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The Latest: Jun 2014

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Unfinished wooden two-drawer cabinet on a woven rug with "before" label.
Before & After: An IKEA Nightstand Gets An Influx of Texture
Connie picked up this IKEA nightstand only to decide a month later that it wasn’t her cup of tea. But rather than send it to the landfill, she found an easy and cheap way to customize this piece and make it work for her space. This nightstand was just too plain and too low for Connie’s bed, so she added some legs to boost the height and jazzed up the drawer fronts with some grasscloth for texture and interest.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 17, 2014
Make This Now: Dreamy Vegan Ice Cream
(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From The Kitchn → How To Make Dreamy Dairy-Free Vegan Ice Cream
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 17, 2014
Tips To Get the Best Lighting For Your Outdoor Dining Area
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 17, 2014
Peggy & Chris’ Los Angeles Modern
Name: Peggy Hsu and Chris McCullough — architects and co-founders and owners of Hsu McCullough, an architecture practice based in Los Angeles. Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 1,130 square feet (house) + 350 square feet (detached garage) on 5,700 square foot lot Years lived in: 7 years Husband and wife architects Chris and Peggy founded a firm together, and they also collaborated on the remodel of their Los Angeles home.
Marcia Prentice
Jun 16, 2014
Before & After: Rita’s Really (Really!) Amazing Closet Transformation
Rita wanted to update her boring, brown closet doors and, being blessed with incredible vision, she managed to make them unrecognizably wonderful. Get ready to pick your jaw up off the floor. Let’s all chorus: Whoa. Great job, Rita. From Rita: I used a miter saw to make the cuts. The pieces measure 14.5″ x 18″. Rather than using a nail gun to affix the pieces to the doors, I decided to caulk them. This method worked beautifully and I’m really happy with the results.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 16, 2014
Mattias’ Modern Family Home in Stockholm
Name: Mattias Wikman Location: Birkastan, Stockholm, Sweden This old store front is a townhouse-like apartment with a private entrance at the center of Birkastan, a trendy area in Stockholm. We fell in love with the space by accident when looking at another apartment on the same street. This was not really what we needed, but we could not resist the open and large space. We got the chance to buy it and fixed it into a great family home that feels like a townhouse.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 15, 2014
Before & After: A Small Beige Kitchen Gets an $80 Shake-up!
Sometimes our favorite before and after projects are the ones that take a small addition to a home and create a big impact on the look. This tiny kitchen is a great example. Christina made a small but bold choice —and it really paid off! From Christina I recently bought my first condo — a small and beautifully renovated 475 square foot one bedroom.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 15, 2014
Melissa’s Modern & Organized San Francisco Home
Name: Melissa Location: Cole Valley, San Francisco, California Before we lived in Cole Valley we lived six blocks north in the Upper Haight neighborhood. Like a lot of San Francisco homes our apartment was vulnerable to the dampness of living in the western part of the city and we incurred a horrific mold outbreak. It’s hard for a home to feel like a home when you can’t even hang pictures on the walls.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 14, 2014
Before & After: A Mid-Century Modern Chair Rescue
This chair was found at an estate sale for only $5. Estimated to be from the late 50s or 60s, it had great bones, but was unfortunately covered in what Landon calls “mass transit seat fabric” or “bowling alley carpeting.” Though not particularly attractive, it did seem to be flame retardant. From Landon: First, the mass transit fabric and the seat padding were removed. The legs were sanded before being stained in a cherry finish.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 14, 2014
Before & After: A Quick & Simple Update for an Outdated Bookcase
Anyone who’s inherited a weird nook, corner or odd-home-thing might appreciate this simple but successful recessed bookcase mini-remodel. Shonee’s list of needed home updates since buying a 1950s house last year is long, with many projects often turning out more complicated than originally thought. Thankfully this small project — updating an outdated bookshelf — was simple and came out pretty sweet!
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 14, 2014
Garden Design Classics: The Armillary Sphere
Armillary spheres (sometimes referred to as armillary sundials) are a common decorative ornament in many gardens but can most often be spotted in the traditional English garden. Today’s armillary spheres, used as simply a decorative feature instead of a scientific instrument. are primarily fabricated of metal, and have become much more streamlined compared to their ancient counterparts. So what exactly is an armillary sphere, you might wonder?
Kimber Watson
Jun 13, 2014
5 Healthy Snacks Perfect for Summer Travel
(Image credit: Faith Durand) From The Kitchn → The 5 Best Fruit & Vegetable Snacks for Travel
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 13, 2014
Before & After: A Grimy Garage Shelf Turns Into a Storage Showpiece
Griffin calls this project, “simple but transformative.” Her goal? More storage in her mom’s office. She started with this basic, industrial shelf (found in the garage no less) and a vision. Lovely! The new color really changes the whole feel of the piece. In gold, the once industrial features look almost lacy. Great job.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 13, 2014
Before & After: Christina Rocks a Radiator Makeover
Christina was never bothered by this radiator in her kitchen, but then she had a flash of genius and made one smart change. Warning: you’ll want to copy this idea immediatly so clear your schedule. So smart! What a chic and simple way to hide that beast. Christina says, “We made a cover for it that doubles as an extra surface in our small kitchen. I can’t believe we didn’t do this earlier! It makes a world of a difference in this small space!
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 12, 2014
Smart Tips For People Who Move A Lot
From Apartment Therapy → Smart Tips For People Who Move A Lot “I’ve been thinking through ways to make frequent moves less stressful.
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 12, 2014
A Visit With Faith Blakeney in Her LA Kitchen
(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From The Kitchn → Faith Blakeney’s Joyful, Art-Filled Kitchen
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 11, 2014
Before & After: A Bright Yellow Bedroom Goes Shaker Chic
Kristen called her guest room, “an eyesore,” and tells us that when the sun shone on this yellow wall it was the equivalent of a neon sign. Yikes! So she found a way to ditch the yellow while adding some architectural charm worthy of her 100-year-old home. Wow! Kristen was able to easily and inexpensively create this faux board & batten panneling . And we especially love the touch of dark grey contrast which highlights that textured wall even more.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 11, 2014
Tips for Cleaning an Electric Stovetop
(Image credit: Gina Eykemans) From The Kitchn → How To Clean a Glass Electric Stovetop
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 11, 2014
Breakfast Salads Perfect for Hot Weather
(Image credit: Faith Durand) From The Kitchn → 10 Salads to Eat for Breakfast
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 10, 2014
Under $50: 15 Bold & Unusual Frames for a Gallery Wall
Spontaneous as they might look, there are guidelines for putting together a well-styled gallery wall. Arranging frames around an invisible horizontal line guarantees a great layout. And, to get a punchy kick of style, trying working in a unusual frame (or three) with an eye-catching shape, color or texture. In the midst of your simple and chic thin black or white frames, find a way to work in a bold or unique frame like these below.
Taryn Williford
Jun 10, 2014
Repurpose Bread Tags These 10 Ways
(Image credit: Christine Gallary) From The Kitchn → 10 Ways to Reuse Bread Tags
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 10, 2014
6 Common Design Mistakes That Are Easily Fixable
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 10, 2014
Liz’s Exuberant Row House
Location: Bloomingdale, Washington, DC Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Owned Before you even ask, yes, people have tipped Gypsy the cow. Liz had to cement her in. “When I move again, I’m planning to dig her up and take her with me,” she said. After all, Gypsy is more than just a goofy lawn ornament. Liz grew up in Arizona, where her father is a cattle rancher. Gypsy is an homage to her childhood.
Natalie Grasso
Jun 10, 2014
Before & After: A $10 Diamond in the Rough Bar Cart
This project is a great example of how even not-so-splurge -worthy yard sale finds can have amazing potential. Robin and her roomate Nat had been on the hunt for the perfect bar cart and, lucky them, they snapped this one up for only $10. We’re loving how their bold color choice really highlights that sexy shape. Great find! Robin says ,”After a quick clean and two coats of yellow enamel spray paint we had a revamped bar cart worthy of vintage accessories and summer parties.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 10, 2014
What To Serve at These Four Types of Summer Gatherings
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 10, 2014
Kathrin & Brian’s Desert Dome Home
Name: Kathrin Smirke and Brian Smirke Location: Joshua Tree, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: A little over 1 year (part-time) Kathrin and Brian put an ad on Craigslist looking for a cabin in Joshua Tree. They were so surprised when they received an e-mail from someone with a geodesic dome in the desert. Before the dome was even put on the market, Kathrin and Brian were in escrow to buy it. They often say it was fate; the dome found them!
Marcia Prentice
Jun 9, 2014
Before & After: A Tag Sale Hutch Gets a Fresh New Look
Angela happened upon this hutch at a tag sale in Connecticut recently. The price was “ridiculous in a good way,” and when the sellers threw in free delivery, she just couldn’t say no. Angela says: I contemplated long and hard over whether or not I should paint this. Here’s a few reasons why I did. First, I wanted to replace the broken and missing hardware and would need to patch the current holes to do so.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 9, 2014
Before & After: The IKEA Besta Gets Even Better
Ainhoa and her husband were already enjoying these classic IKEA Besta cabinets, but decided they wanted a more custom look so they cleverly (and cheaply) transformed them into a totally new piece. Wait until you see it. Wow! Looks like they’ve made a few other changes to the decor as well, and those built-ins look right at home. Ainhoa explains their process: We disassembled the cabinets, cut the sideboards to the height we wanted them, and reassembled them.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 6, 2014
10 Sources For Stylish, Budget-Friendly Outdoor Furniture
From Apartment Therapy → 10 Sources For Budget Outdoor Furniture “Early June is a time when retailers start to panic at their stock levels and put their outdoor furniture on special promotion.
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 6, 2014
Lori and John’s Functional Modern Home
Name: Lori + John Glass Residence (designed by Tamara Honey of House Of Honey). Location: Beachwood Canyon, Los Angeles, California Size: 2,700 square feet Years lived in: 6.5 years; Owned When Lori and John hired Tamara of House of Honey to come redecorate their newborn’s nursery, the inspiration and desire to redo spread quickly throughout the entire home.
Bethany Nauert
Jun 5, 2014
Before & After: From Off-White to Bold and Bright
Charlotte and her family moved from NYC to the suburbs and into this sweet 100-year-old house. They loved this living room because of the bright and beautiful bay windows. Says Charlotte, “All it took was some color to brighten up the ol’ girl.” Much better! And all it took was one chair to inspire the palette for the entire room.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 5, 2014
Pack These 12 Foods on Your Next Flight
(Image credit: Faith Durand) From The Kitchn → 12 Delicious Foods You Can Pack for a Flight
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 5, 2014
Valorie’s Fearless and Fabulous New Orleans Home
Location: Irish Channel, New Orleans, Louisiana Size: 2,200 square feet Years lived in: 9 years; owned Valorie Hart is fearless when it comes to style. Her bright pink pixie coif, bold wardrobe and oversized eyeglasses, reminiscent of fashion icon Iris Apfel, make clear that this decorator, interior designer and stylist loves to have fun and make a splash.
Jacqueline Marque
Jun 4, 2014
Yes, You Can Remember To Bring Your Lunch To Work
The Kitchn Editors
Jun 4, 2014
Mark Cutler Design
Name: Mark Cutler Design Inc. Location: West Hollywood, California Size: Two floor town house Years worked in: 12 years; Rented Mark Cutler has been designing interior and architectural spaces for years, making his name with residential designs for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Steve Carrell. He’s a familiar figure on shelter magazines and HGTV, and his newest venture nousDECOR.com launched earlier this month.
Bethany Nauert
Jun 3, 2014
Decorating on a Budget: 20 Tips from the Pros
A couple of months back, I gathered some tips from the pros for ways to round off an unfinished room. It seemed to hit a chord with our readers, leading to many commenters weighing in on their favorite piece of advice or offering up their own tips that have worked for them. Since we’re focusing on reining in our budgets this month, lets see what insightful pointers the masters can offer up when it comes to bargain decorating! From Emily Henderson: Love something? Buy just one.
Kimber Watson
Jun 3, 2014
7 Creative Ideas to Make an Outdoor Oasis for Kids this Summer
With warm weather finally here, the wheels in my mind have been turning thinking of fun ways to get my little ones outdoors as much as possible. Of course there’s the park down the street, our little plastic play pool, and the tree my four-year-old loves to climb, but I’d love to come up with something fresh for a little added fun.
Lauren Hufnagl
Jun 3, 2014
Before & After: Maria’s Cane Chairs Get Classy
Maria had a near-perfect Craigslist experience with these two cane-back chairs — not only did she get them for a great price, but the seller was so anxious to get them out of his basement he even delivered them right to her door! She’s been hoarding these chairs “in her stash” for a year and she finally came up with a makeover plan. Want to see it? What a difference! We love the bold fabric choice, it really freshens up the classic shape.
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 3, 2014
Dana Defends Laziness
(Image credit: Dana Velden) From The Kitchn → In Defense of Laziness
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 3, 2014
Robb and Jamie’s Schoolhouse Flat
Name: Jamie Gray and Robb Smigielski Location: Islington; London, United Kingdom Size: 2 bedrooms, 988 square feet Years lived in: 1 1/2 years; rented Who else lives here: 2 house cats Jamie and Robb moved to London a year and a half ago, and found the perfect converted schoolhouse with white walls and high ceilings for adding in their own blend of creativity.
Claire Bock
Jun 2, 2014
Grocery Shopping: You’re Doing It Right
(Image credit: Cheryl Sternman Rule) From The Kitchn → You’re Doing It Right: Grocery Shopping
Jennifer Hunter
Jun 2, 2014
An East Austin Lighting Workshop & Living Space
Name: Buck Hubach and Nathan Warner, owners of Warbach Lighting & Design Location: East Austin, Texas Size: 2750 square feet Years lived in: Renting 1 year Nathan Warner and Buck Hubach’s lighting designs — simple and complex, modern and geometric — are stylishly brightening homes and businesses around Austin (and more).
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 1, 2014