The Latest
2017
February

The Latest: Feb 2017

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.
Cluttered kitchen with a white fridge, wooden cabinets, blue backsplash, and various kitchen items on the counter.
Before & After: White Paint Wows in a Rental Kitchen
Many renters hope to add some color to their place, but Mery’s dreams were even more modest — white paint. So before she moved in, she negotiated with her landlord and got permission to paint and update her kitchen. Playing with white paint and how it works with the textures in her kitchen, she made a huge change. From Mery: I moved in six months ago and I am a renter. The first thing I told the owner was that I would rent it only if i could paint the kitchen tiles.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 18, 2017
A Light Filled and Lovingly Decorated San Francisco Apartment
Name: Claire Location: Mission District — San Francisco, California The light in our apartment is incredible; warm and abundant. When we came to look at the listing it was mid-day and I didn’t have to do more than open the front door to know that I wanted to live here. I’ve lived in San Francisco for about eight years, when my partner and I found (and then were picked to rent) this apartment it felt like a gift from the city, encouraging us to keep putting roots down here.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 17, 2017
Check Out These Winning Architect-Designed Little Free Libraries
Anything that spreads the love of reading is wonderful in our book. We’ve been enamored with Little Free Libraries since they started popping up in neighborhoods around the world nearly a decade ago. Recently, Chronicle Books held a design competition to see if architects could come up with the perfect Little Free Library. Here are the results: The first Little Free Library came to be in 2009.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 17, 2017
Home Depot Sells Beautiful Furniture (Who Knew?)
When you need a hammer, nails or other hardware supplies — home improvement behemoth Home Depot is one obvious place to turn. But when you need a dining table, baskets or a bar cart? It certainly isn’t the first place that comes to mind, however the hardware superstore’s growing selection of furniture (especially the Home Decorators Collection) has beautiful pieces if you’re willing to hunt for them. To jumpstart your search, here are 20 of my top picks.
Katie Holdefehr
Feb 17, 2017
5 Tips for How to Keep Your Kitchen Germ-Free During Flu Season
(Image credit: Monkey Business Images) shutterstock From Kitchn → 5 Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Germ-Free During Flu Season
Apartment Therapy
Feb 17, 2017
My Place or Yours? Expert Tips for Apartment Hunting as a New Couple
With Valentine’s Day on the brain, love is all flowers and candy. But the truth is that relationships are hard work. The most trying point for many of them is the moment you decide to move in together. We tapped relationship expert Dr.
Guest of Apartment Therapy
Feb 16, 2017
Before & After: A Bold, Black & White Bathroom Makeover
Kari was charged with upping the glam and functionality of the master bathroom for a pair of empty nesters. After re-thinking the layout she added some black and white drama with some seriously high impact wallpaper. From Kari: My company, Kari McIntosh Designs, was hired by a couple whose youngest son had just left for college. They loved their classic Victorian home, but had always dreamt of renovating it to give it a contemporary makeover.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 16, 2017
A “Traditional-Glam” Passion Project in Manhattan
Name: Chelsey Location: Manhattan — New York, New York Chelsey’s Manhattan apartment is filled with a softly sophisticated style that is full on classic glam. Her passion for interior design can be seen in her careful selection of colors, accessories and layout. From Chelsey: Hi! I live in a 750 square foot apartment in Manhattan. I’m twenty four years old and have an amazing job/ career as an editor for The Dr. Oz Show. My second passion besides editing is interior decorating.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 16, 2017
This Is The Best Time to Clean Every Part of Your Kitchen
(Image credit: Lauren Volo) From Kitchn → The Best Time to Clean Every Part of Your Kitchen
Apartment Therapy
Feb 16, 2017
How to Turn Ordinary Items into Art: Mastering the Shadowbox Frame
Think you don’t have frame-worthy wall art? Time to pull out that box of memorabilia and travel souvenirs stashed in the back of your closet. Even menus, paper coasters and postcards you’ve collected over the years can be turned into eye-catching art with the help of colorful paper matting, foam dots and some magical shadowbox frames. By lifting up paper items and giving them depth, shadowboxes turn the most ordinary mementos into masterpieces.
AT Video
Feb 16, 2017
Tips We Learned from 15 Beautifully Organized Kitchen Cabinets
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 15 Beautifully Organized Kitchen Cabinets (and Tips We Learned from Each)
Apartment Therapy
Feb 16, 2017
The 3 Catch-Alls You Need to Keep the Top of Your Dresser Clutter-Free, Forever
“Everything in its place” is a great mantra, but it doesn’t seem to allow for things like an errant IKEA S-hook that might be useful one day, or for the receipt you’re sure you’ll need if you change your mind about the shoes. But those things exist and they keep coming into our homes, filing themselves away in junk drawers and on the tops of dressers.
Taryn Williford
Feb 16, 2017
Partner
Shopping for Sectionals? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions
Sectionals are the MVPs of the furniture game: They’re a lazy lounge area or a stylish party spot depending on what you need at that minute. But because of their versatility and the sheer number of sizes and configurations available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Three easy questions will help you narrow down the choices. Use painter’s tape on your floor to create an outline of the sectional you’re considering and play with table/ottoman arrangements around that.
Sponsored Post
Feb 16, 2017
The Guinness Family Is Selling This Stunning Irish Castle
Just 28 miles from Dublin, there’s Luggala, the 18th-century castle owned by the Guinness family. The sprawling estate recently came on the market for $30 million. Located in a verdant valley on 5,000 acres in County Wicklow, Luggala Lodge was built in 1787. According to the listing, it has “that special brand of eighteenth-century gothick that rejoices in little battlements, crochets, trefoil and quatrefoil windows and ogee mantelpieces.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 15, 2017
A Sleek Renovation in the Watergate Complex
Name: Darren Location: Washington, D.C. After we relocated from New York City to D.C., we fell in love with the Watergate. The history, the architecture and the outdoor space is truly something that tugs at your heart. When we decided to purchase this unit, our intention was to only refinish the floors, update the bathrooms, paint and maybe a few other things here and there.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 15, 2017
Before & After: An Under $200 Creatively Colorful Kitchen Makeover
Avery’s 1980s kitchen was dark and dated, but all of the appliances were perfectly functional so she figured she could make some quick and inexpensive updates to transform the look of the space. After much internet research, she decided to go with her gut and chose a color and style that matched her personal tastes. From Avery: Our craftsman style parsonage is full of beautiful, original wood trim, built-ins, and doors from 1910.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 15, 2017
8 Ways to Make Extra Counter Space in a Tiny Kitchen
(Image credit: Lauren Kolyn) From Kitchn → 8 Ways to Create Extra Counter Space in a Tiny Kitchen
Apartment Therapy
Feb 15, 2017
The Rules for Decorating an Older Home (Hint: Any Damn Way You Please)
My current apartment is housed in a building over 100 years old. And though it creaks and cracks a lot, nothing can replace the charm of tall ceilings, cove molding and other traditional building features. Yet I sometimes wonder if my furnishings do the space justice? Does my “Bohemian-meets-Maximalist-meets-Literally-Throw-Anything-Together” style really make the architectural details of this older building sing?
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 15, 2017
An East Bay Home, Untouched From 1958
Name: Susan Location: East Bay, California About a year ago, we relocated from the Chicago area to the East Bay. Not willing to settle for anywhere-America with this big move, I set my mind on a Mid-century home with a beautiful lot. On a fluke, we happened upon a home that had been sold as a “teardown” with the recent sale having fallen through. We loved the vintage home with the stunning view. It was an oasis in the midst of the East Bay hustle and bustle.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 14, 2017
Sneak Peek: Favorites from the New IKEA Stockholm 2017 Collection
Tomorrow, IKEA is launching the official press site for the new STOCKHOLM 2017 collection. But today, I received an advance paper copy of the catalog in the mail and just had to share some favorites ASAP: there are some really strong designs (some classic, some more funky) at very good prices. The pieces in the collection will be available in the US starting in April and I can tell you, I’ve definitely got my eye on that rattan cabinet. I see a trip to Schaumburg in my future.
Janel Laban
Feb 14, 2017
This Bold, Eye-Popping English Home is for Color Lovers
Project by: Jessica Preston of colour+ shape Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom Jessica Preston’s design firm is called colour + shape. And she’s not kidding. She turned a 1960s Cambridge, England bungalow into a vibrant, contemporary showpiece exploding with color and personality.
Allie M. Harper
Feb 14, 2017
Before & After: A Thrift Store Table Goes for Pineapple Perfection
After snatching up a thrift store console table, Claire decided to give it a shabby-chic, Pineapple focused makeover. Without going overboard, she peppered the table with Pineapple and the result is a charming and whimsical accent table. From Claire: I have a thing about Pineapples, I think they are beautiful, the king of fruits. I hate to admit it but I’m seduced by lovely packaging and as fruit goes, pineapples come in their own fantastic packaging.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 14, 2017
Before & After: A Patchy Backyard Goes Gorgeously Grass-Free
When Molly moved to her new home she knew her back yard was full of potential, but would require a lot of work. After tearing things up, moving things out and putting in new roots, her backyard is a funky and welcoming oasis. From Molly: When we moved in, the backyard was all dirt and pavers and lattice, everywhere. Eveeeerywhere. We took out lattice in front of the concrete fence, around the raised beds and around the air conditioner.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 13, 2017
Apartment Therapy Tested & Approved: The Most Comfortable Sofas at Room & Board
With well over 48 sofas (not counting custom pieces, sectionals and all size options) in their catalog of products, Room & Board has a dizzying assortment of furniture. When we visited their Manhattan showroom in Chelsea, we were honestly taken aback by the vastness of the store, not even knowing where to start our tests. So we can understand how anyone considering a R&B sofa might have a similar plight. How do you narrow down what you’re looking for?
Arlyn Hernandez
Feb 13, 2017
A 20-Something Fills Her DC Apartment With Craigslist Finds
Name: Sarah Location: Georgetown — Washington, D.C. This is the third apartment I’ve lived in post-grad. I love living alone—it allows me to truly highlight my style (plus, I’m a bit of a neat freak!). I currently live in a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Georgetown. Although I grew up in the Washington, DC, suburbs, this is my first time living in the area since high school.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 13, 2017
Just Do It: Start a “No Pressure” Book Club (& See Your Friends More)
Book clubs are great because they make you read more and hold you accountable for doing so (no one wants to show up to a book club meeting when they haven’t actually read the book up for discussion) and they also give you an excuse to see friends more often (and for something meaningful, too). But if you lead a busy life and don’t have time to devote to reading novels all the time, a book club can be a lot to handle on top of all your work and other activities and responsibilities.
Brittney Morgan
Feb 13, 2017
Designer Verner Panton’s Home is Every Bit as Wild as You’d Expect
We celebrate Valentine’s Day a little differently around here. You see, the day of love, to us, is a chance to profess our adoration of furniture, designers, and basically anything that goes in the home. So this week, we’re sharing our passion for a handful of our favorite heralded furniture designers and the homes they outfitted and loved for themselves. Come along, people all over the design world, and hop aboard this love train.
Nancy Mitchell
Feb 13, 2017
10 Things You Should Eliminate from Your Kitchen Today
(Image credit: Bethany Nauert) From Kitchn → 10 Things to Eliminate from Your Kitchen Right Now
Apartment Therapy
Feb 13, 2017
10 Things You Should Toss from Your Fridge Immediately
(Image credit: Gina Eykemans) From Kitchn → 10 Things You Should Throw Out of Your Fridge Right Now
Apartment Therapy
Feb 13, 2017
Why I Eat the Same Thing for Lunch Every Day
(Image credit: Karla Conrad) From Kitchn → Why I Eat the Same Thing for Lunch Every Day
Apartment Therapy
Feb 13, 2017
First-Time Home Buyers On: The Scariest (& Most Surprising) Parts of the Process
Anybody else terrified of the prospect of buying and owning their own home? (Or is it just me?) If it’s not just me, you might find some comfort in facing fears. Specifically, the things that scared Tiffany and Alan Goldstein, first-time home buyers, when they went through the buying process. Taking your own home-buying plunge may be a little less terrifying knowing what’s ahead. The scariest part of the process was fearing we were making the wrong decision.
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 13, 2017
Partner
This Collar Takes Pet Care into the 21st Century
What’s the worst part about being a dog owner? Only every single minute you’re not with them. It’s a bummer that there are times in the day when you want cuddles and can’t have them, but it downright sucks when you just want to know everything’s OK and can’t get that. Well newsflash: It’s 2017 and there’s smart tech for your pet’s health and safety. (As for cuddles…not quite yet.
Sponsored Post
Feb 13, 2017
Students Design a Temporary Shelter to Combat LA’s Homelessness
There’s a homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, with an estimated 50,000 people sleeping on the streets every night—a figure that’s jumped 35% in the last year alone. Architecture students at the University of Southern California have worked with city officials and nonprofits to come up with Homes for Hope, a single-occupancy pod that can be built quickly and cheaply, and can help provide safe spaces for homeless people while more permanent solutions are in the works.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 12, 2017
The Art of Living: Life Lessons from an 88-Year-Old Ballet Teacher
I’ve always believed that homes need good design to support a good life, but the greatest design of all is the design of a life itself. Visiting my aunt Sheila last year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I was stunned watching her teach for the first time and shocked to realize that in my whole life of knowing her, I’d never really known this side of her as Ms. Rozann, master ballet teacher.
Maxwell Ryan
Feb 12, 2017
This HGTV Star Completely Transformed Her Garage Into an Effervescent Home Design Studio
Project by: Sabrina Soto Location: Studio City, California Designer Sabrina Soto (of HGTV fame) converted her garage into a bright, breezy workspace that boasts air conditioning, a wall-sized pinboard, a to-die-for pegboard, acres of cabinet space, and a garage door that allows her to let in fresh air and natural light—perfect for photoshoots!
Tess Wilson
Feb 11, 2017
Before & After: A Cramped Living Room Opens Up
Cate’s living room was closed off, outdated and the victim of some curious decisions made by previous owners. She set out to make the most of what she had, salvaging what historical details she could and making smart upgrades where needed. From Cate: Before our living room and kitchen were two separate rooms.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 11, 2017
A 200-Word Essay Could Win You a Gorgeous Catskills Cabin
If conveying your innermost thoughts via the written word isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse, allow us to kindly encourage you to knock the dust off those essay-writing skills you acquired back in the day. Because the only thing that stands between you and some cushy lakeside digs are a mere 200 words. According to Curbed, the owners of this gorgeous Catskills cabin are holding an essay-writing contest with plans to give the Bethel, NY home to whoever comes up with the most convincing words.
Kenya Foy
Feb 11, 2017
Netflix Can Wait: 10 Other Things to Do With Your Time Tonight
So… it’s not date night and you don’t have any major plans, but that doesn’t mean you have to be relegated to a night of watching Netflix on the couch. If you and your partner are bored of the same TV routine, there are plenty of little ways to switch it up without leaving—or straying far from—home, or putting in too much effort when you’re already tired from a long day. Need some suggestions? Here are 10 you can try tonight.
Brittney Morgan
Feb 11, 2017
A Bubbly and Modern Seattle Condo
Name: Suki Location: Uptown — Seattle, Washington After living in a 1920s condo building that sported a lot of personality for many years, I started having the seven-year itch and began craving simplicity. A blank canvas, a place where I could freely express myself. Also, my biological clock was ticking, and I wanted to have a modern, grown-up kitchen and a queen size bed.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 10, 2017
This Is The One Cleaning Tool You Really Need in Your Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → The One Cleaning Tool You Really Need in Your Kitchen
Apartment Therapy
Feb 10, 2017
Reviewed: The Most Comfortable Sofas at Blu Dot
Many of us have been there: You’re on the hunt for a new sofa but you’re tired of the options at your local stores, so you go online to wrangle some fresh ideas. Plenty make your “maybe” list and grace your dedicated Pinterest board, but you just can’t bite the bullet without sitting on the sofa yourself. We get it…that’s a tricky position to be in.
Arlyn Hernandez
Feb 10, 2017
The Only 3 Things You Need to Clean Before Having People Over
We’ve all been there. It’s Friday night and after a long work week, you make it home just in time to remember that you’ve invited your friends over—gasp!—in an hour. Your sink is full of dirty dishes and you haven’t swept in days, so naturally, panic ensues. But before you pick up your phone to cancel or postpone, perhaps consider a new a plan of action.
Caroline Biggs
Feb 10, 2017
Partner
This Shampoo Is All About You
True style is all about personalization, and personalization is all about details. It’s like how that perfect little piece from Etsy turns a space into your space. And when it comes to the bathroom, what’s on the shelf is just as customizable as the room itself. Function of Beauty makes bespoke shampoos and conditioners that are as much “you” as your favorite piece of decor.
Sponsored Post
Feb 10, 2017
A Dream Home Lost and Found
Name: Jessica Location: Atlanta, Georgia We found our home well over a year ago while searching for “house number two” qualities: a big backyard and lots of character. We fell in love with it as a foreclosure, made an offer and unfortunately lost it to an investor. We were heartbroken. Nine months later when we still lived in our old house, our realtor reached out to let us know that the investor ran out of money after doing a few of the major fixes (HVAC, Plumbing, Master Bath, etc.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 9, 2017
5 Ways to Beat Your Mid-Afternoon Snack Cravings
Apartment Therapy
Feb 9, 2017
7 Things You Should Do in the 24 Hours Before a Party
Hosting a few friends for dinner shouldn’t be an anxiety-inducing experience. We’re all about scaling your party to match your enthusiasm, and not the other way around. But if you do want to boost your zeal for entertaining and start throwing bigger, better bashes… we have a few ideas. You can become a more confident host if you know a few organizing party tricks.
Taryn Williford
Feb 9, 2017
Live Your Truth: 7 Ideas for Building a Home that’s 100% You
The homes we admire while flipping through magazines and scrolling through Pinterest are undeniably pretty, but do you ever look at an image of an impossibly pristine home and wonder, “Does anyone actually live there?” In celebration of quirky, personality-packed homes, we’ve rounded up house tours that definitely show signs of life—and that can teach us how to make our own homes shine. Boring doesn’t stand a chance.
Katie Holdefehr
Feb 9, 2017
Before & After: A Totally Transformed Mudroom
You know we love good entryway style, so when Leslie sent us her mudroom makeover we had to share. With storage, color, pattern and style she transformed a blah but functional space into a warm, welcoming spot. From Leslie: When I entered my home through my garage, the space always felt unwelcoming and undefined. I wanted the mudroom entry to make me feel joyful when I walked in from a long day at work. I added color and texture to the space using removable wallpaper from Hygge & West.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 9, 2017