Living room with a gray sofa, geometric pillows, wooden coffee table, and vase of peach roses.
Why “Clearing the Coffee Table” is the New “Making the Bed”
We all know the benefits of making the bed every morning. Along with tidying up your bedroom in a pinch, this neat ritual helps set an orderly tone for the rest of your day. Clearing off your coffee table every day can be similar. As one Apartment Therapy reader put it: “Clearing off the coffee table is the making-the-bed of the living room!” Take a few minutes to clean up your coffee table each day, and you’ll enjoy a clearer mind and set the tone for a cleaner living room.
Apr 3, 2018
Pastel Pink Crates Are Everywhere Right Now and We’re Very Into It
As if Kmart Australia wasn’t painful enough, we Americans have yet another reason to envy folks in other parts of the world. Europeans have discovered pastel-colored mineral water bottle crates, and are using them at home in all sorts of clever and cute ways. We are completely and utterly jealous that we can’t do it too. Why? Because these crates are light and versatile enough to move around and use as extra storage or seating.
Apr 3, 2018
Get Your Pin Board Ready: 12 Dreamy Backyards in the City
Above: When I look at this backyard design by Sawyer Berson, I can almost hear the sound of the fountain. What better place to relax after a stressful day? Tall trees add a dreamy element to this Manhattan backyard from Dwell. The high walls make this backyard into a world its own, and the little fountain ensures that city sounds are far away. The separate, square planter areas add a bit of a formal element to this city backyard from Foras Studio, but also provide a place to wander.
Apr 3, 2018
5 Simple Ways to Be Happier at Home This April
Spring is a time of renewal, so we feel like there’s no better moment than now to pick up a new habit or try out a new idea. Even better if that idea inspires some good ‘ness — you know… happiness, coziness, wellness or just all around better living at home.
Apr 3, 2018
We Made Over a Rental Bedroom With $200
Redecorating can be a bit overwhelming. You might get stuck deciding on what style is right for you or even just anxious about how much it’ll all cost. Eventually it can get stressful to the point where it just feels easier to avoid altogether and live with what you’ve got. Which got me chatting recently with a few fellow editors about what a good “budget” price point would be for a quick room refresh.
Apr 3, 2018
Before and After: An Impressive 100% DIY Kitchen Makeover for Only $1300
A quick glance at this photo might yield the following evaluation: great windows, beautiful wood floors, overall very nice (if a bit yellow)—it could perhaps use some flair. Reader Anne is here to set us straight on the fact that this kitchen needs a bit more than just a quick coat of paint… Here’s what the kitchen was really like: Yellow walls, shabby original floorboards which were impossible to clean, half-done tile job by previous owner!
Apr 2, 2018
The Flatiron Pre-War Loft of Your Dreams Is on the Market
Soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and an updated kitchen are usually features that top city dwellers’ dreamiest real estate wish lists, and this pre-war abode checks all the boxes. Even better, it’s located in the appealing Flatiron district, so you don’t have to sacrifice location for style.
Apr 2, 2018
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Before & After: Bright.Bazaar’s Airy, Beachy Remodel
Will Taylor, the color-obsessed designer behind one of our favorite blogs, Bright.Bazaar, knows potential when he sees it. So when he and his husband, Toby, snapped up the property that would become their airy beach retreat in Bellport, NY, they already had a clear vision of the “make-you-smile style” renovations that would turn the house into their dream home.
Apr 2, 2018
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Tour Bright.Bazaar’s Make-You-Smile Beach House
Name: Will Taylor and Toby Taylor-Willis Location: Bellport, NY Size: 1500 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned If you’ve spent any time (or, like us, endless time) browsing the colorful design blog Bright.Bazaar, you know that Will Taylor’s signature “make-you-smile style” does exactly that.
Apr 2, 2018
A 300-Square-Foot Minimal, Monochrome Loft Is Little but Lovely
Name: Francisco Arrechea Martinez Location: Mar del Plata, Argentina Size: 291 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned This loft, located in the city of Mar del Plata on the Argentine coast, is owned by Francisco Arrechea Martínez, a young fashion stylist. The architecture and interior design are by Paola and Natalia Benedetti. It is located on the top floor of a very old tower, reached by a three-floor walk-up.
Apr 2, 2018
This DJ’s Beverly Hills House Has a “Costco Room”
Where you live is important. Not because of the location, but because it is your home. But, if we could live in Beverly Hills, we would in a heartbeat. Zedd (AKA Anton Zaslavsk) has 9,400 square-foot home that literally every millennial would dream of living inside of. It is so cool, it even has a Costco room. “I saw an ad for this house, which was way too expensive, but I asked if I could look at it for inspiration—like, if I wanted to build my own house.
Apr 1, 2018
Catch Unobstructed Views of the Aurora Borealis in This Icelandic Glass Hotel
Apparently, catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis isn’t the easiest exploratory feat to check off your travel bucket list. But one surefire way of increasing the odds of witnessing the shimmery cosmic phenomenon up close and in person is to spend a few nights in the Panorama Glass Lodge, a family-owned seaside retreat in Iceland that grants guests full access to remote relaxation and plenty of aurora-viewing opportunities throughout the duration of their stay.
Mar 31, 2018
We Asked Kate Walsh About Her Candle Line & How She Relaxes At Home
You might know Kate Walsh from her roles on Shondaland series staples Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, but did you know she has her own fragrance line? Called Boyfriend, the scent has recently expanded to candles, and we chatted with the star about her home projects, embracing coziness, and how she prefers to relax. This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Mar 31, 2018
Count Your Blessings, This Converted Dutch Church is on the Market
Judging by some of the most creatively upcycled properties on the market, the prospect of going to church and staying there has become increasingly popular. Following in the footsteps of several former houses of worship that are now stylish homes, this converted church on the outskirts of Amsterdam is up for sale, and much like its similarly renovated counterparts, the residence is absolutely fabulous. The two-story Dutch dwelling is located at Singelstraat 26 in Muiden.
Mar 30, 2018
This Double Shipping Container Home Is A Stargazer’s Dream
Sitting on twelve acres of pristine Western prairie, this upcycled tiny house is really two salvaged shipping containers — combining one Montana architect’s wanderlust, sustainable vision, and homesickness into a modern Western retreat that he calls a “stargazer’s dream.
Mar 30, 2018
Half of Americans Would at Least Consider a Tiny House, New Study Reports
Like Honeycomb cereal, America’s big, yeah yeah yeah. (It’s not small, no no no.) But a new survey shows that maybe we’re finally ready to embrace smaller living — or at least the idea of it. More than half of Americans (53%) polled by the National Association of Home Builders said they were at least willing to consider living in a tiny home, defined as less than 600 square feet.
Mar 30, 2018
Questions We All Have: Why Are Candles So Expensive?
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day at work or gearing up for a romantic night in, very few things can set the mood like lighting some candles. “It’s an easy and cost-effective way to transform your environment into something special,” says David Seth Moltz, co-founder of fragrance and candle company D.S. & Durga. In 2015, the U.S. retail sales of candles—not including accessories like hurricanes, matchboxes, and wick trimmers—were an estimated $3.
Mar 30, 2018
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How to Make One Small Room Perform Double Duty
Forget interior design pros and forget interior design shows, because nothing can help you prepare for living in a small space like playing Tetris. If you spent your formative years trying to organize an increasingly frantic number of squares, rectangles and…whatever that Z-shaped thing was, then you’re ready to figure out how to arrange your life within the walls of a small home.
Mar 30, 2018
A Bright, Art-Filled NYC Apartment Boasts Wild Wallpaper
Name: Cory Everett, Dina Sankari Everett, and son Julian Location: Gramercy — New York City Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned After living for 10 years in a 375-square-foot studio on the Lower East Side, we finally decided it was time to move to a bigger space (which was any space with more than one room).
Mar 30, 2018
Marc Maron’s Los Angeles Home (and Famous Podcasting Garage) Hit the Market for $749K
If you consider yourself a fan of comedy, no doubt the garage turned recording studio of this cozy Spanish-style bungalow tucked into the hills of Highland Park will be as familiar to you as the back of your hand. And WTF, it could actually now be yours.
Mar 29, 2018
Real Estate Rom Com: Maine Edition
Earlier this month I saw a property for sale that was so swoon-worthy I wrote a rom com about it. Not to be outdone, Sotheby’s International Realty posted this gorgeous Maine estate and once again I’ve found myself with a property muse of the highest caliber. Morning- EXT. Islesboro, Maine. RECENTLY DIVORCED WOMAN IN HER EARLY FIFTIES is sipping a cup of coffee on the porch of her new property.
Mar 29, 2018
This Tiny House Has a Bedroom You’d Actually Want to Wake Up In
Tiny houses are charming, and a great way to simplify and streamline your life—but the tradeoff, for many tiny house designs, is having to struggle up a ladder at night to reach your tiny peaked loft bedroom. Forget where you are in the morning, and you may just whack your head on the tiny adorable roof of your tiny adorable home. But the Escher, a creation of New Frontier Tiny Homes, takes a different approach: it has a bedroom you’d actually want to wake up in.
Mar 29, 2018
6 Super Stylish People on How They Set a Modern Passover Seder Table
The Passover Seder is one of the most important meals that Jewish people eat all year, and there is no arguing that the symbolism and ritual associated with the dinner is far more meaningful than the décor. That said, given that family and friends use the first two nights of the eight-day holiday to gather around the table, it would be nice if that table looked beautiful.
Mar 29, 2018
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5 Ways Pet Owners Can Keep Their Spaces Looking Stylish
If you own a pet, you know the issue: How can I have all the cuddles in the world without my home feeling like a kennel? Pets add a lot of little challenges to good housekeeping, but they’re undeniably worth it, fur balls and all. Fortunately, we have some smart solutions to help you keep your space clean and your design fresh. Because no one should sacrifice snuggles for style. Not every aspect of pet ownership is ready for Instagram (we’re looking at you, gross chew toys).
Mar 29, 2018
Dusting Isn’t Futile, You’re Just Not Doing It Right—Here are Some Dos and Don’ts
Dust, as we somewhat euphemistically know it, is a pretty disturbing amalgamation of pet dander, dirt, soot, hair, pollen, dust mite feces, and other tiny particles that get in our breathing zones and relentlessly coat every surface in our homes. Probably because dust is so pervasive, dusting is one of our most dreaded—and, therefore, often most neglected—chores. Here are some dos and don’ts that should take some sting out of the task.
Mar 29, 2018
9 Big Mistakes People Make When Painting Furniture
Don't let these happen on your watch.
Mar 28, 2018
The Charming L.A. Home of ‘This Is Us’ Star Susan Kelechi Watson
You might know Susan Kelechi Watson from her role as Beth from the constant-sob-inducing show This Is Us, or recognize her as Janet, the ex-wife from Louie. But there’s more to Susan than her impeccable acting skills—she also has an amazing Los Angeles apartment that’s chock-full of personality. Her home feels welcoming, airy, and full of color and fun.
Mar 28, 2018
Before and After: An Elegant Powder Room for an Unbelievable $1K Price Tag
It seems like we’ve seen a thousand iterations of this powder room (minus the grand mirror): taupe linoleum counter, bulky vanity, dated wallpaper, standard fixtures. What can be done to make it less predictable and more special? A paint job, perhaps, or a countertop upgrade?
Mar 28, 2018
Why Did Anyone Think Carpet in the Bathroom Was a Good Idea?
A look into the history of a particularly weird old trend.
Mar 28, 2018
A St. Louis Rental House Is a Modern (but Bohemian) Cozy Cottage
Name: Madison Kimball, her girlfriend Tori, and three adorable dachshunds: Ginger, Basil, and Fennel Location: St. Louis Size: 880 square feet Years lived in: 5 months, renting Originally from Virginia, my girlfriend and I moved to St. Louis almost two years ago so she could continue her education in nutrition. Since then, she has graduated, we’ve moved once already, and she has been named the executive chef of a new restaurant that is set to open in a few short weeks!
Mar 28, 2018
Why You Should Leave a Cup of Rice in Your Closet
Rice is a staple on dinner tables around the globe, but has many other great uses that go beyond the kitchen. Most of us have used it to save our cell phones from unfortunate run-ins with water because it’s hygroscopic and can trap the water molecules, but have you ever used it to trap odors? A cup of rice in a stinky space can make a world of difference. Making a deodorizing rice jar is one of the easiest, and best smelling things you can do for your home.
Mar 28, 2018
7 Resume Mistakes that Might be Hurting Your Job Hunt
A good resume should be clear and concise. As a rule of thumb, hiring managers typically take fewer than 10 seconds to scan an entire resume, so it’s important that yours conveys only the most relevant information to your audience. And since it’s crucial that your resume be quick and easy to read through, it’s important to know what information should be omitted.
Mar 27, 2018
The One Thing We Never Buy at IKEA These Days
It’s no secret that we love IKEA here at Apartment Therapy, and regularly write about hacks and beloved products we can’t live without. I’m a huge fan of their everyday basics, and my own home is filled with their wine glasses, dishes, and napkins. I even have a what-is-now-vintage credenza that I’ve owned for almost twenty years and can’t seem to get rid of, even after a couple of moves. But there is one thing that I never buy from IKEA these days.
Mar 27, 2018
This Bathroom Went from Boring Builder Grade to “Wow”
While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with this “before” (it’s clean, it’s white, it’s rocking some fun cabinet hardware and additional storage), we’re saying it: it’s boring. This bathroom could be in just about any house in any part of America. The “after” though…well, we’re smitten (it features one of the most stunning floors seen in all our Before & Afters).
Mar 27, 2018
Before and After: This Renovation Bucks the All-White Kitchen Trend
If you’re tempted to skip this post because you assume the wood cabinetry—and everything else—will be painted white, please trust me when I say you’re going to want to see this one. Just don’t get too attached to that tablecloth. Before the big reveal, let’s fully examine this full-length shot of the kitchen before, which reveals both the paneled ceiling and the peeling floor.
Mar 27, 2018
Why This Genius Comforter Is a Relationship Saver
I can’t imagine I’m alone in this predicament: I tend to flip-flop between being a hot and cold sleeper, as does my S.O., except, we never seem to be on the same page at the same time. We are not sleeping temperature compatible, people, and wow is it a nuisance. When my toes are frozen solid and I can’t seem to cocoon myself enough in my comforter to achieve P.S.T.
Mar 27, 2018
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3 Key Tasks for a Simplified, Streamlined Spring Cleaning
It’s not that Rikki Snyder is a perfectionist; she just has an eye trained to see what makes spaces beautiful. As an interiors photographer, she spots all the little dust bunnies, paw prints and crumbs the rest of us overlook. “You might not realize it when you’re living in your own space day to day,” she says, “but when I come in with my camera, everything shows up!
Mar 27, 2018
Why the “Target Trick” Could Help Eliminate Junk Drawers from Your Life Entirely
Also: why you should never call it a "junk drawer."
Mar 27, 2018
Do Household Cleaning Products Actually Expire?
Do you know how old your furniture polish is? If you have to think back to a specific purchase and then do math, chances are it’s expired. And what about those other products you have to reach way back in the cupboard for — those products you only use a few times a year? Yep, almost all cleaning products expire — but what does that mean exactly? Simply put, it means that they’ll break down and become less effective.
Mar 26, 2018
Everyone’s Favorite Mid-Century Home Just Got A Redesign
One of the world’s most famous houses – and arguably the world’s most famous modern home – has just gotten a major makeover. Los Angeles’ iconic Stahl House (also known as Case Study House No. 22) with its cantilevered structure, and its sweeping, unobstructed views of Los Angeles was an architectural and engineering feat when it was originally built in 1960 by architect Pierre Koenig.
Mar 26, 2018
12 Epic High-End IKEA Hacks That Totally Had Us Fooled
These pieces only look expensive.
Mar 26, 2018
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What Would the “Aladdin the Musical” Characters’ Homes Look Like IRL?
The award-winning Aladdin on Broadway brings the adventure of Disney’s classic film to a whole new world. (Sorry, too easy!) Which got us thinking…What would Jasmine, Aladdin and all the other characters’ digs look like in real life? With a little help from our library of House Tours we came up with a few ideas… Design Personality: Modern Desert Rustic We start in the desert. Not the Seven Deserts outside Agrabah, but the Mojave Desert in CA.
Mar 26, 2018
A Bold and Colorful Boston Condo Is a Marvelous Mix of Styles
Name: Madison Wetter, husband Skyler, and Italian Greyhound, Warren Location: Boston, Massachusetts Size: 2,100 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned Furniture aside, our space is filled with three big personalities: my husband, Sky; our Italian Greyhound, Warren; and me, Madison. Like most, we wanted to decorate our first home with a style and quality that would not only last us but one that would also make us proud.
Mar 26, 2018
These Teeny Tiny Shipping Container Homes Just Might Solve Student Housing in Copenhagen
These “truly lovely” yet teeny tiny modular units made from shipping containers, currently sitting on Copenhagen’s harbor front, just might be what the future of sustainable, affordable housing looks like — for students and other young people.
Mar 25, 2018
Before & After: We Love This No-Reno-Required Rental Kitchen Makeover
This is an intriguing transformation, because the only difference between the before and after is the decorating. No remodeling, no renovation, no repainting or replacing anything, and yet the results are incredibly dramatic. So inspiring, especially to all of us with neither power tools nor the skills to wield them. Let’s back up to get a full view of the drop ceiling and beige floor—two standard rental features that add a fair amount of blah to any room.
Mar 25, 2018
What Ever Happened to Colored Toilet Paper?
The days of coordinating your TP to your bathroom are over. Here's why.
Mar 24, 2018
The 9 Apartments You’ll Meet on Tinder Dates
If you’ve swiped through Tinder (or any dating app really) you know there are as many profile clichés as there are users. The men with fish. The women who “love to laugh.” Those people who mysteriously pose with babies who aren’t their own. But behind every dating cliche is a place these suitors call home. And here’s the thing: we’ve found they can be pretty cliché too.
Mar 24, 2018
These Tiny Apartments Could Be an Affordable Way to Fight Homelessness
With homelessness on the rise in New York City due to government funding cuts, rising rents and stagnating wages, the overburdened shelter system is failing those who need it most. As the government works to figure out how to support the cities homeless, many of whom are working but simply can’t afford the city, individual architecture and design firms are also considering new and inventive ways to provide low-cost or free housing.
Mar 23, 2018