Apartment Therapy Archive - July 2016
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Try This Super-Simple DIY: Marbled and Ombre Concrete Planters
I’m a huge fan of the concrete and cement planter trend that’s been popping up on DIY blogs for a while now—but while painting the dull gray surface of standard concrete works, I knew there had to be a cooler way of coloring these little plant homes. After some research and hands-on testing, it turns out that the trick is starting with white concrete and stirring in powdered pigments. From there, the sky’s the limit. Marble them, create an ombre stack, go two-tone.
Jul 25, 2016
Partner
Shades of Change: 3 Color Palettes for Selling Your Home
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing or just seeking greener pastures, selling your home can be an emotional experience. Think back to the first time you saw your new place: It felt like a fresh start, a place where you could see yourself and your family growing together. Once you’ve grown, it’s your turn to give that feeling to someone else, all over again.
Jul 25, 2016
#7: SUNNERSTA Cart & Mini Kitchen
What do you think? Can the SUNNERSTA cart usurp the seemingly unstoppable and ever-popular RASKOG ? Will it capture the hearts of organizing decorators everywhere? It’s pretty darn cute and seems to tick many of the same boxes, including the price point. Designed by Henrik Preutz. IKEA says: Sometimes installing a large kitchen isn’t necessary, or too expensive and time-consuming. That’s why SUNNERSTA mini-kitchen was developed.
Jul 25, 2016
#6 (TIE!): ROSKILDE & LOBBAK Rugs
When designer Synnöve Mork got to work on the blue and green color block pattern of ROSKILDE rug she was inspired by modern art, architecture and furniture from the 1950s and ’60s. The design process itself was an interesting one: “To create ROSKILDE rug, I started out by painting with colors and patterns from that era. Then I cut everything into smaller pieces, placed them in different directions and put them back together again.
Jul 25, 2016
Have a Middle-Finger-Free Ride: 16 Tips for Road Trippers Who Don’t Drive a Lot
Road trips are a great way to get out of town on the cheap, and record numbers of people are hitting the road on vacation this summer. But before you hop on the subway to pick up your rental car, it’s a smart idea to brush up on both driver’s ed and driver’s etiquette so you can be summer road trip savvy. It boils down to two things.
Jul 24, 2016
10 Unexpected Spots to Add a Touch of Color
Jul 24, 2016
What Does a Million Dollar Apartment in NYC Look Like?
To many of us, a million dollar home sounds like it should be the lap of luxury: marble tubs, game room, wine cellar, perhaps a private pool. But, a million dollars doesn’t go quite as far down amenities lane in New York City. So what does a million bucks buy you in Gotham? Here are ten apartments around the million dollar mark and currently on the market. This loft one-bedroom in Chelsea boasts a very large living room with a gorgeous wall of windows.
Jul 22, 2016
Before & After: A Teeny Kitchen is Transformed on a Tiny Budget
In the hunt for the perfect apartment—one that’s located where you want and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg—you sometimes have to make sacrifices. For Kimberly’s search in Philadelphia, she was willing to settle for a small “kitchen” since she doesn’t cook often. But she wasn’t going to settle on it being boring and beige.
Jul 22, 2016
What Nobody Tells You About Buying Your First Home
As of about a month ago, I’m officially a homeowner. My husband and I laid claim to our own little corner of a building that used to be a pickle factory, and so far, it’s been both my greatest joy and the biggest source of stress I’ve ever encountered in my life. Most people only like to talk about that first part.
Jul 22, 2016
A Lovely Live/Work Home in Silver Lake
Name: Joanna Location: Silver Lake — Los Angeles, California When we saw this house, it was love at first sight. The lofted ceilings, leaded glass windows and striking dark wood floors knocked our socks off. Not to mention it had room for our little one who was on the way. My husband is an animation director and I’m an art director/interior designer, so having an inspiring place to live and work was extremely important, as well as having a walkable neighborhood.
Jul 22, 2016
Swanning About: 10 Swan DIY Projects & Ideas
If it wasn’t for the grounding influence of the Apartment Therapy editors, this post would probably be 10 DIY Björk Swan Dress Swimsuits To Wear On Your Swan Pool Float, so you have them to thank for this collection of planters, cake toppers, headbands, straws—and the most amazing donuts ever. I know I just said I don’t like feathers near my food—that includes drinks—but I couldn’t resist these.
Jul 22, 2016
Excel at Extra Seating: Living Rooms With Perfect Pouf Placement
Poufs, floor pillows, low ottomans and small stools—these are all great decor elements to add to a living room whenever you need extra seating or more softness. But it’s not always crystal clear exactly where your newly purchased or DIYed pouf or floor pillow should go. In the place of side chairs? As a coffee table? Kind of floating off to the side?
Jul 22, 2016
Before & After: A Long Desired Dramatic Accent Wall
Molly’s space was totally adorable as is, but she was itching for a little drama in the living room, and boy did she bring it! From Molly: My obsession with a black accent wall started about a year ago when I saw this house tour right here on Apartment Therapy. I couldn’t stop thinking about how the art popped and the TV blended — pretty much everything you want for an accent wall that contains a television.
Jul 22, 2016
Partner
Meet the 6 Styles of Joanna Gaines’s New Furniture Line
</p><p> This fall, Joanna Gaines is bringing her eponymous collection of furniture and accessories to American Signature Furniture. The inspiration for Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines comes from Joanna’s love of Old World design that stands the test of time. The collection includes pieces for every room in a variety of fresh, unique design styles, but all unified by Joanna’s belief that “home is the most important place.
Jul 22, 2016
15 Beautiful Examples of Concrete in the Kitchen
From Apartment Therapy → Renovation Inspiration: 15 Truly Gorgeous Examples of Concrete in the Kitchen
Jul 22, 2016
What Does Your Favorite Fancy Cheese Say About You?
(Image credit: Lauren Volo) From The Kitchn → This Is What Your Favorite Fromage Says About You
Jul 22, 2016
10 Super-Cheap Summer “Friend Date” Ideas
While your best bet for cheap winter entertainment might be holing up with Northern Exposure DVDs from the library, summer brings a bounty of ways to enjoy the longer days and warmer nights in a more social way, without blowing your budget. Here are 10 ways to have the best summer “friend dates” ever – on the cheap. Farmers’ Market Window Shopping: Farmers’ markets are so pretty and fun! And often full of samples!
Jul 21, 2016
A Creative California Studio Loft
Name: Janelle Location: Santa Ana, California I live in an 800 square foot industrial loft in Santa Ana, California. My apartment is located inside of an old spiral staircase factory, and my design studio is just downstairs. I choose to live here because as a creative entrepreneur it offers me flexibility in my daily workflow. Plus I love being surrounded by other artists, there is always someone around to bounce ideas off of. My studio is filled with all of my favorite things.
Jul 21, 2016
Master the Art of Picking Up Friends: How To Ask that Cool Person on a First (Friend) Date
Like getting out of bed without your knees cracking, making friends is something that gets tougher as you get older. But here’s the thing: Everybody’s out there looking for new friends. Yep, even that really cool, funny gal you met at the supermarket checkout. So how do you go from small talk about kale to your first friend date? It’s as easy as 1-2-3: One of you has got to plant the seed that it might be fun to meet outside of the checkout line.
Jul 21, 2016
10 Specialty Kitchen Tools Kitchn Readers Pack for Vacation
(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From The Kitchn → 10 Not-So-Basic Kitchen Tools Our Readers Pack for Vacation
Jul 21, 2016
Under $50: The Best Lighting for Your Dorm Room
Of course you need sheets and towels and a mini fridge and maybe one of those little shower caddies, but one of the most important things you will buy for your dorm room is lighting. Trust me: when you’re awake and frantically studying at 3AM, your roommate will be glad that you bought a lamp. So without further ado, here are 12 of our favorite picks, all under $50. Above: Penn task lamp, $29 – 39 from PBteen. FORSÅ work lamp, $19.99 from IKEA ÅRSTID table lamp, $24.
Jul 21, 2016
Smeg Copycat: Your Guide to Painting a Vintage Fridge
From Apartment Therapy → Wishing for a Colorful Smeg Fridge?
Jul 21, 2016
Are Geode Wedding Cakes the Next Big Thing?
(Image credit: @carriescakesut) From The Kitchn → Are These the Best Wedding Cakes of All Time?
Jul 21, 2016
There Are 5 IKEA Hacks in This Bedroom: Can You Spot Them All?
The only thing better than a brand new IKEA hack is five brand new IKEA hacks, all in one bedroom. Can you tell which bunch of DIY projects began their lives as items from the Swedish big blue retailer? Here are the projects, and the IKEA items used to make them: 1. The WHITE CANE BED uses the FJELLSE Pine Twin Bed ($39.99) as a base, and dresses it up with woven cane, molding strips, curtain finials, and a lot of spray paint. For the full tutorial: → How to Hack An IKEA FJELLSE Bed 2.
Jul 20, 2016
Real Life Roommate Stories: When Best Friends Share a Home
Is living with your best friend awesome…or a nightmare that ends with no one speaking to each other? We spoke to Amy and Steph of Two Best Friends (& Two Adorable Dogs!) Share a Comfy Minneapolis Home and asked them to give us the dirt on what it’s like sharing a space with a best friend, as well as share any advice on how to stay friends! Steph: We met in 2006 because our siblings were dating. I actually lived with Amy’s sister first in college.
Jul 20, 2016
Give Your Old Furniture a Facelift: Shopping Guide for Seriously Stylish Slipcovers
Dressing a shabby-looking sofa in a slipcover is undoubtedly one of the quickest and cheapest ways to refresh a tired piece of furniture, but drapey, sheet-like versions have given the slipcover a bad rap. Fortunately, there are some options out there working to reverse the slipcover’s reputation and show how sleek, fitted, patterned, and colorful it can be.
Jul 20, 2016
An “Airy & Chic” East Bay Apartment
Name: Celine Location: East Bay, California I am an Interior Designer and would like to share how I styled my small, sweet apartment. Our apartment is located East Bay, California and is 1250 square feet. The first time I walked through this apartment, I truly felt at peace and believed that we could do something special here. Our style is eclectic, airy and chic. My husband, who is from Africa, wanted to keep a breeze of Africa as well. I worked to create a space that feels like home to us.
Jul 20, 2016
5 Small Ways to Spice Up Your Salad
(Image credit: Faith Durand) From The Kitchn → 5 Small Ways to Make Your Salad More Interesting
Jul 20, 2016
Partner
Magnolia Home: Joanna Gaines’s New Furniture Line in 6 Styles
</p><p> This fall, Joanna Gaines is bringing her eponymous collection of furniture and accessories to Value City Furniture. The inspiration for Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines comes from Joanna’s love of Old World design that stands the test of time. The collection includes pieces for every room in a variety of fresh, unique design styles, but all unified by Joanna’s belief that “home is the most important place.
Jul 20, 2016
Traveling Alone and Loving It
(Image credit: Mosuno/Stocksy) From The Kitchn → How I Learned to Love Traveling Alone
Jul 20, 2016
Before & After: A Spacious Living Room Gets an Entirely New Look
At Apartment Therapy, we talk a lot about dealing with small spaces, but larger spaces can also present their own unique design challenge. When one Brooklyn family moved into their dream home, the oversized living room proved to be a bit of a conundrum — so they turned to a designer for guidance. Before, the family’s furniture — a single sofa and a small dining table — was a bit lost in the expansive space.
Jul 19, 2016
“You’re Moving…Again?” Benefits of Being a Serial Mover
“You’re moving?! Again??” I get that a lot. And for good reason. Over the course of ten years in Seattle, I have lived in six different apartments. While that may sound like a nightmare to some people, I have been thoroughly excited to move every single time. And I enjoy every second of my time in each new place. But right around the one and a half year mark, something happens. I get a little itch.
Jul 19, 2016
5 Quick Meals Perfectly Portioned for Two
(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From The Kitchn → 5 Quick Meals for Couples Who Loathe Leftovers
Jul 19, 2016
Before & After: Decoupage Away the Drab
When I think about color and pattern in an outdoor space I usually think throw pillows or maybe the occasional funky patio umbrella. Claire decided that pattern need not be limited to textiles and accessories and got really creative with her weathered bench. From Claire: I had a neglected old bench in my garden, that was crying out for a revamp. Instead of just repainting, I decided to give it a designer makeover.
Jul 19, 2016
Color On the Rise
(Image credit: Dutch Boy) Style Starters: Color on the Rise
Jul 19, 2016
Awaiting Destruction, Wasn’t The Empty House Beautiful?
Welcome to The Stacked Barn project where I lead you through a year-long odyssey that I’ve never been on before: the building of a new house. I’m going to show you how my new home gets built – step by step. This is Chapter Two. The last picture I shared with you is just below. It shows my house nearly, completely gone and the four foot crawl space exposed. This pure and fast destruction took place over a few days in April.
Jul 19, 2016
10 Mixers For Easy & Delicious Summer Drinks
(Image credit: Owl’s Brew) From The Kitchn → These 10 Mixers Make Summer Drinking Even Easier
Jul 19, 2016
11 Messy DIY Projects to Make Outside This Summer
From Apartment Therapy → Seize the Summer Moment: Fantastic (But Messy!
Jul 18, 2016
A Sharp & Stylish San Francisco Studio
Name: Candida & Jeff Location: San Francisco, California My husband (Jeff) and I have lived in our tiny but ridiculously charming Apartment for around two years. We both wanted a home with charm, built in the 1920s and close to the ocean. We were looking at Studio and Jr one bedroom homes in San Francisco. I had actually been browsing Apartment Therapy to get inspo on how to decorate a small space, and saw a feature of a home that converted their walk in closet into a bedroom.
Jul 18, 2016
How Not to be “That Guy” When Invited to Use a Neighbor’s Pool
Among such blessings as an in-law with a rent-controlled apartment and a friend with the same shoe size, you’re truly lucky to know a warm neighbor with an even warmer pool. Here’s a short guide to navigating this social minefield with grace—five basic rules that ensure you don’t blow it. You’re reading this because, at some point, your neighbor suggested that you could come over to use their pool this summer.
Jul 18, 2016