The Latest
2017

The Latest: 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.
What You Need to Know Before Getting Into a Bidding War
If you’re hoping to buy a property in a competitive market, then you probably know that a bidding war with another hopeful buyer may be in the cards. But you don’t have to be a real estate tycoon to know how to negotiate; the key to surviving a bidding war is to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know before you head into battle: Cash is a universal language that everyone understands.
Megan Johnson
Aug 24, 2017
How To Store (& Show Off!) Blankets & Throws in Style
The saying, “there’s nothing new under the sun” got a lot more real with the invention of the internet. If you think you’re doing something original, there’s a good chance Google will prove you wrong every time. That’s why unique ideas, like this log-holder-turned-blanket-storage from Chrissy Phelan’s West Hollywood home (and salon!) are all the more impressive.
Jessica Isaac
Aug 24, 2017
Before & After: A “Dismal at Best” Office Does a Design 180
Amanda’s office was unsensational, to say the least. Dark, dreary and lacking a look, she wanted to give the space a homier and more polished look. After tons of research, mixing stylish store-bought finds and DIY projects, Amanda created a bright and perky space that may inspire major office envy. From Amanda: This space was dark, dreary and reminiscent of a guy’s dorm room gone awry.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 24, 2017
5 Surprising Things I Learned After Washing Dishes with Gloves for a Week
(Image credit: Ghazalle Badiozamani) From Kitchn → 5 Surprising Things I Learned from Washing Dishes with Gloves for a Week null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 24, 2017
Here’s What’s New on Netflix in September
Summer might be coming to a close, but at least a new month means new stuff on Netflix. Make sure to get all that adulting done so you can soak up a few episodes of a new show, guilt free. There’s a ton we’re excited about that’s coming up in September, so check out our picks (and the full list) below: Everything leaving Netflix in September Already missing Shark Week?
Tara Bellucci
Aug 23, 2017
A Peek Inside a Dreamy Farmhouse on a Flower Farm
Name: Cynthia, her husband Graham, their three children Ben, Ruby Mae and Theo, and black lab George Location: Keene, Ontario, Canada The basics: 7 years, owned — 2,400 square feet Cynthia and her family can escape to their historic farmhouse slash flower farm for a quick weekend getaway. Having preserved and updated many a historic property, Cynthia and her husband turned their eyes towards this house and its large parcel of land.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 23, 2017
The Simple Key to Keeping a Maximalist House Tidy
Minimalism may be all the rage, but that doesn’t mean maximalism is out by any means—some people would just rather live with more space and others, with more stuff. It’s all a matter of preference. One of the perks of minimalism, however, is how much easier it is to keep your home clean. It’s less about the practice and more just common sense—not owning a lot of stuff means there are fewer things to clean, along with fewer opportunities for clutter to pile up.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 23, 2017
Before & After: A Wildly Outdated (We’re Talking Shell Sinks Here) Bathroom Totally Transforms
Jesse’s bathroom was not only leaving a lot to be desired aesthetically, it had some major functionality issues as well. Once they decided to drag their bathroom kicking and screaming out of the dregs of the ’80s, they encountered a little bit more than they bargained for with the plumbing. In the end, however, living a shower-less life paid off as their bathroom is one heck of a stunner.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 23, 2017
Partner
3 Little Storage Boosters That Add Up to Big Space Savings
Every little bit counts…especially when it comes to kitchens with limited storage space. Some people take it to the extreme with hacks like turning their oven into a bookshelf or storing sweaters in cutlery drawers. Creative as they may be, there are a few less extreme options you may not have thought of yet, that together add up to significant space savings. 1. Maximize cabinet space with stackable shelves. Open your cabinets and take a look.
Tim Minerd
Aug 23, 2017
The New Toile: A Beloved Pattern Gets Cheeky Fresh Twists
I’ve long been fascinated by toile. Toile, if you’re not familiar, is the name first given to the cotton fabric produced in the town of Jouy, in France, and then to the pattern of charming vignettes, usually printed in a single color, that covered its surface. Traditional toile, like the wallpaper that covered the walls of our bathroom in the house where I grew up, features scenes of provincial life: shepherds driving sheep, lovers meeting beneath trees.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 23, 2017
Before & After: A 1980s Kitchen Is Finally Market-Ready
From Apartment Therapy → Before & After: An ’80s Kitchen is Finally Market Ready null
The Kitchn
Aug 23, 2017
Quintessential New York Pre-War Apartments for Less Than You’d Think
When you think of what makes a quintessential New York City apartment—one with a lot of character and charm—you probably picture a pre-war apartment (even if you don’t realize it). Built between the 1880s and 1939 in both Manhattan—the highest concentration is in the Upper West Side, though you can find them pretty much all throughout the borough—and some areas of Brooklyn, pre-war buildings were made with a lot of personality.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 23, 2017
A Finally-Feels-Like Home for a Creative Spirit
Name: Stephanie Location: Raleigh, North Carolina The basics: 1 year, rented — 750 square feet Stephanie is putting down roots, figuratively and literally, in her plant filled North Carolina home. She has created a space full of thrift store treasures, DIY pieces and art that helps her feel truly at home. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I’ve lived in Raleigh for four years and this is the first place that truly feels 100% me.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 22, 2017
Before & After: An ’80s Kitchen is Finally Market-Ready
Rosanna was about to put her condo on the market and knew she would have a much better go of it if she updated her kitchen. After a few contractor related stops and starts, she now has a kitchen that is modern, sleek and much more open. From Rosanna: This was the original kitchen for this condo built in the 1980s. It felt small, dark and cramped. It came with yellowed cabinets, linoleum floors, and tiled counters.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 22, 2017
The Clever DIY Storage Idea That’ll Take Your Kitchen to the Next Level
If you’ve got a pantry—no matter the size, from a small cabinet to a complete closet to a dedicated room—chances are you have a door or two enclosing it. While you might have given attention to organizing the shelves within your pantry, have you thought about tackling all that wasted space behind your door? This DIY pantry door storage solution is functional and beautiful. And it’s such a good idea, we’re rerunning this post two years in a row!
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 22, 2017
Peek Inside a Sunny Chilled-Out Australian Abode
Name: Julia Location: Perth, Australia The basics: 2 years, owned — 807 square feet Julia is taking her time settling into her apartment in a historic Art Deco building. Mixing IKEA with art, plants and a reviving coat of white paint, she has created an adorable, breezy space.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 21, 2017
A Color Master’s Secrets for Killer Combos
There was a lot to drool over, design-wise, in James and Kurt’s Chicago home. Contemporary art and cool furniture, and as a bonus, two homeowners that look like they must throw amazing parties. But there’s no denying it’s the color palette that really steals the show. Purple, yellow, blue, green — this vibrant home features a variety of hues that are unexpected and delightful.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 21, 2017
A “Geometric and Glam”Living Room to Die For
Project by: Karen Knox of Making Spaces Location: Harrogate, Yorkshire Karen’s clients were ready and willing to do a full renovation of their Edwardian home but wanted to ease into the process with their living room, which only needed a cosmetic upgrade. After talking with her clients about how they saw themselves living in the space, and the type of design they’re drawn to, she created this dark and layered space.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 20, 2017
The Best Sources for Inexpensive Hardware to Revamp Your Cabinets and Furniture
When it comes to updating your old furniture, a little change goes a long way. Case in point: upgraded knobs and pulls. Even though most handles are well, hand-sized, these petite fixtures still manage to offer a ton of design potential no matter where you use them. Working with a colorless kitchen but can’t afford to paint? Switch out all of your standard cabinet knobs with splashier ones and see what happens. Sick of looking at your dated bedroom dresser but desperate for the storage?
Caroline Biggs
Aug 20, 2017
Before & After: Shabby Chic and Storage Friendly, This Yard Sale Find Was Worth Every Penny
Lindsay spotted this piano bench at a yard sale and even though the bench wasn’t her style as-is, she knew that with a little DIY muscle she could mold it into her ideal accent bench. Using only products she had on hand, she gave this thrifty find a whole new look in very little time. From Lindsay: This piano bench was a steal at a yard sale. Benches are great because you can use them for so many things. A piano bench has an added bonus because there is storage under the seat.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 20, 2017
The Reason You Should Never, Ever Leave a Plastic Water Bottle in Your Car
(Image credit: Chakrit Yenti) shutterstock From Kitchn → Here’s Why You Should Never, Ever Leave a Plastic Water Bottle in Your Car null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 20, 2017
Downsizing Into a Studio Full of Its Original Historical Elements
Name: Daniel, his partner, and Eloise the cat Location: Lower Queen Anne — Seattle, Washington The basics: Under a month, rented — 490 square feet Daniel’s deco-y studio packs a lot of punch for a small space. His tastefully restrained design plays well with the historical charm of the apartment, giving the studio a clean look that is well thought out and welcoming.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 19, 2017
Miley Cyrus Buys a Modern Farmhouse in Her Tennessee Hometown
Disney star turned pop singer Miley Cyrus is heading back to her country roots. The daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus bought a farmhouse style manse in Franklin, Tennessee, the city where she was born. Cyrus purchased the property for $5.8 million in late July, according to the Nashville Post. The nearly 7,000 square foot house has five bedrooms and four full and two half bathrooms.
Tara Bellucci
Aug 19, 2017
Before & After: A Gorgeous Gray Warms Up a Bland Dining Room
This gray is anything but bland.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 19, 2017
Talk Trash With Me! The New Voice Sensor Trashcan from Simplehuman
I love to buy and test trashcans. I’ve owned many and tried many others. I am a big fan of the classic, no-tech Rubbermaid cans, but those you have to hide. If you want something more accessible and pretty, you move to a different class. My latest tryout is with simplehuman’s brand new sensor can which as motion AND now — get this — voice control. Move over Alexa!
Maxwell Ryan
Aug 19, 2017
Ina Garten Shares the One Thing You’ll Never Find in Her Kitchen
(Image credit: barefoot contessa) From Kitchn → Ina Garten Shares the One Ingredient You’ll Never Find in Her Cookbooks null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 19, 2017
First-Time Home Buyers Renovate a Philly Row Home on a Budget
The house was a shell when they bought it, and they applied for a special first time home-buyer loan to allow them to rehab the existing structure.
Carina Romano
Aug 18, 2017
The “I Like It” Theme at Work in a Melbourne Apartment
Name: Trish Location: Preston — Melbourne, Australia The basics: 3 weeks, owned — 50 square meters/ 538 square feet Trish knew that with her love of color and collecting she could turn her cookie cutter apartment into a bright and eclectic home, full of endlessly fascinating pieces. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I just purchased my tiny (TINYYY) apartment.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 18, 2017
This Scandi-Inspired Breakfast Will Change How You Start Your Morning
(Image credit: Kaat Zoetekouw/Stocksy) From Kitchn → How Traveling Through Scandinavia Changed the Way I Eat Breakfast null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 18, 2017
Not a Drop: A Dozen Tips and Hacks that Make Painting Cleanup Easy
We collected a dozen smart tips that will make your next painting project spotless and splatter-free.
Taryn Williford
Aug 18, 2017
Partner
Small Space, Big Impact: Paint Your Closet and Happify Your Home
It’s the little things that matter most — those surprises that make you happy when you’re home. They don’t have to be expensive; in fact, the best details are often the ones that cost the least. The flea market bookends on your shelf, the cast-iron frying pan your mom gave you, or the burnt salmon closet doors you painted yourself. That last one is so simple, you might even choose to make it happen this weekend. Not a burnt salmon person? No problem!
Sponsored Post
Aug 18, 2017
The Tiny Houseboat That Makes Me Want to Escape Manhattan
Sure, tiny houses are great and all, but what’s better than a tiny house? A tiny houseboat. Besides the upper and lower decks, this stylish, modern houseboat has a comfortable but trim indoor footprint of 30 square meters, or 322 square feet — and if you get tired of where you’re docked, you can just pilot your little floating home to another shore.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 18, 2017
Beyond As-Is: How to Save Even More Money at IKEA
Thrifty IKEA shoppers know the key to a good deal is to always check the As-Is section, where you can find items that have been returned or assembled and used for display for a discounted price. Even savvier shoppers know that you can negotiate prices for As-Is items, and that you can score better deals there at certain times of the year. But, the As-Is section, as glorious as it can be, isn’t the only way to save money at IKEA.
Brittney Morgan
Aug 18, 2017
A Long Distance Palm Springs-Inspired Makeover (That *Gasp* Came in Under Budget)
Project by: Michelle Gage Location: Jersey City, New Jersey Michelle’s work with her client Natalie was done entirely over the internet, which makes this already impressive project kind of unbelievable. Thanks to Instagram and the One Room Challenge, Michelle and Natalie decided to collaborate on her living room from different cities, bonded together by a love of color, pattern and bold choices.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 17, 2017
Overwhelmed with a Messy Home? Try the Laundry Basket Method
You know my favorite thing about being a human? (Sarcasm alert.) It’s that thing how when your home is really messy, your brain finds it overwhelming and hard to process and almost paralyzing. So then your body can’t muster up the energy or willpower to actually clean it. And so the place just gets more messy and your brain is more overwhelmed and it’s harder every day to actually tackle the mess. Yeah, that’s super fun, right?
Taryn Williford
Aug 17, 2017
You Oughta Know Alanis Morissette’s Brentwood House Is For Sale
You’re uninvited to Alanis Morissette’s house; the rocker is selling the property in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles that’s she’s called home since 1996. You oughta know how it looks inside. Brentwood has a history of being a celeb favorite; names like Marilyn Monroe and Lea Michele have called the neighborhood home. The Ironic singer unironically bought the place for $1.795 million in the ’90s, according to public records.
Tara Bellucci
Aug 17, 2017
Before & After: Taking a Small Space From Blank Slate to Luxe Suite
"It was like a secret society of shelter creatives!"
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 17, 2017
How To Light Up Boring Lampshades: 12 DIY Ideas
I love lamp, but now I can love my lampshades too!
Tess Wilson
Aug 17, 2017
Partner
The Benefits of Thrifting You Might Not Have Known
I’d ask for a show of hands to see how many of us have at least attempted the Marie Kondo method of organizing our homes, but at this point, half of us are still holding high school tennis T-shirts and waiting for them to spark a feeling of joy. There is something kind of exhilarating about decluttering and downsizing and even fussing over the way we fold our socks, but emptying out our closets and drawers forces us to ask a big question: What do we do with this stuff now?
Jelisa Castrodale
Aug 17, 2017
This Is the Best Way to Clean Your Kitchen Sink
(Image credit: Ghazalle Badiozamani) From Kitchn → How To Clean Your Kitchen Sink null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 17, 2017
Ever Wonder Why Today’s Kitchens Look the Way They Do?
The 1900s through the 1920s was a time of tremendous change in the kitchen, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that the kitchen began to take on its modern shape. The kitchen configuration that we all know now, has its roots, like a lot of modern design, in the German school known as the Bauhaus. As I mentioned in my last post, on the design of the kitchen from 1900 through the 1920s, before the 1930s many kitchens had very little by way of built-in storage or workspace at all.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 16, 2017
Before & After: A Dated Kitchen Gets a New Look Without The Hassle of a Big Remodel
Angelica’s kitchen was functionally fine, it just felt a little cramped and generic for her tastes. With some smart DIY projects, a few cosmetic upgrades and the help of the always reliable white paint, her kitchen looks like an entirely new space without the headache of a full remodel. From Angelica: The kitchen in our new Houston, Texas home was in good condition overall, nicely sized with newer appliances, plenty of windows and decent light fixtures.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 16, 2017
A Peek Inside a Traditional UK Home with a Modern Loft Extension
Name: Karen, her husband, their son and overweight cat. Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire The basics: 5 years, owned — 90 square meters/ 968 square feet Karen’s home is an excellent example of how bold choices can still make a space feel homey and warm. After overhauling basically every part of the space, it now feels like a curated space the family can grow in together. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: We (me, my husband and our 4.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 16, 2017
The Reason Why Aluminum Foil Is Shiny on One Side
(Image credit: Lauren Volo) From Kitchn → This Is Why Aluminum Foil Is Shiny on One Side null
Apartment Therapy
Aug 16, 2017
Zippered Sheets: For Anyone Who Can’t Stand Changing Fitted Sheets (AKA “Everyone Ever”)
There are two kinds of people in the world: people who think changing sheets is NBD and the rest of us, aka anyone who doesn't have their bed floating in the middle of a vast room.
Caroline Biggs
Aug 16, 2017
A Boring Rental Bathroom Gets a Totally Reversible Makeover
Ladies and gentlemen, here is what my boring bathroom looked like up until the other day. I’ve lived in my rental for just over two years, and this place looked the same as it did the day I moved in (with the addition of some hand soap, my toothbrush and a toilet paper roll) for far too long. Is it completely offensive? Nah, it’s pretty passable, but boy was it dull.
Arlyn Hernandez
Aug 15, 2017
Before & After: Adding Classic Character to an ’80s Kitchen
Last week we looked at the overhaul of Claudia’s bathroom, which got a beautiful, classic update in keeping with the character of her 1929 apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper East side. Today, we’re diving into the renovation of her kitchen, which was similarly transformed.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 15, 2017
Think You Have it Bad? Here’s What Kitchens Were Like A Century Ago
Imagine you’re suddenly transported back in time by 100 years, to your great-great-grandmother’s house. Most of the rooms are quite familiar: the styles are less modern, sure, but the basic setup is the same. The kitchen, however, is different. All the major players are in place — the sink, the stove, some rudimentary form of refrigeration — but they haven’t quite evolved into their modern forms.
Nancy Mitchell
Aug 15, 2017