Newsletters
Apartment Therapy Archive
2017
February

Apartment Therapy Archive: Feb 2017

Apartment Therapy Archive - February 2017
Page 2
The Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Is No Longer Granite
It seems like just yesterday I was bemoaning the ubiquity of granite, hoping and praying it would go the way of the dodo bird and I’d never have to see its speckled self in a kitchen again. Now, after several years of declining use, the day has come: another surface has officially surpassed granite in terms of popularity. Any guesses as to what the new countertop du jour might be? It’s quartz, otherwise known as engineered stone.
Dabney Frake
Feb 23, 2017
Keep It Simple (& Save Money) by Avoiding These Mistakes When Decorating a Rental
Interior designer Alissa of Lenore Design has had the task of turning her family’s rental into a warm home that matches their personality. With an industrial feel (think: overhead pipes meeting very little overhead lighting), the space wasn’t an easy project to tackle. Thankfully, Alissa’s design skills were just what this space needed, to transform it from a standard rental to a warm and welcoming home.
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 23, 2017
This Is The Best Way to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes
(Image credit: Erika Tracy) From Kitchn → Quick Tip: The Best Way to Get Grease Stains Out of Clothes
Apartment Therapy
Feb 23, 2017
Before & After: IKEA Cabinet Turned West Elm-Inspired Dining Room Buffet
From Apartment Therapy → Before & After: IKEA Cabinet Turned West Elm-Inspired Buffet
The Kitchn
Feb 23, 2017
Today Only: A “Big Thanks” Money Saving Deal from Amazon
Have a few things hanging out in your cart at Amazon? Need to pick up some gifts, goodies or possibly even some groceries? Well, Amazon is celebrating their #1 position in a reputation ranking poll, with a record high score of 86.27, by offering shoppers $8.63 off their $50 or more purchases today. Just use the code “BIGTHANKS” at checkout to have the discount applied to your order.
Apartment Therapy
Feb 22, 2017
A “Once Cookie Cutter Home” Full of Art & Personality
Name: Elena Location: Sunset Hills — Lawrence, Kansas Elena’s “cookie cutter” home in Kansas looks anything but. Full of calming blues and grays the palate is serene and the furniture provides pops of color and the art ads some funky style. From Elena: My husband and I were on a house hunt about two years ago when we stumbled across this 1998 ranch.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 22, 2017
How To Turn Your Bedroom Into Your Favorite Escape
There’s no shame in admitting that you look forward to sleep. Speaking as someone constantly surrounded by traffic noise, a packed schedule, and a not-for-the-faint-of-heart commute, having a cozy bed to jump into at the end of the day is crucial and much appreciated. But even more important than what you sleep on is the overall environment you’ve created for yourself. Looking to turn your room into a place you’ll be really excited to escape to?
Lauren Hannel
Feb 22, 2017
No Time for Bullet Journaling? Inspiring Daily Planners to Try Instead
It’s no secret we’re fans of bullet journaling here, but we totally get that it’s not for everyone. Bullet journaling requires some time upfront to get it all set up and a dash of creativity to make it look Instagram-worthy. If you’re more of a ready-to-write type of person when it comes to your daily planner, then we suggest checking out our list of chic and cool planners and printables below.
Jessica Estrada
Feb 22, 2017
Modernism Week’s First-Ever Door Tour Reveals Palm Springs’ Most Instagrammed Spots
The inaugural Palm Springs Door Tour is taking place this week at Palm Springs’ annual mid-century modern lovefest, Modernism Week. If you find yourself asking, why a tour of doors, just search the #doorsofinstagram hashtag on the photo-friendly platform and you’ll see why (there are over 100,000 photos!). Perhaps the most popular door you’ll find on Instagram is “that pink door,” a now-icon of Palm Springs’ Indian Canyons neighborhood.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
Feb 22, 2017
The Online Decorator Secret Shopper Makeover: We Tried Out 3 Internet Design Services to Redecorate this Rental
Vijay Nathan—Product Manager for Apartment Therapy Media—and his wife Anita moved into their rental loft in Philadelphia last year, bringing along with them furniture pieces from previous homes that no longer felt quite right. Some things they loved, others they knew were now placeholders and in need of replacement. “We came to our marriage with furniture that had served us well when we lived apart, though most of it lacked personality and longevity,” says Vijay.
Arlyn Hernandez
Feb 22, 2017
Furniture Rescue Before & After: An Abandoned Desk Gets a Second Life
Let’s just say that Emily overlooked a lot of flaws to see the true beauty in this MCM desk. Heavy, stinky and in a pile of snow, she was nevertheless determined to salvage her find and turn it into a welcome new addition to her home. From Emily: A few weeks ago I was heading to pick up my daughter from school in -16 temperatures, when I saw this beauty sitting on the sidewalk.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 22, 2017
Home Depot Sells Beautiful Furniture for Every Space (Who Knew?)
From Apartment Therapy → Home Depot Sells Beautiful Furniture (Who Knew?
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 22, 2017
4 Pro Designers Share Their Best Tips for Improving a Rental Kitchen
(Image credit: Anita Jeerage) From Kitchn → 4 Pro Designers Share Their Best Tricks for Improving a Rental Kitchen
Apartment Therapy
Feb 22, 2017
This Tiny Kitchen Proves You Can Cook Even When You’re Short on Space
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 22, 2017
Partner
Small Space Love: The Artist Whose 500 Square Feet Are Both Home and Studio
Managing 500 square feet can be tricky, but Elizabeth's unique rule helps curate a well-edited home.
Sponsored Post
Feb 22, 2017
Before & After: An Affordable Dining Room Upgrade from Just Pretty to Totally Perfect
As sometimes happens with a kitchen renovation, you look around when everything is finally finished and cleaned up and perfect and realize that the rest of your space isn’t keeping up. And as almost always happens after a kitchen renovation, you don’t have a ton of money (or patience) left over right at that moment to upgrade your other spaces. Post kitchen renovation, Ashley found that while her dining room was lovely, it wasn’t necessarily her style.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 21, 2017
PMI: How You Can Use it to Buy Your First Home
If you’re looking to be one of the 52 percent of home buyers that make their first-ever home purchase in 2017, I feel like I could probably sum up your thoughts as this: “How the hell are we gonna make it happen?” I know this because I was in your shoes this time last year—wanting desperately to buy a place of my own but, after earnestly crunching the numbers, feeling more discouraged than ever. But we did it. We made homeownership happen.
Taryn Williford
Feb 21, 2017
Here’s How to (Steam!) Clean Your Microwave Quickly & Easily
From Apartment Therapy → How To (Steam!
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 21, 2017
We Did the Math: The Neighborhoods to Look at Right Now for Affordable Rent in NYC
Looking to move to New York, but don’t know where to actually look for your new home? NYC is full of amazing neighborhoods and each one has something special to offer, but if you’re looking for a less expensive start, these neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens can boast more affordable rent, tons of parks, amazing food and plenty of culture—not to mention an easier commute.
Brittney Morgan
Feb 21, 2017
20 Kitchens With Beautiful Butcher Block Countertops
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 20 Beautiful Kitchens With Butcher Block Countertops
Apartment Therapy
Feb 21, 2017
Sleep Tight: Shop the Headboards You’ve Been Dreaming Of
Here’s a nightmare scenario for you: after a long day of work and a hellish commute, you’re beyond ready to dive into bed. But just as soon as your head hits the pillow, you and that fluffy essential have slid right off. What could be standing between you and a much-deserved peaceful night’s sleep? Hello, headboards! For those not looking to place their bed frame directly against a wall, headboards are an absolute must.
Lauren Hannel
Feb 21, 2017
40+ Ways to Make Your Home the Cleanest It’s Ever Been
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 21, 2017
How Saying No Changed My Life and How It Can Change Yours Too
I used to pride myself in being a “yes girl”. If my girlfriends invited me out for drinks, I said hell yeah even though what I really wanted to do was just spend the night reading in bed. If my boss asked if I could take on an extra assignment, I happily accepted even though I was already feeling overwhelmed. “Yes” was pretty much my automatic response to (almost) everything.
Jessica Estrada
Feb 21, 2017
How Many of the 10 Best-Selling IKEA Items Do You Own?
There are some IKEA items that hit stores for a single season and never reappear, and then there are those that remain popular year after year, can be found in 50-percent of all house tours, and that we would 100-percent buy again. A few ubiquitous items pop to mind—the RENS sheepskin, the BILLY bookcase. I always assumed they were the most popular items at the store, but are they really?
Katie Holdefehr
Feb 21, 2017
The Only Way I Was Able to Clean My Greasy Oven Door
(Image credit: Cambria Bold) From Kitchn → The Only Way I Was Able to Clean My Greasy Oven Door
Apartment Therapy
Feb 21, 2017
A Bold & Vivid Family Home
Name: Shauna Location: Fort Worth, Texas Shauna’s Texas home immediately caught our eye due to its bold colors, fun textures and that jealousy-inducing bathroom wallpaper. From Shauna: We used to live in a 1920s Spanish Tudor in the middle of the arts district. While we loved our home, we quickly outgrew the 2,700 square feet. You see, we are a blended family. My husband has two kids and I have four. A couple of them are married and have kids…so the family is big and keeps growing!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Feb 20, 2017
15 Ways to Use This $30 IKEA Find Around the Kitchen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 15 Ways to Use IKEA’s $30 RÅSKOG Cart Around the Kitchen
Apartment Therapy
Feb 20, 2017
12 Unexpected Kitchen Design Choices That Are Far from Boring
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 20, 2017
How To Divide a Small Studio Apartment Without Building a Wall
While the thought of dividing a small studio into even smaller compartments may strike fear into the hearts of many apartment dwellers, there may come a time when the need for privacy and the longing for a “grownup” home wins out. If you’re caught between a studio in a city you love and the kind of multi-bedroom house suburban dreams are made of, these simple room dividers could be all the compromise you need. Hey, backyards are overrated anyway. Above: This hip loft in L.A.
Katie Holdefehr
Feb 20, 2017
A Creatively Colorful Kitchen Makeover for Under $200
From Apartment Therapy → Before & After: An Under $200 Creatively Colorful Kitchen Makeover
The Kitchn
Feb 20, 2017
Argentina Announced An Awesome Money-Saving Travel Deal
Looking to visit the country of wine, steak, and tango? Argentina announced a travel deal that will save you quite a bit on your stay in the beautiful South American country. Effective as of January 2, all international travelers to Argentina receive a reimbursement on the Value Added Tax (VAT) on all hotel stays and lodging.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 20, 2017
The Pinterest-Proven Formula for the Ultimate Cozy Bedroom
Let’s do an experiment. Navigate over to Pinterest, type the phrase “cozy bedroom” into the search bar, and see what comes up. Pretty specific, right? It seems the internet has decided there’s a clear-cut formula to having a beautiful-but-cozy bedroom, and it involves lots of texture, a lack of housekeeping and copious amounts of tea. If you’re after this look for yourself (I don’t blame you, it is lovely), hang around while I break down this blueprint.
Eleanor Büsing
Feb 20, 2017
First Time Homebuyers On: What We Wish We Knew Before Buying
Before you’ve done something, it’s pretty hard to know what you don’t know. When it comes to the complicated, terrifying steps required to buy your first home, there’s a lot of opportunity to not know. First-time home buyers Tiffany and Alan Goldstein bought a cute, chic Austin bungalow — and learned a few things about buying a home in the process. Build a budget so you can set goals. If you can’t afford a home right now, don’t force it.
Adrienne Breaux
Feb 20, 2017
So, What’s a Pre-War Apartment?
If you’ve ever searched for an apartment in New York City, you’ve probably heard the term “pre-war” before, but are you familiar with what it means? Pre-war apartments refer to buildings that were constructed before 1939 (AKA those that were built before World War II began). Pre-war style came about during a population boom in the city in the 1880s, according to Street Easy.
Brittney Morgan
Feb 20, 2017
Partner
3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Sectional
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 20, 2017
7 Interesting & Unusual Kitchen Countertops That Totally Work
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 7 Unusual Kitchen Countertops That Totally Work
Apartment Therapy
Feb 20, 2017
(More Than) Three’s Company: Suzanne Somers’ Palm Springs Pad Is for Sale
Come and knock on her door: Suzanne Somers is selling her lovely Palm Springs home for $14.5 million. The 8,826 square foot home is set on 70 acres of Palm Springs mountainside, overlooking the city. Built in the 1920s, Somers is only the property’s third owner. The estate has eight bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, and two half baths across five levels and several villas.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 19, 2017
Your Favorite Designers at Home: The Heralded Alvar Aalto’s Unassuming Helsinki Abode
Alvar Aalto, the Finnish architect and designer of the ubiquitous 3-legged stool (that spawned a perhaps even more ubiquitous IKEA knockoff), was also the creator of a lovely, very modern and yet very cozy, home on the outskirts of Helsinki. Often, the homes designers create for themselves tend toward the grandiose, but this one could be appropriately classified as humble, even subtle.
Nancy Mitchell
Feb 19, 2017
Is Nokia Making a ‘Smart’ Move Bringing the Dumb Phone Back?
Do you miss the days when phones were for calling people, batteries lasted more than four hours, and the only distraction available was playing Snake? Good news, luddites, because Nokia is bringing back their beloved 3310, the dumb phone to end all dumb phones. “Serial leaker” Evan Blass announced on Twitter that Nokia would be debuting the resurrected 3310 later this month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, along with a few Android-based smartphones.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 19, 2017
Starbucks & Lilly Pulitzer Just Released Limited-Edition S’well Bottles
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 19, 2017
Show It Off: Super Easy (& Beautiful) Ideas for Displaying a Quilt
Quilts are made to be enjoyed, but if you don’t want to subject them to wear and tear—and frequent laundering—as bedding, hang them from the wall so they can be admired safely. These hanging methods will ensure that your quilt survives for generations to come. Loops are a great way to hang your quilt from hooks or pegs, as long as you’re not planning on leaving it up forever.
Tess Wilson
Feb 18, 2017
This Finnish Relaxation Practice Includes Drinking at Home Alone In Your Underwear
Welcome to Scandi Week—Apartment Therapy’s seven-day focus on all-things Scandinavia (often defined as the countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway). Sometimes it seems like the whole world is obsessed with trying to copy this corner of the globe, from its timeless style aesthetic to its now-famous coziness rituals. For the next week, we’ll take a look at all of it—cleaning, pop culture, and of course tons of eye-popping design inspiration.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 18, 2017
13 Things You Had No Idea You Could Get Delivered
Thanks to Postmates, Seamless, and Amazon Prime Same-Day, it seems like almost everything can be delivered (at least if you live in a major city). However, this baker’s dozen of delivery services might surprise you—and inspire you to never leave the house again. Spoiler alert: Speaking of bakers, cupcake delivery is a thing… What Do They Deliver?: Wine, beer, liquor, mixers, snacks, and even ice Where Do They Deliver?: L.A.
Tess Wilson
Feb 18, 2017
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
Did You Know? You Can Get Free Coloring Pages From Libraries & Museums
A therapeutic wave of childhood nostalgia just washed over us, and this sudden flashback is all because of The New York Academy of Medicine Library’s #ColorOurCollections social media campaign. Our minds have ventured back to a moment in our childhoods where we had just realized that coloring with crayons was way better than tasting them.
Kenya Foy
Feb 18, 2017
Need a Refresh? IKEA’s Bedroom Sale Is Here For You
If your bedroom could use some sprucing up, IKEA’s current sale is right up your alley. The Swedish Giant has bedroom furniture, mattresses, and bedding on sale for the remainder of the month of February. From now until February 28, select bed frames and mattresses are on sale for 15% off, and several duvet sets are 25% off (what better way to get your hibernation on?). To access the sale prices, you have to be a member of IKEA’s free loyalty program, IKEA Family.
Tara Bellucci
Feb 18, 2017
4 Wedding Gifts We Still Use 5 Years Later (& the Ones We Don’t)
The Kitchn Editors
Feb 18, 2017
6 Things You Should Do Sunday Night (So You Don’t Have to Do Them Monday Morning)
Monday mornings are hard enough, so why not take some of the pressure off? If you take some time out of your Sunday night to get stuff done, you’ll have less to do in the morning (Translation: You can hit the snooze button and not feel guilty about it!). Just a few changes to your weekend routine will make your Monday morning far less stressful and hectic.
Brittney Morgan
Feb 17, 2017