A Charming Old Portland House Is Now a Natural History-Infused Tattoo Parlor
Name: Alice Kendall Location: Wonderland Tattoo, SE Portland, Oregon Size: 1,300 square feet Years lived in: 5 months, renting Alice Kendall is one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in Portland. She opened her shop Wonderland in 2013, and quickly established her ranking as a top artist in one of the nation’s most inked cities.
Dec 31, 2018
7 Beautiful Wintry Color Palettes We Can’t Get Enough Of
I love color and really think any shades can work year-round in your home if you’re a big enough fan of them. And sure, colors are seasonal—white feels like summer, pastels read as springy, and darker shades are always going to be more autumnal or appropriate for winter. But the magic is really in the mix. Most shades can go either way, depending on what you pair them with.
Dec 31, 2018
How I Bought a Modern Bungalow on a Writer’s Budget
I’ve dreamed of owning my own home for as long as I can remember. Looking at real estate listings is a hobby for me, and house-hunting shows make me blissfully happy. In reality, though? Buying a home just didn’t seem possible as a single woman in my 30s with a fluctuating income. But then again, I like a challenge. And I’ve always admired this quote from Alice in Wonderland: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Dec 31, 2018
A Home Decorated to Feel Like the Weekend Every Day
Name: Liz Martin Location: Charleston, South Carolina Size: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, owned Charleston blogger and shop owner Liz Martin has a simple mission: to make every day feel like the weekend. And according to Liz, it starts at home. “It’s about being surrounded by little things that make you smile,” she says. “[things like] fresh flowers, glorious candles, and fun decor.
Dec 31, 2018
8 of the Best Maximalist Home Buys You Can Find on Amazon
2019 is officially upon us and it’s bringing a whole new slew of home decor trends with it. According to our friends at Etsy, the ultra-minimalist look is on its way out and maximalist decor items—a.k.a. clashing patterns, bright colors, and bold prints—will be taking over our homes instead. So to kickstart your design endeavors for the new year, we rounded up some maximalist-inspired home goods you can order on Amazon.
Dec 31, 2018
5 Books Celebs Couldn’t Put Down in 2018
Need help deciding what to read next? Take a cue from these famous bookworms. Field is also a fan of the dispatches from the Dublin Murder Squad, and although French’s latest novel doesn’t involve the usual crew, it remains thrilling and addictive. Told instead from the perspective of a victim, Toby, instead of an investigator, “The Witch Elm” is a “mindboggling, page-turning, who-done-it where the crime keeps changing,” says Field.
Dec 31, 2018
Need Some Breathing Room at Home? These Design Tricks Can Help
We need to talk about your clutter. No, not the dirty dishes in your sink or your unmade bed (that’s a mess); we’re talking about the loose papers on the kitchen counter, the knick-knacks taking over your bookshelf, and all those storage bins occupying important floor space. You know, clutter. Turns out, your clutter can do a lot more than cramp your space’s style. Research shows cluttered areas can make it difficult to focus. Ugh.
Dec 31, 2018
This Mountain Retreat Was Built to Escape from Urban Life
When the typical city dweller yearns for a break from the traffic, crowds, noise, and light pollution, some of the most immediate forms of relief can come by hopping on a quick flight to a remote, quiet destination, or packing up the car for a weekend road trip. But when California couple Jeff Waldman and Molly Fiffer faced this familiar conundrum, they decided on a more permanent solution.
Dec 31, 2018
A North Portland Rental Is Bohemian, Eclectic, and Filled with Plants
Name: Jordan Jones, my boyfriend, and our Maine Coon Cat, Thor Location: Portland, Oregon Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I’m a fashion blogger, barista, and hairstylist and I live in a one-bedroom apartment in North Portland with my partner Grant Thomas and our 20-pound Maine Coon cat named Thor. Grant and I met on Tinder three years ago back in San Diego, California, which is where we used to live.
Dec 31, 2018
The 10 Best New Organizing Hacks We Learned in 2018
This year we discovered that it’s quite possible to make something out of nothing. This knowledge comes with a lot of power: It’s helped us be less wasteful, plus keep our homes spotless. Here are some of the best—and most useful—organizing hacks we learned. If your junk drawer is a disaster (whose isn’t?!), cupcake liners make a decent home for paper clips, thumbtacks, coins, and other small items.
Dec 31, 2018
10 Celebs Share The Books You Should Add To Your 2019 Reading List
For many, a new year means a new reading list that you’re determined to get through in 365 days. To help you with your 2019 goals, some of our favorite celebrities shared what they read this past year—giving you an inside look as to what you should stack on your nightstand next. Regardless of whether they like eBooks or the real deal, almost all the well-known personalities we’ve spoken with are burying themselves in a good read.
Dec 30, 2018
13 of the Most Vibrant, Colorful Homes of the Year
Full of boldly colored walls, fun furniture, and vibrant accessories, these 13 homes are bursting with vivid hues in bold ways. They just might inspire you to do some painting in the new year. This home is practically a playground of color and pattern, spearheaded by a budding interior designer. DIY projects abound in this beautifully modern home, but what caught my eye the most was the inventive use of color.
Dec 30, 2018
Inside a 160 Square-Foot, Off-the-Grid Cabin With A Minimalist Vibe
For getaway seekers eyeing remote accommodations of the more sophisticated variety, Virginia design studio GreenSpur has come through marvelously with the Lost Whiskey Cabin. This particular accommodation is a beautiful example of the cottage’s natural aesthetic meshing perfectly with a pared down, industrial style. The 160-square-foot, solar-powered domicile sits just an hour outside of Washington, D.C.
Dec 30, 2018
5 Great Places in the U.S. to Live in a Tiny House
These five places in the United States are especially noteworthy when it comes to being tiny home-friendly.
Dec 30, 2018
How to Say “Cheers” in 13 Different Languages
While stateside we like to ring in the New Year with champagne and a congenial "cheers," different cultures around the world have their own distinct celebratory toasts.
Dec 30, 2018
I Keep My Holiday Lights Up All Year Long—Here’s Why You Should, Too
I wish I could tell you about the first time I realized that holiday lights look great as year-round interior decor, but I don’t remember a specific incident that acted as a catalyst here. Perhaps—in fact, most likely—it was when I was still in high school, living with my parents in the woods of Appalachia. Without much to do as a byproduct of living in a remote place and being a teenager, my bedroom became my sanctuary, just as it is for other teenagers across the world.
Dec 30, 2018
8 Great Sources for Buying Authentic Turkish and Moroccan Rugs on Etsy
When I was in Morocco earlier this month, my favorite thing to do was to get lost in the rug souks. Carpets spilled out the doors and were stacked in technicolor columns, catching the eye with their orange and gold patterns, their peach and juniper shades, their traditional prints and busy weaves. My fingers itched to buy 12 on the spot and worry about how to fit them into my suitcase after—I wanted every inch of my house covered in these rugs.
Dec 30, 2018
A Sacramento Home Is “Bright, Eclectic, and Slightly Chewed-Upon”
Name: Sarah Huchel Location: East Sacramento neighborhood — Sacramento, California Size: 1,020 square feet Years lived in: 8 years, owned I was looking for a home to buy for over a year, and I completely lucked out with this place. Not only is the neighborhood geographically amazing (I commute to work and can do nearly all my errands by bike!), the neighbors are fantastic (one of my best friends ended up buying a house three doors down), and my sewer line has not yet collapsed.
Dec 30, 2018
12 Inspiring Tiny House Interiors – How to Decorate a Tiny Home
Tiny houses with tons of ideas you can steal for your space, big or small.
Dec 30, 2018
10 of the Best Decluttering Tips and Tricks from 2018
Sometimes all you need to declutter your space is a new frame of mind. Sounds easier said than done? Not so fast. Take a look at some of the best lessons we learned this year about how to live with less. You need to purge, but you might need that gigantic waffle maker at some point. Stop playing that game; you’ll never get the job done. Find out how washi tape can help: A Brilliant, Regret-Free Way You Can Use Tape to Declutter Your Kitchen. A marathon cleaning sesh only leads to fatigue.
Dec 30, 2018
The One Home Decor Trend I Hope Stays in 2018
Well, the end of the year is upon us, and it’s time to look forward to what 2019 has to offer in terms of style and design. But I also think it’s fun to reflect on the past and think about what trends might be running their course. What I’m about to say might be a little polarizing, especially if you live in a rental and can’t really do much about your surroundings. But the one trend I hope stays in 2018 is: Bright white painted walls.
Dec 30, 2018
One Clutter-y Thing You Should Pack Away with Your Decorations
For those of us with limited kitchen space (or a penchant for minimalism), designer and blogger Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha has a genius tip: When it’s time to put away holiday decorations, pack your specialty cooking supplies with them. The premise: Why take up valuable real estate in your home with cookware and gadgets that only get used twice a year, at best?
Dec 30, 2018
The Smartest Studio Apartment Layouts We Saw in 2018
Our homes have to host many different functions for our lives, from sleeping to cooking to lounging to working, and even sometimes entertaining. It’s hard enough living in a small home, but when that home is literally only one room? It can be tough to relax when you can see every inch of your home from your bed. But some of the most popular studio apartment tours this year showed you don’t have to let the lack of walls dampen your home or living style.
Dec 29, 2018
Dog Owners Take More Pictures of Their Pet Than Their Significant Other
If you were to hand someone your phone right now, what would the camera roll look like? A few snaps from recent date nights, a couple pictures of your loved ones, and roughly 500 photos of your pet, right? You just can’t help yourself, they fell asleep in the cutest position and you had to snap a couple (50) pictures of them! Don’t be ashamed, every pet owner has been there. Chances are, if you are a dog lover, your camera roll is just photo shoot after photo shoot of your pet.
Dec 29, 2018
The Best Colors to Make Your Small Space Feel Bigger
A room-by-room guide to making the most of your space.
Dec 29, 2018
10 Secrets from Home Cooks for Starting a Food Budget You Can Stick To
Financial wizards will tell you that there’s no time like the present to reign in your spending and get a grip on your budget—but it’s their job to say that! Setting a food budget (that you can stick to) isn’t exactly a cake walk. In fact, it’s kinda the opposite. To help you get on the right track, we asked 10 (super-relatable) home cooks for their best realistic food budgeting advice that you can implement right now.
Dec 29, 2018
9 of the Most Underrated Items at Home Depot, According to Long-Time Renters
Think Home Depot is just for suburbanites working on DIY projects or shopping for a washer/dryer? Ask long-time urbanites-who-rent and they’ll tell you that there are so many gems in this big-box store. In fact, many of the things you’d order from Amazon or pick up at Target for your place can be found at Home Depot—and with a better selection (and sometimes better prices).
Dec 29, 2018
You Can Finally Proclaim Your Love of Rosé with This Giant Pillow From Urban Outfitters
We don’t care if we get called “basic” for saying this, but we love rosé! Sure, it might seem like a summer drink, but every rosé lover knows that it can be enjoyed year-round. If you’re a huge lover of rosé, chances are your friends already know that it is your go-to drink of choice. But, now, you can really advertise your passion for rosé in your home, thanks to Urban Outfitters. One of our favorite brands now sells one of our favorite drinks.
Dec 29, 2018
The Best Things You Can Do for a Blank, Forgotten Corner
We all have that one corner we have no idea what to do with. It’s too small for a piece of furniture, but too big for a small accent piece. And sure, it’s only a tiny sliver of emptiness, but in a room that’s otherwise decorated, it sticks out like a missing tooth. Here are some ideas that you can buy or DIY to make it feel a little less bare. A cool, antique ladder can be an awesome garage sale find.
Dec 29, 2018
20 Beautiful Blue Bedrooms to Inspire Your Next Refresh
We love how these 15 rooms feature various shades of this versatile hue.
Dec 29, 2018
7 Actually Stylish Wall Calendars to Hang in 2019
Where has the year gone? It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the hot summer sun, but now we’re bundled up in winter clothes and gearing up for a new year. But there are a couple things to do before we ring in 2019. We have to set our (and our home’s) New Year’s resolutions, for starters. But we also have to buy a calendar for the 12 months ahead. We know what you’re thinking: “A calendar?
Dec 29, 2018
A Small Denver Apartment Is a Latin American-Inspired Boho Sanctuary
Name: Maria Cronin and my cat Frida Location: Cheesman Park neighborhood — Denver, Colorado Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting I love that I smile when I walk in my apartment and throw down my work bag. My cat Frida (yes named after Frida Kahlo) awaits me while lounging on my favorite Peruvian throw blanket. I put a lot of thought into my home aesthetic. The inspiration behind my feminine meets eclectic vibe comes from my travels, my mother, fashion, and art.
Dec 29, 2018
Women Sleep More Peacefully Next to Their Dog, Not Their Significant Other
There are some things about sleeping that seem to just be a fact. You sleep better in your own bed, totally true, right? Flipping your pillow to the other side will instantly cool you off and lull you back to sleep? Also true! Sleeping with your dog next to you, instead of your partner, will give you a better night sleep? That is also, apparently, true. Are you one of the many dog owners who has been saying this for years?
Dec 29, 2018
3 Brilliant (and Free!) Hacks for Storing Christmas Decorations
You don't need to spend a cent on Christmas organizers—just try these clever up-cycled ideas.
Dec 29, 2018
Here’s What to Do If an Amazon Package Arrived Too Late for Christmas
Now that holiday shopping is phasing out, many people are wondering the whereabouts of a purchase that’s yet to arrive. If you’re like me, you shopped last minute via Amazon because, who doesn’t love two-day shipping? But sometimes they online retailer doesn’t deliver—literally. Thankfully, the team at Offers offered (no pun intended) a guide detailing what to do if your Amazon Prime order arrived too late for Christmas.
Dec 28, 2018
This Artist’s Home For Sale Comes With All the Sculptures
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home that belongs to multimedia artist Michael Jude Russo is proof that the concept of becoming one with nature isn’t just an overused cliché. The art-filled abode sits slightly north of Fort Lauderdale in Wilton Manors and is currently on the market for $1.2 million. Included in the sale are the hundreds of artwork and sculptures displayed in the home, the gardens, and the two-story studio.
Dec 28, 2018
A Vintage Furniture Collector’s Thrifted Home
Name: Kelly Wheeler and three kids Location: Darien, Illinois Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned I bought my home six years ago and live here with my three kids, Jack, Brice, and Ireland. The home is a split-level that was built in the ’80s and when I moved in, it had wall-to-wall carpet and white walls. It was very dark and generic but I loved that it had lots of windows and space.
Dec 28, 2018
Is It Cheaper to Live in the City or the Suburbs?
Is it cheaper to be a city dweller or a suburbanite? When it comes to real estate, the obvious answer is that, yes, it’s probably much cheaper to buy a home or rent in the suburbs. (Thank you, next!) But, wait just a second! When you start factoring in other costs of living, or you hone in on some housing markets, you may be surprised to find that in some cases, living in the ‘burbs can be more expensive than city life.
Dec 28, 2018
These Bathrooms Make the Case for Matching Your Wall Tiles to Your Floor Tiles
There is nothing quite as luxurious as a stylish bathroom, but sometimes it’s hard to design the small space in a way that makes your eyes pop while simultaneously leaving a lasting impression. There are an infinite number of light fixtures and shower curtains you can choose from, but one way to take your bathroom up a design level is to match your wall tiles to your floor tiles. Does it sound intense? Sure, but have faith and hear me out.
Dec 28, 2018
Check Out the Floor Plans of 7 Famous Movie Hotel Rooms
There are movie fans and then there are movie fans, you know? For some true cinephiles, simply watching their favorite movie over and over again until they have the entire thing memorized and confuse its fictional characters for real people is not enough (not like I’ve ever done that with “Sleepless in Seattle” or anything, nothing to see here!). No, some true movie fans crave a more immersive experience. Standing where the characters in their favorite films stood.
Dec 28, 2018
7 Surprising Ways to Use This Super-Common $8 Buy
Keeping small stuff organized is never easy, and unfortunately, doing it on a budget can be even harder. Luckily, we found a clever buy that can help you corral all sorts of items around your home—that should only set you back about eight bucks. What could this wonderful mystery product be you ask? Glasses cases, just like this set of two for just $8 on Amazon!
Dec 28, 2018
An Actor And Writer’s Small, Maximalist L.A. Home
Name: Justin Elizabeth Sayre Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 4 years Born in Pennsylvania, writer, performer, and comedian Justin Elizabeth Sayre made a name for himself in the downtown New York cabaret scene paying homage to cultural icons like Judy Garland, Cher, and Elizabeth Taylor (hence his middle name).
Dec 28, 2018
9 Clever Ways to Upgrade Your Laundry Room for Cheap
Unless you are an alien who is fascinated by the fact that humans secrete unsavory odors and deposit them onto their clothing, you probably don’t enjoy doing laundry. If you need motivation to get through all those whites and darks, we’ve got nine very affordable ways to spruce up your laundry room and make it an inspiring place you actually want to be in. Laundry rooms rival doctors offices in terms of sterility.
Dec 28, 2018
The $13 Amazon Buy That Solves Every Renter's Biggest Winter Problem
Keeping your rental warm throughout the season can be a challenge when you're at the whim of your building's management.
Dec 28, 2018
Get the Look: The ‘Sabrina’ Reboot’s Granny Chic-Gone-Spooky Style
The latest victim of the reboot craze is Sabrina Spellman. Our once fun-loving teenage witch has been reborn as a darker, edgier version of herself and I, for one, could not be more thrilled that the ’90s suburban, pastel floral TV sitcom house was laid to rest. The new Spellman Mortuary is granny chic-gone-spooky. It’s chock-full of vintage (well I guess it isn’t vintage if you’re hundreds of years old and you bought it when it was new…) and fabulous treasures.
Dec 28, 2018
Before and After: These Kitchen Cabinets Got An Unexpected Paint Job
While this kitchen was quite tasteful and full of quality finishes, it didn’t fit in at all in the rest of the colorful, relaxed, free-spirited home. With just $80—and plenty of hard work—its owner gave it a fresh, fun new look. Here’s a little more information about the kitchen and the home, and what led to this undertaking: My kitchen was very dark and traditional before. Our cabinets were a dark cherry wood.
Dec 28, 2018
Anthro’s Sale Section Is 40% Off–Here’s Best Stuff For When You Never Want To Leave Your House Again After The Holidays
Are you ready to curl up in your bed and nail your door shut until spring after all the holiday merrymaking? Why not do it in a little bit of style? Anthropologie is making that easier – they’re offering an astounding 40% off all sale items. (This is especially good since their “sale on sale” deals usually caps out at 30%.) Here are some of our favorite pieces for snuggling up in by yourself while you recover from too much family time, eggnog, or both.
Dec 28, 2018
5 Places Where You Can Sell Gift Cards (Online and In Person)
Have you ever received a gift card you know you’ll never use? Your gifter probably had the best intentions, but there’s no worse feeling than this unuseful, plastic currency gathering dust in your wallet (especially when it’s time to pay rent). Whether you need the actual cash more than the gift card or you just don’t shop at the store, don’t fret just yet: You have options. Need cash now? Your best bet might be an instant, in-person option.
Dec 28, 2018