The Latest
2018

The Latest: 2018

Welcome to the hub for accessing all our latest posts! Easily sort through content by date to quickly find what you’re looking for — you’ll never miss out on the latest updates here.
Two-story white house with green shutters, surrounded by trees and a well-kept lawn.
A Colonial So Charming, Even Nancy Meyers Would Be Jealous
This quintessentially storybook family home is stacked with all the historic trappings, but updated with every creature comfort. 1 Main Street Located in Sharon, CT $850,000 6 bedroom, 4 full bathrooms, 1 half-bath When you picture a classic East Coast Colonial, a house just like this most likely comes to mind. Located in the Historic Village Green in tony Sharon, Connecticut, this 1850s home boasts loads of space, but somehow manages to feel cozy and elegant at the same time.
Anne Roderique-Jones
Jun 4, 2018
This Dallas Studio Has a Smart IKEA Hack Dog Lovers Will Appreciate
Name: Erica Massey and dog Deacon Location: Dallas, Texas Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I am a 26-year-old PhD student living with my four-year-old Belgian Malinois named Deacon. I live on fellowship/stipend from teaching undergraduate classes at my university, so I end up DIY-ing and/or IKEA-hacking a lot of home decor (my kitchen island, my bed, my couch, my bookshelves…).
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 4, 2018
This Is What a 1870s Italianate Farmhouse in Iowa Looks Like on the Inside (& We Approve)
Name: Kevin Wagner, wife Amber, two cats, Fjell and Fritz, a farm dog, Finn, and several chickens Location: Vandalia, Iowa Size: 2500 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, owned Our home is an Italianate-style brick home that we believe was built in the 1870s. It resides on the outskirts of a once prosperous rural town, Vandalia, Iowa. We own the surrounding seven acres, which is divided into our yard, garden, flower plots, and native virgin prairie.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 3, 2018
You Should Always Take a Picture of Your Stove Before Going on Vacation
Going on vacation is supposed to be relaxing and fun. But 9/10, everyone always feels like they need a vacation from their vacation. There is always so much to worry about before you leave. You need to check your luggage to make sure you packed everything you meant to. When you’re actually on vacation, you are worrying about your house and your pets, hoping that they are being good for the sitter. How many times have you stressed about turning the stove off before you left the house?
Ana Luisa Suarez
Jun 3, 2018
Why You Should Pour Flour in Your Sink
A clean sink is one thing, but a shiny sink is another.
Shifrah Combiths
Jun 3, 2018
11 Outdoor Bar Carts That Will Keep the Party Going All Summer Long
The first official day of summer won’t arrive for another few weeks, but as far as we’re concerned the sunny season is already in session. And what better way to ring in three glorious months of carefree fun than with an awesome summer blowout? Many hosts will tell you a well-stocked bar is key for a great party, which is why an outdoor bar cart is one of the best investments you can make this season.
Kelsey Mulvey
Jun 2, 2018
New Yorkers Start From Scratch in a Bright Swedish Apartment
Name: Louisa Johnsson Zea, husband Mario and cat Aycha Location: Lugnet — Malmö, Sweden Size: 667 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting Mario, my husband, and I share this place with our cat Aycha. We moved to Sweden from New York City almost two years ago for work (I’m the director for a European Social Fund project) but left most of our things in storage in NYC.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 2, 2018
These Are the Top Cities for Staycations – See If Your City Made the List
Have you ever thought of using your time off from work for a staycation? This is when you don’t actually go anywhere on vacation, but you instead take time off and enjoy your city/area. Staycations are gaining popularity in recent years. As expected, some cities are much better than others for staycations. If your city doesn’t have much to offer, then that probably isn’t going to be the best city to staycation in.
Ana Luisa Suarez
Jun 2, 2018
Work Remotely? The Governor of Vermont Wants to Pay You $10,000 to Move There
Craft beer, maple syrup, truly organic farming, snow skiing, independent thinking, arts & crafts studios, and the absolute natural glory of autumn—like nowhere else on the planet. If moving to the Bernie Sanders state (of mind) sounds like a dream come true, then the governor of Vermont has a message for you: he wants to pay you to move there.
Melissa Massello
Jun 1, 2018
Just How Bad Is It to Never Replace Your Caulk?
Let’s be honest: Unless our bathroom caulk falls out completely, it doesn’t occur to many of us to replace it—clean it, sure, but replace entirely? Are we gross? Are we going to die tomorrow? Let’s explore. Fresh caulk should last quite a while—in the five year range—but a couple of factors can reduce its lifespan: Using the wrong kind for the job, poor installation, and even house settling can cause it to pull away from the wall and lose efficacy.
Tess Wilson
Jun 1, 2018
6 Things That Increase Your Home’s Value Before You Even Buy
While you’re in the process of house hunting, all you want to do is find a keeper, get the keys and settle into your new life. But it pays to think long-term when buying a home because you’re probably going to be selling it sometime in the future, and you want to get a good return on your investment. So, keeping certain factors in mind when purchasing a home is key to ensure that it has good resale value. Here, six things you should think about, according to professionals.
Chelsea Greenwood
Jun 1, 2018
The Best Packing Tape for Moving, According to Professional Movers
Moving soon? You’re going to need packing tape—and a lot of it. But before you head to your local hardware supply store to pick up a few rolls, first think, “Is this going to cause more trouble than it’s worth?” From quickly losing adhesive to not being as durable as you’d like, bad tape can make moving a whole lot harder than it needs to be. And who knows how to avoid these sticky (pardon the pun) moving situations? The pros, of course.
Maddy Sims
Jun 1, 2018
A Dreamy Loft Grows in Brooklyn
Name: Victoria Bartlett, designer and stylist Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant — Brooklyn, New York Size: 1200 square feet Years lived in: 1 year When I first spotted Victoria Bartlett‘s Brooklyn loft in a posting on Dezeen, I knew that it was a very beautiful space—and that I wanted to photograph it for Apartment Therapy. But I still wasn’t prepared for what I saw when I arrived.
Nancy Mitchell
Jun 1, 2018
Before and After: This Tiny Travel Trailer Fits a Family of Five
The original aesthetic of this 1984 home will look very familiar to all of us that remember the year—you can almost smell the cigarette smoke!—but it recently received a totally DIY makeover and the results are sweet vintage perfection. Introducing Myrtle…. This is so darling. It looks like the mid-century modern home of a family of storybook beavers. It’s just so sweet.
Tess Wilson
Jun 1, 2018
Partner
Tour The Hommeboys’ Playful, Ever-Changing Apartment
These guys are DIY wizards.
Creative Studio
Jun 1, 2018
The Most Maximalist Bohemian Home Just Might Be on This Farm in Colorado
Name: Chasity Kelly, her husband Derek, their three dogs Nixxon (beagle/pointer), Bitness Everdeen (chiweenie) and Aspen (Australian shepherd). They also have 20 chickens and two ducks.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 1, 2018
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