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The Latest: Aug 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.
Wooden house with large windows surrounded by lush greenery and trees, featuring a covered patio area.
Peek Inside This $875K Island Treehouse Near Seattle
Given the ever-increasing popularity of shows like Treehouse Masters, and Instagram accounts dedicated to all things Cabin Love and Rustic Houses, this aerial abode is a dreamy aesthetic treat.
Melissa Massello
Aug 14, 2017
It’s About Time: After 3 Years of Beige, My Bland Rental Bathroom Gets a Refresh
I have lived on my own for the last six years, slowly but surely acquiring furniture, art and decor that I really liked, which of course means that along the way, there were empty corners (and rooms) waiting to be filled. Finally, though, my apartment—which I’ve lived in for two years—has gotten to a place where I didn’t wonder if visitors thought I had just moved in. The guest bedroom has curtains (which I sewed and I’m quite proud of!
Arlyn Hernandez
Aug 14, 2017
Before & After: Reviving a Rental Patio on a Limited Budget
Jennifer knew not to take her Brooklyn patio for granted, since outside space in New York is a beautiful rarity, and set out to make the most of it. She kept things budget friendly while warming up the space, creating a casual space perfect for outdoor cocktails. From Jennifer: In 2009, I moved from a soulless shoebox on the UES into my (now) husband’s apartment in Brooklyn. One of the perks of the apartment was the ever-elusive (though tiny) outdoor patio area.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 14, 2017
Partner
5 Little Actions You Can Take to Create a More Sustainable Home
Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference. While big changes like a fancy thermostat or new solar panels can have a big impact on your home’s energy efficiency and thus sustainability, there are a few small changes you can easily make today that will add up to significant energy and money savings in the long run. 1. Grow houseplants. Besides literally making your space more green, houseplants have a number of health and energy benefits.
Tim Minerd
Aug 14, 2017
An Art Deco Inspired Apartment in an Old Soap Factory
Name: Julia & Sasha Location: Melbourne, Australia The basics: Owned, sold after 6 months — 260 square meters, 2,798 square feet While competing on an Australian home reno show, The Block (side note: can we get this show on Netflix pretty please?!) Julia and Sasha updated this historic property with some old Hollywood inspired glam. Luxurious fixtures and rich fabrics give the space seriously sumptuous vibes.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 13, 2017
Move Over, Minimalism: The “New Victorian” Look is On the Rise
Are you tired of minimalism? You've come to the right place.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 13, 2017
Before & After: An ’80s Bathroom Gets a Classic Update
Before finally deciding to renovate, Claudia had been living in her Upper East Side co-op since 2001 — so she had a pretty clear vision of what she wanted for her bathroom. The space, while still functional, hadn’t been updated in 30 years, and the mid-’80s fixtures were a poor fit for the building’s character.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 13, 2017
A Cinephile Upgrades His Small Parisian Rental
Name: Mathieu Location: Paris, France The basics: 1o years, rented — 495 square feet Mathieu’s career and passion is film, so his charming Paris rental is basically a shrine to the cinema. With a little help from his design minded sister, he transformed his small rental space into a home that has more than enough room for the things he loves.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 12, 2017
Before & After: Letting the Light Into an Outdated Kitchen
Stephanie decided to open up her kitchen for both design and keep-an-eye-on-the-kiddos reasons. Wanting to add functionality, style and maximize the natural light, the reno was a mix of big projects (like knocking down walls) and quick last minute fixes that resulted in a gorgeous, classic kitchen. From Stephanie: The kitchen in our home was closed off, isolated and a mix of semi-updated and original features.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 12, 2017
Project Re-Love: One of the Most Dramatic Before & Afters We’ve Ever Seen
Sure, there’s something exciting about purchasing a brand new piece of furniture – it’s dust-free, scratch-free, (sticker-free if you’re parent to a toddler) and demands the spotlight of attention when you walk in the room. But what if I told you that you could have the same feelings about a previously purchased piece picked up from the local consignment store?
Amelia Lawrence
Aug 12, 2017
A Cute Portland Cottage Gets a Classic Renovation
Name: Gimi and Steve Location: Portland, Oregon The basics: 2 years, owned — 672 square feet Wanting to give small space living a go, but not quite tiny house ready, Gimi and Steve decided to give this cute little cottage a try. After extensive renovations to bring the space back to its original glory, the space is adorable, functional and full of vintage vibes.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 11, 2017
Before & After: A First Time Upholsterer Dresses Up a Garage Sale Find
In my personal experience, “first time’s the charm” doesn’t always apply to DIY projects. It usually takes me about three tries to create something presentable, but not Kayla! She was drawn to this chair at a garage sale, pulled in by the mix of metal and fabric, and figured this would be the perfect opportunity to dive into the re-upholstery pool. The resulting chair looks much spiffier, comfier and more put together than the original find, so job well done!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 11, 2017
Decorating Advice From 1948 That Still Totally Applies Today
If you suffer from decision fatigue, these time-tested tips could serve as a jumping-off point for designing your home with confidence.
Jessica Isaac
Aug 11, 2017
Three Years Later: A Los Angeles Rental’s Design Update
This "Street Cred Granny" style rental home now has much stronger "Underwater Safari" vibes.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 10, 2017
The Incredibly Easy One-Touch Cleaning Rule Will Keep You Clutter-Free
How often do you quickly tidy one area of your home by just moving the mess somewhere else? Have you ever come home only to put your coat on a chair temporarily before you finally hang it up in the closet? (I know I’m guilty of this, because it just feels easier in the moment after a long day). It might not feel like a time suck, but it actually makes you put in more effort in the long run—all those steps add up, and it makes keeping your home clutter-free a slightly harder task.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 10, 2017
Keeping Colors Calm: A Beautifully Neutral Bathroom Makeover
Project by: Paula Guzman of Paula E Guzman Studio Location: Midtown, Manhattan—New York Paula’s project is an excellent lesson in both balance and working with what you got. Working with and not around her bathroom’s shortcomings, she created a serene space without a major overhaul. From Paula: This is the decoration of a small, prewar bathroom in my last apartment. It was your typical boring bath with plain white subway tile and very standard fixtures.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 9, 2017
How to Get a High-End Living Room Look on a Real-Life Budget
Built in 1928, this Michigan house came with plenty of architectural charm when Justin bought it, but it needed updating. And that’s just what Justin did, transforming the dated interior into a modern, cozy abode. Every room packs in interior design inspiration, but the living room deserves a longer look. It’s a simple, elegant composition that looks sophisticated and high-end. But you can totally pull this look off on a budget.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 9, 2017
The Best Budget Wines You Should Be Buying on Amazon
(Image credit: Susanna Hopler) From Kitchn → 5 Wines You Should Be Buying on Amazon This Summer null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 9, 2017
Before & After: Making a Bland Furnished Apartment Feel Like Home
"Their apartment was completely furnished, but lacked the coziness and personal nature of a home."
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 9, 2017
Look We Love: How To Create Cozy English Cottage Style
If you find yourself constantly yearning for a Nancy Meyers-esque house swap to whisk you away to the English countryside, maybe it's time to bring the English countryside to you.
Jessica Isaac
Aug 9, 2017
5 Things Vacation Rental Guests Should Always Do
(Image credit: Anna Spaller) From Kitchn → 5 Things Vacation Rental Guests Should Always Do (and 3 They Don’t Have To) null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 9, 2017
Adding Style and Character to a Dated Builder Grade Townhome
Name: Lindsay and Joey Location: Seattle, Washington The basics: 8 years, owned — 1,670 square feet Lindsay and Joey filled their townhome with so many personal touches and smart upgrades it’s hard to believe the space was ever anything but totally captivating. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My husband and I bought our new construction town home eight years ago.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 8, 2017
The One Thing You Need to Clean More Often than You Think
(Image credit: Minette Hand) From Kitchn → One Thing You Need to Clean More Often than You Think null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 8, 2017
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle or Compost
Want to be more mindful while you’re cleaning? You’ve probably got a good handle on the items you can toss into your recycling bins—paper, plastics, glass, aluminum, etc.—but there are also a lot of specialty programs that allow you to recycle other household items to reduce waste and even help people in need.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 8, 2017
Before & After: An Old Patio is Transformed into a Chic Outdoor Room
Riddle me this: why would someone buy a house on a lake and then grow a bunch of shrubs to block the view of the lake? We may never know the answer to that particular question, but we do know that Ashley’s backyard makeover not only restored the view but made the space infinitely more stylish and safe. From Ashley: When we moved into our home a couple years ago, I knew our back patio had major potential, but it was a big eye sore at the time.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 8, 2017
A Tiny Norwegian Winter Cabin That’s Almost As Good As A/C
A tiny house covered in snow might seem like an unusual choice for a posting in August, but there’s a method to this madness. Doesn’t looking at that frost-encrusted landscape just make you feel cooler? And beyond that, there’s the design. Only 592 square feet and almost all roof, this tiny cabin is the perfect retreat from the elements, simultaneously very cozy and very modern.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 8, 2017
The Surprising Thing You Can Actually Bring Through Airport Security
(Image credit: Ekaterina Pokrovsky) shutterstock From Kitchn → The Surprising Thing You Can Bring Through Airport Security null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 8, 2017
Couple Buys the Street Rights to One of SF’s Only Gated Communities
There’s real estate speculation and opportunism, and then there’s this dramatic tale from one of San Francisco’s most expensive neighborhoods, where a couple of investors swooped in and bought the rights to an entire private street — right out from under the nose of the HOA board and residents, in what someone might call an attempt at “reverse gentrification.
Melissa Massello
Aug 8, 2017
10 Bookmark-Worthy Etsy Stores for Vintage Art Lovers
Vintage art always feels unique, personal and it carries a lot of history and whimsy — which is what makes it so fun to hunt down. One of our go-to sources? Etsy, though it takes a lot of sifting. To get you started on where to look, we gathered some great sellers of vintage art; they carry everything from maps and oils to old-school movie posters.
Marlen Komar
Aug 7, 2017
Before & After: A Kitchen Goes from Ugh to Unrecognizable
Andrea is a stylish fashion blogger who founded the blog Blonde Bedhead. And though her expertise is in personal style, it’s clear she’s also a master at interior design, too. In fact, she’s recently been able to flex her interior design muscles thanks to her newly purchased first home. Though the house didn’t quite fit her own style when she first saw it in person, she could see the potential. Andrea says upgrading the kitchen was the most expensive project in the house.
Diana Paulson
Aug 7, 2017
From New York to Nashville, Putting Down Roots in a Charming Brick Bungalow
Name: Amelia, Mark and their toddler Silas Location: Nashville, Tennessee The basics: 1 year ,owned — 1,800 square feet Amelia and Mark’s charming brick bungalow feels like the kind of spot New Yorkers dream of when they imagine moving out of the city. A home with actual space and a yard but still cool and funky and full of character.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 7, 2017
Why This $160 Trash Can Is Worth Every Penny
(Image credit: Nancy Mitchell) From Kitchn → Why I’m Totally Obsessed with My Expensive Trash Can null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 7, 2017
Before & After: An Eyesore of a Closet Gets a Whole New Look
A tale as old as time: you move into a new space and have to live with the questionable design choices of the previous tenants. Medina inherited a built-in closet/ wardrobe that left more than a lot to be desired. She got rid of the ugliest aspect almost immediately and tried to make do, but eventually enough was simply enough and she gave the closet an easy and affordable DIY makeover. From Medina: The before is a picture of a built in wardrobe in our bedroom.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 7, 2017
Partner
One Bedroom, Two Ways: Which Matches Your Taste?
We gave two style experts one bed to create looks for: They're both cute, but which works for you?
Tim Minerd
Aug 7, 2017
A Chic Cape Town Apartment With a View of Table Mountain
Name: Nikki Location: Cape Town, South Africa The basics: 3 months, owned — 500 square feet Nikki’s studio-turned-one-bedroom is packed full of fun, urban-chic finds and a view to die for. Pops of purple and rich textures give the space an easy lived-in feel that balances the sleek fixtures of the apartment. We want to pour ourselves a glass of wine, plop down on the couch and escape city life in Nikki’s apartment.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 6, 2017
Edward Norton Buys $11.8M Architectural Wonder in Malibu
Actor Edward Norton just purchased an $11.8 million home in Malibu Colony. The beachfront strip of prime Malibu real estate has for decades been a fave among the Hollywood set. Prior to the ‘Fight Club’ actor snapping up this architectural wonder, the home had been listed on and off the market for four years, priced as high as $22 million. The Stevens’ Home, as the residence is called, has five bedrooms and five bathrooms situated over 3,366 square feet.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
Aug 6, 2017
The Second Most Important Homebuying Decision You’ll Make: Tips for Finding the Best Agent for You
The wrong real estate agent—or just one who doesn’t jibe with your vibe—can cast a shadow on your whole home buying experience. That’s why it pays to know what things to look for (and the right kinds of questions to ask) when searching for a reliable real estate agent. So to help make your search a little easier, we called on William E Brown, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), for advice on how to find the best agent for your unique homebuying needs.
Caroline Biggs
Aug 6, 2017
Before & After: A Cold Concrete Office Space Gets a Hip New Look
There's a Tom Selleck pillow, FYI.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 6, 2017
This Heart Shaped Island Comes with a Frank Lloyd Wright House
A piece of prime architectural history is up for sale, and a private island comes with it. Situated on the 11 acre, heart-shaped Petra Island in New York’s Putnam County, luxury real estate concierge Chilton & Chadwick have put the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property on the market with a $14.92 million price tag.
Kenya Foy
Aug 5, 2017
Before & After: Shaking Up an Outdoor IKEA Sofa With Shibori
Claire’s patio sofa was understandably looking a little worse for the wear after battling the elements for seven years. She decided to give shibori a try, with a backup plan in case things went south. Lo and behold there was no need for Plan B and now the sofa cushions are bright, fun and totally revitalized. From Claire: I bought this IKEA Ammero outdoor sofa over seven years ago and I’m very fond of it.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 5, 2017
A “Genius” Rental Kitchen Solution That’s Actually Incredibly Simple
For most renters, all decorating efforts come to a screeching halt in the kitchen. Whether it’s dated countertops, offensive wood finishes, or lighting that you’re pretty sure was initially installed for a crime scene investigation, most kitchen eyesores require major permanent solutions — or so we thought.
Jessica Isaac
Aug 5, 2017
The Things You Should Never Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Drink
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 10 Things You Should Never Say to Someone Who Doesn’t Drink null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 4, 2017
A California Creative Makes a Home in Brooklyn
Name: Coco and cats, Wolfie and Rosy Location: Greenpoint — Brooklyn, New York The basics: 3 year, rented — 600 square feet Coco’s black and white Brooklyn apartment is chic, warm and filled with tiny touches that it give it personality. An envy inducing amount of natural light helps the space feel expansive and bright.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 4, 2017
A Charming Apartment Full of Secondhand Finds
Name: Erin and her husband Location: Shadyside — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The basics: 7 months (but in the same building for 3 years), rented — 700 square feet Erin’s home is full of truly excellent secondhand finds and tons of layered textures, giving the space an eclectic warmth. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I live here with my husband, who is a professional fly fisherman and a born and raised “Pittsburgher”.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 4, 2017
Our Best Advice for Hosting Guests in Your Living Room
How to make guests as comfortable on your couch as they'd be at the Ritz-Carlton (ok, maybe not exactly).
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 4, 2017
Before & After: A Cookie-Cutter Apartment for Newlyweds Get a New Look
A flat for newlyweds gets a major infusion of style.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 4, 2017
This Is the Grocery-Store Tea That Changed My Life
(Image credit: llaszlo) shutterstock From Kitchn → The Grocery-Store Tea That Changed My Life null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 4, 2017
For Your Inspiration Board: Two Uniquely Creative Ideas for DIY Sliding Doors
Though you can buy any number of ready-made sliding barn-style doors from your local hardware store, you might be more of the DIY type, or you may have a home that needs a unique sliding door solution. (Or maybe you’re just not into the rustic farmhouse modern look.) Here are two beautiful homes feature sliding doors made out of unusual (and affordable) materials that could be inspiration for a sliding door solution of your own.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 4, 2017