The Latest: Jul 2018

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5 Conversations to Have With Your Roommates Before You Move Out

If you have roommates, you probably know the standard move-in conversations that need to happen to ensure harmonious living. How will rent be collected and paid, whose television is going in the living room, and are peanut butter jars considered communal? But it’s important to make sure those A-plus communal living communication skills don’t fizzle come move-out time.

Brittany Anas

Jul 25, 2018

This Small Brooklyn Apartment Excels at Storage

This couple from Charleston settled into a 550-square-foot NYC apartment with lots of light but little storage... until they implemented their smart ideas.

Minette Hand

Jul 25, 2018

Here’s Everything That’s Leaving Netflix In August

Every month, we have to say goodbye to a few good shows and movies. Netflix has announced which titles are expiring in August, and we’ve rounded up which ones we’ll be watching one more time. No babysitting gig was ever as eventful as this one, and we’ll miss it. Just keep swimming, and maybe watch this adorable sequel once more before it’s off to sea.

Tara Bellucci

Jul 25, 2018

Partner

Before & After: A One-Day Paint Project Energizes a Little Living Room

Painting this one architectural detail made the whole room come together.

Creative Studio

Jul 25, 2018

Partner

Trapped in Debt? Here’s One Way to Get Out of It and Save More

In today’s economy, it’s downright normal to have a home mortgage, some student loans, and even a bit of credit card debt. But what should you be doing to protect yourself and make the most of your money? Sure a small amount of debt is normally fine, but sometimes if you don’t take control of it, it could have control over you. Here’s a well-kept secret: Once you start borrowing money, it can be challenging to dig yourself out of the hole.

Megan Nye

Jul 25, 2018

Marie Kondo Showed Us How Her New Organizing Boxes Work

Drawers are my organizational kryptonite (OK, fine, that and the “clothes chair,” if I’m really confessing weaknesses). I can get everything folded up and fairly neat looking, but the first time I need to grab a T-shirt on my way out the door to the gym in a rush? It all goes down one big jumbled slippery slope of messiness. No amount of purging—or even, dare I say, Kon-Mari-ing—has helped. But now, the KonMari architect herself, says she can help.

Laura Schocker

Jul 25, 2018

Before and After: A Closed-Off Kitchen Is Now an Open-Concept Dream

When Laura Gibson and her husband decided to buy this rental home, they knew a lot of changes would need to be made for it to fit their family’s needs. One of the biggest updates Laura wanted to make was to remodel the dark, closed-in kitchen. To create the open-concept great room that Laura dreamed of, the couple did have to knock down some walls in the home, creating a big open kitchen, dining room and seating area.

Adrienne Breaux

Jul 25, 2018

10 Brilliant Storage Ideas to Steal from These Tiny, International Airbnbs

If you want to (affordably) escape to an amazing city, renting a tiny Airbnb might be your best bet to get the perfect location. And one of my favorite things about staying in an Airbnb, especially one that’s someone’s home that they rent out versus one that’s really working as a hotel, is seeing the clever tricks they use to make living in teeny spaces work out. While we don’t usually recommend stealing from Airbnbs (that’s wrong! And illegal!

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Jul 25, 2018

Is Amazon’s New Part Finder Feature Better Than Your Local Hardware Store?

A new in-app feature from Amazon will now help you identify the type and size of any missing screw, bolt, nut, nail, or washer for your DIY projects. But is it better than heading to your local hardware store? The new feature, called Part Finder, allows you to scan a piece next to a penny and it will analyze the type and size of hardware you need to buy.

Melissa Massello

Jul 24, 2018

This Immersive Fun House Is Full Of More Than Just Sideshow Tricks

For a comprehensive reminder of just how wonderfully left field Snarkitecture has gone with its designs since its inception a decade ago, you’ll definitely want to check out the New York-based studio’s Fun House exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Kenya Foy

Jul 24, 2018

A Small, Minimal, and Modern Renovated London Flat Looks Way Bigger Than It Is

Name: Melissa Smith Machado and husband Location: London, England Size: 474 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned My husband and I bought the flat three years ago and this is our first real home together. We were waiting on a lease extension so the purchase process took seven months and we were without a home for six weeks. When we finally moved in, we had to start renovation work straight away whilst living in it. My father-in-law came over for a few weeks and we got started.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jul 24, 2018

Oh Joy Just Released a Rug Collection That You Can Throw In the Washing Machine (Yes, Really!)

Joy Cho is known for her fun and whimsical designs, and her latest product release is no different—except there is one added feature. With her newest collab, the designer and blogger has tackled one major annoyance—how to keep rugs clean. Joy has partnered with Lorena Canals to produce six modern accent rugs in fun colors and patterns that you can toss in a standard washer to keep it looking new. “I love rugs.

Tara Bellucci

Jul 24, 2018

Proof Adding a Bold Pattern Can Actually Enlarge a Space

If you’ve always abided by the textbook rule of avoiding bold patterns for fear of visually shrinking your room, we’re here to show you that it’s not only incorrect, but doing so can actually make a much brighter impact than you might think. Take a look at these inspiration pictures below and see how they can apply to your home. Adding a graphic pattern in the form of watercolor drapes, artwork, pillows, and rugs can maximize pattern—without overwhelming.

Karen Marsala

Jul 24, 2018

Creative Ways to Decorate for Absolutely No Money

Although the need to change up your home now and then is perfectly human and natural, it’s not always feasible. These free decorating ideas indulge your need for something new, without putting a hit out on your wallet. Here are four great strategies to have in your back pocket, whenever you feel compelled to shake things up on the cheap. If you’ve done any painting lately, or ever, you most likely have a some leftover in a can somewhere in your house or garage.

Dabney Frake

Jul 24, 2018

Before and After: A Garage Is Transformed into a Stylish, Cozy Living Room

When Laura Gibson—who runs the blog Sophisticated Rust—and her husband moved into this rental house, she didn’t see a lot to love. It was small, hadn’t been taken care of, and just wasn’t what she wanted in a home. But her husband fell in love with the property and persuaded her to consider purchasing it. She was finally sold on the idea, but only if they put a lot of work into the house.

Adrienne Breaux

Jul 24, 2018

Do This and You’ll Never Have to Dust Your Hard-to-Reach Spots Again

I’ve written a lot about dusting, but like a doctor who stops for Krispy Kreme on the way to work, I have some blind spots when it comes to this one part of homekeeping. Namely, I’m not the best at staying on top of dusting the hard-to-reach spots in my home. Not that it doesn’t bother me that the tops of my built-ins and kitchen cabinets are coated with a thin coating of dust (ok, more than a thin coating).

Shifrah Combiths

Jul 24, 2018

7 Secrets for a Less-Messy Living Room

Living rooms come in all shapes and sizes, and unfortunately, the smaller the apartment, the harder it can be to keep yours organized. Throw in a busy work schedule and a somewhat active social life and suddenly a tiny living room can turn into a cluttered disaster zone, especially when you don’t have a lot of extra room for storage. But fret not my busy, unorganized friends; we’re here to help.

Caroline Biggs

Jul 23, 2018

Urban Outfitters Is Giving You 50% Off Home Items In a One-Day Flash Sale

Good news, Urban Outfitters fans. The retailer is having a one day flash sale on home items, and there’s a bunch of stuff for 50 percent off. While there’s a wide selection of items for half off, if you’re looking to refresh your bedding or grab a rug, there are some serious savings to be had. The 50 percent off doesn’t require a code, and will be reflected in the price at checkout.

Tara Bellucci

Jul 23, 2018

A Connecticut Home with a Backyard Even Celebs Would Love

This home in Salisbury, Connecticut, is as cozy and classic as it comes—with a backyard made for entertaining even your fanciest friends. 58 Main Street Located in Salisbury, Connecticut $865,000 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms Located in Litchfield County, this historic wood-clapboard home was built in 1834 and looks like something out of a classic movie—with all the updates and amenities.

Anne Roderique-Jones

Jul 23, 2018

A Tiny 300-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Is a Jewel Box

Name: Heather Alexander Location: Washington Heights, New York City Size: 300 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, renting After divorcing a “design-curmudgeon,” Heather says she really went for it when she moved into this place six years ago. Filled with so many colors, fun finds, and treasures she dubbed her home the “Jewel Box.

Minette Hand

Jul 23, 2018

I Spent $30 on a Fan for My Kitchen, and It’s Made a Huge Difference

A while ago, I wrote a post about how to ventilate a kitchen when you don’t have a range hood or vent. A number of Kitchn readers recommended installing a reversible window fan which, when put on the exhaust setting, can effectively draw smells, steam, and smoke out of your kitchen. I don’t have a hood in my rental kitchen, and for a long time I just ran the ceiling fans in other rooms when I cooked something particularly smelly or smoky. It worked okay, but wasn’t ideal.

Cambria Bold

Jul 23, 2018

12 Things You’ll Regret Buying This Summer

Summer is the season for doing all sorts of fun things, but shopping isn’t always one of them. And while it’s easy to take a break from the scorching heat by getting lost in online sales, the reality is, summer isn’t always the best time to splurge on stuff—because there’s a good chance it’s going to be cheaper later. To prove our point, we rounded up a dozen items that you’ll probably regret buying this summer.

Caroline Biggs

Jul 23, 2018

Before and After: You’ll Love How This Kitchen Keeps Its Character

There’s often one element in old kitchens that we’re all rooting for, crossing our fingers that it survives the big renovation. For this kitchen makeover, I’m holding my breath that the amazing pink double oven makes the cut. Reader Amanda Schaneman shares some insight into what this kitchen was really like, as photos never tell the whole story: The kitchen before the remodel was dark, dirty, and dated.

Tess Wilson

Jul 23, 2018

This Summer’s ‘Most In-Demand Instagram Artist’ Now Has Prints Available

I am obsessed with candy—I often joke that Sour Patch Kids are my favorite food, and I’m not really joking. So when a friend DM-ed me about a new Sour Patch Kids artist, I had to learn more. New Yorker Robyn Blair Davidson takes candy (not just Sour Patch Kids—bubble gum, Starburst, gummy bears, Fun Dip, Ring Pops, and tons of other nostalgic favorites), and turns it into whimsical works of art. And the Internet has noticed: OK!

Laura Schocker

Jul 23, 2018

4 Ways to Hack Our Favorite $3 IKEA Organizing Staple

The magic of IKEA pieces is not only in their well-thought-out, small-space-maximizing design, but in the numerous ways each versatile piece can be repurposed and hacked. Here are four ways to transform one of our very favorite IKEA staples, the VARIERA bag dispenser, into more than meets the eye.

Shifrah Combiths

Jul 23, 2018

A Boho Minimalist Plant Lady’s Brooklyn Rental

Name: Abby Fuller Location: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, New York Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 3 months, renting I work in developer relations for Amazon, so I’m on the road a lot! I wanted something that felt homey and comfortable, without requiring a ton of maintenance (i.e., no plants that would die if I left them for 10 days. I killed a lot of them experimenting with this before I finally asked my mom for help!

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jul 22, 2018

An Intro to Architecture Styles (Explained Through The Zodiac Signs Because It’s 2018)

When it comes to architecture, there seems to be endless styles to choose from. Have you ever wondered which type is right for you? Interested in your horoscope? Well, what could be more fun than meshing the two? Here, 12 types of homes and their corresponding star match, for millennials’ sake. The free-spirited, unconventional Aquarius would mesh with a Key West-style home.

Chelsea Greenwood

Jul 22, 2018

5 Secrets of People Who Always Seem to Have a Tidy Kitchen

There are some folks who seem to have immaculately clean kitchens at all times. Whether you’re over for a party or you swing by unannounced for a quick cup of coffee, their kitchens are always spotless — with gleaming countertops, floors you could eat off of, and everything in its place. How do these people manage to keep things so neat and tidy? They know to do these five things.

Alyssa Longobucco

Jul 22, 2018

If You Feel Unproductive During the Summer, You’re Not Alone

Is there anything worse than feeling unproductive? We all need lazy days, but if you weren’t intending to be lazy and chill, and you actually needed to get stuff done, then being unproductive is pretty bad. For some reason, it feels like productivity justs plummets during the summer. There is a reason behind that and you shouldn’t feel bad if you finding yourself lacking productivity during June through August.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Jul 22, 2018

Before and After: This Vintage Bathroom Got a $265 Overhaul

This “before” bathroom features vintage tiles, which are beautiful in their own way, but also make the space feel a little dated. To the rescue? Modern wallpaper. The bold print took this outdated 1950s style straight into 2018. The wallpaper has so much tropical flair, and I’m intrigued by the way the green of the palm fronds works with the tile color.

Tess Wilson

Jul 22, 2018

Target Has Its Own Version of Instagram – But You’ll Need an Invite To Use It

Not to ruin your day, but you might not be the Target superfan that you think you are. There is a secret app that only a select few mega Target fans have been invited to use. Have you ever heard of Studio Connect, or is this all brand new information to you? Don’t feel too bad, we had no idea and we spend $100 at Target in the blink of an eye. It looks like Target is trying to give Instagram a run for their money with Studio Connect.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Jul 22, 2018

An Artist Created a High-Contrast 450-Square-Foot Phoenix Condo

Name: Kendra Vicken, my dog, Jane, and my hedgehog, Penny Location: Phoenix, Arizona Size: 490 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned My home is a 490-square-foot condo in downtown Phoenix. It’s my first (and only) purchased home and I love it to pieces. The location is ideal, it holds all the necessities and it feels like an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle. Inside its four walls lives my dog Jane, my hedgehog Penny, and myself! This is my favorite view of my home.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Jul 21, 2018

This 250 Square-Foot Tiny House Is Being Auctioned Off For Charity

If you’ve been waffling on whether to join the tiny house trend, then this might be the push you need. Not only is this cute 250 square-foot living space going to be auctioned off, but the proceeds are going to a good cause. Students at Henry Ford College in Michigan designed, built, and donated the 24-foot by 8.5-foot trailer mounted space to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which will get 100 percent of the proceeds.

Tara Bellucci

Jul 21, 2018

7 Celebrities Who’ve Bought Homes for Dear Old Mom and Dad

While it might be viewed as the ultimate power move, some of Hollywood’s biggest stars think sharing the good life with their parents is the best part of making it big. Here are some of Tinseltown’s biggest names who shelled out serious bucks to give their parents the digs they deserve: When you’re Beyoncé Knowles, dropping a million dollars here and there doesn’t even put a dent in your wallet. So when Mrs.

Megan Johnson

Jul 21, 2018

This Robotic Table Is Not Just Cool, It Helps People With Disabilities

We still have a long way to go with prioritizing accessibility for people with disabilities. On the bright side, there are extraordinarily inventive minds like industrial designer Nour Malaeb, who is working to amend this widespread issue with projects like Relay, a fully customizable, voice-activated, table-ottoman combo. Malaeb came up with the idea after observing his best friend with muscular dystrophy struggle to maneuver with tasks around the house during the their days as roommates.

Kenya Foy

Jul 21, 2018

On Governors Island, Come for the Retreat but Stay for the Design

New York City is not exactly known for its camping, I mean, it’s called the concrete jungle for a reason, right? But as a Midwestern transplant living in this hectic city I find myself craving some quality outdoor time on a regular basis. Typically, when that urge hits I grab a train to visit my brother upstate in the Hudson Valley, but he’s currently in Alaska fishing for a few months, and a trip back to Ohio requires advance planning. So what’s a grass-deprived girl to do?

Bridget Mallon

Jul 21, 2018

Don’t Believe a Spa Can Fit in a Tiny Apartment? Think Again

More and more, it’s becoming increasingly normal to hear stories of people learning to acclimate themselves to living in seriously small apartments. Cities are practically bursting at the seams so for many metropolitan dwellers, creatively maximizing a small living space has quickly become a modern-day survival tactic.

Kenya Foy

Jul 21, 2018

Shop Our Marketplace: Sunny & Ryan’s Bed Stuy Townhouse

The homes that everyone loves on Apartment Therapy have style, but are comfortable and approachable – like you want to lay down on the sofa and take a nap – which is exactly what I felt when I saw Sunny and Ryan’s townhouse. Located in Bed Stuy, it mixes mid century with contemporary AND traditional oriental rugs in a fresh, welcoming way. Check out their “wonderful home and magnificent cat” and steal their look right here in our Marketplace.

Maxwell Ryan

Jul 20, 2018

Save Big On This Diptyque Candle Set During The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the luxury candle brand.

Marshall Bright

Jul 20, 2018

5 Couches You Can Get for Under $500 from Wayfair’s Black Friday in July Sale

Wayfair’s summer sale launched this weekend, with up to 70 percent off site-wide. There’s a ton you can snag, but if you’re looking for a purchase with a big impact at a big discount, everything from rugs to outdoor furniture is marked down. But if you’re looking for a big-ticket item to snag at a big discount, look no further than these five couches that are on sale for under $500 – and all have an average rating above 5 stars.

Marshall Bright

Jul 20, 2018

Prince Charles Is Giving You A Peek At His Private Family Photos In a New Exhibit

Prince Charles is putting his private life on display… literally. In a new exhibit in Buckingham Palace’s Ball Supper Room (don’t you have one of those in your house?) the Prince of Wales is showing the world an exhibit titled “Prince and Patron.” It features over 100 items belonging to Charles and the Royal Collection, ranging from photographs and paintings all the way to personal memorabilia and knickknacks, PEOPLE reports.

Megan Johnson

Jul 20, 2018

4 Things I Learned While Making My Childhood Home My Own

After my parents packed up and moved along to greener pastures—or more accurately, a one-level bungalow one town away—my partner and I decided to move into the darling, ramshackle, 1940s house in Ireland where I was raised. Yes, I chose to move back into my childhood home after my parents moved out—and though it was a dream-come-true to have a home of my own, it was also a more trying experience than I had expected.

Aoife Clare

Jul 20, 2018

This Tiny House Comes With a Mountaintop View—And You Can Stay There

Apparently, you can’t go wrong with a home that’s named after a piece of furniture. For solid evidence to support that oddball architectural claim, look no further than The Old Blue Chair tiny house, which is as adorable as it sounds. A husband and wife team designed the Chattanooga, Tennessee home and tapped Tennessee Tiny Homes to realize their vision.

Kenya Foy

Jul 20, 2018

I Stayed in Airbnbs for One Year & This Is What I Learned

Two years ago I was in a state of constant travel, on a trip that took me from my home in Seattle throughout the United States and Europe. Along the way, I learned a variety of lessons. I learned how to pack really, really well. I learned how to let go of attachments to most of my possessions, especially when I couldn’t fit them in my bag. And I learned a handful of useful (and not-so-useful) expressions in German, Greek, and French.

Valerie Stimac

Jul 20, 2018

A Rule-Breaking Bay Area Home Proves the Best Color Inspiration Comes from Nature

Name: Nancy, Ken, and their little canine, Monty Location: Berkeley, California Size: 670 square feet Years lived in: 22 years; Owned Nancy says her home is a haven—it’s colorful, cozy, bright, and full of memories. Though the bright green walls help, it’s her collection of meaningful pieces that truly makes her Berkeley condo a home.

Esteban Cortez

Jul 20, 2018

Shop Our Marketplace: Hommeboys California Cool

Our top house tour last week was this dazzler from Sonoma within which live the Hommeboys, two stylish fellows who have taken care of every inch of their home. While I’m not sure what LOOK to call this, I wanted to get this look this week because I loved their style and wanted to see if I could pull it all from our marketplace. I could! All of the rooms in this tour are different, but they’re all strong in texture and color. Feel free to peek through and find what I’ve matched.

Maxwell Ryan

Jul 20, 2018

Partner

This One Small Change Will Make a World of Difference at Bedtime

There’s no shortage of advice out there for getting a restful night’s sleep, from setting the thermostat just so to banishing screens from the bedroom. But we often overlook a huge factor, not just in a good night’s sleep but in a healthful day too: lighting. The right light does wonders for wellness (just ask your plants), but we’re often bombarded with harsh rays, from the glare of our devices to the unflattering fluorescents at the office.

Creative Studio

Jul 20, 2018

9 Cleaning Tasks You Can Skip All Summer Long

Welcome to Apartment Therapy’s Chore-Free Summer. Every weekday until July 20, we’re arming you with time-saving shortcuts and hacks that’ll help you work smarter, not harder, when it comes to homekeeping this summer. Because cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. This post is the last day of our chore-free summer series, to get the rest of the posts go here.

Taryn Williford

Jul 20, 2018