The Latest: Mar 2018

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These Stores Are Closed On Easter Sunday

Sunday is both Easter and April Fools Day (this also serves as your reminder not to believe anything you see on the internet this weekend). So before you plan your weekend shopping, be sure to check that stores will be open. We’ve rounded up a short list of national retailers that are closed for the holiday. Yes, you’ll have to bulk up some other time. Costco observes the Easter holiday. Yep, this Walmart-owned warehouse store is also closed.

Tara Bellucci

Mar 31, 2018

Catch Unobstructed Views of the Aurora Borealis in This Icelandic Glass Hotel

Apparently, catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis isn’t the easiest exploratory feat to check off your travel bucket list. But one surefire way of increasing the odds of witnessing the shimmery cosmic phenomenon up close and in person is to spend a few nights in the Panorama Glass Lodge, a family-owned seaside retreat in Iceland that grants guests full access to remote relaxation and plenty of aurora-viewing opportunities throughout the duration of their stay.

Kenya Foy

Mar 31, 2018

Climb Aboard This Custom Tiny House For Maximum Fitness in 250 SF

If spending more time on self-care, being active, and being outdoors is headlining your life goals right now, then you’re going to love this tiny home that fits mountains of fitness-loving amenities into a mere 250 square feet.

Melissa Massello

Mar 31, 2018

Rubber Duckies Are Not The One (If You Hate Bacteria)

Every once in a while we come across disappointing bits of information about some of our childhood favorites. I’m sorry to say, today is one of those days. According to TIME, a study published in the journal Biofilms and Microbiomes showed that the rubber duckies that have kept kiddos entertained during bath time for generations hoard “potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Tyra Wilkes

Mar 31, 2018

We Asked Kate Walsh About Her Candle Line & How She Relaxes At Home

You might know Kate Walsh from her roles on Shondaland series staples Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, but did you know she has her own fragrance line? Called Boyfriend, the scent has recently expanded to candles, and we chatted with the star about her home projects, embracing coziness, and how she prefers to relax. This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Tara Bellucci

Mar 31, 2018

Smart Tips For Downsizing We Learned From Schitt’s Creek

Anyone who has downsized before knows that the process can be daunting. What do you keep and what no longer fits into your life? How do you make your smaller home function as you need it? Will you ever feel comfortable again? And if you’re downsizing because all of your assets have been repossessed by the government since your business manager never filed your taxes and ran off with your money, well, that can make the process even more difficult.

Maggie Fremont

Mar 31, 2018

You Can Stop Answering Work Emails After Hours If This Bill Passes

Great news for the overworked people in New York City — you may finally be legally free from taking the office home. On March 22nd, Brooklyn city council member Rafael Espinal proposed the “Disconnect From Work” bill. The bill would make it illegal for businesses to contact employees via email or instant messenger after work hours (with an exception for those with unconventional circumstances, such as on-call employees).

Tyra Wilkes

Mar 30, 2018

Count Your Blessings, This Converted Dutch Church is on the Market

Judging by some of the most creatively upcycled properties on the market, the prospect of going to church and staying there has become increasingly popular. Following in the footsteps of several former houses of worship that are now stylish homes, this converted church on the outskirts of Amsterdam is up for sale, and much like its similarly renovated counterparts, the residence is absolutely fabulous. The two-story Dutch dwelling is located at Singelstraat 26 in Muiden.

Kenya Foy

Mar 30, 2018

Here’s Just How Much Millennials Spend on Rent

Sorry in advance: I’m about to use the word millennial a whole bunch. Our good researchin’ pals over at RentCafe set out to see if the often talked about phenomena of millennials spending a crazy amount of their income on rent is true. By analyzing census data they found that we (hi, old millennial here) weren’t just crying crocodile tears into our avocado toast (har har har)— millennials are paying significantly more in rent than boomers were at their age.

Nora Taylor

Mar 30, 2018

This Double Shipping Container Home Is A Stargazer’s Dream

Sitting on twelve acres of pristine Western prairie, this upcycled tiny house is really two salvaged shipping containers — combining one Montana architect’s wanderlust, sustainable vision, and homesickness into a modern Western retreat that he calls a “stargazer’s dream.

Melissa Massello

Mar 30, 2018

Half of Americans Would at Least Consider a Tiny House, New Study Reports

Like Honeycomb cereal, America’s big, yeah yeah yeah. (It’s not small, no no no.) But a new survey shows that maybe we’re finally ready to embrace smaller living — or at least the idea of it. More than half of Americans (53%) polled by the National Association of Home Builders said they were at least willing to consider living in a tiny home, defined as less than 600 square feet.

Jon Gorey

Mar 30, 2018

Partner

How to Make One Small Room Perform Double Duty

Forget interior design pros and forget interior design shows, because nothing can help you prepare for living in a small space like playing Tetris. If you spent your formative years trying to organize an increasingly frantic number of squares, rectangles and…whatever that Z-shaped thing was, then you’re ready to figure out how to arrange your life within the walls of a small home.

Creative Studio

Mar 30, 2018

Questions We All Have: Why Are Candles So Expensive?

Whether you’re unwinding after a long day at work or gearing up for a romantic night in, very few things can set the mood like lighting some candles. “It’s an easy and cost-effective way to transform your environment into something special,” says David Seth Moltz, co-founder of fragrance and candle company D.S. & Durga. In 2015, the U.S. retail sales of candles—not including accessories like hurricanes, matchboxes, and wick trimmers—were an estimated $3.

Kelsey Mulvey

Mar 30, 2018

A Bright, Art-Filled NYC Apartment Boasts Wild Wallpaper

Name: Cory Everett, Dina Sankari Everett, and son Julian Location: Gramercy — New York City Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned After living for 10 years in a 375-square-foot studio on the Lower East Side, we finally decided it was time to move to a bigger space (which was any space with more than one room).

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 30, 2018

This New Glass ‘Sled Hotel’ Will Take You to Directly to the Northern Lights

Finland was ranked the happiest country in the world this year, and no wonder! First there’s Kalsarikannit, the fine Finnish art of drinking alone at home in your underwear, and now there’s this extremely cool hotel situation. You can now take in the awe-inspiring majesty of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own tiny hotel room.

Nora Taylor

Mar 29, 2018

4 Tricks for a Lively Table Convo (That’ll Keep Everyone Off Their Phones)

When my in-laws came over for Thanksgiving, we had a wonderful time together. Nothing like a visit from grandparents and three fun uncles to keep the kids happy and entertained while I prepared our feast. I was surprised, then, when our ’round-the-table conversation was devoid of the effervescent conversation I’m used to with my own (Italian) side of the family. I became acutely aware of the silence and then the inordinately loud sound of forks tinkling on plates.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 29, 2018

Marc Maron’s Los Angeles Home (and Famous Podcasting Garage) Hit the Market for $749K

If you consider yourself a fan of comedy, no doubt the garage turned recording studio of this cozy Spanish-style bungalow tucked into the hills of Highland Park will be as familiar to you as the back of your hand. And WTF, it could actually now be yours.

Melissa Massello

Mar 29, 2018

The Genius Storage Idea We’re Stealing From Glossier’s New San Francisco Pop-Up

Great ideas are often hiding in plain sight, in places you don’t expect to find them. Take cult beauty purveyor Glossier’s pop-up at Rhea’s Cafe in San Francisco. If you follow the brand on Instagram, you’ve likely seen photos of the blush-and-green restaurant takeover. While some might be smitten by the retro-mod styling vibes or the rows of cosmetics and skincare, there’s something else of note we’re borrowing for our own vanity. Let’s take a look.

Arlyn Hernandez

Mar 29, 2018

Bland Bathroom Got You Down? 10 Super Stylish Picks to Get Excited About

Obviously, there are set number of standard fixtures that you’ll find in your bathroom—you’ve got your toilet, your sink, faucets, and shower-slash-tub (if it’s not a powder room)—but when you’re not in control of what those look like (say, you’re a renter or not in any place financially to undergo a renovation), it might feel like your design destiny is bleak.

Cara Gibbs

Mar 29, 2018

Real Estate Rom Com: Maine Edition

Earlier this month I saw a property for sale that was so swoon-worthy I wrote a rom com about it. Not to be outdone, Sotheby’s International Realty posted this gorgeous Maine estate and once again I’ve found myself with a property muse of the highest caliber. Morning- EXT. Islesboro, Maine. RECENTLY DIVORCED WOMAN IN HER EARLY FIFTIES is sipping a cup of coffee on the porch of her new property.

Nora Taylor

Mar 29, 2018

Before and After: This Dining Room Got a Dramatic Makeover

This dining room—with its hardwood floors, elegant molding, fantastic ceiling medallion, nice wall color, and tons of windows—is more enviable than pretty much any room I’ve ever rented, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved upon. Ooh, it’s so fancy now! The new removable wallpaper is absolutely perfect with the wall paint and it adds a ton of graphic interest while still reflecting lots of light.

Tess Wilson

Mar 29, 2018

This Tiny House Has a Bedroom You’d Actually Want to Wake Up In

Tiny houses are charming, and a great way to simplify and streamline your life—but the tradeoff, for many tiny house designs, is having to struggle up a ladder at night to reach your tiny peaked loft bedroom. Forget where you are in the morning, and you may just whack your head on the tiny adorable roof of your tiny adorable home. But the Escher, a creation of New Frontier Tiny Homes, takes a different approach: it has a bedroom you’d actually want to wake up in.

Nancy Mitchell

Mar 29, 2018

Partner

5 Ways Pet Owners Can Keep Their Spaces Looking Stylish

If you own a pet, you know the issue: How can I have all the cuddles in the world without my home feeling like a kennel? Pets add a lot of little challenges to good housekeeping, but they’re undeniably worth it, fur balls and all. Fortunately, we have some smart solutions to help you keep your space clean and your design fresh. Because no one should sacrifice snuggles for style. Not every aspect of pet ownership is ready for Instagram (we’re looking at you, gross chew toys).

Creative Studio

Mar 29, 2018

6 Super Stylish People on How They Set a Modern Passover Seder Table

The Passover Seder is one of the most important meals that Jewish people eat all year, and there is no arguing that the symbolism and ritual associated with the dinner is far more meaningful than the décor. That said, given that family and friends use the first two nights of the eight-day holiday to gather around the table, it would be nice if that table looked beautiful.

Samantha Zabell

Mar 29, 2018

Dusting Isn’t Futile, You’re Just Not Doing It Right—Here are Some Dos and Don’ts

Dust, as we somewhat euphemistically know it, is a pretty disturbing amalgamation of pet dander, dirt, soot, hair, pollen, dust mite feces, and other tiny particles that get in our breathing zones and relentlessly coat every surface in our homes. Probably because dust is so pervasive, dusting is one of our most dreaded—and, therefore, often most neglected—chores. Here are some dos and don’ts that should take some sting out of the task.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 29, 2018

This Montana Cabin is Built Around Four Trees

There’s something eternally appealing about a treehouse, isn’t there? As we get older, actual houses amongst the trees edge out the old school climb a ladder in your backyard version. This gorgeous house in Montana puts a new twist on treehouse living, with four trees growing through it, two on the deck and two in the living area. The two story cabin is tucked away in the woods near Glacier National Park.

Nora Taylor

Mar 28, 2018

Etsy’s First Site-Wide Sale Is Going On For Two More Days

Etsy, the online marketplace for unique, vintage and homemade goods, is currently doing something else that, for now, is also one-of-a-kind. While sellers always have the option to list their goods at a discount, Etsy is currently hosting its first site-wide sale. Called World Of Etsy, the event runs through Thursday, March 29. That means you have just under two days to find your next “Where’d you get that?” item for less.

Marshall Bright

Mar 28, 2018

JLo and A-Rod Drop $15M On a Midtown Apartment

It’s official—Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have taken the next step in the merging of their lives and families with the purchase of their new NYC pad in Midtown. According to the Wall Street Journal, the power couple bought in 432 Park Avenue, currently the world’s tallest residential tower.

Tara Bellucci

Mar 28, 2018

9 Big Mistakes People Make When Painting Furniture

Don't let these happen on your watch.

Autumn Hachey

Mar 28, 2018

The Charming L.A. Home of ‘This Is Us’ Star Susan Kelechi Watson

You might know Susan Kelechi Watson from her role as Beth from the constant-sob-inducing show This Is Us, or recognize her as Janet, the ex-wife from Louie. But there’s more to Susan than her impeccable acting skills—she also has an amazing Los Angeles apartment that’s chock-full of personality. Her home feels welcoming, airy, and full of color and fun.

Marlen Komar

Mar 28, 2018

Move Over, Amazon: This Furniture Startup Is Offering Same Day Delivery

If you’ve found that the once electric thrill of same-day grocery delivery has dissipated, have we got good news for you. Furniture company Floyd is offering same day delivery on an assortment of furniture in New York City, helping you get your speedy delivery kicks once again. The Detroit based startup launched its same day delivery service in January and will expand the offering to San Francisco in April and Los Angeles later this year.

Nora Taylor

Mar 28, 2018

Before and After: An Elegant Powder Room for an Unbelievable $1K Price Tag

It seems like we’ve seen a thousand iterations of this powder room (minus the grand mirror): taupe linoleum counter, bulky vanity, dated wallpaper, standard fixtures. What can be done to make it less predictable and more special? A paint job, perhaps, or a countertop upgrade?

Tess Wilson

Mar 28, 2018

Why Did Anyone Think Carpet in the Bathroom Was a Good Idea?

A look into the history of a particularly weird old trend.

Nancy Mitchell

Mar 28, 2018

A St. Louis Rental House Is a Modern (but Bohemian) Cozy Cottage

Name: Madison Kimball, her girlfriend Tori, and three adorable dachshunds: Ginger, Basil, and Fennel Location: St. Louis Size: 880 square feet Years lived in: 5 months, renting Originally from Virginia, my girlfriend and I moved to St. Louis almost two years ago so she could continue her education in nutrition. Since then, she has graduated, we’ve moved once already, and she has been named the executive chef of a new restaurant that is set to open in a few short weeks!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 28, 2018

Why You Should Leave a Cup of Rice in Your Closet

Rice is a staple on dinner tables around the globe, but has many other great uses that go beyond the kitchen. Most of us have used it to save our cell phones from unfortunate run-ins with water because it’s hygroscopic and can trap the water molecules, but have you ever used it to trap odors? A cup of rice in a stinky space can make a world of difference. Making a deodorizing rice jar is one of the easiest, and best smelling things you can do for your home.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 28, 2018

Apple Is Pushing For More Inclusive Emojis

With more and more emojis getting added each year, Apple is petitioning to tackle one seriously overlooked category: those with disabilities. The tech company announced this week that it’s petitioning Unicode, the consortium that decides what emojis are official, to include accessibility-friendly in the next release. There are thirteen proposed emojis, from wheelchairs and hearing aids to service dogs and prosthetic limbs.

Tara Bellucci

Mar 27, 2018

7 Resume Mistakes that Might be Hurting Your Job Hunt

A good resume should be clear and concise. As a rule of thumb, hiring managers typically take fewer than 10 seconds to scan an entire resume, so it’s important that yours conveys only the most relevant information to your audience. And since it’s crucial that your resume be quick and easy to read through, it’s important to know what information should be omitted.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 27, 2018

Take a Peek at Chip & Jo’s Spring Collection For Target

Spring is officially here, and along with more sun and better weather (hopefully), that means new collections. Thankfully, Chip and Joanna Gaines have a refresh to their Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collab, and it’s perfect for family gatherings and getting out into the garden.

Tara Bellucci

Mar 27, 2018

The One Thing We Never Buy at IKEA These Days

It’s no secret that we love IKEA here at Apartment Therapy, and regularly write about hacks and beloved products we can’t live without. I’m a huge fan of their everyday basics, and my own home is filled with their wine glasses, dishes, and napkins. I even have a what-is-now-vintage credenza that I’ve owned for almost twenty years and can’t seem to get rid of, even after a couple of moves. But there is one thing that I never buy from IKEA these days.

Dabney Frake

Mar 27, 2018

This Bathroom Went from Boring Builder Grade to “Wow”

While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with this “before” (it’s clean, it’s white, it’s rocking some fun cabinet hardware and additional storage), we’re saying it: it’s boring. This bathroom could be in just about any house in any part of America. The “after” though…well, we’re smitten (it features one of the most stunning floors seen in all our Before & Afters).

Tess Wilson

Mar 27, 2018

Before and After: This Renovation Bucks the All-White Kitchen Trend

If you’re tempted to skip this post because you assume the wood cabinetry—and everything else—will be painted white, please trust me when I say you’re going to want to see this one. Just don’t get too attached to that tablecloth. Before the big reveal, let’s fully examine this full-length shot of the kitchen before, which reveals both the paneled ceiling and the peeling floor.

Tess Wilson

Mar 27, 2018

Why This Genius Comforter Is a Relationship Saver

I can’t imagine I’m alone in this predicament: I tend to flip-flop between being a hot and cold sleeper, as does my S.O., except, we never seem to be on the same page at the same time. We are not sleeping temperature compatible, people, and wow is it a nuisance. When my toes are frozen solid and I can’t seem to cocoon myself enough in my comforter to achieve P.S.T.

Arlyn Hernandez

Mar 27, 2018

Partner

3 Key Tasks for a Simplified, Streamlined Spring Cleaning

It’s not that Rikki Snyder is a perfectionist; she just has an eye trained to see what makes spaces beautiful. As an interiors photographer, she spots all the little dust bunnies, paw prints and crumbs the rest of us overlook. “You might not realize it when you’re living in your own space day to day,” she says, “but when I come in with my camera, everything shows up!

Creative Studio

Mar 27, 2018

Why the “Target Trick” Could Help Eliminate Junk Drawers from Your Life Entirely

Also: why you should never call it a "junk drawer."

Adrienne Breaux

Mar 27, 2018

So You’re Going to an Easter Mass or Passover Seder and Have No Clue What You’re Doing…

Being invited to participate in any family’s tradition—religious or not—is an honor, and one that should be treated with a ton of gratitude and respect. But what should you be doing? With spring holidays just around the corner, here are some things to keep in mind if you’re going to your first Easter Mass or Passover Seder.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 27, 2018

Swallowtail Is the Mid-Century Inspired Tiny House of Your Dreams

You can practically feel the breeze floating through this sun dappled tiny house. The Swallowtail is The Tiny House Company’s newest addition to its tiny home family. Taking its cue from post-war homes, it has a unique butterfly roof, while a timber screen, ply cladding and corrugated sheeting provide “modern form with a typically Australian palette of materials.” 23 feet long and eight feet wide, the house is designed for growth.

Nora Taylor

Mar 26, 2018

Do Household Cleaning Products Actually Expire?

Do you know how old your furniture polish is? If you have to think back to a specific purchase and then do math, chances are it’s expired. And what about those other products you have to reach way back in the cupboard for — those products you only use a few times a year? Yep, almost all cleaning products expire — but what does that mean exactly? Simply put, it means that they’ll break down and become less effective.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 26, 2018

Everyone’s Favorite Mid-Century Home Just Got A Redesign

One of the world’s most famous houses – and arguably the world’s most famous modern home – has just gotten a major makeover. Los Angeles’ iconic Stahl House (also known as Case Study House No. 22) with its cantilevered structure, and its sweeping, unobstructed views of Los Angeles was an architectural and engineering feat when it was originally built in 1960 by architect Pierre Koenig.

Marni Epstein-Mervis

Mar 26, 2018