Plush sloth toy with brown fur, white face, and black eye patches.
This Microwavable Sloth Will Soothe All of Your Aches and Pains
When you’re not feeling well, it doesn’t matter how old you are, it is nice to snuggle up with something soft and warm. If that happens to be a stuffed animal, there is no shame here, there’s a reason everyone loves stuffed animals! They can be extremely comforting and soothing. Experts have even said it is totally normal for adults to sleep with stuffed animals, as they are considered transitional objects that can give us a sense of comfort.
Feb 18, 2019
8 Ways to Maximize Your After-Work Time
It starts with good intentions. How many of us have, in an effort to shake off the stress of the workday, ended up in a daze on the couch? Whether you spend your evenings bingeing on Netflix or mindlessly scrolling social media, the post-work lull can compromise productivity and, in the end, keep you from truly relaxing. So why not set your post-work self up for success? All it takes is a little intention.
Feb 18, 2019
Look Inside: A $895K Craftsman Bungalow with More Built-Ins Than We Can Count
From built-ins to a fireplace, this home is chock-full of charm. 315 Hemphill Place Located in Oakland, California $895,000 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Located on Hemphill Place—with views of Mount Tamalpais—this charming Craftsman bungalow is filled with drop-dead gorgeous architectural detailing. The front door opens to a large living space, all created with custom woodwork and framed by bay windows, built-in cabinetry, and a fireplace.
Feb 18, 2019
These Are the Weirdest Town Names In Each U.S. State
Did you grow up thinking your hometown was kind of boring? Or maybe you thought the name was silly and hated it? Well, at least you didn’t grow up in a town that is literally named Boring. That’s right, Boring is a town name in the state of Oregon. Can you imagine telling people that is your hometown? Thanks to Estately, we now know some of the weirdest named towns in the U.S. Estately is a national real estate company.
Feb 18, 2019
This Is What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Only Use Your Debit Card
Maybe you’re afraid of racking up too much debt. Or, perhaps you fall into an “anti-credit card” category who loathes the potential of paying interest. It could just be that your debit card is at the front of your wallet and, by default, gets swiped far more than your credit card.
Feb 17, 2019
6 Overlooked Home Upgrades That Are Totally Worth It
There are quite a couple of “luxury” amenities in homes that are actually nothing more than a bother. Whirlpool tub expectation: Hop into a relaxing candlelit bath the moment you even begin to feel stress. Whirlpool tub reality: Who the hell has the energy to clean all those valves? But then there are actually those that are, indeed, worth your time and money for the amount they make your life better.
Feb 17, 2019
Partner
How Thinking About Scale Makes a Space Just Work
What’s the secret to making a room feel just right? Furniture that works with the size and shape of your space—which, after all, is what determines the right piece. Start thinking about proportion, Goldilocks, and you’ll begin to notice how pieces feel too big, too small, or just right. These three shoppable infographics can help you find furniture to fit any measurement.
Feb 17, 2019
Partner
How to Choose the Right-Sized Furniture For Any Space
What’s the secret to making a room feel just right? Furniture that works with the size and shape of your space—which, after all, is what determines the right piece. Start thinking about proportion, Goldilocks, and you’ll begin to notice how pieces feel too big, too small, or just right. These three shoppable infographics can help you find furniture to fit any measurement.
Feb 17, 2019
Creative Ways to Refurbish Your Valentine’s Day Flowers Before They Die
Fresh flowers are happy-makers, and I almost always have some on our kitchen table. But the second my flowers start to show where they’re headed (death), I toss them into the compost pile. Wilting blossoms bring me down. Flowers given to you by someone else aren’t just colorful pick-me-ups, they’re a symbol of care and a gesture of love.
Feb 17, 2019
Let’s Concentrate on 2019’s Eco-Friendly Cleaning Trend
Spring cleaning is (almost) upon us! Whether you’re hoping to declutter your cabinets or make a switch to more eco-friendly cleaning products, liquid concentrates could be your new best friend. Versatile cleaners that can be diluted at home in reusable spray bottles, these multi-taskers boast a number of benefits. Instead of buying separate products for each household cleaning need, you can save time, space, energy and money by just using one, powerful concentrate.
Feb 17, 2019
7 Money-Making Apps to Download Right Now
Coming up with a down payment for your first home is no easy task. In fact, according to a recent study from HotPads, renters spend about six and a half years saving up before they have enough. (I personally predict I’ll be eligible for AARP before I could build up a nest egg hefty enough to become a homeowner.) Finding clever ways to cut back and save everywhere you can is helpful, but at a certain point, you may realize that you simply need to rake in more dough.
Feb 16, 2019
A Star Wars Hotel Is Coming to Disney World
The most magical place on Earth is about to go intergalactic: Word on the design streets is that a Star Wars hotel is coming to Disney World in Orlando, and this collision of fantasy worlds undoubtedly has space geeks and theme park enthusiasts pumped. The new luxury resort at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park will be the first of its kind, and true to form, Disney has plans to go all out (of this world) with the hotel design.
Feb 16, 2019
This 400-Square-Foot Modern Brazil Home Feels So Much Larger Than It Is
Project by: Filipe Battazza and Raoni Mariano of Fábrica Arquitetos Location: São Paulo, Brazil This professional project is one of those amazing examples of how you can do so much with so little when you harness the power of design. Engineered by architects, using a lot of sleek materials, this exact renovation might be out of reach for some, but it’s still filled with tons of ideas you can steal to make a small home work (and look) so much better.
Feb 16, 2019
Space-Saving Murphy Beds You Can Either Buy or DIY
Murphy beds are the ultimate space-savers. They neatly store themselves when not in use and can quickly turn your office or bonus room into a complete guest retreat. Finding an attractive Murphy bed within your budget just got easier, because we’ve rounded up our favorite DIY and pre-built options.
Feb 16, 2019
6 Helpful Decluttering Tips, According to People Who Have Moved 10+ Times
When you move a lot, you tend to reflect on all of your stuff a little more often than the average person. If you’ve been living in the same space for years—or decades—your trinkets give you a sense of stability and ownership. But when you’re paying movers by the hour, all that extra stuff starts losing its sentimental charm and instead can look like expensive dead weight. I know this firsthand—I’ve moved 12 times in the past 10 years.
Feb 16, 2019
7 Design Tweaks That Will Instantly Refresh Your Small Space for Spring
ICYMI: Living in a small space isn’t all Instagrammable tiny houses or fun D.I.Y. projects from Pinterest. Sure, small spaces offer the unique challenge of maximizing your design chops in a teeny, tiny space, but the truth is it can be really frustrating. Not only do you have to find sneaky ways to make your small space look bigger, but you also have to figure out clever ways to store your stuff without turning it into a cluttered mess. But hitting the refresh button on your small home?
Feb 16, 2019
Here’s How Often You Need to Replace Everything in Your Bathroom
I keep a small plastic rectangular basket in my medicine cabinet. It holds the super essentials: toothbrush and toothpaste and contact lens case. I pull it out at least twice a day (if I’m good about putting it back). This past weekend, I noticed that not only did I have the aforementioned essentials in there, but I had a ridiculous number of “backup” contact cases. Like eight! I was victim to the bathroom black hole of clutter.
Feb 16, 2019
Jonathan Van Ness Got a Bigger NYC Apartment for His Cats
And you need to peek inside right meow.
Feb 15, 2019
Pool Your Funds: This Canadian Home Comes with a 2,000-Bottle Wine Cellar
It’s not just the promise of Tim Hortons coffee and milk in a bag that could bring us north of the border. This sprawling Canadian estate could easily do the trick, too! Tucked inside the exclusive gated community of Stonepine, this 4,135-square-foot home is a contemporary Canadian beauty… and it could be yours, if you’re willing to bring your bidding A-game: The property will be auctioned off by Concierge Auctions starting February 26. Seeing as it was previously listed at $2.
Feb 15, 2019
High Ceilings Are Totally Overrated—Here’s Why
It’s not hard to see why high ceilings are highly-coveted real estate assets: Being typically found in pre-war homes, they give a historic feel and evoke a sense of grandeur. After all, a chandelier looks a bit more stately hanging from a 18-foot ceiling than an eight-foot one. They’re not just impressive looking, either. Tall ceilings also make spaces look and feel bigger than they actually are—a nifty trick in otherwise small apartments.
Feb 15, 2019
This Woman Is Giving Her Lakeside Dream Home Away For a $25 Fee
Despite how gloomy the world can seem, there are moments where an act of kindness provides a strong sense of hope. That is exactly what homeowner Alla Wagner has gifted her community, thanks to her “Write A Letter, Win A House” giveaway. In January, Wagner announced that she was holding a writing contest to find the next owner of her treasured abode in Alberta, Canada.
Feb 15, 2019
A Condo Found on Craigslist Is a Uniquely Magical, Bright Dream Rental
Name: Ella Khan Location: Clawson neighborhood — Oakland, California Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting I found my home via Craigslist ad and it was seriously such a magical find. The condo is located in an old elementary school building that was converted into lofts several years ago.
Feb 15, 2019
Some Genius Is Making a Coffee Mug and Water Bottle in One
If you’ve ever commuted by train, bus, or bike or regularly hike with your dogs, then this genius new hybrid to-go container will no doubt solve one of life’s pressing problems—by combining your water bottle and travel coffee mug in one. No longer do we have to literally juggle beverage containers while trying to channel an octopus, or choose between life-giving caffeine and hydration.
Feb 15, 2019
The Number One Clutter Problem, According to Our Readers
Apartment Therapy Weekend Projects is a guided program designed to help you get the happy, healthy home you’ve always wanted, one weekend at a time. Sign up now for email updates so you never miss a lesson. As Apartment Therapy’s cleaning editor, my number one job is to help our readers take care of their spaces. It has been so fun connecting with all of you during our group projects (like the January Cure) and on Instagram (I’m always here for questions!).
Feb 15, 2019
Our Favorite (Cozy/Sexy/Stylish/Beautiful) Bedrooms Ever
You bet I left the sexiest room—the bedroom—of these Love Letters from the Editors for Valentine’s Day. Whether you use your bedroom for love-making, watching TV, sleeping, or some combination of all three, chances are it’s one of your favorite rooms of your home. Who doesn’t love curling up in bed and waking up refreshed? The bedrooms in this list are the best of both worlds: They’re cozy enough to be relaxing but stylish enough to be inspiring.
Feb 14, 2019
Here’s What Every Love Language Is Like at Home
Everyone shows love differently. The Five Love Languages, developed by counselor and author Gary Chapman, sum up the most common ways we give and receive love. Chapman’s theory is that every person has a primary “language” for loving, which is how they naturally show their affection to the people closest to them. Curious how your roomie or partner’s love language comes out at home?
Feb 14, 2019
Joanna Gaines x Anthropologie Is the Boho Dream Team We Didn’t Know We Needed
While she’s not on TV at the moment, Joanna Gaines has been busier than ever. The “Fixer Upper” star just partnered with Anthropologie for the boho collection we didn’t know we needed. Available online as of February 14, Joanna Gaines for Anthropologie is a collection of 19 pillows (starting at $48) and rugs (starting at $68) that reflect the Magnolia founder’s “gathered” approach to decorating.
Feb 14, 2019
7 Romantic (and Affordable) Cities, Because What’s Hotter Than Saving Money?
When you think of romance, pinching pennies isn’t necessarily what comes to mind. But let’s face it: When you’re spending a chunk of change on your housing every month, you can’t afford to break the bank for holidays like Valentine’s Day by planning lavish dates and buying expensive gifts for your special someone. So why not whisk your bae away to a locale that can do both? I found seven great examples from coast to coast that are both affordable and romantic.
Feb 14, 2019
A Living Room That’s Actually Livable! Check Out Part 2 of Maxwell’s Home Reveal
In this second of the final series of posts showing off my completed home, I want to go in depth and share with you all I can – everything that went into this living room – a practice which is so important to our website. My whole house was copied, inspired and pulled from a thousand different ideas that I’d seen over the years and I would love it if this could have the same impact on others.
Feb 14, 2019
Before and After: This Painted Bathroom Became Fantastically Unique After One Just Week
This bathroom definitely had a look going on: lots of wood, plenty of lace, and baroque lights hung from chain swags. But after one week of hard work, the room is now a pink powerhouse packed full of handmade touches. Racheal Jackson—@banyanbridges on Instagram—did every single bit of this outstanding renovation, laying tile, installing a new sink and faucet, painting, creating a concrete countertop, and refacing the vanity doors and drawers.
Feb 14, 2019
38 “Useful” Things You Should Still Declutter Anyway
Just like finding the right eating method or exercise regimen, finding the right decluttering motto can be the key to keeping your home clutter-free. Many find an admonition by William Morris helpful when deciding what to keep and get rid of: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” But this popular decluttering criterion could actually become a pitfall if you’re not careful.
Feb 14, 2019
How Well-Designed Homes Support Healthy and Satisfying Sex Lives
We know that you can design a home that supports your priorities and goals. So what does a bedroom built for better sex look like?
Feb 14, 2019
A 494-Square-Foot Studio Was Decorated on an Awesomely Small Budget
Name: Erica Thomas Location: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, New York Size: 494 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, renting I live in a 494-square-foot studio apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This is the first apartment I’ve ever lived in that has a really fantastic layout that utilizes all of the space well. It has 10-foot ceilings and a wall of eight-foot windows, so it definitely feels bigger than it is.
Feb 13, 2019
The Hot New Trend for Married Couples? Roommates
It’s not unusual to live with a roommate to cut down costs. Hey, life is expensive! But 2018 demonstrated that an unlikely population is taking on roommates in order to make ends meet: married people. Economists at Trulia determined that in 2018, over 280,000 married couples (or 0.46 percent of all married U.S. households) lived with a roommate or boarder. Now, you may think that number sounds minuscule. But it’s a serious jump compared to just over 20 years ago.
Feb 13, 2019
10 Tiny Houses That Prove No Space Is Too Small for an Area Rug
Think you just don’t have room for an area rug? We’re not so sure. These tiny houses prove that even the smallest of homes can benefit from a bold rug, whether you prefer something plush or are drawn to colorful kilim. Take a peek at these beautiful setups; we guarantee you won’t look at your bare floors the same way again. No room for a coffee table? Try placing a rug in front of the sofa instead. It’ll add extra warmth and encourage guests to plop down as they please.
Feb 13, 2019
8 Surprising Reasons You Need a Good Credit Score
You know a strong credit score will help you get into your next home. To get specific, if you’re renting, landlords like to see a score of at least 650 before they start asking for extra deposits and guarantors. If you’re taking out a mortgage, a score that’s 760 or above is the magic number that will get you the best interest rate on a home loan. But establishing and maintaining a good credit score isn’t just necessary for keeping a roof over your head.
Feb 13, 2019
Partner
This Weekend Is the Best Time to Find the Mattress of Your Dreams
Make 2019 the year you get the best sleep of your life. Lofty goal, we know, but it starts with one simple choice: the right mattress. If yours has seen better days (and nights), this is the perfect time to upgrade—Walmart is rolling back their already low prices on a huge selection of mattresses over Presidents’ Day weekend.
Feb 13, 2019
These Are Some of Our Favorite Bathrooms of All Time
A highly utilitarian space, bathrooms don’t always receive the same level of decoration as the rest of the home. But I think that’s why the bathrooms in this list all stand out so much; these are functional rooms where you can get your business done, but they’re also stunning spaces where you can unwind, relax, and get away from it all. Let this list of our favorite bathrooms from house tours inspire you to create your own spa-like space at home.
Feb 13, 2019
This Dream Job Will Pay You Travel the World and Design Dog Clothes
We’re seeing more and more dream jobs where the lucky employee gets paid to travel the world. There’s usually some unbelievable perks, and most require skills like photography and social media content creation—but this gig is different. That’s why the latest dream job we spotted really stands out. One woman is hiring a personal designer to travel the world by her side.
Feb 12, 2019
6 Free Apps That Will Help You Save Money
Before you know it, your down payment savings account will be a bit more full.
Feb 12, 2019
7 Kitchens That Prove All White Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
These white kitchens are packed with personality.
Feb 12, 2019
Before and After: IKEA Brings Some Drama to This Newly Remodeled Kitchen
A Michigan couple took this kitchen down to the studs, rearranging plumbing, moving electricity, installing drywall, painting, tiling, and so much more. With the help of professionals to install countertops and cabinets, they now have a bright black-and-white kitchen that’s meant to be lived in. Clare Conklin—@conklinhouse on Instagram—and husband completely transformed this room, creating a bright new space that looks like a joy to cook, feast, and chat in.
Feb 12, 2019
Peek Inside This Minimalist One-Room Cabin in Brazil
Once upon a time, hearing the word “cabin” instantly prompted images of a primitive dwelling that required its occupants to rough it in the absence of modern home staples including electricity, running water and decor. Thanks to the abundance of luxe glamping sites, that outdated notion has been turned completely on its head. The latest eye-catching small space to pop up on our radar is this tiny cabin in a Brazilian forest, which appears just as alluring as it sounds.
Feb 12, 2019
Partner
Here’s What Makes Some Mattresses (and Sheets and Pillows!) Better Than Others
The direct-to-consumer innovator is rolling out even better ways to sleep in 2019.
Feb 12, 2019
These Are Some of Our Favorite Living Rooms of All Time
This Valentine’s Day I’m celebrating the special kind of love many of us feel for gorgeously decorated homes. I asked my co-editors here at Apartment Therapy to divulge their favorite rooms from house tours have been… of all time. It was a hard task for us all (there have been so many gorgeous tours throughout the years), but we’ve managed to narrow it down to those rooms that make us swoon the most. Today enjoy the picks of some of our favorite living rooms ever.
Feb 11, 2019
Look Inside: A Chic $1 Million Beach House on the Greek Islands
This beach house on an island in Greece is like living a year-round vacation. Located in Chania, Greece $1,000,000 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms Owning this home would be like living inside of your screensaver. Named “Powder Blue,” this property is part of a complex called the Divine Villas, which happens to be a very appropriate name. First things first: The outdoor space. This sleek and modern home is perched upon the waters and offers pinch-me views of the sea.
Feb 11, 2019
Target & Costco Have Price Tag Codes—Here’s How You Can Crack Them
Whether you’re trying to tighten the belt this year, or you’re one of those people who can’t stand the thought of paying any more for something than you have to, scouring the sale and clearance sections at your favorite stores is probably a habit.
Feb 11, 2019