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2018
December

The Latest: Dec 2018

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The Simple Truth About Student Loans and Homeownership
Once you graduate college, you’re handed a diploma and—most likely—a mountain of debt. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find a job where you make enough to pay off your student loans and then, maybe, move on to the next big investment of your life homeownership. Unfortunately, according to a study by Credit Sesame, the state in which you live may affect your ability to pay your student loans.
Lisa Iannucci
Dec 9, 2018
Modern Farmhouse Meets California Cool
Name: Valeria Jacobs, my husband, three kids (two boys and a girl), and a minature pincher Location: Castro Valley, California Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, renting We live in a cottage-style home. When we first saw the listing for rent I got a feeling that it was the house for our family. I fell in love with the big windows in the dining room, the hardwood floors, and overall it felt like a little home to us.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 9, 2018
5 Vacation Cities That Are Actually Great to Live In Year-Round
Wish you were on vacay every day? Some tourist destinations across the United States also make terrific places to live. Weather aside, these cities have amenities that year-round residents love—whether that’s as an emerging wine region, outdoor recreation activities, an impressive arts and culture scene, or great sandy beaches. Here’s where you can live the dream all year long—even after the piña coladas melt. The good news: You can live on an island year-round.
Brittany Anas
Dec 9, 2018
The $10 Buy That Makes the Cabinet Under My Sink Less Gross
Fun fact: You don’t have to cringe every time you reach for the dishwasher detergent and get a glimpse of what’s going on under your kitchen sink. Just because that’s what happens for most people doesn’t mean that’s the way it has to be for everyone. It’s not how it is for me. I’ve actually got one simple little trick to keep things nice under there. Here’s my secret to keeping the least sexy part of the kitchen looking spiffy.
Sharon Franke
Dec 9, 2018
A Portland Home Is the Perfect Blend of Whimsical and Modern
Name: Amanda J Franz and pup Milo Location: Portland, Oregon Size: 2,600 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, owned My name is Amanda Franz and I live in Portland, Oregon, with my Australian Labradoodle, Milo. I am a creative entrepreneur who owns the custom stationery company, Wide Eyes Paper Co. Wide Eyes specializes in hand-crafted wedding invitations and we ship all around the USA and internationally. I am an adventurous and curious 29-year-old surfer gal from sunny Southern California.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 8, 2018
Experts Say These 5 Real Estate Tips Are Now Totally Outdated
Like lots of things in life (including yourself!), the real estate world keeps rapidly evolving. Though some things will stay the same, at least one thing your broker told you a decade ago is no longer relevant. Here, five once-common pieces of advice experts say that you should now take with a grain of salt. “This advice is outdated because today—more than ever—people want to feel like they are getting ‘value’ in what they purchase.
Lambeth Hochwald
Dec 8, 2018
33 Productive Things You Can Do Instead of Spending Money
They say idle hands are the devil’s playground. Or is it an idle mind? When our twitching fingers tap from “add to bag” to “checkout” before we know what happened, it certainly feels like our good intentions of not spending money uselessly have been thwarted by a devilish boredom that whispers, pitchfork held aside, to go on ahead and just check to see if there are any good sales.
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 8, 2018
You Can Get a Weighted Blanket for Your Anxious Dog
Does your pet suffer from anxiety? Maybe they are terrified of the vacuum or fireworks, or maybe they just hate it when you leave. You might notice they miss you when you’re gone if all of your shoes disappear right before you walk right out the door. Or, your neighbor tells you that your dog doesn’t stop crying when you’re not home. According to the ASPCA, “One of the most common complaints of pet parents is that their dogs are disruptive or destructive when left alone.
Ana Luisa Suarez
Dec 8, 2018
Bobby Berk, Emily Henderson, Jonathan Adler, and More of Our Faves Weigh In on Pantone’s Color of the Year
On Thursday, Pantone announced their 2019 Color of the Year is Living Coral. We’ve already rounded up paint matches and affordable items for your home, but if you’re on the fence about how to feel about next year’s hue, we asked some of our favorite design pros for their hot takes (and cool tips) on using this bright shade at home. “I just learned that the collective noun for a group of flamingos is a flamboyance.
Tara Bellucci
Dec 8, 2018
Millennial Credit Scores Aren’t Great—Here’s Why
We know, everyone already harps on millennials. So, we hate to give bashers any more ammo, but… millennial credit scores aren’t great. They’re not good, either. They’re actually just “fair,” according to data from Experian, a consumer credit reporting agency. Experian’s credit system ranges from 300 (eek!) to 850 (wow!), and millennials, on average, are stuck in the “fair” category, which is a score between 580 and 669.
Brittany Anas
Dec 7, 2018
Before and After: This IKEA Hack Is Every Organized Person’s Dream
This entryway had a spot for coats, a large landing strip, a mirror for last looks, personality, and beauty, but it was lacking in storage for shoes and other odds-and-ends. A DIYer who enjoys “trying to figure out how to make things with no experience” solved the issue with a few ordinary IKEA drawers and some very special wood.
Tess Wilson
Dec 7, 2018
A Family of Five Swaps an RV for a Modern Spanish Bungalow
Name: Ashley Petrone, husband and three kids Location: San Jose, California Size: 1,392 square feet Years lived in: 4 months, owned Just four months ago, my family of five moved from southern California to northern California. We were living in an RV that I renovated on our land down before. We moved up north for a job transfer and it was fast! Within a few weeks we bought a house and renovated it. Our home was built in 1936 and has sweet Spanish charm! Curved windows, ceilings, and doorways.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 7, 2018
This Smart Furniture Turns Any Room Into A Walk-In Closet
As someone who lives in just 570 square feet with no closets, I’ve come to know a thing or two about storage; when you don’t have it you deeply appreciate it. Chances are, whether you live in a tiny house, a small apartment in a crowded city, or a dorm room, the same is true for you. You also probably don’t think of a walk-in closet as a realistic amenity ready and waiting to walk into your life at any moment—but well, that’s where you’d be wrong.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
Dec 6, 2018
10 Things You Need to Know When Buying a ‘Hoarder House’
Boulder, Colorado, is, for the uninitiated, a land of spandex-clad athletes driving Subarus with Namaste bumper stickers into the driveways of their $1.2 million single family homes. So when one of my friends broke into the pricey Boulder real estate market when we were in our 20s, I was intrigued to know exactly how she was able to do it. Surprise, surprise, it was a somewhat unconventional and unglamorous route: “Did I tell you we bought a hoarder house?
Brittany Anas
Dec 6, 2018
The Mistake All Fake Christmas Tree Owners are Making
As a big fan of friendly banter, I am always ready to throw down on a real vs. artificial Christmas tree argument. Team Real Tree love to wax poetic about the tradition of heading to the farm each year and the festive character that only comes from dressing a natural tree. While the artificial tree folks (of which I am one) like to tout the charm of colorful trees and the low cost and easy cleanup of bringing out the same tinsel shrub year after year.
Taryn Williford
Dec 6, 2018
This Home Is Colorful and Patterned Despite Being a Rental
Name: Shai Flax, my husband, our two dogs, and two cats. Location: Kiryat Tivon, Israel Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting This is a rental home where I live with my husband, our two dogs, and two cats. This was my final project as a home stylist and it was challenging due to the fact that it’s a rental house so I had a lot of boundaries and I couldn’t do whatever I want. Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Colorful vintage eclectic home.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 6, 2018
Partner
Win: A Cricut Maker®, a Crafter’s Best Friend
Prize: Cricut Maker® + Everything Material Bundle Total Value: $592 From: Cricut® Are you the DIY pro in your circle? You know, the one whose wall art, sewing projects, and custom cards always have friends and family asking, “Can you make me one of those?” Yeah, us too. Consider the Cricut Maker® your new best friend: This slim and sleek machine uses a workshop’s worth of precision tools that can cut just about any pattern from almost any material.
Creative Studio
Dec 6, 2018
‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ Star Rachel Brosnahan’s First Apartment Was Admittedly Unmarvelous
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. “The Marvelous Mrs.
Liz Steelman
Dec 5, 2018
Partner
Two Classic Holiday Decor Themes, and How to Decorate for Them
There’s always a moment of surprise when you meet someone whose idea of a classic holiday is the exact opposite of your own. You grow up thinking that everybody puts up a [insert seasonal decoration] around which they drink [insert decadent tipple] and sing [badly—that one is universal]. There are two styles we love for holiday decor: One that’s more classic, and one that’s a bit more modern and colorful.
Creative Studio
Dec 5, 2018
9 Unskippable Tasks that Make a “Deep Clean” Deep, According to a Professional Housecleaner
For as much as we tidy up around our homes, how often are we really giving our place a good old-fashioned deep clean? We called on housecleaning expert Jennifer Gregory, Brand Manager of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, for suggestions on what tasks you should absolutely cover to consider your clean a truly thorough one.
Caroline Biggs
Dec 5, 2018
These Kitchen Updates Will Increase Your Home’s Value, No Matter Your Budget
Don't want to spend a ton of money? There are more than enough small-scale kitchen repairs and replacements that can increase a home's overall value
Lisa Iannucci
Dec 4, 2018
Here’s How Women Are Changing the Most Important Workspace in America
Many homeowners know the experience of moving into an outdated space and planning some much-needed renovations. For the 102 women elected to Congress during the 2018 midterm elections (a record, by the way), they may not be able to gut the place but they could influence some major building changes. Now that nearly one in five legislators on Capitol Hill will be a woman, the building needs to prepare for these leaders and their teams.
Samantha Zabell
Dec 4, 2018
The Brilliant Reason We Put a Squeeze Bottle Top on This Vacuum
Believe it or not, squeeze bottle tops—you know, the inexpensive plastic ones you use on bottles of condiments—are actually quite versatile. Along with dispensing ketchup, mustard, or salad dressing, we’ve discovered an unexpected way to use them to better clean your home, too. These commonplace bottle tops can make deep cleaning your home a whole lot easier if you use them like a makeshift vacuum attachment.
Caroline Biggs
Dec 4, 2018
A 1960s House’s Color Palette Is Rainbow
Name: Kara Brown, husband, three boys and a dog Location: Denton, TX Size: 3,000 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, owned My husband, Dave, and I met in college (University of North Texas—I was an art major and an RA for his sister!) We moved from an apartment to our first home in 2003. It was an 1,100-square-foot fixer upper where we had our three boys. We loved it but eventually began to outgrow the space and so in 2014 started house hunting and found our current home.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 4, 2018
12 Things You Should Never Do With Your Christmas Tree
They may be pretty, but choosing and taking care of a Christmas tree takes more effort than you might think. Whether you go all out for a traditional Douglas Fir or opt for an artificial tree, planning ahead will make your holiday season far more festive—and, more importantly, safe. Time to deck the halls in your neck of the woods? Here are a few things not to forget as you purchase, set up, and care for your tree.
Ashley Abramson
Dec 4, 2018
Snap Up a Condo in an Iconic Seattle Architect’s Building for $649K
Opulent and modern mix well in this art-deco condominium in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. 1017 Minor Ave. Apt. 802 Located in Seattle, Washington $649,000 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom A 1928 issue of Pacific Builder and Engineer referred to Seattle architect Earl W. Morrison as one of the area’s best known architects, complimenting him for going to great lengths to consistently produce artistic designs. Now, buyers have a chance to snap up a condo in one of his iconic buildings.
Brittany Anas
Dec 3, 2018
The Affordable Brooklyn Neighborhood Even NYCers Are Overlooking
Surprisingly, there is still an affordable, diverse, and lively neighborhood in Brooklyn that hasn’t completely lost its sense of charm—and it’s where I live! Prospect Lefferts Gardens, aka PLG. I’d actually consider it Brooklyn’s last frontier—a largely untouched secret that still feels under control of its longterm residents. Located on the east side of Prospect Park, the garden-filled neighborhood is home to a wonderful community that really cares about it.
Quin Johnson
Dec 3, 2018
Why You Should Drill a Hole in Your Trash Can
The last thing anyone wants to deal with after a long day of adulting is a clingy garbage can that staunchly refuses to release its grip on a full-to-bursting trash bag. No matter how many times you tug on the bag, it refuses to come out, even after you’ve removed some of the (smelly) contents. Instead of contemplating precisely what you did wrong in a former life to deserve this karmic kitchen payback, avoid future frustrations by drilling a hole in your trash can.
Kenya Foy
Dec 3, 2018
11 Tiny Houses You Can Stay In Right Now (Starting at Just $42)
Have you ever wondered what’s it really like to live in a tiny house—and whether or not you could really do it, even part of the time? Now’s your chance to try before you buy (or build). We’ve rounded up 11 of the cutest tiny cottages you can actually book and stay in for your next getaway. Despite what many experts may opine in theory, in reality tiny homes remain as popular as ever—if only as a novelty or source of small-space living and storage ideas.
Melissa Massello
Dec 3, 2018
Before and After: An Entirely New Beautiful Bedroom for Only $350
While a master bedroom with an adjacent sunroom is a glorious thing to have, this particular one was “dreary and dated”—and not very sunny. It was overwhelmed by comfy but massive furniture and ready for a fresh look. Here’s the sunroom first. Nothing fresher than lush greenery, bright blooms, and a happy bird on a newly bright white wall. Avery Michaels of Holland Avenue Home boldly hand-painted this mural—inspired by Rifle Paper Co.
Tess Wilson
Dec 3, 2018
This Home in Rural France Is a Bohemian Jungle Fairyland
Name: Birgitte De Paepe, two dogs, and three kids Location: Rocbaron, France Size: 1,399 square feet Years lived in: 10 years, owned My house was built in the ’70s. I bought it in 2009 and completely renovated it from floor to roof, only keeping the old doors. The garage became the living room, the former kitchen and living room became bedrooms, and a new kitchen was added in an extension.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 3, 2018
A Sunny Tennessee Home Is Full of Plants and Metal Art
Warning/workspace/wordpress/wp-content/plugins/atmedia-cloudinary-image-block/atmedia-cloudinary-image-block.php82 Name: Stephanie Edward, husband, Charlie, and daughter, Eve Location: Leoma, Tennessee Size: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned After renting a few places with “character,” my husband, Charlie, and I finally bought our own home three years ago intent on having a place where everything functioned properly for a change and we could paint!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 2, 2018
The $60 Kitchen Rack (from Amazon!) That the Internet’s Obsessed With
Spend enough time looking at kitchen designs, and things start to look familiar. You start to see the same trends and products—KitchenAid stand mixers, pot rails from IKEA, and bright-pink rugs, for example—over and again. Sometimes things become popular because of a dedicated marketing team with a lot of ad dollars, but sometimes it happens on its own because a product is just that useful.
Elizabeth Licata
Dec 2, 2018
Partner
Shop These Dreamy, Cozy Holiday Deals
Between the elaborate feasts, the shopping sprees, and the endless parties, the holiday season can be exhilarating exhausting. That’s why we’re treating ourselves—and the folks on our gift list—to better and more beautiful sleep. They don’t call Lincove “the pillow people” for nothing: The heart of this luxe home brand is a comfy, cloud-like, precisely engineered pillow that just might be our fave for life.
Creative Studio
Dec 2, 2018
32 Things That Don’t Belong in Your Bathroom
By taking a bit of time to go through everything in your bathroom today, you'll be able to shed things that you won't (or by this point, shouldn't) use.
Shifrah Combiths
Dec 2, 2018
Costco Shoppers Swear These $20 Slippers Feel Just Like UGGs
We’re all for a good dupe. There is nothing better than finding something that works just as well (if not better) than a designer brand for a fraction of the cost. We often see this happen with different makeup brands, but it isn’t just for beauty products. You can find dupes for electronics, clothing, and more. Especially shoes! There are tons of shoe brands that design their styles based on high-end fashion retailers.
Ana Luisa Suarez
Dec 1, 2018
A Prop Stylist’s Small Home Is Industrial and Minimal
Name: Giana Shorthouse Location: Ponce City Market — Atlanta, Georgia Size: 655 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I live at the FLATS at Ponce City Market in Atlanta. Housed in a historic landmark originally constructed by Sears, Roebuck & Co. in 1926, each flat at Ponce City Market mimics the industrial modern aesthetic of the building with original features such as brick walls, tall ceilings, and expansive steel-frame windows overlooking the Atlanta skyline.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Dec 1, 2018
The Salary You’d Need to Own the “This Is Us” House
If you’re a fan of NBC’s wildly popular drama, “This Is Us,” you probably know a thing or two about the Pearson family. Have you ever wondered about the beautiful (but doomed) home the family lives in? While the house is located in Pittsburgh on the show, it’s actually filmed at a home in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles—the place where Rebecca and Jack road-tripped to early on in their relationship, ironically enough.
Kate Streit
Dec 1, 2018
One (Way Too Common) Mistake You Might Be Making with Your Holiday Cards
There's one very important element you're overlooking when sending holiday cards—your grammar.
Brigitt Earley
Dec 1, 2018
Zip Code: Hoboken
Zip Code: Hoboken
Dec 7, 2018
The Plant Doctor: Why You Should Buy Grow Lights
The Plant Doctor: Why You Should Buy Grow Lights
Dec 6, 2018