Apartment Therapy Archive: Nov 2018

We shared our favorite tiny houses sourced straight from Instagram, but now it’s time to give our micro properties on Pinterest a little bit of lovin’, too. Since Pinterest is where visual imagery comes to life in the form of shareable pins, it only makes sense that a hub of beautiful tiny homes would exist on its platform.

We all know how perfect our furry friends are. Sure, they may scratch the furniture and eat our shoes, but we love our dogs like they’re our extra-hairy children. So it’s particularly brutal that a new study says Fido and Sparky are not particularly gifted. According to a new study in “Learning & Behavior,” dogs are cognitively quite ordinary when compared to other carnivores, domestic animals, and social hunters.

I am a naturally tired person. Therefore I love coffee in the mornings, tea (and sometimes coffee) in the afternoon, and coffee with Bailey’s in the evening. One thing I do not love about drinking warm liquids is that sometimes they are mean and tricky fiends. They hurt you if you’re too eager! They turn cold if you take your time! How rude! This is not really a Problem, but it is an Annoyance. Every time I burn my tongue on too hot liquid, first I think “Hmm… Ouch!

Wasn’t everyone inspired by outer space at some point growing up? Movies like “Star Wars”and “E.T.” fueled fascination with the galaxy and inspired humans everywhere. Well, now is your time to live out your childhood galactic dreams with this UFO-inspired glamping experience. The hideaway is located near Lulea, Sweden, which looks like it was plucked from another galaxy and plopped into the woods.

If you haven’t noticed, Harry Potter fandom is showing no signs of stopping—especially when it comes to selling majestic merch. From Pottery Barn’s and Williams-Sonoma’s collections to new one-off items like a Hogwarts-themed photo and video printer (yes, that exists!), there are plenty of new options to gift for the holidays. But not every wizard or witch is the same.

Snowstorms and cold temperatures aren’t necessarily terms you want to hear when you’re moving… but it turns out, you may want to put on your winter parka and get your moving truck ready. According to a recent report by Zillow Research, this winter could indeed be a great time to buy for potential homebuyers. Mortgage interest rates are on the uptick and 2019 will be no different: The Economy Forecast Agency predicts that the mortgage rate will hit 5.

We’ve explained why you should keep a thermometer in your fridge, but temperature monitors can actually save you money in other parts of the house as well. And, honestly, who doesn’t want to save money on bills? Drafty windows and doors are often the biggest culprit when it comes to allowing air to seep in or out—a definite no-no when it comes to household energy efficiency—particularly during the sticky summer and colder winter months. Here’s a trick.

When Sarah and her wife, Jamie, chose to buy a home together, they were finally able to turn their beautiful creative energy on their own space.

Just picture it: You’re graciously gliding across the ice, hot cocoa in hand and wowing the crowd with your figuring skating spins. Okay, maybe it’s more like chopping across the ice while gripping the rink’s ledge. And, perhaps it was a fall—not exactly a flying sit spin—that’s being judged… But that’s neither here nor there! Ice skating is a quintessential wintertime activity, even more so when rinks are decked out in their best holiday finery.

I have a confession to make: I’m low-key obsessed with candles. Maybe it’s the delicious scents or the gorgeous glow, but there’s something instantaneously soothing about lighting a candle. Not only do I have one burning virtually 24/7 (when I’m home, that is), but I also have an entire cabinet solely dedicated to candles. Think they’re a lame or impersonal present? I’d happily take ’em off your hands! (Kidding… ish.

This bedroom was described as “so sad… but there is so much potential,” and one intrepid DIYer brought out all that and so much more. The stars of the new bedroom are a stunning accent wall made from ordinary board and batten, and some seriously cool rustic wood sliding closet doors. This makeover was completed by Angela of Angela Rose Home, and though Angela refers to it as The Boy’s Room (it belongs to a son), it’s beautifully gender neutral.

Name: Christina Thaisen, my partner, and our 2-year-old son Location: London, United Kingdom Size: 1,345 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years, renting We moved into this old jam factory two and a half years ago because we instantly fell in love with the open plan space and all the light. The flat is situated in Bermondsey, what feels like a little village in the middle of London. We’re originally from Denmark and have filled the flat with new and old designs mainly from Denmark.

Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and nowhere is this more true than when amassing your collection of tea for cold-weather sipping. I bet everyone in your household has their own favorite that evokes the comforting sensation of sitting on the couch shrouded in a blanket beside a crackling fire and twinkling fairy lights. You make sure you’re stocked on the old standbys: mint, sleepy time, vanilla chamomile, and rooibos.

It’s not like Joanna Gaines invented farmhouse modern style. But she definitely raised its visibility by beaming this rustic, charming, and yet somehow fresh (at the time) look into our homes each week on HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” Honestly, before her, farmhouse vibes were achieved by putting roosters on everything and using fake sunflowers in old milk jugs as centerpieces. Or something like that, I think, but I digress.

At long last, the much-anticipated sequel to last year’s surprise smash, “A Christmas Prince,” is now streaming on Netflix. In “A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding,” all our favorite Aldovians are back! Read ahead for our review… warning: SPOILERS below!

Vacuuming isn’t on many people’s lists of most-hated chores. In fact, I’ve seen it pop up multiple times as people’s favorite cleaning “guilty pleasures.” I get it, for sure. It’s a quick way to make a room look much cleaner and the rewards for your effort are instantly apparent. No matter how much you love to vacuum and how often you do it, though, you’re probably not taking full advantage of everything your vacuum cleaner can do.

Do you dream of a future with a yard and a white picket fence? One where you’re not writing away 30 percent of your salary to your landlord every month? Being able to buy a home is a big part of what we’re sold as “The American Dream,” but it’s not for everyone. Renting an apartment forever is absolutely an option, and a damn good one.

Will they or won’t they? Several times this year, the Federal Reserve System raised the benchmark interest rate and seemed gung-ho to do it again by the end of the year. If you’re about to get a new mortgage, these interest rate hikes will directly affect you, meaning you’ll pay more over time for that new house. And if you’re not in the market for a new mortgage, federal interest rate hikes will still hit you, albeit indirectly.

With the countdown to the most anticipated holiday officially underway, one needs to be as efficient as possible in order to avoid any decorative mishaps. In years past, it may have been totally acceptable to decorate the old-fashioned way, à la “A Christmas Story’s” Old Man Parker, who infamously disregarded fire safety precautions while lighting the family tree.

The Gaineses know the way to our pet-loving hearts. The former “Fixer Upper” stars’ new holiday collection at Target includes a slew of items for your furry friends, including—wait for it—plaid dog pajamas.

As magical as the holidays are, this time of year can also be a bit stressful—between handling a barrage of party invites, planning your own get-togethers, wrapping up the year, visiting family and getting all your holiday shopping done… well, it’s a lot. And then there’s the whole spending money thing. Shopping and celebrating add up, but it doesn’t have to be quite so painful.

Every year, Oprah gifts the world her list of favorite things released over the past 12 months, from beauty must-haves to kitchen essentials and fashionable finds. While Queen O’s selections tend to be items that are on point in functionality and design, the prices aren’t always a bargain. As a result, we decided to pick the must-haves from her 2018 list of 106 items and find the budget-friendly versions sold by some of our favorite brands.

Everyone needs a chance to unwind, and we may have found the perfect setting for you to find your zen. Located on the coast of the prominent Ring of Kerry in the Irish countryside, this tranquil glamping site is outfitted with everything you could possibly need for a relaxing retreat. The cozy bell tent is set up with a plush double mattress, a fuel stove to keep you warm and cozy, a little fridge for your favorite treats, and a sound dock to set the soundtrack of your dreamy nature getaway.

Andrea her husband, Brian, live very cleanly and simply in a third floor apartment in Brooklyn.

Love or hate them, Chip and Joanna Gaines have made a lasting impact on the real estate scene. Fixer Upper has convinced many people that those opposite-of-turnkey homes are not money pits, but opportunities in disguise. Not only can they save you a lot of cash—even with renovation costs added on top of the purchase price—but they can also allow you to truly personalize your home to your heart’s content. Anyone who’s tired of cookie-cutter McMansions can appreciate that.

Fresh paint, new hardware, stylish lighting... the new kitchen's got it all.

Perfect Night In is a series where we ask actors, artists, entrepreneurs, and beyond how they’d spend the ultimate luxury—a blissful evening at home. If you were a fan of the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” then you should immediately recognize these two members of the OG Fab Five, Carson Kressley and Thom Filicia.

Recently we’ve been following the adventures of the Rosenes as the family of four hits the open road in their 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 3500. Husband and wife Travis and Lexi gave us the nitty gritty details on what it took to convert their van into a comfortable, livable 86-square-foot home for their brood.

Let’s get one thing straight: You don’t need a huge budget to have a great eye for design. Sure, it would be nice to have the latest (and priciest) pieces from Paris or Milan; however, there’s something satisfying about searching high and low for a great deal. Plus, how cool is it when all your friends are fawning over an ottoman or throw blanket when you know you got it for next to nothing. Of course, we’re not the only ones who love some cheap thrills.

I recently spent hours examining every yogurt label I could find to determine which yogurts have the least amount of sugar. I was focusing on toddler yogurts for this story for Kitchn about low-sugar yogurt brands, but it got me thinking about the yogurts I eat, too. It was shocking, truly, to discover most yogurts have a ton of added sugar. I had frequently heard this was the case, but I assumed it was the “dessert” yogurts like strawberry cheesecake or cookies and cream.

When Oriane and her husband Christopher moved into their large Chicago home, a lot of things needed updating (as these before photos prove). On a pretty tight budget, they ended up tackling many of the DIY projects of the remodel themselves. Everything from fresh paint to a new kitchen makes their condo beautiful. Though every room is lovely today, the formal dining room is one of the most impressive spaces.

Name: Erin Flett and family Location: Gorham, Maine Size: 2,400 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned We found an open lot in the middle of an established neighborhood in Gorham, Maine, and instantly fell in love. It was almost four acres, half-wooded, and half-open and flat.

A vacuum might feel like a real dud of a gift as a grownup. But a Dyson vacuum? Apartment Therapy may be biased, but that feels more like a super-fun gadget than a cleaning tool. (Seriously, a few editors own one and swear it takes some of the drudgery out of chores, no #sponcon here.) So when we spotted a Dyson-for-kids over the weekend, that seemed like hitting the jackpot—everything is better when it’s miniature… right? What’s more, the $29.

Is a sweater really ugly if it features something so cute? The Christmas ugly sweater phenomenon has launched many a themed party and even a few clothing lines dedicated to the art form. Picking your own ugly sweater can be tricky–you have to strike the right balance of tacky, clever, and unique. Are you more of a Star Wars tacky sweater person, or Santa on a unicorn? Only you can know for sure.

The last time you got a raise, did you potentially daydream of moving to some far-off amazing place? Well, your options may be limited, because that amazing locale might come with a super high price tag—especially if you want to live abroad. The Economist recently updated their list of most expensive cities in the world, and surprisingly, pricey American cities didn’t even crack the list this year.

There's nothing spa-like about squinting in the dark.

Instead of tossing your favorite fashion, home decor, or beauty magazines in one of several piles you’ve established strictly for this purpose, try placing them in an attractive magazine stand, for an eye-catching design statement. We all know how easy it is to let clutter accumulate, but these stylish products are designed to be left out, so you can display your favorite mags in a visually appealing way.

For no particular reason, I’ve never really worn gloves to wash the dishes. I guess my mom never did, so I didn’t get into the habit, and it’s hard to change habits! But my friends who cook a lot—and clean a lot of dishes—always wear them. Every time they do a dish! I mean, I guess I’ve pulled out a pair for Thanksgiving dinner clean up, but that’s about it. Anyways, I started to wonder if there was something there.

1. eBay was originally named AuctionWeb. 2. A grilled cheese sandwich with what looked like an image of the Virgin Mary embedded in the crust once fetched $28,000 on the e-commerce site. 3. You can buy your next home (or an addition to your home) on eBay.com. Does this sound like a set up for the game “two truths and a lie”? Well, we’re here to tell you that these are all cold, hard facts about eBay.

‘Tis the season for holiday decorating! Year after year, I find myself wanting to spend a small fortune on mini trees, lights, and all things festive. But after the first year of going all out in my apartment, I had to pull back. Because there are only so many places you can add cheer to in 600-square-foot apartment, that is, without stumbling over faux reindeer or worse, blowing a fuse.

Sruthi and Gautam sought to create a cozy home with "come sit here and chill" vibes, something that would fit their family's personality.

I am sitting on my sofa right now, writing this, wearing a wool sweater, swaddled in a blanket, and I’m still freezing. My fingers, toes, and nose feel particularly arctic, and I dread leaving the house later to walk my dog. Yep, I’m one of those people: always cold. Like a heat-seeking missile, I will shamelessly and relentlessly navigate towards warmth, wherever and whenever I can. Here’s a neat hack I use to get through winter.

Teeny bathrooms in tiny homes can be big on smart ideas for small spaces. The 10 bathrooms below are chock full of prime examples. Find smart and stylish ideas to steal for your bathroom of any size. This tiny (and practically perfect) modern shed in California has so many beautiful elements to be inspired by. From the organic materials palette to the custom dividing wall in the living room, this home is completely livable and totally lovely.

The driving force in how you decorate your home—and really just how you live in it—is dictated most often by your personality. Who you are as a person impacts what art you hang, how you set up your rooms, how often you host people, your cleaning tendencies, and how you unwind at home.

With just six weeks of work and $500, this bathroom was transformed from ’80s wonderland—complete with peach tiles, wallpapered outlet cover, tiny triangle sink, stained glass medicine cupboard, and robot curtains—into a bright, modern sanctuary. Thanks to The Handyman’s Daughter, this is like an entirely new bathroom, but in a fun twist, the blue from the old bathroom made it into the new.

It seems really unfair that we have seasonal wardrobes—tank tops in the summer, jackets and jeans in the winter—but we can’t have seasonal closets. I don’t know about you, but I feel like I need double the space just to stash my thick sweaters. I want to detach my normal closet from my apartment and tack on one twice its size. Until LEGO gets into the architecture business, I think we’re all stuck with the closets we have.

The seven deadly sins of living room decorating—and how to fix ‘em.