The Latest
2014

The Latest: 2014

Welcome to the hub for accessing all our latest posts! Easily sort through content by date to quickly find what you’re looking for — you’ll never miss out on the latest updates here.
Tina and Matthew’s Tiny Budget Tropical Beach House Makeover
Name: Tina Gonsalves and Matthew Wild Location: Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia We bought this five bedroom house in late May 2012, just a few days after returning from a year long overseas trip. It was a really ugly house, on a wonderfully quiet street, just near to the beach. It had been on the market for a long time, as I guess no one knew what to do with it. My husband and I took up the challenge.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 18, 2014
Before & After: A $6 Side Table Makeover
A sad, old table handed down to Jessica from her grandfather was a sturdy side table, but lacked the style she was looking for. It was an unexpected designer piece that gave Jessica the inspiration to transform this side table into something else! Jessica spotted a Bernhardt Cabrillo Nailhead Chest in Architectural Digest Magazine and loved the look.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 18, 2014
Chloe’s Stylish West London Home
Name: Chloe Macintosh of Made.com, her husband Alastair Macintosh, and their sons Felix and Elliott Location: Fulham; London, UK Size: 3,800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; owned Chloe Macintosh’s West London home is a light-filled oasis, a world away from the mid-winter gloom outside. It has a glamorous, 1960s jet set vibe, and the giant Slim Aarons poolside photographs set a mood of relaxed elegance. Much of the furniture is from Chloe’s own company, Made.
Rebecca Bond
Jan 17, 2014
Before & After: Old Dresser Gets a New Chevron Pattern
Shanelle scored this this dresser from her parents years ago. She liked the style of the dresser itself but it need a little more flair. She updated the knobs, but ultimately realized a major overhaul was in order. Shanelle used a nice, thick layer of wood stripper to loosen the color and then gave the dresser a good sanding to get the original wood in shape. She sketched with chalk and then taped off her kicky chevron pattern and applied two coats of white to alternating layers.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 17, 2014
Cynthia’s Gentle Renovation
Name: Cynthia of Recreational Decorator Location: The Beach – Toronto, Ontario, Canada We bought our home just about two years ago and renovated it from top-to-bottom. The elderly woman (her refurbished sofa still sits in our livingroom) who sold us the home had lived here for years and wanted a family to move in who would not tear the house down or do a monster reno (we have a very large city lot so the home was certainly appealing to builders).
Janel Laban
Jan 16, 2014
Fresh Start: 5 Things You Should Do Every January
I’m not usually one for New Year’s resolutions, but I am always interested in rejuvenating my space, work and life in the New Year. January is a great month for cleaning up problem areas, whether they are physical problem areas in your home, or work and financial issues. Here are a few of our top tips for simple tasks to help get your new year get off to a great start! 1. Declutter your desk or work area and go through important papers. Tax time is coming!
Andie Powers
Jan 16, 2014
Shaun & Matt’s Glam Loft
Name: Shaun Sperling & Matt Leyes Location: Andersonville; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3 years Matt and Shaun’s loft is a study in the type of creative freedom that comes from having a loft space, loving DIY projects, and joyfully merging two design styles.
Arthur Garcia-Clemente
Jan 16, 2014
How To Clean Stuffed Animals
Is it completely germophobic to be cleaning your kids’ stuffed toys every month? Of course, I’m asking for a friend of mine (wink)! I completely understand that our kids need to grow their immune system by being exposed to various degrees of bacteria, still, I can’t look at these toys and remain calm. It makes me cringe. Just like that tiny chalk mark the teacher used to forget to erase on the board back in school. Ok, there goes my free-spirit reputation!
Séverine Baron
Jan 16, 2014
Cesar’s Colorful & Eclectic Aesthetic
Name: Cesar Location: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil It all started in my childhood. I was always in love with architecture, art and history, and consequently, I started collecting all sorts of objects. To me, they told a story and reminded me of specific times and aesthetics. Over time, this seemingly disjointed collection made sense, and I use it in my decor.
Janel Laban
Jan 15, 2014
Before & After: A Pre-War Pad Gets Some Post-Modern Love
Architect Alexandria Barker began with this dark and dated pre-war apartment and transformed it into an open, loft-like space with modern detailing. Want to see it now? See more photos of this awesome space at Barker Freeman Design Office Thank you Alexandra!
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 15, 2014
Tips for Reblooming an Amaryllis Flower
Cambria Bold
Jan 15, 2014
Shawna & Stef’s “Put Together” Apartment
Name: Shawna & Stef Location: Seaport/Financial District – NY, NY When friends and family walk into our apartment, their first response is your home is so “put together”. For us, our home represents our individual (and often opposite) styles ‘put together’ as a couple. Stef (a banker by day) has a love and great eye for street art that serves as the source of inspiration for our decor.
Janel Laban
Jan 14, 2014
Before & After: Knotty Pine Looks So Fine
Malcolm found this bookcase at a flea market — it had been salvaged from an old barn and treated with polyurethane. He really dug the layers of paint that it had accumulated, so he bought it with the intention of making it a little more polished and intentional. Nice! We love how Malcolm didn’t try to fight the rustic vibe but instead added even more shades of wood for a gorgeous and interesting piece. And those new legs make it feel lighter overall.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 14, 2014
The January Cure: Cleaning the Fridge
Cambria Bold
Jan 14, 2014
DIY Party Decorations: How To Make a Mini Pennant Banner
I’ve come a little late to the pennant and bunting bandwagon, but I’m here now, and I cannot get enough of adorable banners! They’re perfect for parties or weddings, but I also love to see them jazzing up a bookcase or lending a sassy wink to a traditional picture frame. This miniature banner is a birthday gift for my crafty sister-in-law, so I chose a toned down palette of warm yellows and a pretty mauve in order to make the banner suit her home décor.
Erin Roberts
Jan 13, 2014
Jonathan’s Evolving, Relaxed West Coast Style
Name: Jonathan Paul Location: Santa Monica, California Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; rented Jonathan, a recent California transplant, is enjoying a home that offers him the opposite of what he grew up with on the East Coast. Taking full advantage of a kitchen large enough to double as a workspace, he added incredible built-ins and is making full use of all the spacious storage. Another luxury he now enjoys is a front yard, where he is embracing his green thumb.
Bethany Nauert
Jan 13, 2014
Before & After: A Nightstand’s Nod to Geometry
Reeves loved the shape of this kicky MCM nightstand, but wanted to add a dose of fun to the boring, brown exterior. What an upgrade! We just love the subtle yet punchy color and how Reeves left a few triangles bare — a nice nod to the original wood. From Reeves: I chose to do a geometric pattern on the drawer, framed by the black on the rest of the nightstand. The geometric pattern goes with the modern style of the nightstand and I love the way it turned out!
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 13, 2014
Before & After: Maura’s $13 DIY Wall Art!
Maura had recently made the move to a small studio apartment with 12-foot walls, a lot of blank space to fill with a small decorating budget. One Saturday after breakfast, an idea on how to transform her dining area with DIY painted wall art came to her. From Maura: I had purchased 6 sample sizes of paint recently for a slow-to-progress project that I decided to use right away for this new project.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 12, 2014
Before & After: A Rearranged and Refinished Bedroom
It can be easy to think completely changing the look of a room takes a lot of new furniture purchases and money. But as this bedroom reveals, some attention to existing furniture, fresh bedding, smart arranging of furniture and careful curating of new and vintage accessories can completely transform a space. Helped by Jesse of Scout & Nimble, this client’s bedroom got a much-needed makeover when the existing furniture was moved to make better use of the space.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 11, 2014
Before & After: Claire’s Contrasting Credenza Makeover
Claire found this credenza with tons of potential on Craigslist for only $30. But, though the lines were beautiful, the shape nice and the extra storage space it would provide a bonus, the finish was banged up and the color didn’t fit with her tastes. We love that Claire kept some wood color along with adding a fresh white paint to the piece. It brightens up the piece without completely obscuring the natural and beautiful wood.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 11, 2014
Lauren and Chad’s Vintage Comfort
Name: Lauren Naimola and Chad Pratt, plus their two cats Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan Size: 2,100 square feet Years Lived In: 12; Owned Welcome to Lauren and Chad’s bright and textural Michigan home! Lauren is proprietress of the impeccably curated vintage shop Dear Golden, and it’s no surprise that the couple’s home is every bit as stunning and refined as her store.
Bridget Pizzo
Jan 10, 2014
Before & After: Bland Foyer Gets A Facelift
When Jenna and her family moved into their house three years ago, they loved the layout and bones of the space, but they desperately wanted to liven up the chilly room with some much needed color. We’d say they accomplished their goal. What a stylish and inviting space. We absolutely love the subtle colorblocking — it adds so much interest to an otherwise neutral palette. They offset the color with crisp white trim and chose to redo the floor with luxury vinyl tile.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 10, 2014
Are You From a Naked Family?
Imagine this scenario: you are hanging out one night with a group of friends, and someone suggests you all hop in the hot tub together — naked. Would you strip down at the drop of a hat? Or would you rather string yourself up by your toenails and be forced to watch Carrie Underwood’s live version of The Sound of Music? Your comfort level —whatever it may be — probably has its roots in your childhood.
Dabney Frake
Jan 9, 2014
Christina’s Notsobig Happy Home
Name: Christina of The Redesign Company Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Our home is our happy place. We downsized 10 years ago and use every square inch of this notsobig house. Even the garage, which we turned into a teen cave for our ohsobig boys. We want the whole wide world to know that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to be beautiful and bigger is not always better. sometimes… but not always. Hehehe… Thanks, Christina!
Janel Laban
Jan 9, 2014
Lea & Mike’s Charming Craftsman Casa
Name: Lea & Mike of Casa Pino, a textile, interior design and art collaboration Location: Arlington, Virginia My husband and I moved to Arlington from a small apartment in Brooklyn 2 years ago. We now live in a 2 bedroom/ 1 bathroom 90+ year old bungalow with our dog and 2 cats. We live right in the heart of Clarendon, a fun vibrant neighborhood with tons of shops, restaurants, and nightlife just minutes from Washington, DC.
Janel Laban
Jan 9, 2014
Before & After: A Charming Log Cabin Kitchen
When Steve and Sherrie moved in to their new home, the dark kitchen was in need of a facelift. The appliances were new and the cabinets were in good shape, but they knew they could turn the rest of this dim log cabin kitchen into a bright and happy place. Amazing work! We especially love how they managed to keep the cozy vibe of the log cabin while making the kitchen so much more modern and user friendly.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 9, 2014
Before and After: Rita and Cane’s Flower Powder Room
With a guest bathroom outfitted in seashell wallpaper, brass fixtures, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, and “swine beige” finishes, Rita and Cane of This Sorta Old Life could have treated this bathroom as a gut job. But having gutted their master bath not too long ago, they knew what a formidable undertaking that would be, and instead, they figured out a way to make the current space work.
Carolyn Purnell
Jan 9, 2014
Improve Your Kitchen in 2014
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 10 Small Ways to Improve Your Kitchen in 2014
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 9, 2014
Fitting a Dining Room Into Small Spaces
Cambria Bold
Jan 9, 2014
A Fantastic London Flat in the Shadow of Big Ben
I’m experiencing an definite mix of emotions over this home: envy, jealousy, but mostly pure admiration! I discovered this amazing submission in my inbox today – a beautifully designed and decorated flat in central London. Here’s the story from JP: The flat is located in a small Edwardian mansion block on a square in central London and enjoys not just the view of Big Ben, but also its chimes.
Janel Laban
Jan 8, 2014
Heather & Eric’s Cozy Victoria Cottage
Name: Heather & Eric, and kids Ellie & Jane Location: Fairfield; Victoria, B.C. Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; Owned I actually came across Heather and Eric’s beautiful home on Airbnb! We were looking for a little getaway for the weekend, and I couldn’t believe how charming their space was. Eric owns a tree planting company, which allows for a large amount of travel during the year.
Andie Powers
Jan 8, 2014
Before & After: A Neutral Credenza Goes Colorful
Jackie found this gorgeous, but slightly beat up credenza at her local Goodwill for only $20. It had great, clean lines and she fell in love with the amazing details on the doors, so she snatched it up and made it her own. Looks like all members of the family (including dogs) love it! From Jackie: I used a hand sander to remove all the old layers of paint off of the top.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 8, 2014
12 (Okay 13) More Items You Probably Own Too Many Of
There’s something about the new year that puts me into declutter mode. So, it’s not surprising that Thursday morning, the New Year’s Eve hangover now thankfully a memory, there I was, donation box in hand, tossing, tossing, tossing, starting with my favorite gotta-goes, the multiple multiples.
Abby Stone
Jan 7, 2014
Before & After: A Rococo Revival
Clever Christa recognized that this consignment shop loveseat had great bones, but it still needed some major…eerr…love, so she got right to work reinventing. Not only did she choose this bold, Indian-inspired chintz but she also smartly turned the disjointed double seat into one cohesive cushion.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 7, 2014
8 Tips for a Better Life at Home This Year
Cambria Bold
Jan 7, 2014
Layne & Rand’s 1928 Bungalow
Name: Layne & Rand Location: Springfield, Missouri My husband, Rand and I live in a 1928 bungalow in Springfield with our two cats. When we moved in, all the original trim downstairs was unpainted, and I tried my best to decorate around it for nearly four years. Finally, I gave myself permission to paint it all white. I love it so much more now! The white walls and trim are the perfect background for my mid century furniture and eclectic collection of handmade art.
Janel Laban
Jan 6, 2014
Natural Curiosities’ Endlessly Inventive Offices
Name: Natural Curiosities, an art house/art studio Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles, California Size: 5,200 square feet Years lived in: 2 1/2 years at Jensen Recreation Center’s Bowling Alley Space. How do you imagine your dream office? Lots of light? A historic old building? Lots of hidden nooks and crannies filled with things to discover? Working with a bunch of talented and creative people? Check, check, check and check! Welcome to the wonderful workspace of Natural Curiosities.
Abby Stone
Jan 6, 2014
10 Clever Ways to Store Stuffed Animal Collections
Ready to organize those stuffed animal collections for the new year? Some parents recommend purging until you don’t need a storage solution, but some kids love their stuffies so much that they’d love to keep them all. If you agree to house a bunch of these toys, you might want an aesthetically pleasing way to store and display them. We’ve rounded up some simple and clever ideas for keeping plush toys corralled and displayed so that, hopefully, everyone is happy. 1.
Beth Callaghan
Jan 6, 2014
Before & After: This Muted Chair Gets a Kick of Color in an Unusual Way
Well, color us intrigued. Lettie couldn’t pass up the DIY potential of this brown, vinyl chair (especially for $4.99), but knew she needed to make one big change. Brave Lettie spray painted the chair a lovely light blue. Spray paint! Who knew? From Lettie: I painted a primer coat using a Rustoleum white primer and let it dry over night. I then gave it a good coat of Valspar’s Silver Fox and also let it dry over night. I left the legs of the chair as is.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 6, 2014
Apartment Therapy’s Favorite 2013 Dining Rooms
Cambria Bold
Jan 6, 2014
Before & After: Rachel’s Simple Yet Sophisticated TV Storage Solution
Rachel had tried plenty of solutions for her home’s media center over the years, from credenzas to painting the wall behind the TV and more, but nothing ever quite fit her style or made the most efficient use of space. It wasn’t until she came across two rough and tall storage pieces that she was able to envision the perfect solution — and do it all for under $250!
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 5, 2014
Erik & Paul’s Happy Los Feliz Home
Name: Erik Perez, Senior Director at HL Group, and Paul Hardoin, Associate Director at Ernst & Young Location: Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Owned I often joke with Erik that, given his smoldering looks, he could’ve been a film star during the silent era. So I wasn’t surprised when he posted a photo on his Instagram of an actor from the twenties to whom he bore striking resemblance.
Abby Stone
Jan 5, 2014
Before & After: From Awkward to Functional Under $200
This lovely townhouse had a problem: an underutilized space between the living room and the kitchen that was supposed to be a formal dining room. Because the home already had a big dine-in kitchen, the tiny room was awkward and left unused. A much better solution for this family was to convert the room to a work space and music room. Selling an old, hefty wood desk helped fund the construction of a new custom workstation made from existing file cabinets.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 5, 2014
Before & After: From Beige to Bold!
Seeing potential in this heavy storage piece from an old bedroom set, Carmina set to work transforming the blah beige finish to a handful of shades of just one hue. Now beautiful and functional, it’s got a modern color palette that updates its style and creates one unique addition to a home! From Carmina: We rescued this piece from a house being cleared out after an estate sale down the alley from our home.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 4, 2014
Neil & Eddie’s Amazing Adaptive Reuse Loft
Name: Neil & Eddie Location: Long Beach, California Here’s a story of loft life from readers in California – complete with soaring ceilings and streamlined modern industrial style in a reimagined retail space. Take it away, Neil and Eddie: Our loft is located on Pine Avenue in the Historic district of Downtown Long Beach.
Janel Laban
Jan 3, 2014
Erika’s East Village Apartment
Name: Erika Location: East Village – New York, New York Erika sent us photos of her lovely, dramatically dark-walled NYC apartment. She writes: These are pictures of my apartment that I share with my girlfriend and three (!) cats. My style trends towards warmth with modern and vintage pieces mixed together. What I love about my home is how guests respond to it when they are here; the design makes people feel at home.
Janel Laban
Jan 2, 2014