The Latest
2017
September

The Latest: Sep 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.
Before & After: A Wood Feature Wall Warms Up a Seattle Home
The Seattle housing market is tough so sometimes you have to decide to change what you don't like about the house you just bought.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 30, 2017
We’ve Accepted that Hat Galleries are a Thing. Here’s How to Make One
Our hats are off (sorry) to this popular and DIY-able decor.
Tess Wilson
Sep 30, 2017
Before & After: This Office Stepped Back in Time (In a Very Stylish Way)
Darren and Catherine’s client wanted their new office space to be welcoming, interesting and a reflection of their interests. Going from bland basic office white to a bold orange gave the space an immediate jolt of personality, and then the team layered on vintage and flea market finds, colorful industrial furniture and funky patterns. From Darren & Catherine: The new Senior Dean wanted his office to be a warm and inviting space for students, families and faculty.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 30, 2017
Before & After: A Condo in a Former Church Gets a Modern Update
"Each element was thoughtfully chosen to create a cohesively eclectic and welcoming space that pays homage to the architecture that is rich with history."
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 29, 2017
Is Aldi (Yes, the Budget Grocer) The Next Decor Haven?
When I moved to a small town and first encountered an Aldi, I did not understand it. There was, like, one employee working? And you had to pay a quarter for a cart (you get back the quarter, but still, good to know beforehand in case you don’t normally have change on you)? After a couple more visits, however, I was in love, and Aldi is now my favorite grocery store. It’s chock-full of incredibly low-priced food, wine and beyond, and the selection changes constantly.
Tess Wilson
Sep 29, 2017
Style in a Flash: 12 Bold Entryway Projects to Try This Weekend
Entryway in need of some TLC? We have a dozen ideas to try on for size.
Michelle Gage
Sep 29, 2017
Partner
Inspired Innovations for a Smarter Kitchen
The kitchen is the home’s powerhouse of innovation. It’s the lab where you test new ingredients, try new recipes, and taste new flavors. When that spark of cooking inspiration strikes, having a kitchen that’s prepped and ready will help you bring that new dish to fruition. We’ve combed through years of kitchen tips and boiled it all down to a handful of recurring solutions that people have used to create spaces where anything is possible.
Creative Studio
Sep 29, 2017
New Study Reveals How To Avoid Bringing Home Bedbugs
Nothing strikes terror into the hearts of millions like one simple word: bedbugs. Thankfully, new research published yesterday reveals how to avoid bringing the creatures home with you, and therefore infesting your apartment. Instances of bedbugs have been on the rise, in part because of increased international travel. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, has found that there are some things you can do to prevent the pests from coming home with you.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 29, 2017
Your “Treat Yourself” Mentality Is Making You Sick
(Image credit: Pexels) From Kitchn → When Our “Normal” Is Way Too Much null
Apartment Therapy
Sep 28, 2017
Before & After: From Scraggly Old Yard to Beautiful Oasis
The previous owners of Karin’s home had used the backyard as something of a doggy dumping ground. After some much needed clean up, Karin called in the professionals to help lay pavers and stone, before attacking the planting herself. Add in a shed and a re-done deck and you have a totally transformed backyard oasis. From Karin: I purchased my house in December, from people who were using the yard as a “doggie daycare”.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 28, 2017
Partner
Win: $2,000 Toward the Tile Upgrade of Your Dreams
Prize: A gift card to spend on the tile of your dreams! From: Fireclay Tile Value: $2,000 Tiling a kitchen or bathroom is such a dramatic way to personalize the home’s hardest working rooms. But the actual process of choosing and installing tile? Easier said than done. Enter Fireclay Tile, the California-based, sustainability-committed company that’s changing how we think about tile.
Creative Studio
Sep 28, 2017
How I Really Organized My Kitchen Without a Single Drawer
(Image credit: Cambria Bold) From Kitchn → How I Organized My Kitchen Without a Single Drawer null
Apartment Therapy
Sep 28, 2017
Two “Makers at Heart” Fill Their Almost 100-Year-Old Home With Smart & Savvy DIY Projects
Name: Heather, Jeff and their son, Reeve Location: Point Breeze —Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The basics: Owned — 1,693 square feet Heather and her husband have created an utterly enchanting, totally individual space. Heather purchased the home in her 20s and has since made updates to turn the space into a creative and colorful home for a family of three.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 27, 2017
How To Buy Your First Home: A No Nonsense Step-by-Step Guide
You know want to buy a home — you’re just not sure where to begin. And no wonder: Buying your first home can be a long, intimidating process, full of gross stuff like math, legal documents, and cutthroat competition. But have no fear: First-time buyers just like you do it all the time, and we’ll walk you through the process. First, you’ve got to make sure you’re emotionally and financially ready to buy a home.
Jon Gorey
Sep 27, 2017
How Much Are You Really Saving When You Wash in Cold Water? Or Power Down Your Laptop?
Decreasing the amount of energy you expend at home isn’t just good for the environment—it can be good for your bank account, too. According to a study from SaveOnEnergy, the average American spends a whopping $1,460 a year on electricity and $421 on natural gas; numbers that are expected to rise by 2 percent in 2018. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce your daily energy use.
Caroline Biggs
Sep 27, 2017
Will & Grace’s Set Decorator Tells Us All About the Show’s New (Old) Set
In case you haven’t heard, Will & Grace returns to NBC on Thursday, September 28, a full eleven years after its finale. We’re ducking back into the familiar lives of Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen over a decade later, and it’s no surprise that their spaces have changed. We talked with the show’s set decorator, Peter Gurski, and he answered some of our most burning questions.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 27, 2017
We Reviewed IKEA Sofas IRL. These Are the Most Comfortable
With over 20 styles in dozens of configurations, we set out to review 13 of the retailer's most popular models. Read on to see which were the most comfortable.
Arlyn Hernandez
Sep 27, 2017
Before & After: A Cozy and Minimal Master Bedroom
From kids' room to master bedroom.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 27, 2017
Partner
No More Fetching: Keep All Your Pet’s Stuff Together in One Place
Anyone who lives with dogs knows who’s really the master of the house. You can, however, take back some control in your home by reining in all their stuff. Stepping on a soggy, drool-drenched tennis ball is no way to start your morning. Instead of letting your house go to the dogs, keep it together by keeping all their toys and treats in one tidy spot. All it takes are a few easy-to-install organizers from Command™ Brand.
Sponsored Post
Sep 27, 2017
A Bright, Textured, Bohemian French Paradise
Name: Blandine, her husband, their 3 daughters, 2 dogs, 3 cats and 2 horses Location: Saint Germain au Mont d’or, France The basics: 20 years, owned — 400 square meters/4,305 square feet Blandine’s home is immaculately bohemian. Like pulled straight from the set design of your dreams. With a ton of color and amazing textiles, her farmhouse is spacious yet warm with bold pieces balanced against expansive walls.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 26, 2017
New Wardrobe, New You: What to Ask Yourself While Cleaning Out (& Revamping) Your Closet
I’m a stress cleaner—as in, I tend to clean and organize things when I’m overwhelmed or feeling down. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my emotional clean-out sessions, it’s that the sometimes the most satisfying thing on the planet is cleaning out your closet—even if it’s hard for you to part with some of your old favorite clothes.
Brittney Morgan
Sep 26, 2017
Before & After: An Old Chair Gets a Chic New Seat & Whole New Vibe
"Multiple layers of paint were evident on the chipped and scarred wood and the vinyl cushion was crunchy, mildewed - and smelled really, really bad."
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 26, 2017
Partner
Thinking Through Double-Duty Furniture in Small Spaces
When you start living in a small space, you quickly realize the value of furniture that does double duty. Whether it’s just a desk by day/dining table by night or a stuff-storing ottoman, finding just a few multifunctional pieces opens up so much cherished storage and living space. However — and this is important — creating a space that fulfills multiple functions doesn’t mean sacrificing style.
Tim Minerd
Sep 26, 2017
The Best Cabinet Paint Colors for a Happier Kitchen, According to Interior Designers
(Image credit: Jennifer Hughes for Elizabeth Lawson Design) From Kitchn → The Best Cabinet Paint Colors for a Happier Kitchen, According to Interior Designers null
Apartment Therapy
Sep 26, 2017
Inside James Franco’s $949K Silver Lake Pad For Sale
The Deuce star James Franco is getting rid of his duo of Silver Lake apartments. The properties were just listed this week for $949,000. Variety was the first to report the listing today, also mentioning that the 127 Hours star bought the place back in 2012 for $775,000. Though it seems it’s been used to house a production company, at least according to a neighbor complaint reported on Curbed. They’re probably excited to see that for sale sign go up.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 25, 2017
A Couple Blends Their Tastes to Create a Polished Home
Name: Diana, James and their chichuahua Herman Location: Edmonton — Alberta, Canada The basics: 1 year, owned — 1,800 square feet Diana and her partner James blended their somewhat divergent tastes to create an awesomely chic home. With one minimalist and one maximalist it wasn’t always easy, but their first shared home is a stylish labor of love.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 25, 2017
Here’s How To Get a Tour of NYC from Sarah Jessica Parker
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to traipse New York City and see its streets through the eyes — and stiletto-clad heels — of Carrie Bradshaw, then now is your chance. Sarah Jessica Parker has partnered up with Airbnb Experiences to offer four lucky fans the chance to shop and tour Manhattan for a day — not just alongside a legendary New Yorker, but with the actual actress who played Carrie Bradshaw (for six seasons and two movies) as your tour guide.
Melissa Massello
Sep 25, 2017
We Tried These Bathroom Drain Snakes To Unclog a Sink & OMG The Hair
Snaking the drain is one of those nasty jobs that we put off, and just deal with a clogged or slow draining sink or tub because we don’t want to bother with calling the landlord, or figuring out how to do it ourselves. Like so many things, after we actually do it, we realize it’s just not a big deal and wish we’d done it sooner. It’s also satisfying —and gross.
Ashley Poskin
Sep 25, 2017
The Real Deal: Am I Ready to Buy a House?
If you’ve had enough of your roommate eating your leftover take-out, your absentee landlord hiking the rent year after year even though the heat barely works, or your mom asking what time you — a full-grown adult the last time you checked — will be home, you might be dreaming about buying your own place, and doing it sooner rather than later. But how do you know if you’re ready to buy a home, and whether it’s a good idea? There are various rent vs.
Jon Gorey
Sep 25, 2017
Is Hygge Still A Thing? We Investigate.
Hygge was one of Oxford Dictionary’s Words of the Year in 2016, when the concept of conscious coziness was everywhere. Apartment Therapy featured What Does Hygge Mean?, How To Add More Hygge, Hygge Can Be A Recipe For A Happy Life, Hooked On A (Hygge) Feeling…and a handful of other hygge-theme posts. (We also ran Hygge and Hot Chocolate way back in 2007.) But as we head into fall 2017, does the Danish philosophy still have a hold on us?
Tess Wilson
Sep 25, 2017
One Big Reason Millennials Want Smaller Homes—And It Could Change the Housing Market
Ok, so maybe millennials aren’t settling in cities en masse like we thought they were. However, they’re still changing the housing market in small but important ways. We know today’s young adults are getting married much later in life than past generations, for instance, and they’re buying homes later, too.
Jon Gorey
Sep 25, 2017
6 Things Professional Organizers Can’t Live Without
(Image credit: Image: Brother/ Design: Susanna Hopler) From Kitchn → 6 Things Professional Organizers Can’t Live Without null
Apartment Therapy
Sep 25, 2017
A Cozy Retreat in Seattle for a Family of Four
Name: Rose, her husband, their two daughters and a puppy Location: Seattle, Washington The basics: 12 years, owned —2,200 square feet Rose’s Seattle home is light, airy and warm, perfectly designed to combat the city’s famous gloom. Blending iconic mid-century shapes with personal touches, the home looks of the moment yet lived in and personal.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 24, 2017
IKEA Tried to Make Inflatable Furniture Happen—Twice
IKEA is known for being a pioneering company. The retailer effectively invented flat pack furniture and made it mainstream. There have been tons of design forward products over the years, with several becoming long-lived staples like BILLY bookcases and the POANG chair. However, even IKEA gets it wrong on occasion, and sometimes, they mess up twice. In an excerpt from IKEA’s forthcoming book, Democratic Design (coming in 2018), copywriter Stina Holmberg describes the tale of IKEA a.i.r.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 24, 2017
Rent or Buy In This Historic Scottish Castle
Do you entertain fantasies of castle living, but aren’t exactly ready for the sort of upkeep that comes with a centuries old stone building steeped in history? Well, we have some good news: this castle in Scotland has been converted into townhomes, and there are two currently on the market—one for rent, and one for sale.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 24, 2017
This $5 Million NOLA Mansion For Sale Was Once Owned By Anne Rice
Laissez les bon temps of the rich and famous in this nearly $5 million Victorian mansion that just hit the market in Mardi Gras country, once owned by the infamous Mother of Vampire Fiction Anne Rice. The 8,747-square-foot estate just off the street car line down St.
Melissa Massello
Sep 24, 2017
Before & After: A Dated, Rhinestone Covered Dresser Gets a DIY Makeunder
Meghan needed a new dresser but couldn’t bring herself to buy one, when her gut was telling her there was a used one to be had floating out in the universe. She found one, and it seems like it had one hell of a previous life, since it was covered in rhinestones and wallpaper. She decided that with just a little love and attention she could spiff the dresser into a piece that was more to her tastes. From Meghan: I found this chest of drawers at the Salvation Army for £10 ($13).
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 24, 2017
Before & After: An IKEA Hemnes Dresser Glams Up
Courtney found herself in a bit of a design lurch when she ordered a new dresser for her daughter, but a month later got word that it had been cancelled. Instead of shaking her fists at the heavens and cursing the retail gods, she hopped in her car, drove to IKEA and snatched up a Hemnes dresser. With a little DIY know-how she transformed the dresser into a totally glam, Old Hollywood-inspired piece. From Courtney: If you are not familiar with it, this is the Hemnes dresser from IKEA.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 23, 2017
Meet My Two Favorite Lunch Buddies: Prepd and Monbento
Lunch monotony is real and we know it all too well. You were excited to have prepped a lunch the night before, but those leftovers look kind of sad and boring now that noon is rolling around and your stomach is grumbling. Today I’ve got two bento boxes that are total lunch gamechangers: Prepd Pack and Monbento. They’re super functional (compact, wash easily, no leaks) and super cute.
Maxwell Ryan
Sep 23, 2017
On the Market: Old Houses Under $200K with Woodwork to Die For
Real estate daydreaming is one of the most enjoyable pastimes: you can envision all the lives you’d lead, all the outfits you’d wear, and all the updates and improvements you’d make without being confined by budget, building codes, or reality. Here are a dozen homes currently on the market for under $200,000, all of them fixer-uppers of varying degrees, all of them featuring ridiculously beautiful, ornate, and irreplaceable original woodwork.
Tess Wilson
Sep 23, 2017
One Man’s Junk Is Another Woman’s Cute Hanging Bathroom Storage
Not all bathroom projects have to be major upgrades, sometimes a simple change can add a little bit of extra functionality and a lot of charm. Claire needed more storage but wasn’t particularly keen on running out to the store for a quick fix. After fate threw this vintage drawer into her path, it became clear that she was about to find her storage solution. From Claire: This was an old drawer that I had picked out of a dumpster on my daily dog walk.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 23, 2017
Before & After: A Drab Lanai Gets a Colorful Update
Project by: Becky Daly of Daly Digs Location: Tampa, Florida Becky’s client wanted to add some oomph to her outdoor space, so she designed a lanai that reflected her passions, style and personality. The space went from standard to stunning with bold and bright furniture, plenty of greenery and surprising accents sprinkled throughout. From Becky: My client friend Jessica wanted to transform her drab lanai into a tropical, West Indies-inspired oasis.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 22, 2017
Check Out Beyoncé and Jay Z’s $26 Million House in the Hamptons
Seems like Bey and Jay are crazy in love with a new house. The mega stars closed on a property last month in Bel Air, but they’ve got their East coast pad on lock now, too. The music moguls also spent $25.925 million in July for this sprawling East Hampton manse, as spotted on 6sqft. Dubbed Pond House, the 12,000 square foot home is located on over two acres by Georgica Pond and next to a 17 acre meadow preserve (read: tons of privacy).
Tara Bellucci
Sep 22, 2017
Next-Level Tips for Serious Buyers to Get the Most Out of Open Houses
Open houses are kind of fun, aren’t they? There’s something interesting about walking through a home and trying to picture yourself living there. However, when you’re serious about getting into the real estate market, it’s time to take this experience to the next level. Here are our tips for buyers on getting the most out of open houses. Keep these in mind the next time you’re in the mood to take a tour and you’ll be an open house pro before you know it.
Tara Mastroeni
Sep 22, 2017
Before & After: Turning a Basic IKEA Headboard into a Chic, West Elm-Inspired DIY Masterpiece
Robin found herself dreaming West Elm dreams while on an IKEA budget. Luckily, she’s an intrepid DIYer so she set out to turn her standard headboard into an upholstered leather masterpiece. All it took was one weekend and a little inspiration to create a chic new look for her bedroom without breaking the bank. From Robin: I started with the IKEA Hemnes bed frame. While it was a great inexpensive bed frame, it needed some sprucing up.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 22, 2017
Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar Is Everything You Need This Holiday Season
(Image credit: Aldi) From Kitchn → Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar Is Everything You Need This Holiday Season null
Apartment Therapy
Sep 22, 2017
Be Inspired By This Magical, Mystical RV for Sale Emblazoned with Mr. T Riding a Unicorn
Today in things that really exist that you can buy, allow us to present this 1973 GMC motor home. It’s like your average motor home in a lot of ways, except that this one comes with some inspirational art, in the form of Mr. T riding a unicorn. For those who missed out on the ’80s, Mr. T is an American actor and retired wrestler who most notably starred as B.A. Baracus on the hit show The A-Team, and opposite Sly Stallone as boxer Clubber Lang in 1982’s Rocky III.
Tara Bellucci
Sep 21, 2017
A Young Design Enthusiast’s Carefully Crafted Home
Name: Zane Location: Woodley Park — Washington, DC The basics: 5 weeks, rented — 1,170 square feet As popular CBS sitcom wisdom dictates, a building occupied by three brothers of a certain age should be a mess full of recliners and light-up beer signs. Zane’s crisp and well thought out apartment stands in direct opposition to that particular stereotype, with its muted color scheme and purposeful blend of textures.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Sep 21, 2017