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.
Front porch with blue door, wreath, rocking chairs, potted plants, and house number 9325.
Time it Right: Here’s What the Transition from Renting to Owning a Home Looks Like (and Costs)
There is so much that’s confusing about the home buying process as a first-timer, and all I can really do (beyond writing articles like this one) is absolutely promise that an attentive real estate agent and a knowledgeable mortgage broker will be your lifelines. You’ll be surprised how much you learn about earnest payments, escrow and amortization in that month or so it takes to close. Definitely more than you paid attention to in college accounting, I’ll tell you that much.
Taryn Williford
Jun 28, 2017
Forget Avocado Toast: Here’s How Long It Takes Millennials to Save for a Down Payment
Contrary to what some might believe, avocado toast isn’t what’s keeping Millennials from buying houses—rather, a shortage of affordable homes is stopping prospective homebuyers from their purchasing dreams, no doubt combined with things like student debt (according to Forbes, more than 44 million people face a total of $1.3 trillion of student debt, more than any other kind of debt, outside of mortgages).
Brittney Morgan
Jun 28, 2017
Before & After: A Basic-Guy-Style Bedroom Goes Simple Scandi-Chic
"I love the fact that it finally looks like a bedroom."
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 28, 2017
This Is the Sweet Amazon Prime Deal You Had No Idea Existed
(Image credit: Jonathan Weiss) shutterstock From Kitchn → The Sweet Amazon Prime Deal You Had No Idea Existed null
Apartment Therapy
Jun 28, 2017
Before & After: A Small Brooklyn Apartment Gets a Sweet Makeover
Designer Linda Cava’s Brooklyn home is one of those weird studio/not quite studio apartments that can throw even a seasoned decorator for a loop. The apartment has three main spaces — an open foyer, a large room that needed to be her living room, bedroom and office rolled into one and a tiny kitchen she wanted to modernize. Let’s see how she tackled each of these spaces to suit her needs and her style.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 28, 2017
A Bright and Beautiful Spanish Tile Home for $700K in L.A.
Oh boy, this home is a real diamond. I love everything about it. Elegant simplicity, an abundance of natural light, gorgeous vintage details, large private outdoor living area, and a beautiful Spanish tile exterior to boot. This home is going to make someone very happy indeed. This gorgeous Spanish tile home is a fantastic mix of vintage and modern, with a a feeling of spaciousness and privacy.
Julia Brenner
Jun 27, 2017
Sonoma Tiny House with Pirate Treehouse Listed for $300K
Ahoy there, ya land lubbers. If you yearn for the excitement of the open seas but are partial to living on solid ground, we’ve got great news. There’s a tiny house in Sonoma County, California that comes with its very own pirate treehouse. It’s arrrrguably the cutest home for sale we’ve seen in quite awhile.
Tara Bellucci
Jun 27, 2017
Two Global Travelers Set Down Roots in Saudi Arabia
Name: Tracy and Ian Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia The basics: 4 years, school staff housing — 1,500 square feet Tracy and Ian, two International School employees, have filled their home with colorful and just plain cool finds. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: We, Tracy Hill and Ian Hogg, have lived in Riyadh for four years, both work at an International School, I’m a teacher coach and Ian works in Facilities and Security Management.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 27, 2017
Cause & Effect: Clean This Today to Save Major Money Tomorrow
If you pride yourself on keeping a tidy home, there’s stuff around the house you want to do. Like buying an organizer for the junk drawer. That right there is like a drug to Monica Geller types. But no matter how much you enjoy cleaning up, there are still some chores that are, well, chores. Cleaning the fridge coils is one of those things.
Taryn Williford
Jun 27, 2017
Small Space Swimming: Lap Pools Reloaded
Here's a roundup of beautiful pools, because you deserve a break, even if it's only in your eyes and in your imagination.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 27, 2017
When Two Trends Collide: 9 Beautiful Pink Velvet Sofas
Whether you see it as a throwback to the ’80s or a reflection of changing attitudes about femininity, there’s a particular shade of light, slightly-muted pink whose ubiquitousness is as complete as it was sudden. Call it millennial pink, or dusty pink, or rose quartz—it’s everywhere, and it’s the color that every eye seems drawn to. So we’ve created this roundup of sofas where pink, the color of the moment, meets velvet, the fabric of the moment.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 27, 2017
6 Ways to Beat the Heat in Your Kitchen This Summer
(Image credit: Federico Paul) From Kitchn → 6 Ways to Beat the Heat in the Kitchen This Summer
Apartment Therapy
Jun 27, 2017
Before & After: A Vintage Dresser is Transformed by an Image Transfer
We’ve seen plenty of knock out paint upgrades on the site, but Diane’s dresser makeover adds an extra special element. Paint, glaze, wax and one stunning transfer lead to one heck of a statement piece. From Diane: This was a stunning piece of furniture ‘before’. Beautiful lines, solid construction. One of those ‘hard-to-come-by’ pieces. And, honestly, I could have loved it as-is. I wanted to give this piece a makeover because lacked something.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 26, 2017
What Most People Don’t Know About Renter’s Insurance
There’s a lot about the roommate experience that can be tricky. Like chores, chores and, uh… chores. But even after you’ve mastered homekeeping, there are still some things about sharing a home that may come as a surprise. For example, your roommate’s renter’s insurance policy might not cover your stuff.
Taryn Williford
Jun 26, 2017
This Boston “Studio” Is A Glorified Dorm Room for $1295
In this week’s episode of “So You Think Your Place is Small?” we bring you this “renovated” studio in Boston’s tony exurb of Brookline, wedged just between all of the urban universities and the suburban ones in the city of 1,000 colleges.
Melissa Massello
Jun 26, 2017
Furniture Placement Ideas for an Awkward Living Room Layout
If you’ve ever lived in an apartment, particularly a small apartment, this situation probably sounds familiar: you’ve signed a lease, you’re so excited about your new place, and then you realize—you have no idea where to put the furniture. And that’s where we come in. In this new column, we’re tackling the weirdest and most perplexing space planning solutions. Did the Room Layout Doctor do a good job of fitting everything in? You be the judge.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 26, 2017
Take 10: Beautiful Bathroom Sink Consoles Made from Vintage Dressers
Vintage dressers are a bathroom renovator’s best friend, as they can lend a healthy dose of character to the old W.C. for a fraction of the price of most (boring) made-to-order vanities. What’s more is, if you know how to drill a hole into wood, you’re half way to repurposing your own vintage dresser into a vanity/ sink console.
Jessica Isaac
Jun 26, 2017
Before & After Blowout: The Big Bathroom Makeover Gallery
We will never, ever, ever get enough of bathroom remodels. And if you’re in the mood for just a quick hit of some serious makeover magic, scroll through the gallery to see some of our fave tile transformations, bath boosts and sink sensations. Revisit some old favorites and a few new ones, and who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to tackle your own bathroom project!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 26, 2017
I Had a Dry Wedding – And Here’s Why
(Image credit: Dani Leigh Photography) From Kitchn → I Had a Dry Wedding – Here’s Why null
Apartment Therapy
Jun 26, 2017
A 5-Minute Apartment Search Lands the Perfect Spot For This Plant Enthusiast
Name: Jamie Location: Cincinnati, Ohio The basics: 6 years, rented | 1,800 square feet Jamie’s enviable apartment search, which took about five minutes, led her to this charming Cincinnati apartment. Exposed brick and rich colors set off her collection of thrifted finds and her gaggle of plant children. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My apartment is my best Craigslist find to date.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 25, 2017
If You Love Tile Indoors, Wait Until You See It Outdoors
Boldly patterned tile is starting to pop up in all sorts of unexpected places - including outdoors.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 25, 2017
Before & After: What it Lacked in Drawers, it Made Up for in Rodents
Stacy and her husband found themselves with a very trying kitchen on their hands. After two years of living with not enough storage, poor ventilation and dreaded pests they decided to take the plunge and create a kitchen that was clean, functional and easy on the eyes. From Stacy: Our kitchen had a hard life. We bought our home back in 2011, a recent flip after the previous owners had foreclosed.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 25, 2017
“Colorful, Bright, Happy and Child-Proof” in Berlin
Name: Ingeborg, Anton and their two daughters Location: Pankow — Berlin, Germany The basics: 5 1/2 years, rented 68 square meters (732 square feet) Ingeborg and her family have added color and character to their starkly white apartment. With little adjustments for every major life change, the apartment has been made to fit the family as it grows. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: Anton and I didn’t feel at home right from the start.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 24, 2017
Before & After: Wallpaper Transforms a Tired Table
Claire from Pillar Box Blue generously made over her friend’s worn table in a single afternoon. Adding bright color and vivid patterns to a wood table not only upgraded the piece, it changed the vibe of the entire space. From Claire: My friend Wendy’s dining room table was in a sorry state. It was a well-used table that had become full of scrapes, scratches and even a dirty big iron burn. The table was in her main living/dining room and a bit of an eyesore.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 24, 2017
Before & After: A Bland, Blank Space Gets Texture & Character
An apartment designed for "refined eclectic comfort."
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 23, 2017
People Are Obsessed With These (Bargain!) Velvet Dining Chairs
Whether you have a separate dining room or not, finding the perfect chairs to enjoy a meal on is not an easy feat for the budget minded design lover. When you’re on the hunt to find two to eight (or more!) comfortable and attractive seats, that quickly adds up. That’s why we were excited when we came across this chic bargain that’s almost too good to be true.
Tara Bellucci
Jun 23, 2017
Before and After: An ’80s Bathroom Gets a Classic Update
Tasha’s twins were using a dark and outdated bathroom, complete with carpet (why was that ever considered a good idea?) and some very ’80s materials. Calling in the professionals for the major plumbing and drywall work, but doing the rest herself, Tasha created a space that can grow with her girls and remain visually appealing for years to come. From Tasha: Our second full bathroom, which is mostly used by our twin girls, was horribly outdated — circa 1980.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 23, 2017
Partner
Weekend Upgrade: Jenna’s Practical-to-Personal Bathroom Style
Jenna is a mother to two kids — soon to be three — and two dogs. Her kids’ bathroom doubles as the guest bath, which means it has to work extra hard, but it’s also got to look good. Jenna describes her style as “on the modern side, but accessible. I don’t want to have rooms my kids aren’t allowed in and stuff they can’t touch.
Creative Studio
Jun 23, 2017
Partner
Before & After: A Beautiful Bathroom Makeover in Just 1 Weekend
It’s easy to overlook the bathroom. Renovations are expensive, and most of us will put up with a less-than-ideal space until we have the money for a makeover. Still, the lack of a renovation budget didn’t stop Jenna. With a full-time job, two dogs, two kids, and another on the way, she’s got more than enough to handle, but she and her husband knew they wanted a better bathroom before the baby arrived. Rather than remodel, Jenna decided to work with what she had.
Creative Studio
Jun 23, 2017
5 Things to Know About Cleaning with Bleach in the Kitchen
(Image credit: kazoka) shutterstock From Kitchn → 5 Things to Know About Bleach in the Kitchen null
Apartment Therapy
Jun 23, 2017
Stylish and Clever Recycling Solutions That’ll Up Your Cleaning Game
Trash cans and recycling bins can take up a lot of space, especially if you have to sort your recyclables into different containers. All those bins definitely add up. Whether you’ve been recycling and you’re just tired of your old system or you want to start so you can be more mindful, there are plenty of solutions that will allow you to recycle without taking up too much space in your home, or at least that won’t detract from your decor.
Brittney Morgan
Jun 23, 2017
An Evolving Home for a Family of Five in Indiana
Name: Susan Yeley, her husband, 3 kids and 1 dog Location: Bloomington, Indiana The basics: 12 years, owned |3,000 square feet Susan, an interior designer, has slowly and lovingly renovated her home to meet the needs of her family of five. Taking their time with updates and expansions has helped the house truly make the lives of its inhabitants happier and healthier. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: In 2005, I was 37 weeks pregnant with our first child.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 22, 2017
6 Ways to Beat the Heat in Your Kitchen This Summer
(Image credit: Federico Paul) From Kitchn → 6 Ways to Beat the Heat in the Kitchen This Summer null
Apartment Therapy
Jun 22, 2017
Before & After: A Dated Bathroom Gets a Modern Renovation (& More Storage)
Jill and Aaron hunted for six months for their dream home in Brooklyn — during which time they realized their dream home was probably a bit out of reach. After being outbid on two different apartments, they finally landed a contract on a promising one-bedroom that was in need of just a little work. One problem spot? The apartment’s bathroom, which dated back to 1960 and had fifty years of wear to show for it. Another issue?
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 22, 2017
Smart Renovations Transform This Small Brooklyn Apartment into a Functional (and Beautiful) Home
Designer Linda Cava's 525-square-foot Brooklyn apartment is sleek, simple and has just the right amount of Savannah-inspired Southern quirkiness.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 22, 2017
Before & After: A Flea Market Find Loses Some Paint & Finds Some Character
John spotted this coffee table at a flea market, and knew that even though it had seen better days, it was still a solid piece of furniture. Without a particular plan in mind, he decided to sand down the top and was handsomely rewarded for his curiousity! From John: I purchased this coffee table at a flea market about a year ago for $100. It came in this rustic, dry-brushed grey color. The hardware was outdated and dull. But the piece itself was solid and the drawers were pristine.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 22, 2017
Partner
Weekend Upgrade: Jenna’s Blah-to-Spa Shower Upgrade
With a full-time job, two kids, two huge dogs and a baby on the way, it’s an understatement to say that Jenna’s got a lot going on. She and her husband have renovated their home a little at a time. Their combination guest/kids’ bathroom isn’t bad, but it’s “tired,” to use Jenna’s words. As they prep for one more family member, the gray shower could use a colorful update, and a little tidying.
Creative Studio
Jun 22, 2017
Homebuyer Beware: Misleading Real Estate Photography Tricks
An online listing for a house is a lot like an online dating profile. You wouldn’t ever lie — better to set honest expectations — but you sure as hell are going to make your situation look as good as possible. That means flattering angles, ruthless editing and, yep, maybe a little Photoshop. If you’re browsing home listings to find your dream home, here are a few things to be wary of when it comes to real estate photography.
Sarah Landrum
Jun 21, 2017
A Chic French Apartment With a Vintage Vibe
Name: Clemence, her partner and their cat Location: Saint Mandé, France The basics: 3 years, rented | 45 square meters (485 square feet) Clemence’s apartment mixes clean lines with leafy plants, black and white with pops of yellow. She also makes the most of the space, dividing it into areas designated for work and play. Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: My boyfriend, my cat and I have lived in this apartment since 2014.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 21, 2017
How to Store Necklaces & Other Jewelry: 14 Creative Ideas
These creative ideas—some to buy, some to DIY—will look great stored away or on display for all your favorite pieces.
Melissa Epifano
Jun 21, 2017
Partner
Weekend Upgrade: Jenna’s Organized & Energized Bathroom Cabinets
Most people have too many products in the bathroom, but Jenna has a good excuse. Actually…two good excuses, with a third on the way. When you’re a parent, at some point your bathroom will be overtaken by baby shampoo, tub toys, and washcloths, combs, barrettes, and cutesy toothbrushes, lotions and ointments and Band-Aids in every color. The list goes on. As Jenna and her husband prep for the arrival of their third child, they need to find ways to maximize the space in their bathroom.
Creative Studio
Jun 21, 2017
Before & After: Putting Some Pretty on a Porch
Kayla and Kyle’s porch felt like a missed opportunity. Dark, outdated and very much not their style, they weren’t spending a ton of time out there. Kayla finally had enough and set out to punch up the porch, turning it into a perfect spot for relaxing or hosting. From Kayla: My husband, Kyle, and I moved into his childhood home almost three years ago when his parents moved to the country.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 21, 2017
How Long Should You Really Use Your Kitchen Sponge?
(Image credit: KPG Payless2) shutterstock From Kitchn → How Long Should You Use Your Kitchen Sponge? null
Apartment Therapy
Jun 21, 2017
A High-Contrast Color Combo Trend for the Bedroom
There’s a color combination I’ve been seeing pop up in bedroom after bedroom recently. From transitional to eclectic to bohemian style, it seems to be the kind of combo that works with any decor look. And considering one half of the pair is very popular (like, the most popular), it’s not surprising that the trend is starting to swing in this direction.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 21, 2017
Think NYC Real Estate is Scary? This City Might Be Worse
Lately, social media is abuzz with Toronto’s insane real estate offerings: undesirable homes (in serious need of renovation and lacking ordinary amenities) selling at unbelievably high prices. Properties lacking everything from parking spaces to proper bathrooms have been selling at double and triple the asking price—with no signs of the area’s inflated costs slowing down anytime soon.
Caroline Biggs
Jun 20, 2017
How Long Should You Really Use Your Kitchen Sponge?
(Image credit: KPG Payless2) shutterstock From Kitchn → How Long Should You Use Your Kitchen Sponge?
Apartment Therapy
Jun 20, 2017
Before & After: A Bathroom Suffering from “Green Fever” Gets a Makeover
That sure is some green, isn’t it? Anna, of Interiors by Popov, wanted to bring her client’s very verdant powder room into modern times with a sleek and sophisticated upgrade. She upgraded the room from top to bottom, without a hint of green. From Anna: The powder room we were called to tackle had a severe case of “green fever”. Emerald green floor, neon green walls and an outdated oak framed vanity were the original finishes from 1984.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 20, 2017
A Sunny 1,200-Square-Foot 2-Bedroom in a Former Brooklyn Church
If you have a love for older homes, but a desire for modern amenities this apartment could be the perfect compromise. This former church and school in a landmarked district of Brooklyn was converted to condos in 2005. Arrive home to a beautiful, historic brick exterior and then enjoy all the modern comforts of home.
Carrie McBride
Jun 20, 2017