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The Latest: May 2018

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We’re Totally Obsessed With This New IKEA Hack That Has a Feminist Twist
We all love IKEA for its simple, Scandinavian design and reasonable prices, but that versatility and affordability often makes decorating your home painfully ubiquitous. Instead of unearthing a one-of-a-kind piece—and feeling like a total design pro—you end up with the same furniture as your coworker, best friend, old college roommate, and your favorite influencers. Ugh. But just because you (rightfully) love IKEA doesn’t mean your space needs to fall into basic territory.
Kelsey Mulvey
May 31, 2018
These Tiny Camping Pods Could Be the Next Glamping Trend
If you’re anything like me, your Instagram feed over Memorial Day Weekend was filled with FOMO-inducing photos of friends camping out in nature’s splendor across the country—whether shot from the rear windows of a camper van or RV or from within the confines of a glamping resort. ‘Tis the season to rusticate and sleep under the stars, and these tiny glamping pods are the new objet d’envy.
Melissa Massello
May 31, 2018
A Small Shared NYC Apartment Is a Feast for the Eyes
Name: Jory Sutton and Alex Simon Location: Washington Heights, NYC Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned Jory and Alex’s 650-square-foot NYC apartment is a feast for the eyes. So much so, the small sneak peek we shared with their house call last year just wasn’t a long enough look. With hand-me-downs from family members, vintage pieces purchased at thrift shops, DIY artwork, and different periods and styles of decor, every room has a conversation starter.
Chinasa Cooper
May 31, 2018
The 10-Minute Art Hack Hiding in Your Kitchen Drawer
There’s no shortage of places to purchase art prints that you love, but sometimes you’re on the hunt for something a little more unique—and maybe a little more affordable. If so, this may be the incredibly easy art hack for you. While this art hack is a great way to upgrade a wall in your home, it also solves another common problem: What to do with your favorite tea towels you don’t want to use because you don’t want them getting ruined with food stains.
Adrienne Breaux
May 31, 2018
This Los Angeles Home’s French Doors Will Floor You
Name: Tracy Bunkoczy Location: Koreatown — Los Angeles, California Size: 1,170 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned A massive leak in her last home—a beautiful Silver Lake rental apartment— forced design executive Tracy Bunkoczy to move a year ago.
Bethany Nauert
May 30, 2018
A Bold Home in the ‘Burbs Has the Perfect Plaid Entryway
Name: Shawna Smith, her husband and two sons Location: Downers Grove, Illinois Size: 1,350 square feet Years lived in: 7 months, owned “Myself, my husband, and our two little boys lived in Chicago for years before deciding to take the leap and move to the ‘burbs,” writes interior stylist Shawna Smith. “We chose Downers Grove for its small-town appeal and outstanding schools.
Adrienne Breaux
May 30, 2018
Before and After: An Unbelievable $700 Kitchen Remodel
Be forewarned: This disco-fabulous backsplash is not long for the world, so enjoy it while you can. The rest of the kitchen was perhaps not worthy of such sparkle—two words: burnt linoleum. Now it’s fresh, unified, and bright. This kitchen is right at home in a 100-year-old house, and the modern appliances are nicely camouflaged against the white cabinetry and tiles.
Tess Wilson
May 30, 2018
A Converted Commercial Loading Dock Turned Modern Home
Name: Jasmine Waheed and cat Barney Location: Garment District — Montreal Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, 8 months, owned After traveling across—and falling in love with—Canada, Jasmine Waheed decided to move from London to Montreal 15 years ago. Her background is in graphic design, but upon arriving in Montreal, she decided to make the switch to photography.
Sylvie Li
May 29, 2018
The Pros and Cons of Exposed Bulbs
We got the skinny on the polarizing trend.
Jessica Isaac
May 29, 2018
10 Bad Habits that are Costing You Money
Have you ever wondered where your money disappears to each month? You work hard; you know you make it—yet it seems as though you never have any, or at least not as much as you think you should after you pay your bills (and Uncle Sam takes his portion). It’s like it goes into some giant universal dryer that only spits out part of what you put in—obviously stashing the rest of it away in that secret place where the matches to all of your socks are sent.
Julie Sprankles
May 29, 2018
Man Repeller’s Visual Manager Knows How to Hack a Rental
Name: Emily Zirimis and Jesus Antoshka Location: Bushwick — Brooklyn, New York Size: Honestly unsure! Years lived in: Almost 2 years, renting Emily and her boyfriend Jesus must have felt like they won the lottery when they landed their Bushwick apartment. Their place has a lot going for it: It’s in an increasingly hip area, features original architectural details, and boasts a dressing room for Emily and a pottery room for Jesus. Oh, and the rent is reasonable.
Melanie Rieders
May 29, 2018
Before and After: An Entire Living Room Becomes a Kitchen
What a nice living room, with vaulted ceiling, dramatic beams, nonstop windows, and luxurious couches you could sink into for days. But brace yourself for something entirely different. Here’s a full-length shot of the room that really shows off that impressive ceiling and the amazing wooden beams. I love the concept of a living area arranged around a view, but I also love what they did with the space instead: Wow!
Tess Wilson
May 29, 2018
A Small, Sunny Florida Rental Has the Best Blush Pink Sofa
Name: Tiffany Williams Location: Jacksonville, Florida Size: 689 square feet Years lived in: 7 months, renting “Currently I reside by myself in a one-bedroom dwelling on the Southside of Jacksonville, Florida,” writes Tiffany Williams. “I relocated to this area for work and I wanted to create a space that I felt comfortable in as well as something that was pleasing to the eye.
Adrienne Breaux
May 29, 2018
This Picturesque Charlotte House Is Every Bibliophile’s Dream
This splendid Arts & Crafts home delivers on all accounts: Location? Check. A designer’s eye for style? Check. Plenty of lush outdoor space? Check. This home is the whole package. 904 E 36th Street Located in Charlotte, North Carolina $699,000 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms This beauty of a bungalow in Charlotte’s hip NoDa historic arts district surprises and delights from the moment you walk in.
Anne Roderique-Jones
May 28, 2018
One Trick that Could Make Cleaning the Toilet Fun—Okay, Not Fun But At Least Not Awful
Toilet-cleaning ranks as one of the most dreaded of all household chores, and no wonder; it’s a dirty, dirty job. Personally, I don’t mind it that much because I’d much rather know it’s clean and shiny than put off doing it. Plus the more often you do it, the less yucky the whole ordeal is. There’s one part that always flummoxed me, though, until I had a silly epiphany that solved the problem.
Shifrah Combiths
May 28, 2018
What Working From a Tiny 90-Square-Foot Spare Room Is Really Like
Philadelphia-based designer and illustrator Alisa Wismer has discovered the perfect living and working setup for where’s she’s at in her career. “I actually live at home (you’re thinking, ‘Typical millennial,’ right?), but it makes sense for where I’m at right now,” she says. “My parents have been super supportive in my decision to work for myself while I try to build my own business up.
Adrienne Breaux
May 27, 2018
Don’t Let These 6 Things Keep You From Your Dream Home
You hunted until your feet were sore, found your dream home and made an offer that was accepted. Time to exhale, right? Not quite. “The first rule of real estate: All contracts must be in writing to be binding,” says David Rosen, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in New York City. That means until you actually have a signed contract, your accepted offer is just a good faith agreement. But it all works out, right?
Chelsea Greenwood
May 27, 2018
If You’re a New Grad, Can You Actually Afford to Live Alone?
You can only have your leftover lo mein eaten by your roommates so many times before you start to curse communal living. And for the legions of recent grads who are moving on from college dorms this spring, living alone may sound like a dream come true. But is it financially feasible? Locking down a job is the first step to determining your rent budget.
Megan Johnson
May 26, 2018
Before and After: This Son Gave His Dad’s Rental Kitchen A No-Reno Makeover
This kitchen was very nice—great cabinets, pretty paint, sleek black countertops, fantastic wood floors—but even very nice can use a little boost now and then. Peel-and-stick tiles to the rescue, for a polished, personal, and renter-friendly update. This looks so great! The mini subway tile from Home Depot is delightful, plus the color works well with the new appliances and looks amazing with the orange sink.
Tess Wilson
May 25, 2018
Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking Out a Mortgage With Your Normal Bank
When my wife and I were looking to get pre-approved for a mortgage, we started at the most obvious spot: Bank of America, the longtime home of our checking and savings accounts. Turns out, that may not have been a smart idea. For starters, we were surprised to discover that their rates and terms were pretty unattractive, especially for first-time buyers like us. We were already scrounging for cash, and the bank was pretty inflexible about the down payment amount.
Jon Gorey
May 25, 2018
If You Buy This Condo, You’ll Get a Free Trip to Space
Somewhere in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City is a homeowner who’s itching to get an $85 million condo off of his hands. So much so, that he’s willing to throw in complimentary seats for two on an upcoming Virgin Galactic space flight—a gift that retails at $250,000.
Tyra Wilkes
May 24, 2018
This Cult-Favorite Soap Cleans More Than Just Floors
With four children and three pets, I’m on a perpetual quest for a cleaning product that gets my floors squeaky clean. On a whim, I decided to try Murphy’s Oil soap on our tile floors since it’s one of those old-time standbys everyone seems to have at least heard of. When I saw that my mop water was dirtier than it’s ever been, I became a Murphy’s Oil Soap convert. Turns out, however, that floors aren’t all it’s good for.
Shifrah Combiths
May 24, 2018
A Cookie-Cutter Condo Is Infused with Plants and Pattern
Name: Shilpa Rajahamsa and Aditya Srivathsan Location: St-Henri — Montreal Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned Shilpa and Aditya both grew up in India and moved to North America in their early twenties. Their taste is a mix of both worlds and their home’s style could be described as eclectic and contemporary… with a touch of Indian. Creativity and an appreciation for craftsmanship run deep for this couple.
Marie-Lyne Quirion
May 24, 2018
Before and After: An $80 Closet Makeover That’s Organized and Stylish
This guest room closet was due for an update—it was originally dark brown—but its owner didn’t want to drop a ton of cash on it. After spending a few weeks and $76.69, this closet is now practical and super cute. The makeover by Jessica and Brett of The Mountain and Moon is darling. The new shelves add a ton of valuable storage, the accordion rack is as pretty as it is helpful, and that dotted wall is eye-catching!
Tess Wilson
May 24, 2018
Party of Two: The Best 2-Player Board Games for Couples to Play at Home Together
This might be the homebody in me talking, but I happen to think date night at home is better than date night out in nearly every way. The drinks are cheaper. The clothes are comfier. And, if you have the right game, it can be a really fun night for you and your love to get competitive and cuddly all at once. Based on recommendations from Amazon, Board Game Geek, Reddit’s /r/boardgames and my own experience, here are some of the best two-player games for couples to play on their own.
Taryn Williford
May 24, 2018
An Avid Craigslister’s Black-and-White Brooklyn Rental Is Full of Deals
Name: Rachael Bennett and cute puppy, Kuma Location: Crown Heights — Brooklyn, NY Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, renting Architect Rachael Bennett doesn’t think you should be scared of designing without color. “I find many people think that ‘neutrals’ or ‘black and white’ is either going to be boring (beige on beige on beige, or worse, sterile and cold),” she writes.
Elaine Musiwa
May 23, 2018
An 1860s Philadelphia Row Home Aces the Retro Eclectic Look
This home needed a ton of cosmetic changes when Matt and Anne bought it. Now they've given it a gorgeous facelift!
Adrienne Breaux
May 23, 2018
This SoCal Beach Town is Every 2018 Color Trend in One Place, Pantone Study Says
If you’ve found yourself gravitating towards colors reminiscent of outdoorsy vacations this year, you’re not alone. In their first ever social media study, the Pantone Color Institute quantified our collective wanderlust with the four most popular colors of 2018. In the 2018 Colors of Travel study, conducted by HireInfluence, Pantone analyzed a mix of outdoor adventure and lifestyle travel photos with high engagement from dozens of the top travel influencers in the U.S.
Melissa Massello
May 23, 2018
Is Red and Blue the New Design Power Couple?
Red and blue is mostly reserved for summer cookouts, Fourth of July table spreads, or kitschy beach houses full of sand and white rattan, but that’s all about to change. Blue and red is the newest design power couple, but you don’t have to have an Americana aesthetic to pull it off in your own home. The reason it’s rising to the top of designers’ portfolios and pinners’ decor boards is because of how versatile it is: the pairing has range.
Marlen Komar
May 23, 2018
The First Home Checklist: Things to Buy Now, Things to Buy Later
If figuring out your mortgage and closing costs weren’t enough, moving into and furnishing your new home can be pretty stressful. And though you want to make your house your dream home right off the bat, you’re probably short on cash (and energy). Thankfully, you’ll be in your new house for awhile, so you have time to transform your place to match your vision. Still, there are some things you’ll appreciate having on day one.
Lambeth Hochwald
May 23, 2018
Before and After: A Stunning and Rustic Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen is perfectly nice—that huge window!—but its owner was able to pinpoint a few weaknesses that weren’t really working for the family. After a gradual transformation, this kitchen is now totally different, and totally wonderful. Here’s how reader Miriam Rogers described the kitchen pre-renovation: Dark wood cabinets and linoleum floors. The room was enclosed with a pocket door. A huge window meant there was not a lot of cabinet space.
Tess Wilson
May 23, 2018
Michelle Obama Shares Heartwarming Photo from Her Childhood Apartment
Though Michelle Obama spent eight years in one of the biggest houses in the country, she didn’t always live such a spacious lifestyle. In promoting her new book, Becoming (out November 13), Michelle shared a sweet photo of her with her parents on Instagram, reminiscing about her “cramped apartment on the South Side of Chicago.
Samantha Zabell
May 22, 2018
Three Dogs, Two Cats, and One Adventurous Couple in a 300-Square-Foot RV
Name: Samantha and Brendan Binger; 3 dogs (Archie, Max, Luna), and 2 cats (Anna and Elsa) Location: Anywhere we park Size: 304 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned “When we first had the idea to hit the road in a motorhome, we saw our home as a means to an end,” confesses Samantha Binger, who along with her husband and their five pets travel around the country in their 2007 Fleetwood Bounder 35E.
Adrienne Breaux
May 22, 2018
The Best Places to Live in Texas, According to Your Lifestyle
Texas is a big, big place—it takes an incredible 14 hours to drive across it!—which is why you need a solid game plan if you’re moving to the Lone Star State. Each of its cities and towns are unique, and all have different things to offer, depending on what you’re looking for. But whether you’re looking for the right spot to start your life or a bustling community to welcome you during your sunset years, there’s a vibrant place for you.
Leeza Dennis
May 22, 2018
Before and After: This $1,300 Bathroom Makeover Keeps The Tile, Loses the ’90s Glam
A reader kindly sent in this bathroom, referring to it as “the epitome of ’90s glam.” For a moment there was hope that the After was going to be ’90s glam—think of all the Nagels!—but, instead, this is the story of how quintessentially ’90s elements were smartly incorporated into an updated, understated, and affordable makeover. Here’s a full-length view.
Tess Wilson
May 22, 2018
Partner
A Quick Intro to Modern Mid-Century (That’s Not a Typo)
Mid-century modern is the Coco Chanel of design—timeless and trend-proof—but that doesn’t mean it can’t take an update. Right now, we’re loving looks that bring the Eames era into the 21st century. Think simple lines and sleek shapes that complement modern life. With the right pieces, you can turn mid-century modern into modern mid-century—a 2.0 take that you can make your own.
Creative Studio
May 22, 2018
A Simple Home in The Netherlands Is Pastel and Perfect
Name: Ilona Polcyn, my partner Daniel, our two sons Tycho, 13, and Fender, 7. Plus, two dogs. Location: Tilburg, The Netherlands Size: 3,229 square feet Years lived in: 7 years, owned I love to use my home as my test lab. If I haven’t painted anything for a few weeks, the paint tins literally call out to me from the closet. I like a fresh white canvas decorated with vintage, design or handmade items, mostly in fresh or soft pastel colors.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 22, 2018
A Minimal, Tailored Home
Cindy is a jewelry designer and fiber artist and shares this bright North Hollywood home with her husband Matt.
Marisa Vitale
May 21, 2018
8 Innocent Mistakes That Could Make Your Allergies Worse
Springtime relief from winter weather is often, sadly, overshadowed by the suffering that comes from seasonal allergies. But you may not be as helpless against them as you think. Here are some sneaky little mistakes you might be making that, once remedied, could help give you some much-needed relief so you can actually enjoy the flowers and warm air and bird songs. Typically, air filters should be changed every three months. However, if you have pets, you’ll need to change them more often.
Shifrah Combiths
May 21, 2018
The Best Decor You Can Buy at Aldi
If you weren’t already hip to German grocery store, Aldi, now’s the time to smarten up. Adored for its super low prices and wide range of products, the discount supermarket chain now boasts over 1,600 stores in the United States—making grocery shopping on the cheap easier than ever. But wait, it gets better. Turns out Aldi sells more than just inexpensive groceries.
Caroline Biggs
May 21, 2018
Partner
You Can Now Get Paint Delivered Right to Your Door
Painting is hard, buying paint is not. Glidden® is now available on Amazon.
Sponsored Post
May 21, 2018
Partner
You Can Now Get Paint Delivered Right to Your Door
Painting is hard, buying paint is not. Glidden® is now available on Amazon.
Sponsored Post
May 21, 2018
Why You Should Stick Dryer Sheets in the Bathtub
There's a magic trick involving dryer sheets and dish soap that will make your next deep clean go a lot easier for you.
Ashley Poskin
May 21, 2018
How One Woman Used Design as Therapy After Her Divorce
Name: Dani Loseke, partner, two boys Location: Bloomington, Illinois Years lived in: 7 months, renting This may sound really cliche, but after my divorce, I used designing and decorating as my own therapy. My goal was to make my home a place where I could come home and feel like I was on a vacation. Before I moved in to this three-bedroom ranch, I lived in a very small, but charming two-bedroom rental.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 21, 2018
24 Dust Magnets You Probably Haven’t Cleaned in Forever
Dust is gross. A mixture of dead skin cells, pollen, dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander, textile fibers, burnt particles of cosmic rocks, decomposing insects, and more—dust is no doubt dirty. But it harbors a more sinister component, a fact that has motivated me, for one, to finally become a little less lax and more fatalistic about how much of it I allow to stick around in my home.
Shifrah Combiths
May 21, 2018
Would You Ever “Rent Blindly?” I Have—4 Times!
In the past seven years, my family and I have been through seven moves. That may seem like a lot, but as a former military spouse and sailor, I can tell you it’s normal for families like mine. You don’t just move—you move quickly: You only get 10 days after you transfer to a new duty station to find a house and move into it. Yeesh! Most of the time, families spend those first days in a hotel (which, thankfully, the military pays for), but I was rarely interested in this option.
Tara Glenn
May 20, 2018
7 Big IKEA Home Hacks That Make Huge Wall Statements
Some IKEA hacks are small. A little paint here, some new hardware there—they get the job done. And then there are the IKEA hacks that are so big and so dramatic, they make the room. If you have a wall to fill, or a problem to solve, check out some of these genius solutions. This movable art display wall from Sinnen Rausch has so much going for it, starting with that dusty rose paint job.
Dabney Frake
May 20, 2018
Before & After: This Kitchen Gets Covered From Head to Toe With Adhesives
Here we have a pretty standard rental kitchen, with the classic beige-ish cabinets, walls, fridge, and countertops. It looks like everything is in pretty good shape, but one renter saw room for improvement—and a chance to try out allegedly rental-friendly home improvement products. Every surface has been stickered!
Tess Wilson
May 20, 2018