The Latest: Mar 2019

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Painting a Room? How To Avoid Paint Bubbles

If you have a hard time living in a space sans color and tend to paint every place you live, you’ve likely encountered the damaging effects of bubbling paint. I have and as they appeared on Monday, I thought to myself, I should have known better! Luckily I was only painting test swatches on the wall, but there they were: those irritating little air bubbles behind the paint. What they are and how to avoid them? Read on.What are paint bubbles?

Landis Carey

Mar 12, 2019

Before &amp After: Painted Ceiling Transformation

Yuko’s new workspace in Japan was cluttered and disorganized when she moved in. Her unpacked items desperately needed a place to go. Lucky for Yuko, a little paint and a lot of organization really transformed this space!We first saw this space a few weeks ago in Inspiring Studios & Workspaces. Apartment Therapy readers responded so well to Yuko’s space that I decided to do some investigating. Yuko was kind enough to provide us with a “before” image of this space.

Meg Lewis

Mar 12, 2019

Basic Guide to DIY Basket Making

I come across so many beautiful baskets in stores that I forget these items are often handmade. With a little bit of practice and patience, it’s not so hard… as long as you start small. After all, they don’t joke about bird courses as ‘basket weaving’ courses for nothing! I recommend preparing your materials (find local materials, then dry and soak them), then weaving them into small shapes or flat mats.

Emily Smith

Mar 12, 2019

The 6 Amazon Small Space Buys That Make My Apartment Livable (and Lovable)

Because offering advice on small space living is kind of our thing.

Nicole Lund

Mar 12, 2019

What to Do With an Inherited Collection

There are many ways to inherit collections. Sometimes loved ones pass and leave behind keepsakes or parents downsize during a move. Collections can be highly personal and carry a sentimental value that outweighs any monetary value. There is no proper way to handle inherited collectibles. Each situation will vary, but often the most difficult decision is the most basic one: do you keep it?

Susan Mitchell Blavin

Mar 12, 2019

Tips for Keeping a Clutter-Free Kitchen

With the rise in open space floorplans, having a neat and tidy kitchen has become increasingly important. If not kept in check, kitchen clutter can soon take over the entire space. And a cluttered kitchen is a sure fire path to frequent take-out ordering. Here are tips for keeping your kitchen clutter-free and ready for meal prep.• Keep the countertops clear – Coffee maker, toaster, mixer, blender … so many little appliances, so little space.

Jason Loper

Mar 12, 2019

One Minute Tip: Three Ways to Use Vertical Space

Today’s One Minute Tip comes from Fay Wolf, with three simple ways to rethink vertical space. • The Star: Fay Wolf is a singer-songwriter, actor and professional organizer. She’s acted on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Bones, and her songs have been heard on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars. Fay’s Los Angeles-based company New Order has been organizing lives since 2006, helping creative people deal with both inner and outer clutter.

Rebecca Blumhagen

Mar 12, 2019

Here’s Who Will Pick Up All That Furniture You Konmari-d (For Free!)

Moving can be a giant pain in the butt. Yet, while you’re packing up your entire existence, it’s a great opportunity to assess which of your possessions you no longer need or want (and perhaps those that don’t spark joy?) including furniture. While it’s tempting to kick old furniture to the curb and let the garbage man take care of it, it’s much more sustainable and useful to donate such items to a charity, such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. The best part?

Chelsea Greenwood

Mar 12, 2019

Line Art Is the Trend Minimalists (and Wannabe Minimalists) Need to Know

It's taking over home design, one line at a time.

Marlen Komar

Mar 12, 2019

The Laziest Way to Dust Around Your Decor (Without Moving All Your Knick-Knacks)

Some people enjoy cleaning, and for various reasons. It could be the feeling of accomplishment or being able to exert a small but tangible amount of control over their environment. Or it might be something as simple as catching a thrill from vacuum lines in the carpet. I’ve never heard of anyone who likes dusting, though. Dusting, of course, is essential to any well-thought-out cleaning regimen. And when left undone, it’s not only unsightly, but can lead to allergy attacks.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 12, 2019

Before & After: Neil Patrick Harris Just Pulled Off a Secret Makeover for His Brother

If there’s anything better than a home makeover, it’s a heartwarming home makeover with Neil Patrick Harris. The child TV actor turned triple threat (musical theater star meets family man meets magician) just surprised his older brother Brian with a renovation project at his longtime New Mexico home.

Dabney Frake

Mar 12, 2019

How I Created My Dream Beauty Closet in My Teeny Tiny Bathroom

While I absolutely love all of the quirks my apartment has to offer, one of the downsides is that my bathroom is very tiny and didn’t come with any built-in storage, aside from the medicine cabinet that I’ve since replaced with a fun ornate mirror. (Yes, the medicine cabinet provided a decent amount of storage for beauty products, but it just wasn’t my style).

Sarah Lyon

Mar 12, 2019

Should You Just Buy Now or Save Up More for a Down Payment? Here’s How to Decide

You see homeownership in your future. But, after looking into your crystal ball—err, savings account—are you envisioning yourself at the closing table in the next month? Year? Five years? TBD depending on if you win the lotto? Fewer than four out of 10 millennials own homes, according to research from the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based social and economic policy group.

Brittany Anas

Mar 12, 2019

Bazaar Daily Finds

1970s Boho Chic Rattan Calif Asia Night Stands – $950 – Mid century modern/Hollywood regency. Calif-Asia and Cartel 1970s Rattan with woven reed. Dimensions 26ʺW × 16ʺD × 29ʺH – PARK RIDGE, NJ Dear Readers, What are you looking for? We’ve just cleaned out and relaunched our marketplace as Bazaar – the best place on the web for vintage designer furnishings and accessories directly from others in our community.

Sarah Lyon

Mar 12, 2019

A Cabin in the Forest Has Colorful Wallpaper, Patterned Tiles, and All My Envy

Name: Ayanna Barton, family, and short term rental clients Location: Kerhonkson, New York (Hudson Valley) Size: 820 square feet Years lived in: 8 months, owned Our vacation cabin is located in Kerhonkson, a hamlet in the Catskills only two hours from New York City. Initially, I hesitated for a long time to purchase the little cottage. I had recently purchased another home and did not have any plans of buying another property so soon.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 12, 2019

Before and After: After a Minimalism-Inspired Makeover, a Dark, Dated Living Room Is Light and Bright

This north-facing, low-floor unit lacked natural light, but Paige replaced blinds, ripped out a built-in bookshelf, and painted the walls a bright, fresh white.

Adrienne Breaux

Mar 12, 2019

How Do I Remove Permanent Marker From a Laptop Screen?

Sent by AngelaEditor: First try using a pink eraser to remove the mark. If the marker stain proves stubborn, a mixture of 1 part isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water (you make have to tweak this proportions) can also remove the stain.Ironically, using a black dry erase marker over the permanent marker can also help remove Sharpies marks, due to the solvent in the formula!Leave any additional suggestions for Angela in the comments below.

Gregory Han

Mar 11, 2019

Look Inside: A $2M Laguna Beach Cottage with Ocean Views and Gardens Galore

Glorious gardens and dreamy ocean views combine to create a scenic sanctuary in Laguna Beach. 805 La Mirada St Located in Laguna Beach, California $1,998,000 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 partial bath It’s tough to narrow down our favorite part of this Laguna Beach home that proves cottages can be both charming and contemporary. Keeping watch over the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic beach views are an obvious contender.

Brittany Anas

Mar 11, 2019

Bazaar Daily Finds: Monday

Modern Global Media Console Credenza – $650 – Media console, credenza . Vintage mid century piece. Painted a fresh global , boho style:heart_eyes:. Compact size makes a great hall table with storage too! 48 x 18 x 31 – SHIPS Dear Readers, What are you looking for? We’ve just cleaned out and relaunched our marketplace as Bazaar – the best place on the web for vintage designer furnishings and accessories directly from others in our community.

Maxwell Ryan

Mar 11, 2019

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Mascara—It Could Save a Baby Duck!

If you thought your dried-out mascara wands weren’t good for anything but the trash can, think again. Thanks to Reddit user marilynbmonroe, the web is abuzz with a surprising—and potentially life-saving—way to repurpose your old mascara wands when you’re done with them. The Wands for Wildlife initiative is asking supporters to recycle their mascara wands to help save the lives of wild animals.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 11, 2019

This Suitcase Has a Built-In Shelf So That Packing Is a Breeze

A quick Google search reveals how popular the concept of traveling light is among experts, which makes perfect sense considering how quickly luggage fees add up. Then there’s the burden of keeping track of and repeatedly lifting heavy bags, a task that could easily add stress to anyone’s trip.

Kenya Foy

Mar 11, 2019

Before and After: This $800 Bathroom Remodel Is the Stuff DIY Dreams Are Made Of

The work paid off.

Dabney Frake

Mar 11, 2019

4 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund, According to a Financial Planner

‘Tis the season for filing taxes and more importantly, receiving your tax refund. But before you go and blow it all on a trip to Tulum or a pricey pair of shoes—guilty!—you may want to consider some more productive ways to use your tax refund. We called on financial advisor Douglas A. Boneparth, CFP and President of Bone Fide Wealth for advice on how to smartly use our tax refunds, no matter how big or small the amount. But first: savings.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 10, 2019

BarkBox Sells Flower Crowns for Your Dog–Just in Time for Spring

We’re finally approaching the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The first day of spring is March 21 and it cannot come soon enough. To say we’re tired of all the snow and gloomy weather that winter has brought would be an understatement. If we could break up with winter, we totally would and we’d never call it back. With spring approaching, that means warmer weather, and with that, it means we’ll finally get to see some beautiful flowers!

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

7 Tweets That Hilariously Sum Up How Hard It Is to Buy a House

Buying a home can be an incredibly stressful process. Although it’s exciting to look forward to having a new space to call your own, anyone who’s been through it before can tell you it’s not always as fun as it looks on HGTV. From trying to figure out what you can actually afford, to finding the right real estate agent, to the delicate art of making an offer, the home-buying process is not without its craze-inducing moments.

Kate Streit

Mar 10, 2019

5 Grown-up Hacks That Will Have You Calling Your BILLY Bookcase William

The iconic piece of furniture is turning 40 this year.

Dabney Frake

Mar 10, 2019

This Bar In Orlando Has a Dog Park and Even Serves Doggy ‘Beer’

Every dog owner thinks that their dog is the best. And they are right! We all have the best dogs in the world. If you’re obsessed with your dog, you are obviously not alone. In fact, nearly half of pet owners prefer to cuddle with their dog, rather than their human partner. For one couple, their love for their dog inspired them to do something big. Paul Jaszczenski and Lainie Pekich brought home their beloved German shepherd, Kaia, and never wanted to leave her side.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

This Sunny Home Has 75 Houseplants… Each with Its Own Name!

Name: Wendy Lau, husband Kwan, and a whole lot of plants Location: Toronto, Ontario Size: 1,770 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, owned I was first drawn to this house for the natural lighting and the sunroom and I knew that it would be perfect for all my plant babies. It was a true labor of love as we renovated this 1970s home to update it to its full potential. We took down all the interior walls and made it one big open space.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 10, 2019

This Woman’s ‘The Office’-Themed Bridal Shower Would Be Approved by The Finer Things Club

Everyone has that one TV show that just makes them happy, no matter how many times they’ve watched all of the episodes. For quite a few people, that show is “The Office.” The show is the most-watched TV program on Netflix, with nearly twice the views that “Friends” gets, according to data released in 2018.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

Le Creuset’s Weekend-Long Factory Sale in May Will Have Rare Colors Available

When buying all of the pots and pans for your kitchen when you moved into your first place (or even second, third, or fourth), did you happen to look at Le Creuset? Everyone swears by their dutch ovens, so it is understandable to want to buy one for yourself. But, they do not run cheap! As you may know, Le Creuset Dutch ovens start out around $150, but those are the smaller models. Bigger versions can cost as much as $425.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 9, 2019

How To Clean & Season Cast Iron Skillets for Food Sensitivities

Finding out that you have food sensitivities is an enlightening experience — both in good ways and bad! For one, you finally figure out why you’ve been feeling terrible for months, years, or perhaps your whole life. On the bad end, you’ve got a lifestyle change coming! When you’re extremely sensitive, it’s time to either buy new pans and kitchen tools, or do a very extensive cleaning.

Andie Powers

Mar 9, 2019

50+ DIY Projects for Your Entryway

You’ve just stumbled upon the mother lode of DIY projects and ideas for your entryway. That’s over 50 ways to make your landing strip, hallway or foyer pretty, organized and inviting. So dig right in and find something that works for you and your home: paintable patterntiered cake stand See anything here that could work for you? Re-edited from a post originally published 2.26.

Dabney Frake

Mar 9, 2019

Amazon Sells a Massive Foot Warmer That Is Like One Giant Slipper

Spring is just around the corner, but it sure hasn’t felt like it lately. Every time we want to break out our light coats, a snowstorm is forecasted and we have to settle for wearing snow boots and parkas instead. Well, if this cold weather has gotten you down, there’s no reason to stress out. You can at least keep your feet extra warm! As always, Amazon is the best place to buy some of the most random items in the world.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 9, 2019

DIY Home Decor: How To Make A Simple Wabi Sabi Jar

I love the Japanese aesthetic and concept of Wabi-sabi. Architect Tadao Ando describes Wabi-sabi as “underplayed and modest, the kind of quiet, undeclared beauty that waits patiently to be discovered.” Lately I’ve fallen in love with the slight imperfections of handmade ceramics. So, embrace the slight dent or crooked lip—these flaws are innocent marks that represent the hand of the maker. With this in mind, why don’t you try creating a handmade jar?

June Bhongjan

Mar 9, 2019

5 Tips for Cutting Down On Dirty Dishes

As hard as one might try to piece together the perfect kitchen, if you find yourself with an uncontrollable mound of dishes, that perfect kitchen ends up looking like a pile of mess. But is every spoon, fork, cup and plate in the sink absolutely essential? Can you really cut down the amount of dishes you do every day, without using disposables? Yes! Here are five places to start. 1. Own fewer dishes.

Alison Gerber

Mar 9, 2019

How To Make an IKEA Hack “Fauxdenza”

I had a growing pile of paper work on my desk, and shoe boxes full of more paper work on the floor. I needed a quick and affordable closed storage system that hid all the clutter, but still fit in our small office. If this sounds familiar, perhaps this IKEA FULLEN “fauxdenza” hack is for you. We’ve blogged about the “fauxdenza” phenomenon before.

June Bhongjan

Mar 9, 2019

No Hesitation, No Mercy: How To Decide What To Get Rid Of and Then Act NOW

When it comes to getting rid of unneeded possessions, I’m all for diligently weeding through a home room by room. However, sometimes spontaneous decisions can be your best friend: if you know you’ll never want the item in your hand, put it immediately into the appropriate outbox and never have to deal with it again.

Tess Wilson

Mar 9, 2019

Stucco Homes Are Totally Underrated—Here’s Why

The ancient Greeks and Romans had some great ideas that are still around today in some form (The Olympics, geometry, newspapers, grid systems, bacchanals, etc.) Another unsung hero from the period? Stucco (the form of siding similar to plaster) which was formerly used as a base for painting frescoes. Though the average homeowner is no longer using it to paint “The Last Judgment,” they are still using it to side their homes.

Heather Senison

Mar 9, 2019

Just Like ‘The Brady Bunch’ House, These 5 Retro Features Are Making a (Big) Comeback

Let’s just say you loved the look of “The Brady Bunch” house—we’re talking sunken living room, modular furniture, the works. If that retro vibe talks to you, this is good news: These blast-from-the-past features are now on the major rebound.

Lambeth Hochwald

Mar 9, 2019

You Can Buy Matching Robes for You and Your Furry Best Friend

Buying matching items with your best friend is exciting. But buying something to match with your four-legged best friend? That is so much better! Our collective obsession with our pets has led to the mass creation of products catered toward pet owners. From things like slippers that look like your dog to doggy leggings, there’s basically an endless supply of things to buy for your pet. Now, you can purchase a robe for yourself and a tiny one for your dog.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 9, 2019

The Owner of the ‘Most Beautiful Independent Store’ in Missouri Has an Equally Lovely Home

Name: Lauren Thorp, husband, two children, cat and dog Location: Historic Shaw Neighborhood — St. Louis, Missouri Size: 2,700 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned My husband, two young children, dog, and cat live in our 122-year-old home in the Historic Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. Our house was rehabbed down to the studs in 2016 by investors who we purchased it from.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 9, 2019

How To Make an Origami Fortune Teller

Sometimes it’s just more fun to let a little piece of paper make a decision for us, be it paint color, vacation spot, or dinner delivery. You might remember these paper fortune tellers (also known as cootie catchers, chatterboxes, salt cellars, or whirlybirds) from your grade school days, made to pass time and bring a laugh or three. They’re great to play around with for nostalgia sake, or when you just can’t make that really “difficult” decision on your own.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 8, 2019

How To Get Gross Grout Really Clean

Time for a gross grout intervention? Skip the drama- all you need is a whole lotta elbow grease and two basic household cleaners. If elbow grease isn’t your thing, rent a steam cleaner. The power of steam is astounding- handheld cleaners are super powerful and allow you to avoid making a mess out of pastes or using bleach. If you live in a home where tile covers more than just your entryway, you might want to consider investing in a residential steam cleaner.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 8, 2019

Tiny Refrigerator Tips: Ways To Organize More, Waste Less

I love a fridge makeover as much as the next person, but I die a little inside each time I see a mega-propped-out “after”. I mean, yes, it’s beautiful and yes, it took a lot of work to make it look that good, but show me how it looks in a week. How do those cute little scrapbook labels look after you’ve dripped salsa all over them? How is storing butter in a mason jar working out? The point is, don’t worry about making it pretty.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 8, 2019

How to Remove Annoying Sticky Residue With One Common Household Item

Congratulations! You’ve just removed that ugly label from your prized possession, but now you’re faced with a new problem: sticky residue from said label. What’s the quickest and easiest way to make it disappear? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back- just start walking towards the pantry.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 8, 2019

How To Live With “Green” Roommate Who Doesn’t Clean?

Q: Let me start off by saying that my boyfriend [let’s call him Steve] has been living with his roommate for years and had been hesitant to look for another living situation for fear of finding someone/something worse. They were friends, but now he isn’t so sure. She [let’s call her Kelly] let her boyfriend [let’s call him Brandon] move in after weeks of them going out together and neither of them really do any washing up.

Tess Wilson

Mar 8, 2019

Solutions for Headboard Stains from Oily Hair?

Q: A few years ago I DIYed an upholstered headboard for our queen-sized bed. Since then, we’ve moved into our own house and are looking at finally upgrading to a California king, as my partner is 6’5″ and has never slept on a bed that his feet didn’t dangle off of. In looking for a new mattress, we’ve also started considering a new headboard.

Tess Wilson

Mar 8, 2019

Best Replacement Lightbulbs for Not-so-Nice Fixtures?

Q: My family and I recently moved in to a new rental townhouse. The townhouse is lit almost entirely by overhead dual-bulb “boob” lights and some fan/light combos, all of which have marbled off-white frosted glass shades and all of which came with CFLs.

Tess Wilson

Mar 8, 2019