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The Latest: Dec 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.
6 Things You Can (and Should) Clean in Somebody Else’s Home
No matter how familiar you are with your hosts, staying over makes you — by definition — a guest in someone else’s home. An extra person in someone else’s space. A gracious host will tell you to “make yourself at home,” but no matter how you choose to live at your own place, there are certain things you must do to be a good houseguest in somebody else’s. Specifically good guests always, always clean up after themselves.
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 15, 2017
This Country’s Homes Master Effortlessly Cool, Casual Vibes
Nothing is really worse than a too stiff and stuffy home. When a home feels more like a museum and less like a place you doing your living in, it’s hard for you — or your guests — to relax. But these homes below are the very opposite of stiff; they’re beautiful spaces that are also casual and comfy, with an energy that feels vibrant and motivating.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 15, 2017
The Top 10 Housing Markets of 2018 Are All in the South and West
Las Vegas will be the hottest housing market in America next year, according to Realtor.com — and not just because the average high temperature is 100 degrees or more from June through August. Realtor.com analyzed data on home sales, prices, and new construction, as well as local economic factors, population trends, unemployment, and median incomes to determine its top 10 housing markets for 2018. Not a single metro area in the Northeast, Great Lakes, or Pacific Northwest made the cut.
Jon Gorey
Dec 14, 2017
A Cool California Modern Boho Abode
“My husband and I bought our house when I was pregnant with our first-born nine years ago. It was a foreclosure and previously owned by someone who was trying to “flip” it. We did not like the design choices he made but we loved the neighborhood and luckily, choosing to buy in Venice, California has been a great investment,” writes blogger and designer Kristin Dion. “Over time, we have made several improvements.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 14, 2017
Amazon vs. Costco: Who Has Cheaper Kitchen Appliances?
When it comes to big ticket kitchen appliances, saving even 5% on one item means holding onto a pretty tidy sum. So it pays to shop around and make sure you’re getting the best bargain out there. Retail giants Costco and Amazon regularly go head to head in the war of prices, battling it out for your business, and that includes fridges, stoves, and microwaves. So, we wanted to know: which is cheaper?
Dabney Frake
Dec 14, 2017
This Website Is Here to Help You Avoid Movies Made by Creeps
If you’re a politically minded person settling in for a long holiday break of doing not very much and you’re ready to get your stream on, you may find yourself facing a dilemma. You want to watch something good, or at least entertaining, but you don’t want to support the work of, well, creeps (pause while I cover my bases— alleged creeps).
Nora Taylor
Dec 14, 2017
Check Out These Stunning Patterns Created With Everyday Objects
Before you lose all hope for the future of your junk drawer’s contents, do yourself a favor and check out these meticulously organized everyday items, arranged by visual artist Adam Hillman. Obviously, everyone doesn’t possess the patience, creativity or skill to turn random household objects into artwork, but Hillman’s unique design aesthetic is definitive proof that these frequently disregarded doohickeys serve a far bigger purpose than simply appeasing our inner pack rats.
Kenya Foy
Dec 14, 2017
8 IKEA Products That Changed Our Homes (& Lives) for the Better
If the countless articles we’ve written about IKEA and its vast array of budget-friendly and fashionable products is any indication, we love the Swedish brand (not because we’re being paid to say that, but because we truly and honestly do). And while we’ve covered numerous reporting angles—IKEA Does Boho! Best IKEA Products for Small Living Rooms! IKEA Solutions for Renters!
Arlyn Hernandez
Dec 14, 2017
How I’m Getting My Home Holiday-Ready With Two Hours, A Magic Eraser, and a Sweet List of Podcasts
Hibernating with my family at home during the holidays is extra nice when the den is sparkling clean. And snuggling under a faux fur blanket with a mug of hot cocoa beside a roaring fire is just that much better when the bookcase to my right isn’t layered with a veneer of dust. Here’s how I plan to — pretty painlessly — get my home ready for ensconcing myself in. I find that this time of year is the perfect moment for me to reset my space.
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 14, 2017
Pro Organizer Tips: What Not to Do When Decluttering
The Kitchn Editors
Dec 14, 2017
Here’s What a Costco Food Court Looks Like in France
(Image credit: Michael Gordon) shutterstock From Kitchn → Here’s What a Costco Food Court Looks Like in France null
Apartment Therapy
Dec 14, 2017
How to Sort Your Closet Like a Professional Personal Stylist
Laurel Kinney more than helps people look their best; she helps them look more like themselves! As a professional personal stylist, a big part of her job is also helping clients organize and sort their closets. Before, she’s shared the four biggest ways you get in the way of looking your best and questions you should ask yourself now (so your closet doesn’t end up full of clothes you never wear).
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 14, 2017
Same Day Delivery Is Coming to Target in 2018
Great news for bullseye fans: Target just acquired Shipt, a grocery delivery service, that will allow the retailer to bring same day delivery to nearly half of its stores by early next year. The Minnesota-based retailer announced the acquisition today on their corporate blog, including that they bought the online company for $550 million in cash.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 13, 2017
Never Fear a Low Battery Warning On Your Cell Again
We’ve all been there. You’re running late for a busy day at work only to realize you fell asleep last night before plugging your phone in. That or you’re out and about the whole day, snapping photos or Boomerangs for your Insta feed and your battery is zapped by 3 pm and you’re desperately in need of a recharge with no plug in sight. The stress of that 10% battery life warning doesn’t need to take over when you’re prepared.
Caroline Biggs
Dec 13, 2017
Here’s What’s New on Netflix In January
New year, who dis? We can’t believe it’s almost 2018, and Netflix is cementing that fact by letting us know everything that’s due to hit the streaming service next month. After a month of holiday parties and cheer, it’ll be a welcome distraction to cuddle up and dig in to some new—and old—favorites. Here’s what we’re looking forward to.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 13, 2017
Kris Jenner Just Bought the House Across the Street From Kim Kardashian
Brace yourselves, we’ve got some Kardashian real estate news. If the K-word sends a shiver down your spine, might we suggest you not pass Go, close the tab, and find something else to read ASAP (there’s some really pretty fringe to look at over here). But if you fellow reality TV junkies are ready for a (not-so) shocking update, let’s proceed. Kris Jenner just bought the house across the street from her daughter Kim Kardashian West.
Taryn Williford
Dec 13, 2017
A Former Artists’ Loft in SoHo Is Utterly Enviable
This modern, industrial condo was a marketing director's first interior design project!
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 13, 2017
The Grocery Store Solution for Unique and Beautiful Holiday Decor
The Kitchn Editors
Dec 13, 2017
15 Things to Get Rid of Before the Holidays
This time of year is one of influx and more, more, more. Layers of decorations, extra throw pillows and blankets, house guests, that second slice of pie — not to mention all the new items brought into the home as gifts. While everything is still contained in wrapping paper and ribbons, before the shiny new things enter the realm of official Household Stuff, take time to make some space by getting rid of these oldies you’ll never miss.
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 13, 2017
Confused About Net Neutrality? This 3-Minute Video Explains It All
Here you are, reading a site on the internet. Therefore, net neutrality is something you should be aware of. This amazing video explains what it means—and what will happen if it’s overturned—in just three minutes. Net neutrality might not have the most exciting branding, but it’s pretty integral to how we use the internet.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 13, 2017
Here’s How to Watch One of 2017’s Best Meteor Showers Tonight
Tonight, you’ll want to turn off the TV, because one of the best shows of the year will be in the sky. The Geminid meteor shower will be happening late Wednesday into early Thursday. Here’s how—and when—to watch. First recorded in 1833, the Geminid shower is one of the best to check out, because the individual meteors are quite bright, and they come at a rate of about 120 an hour.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 13, 2017
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year Is Here, and It’s Perfect
Merriam-Webster has been dutifully identifying the Word of the Year since 2003, highlighting the words that were most searched and how they capture the current cultural moment. Appropriately, this year’s word is Feminism. Merriam-Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes” and “organized activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.
Nora Taylor
Dec 13, 2017
Partner
Your Carry-On Essentials for Healthy Holiday Travel
You’d think holiday travel would be somewhat enjoyable since it’s the last step before the celebrating begins. As we all know, it isn’t. You may have no control over an overpacked flight grid, but putting a little thought into your own self-care will minimize as much of the frazzle as you can. We’ve thought through a few unexpected carry-on items that will ensure you arrive healthy, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the season.
Tim Minerd
Dec 13, 2017
Fringe Is Back & I’m as Surprised as You Are
Okay, look, let me be perfectly honest: this post wasn’t my idea. When Arlyn, our Design Editor, suggested that I write about fringe as a new design trend, my initial reaction was, well, skeptical. My associations with fringe are few, and unflattering: that leg lamp from “A Christmas Story”, cheap costumes from low-budget Wild West saloon scenes, heavy tassels hanging from overdone 1980s window treatments. But, gamely, I dived into a little Pinterest research.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 13, 2017
This Iconic IKEA Item Is $100 Off For One Day Only
Bargain alert: One of our favorite IKEA staples is on sale—for one day. To celebrate the opening of their 47th store in the United States (that’d be Grand Prairie, Texas y’all), some classic items will be deeply discounted for tomorrow only. Pop into your local IKEA on Wednesday, December 13 and snag yourself the workhorse-meets-style-statement that is the STOCKHOLM rug for just $99.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 12, 2017
JetBlue Is Having a Two-Day Sale, So Plan Those Winter Vacations Now
I know we’re in the middle of holiday season craziness—including all the bonkers travel many are about to embark on—but now would be a great time to plan a winter vacation. JetBlue is having a sweet sale, but it’s only good for two days. The folks at JetBlue realize even adults could use recess from time to time, so that’s what they’re giving you. From now until December 13, snag 15 percent off base fares with code RECESS.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 12, 2017
Here’s Where You’ll Be Traveling in 2018, According to Airbnb
Even if you’ve never heard of a ryokan, the traditional Far East style of bed & breakfast is about to start blowing up your social media feeds, according to Airbnb. The peer to peer vacation rental giant cites two cities in Japan in its top three most popular cities, and projects a 2175 percent increase in booking requests to Korea ahead of the Olympics, in its just-released 2018 Travel Trend Forecast.
Melissa Massello
Dec 12, 2017
Get Lit: Check Out These Amazingly Simple and Whimsical DIY Menorahs
I can still remember the Kindergarten tradition of making homemade menorahs at my Jewish day school like it was yesterday. Take a sawed-off 2×4, glue 10 small square tiles atop it, in a line (two at the center for the tallest candle), then place 9 screw nuts in a row, one on top of each tile. I’m pretty sure my parents even still have mine — somewhere. With Hanukkah mere hours away now, you may find yourself in need of a last minute menorah.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
Dec 12, 2017
A Small Boston Studio Apartment’s Got Great Bones
“In the past, I’ve lived in one-bedroom apartments, so I was a bit nervous about how to set up a studio so that it felt more like a home and less like one giant bedroom,” writes Maeve Stier, the Boston-based blogger behind Chic Now.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 12, 2017
Cold Feet? Footie Sweatpants Are Now a Thing
First there was the Snuggie (or the Slanket, depending on whom you ask), marketing hygge coziness to all the As Seen on TV world. Then there was the Holderness Family, making matching Christmas jammies the new “ugly holiday” trend. Now the new hotness in throwback childhood coziness is making us all warm and fuzzy from our head down to our toes.
Melissa Massello
Dec 12, 2017
Partner
The Best Messy Recipes (And How to Clean Up After Them)
Cooking is all about digging in and getting your hands dirty. Some ingredients in particular (often the best) are particularly good for dirty hands. Chocolate, tomatoes, and red wine are hazards to be sure, but what are you gonna do? Not eat them? Here are five of our most delicious messy recipes, and a few tips for cleaning up after them so you can eat with abandon. This soup is comfort food at its best — rich, creamy, and the perfect deep red-orange.
Creative Studio
Dec 12, 2017
Why You Should Keep a Dry Erase Marker in Every Room of the House
Your most on-top-of-it friends? I’ll let you in on their secret for staying organized: Write everything down. Your brain has to do a lot of day-to-day hustling, so anything that you can clear out of it and get onto paper is something you’re sure to remember when needed. But the thing is, you don’t need paper at all. Dry erase markers can do a lot of heavy lifting around your home.
Taryn Williford
Dec 12, 2017
4 Things in Your Kitchen You Should Never Clean with Baking Soda
(Image credit: Coco Morante) From Kitchn → 4 Things You Should Never Clean with Baking Soda null
Apartment Therapy
Dec 12, 2017
The Affordable Holiday Decor That Makes My Costco Membership Worth It
From Apartment Therapy → The Affordable Holiday Decor That Makes My Costco Membership Worth It null
The Kitchn
Dec 12, 2017
19 of the Cutest Tiny Homes, RVs, Vans, Airstreams & More
Mortgages, bills, work stress, soccer games, the nightly news — is it any wonder that many of us feel a deep yearning to get away from it all? To pack just the essentials? To simplify our lives? To have the time — and freedom — to explore the world?
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 12, 2017
Here’s Where To Snag Affordable Versions of Meghan Markle’s Iconic (And Sold Out) Looks
The future royal's fashion choices are already selling out, be we tracked down some affordable versions.
Megan Johnson
Dec 11, 2017
Proof Planning Pays Off: A Bright, Cozy Home in Just 300 Square Feet
“My home is small but I feel so lucky to call it mine. It’s located in a small beach town within walking distance to some really great shops and restaurants,” describes Lauren Hunter, of her studio apartment. Name: Lauren Hunter Location: Coronado, California Size: 300 square feet Year Lived In: 6 years, renting Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bright, Feminine, Cozy What is your favorite room and why? The living area, which is also my bedroom.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 11, 2017
Two Kids Are Hurt By Window Blinds Every Day, New Study Says
We’ve all seen the warnings and recalls by now about the dangerous mix of kids and pets with certain styles of window coverings. But according to a new study, we’re failing so miserably at actually heeding the safety precautions that some pediatricians are calling for window cords to be “designed out of existence.” Here’s how to keep our most curious family members safe.
Melissa Massello
Dec 11, 2017
One Month to a Better Home: Sign Up for the January Cure!
Join us for a month of daily, do-able assignments to get your home into the best shape of its life.
Taryn Williford
Dec 11, 2017
#INeedThat: 5 Awesome Things On Sale Today
There are exactly two weeks left until Christmas. If you’re a gifting overachiever, that means you’re likely all done and have everything wrapped, waiting under the tree. But if you’re still wrangling with where to even begin, this list is for you. The best gifts are ones that are unexpected but also useful. Even better if they’re affordable, right, because who doesn’t love a deal?
Caroline Biggs
Dec 11, 2017
The Grocery Store Solution for Unique and Beautiful Holiday Decor
It's inexpensive, and it will make your home smell great.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 11, 2017
7 IKEA Closets that Look Like a Million Bucks
If you’ve ever priced custom closets, you know that they cost a lot. Like, a whole whole lot. But the good news is that you don’t have to spend a million bucks (or even a thousand) to get a closet that looks like a million bucks. Your secret weapon for custom-ish closets? IKEA.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 11, 2017
Rethink Your Stance on Tinsel: New Ways to Use It You Haven’t Thought Of
This stupidly cheap decorating staple is your ticket to a budget-friendly holiday.
Nancy Mitchell
Dec 11, 2017
Urban Outfitters Is Having a 50% Off Flash Sale —And There Are Some Cute Stocking Stuffers
Good news for those who don’t know what to get their tween niece for Christmas or what to bring that’s cool yet cheap for the office holiday gift exchange. Urban Outfitters is having a 50 percent off flash sale on select items—but it’s today only. A total of 50 items are half off today, December 11, but we filtered out all the home and giftworthy stuff and included it below (we got you). Sofa need some sprucing? This round velvet pillow, normally $39, is half off today.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 11, 2017
This California Corner Condo is a Bohemian-Meets-Mid-Century Paradise
True relaxation is kicking back in a hammock—in your own living room. And until landlords come around to understanding the benefits of touting weight-bearing-bolts as an added apartment amenity, the best way to ensure you’re set up for lazing in the bohemian lounge of your dreams is to scoop this charming one up for yourself.
Taryn Williford
Dec 11, 2017
Meghan Markle’s Toronto Rental Is For Sale
This house is fit for royalty; now that the future duchess is officially across the pond, Meghan Markle’s Toronto rental is on the market for $1.395 million.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 10, 2017
This House Is Made From Tomato Stems, Grass and Other Farm Waste
Denmark is officially home to the world’s first biological house, a conceptual structure built from upcycled agricultural materials, including bits of tomato stems, seaweed, grass and glass that would ordinarily be incinerated and used as an energy source. Brings a new meaning to the term, “farm house.” The sustainable structure is the first to be erected as a part of Biotope in the town of Middlefart, the largest Danish sustainable construction exhibition.
Kenya Foy
Dec 10, 2017
Here’s Where Meghan Markle Will Spend Her First Royal Christmas
Soon-to-be Duchess Meghan Markle will get a crash course in royal holidays sooner than expected, as she’s rumored to be spending Christmas with the future in-laws. Here’s what’s planned, including where she and Prince Harry will reportedly be staying. Meghan Markle, breaker of traditions, mother of all of our American princess fantasies, will apparently be the first fiancée invited to the royal celebrations (Kate spent Christmas with her family in 2010).
Tara Bellucci
Dec 10, 2017