The Latest: Nov 2018

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A Lovely Dutch Home Shows How Chic Simplicity Can Be

Name: Saritha Ashok, husband, and 12-year-old son Location: Leiden, Netherlands Size: 1,507 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting We live in a small town called Leiden in the Netherlands. We are a small family—me, my husband, and our 12-year-old son. They totally support me in my decor adventures and are my biggest cheerleaders. Since ours is a rented space, there are some decorating limitations. But we have been able to work around it.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 10, 2018

Windowless Planes Might Be the Future of Air Travel

What is the appeal of the window seat on an airplane? Maybe you want to get a view of the sky as you travel, or perhaps you just don’t want to get stuck in the middle seat. It seems like everyone fights for the window seat, rather than the aisle seat, and the person last to the fight gets stuck sitting in the middle. Well, if you love the window seat for the view, a new type of airplane is currently being brainstormed.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Nov 10, 2018

Experts Say This Is the Best Credit Score You Really Ever Need

The 800-and-up credit score club is an elite one: 20.7 percent of Americans have reached this upper echelon of credit worthiness, according to the latest data from FICO, a widely-used credit score rating system. But, finance experts explain that you don’t actually need to have a score in the 800 range to qualify for the best mortgage rates. In fact, the score you should really aspire for is… drumroll, please: 760!

Brittany Anas

Nov 10, 2018

Disney Launched Their First-Ever Princess Subscription Boxes – Just in Time for Christmas

Growing up, did you dream of becoming a princess? Maybe you longed to be a mermaid like Ariel or you wanted to live in a castle with a huge library like Belle. Or maybe you didn’t idolize the traditional princesses, and instead, you loved Mulan and Pocahontas. Whoever your favorite Disney princess was, you probably spent hours playing dress up pretending to be them. Many of us did!

Ana Luisa Suarez

Nov 10, 2018

Partner

5 Packable and Portable Toddler Toys for Holidays Away from Home

Reuniting with faraway family for the holidays can be wonderful, emotional, and… exhausting. When you’re traveling with little ones, all of that is amplified. Schlepping bags full of toys and gifts-from-the-grandparents through the airport is daunting, but it can be managed! Use this Sago Mini packing list to save space while keeping kids entertained with toys that spark imagination and curiosity. Plus, you can forward this wishlist to Grandma and Grandpa.

Creative Studio

Nov 9, 2018

A 360-Square-Foot Studio Is Like a Tiny Cabin in the City

Name: Kyle L. Quilici, my boyfriend, also named Kyle! Location: San Francisco, California Size: 360 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, renting I moved into this studio five years ago from a listing I found on Craigslist. I was attracted to the cabin-like feel of the wood-beamed ceiling and the brightness from the skylights. It was located in a random part of the city, right in between a few different neighborhoods, but the street itself is a gem—tree-lined and quiet.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 9, 2018

Peek Inside This Elephant-Shaped Villa—And It’s Available for Rent

If you’re not already sold on the fact that this rental is shaped like a giant elephant (think of the post-trip Insta posts!), you’ll be pleased to learn that its charm goes far beyond that particularly striking detail. This 40-foot, two-story mammoth of a tiny house is located in the Southeastern Uva Province of Sri Lanka, near a river that borders Yala—Sri Lanka’s famous wildlife park.

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Nov 8, 2018

Genevieve Gorder’s First Apartment Was a DIY-Lover’s Dream

Welcome to My First Apartment! Whether it’s your first studio, a four-bedroom deep in the city shared with a handful of roommates, or even an entire house (lucky you!), there’s something special about moving into the first place that’s truly your own. In this series, we’ll showcase actors, artists, entrepreneurs, and beyond—asking them to revisit that oh-so-sweet nostalgia of newly-found freedom. To say that Genevieve Gorder is captivating is an understatement.

Liz Steelman

Nov 8, 2018

Before and After: The Best IKEA BESTÅ Hack We’ve Seen in Ages

IKEA hacks are always fun, but this one resulted in a piece that looks more like a high-end mid-century modern credenza that would cost at least 10 times more than it actually did. This BESTÅ is about to truly live its best life. First, a little bit about how Alex Mcclain, the mastermind behind this hack, was inspired by: I really liked a mid-century style credenza I saw from a company called Rove Concepts but couldn’t justify spending the $1,000+ dollars so I had to get creative.

Tess Wilson

Nov 8, 2018

10 Unbelievably Bold and Unique Tile Ideas to Try

Available in a dizzying array of colors, materials, patterns, sizes, and shapes, tiles are the incredibly versatile and durable decor tool that’s been adorning interiors for thousands of years. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration or overwhelmed by all the choices available, these 10 one-of-kind rooms narrow in on unbelievably bold and unique looks you can achieve with tile. In Daniel and Diego’s small Buenos Aires, Argentina home, they went BOLD in the bathroom.

Adrienne Breaux

Nov 8, 2018

7 Daily Home Habits That Will Boost Your Creative Energy

Creativity starts at home. That’s why it’s important to know what kinds of things you can do around the house to get your creative juices flowing. We called on two of our favorite creative experts: Rahti Gorfien, Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and ACCG at Creative Calling Coaching and Danielle Raine, a U.K.-based creativity coach for advice on everyday habits that can help improve our creativity from the privacy of our own place, and they had lots to share.

Caroline Biggs

Nov 8, 2018

The Surprising Place to Find Furniture for Cheap

If you’ve ever thrown any kind of party at your house you know that, regardless of your best laid plans to draw guests into other rooms, everyone is going to congregate in the kitchen. Kitchens have long been the number one return on investment for remodeling for that reason, and now they’ve also become the most splurge-y place in the house for furniture and decor, as well.

Melissa Massello

Nov 7, 2018

6 Ways This Staging Secret Weapon Can Help Your Home Sell

We all know plants work wonders to purify the air and make your space feel happier, but there’s more to know about these green goodies: They can actually help sell your house. Here’s how. Houseplants make our homes happier, healthier places. They also convey just that when you’re putting your house up for sale, says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms in Miami, Florida.

Lambeth Hochwald

Nov 7, 2018

9 Little Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen Without Renovating

You're not stuck with what you've got.

Ayn-Monique Klahre

Nov 7, 2018

The Best Place to Live If You’re Not a Fan of Budgeting

Budgeting can be pretty hard—especially on a measly income. And some places, it’s nearly impossible to live a full life on your income alone—so you’re likely to slip into debt to pay the bills. Though it’s not ideal, for many it’s just the way it is. But in other places, it’s much, much easier—like in San Jose, California.

Liz Steelman

Nov 7, 2018

Before and After: This Kitchen Remodel Is a ‘Crazy Magic’ Blend of Industrial and Victorian Styles

This “industrial condo” needed to be transformed into a home to please someone who also loved Victorian homes and an elegant, full-of-antiques style. Somehow they managed to combine those two aesthetics seamlessly. How does this have so much vintage charm yet feel so fresh? That, I suppose, is the magic of Shannon Tate Interiors, who renovated this kitchen for a client.

Tess Wilson

Nov 7, 2018

6 Surprising Things Your Renters Insurance Covers

If you’re budget-conscious, you might think purchasing renters insurance is a luxury you can’t afford—especially if your landlord doesn’t require you to hold it. But like most insurance, it can pay dividends when the unexpected occurs and your valuables are lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed–and much more besides.

Chelsea Greenwood

Nov 6, 2018

What to Make and Eat on Election Night

With midterm elections this week, you may have already figured out where you’ll be tuning in—but have you thought about what you’ll be eating? No matter who you’re voting for in November, one thing is universal: We’ll all need food to fuel us through the night as results roll in.

Sheela Prakash

Nov 6, 2018

6 Things You Didn’t Realize About IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

Here's everything you need to know.

Jessica Dodell-Feder

Nov 6, 2018

Partner

How One Designer Brings IRL Inspiration into Her New England–Style Spaces

Instagram is great for design inspo, but sometimes we forget that all those digital ideas come from the real world. (Remember the real world? It’s so tactile!) It’s time to stop scrolling and start snapping: Which is exactly what Heather Thibodeau—the DIY-ing, color-loving lady behind The Heathered Nest—is doing for her next projects, all inspired by New England.

Creative Studio

Nov 6, 2018

The Best Metro Area for Millennials, According to Statistics

As the millennial job market becomes mobile, many twenty- and thirty-somethings are looking outside the big cities for places to settle down. If you haven’t been keeping score like I am, the Midwest is proving itself to be an increasingly attractive option with up-and-coming cities that offer millennials the lifestyle they’re searching for—and the price they want to pay.

Liz Steelman

Nov 5, 2018

8 Geometric Side Tables That Make a Bold Statement

If you feel like your room is missing a certain artistic touch, then it’s time to bring out the sculptures. But rather than getting actual busts or little figurines, help bring in that missing creative flair with end tables. Swap out your simple wooden pieces for geometric side tables that look like they belong in an art installation or museum.

Marlen Komar

Nov 5, 2018

Look Inside: A 1928 “Tiny” House in San Jose Asks $798K

This California casa is small in size but big on charm. 759 N 19th Street Located in San Jose, California $798,000 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Pinch yourself. If you thought a tiny home couldn’t be more charming, then think again. This Spanish bungalow in the Northside neighborhood of San Jose is petite perfection. Built in 1928, the 759-square-foot property manages to marry original charm with modern updates.

Anne Roderique-Jones

Nov 5, 2018

This Scandinavian Home Is a Dreamy Minimalist Farmhouse

Name: Christina Strehlow, husband, two daughters and a dog Location: Österlen, Sweden Size: 2067 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned Though it was “love” and “wow” at first sight, we still had many things to do to this house. It wasn’t so nice when we moved in. We have DIYed everything, even building on a new corner of the house. We have really restored this house from the ground-up.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 5, 2018

A Small Rental Updated With Contact Paper, Stencils, and More

Name: Emilie Hebert, my cat Leo Location: Fort Collins, Colorado Size: 752 square feet Years lived in: 2 months, renting I moved to Colorado to attend graduate school, and hopefully I’ll be here for awhile. I signed on the apartment before I saw it in person! I live here with my tabby Leo, who really loves to look out the windows and eat some of my plants. As soon as I moved in, we painted the walls and cabinets white.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 4, 2018

Shopping for Bath Towels? Here’s How to Find the Right Plushness for You

Towels may serve a strictly utilitarian purpose—to dry you off after a shower, swim, or long bath—but, trust us, they’re far from basic. Truth is, choosing the right towel for your lifestyle and space can add a luxurious, spa-like quality to your standard bathroom. That’s why some people are willing to shell out the big bucks for ’em. (Need proof? Here are 14 bath towels that will rock your world!

Kelsey Mulvey

Nov 4, 2018

Kitchen Flooring That Won’t Drain Your Remodeling Budget

When you’re redoing a kitchen, flooring has a huge impact on the way the room looks. The orangey faux terra cotta we inherited in our Victorian kitchen drove me nuts and I couldn’t wait to replace it. New floors aren’t cheap though. If you’re considering an overhaul of your kitchen up to and including the floor, it’s easy to drop way more than you intend to. The good news is you don’t have to.

Dana McMahan

Nov 4, 2018

A 370-Square-Foot Studio Is Uncluttered Yet Cozy

Name: Naimah Jennings, two cats: Teapot and Huey Location: The West End — Alameda, California Size: 370 square feet Years lived in: 1 1/2 years, renting This studio is the first place that I’ve ever lived at on my own without any roommates. I’ve been really happy to create a space for myself that 100 percent reflects my personality.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 3, 2018

Here’s the Salary You Need to Buy a Modest Home in New York City, San Francisco & 22 Other Places

It’s funny how buying a home became known as “The American Dream,” because for decades, it wasn’t a dream at all. Just a few generations ago (basically: your grandparents), buying a house in your 20’s was just reality. I love this story from Relative Realty about a couple of real first-time buyers in Toronto—Ron and Joan, both “in their early 20’s”—achieving The American Canadian Dream.

Taryn Williford

Nov 3, 2018

7 Bad Housekeeping Habits You Need to Quit Right Now

Clutter is just a fact of life. Stuff piles up, messes are made, and dealing with it all becomes one of many things on your to-do list. Easy enough to manage when life is calm and work is steady, but when things get hectic, it’s more and more tempting to let things slide and deal with them later. And eventually, all that procrastinating can turn into what feels like an impossible cleaning challenge. But, of course, that’s not the case.

Brittney Morgan

Nov 3, 2018

Before and After: This Vintage Travel Trailer Got a $500 Facelift

This “disastrous” 1970s trailer is about to become a highly inviting guest room, parked on a lake and packed with vintage charm. And all it took was $500—and a lot of hard work. A 50(ish)-year-old trailer is bound to have a backstory, and this one definitely does: This trailer has a lot of history, and by the time we decided to start this project, it had definitely seen better days. A Prowler brand travel trailer, it originally belonged to my Grandpa’s fishing buddy.

Tess Wilson

Nov 3, 2018

4 Phone Calls That Could Save You Hundreds of Dollars

These days, actually using the phone to call people has pretty much fallen by the wayside. But here’s ample reason to pick up the phone: By making a few simple calls—and asking the right questions—you could save hundreds on your household bills. And the best part about living in 2018? You can actually pay someone to do it for you. According to U.S. News & World Report, there are several services that will lobby with your providers for better rates.

Chelsea Greenwood

Nov 2, 2018

This 215 Square-Foot Mossy Cabin In the Woods Is a Cozy Pacific Northwest Getaway

With the abundance of tiny homes cropping up every day, constructing a stand-out residence requires more and more creativity, and designers appear to have an endless supply of it. The latest adorably small house we’re crushing on is this moss-adorned cabin designed by Jacob Witzling, the same builder who had us wanting to permanently camp out in his whimsical tiny house on a truck bed.

Kenya Foy

Nov 2, 2018

The Majority of Renters Don’t Vote—Here’s Why

Feel like, as a renter, the world swings in favor of homeowners? Well, it just might. A new study by Apartment List found that renters are vastly underrepresented in American politics on both the local and national levels. Though some of it is systematic, some also comes from being disengaged. In the 2016 presidential election, while 67 percent of homeowners voted, only 49 percent of renters did.

Liz Steelman

Nov 2, 2018

A Student’s 250-Square-Foot Studio Feels Larger Than It Is

Name: Katie Carnett and kitties: Tokyo and Suki Location: Bay Ho neighborhood — San Diego, California Size: 250 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting This charming little studio was the first place I looked at when hunting for an apartment and as luck had it, I signed my lease that same day. The studio is attached to a private residence with a shared yard that looks out on a view of a canyon. It is so quiet, private, and peaceful.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 2, 2018

‘The Cher Show’s’ Broadway Dressing Room Transformation Will Make You Believe

Snap out of it!

Tara Bellucci

Nov 1, 2018

5 Home Upgrades That Can End Up Paying for Themselves

When you think of home upgrades that can save you money over time, are you imagining hefty investments like solar-powered roofs and native landscaping? Those projects certainly are the green goddesses in eco-friendly renovations. But, when it comes to upgrades, there are several smaller features that, over time, can pay for themselves, too—and they’re a lot easier to incorporate into your home. What we’re getting at?

Brittany Anas

Nov 1, 2018

Print Off This Checklist & Save $100 This Month

Budgeting is too often misunderstood. The problem: Many people look over their expenses after the money is gone. Then they get startled or—even less productively—embarrassed at how much money was spent on things like eating out or buying new clothing, and vow to cut back next month. It’s an endless cycle that does little to change your spending habits.

Shifrah Combiths

Nov 1, 2018

Partner

See How This Interior Designer DIYed a Hotel Back to Life

When Megan Pflug wanted to decamp from New York to the Hudson Valley and live on a property that doubled as a business, running a hotel wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. But Megan, an interior designer, has a great eye for potential, and when she found an upstate New York property that had it, she knew it was a match. The 1962 A-frame lodge needed some love to greet the 21st century in style, but that wasn’t Megan’s biggest obstacle.

Creative Studio

Nov 1, 2018

A Bold Boston Apartment Is Full of Renter-Friendly Color Ideas

Name: Karen Martin Location: Brighton neighborhood — Boston, Massachusetts Size: 670 square feet Years lived in: 4 months, renting I live alone in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston in a fourth floor, one-bedroom in a 1930s Art Deco apartment building. I have moved around a lot from Philly to Manhattan to here and lived in seven rentals since graduating from college, but when I viewed this apartment this spring, I had a complete “Aha!” moment and knew it was meant to be.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Nov 1, 2018

The Plant Doctor: How To Control Pests On Your Plants

Nov 9, 2018