Worn black wooden desk with two drawers on each side, set on a light wood floor.
Before & After: A $10 Desk Gets a Glam New Look
Anne-Claire was on a Craigslist hunt for the perfectly sized and perfectly priced desk for her daughter. After a few disappointments, she stumbled across this desk, which needed a little love but was otherwise exactly what she was looking for. The fixing up process took a little longer than Anne-Claire expected, but the final result was worth it. From Anne-Claire: Now that my daughter is growing up, I started to look for a small desk to replace her little child table.
Jan 25, 2017
Everything You Want (& Need) To Know Before Buying Furniture
Buying furniture can be intimidating, even if you know what you’re looking for in terms of style (if you don’t, that’s an entirely different mountain to climb.) For instance, how do you really know what you’re spending your valuable dollars on will last? What materials are best for wear-and-tear? What questions should you be asking a sales person before committing to a purchase? We turned to the pros (i.e.
Jan 24, 2017
Before & After: A Dark & Cramped Kitchen Transforms Into a “Happy Place”
Megan’s kitchen was dark, didn’t feel like her and was completely lacking storage. She decided to banish all the brown and open the space up to make it brighter and more functional. The result is a charming kitchen that was totally DIY! From Megan: Our ten year old kitchen (new to us) was dark, tiny and unattractive. Dust would settle on the eaves and required us to get on a ladder to clean them, which never happened. Our cabinets were very small and allowed for only minimal storage.
Jan 24, 2017
5 Handy Tips For Cleaning Up Breakfast
(Image credit: bikeriderlondon) shutterstock From Kitchn → 5 Things to Know About Cleaning Up Breakfast
Jan 24, 2017
Before & After: A Dark & Serene Bathroom
We got a glimpse of Ruth’s home in her House Call but her bathroom reno deserves some special attention. While the old bathroom was not horribly offensive aesthetically, it wasn’t fully functional (and a little stinky). After bumping the project up on her to-do list and getting to work, Ruth found herself with a darkly dramatic space that didn’t break the bank.
Jan 23, 2017
An Eclectic and Cozy Apartment
Name: Lisa Location: Graz, Austria We’ve lived in this apartment for two we love everything about it. The house was built around 1910, so there’s a lot of history in it. We have very high walls, folding doors and wooden floors, which makes the rooms bright and spacious, yet it’s really cozy. The apartment is rented and about 74 square meters/ 796 square feet with a nice balcony.
Jan 23, 2017
Coffee Brewing 101
(Image credit: Leela Cyd) From Kitchn → The Newbie Guide to Brewing a Better Cup of Coffee
Jan 23, 2017
Four Young Professionals Share a D.C. Row House
Name: Ricardo Location: Washington, D.C. With its Washingtonian charm, this lovely renovated row house became the perfect home to four young professionals living in one of the fastest growing and most vibrant cities in America. Like them and many millennials across the country, getting a start in the big city can sometimes be daunting, which may suggest that shared housing is the only affordable option.
Jan 20, 2017
Before and After: Nightstands Kickstart a Bedroom’s Bold Color Scheme
Each room in Lucas’ 495 square foot apartment in Argentina is designed around one color. When Lucas bought this pair of nightstands at an estate sale, they weren’t in their best condition. But, after some TLC and DIY, they not only got a fresh coat of paint and a bold color, they also became the inspiration for his bedroom’s color scheme.
Jan 20, 2017
8 Little Tricks to Change How You Dust
Jan 20, 2017
5 Things You Should Avoid Putting Down Your Drain or Disposal
(Image credit: Lauren Volo) From Kitchn → 5 Things You Really Shouldn’t Be Putting Down Your Drain
Jan 20, 2017
A Brief History of Breakfast
(Image credit: Kelli Foster) From Kitchn → How Breakfast Has Changed
Jan 19, 2017
A Philly Apartment Full of Plants, Lights and Color
Name: Breanne Location: South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania I live on the first floor of a two home building in the South Philadelphia Pennsport neighborhood. The front and back rooms of my home get hit with nice light, but that disappears in the center as the ceilings drop. Because of this I’ve filled my home with bright colors and an abundance of plants to make the vibrancy flow throughout.
Jan 18, 2017
5 Kitchen Essentials for an Easy Whole30
(Image credit: Susanna Hopler) From Kitchn → 5 Kitchen Tools That Make Whole30 Easier
Jan 18, 2017
Built from a Kit: A Brief History of Sears Catalog Homes
Once, I bought a bag of dirt on the internet. I continue to be amazed by the variety of things you can buy on Amazon, but long ago, in the pages of the Sears Catalog, Amazon’s predecessor, you could even buy a house. Between the years of 1908 and 1942, the Sears Roebuck company sold more than 70,000 of these Sears Catalog homes, which were built in locations all over the country.
Jan 18, 2017
Before & After: An Outdated Vacation Apartment Gets a New Look
Nina helped a family turn their vacation property kitchen from a claustrophobic and kitschy space into a fun and open gathering space. By removing the divider, adding some unexpected color along with classic elements, she breathed new life into the room. From Nina: The owners, a young family, wanted a vacation apartment (that they could also rent out), located in a town adjacent to a European ski area.
Jan 18, 2017
How to Fancy Up a Cake With Pipe Cleaners
(Image credit: Susanna Hopler) From Kitchn → Make DIY Cake Toppers with Pipe Cleaners
Jan 18, 2017
A Colorful Montreal Apartment with Plenty of Eye-Catching DIY Projects
Name: Diana Location: Mile End — Montreal, Quebec My partner and I rent a 900 square foot two bedroom apartment with traditional details in a 1903 heritage building in the heart of Montreal’s hip mile end. We love the juxtaposition of modern and colorful decor with traditional details like hardwood floors and wall moldings (very reminiscent of Parisian apartments). We also love the old school brass light fixtures and tall ceilings.
Jan 17, 2017
Inside the Designer’s Mind: Get to Know This Brooklyn-Based House Tour Contributor and Textile Designer Extraordinaire
Textiles are pretty powerful—they can completely transform a space by infusing freshness and interest wherever they’re applied. For uber-cool textile designer Nasozi Kakembo (who also happens to be one of our super talented House Tour contributors), it turns out they can be life-changing in other ways, too. Her array of handmade textiles from her xNasozi brand combine artistry with philanthropy in one fell swoop.
Jan 17, 2017
The Important Cleaning Task We All Skip (But Shouldn’t)
Considering all of the different cleaning sprays and solutions available on the market, we’re surprisingly trusting of the ones we bring home. That’s why the pros have always sworn by “spot-testing”—where you sample new products by testing them out on a small area to make sure they won’t cause any damage or discoloration.
Jan 17, 2017
Before & After: A Master Bedroom Goes from Blazingly Bold to Calm and Serene
Marti’s master bedroom makeover was a slow and steady labor of love. Her first move was to tackle the too-bright purple paint and choose a color that was a little more serene. After that, she mixed DIY projects with budget finds for a chic and calm bedroom. From Marti: We’ve lived in our house for a little over one year now, and our bedroom has come a long way. There was certainly nowhere to go but up!
Jan 17, 2017
Why is Mid-Century Modern Furniture So Damn Popular?
When I graduated from college in 2005, and began furnishing my first apartment, mid-century modern design was just beginning to capture the popular imagination. Twelve years later, the trend shows no signs of slowing down, and the very designers and tastemakers once responsible for its popularity are baffled. Why hasn’t the furniture-buying public moved on to something else? Steven Kurutz of The New York Times asks, “Why Won’t Mid-century Design Die?
Jan 17, 2017
10 Roommate Dealbreakers to Discuss Before You Sign Anything
Moving in with strangers can be a nerve-wracking experience, but sometimes a necessary one; you need people to split the rent with, after all, and you might not know anyone in town or have local friends who are also looking for a new place to live. You need to know, then, that the key to turning strangers-you-live-with into close friends (or at least amicable roommates) is simple communication.
Jan 17, 2017
A First-Time Home Buyer On: Deciding to Buy a House in Your Twenties
Anastassia Nelson recently purchased a 925 square foot 1920s bungalow in Tacoma, Washington, and spent a year renovating the house into a stylish cottage full of vintage finds. And Ana was only 25 when she became a homeowner. Are you impressed? I’m 33 (not a homeowner) and very impressed. Ana was kind of enough to answer some questions about how she bought a home while still in her twenties, from how to know when she was ready to how long it took to save up for a down payment.
Jan 16, 2017
A Colorful and Thrifted London Victorian
Name: Ruth Location: London, United Kingdom We absolutely love our new family home, having always lived in apartments it’s so lovely to have our own front door, garden and space to fill out. Our style is pretty colorful and eclectic, maybe bohemian modern. I love finding the right vintage items that have meaning to me and mixing them with more modern design in the home.
Jan 16, 2017
Meet Your New Favorite Kitchen Organizers
(Image credit: Amazon) From Kitchn → These Are the Most Stylish Kitchen Organizers We’ve Ever Seen
Jan 16, 2017
Bookcases in Bold, Surprising Colors
We love bookcases. We love color. Put them together and you have something even dreamier than the sum of its parts, worth looking at and lingering on for a long, long time. If you’re thinking about painting your bookshelves, you’ll find plenty to be inspired by in this collection of shelving in every color of the rainbow. Above: A set of gorgeous emerald green bookcases spotted on One Kings Lane.
Jan 16, 2017
A Trick to Stay on Task: Invite a Friend (or Ten) In
One of the most motivating things you can do, both for your cleaning and organizing efforts AND for your attitude and outlook, is to have people over now and then. Now don’t get all shy on me – you don’t have to turn into a Martha-level “Entertainer” (note the capital E) – this is simply about recognizing that you are someone who truly cares about their home.
Jan 16, 2017
Before & After: Perfecting a Pine Bathroom
Suyin’s bathroom was very, very ’70s. While the pampas/avocado fixtures, combined with the pine wood, gave the space a dated look, Suyin’s design acumen (plus some sanding and oiling) helped the pine jump into present day to help create a warm and modern space. From Suyin: When we bought our fixer-upper house in South West London, we knew that the bathroom would need to be the first room we tackled.
Jan 16, 2017
Partner
Rug + Sofa Smarts for Any Space
Whether you’re working with a huge living room or the nook of a studio, choosing the right way to situate your rug and your furniture can be tricky: too close and everything looks cramped; too spread out and the whole rhythm of the room is off. There are several strategies you can use to create a happy relationship between rug and sofa. Find the one that makes the most sense for your space and collection for a comfortable rug-to-sofa ratio.
Jan 16, 2017
6 Hobbies You Can Pick Up in Just 30 Days (and Kick Butt at Them)
You know that feeling when you’re on a first date or you’re meeting someone new and they ask you what your hobbies are? Unless you’re proudly dedicated to something like painting or playing a sport or an instrument, there’s this moment where you wonder “What are my hobbies?” as if you’ve suddenly forgotten all the things you like to do in your spare time. The good news is, you can change that.
Jan 15, 2017
Cleaning Secret Weapon: 6 Ways to Use Hydrogen Peroxide
You already know hydrogen peroxide comes in handy for cleaning up cuts and scrapes and even for whitening your teeth, but there’s a lot more to it than that—it’s also great to have on hand for cleaning your home. It’s inexpensive, you can find it at just about any pharmacy and grocery store, and it can do just about anything. From disinfecting toys and countertops to keeping your shower mold and mildew free, H2O2 has your back.
Jan 15, 2017
Inside the Designer’s Mind: Hand Drawn Insights from a Graphic Artist
Getting a peek into the creative surroundings of one of your favorite artists is a special treat. Here, we were lucky enough to get a glimpse into the world of Renee Griffith of the naturally thoughtful paper goods brand Heartswell.
Jan 15, 2017
A Calm, Pacific Northwest-Inspired Seattle Home
Name: Jason Location: Fremont — Seattle, Washington I live in a three-story, 1520-square foot town home in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. I bought the house a little over two years ago after leaving Washington, DC to start a new job at Amazon. I fell in love with the house right away. Built in 2009, it was one of the first LEED Platinum developments in Seattle, complete with a rainwater recycling system and other green building elements.
Jan 13, 2017
A Realistic Kitchen Refresh: The Inside/Out Cleaning Plan
Happy Friday! Weekends on the Cure mean two things – that it’s time to pick yourself up some new flowers and that you have three days to complete your assignment. So, armed with lovely blooms, you have some extra time to tackle this weekend’s focus room, the kitchen. Now, before you run away screaming, just hear me out. The goal is to get your kitchen to a cleaner, better state by Sunday night, while not burning out on the overall Cure on your way there.
Jan 13, 2017
If You’ve Ever Dreamed of Owning a Dreamy Boutique Hotel, Read This
Tucked away in the gated Ocean Park community in San Juan, The Dreamcatcher guesthouse features nine unique rooms and three suites, each one featuring its own distinct style. And though The Dreamcatcher became a beautiful space organically, co-owners Sylvia and Stephan put in countless hours and hard work, as most major renovation projects require.
Jan 13, 2017
5 Ways to Organize a Desk Without Drawers
In a small space, it’s hard enough to find room for a desk, let alone a big desk with drawers and tons of storage space. The good news is, you don’t need a cabinet full of drawers attached to your desk to store all your things—just use the space you do have to your advantage. These tips and tricks can help you make the most of your desk, drawers not included. 7 Ways to Organize a Bathroom Without a Medicine Cabinet or Drawers 9 Ways to Organize a Kitchen Without Many (or Any!
Jan 13, 2017
A Wonderfully Welcoming First “Real Adult Place” in Brooklyn
Name: Gillie Location: Prospect Park South — Brooklyn, New York When I first viewed my one bedroom close to the park, it was in total shambles. Under rennovation for the first time in (I assume) years, the previously lime green walls were half painted, the wood floors were scuffed beyond recognition, and then kitchen was a vacant construction area.
Jan 12, 2017
All You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Coffee Stains
(Image credit: Gillian Vann/Stocksy) From Kitchn → 5 Things to Know About Coffee Stains
Jan 12, 2017
Instantly Cozier: 9 Ways to Warm Up Your Winter Lighting
If the long, dark winter days have got you down, it may be time to warm up your home’s lighting. While adjusting your lighting may not be something you think about on a daily basis, you’ll be surprised how much adding an extra table lamp or switching lightbulbs can alter the mood of a room. Don’t believe it? Take the challenge: Try one of these nine lighting tips, and we’re willing to bet you’ll find the results to be illuminating. Nothing screams “dorm!
Jan 12, 2017
Incredible Little Things You Can Do To Show Friends You Love Them
It’s always amazing when a pal goes out of her way to show you that she’s thinking of you, so here are some ideas on how to spread those fuzzy feels yourself. If you have a Thelma to your Louise, text her just as you’re turning off your alarm clock, or live for those happy hours you have after work, then show her just how much you care!
Jan 12, 2017
Before & After: A Bold Fireplace Brightens Up a Living Room
Danielle added style and interest to her living room with a few simple and small touches: replacing the curtains, adding some light fixtures, and slapping on a new coat of paint. And then she made a big change, adding color and interest to the space in a major way. From Danielle: When we first moved into our family home, the living room was covered in brown and beige from floor to ceiling.
Jan 12, 2017
What It’s Like Having a Mom Who’s an Interior Decorator
Colie and her husband immensely enjoy their 781 square foot Minneapolis apartment, thanks in no small part to the well-designed, cohesive and comfortable space Colie has crafted. The decorating skill just might be genetic because Colie’s mother, Nancy Sieve, is an interior decorator. After we published the tour, I asked Colie a few questions about what it was like growing up with a mom with a knack for design.
Jan 12, 2017
Why You Should (Always) Have a Separate Savings Account for Your Down Payment
Saving up money for a down payment is no easy feat—but a separate savings account can help.
Jan 11, 2017
A Family Home Full of “Classic Modern” Design
Name: Matt Location: Belleville, Illinois Our home was designed by mid-century modernist architect Charles King in the St. Louis suburb of Belleville, Illinois in 1957. It was commissioned by a family that owned several car dealerships in the area. We bought it eight years ago from their daughter and have tried our best to tastefully update it to accommodate our needs as a family but preserve the history without being too much of a time capsule.
Jan 11, 2017
#4: FLEKKE Daybed
IKEA says: The FLEKKE daybed is four functions in one: seating, single bed, bed for two, and two big drawers for storage. The backrest mounts on the right or the left side of the daybed. Real wood veneer will make this bed age gracefully. What We Predict: Buyers will find countless ways to make this daybed more custom, not to mention comfortable. DIYers will capitalize on the built-in storage and make it even more functional for small spaces.
Jan 11, 2017
Before & After: A Bright & Airy Kitchen Renovation
Lindsay and her family moved into a wonderful new space in a neighborhood they loved. But there was one snafu: the old and outdated kitchen. Lindsay has a food blog so a clunky kitchen just wouldn’t do. They gutted the entire thing and started from scratch, and the results are a fun and functional space that’s perfect for family life and blog life. From Lindsay: The biggest change we made was to the location of the sink and the removal of the existing island.
Jan 11, 2017
Partner
4 Strategies to Perfect Your Rug Game
Whether you’re working with a huge living room or the nook of a studio, choosing the right way to situate your rug and your furniture can be tricky: too close and everything looks cramped; too spread out and the whole rhythm of the room is off. There are several strategies you can use to create a happy relationship between rug and sofa. Find the one that makes the most sense for your space and collection for a comfortable rug-to-sofa ratio.
Jan 11, 2017