The Latest
2017
October

The Latest: Oct 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.
Modern building with a sloped facade made of shipping containers on a city street corner, surrounded by parked cars.
Check Out This Brooklyn Townhouse Made From Shipping Containers
On a corner in Williamsburg, you’ll spot a unique house: A townhome built from the ground up using 21 shipping containers that were sliced to give the dwelling its unique shape. The project has been in the works for three years, but now we get our first look inside the quirky space. Dezeen shared images of the place last week and chatted with the design studio, LOT-EK, about the opportunities and challenges of the project.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 10, 2017
Partner
Draw on Your Walls with DIY Cord Art
We love macramé as much as anyone, but maybe you want your walls to be fun and functional, especially if you’re working with limited space. DIY cord art is the happy medium. Not familiar, you say? It’s low-budget bedside (or anyplace) lighting that’s colorful, creative, and easy to install. All you need are a couple of plug-in pendant lights with long cords and a few (OK, quite a few) Command™ Clear Round Cord Clips.
Sponsored Post
Oct 10, 2017
Smart Ways to Make a “Bedroom” in a Studio
Ask anyone who’s ever lived in a studio apartment what their least favorite thing about it is, and chances are that (after the size) they’ll complain about their bed being out in the open, in sight of the living room/dining room/kitchen. It can make it feel like you’re living in a dorm room versus an actual adult home. But, with smart decor elements and design tricks, you can make your bed feel like its own area, improving the way your studio looks from any angle.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 10, 2017
Do I Have To Move to Buy a Home?
If you’ve been living in a major city the past few years, you’ve probably seen your rent go up — and up, and up — and thought about buying a home to escape the rent hikes. Problem is, you’ve likely watched helplessly as the prices of nearby condos and houses climbed out of your reach even faster. If you’re feeling priced out in the city you call home, should you consider moving to make your dream of homeownership come true?
Jon Gorey
Oct 10, 2017
A Stylist’s One of a Kind Manhattan Apartment
Name: Alicia Lombardini Location: Bowery —Manhattan, New York The basics: 10 years, owned — 1,500 square feet Alicia, a stylist, has created a home that is so mind bogglingly cool it’s unreal. It still remains approachable and welcoming in all of its funky glory, however, inviting you to grab a cocktail and plop down on that incredible couch. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: The loft has played a special part in my life.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 9, 2017
This $35 Swedish Hand Soap Is Totally Worth It
(Image credit: Hayley Kessner) From Kitchn → This $35 Swedish Hand Soap Is Totally Worth It null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 9, 2017
The “Make and Pile” Method Might Save Your Messy Bedroom
When faced with a messy bedroom, sometimes it’s easier to just shut the door than to climb the mental mountain of starting to actually pick it up. Disorder begets disorder and entropy is an easier, downhill path to take (especially when only you will see the room). But what if you were to flip the script and use an orderly room to motivate you before you put even a single errant item away? First, make your bed. Tighten the sheets, smooth the coverlet, and fluff the pillows.
Shifrah Combiths
Oct 9, 2017
A Simple IKEA Hack for Comfy (& Temporary) Guest Seating
With the launch of their latest Winter Collection of textured throws, warm candles and confectionery goodies, IKEA aims to help add a little magic to the holiday season. But the company hasn’t forgotten the most important part of gatherings — comfortable seating. If spare chairs don’t have a place in your small space, consider another option: temporarily transform your stools or side-tables into the perfect perch for your guests.
Amelia Lawrence
Oct 9, 2017
Before & After: A Forgotten Piece of Furniture Goes Boldly Blue
Sometimes going out of your comfort zone has a beautiful result.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 9, 2017
Partner
What New Movers Can Teach Us About a Home’s Essential Needs
Whew, I hope you’re sitting down. Of course you’re sitting down, because you’ve just spent the past week settling into your new place, somehow unpacking more boxes than you remember packing, and wondering how you’ve acquired so many novelty coffee mugs. (Garfield? Really?) But now that you’ve stacked what seems like two tons of cardboard on top of the recycle bins, what else do you need to do? Not as much as you think.
Jelisa Castrodale
Oct 9, 2017
A Bright Bohemian-Inspired Home in South Dakota
Name: Oksana, her husband and their children Zion and Chloe Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota The basics: 9 years, owned — 1,200 square feet Oksana’s home is a mix of white and wood which keeps the space warm and inviting and maximizes the natural light, a big plus during South Dakota winters. Her philosophy is to take designing her space one corner at a time, and you can tell by the smartly collected moments sprinkled throughout the house.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 8, 2017
Johnny Carson’s Former Malibu Estate Asks $81.5 Million
Heeeeere’s Johnny’s house: an four acre Malibu estate once owned by late night king Johnny Carson is on the market for a whopping $81.5 million. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that the current owners, producer Sidney Kimmel and his wife Caroline, bought the property from Carson’s estate in 2007 for about $46 million (Carson died in 2005).
Tara Bellucci
Oct 8, 2017
Before & After: A Dated Home Becomes a “Modern Mediterranean Retreat”
A sorely needed update for an old house.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 8, 2017
Halloween Decorating Hasn’t Been Around As Long As You Think
You’ve probably noticed that Halloween decorations have seen a definite uptick in recent years. When I was a kid, the decorations in our neighborhood were limited to jack-o-lanterns on front porches, and maybe the occasional skeleton or creepy spider web. Now, it’s not unusual to see entire neighborhoods decked out in black, with witches, faux graveyards, and even Halloween lights. How did we get here?
Nancy Mitchell
Oct 8, 2017
Apple Is Adding 56 Emojis To Its Next Update
Your emoji keyboard is about to get an update. Apple announced this week that iOS 11.1 will include 56 new emojis based on the most recent Unicode update. Unicode 10.0 was announced back in July, but now we know exactly what Apple will be including, and what they’ll look like.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 8, 2017
10 Ways to Make Sure You Master Your Monday
(Image credit: Alicia Macias) From Kitchn → 10 Ways to Master Your Monday null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 8, 2017
A Gorgeous Modern Duplex in Mumbai
Project by: Gaurav Kharkar and Vidhita Kharkar of Gaurav Kharkar and Associates Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India This gorgeous duplex for a family of six has some incredible window action going on. Gaurav and Vidhita Kharkar created a space that is modern and sophisticated but exudes a welcoming warmth. From Gaurav and Vidhita: This three bedroom, sea-facing apartment is home to a family of six. Spread over 2,000 square feet across two levels, the residence exudes warmth and liveliness.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 7, 2017
The Stylish Shoe Storage Solutions You Need For a (Finally!) Tidy Entryway
Tackle your own Mount Shoeverest and try implementing an entry way storage solution that fits your needs.
Jessica Isaac
Oct 7, 2017
Before & After: A Bland Bookshelf Gets a Colorful New Look
Anam’s paint splattered, wobbly bookshelf was on the verge of being recycled after some new built-ins took over its role of craft supply storage. But Anam decided to sturdy the piece up and give it a bright, brand new look. From Anam: I’ve had this bookshelf for almost a year and bought it for super cheap off Craigslist.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 7, 2017
Partner
Almost Everything at Blu Dot Is On Sale This Month
Every year around this time we get super excited. Yes, for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween, but also because it’s time for Blu Dot’s Annual Sale! From now until October 29 almost every kicky, modern piece in the store is on sale, with the lowest prices of the year. Here are some of our faves from this year’s sale. Hover over the pieces you love to shop them! If you’ve been eyeing any of Blu Dot’s beds, this is the time to crawl into one of your own.
Tim Minerd
Oct 7, 2017
An Airy and Inviting Chicago Bungalow
Name: Diana, her husband and their two kids Location: Logan Square — Chicago, Illinois The basics: 5 years, owned — 1,000 square feet Diana and her husband decided that while their home was totally fine, it wasn’t really them. Being on a budget and humans with jobs and children they opted to do smaller fixes when they could find the money and time. The result is an airy home, perfect for a fun young family.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 6, 2017
10 European Etiquette Rules You Should Really Know
(Image credit: Jesse Morrow / Stocksy) From Kitchn → 10 European Etiquette Rules You Should Know null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 6, 2017
The Half Loft is a Genius Solution For Your Small Space Frustrations
If you’ve ever lived in a particularly small space, especially a studio apartment, you may have noticed that your bed takes up a significant portion of your square footage. Some people choose to loft their bed to open up floor space, but this strategy is not without its own problems.
Nancy Mitchell
Oct 6, 2017
Before & After: This Bar Cart Started Life as Curbside Drawers
Anika spotted a daybed on the side of the road, and not being possessing superhuman strength, was forced to leave the heavy daybed but took the drawers as a consolation prize. They lay fallow in her garage for awhile but then she repurposed them into a cute, kicky little bar cart. From Anika: I found these old drawers on the curb almost a year ago. They were actually a part of a daybed which was too huge and heavy to carry home so I brought home four of the drawers instead.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 6, 2017
Partner
8 Steps to Set Up the Ultimate Home/Work Space
From natural light to smart storage to reliable Internet, your checklist for a workspace that works.
Creative Studio
Oct 6, 2017
5 Things You Can Leave Until Monday So You Can Enjoy the Weekend
(Image credit: Emma Fiala) From Kitchn → 5 Things to Leave Until Monday So You Can Enjoy the Weekend null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 6, 2017
10 of the Smartest Small Space Kitchens We’ve Ever Seen
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From Kitchn → 10 of the Smartest Small Kitchens We’ve Ever Seen null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 5, 2017
Save Your Sanity: The Top 3 Toughest-to-Assemble IKEA Pieces
In case you missed it: Last year, everyone’s favorite Swedish flat pack palace IKEA purchased TaskRabbit—a major player in the “gig economy” that connects people who are willing to exchange money for small tasks. You know, things like cleaning around the house, filling test tube shots with vodka (that’s a real task) or, you know… assembling IKEA furniture.
Taryn Williford
Oct 5, 2017
Before & After: A Dark, Drab Backyard Gets a Bright Overhaul
Frances wanted a backyard that she could use for entertaining and her segmented, fenced off space was not quite up to the task. Sacrificing her weekends to the DIY gods, she was able to create a space that is much more welcoming and way less gray. From Frances: When we bought the house the garden was separated into three small sections, so all you could ever see out of the window was a mass of fencing and gates!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 5, 2017
Partner
Pro Lighting Tips: How to Get a Shelter Mag Look on a Budget
Le Corbusier famously said, “The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” The right lighting makes the difference between a good room and a great one, but it (usually) doesn’t come cheap. There’s always a workaround, though. When you don’t have the budget to hire an architect, designer, or even an electrician, you can still get great light for less.
Sponsored Post
Oct 5, 2017
Hipster Homes: Artisanal Coffee and Avocado Toast Point Toward The Next Hot Housing Markets
Who knew that by following the Yelp reviews for the best places to find avocado toast — versus just mocking it as the reason young people today just can’t [insert complaint here] — we could actually be speculating the next hot real estate market? Probably anyone with any experience in real estate speculation, but now we have proof, thanks to a new study. In this week’s Hot or Not of city rankings, Realtor.
Melissa Massello
Oct 5, 2017
We Tried Tree-Free Toilet Paper & Here’s What We Thought
Let me start this by just saying: this is about to get a little uncomfortable, because there’s really no way to write a toilet paper review without it feeling a little strange —for both of us. But hey, you clicked on this, which means you’re either morbidly curious or you’re really interested in a more sustainable toilet paper option—either way, totally valid. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Brittney Morgan
Oct 5, 2017
Two Small Studios Become One Smart Apartment
Project by: Lilian Weinreich of Lilian H Weinreich Architects Location: New York, New York The scramble for space is never ending in New York City and occasionally you have to get creative. Lilian Weinreich did exactly that when she combined two small studios to create one open and modern apartment. From the Lilian Weinreich Team: In New York, where real estate it at a premium, flexible space planning can help make minimal living a reality in a small space.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 4, 2017
Charm & Light in this Romantic East Village One-Bedroom Gem
Size isn’t everything. This small East Village one-bedroom makes it easy to overlook the square footage and focus instead on all the bewitching details like the marble fireplace, wide plank wood floors and skylight windows. We haven’t even gotten to the private terrace on the roof yet which the realtor suggests could be described by Ralph Waldo Emerson as “A secret nook in a pleasant land.” 111 East 10th St.
Carrie McBride
Oct 4, 2017
Before & After: A Whole New Look for a Home Office
Mike and Kate’s home office had slowly morphed into a home office slash dumping ground for stuff. They both work from home and felt that they had enough space for a functional office, but they just weren’t making the most of it. They called in their good friend Christina, and she helped the space do a total 180. From Christina: My friends Mike and Kate had a great space for a home office, but the dark paint and cluttered walls made the room feel tiny, especially for two people!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 4, 2017
A First-Time Homebuyer’s “Glam-ohemian” Charlotte House
Name: Seana Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Size: 2,600 square feet Years lived in: Own. I am a first-time home owner! Seana does not claim to be a design expert, but she could have fooled us. As a corporate professional she spends her days in a more formal atmosphere, so her first house provides a unique canvas to express her creativity.
Brian and Nicki Rohloff
Oct 3, 2017
An Eclectic First Apartment Full of Heirlooms, Thrifted Finds and a Mannequin Named Doris
Name: Emily Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia The basics: 2 years, rented — 900 square feet Emily’s on her own for the first time, so she decided to create the most uniquely “her” space she could. Filling her home with quirky finds, heirlooms and unique collections her space is homey and warm. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: For as long as I can remember my favorite activity has been decorating.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 3, 2017
The Olsen Twins’ Former NYC Penthouse Is For Sale
Whether you know them better from Full House or their fashion labels, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been trendsetters since childhood. The twin sisters have shared a lot over the years, including a TV role, a media empire, and even this West Village penthouse. According to Curbed, the Olsens bought the property, located at One Morton Square, when the building was under construction in 2009 for $7.2 million and then sold it shortly after in 2010 for $7.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 3, 2017
The Pattern Trends That May Have Overstayed Their Welcome
Before getting down to business, I would like to say no disrespect to any of the prints featured in this article. They are all wonderful motifs in their own right, but for reasons ranging from over saturation to too many knock-off versions, 2017 may be the year to put down the palms. What do you think? I reached out to a couple of well-known designers to get their take on prints they think are too trendy or tired.
Julia Brenner
Oct 3, 2017
Before & After: A Charming Bungalow Kitchen Reno, Courtesy of Big Box Stores
The kitchen in Carrie’s 1950s Chicago bungalow was in desperate need of some updates. By going back to basics and doing most of the shopping at big box stores, she was able to keep the budget to around $15k and save herself the hassle of hiring a contractor. From Carrie: The dark kitchen in our new little home had not been touched in probably 30-40 years. It was horribly outdated, there were soffits galore, and there were a few poorly placed appliances throughout.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 3, 2017
A Tribute to Tom Petty, As Told Through His Homes
The world has lost a rock icon. Heartbreakers frontman Tom Petty died on Monday after suffering a full cardiac arrest. He was 66. Here’s a tribute to the legend, as told through some of the places he’s lived. Born in 1950 in Gainesville, Florida, Petty had a rough childhood, but a handshake from Elvis at age 17 sparked an interest in rock music.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 3, 2017
8 Smart Ways to Create a Pantry in Even the Smallest Kitchen
(Image credit: Federico Paul) From Kitchn → 8 Smart Ways to Create a Pantry in Even the Tiniest Kitchen null
Apartment Therapy
Oct 3, 2017
A Colorful & Breezy Thrifted Home in Lisbon
Name: Marta, Tadeu and Spock the cat Location: Lisbon, Portugal The basics: 1 year, rented Marta and Tadeu’s apartment is full of tiny bright surprises. It seems to be about 80% a super stylish neutral apartment with 20% colorful and quirky and delightful finds — perfect for a game of interior eye spy. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’m a fashion designer and my boyfriend Tadeu is a photographer.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 2, 2017
Before & After: A Very Basic IKEA Shelf Gets a Very Mod Upgrade
Krys was ready to upgrade her bar cart situation and was on the hunt for something bigger and better. She found this unit (above) at IKEA but thought it was a bit unforgettable. However, the price was right so she decided to get creative and transform it into the swinging ’60s-inspired bar cart of her dreams. From Krys: I needed something bigger than the bar cart I had been using and decided to look for a cabinet instead and make a sort of cocktail corner in my living room.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 2, 2017
Partner
The Gallery Wall Game-Changer That’s Art and Entertainment
An essential element of so many homes, the gallery wall is a beautiful way to collect and display those things that are important to us, but it has its limitations. Once you’ve lived with a gallery wall for a while, it can start to feel staid or static, and changing out the art becomes a thing once you’ve gotten the gallery just so. Also, many a gallery wall feels off because it’s not built around one anchor piece. This new innovation solves all those problems and more.
Sponsored Post
Oct 2, 2017
Make It Happen: Everything You Need to Know To Get a Mortgage
Unless you have a fairy godmother or a cool half million sitting around, you’re probably going to need a mortgage if you want to buy a home. Here’s how to qualify for and choose a mortgage, and what to expect throughout the process. Let’s face it: You can go to as many open houses as you want, but you’re not going to be able to buy one without a mortgage. So get the ball rolling early and get pre-approved before you even start house hunting.
Jon Gorey
Oct 2, 2017
Shake ‘n’ Bake In Ricky Bobby’s Manse From Talladega Nights
Will Ferrell portrayed fictional NASCAR star Ricky Bobby in the 2006 comedy Talladega Nights. This sprawling mansion—where he lived with his wife and two sons, Walker and Texas Ranger—happens to be on the market for $4.2 million. The film was actually shot in the house and not on a soundstage, so it’s definitely recognizable. The property is located in a gated community on 1.
Tara Bellucci
Oct 1, 2017
Before & After: Kitchen Cabinets Get a Bold, Happy New Color
Never underestimate the power of well placed chalk paint. Iuliana’s kitchen was in need of a new look and a full-blown kitchen renovation wasn’t really do-able — but she would not be deterred. A couple of coats of sunshine yellow later, her kitchen is brighter, cheerier, and her budget remains intact (which we imagine made her feel bright and cheery, too).
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Oct 1, 2017