and music for a penny, but we have come a long way from then. Now you can give a subscription gift to just about anything from wine to candy to food to beauty products. Here are some of the best monthly subscription boxes and gifts for anyone on your list: What could be better than receiving a surprise gift each month in the mail? It’s a surefire way to put an exclamation point at the end of any good or not so good day.
Alysha Findley
Oct 29, 2013
Erin & Nathan’s Collaboratively Creative Bungalow & Backyard
Name: Erin Tavin, Nathan Stein, and cat, Charlie Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 24 years (Nathan), 9 years (Erin); Owned Creativity abounds at the Echo Park home of Erin and Nathan. Set atop a quiet hillside, Erin and Nathan have lovingly crafted a home that reflects their creative and hardworking personalities.
Bridget Pizzo
Oct 29, 2013
Before & After: A Dressed-Up Dresser
When Chelsea came across this vintage dresser, she knew right away that it was destined to become a fixture in her home. The dresser was in rough shape but after a little bit of rehab and a lot of wood putty, she’s proud to show off her creation. From Chelsea: The mint color is Lowe’s Olympic Paints Sweet Pea and it’s the perfect shade of true mint green.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 29, 2013
“Pugkin Spice Latte” and Other Hilarious Halloween Pets
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 14 Fabulous Pets Dressed Up as Food-Related Things for Halloween.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 29, 2013
Before & After: A Heavenly Henredon
Leslie loves all things 1960’s so when she saw this 1965 Henredon sofa at a thrift store, she had to have it. From Leslie: I could not find an affordable icy blue velvet to redo the sofa in (fabric was discolored with age and faded in spots), but I did find this amazing black swirly velvet-like fabric that gives it so much interest. And such comfort! My upholsterer did a perfect job, reusing all of the original padding because it was in amazingly good condition.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 28, 2013
Just Clean It: Stovetop Struggles
(Image credit: Faith Durand) From The Kitchn → Why Can’t I Keep The Stovetop Clean?
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 28, 2013
Before & After: Cape Kitchen Gets an Overhaul
When Lara’s family bought their 1949 custom cape, the previous owners had lived there for 50 years and done virtually no upgrades. Says Lara, “The kitchen required so much work it was almost paralyzing.” The yellow wood cabinets were warped, the formica counters were peeling, the tile was troubling and the lack of workspace unworkable. Nonetheless, she knocked it into the 21st century.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 25, 2013
Sweeten Up Your Basic Potato Bar
(Image credit: http://www.thekitchn.com/15-recipe-ideas-for-hosting-your-own-sweet-potato-bar-196496) From The Kitchn → 15 Recipe Ideas for Hosting Your Own Sweet Potato Bar.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 25, 2013
Before & After: This Hot ’70s Mess Gets a Modern Makeover
Christine’s husband thought she was insane for falling in love with this 113-year old house — it was a mess of ’70s faux wood paneling, awkward trim colors and in desperate need of some TLC — but she knew they could reveal its charm with a little elbow grease. In the sunroom, she painted the paneling a soft gray and gave the buttery-yellow trim a coat of crisp white. What a difference! From Christine: I was also thrilled with how easily I was able to paint the paneling.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 24, 2013
Greg & Rob’s Sky Suite
Name: Robert Onderdonk & Gregory Roth Location: Toronto, Canada Size: 1270 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, owned This sky high condo is as custom-made as they come. While gutting a brand-new home may seem like a surprising choice to some, Greg and Rob were so dissatisfied with their builder-quality basics that they knew it had to be done as soon as they moved in.
Justice Darragh
Oct 24, 2013
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In the dark and despairing days before the internet, embarking on a DIY project meant lots of weekend visits to home supply showrooms in hopes of finding materials that fit both style and budget. Luckily, the building supply chain has evolved for the better, and sites like BuildDirect.com offer a more direct link to manufacturers for big discounts on home renovation supplies. Have you been putting off a project because you’re short on time or money?
Sponsored Post
Oct 24, 2013
Festive Fall Gathering Idea
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → A Fall Pumpkin-Carving Party.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 24, 2013
Before & After: Home Office Gets a Light & Lively Makeover
Wendy from Designed to Dwell had a perfectly nice formal study, yet she came to a realization I think we’ve all had at some point: sometimes what we think we like isn’t our style after all. Check out how Wendy lightened and brightened to create a completely fresh new room that’s much more her. After living with the formal study for a few years, Wendy realized her study needed a makeover.
Julia Brenner
Oct 23, 2013
Before & After: This Craftsman Has a Crafty Secret
A lot can happen in 100 years. Things like the road in front of your Seattle home gets really busy and dangerous. So Courtney came up with a pretty genius solution. She gave her home the ‘ole flip-flop, making the back, the front! Says Courtney: We tried to respect the architecture and make it look as though our “new front entrance” was the original entrance. We also re-landscaped and redesigned the flow of the outdoor spaces as a part of the effort.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 23, 2013
A Happy Hague Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → Americans in the Hague: Sonia’s Warm and Welcoming International Kitchen.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 23, 2013
Whitney and Adam’s Live/Work Canal Cottage
Name: Whitney Leigh Morris, Graphic Designer, and Adam Winkleman Location: Canals, Venice Beach, California Size: 362 square feet (interior) Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rented Etc: Built in 1924. One of two original craftsman-style cottages on the lot. You may remember this beautifully renovated cottage from Whitney’s House Call. I was brought in to do a full tour of their space, and I was certainly not disappointed. Whitney and Adam have made living in a small space look like a breeze.
Monica Wang
Oct 22, 2013
Before & After: A Washed-Up Wingback Gets a Fresh Start
Usha was attempting her first upholstery project and wanted a cheap-o chair in case it went horribly, horribly wrong. She found this armchair on Ebay for £12.50 and got to work. Wow! What a feat for a first-time upholsterer. From Usha: It took me a week to strip the old upholstery (and all those staples!), a further week to plan the project and alter the curved shape of the wings and arms to give the chair more modern lines and more than four weeks to complete the upholstery.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 22, 2013
It’s Slow Cooker Season: 10 Meals to Try
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 10 Reasons to Break Out the Slow Cooker
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 22, 2013
Gregory and Jenny’s Relaxed Hippie Bungalow
Name: Gregory Beauchamp and Jenny Corgan Location: Venice, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3+ years; Rented If the Brady Brunch could redecorate their house in a cooler, fresher way, I imagine it would look something like this. Gregory, a creative director/artist, and Jenny, a co-owner of Principessa on Abbott Kinney, share this cozy bungalow near Venice Beach.
Monica Wang
Oct 21, 2013
Insider Info: IKEA Employee Shares Tips for Buying IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
Today, I’m sharing some great insider info found in our comments section. Drew wrote: I worked for IKEA for four years—one as a kitchen planner, three as an interior designer. If you buy an IKEA kitchen, specifically the Akurum fitted line that the rest of the world outside the US calls Faktum, you can get a great product. The question is what’s your time worth to you?
Janel Laban
Oct 17, 2013
Before & After: I Spy A Reimagined Sofa
Megan fell hard for a semi-circular, midcentury tufted sofa she spotted at her local coffee shop but when she tracked down the source, the retail price was an unfathomable sum, only slightly less than the down payment on her house. Yikes! Once again Craigslist saves the day.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 17, 2013
Resources for a Warm Modern Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → Get The Look: Warm, Modern Kitchen.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 17, 2013
Before & After: A Dated Abode Gets Some Crazy Good Curb Appeal
This 1950’s suburban ranch house needed a major upgrade so architect Bradley Edwards stepped in and turned dated to darling. Wait until you see it. The overhaul included: a kitchen makeover, a screened porch and entry vestibule, and a new upper level with an informal living “nest,” outdoor terrace and master suite. The existing brick got a color change and the rest of the exterior is clad in common corrugated metal siding.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 16, 2013
A Genius Kitchen IKEA Hack: Gleamy Gold Brackets
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → A Glam Kitchen Detail On a Budget: IKEA Shelf Brackets Spray-Painted Gold.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 16, 2013
Emma & Mike’s Whimsical Home in Brooklyn
Name: Emma, Mike, and baby River Fusco-Straub Location: Prospect Lefferts Garden, Brooklyn, New York Size: Three-story limestone house Years lived in: 4 years; owned Emma Straub and Mike Fusco are quite a dynamic duo. Emma is an acclaimed novelist, and Mike creates stunning graphic design. Emma, Mike, and their Brooklyn home are creative, warm, and down to earth.
Andrea Sparacio
Oct 15, 2013
Before & After: Karey Squeezes a Surprise Into This Small Space
Karey loves her small home but since the time had come to start on a nursery, she needed to relocate home office. With a quick game of “furniture tetris” she found a great new place for her workspace. From Karey: Even though the space is super small, I really wanted to love it and still feel inspired to work. For a total of $287.70 we were able to get a much more efficient use of space. See more about this project at Staring Down the Sun. Thank you Karey!
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 15, 2013
William Hanham’s Last Albany Apartment at Piccadilly, London
Name: Ali & William Hanham Location: Albany, London, England Size: Two bedrooms, one bath Years lived in: Since 1811 During my visit to England this past month, I visited William and Ali’s amazing ancestral home in Wimborne and then took a peek at William’s elegant and modest London apartment at Albany.
Maxwell Ryan
Oct 14, 2013
Before & After: DIY Makeover with Small, Chic Changes
Sometimes “before” pictures aren’t disgusting nightmares that leave you horrified. Sometimes they are perfectly nice, but the owner was just sick and tired of looking at the same layout or piece of furniture. We’ve all been there and so was Bethany, who’d grown weary of seeing this dark brown trellis pattern first thing after walking in the door. She made a few crucial tweaks without spending a dime — including a mini IKEA hack — and wound up refreshed.
Dabney Frake
Oct 14, 2013
Countertop Real Estate: Which Appliances Make the Cut?
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → How Much Countertop Space Are You Willing To Give Up For Your Favorite Appliance
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 14, 2013
Before & After: An Old Chest Gets a Big Change
This chest had great details (just look at that cool hardware) but wasn’t in great shape so Jourdan perked it up with a new look. Ombré! Jourdan used a paint sprayer to get a flawless application. We love how the keyhole-shapped pulls provide a pop of white on the gradually darkening drawers. Says Jourdan, ” I feel like I’m a regular old handyman with a tool belt and everything.” See more of Jourdan’s crafty projects at her blog Little Yellow Barn.
Jennifer Hunter
Oct 11, 2013
Before & After: The Converted Closet Floating Desk Home Office
Coltography’s closet home office was already a space efficient and streamlined affair, with cables and wires thoughtfully routed through the wall from PC to a trio of wall-mounted screens. But with improvement in mind, this industrious gent set out to eke out even more usable desk space with an impressive modification merging desk with computer… As a person with a tiny room, I have used my closet as my desk space.
Gregory Han
Oct 11, 2013
Before & After: Old Entertainment Center Turned Fresh Toy Storage
Would you pay $100 for this old entertainment center? I probably wouldn’t, but Kim had a vision and a motivation: “Our two year old daughter was taking over the house with all her toys. I had to come up with a toy storage solution.” The white paint updates this piece by decades and the pink adds an understated but sweet touch for her daughter. Kim spent about $180 on this project – $100 for the furniture, $40 for paint and another $40 for the crystal knobs.
Carrie McBride
Oct 11, 2013