The Latest: Nov 17, 2016

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Dining room with wooden table, floral centerpiece, bookshelves, and decorative fireplace.

A Refreshingly Realistic, “Good Enough” Plan for Cleaning Before Hosting Houseguests

As we’re heading into the season of potlucks, cookie exchanges, and cocktail parties, let’s remember that our friends and family are coming over to spend this special time with us, not to judge our homes. Even if we’d like everything to be “perfect,” we only need to tackle a few issues to make our homes welcoming and inviting.

Julia Brenner

Nov 17, 2016

Social Butterflies Tell Us Their Secrets on How to Gracefully Exit Any Conversation

Navigating a party doesn’t require a map—just a little bit of charm. And know this: If you’re not born with social finesse, it’s certainly something you can borrow. The next time you find yourself in a conversation that you need to dip out of—for a drink, a bathroom break, or just to take a breath—use one of these lines. We tapped a panel of entertaining experts in order to lend you some of their secrets for making a graceful exit from a tight circle.

Taryn Williford

Nov 17, 2016

Before & After: Some Smart, Scandi Kitchen Storage

Heidi’s kitchen got a sleek and storage-minded upgrade. Taking cues from her building’s style —and her own personal aesthetic — she created a space that added a lot of functionality, without sacrificing affordability. From Heidi: The design was conceived around cues from my 1959 building’s clean aesthetic combined with a Scandinavian modern/folk influence.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 17, 2016

For Any Budget: 19 Super Sources for Knobs & Pulls

When it comes to kitchen cabinets, hardware is a little thing that can make a big difference. We’ve rounded up ten of the best online sources for knobs, pulls, and everything in between, helpfully sorted into ‘High,’ ‘Mid’ and ‘Low’ categories so you can find the best store for your budget. My Knobs: A huge, almost overwhelming, selection of cabinet hardware at very reasonable prices. Cabinet Parts: Low prices and a large selection.

Nancy Mitchell

Nov 17, 2016

17 Ridiculous Design-Related Pick Up Lines to Use at Holiday Parties

It’s holiday party season, which means ample opportunities for awkward exchanges with your office crush, your neighbor crush, or your longtime friend crush (huzzah?). Ok, more like blergh. So just for fun, since we’re all design fans, let’s imagine a world where, instead of stilted small talk about craft beers or Netflix shows, we exchanged design-related pick up lines…a world like this: *Okay, no one said these were any good, but please do report back if you try one!

Julia Brenner

Nov 17, 2016

A Stylish, Ever Changing Apartment

Name: Rebecca Location: Mercer Island, Washington I live in a quant 1950s brick apartment building in one of Seattle’s premier suburbs, Mercer Island. I’m a commercial interior designer specializing in office space design. My work is busy making great space for clients but my own home was left to random pieces from collage. This last year I finally made time to work on my own place realizing how important it is to love your home.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 17, 2016

5 Kitchen Sponge Truths

(Image credit: Lauren Volo) From Kitchn → 5 Things You Should Know About Sponges

Apartment Therapy

Nov 17, 2016

Partner

Win: The Best Bed Ever from Floyd and Tuft & Needle

Prize: One queen-sized platform bed frame from Floyd, and one queen-sized mattress from Tuft & Needle From: Floyd and Tuft & Needle Value: $1,189 “New bed” falls just below “new car” on the list of items I hate shopping for the most. Who can really feel out a mattress in the store? Why can’t I find a well made bed frame that isn’t a headache to assemble? OMG, what kind of sleeper am I? It’s a big purchase with a ton of options and just as many questions.