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The Latest: May 3, 2019

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8 Paint Colors That Always Work for a Small Bedroom, According to Designers
Fake a larger room through the magic of paint, people!
Marlen Komar
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Dated Bath Got a Modern Farmhouse Makeover
This photo doesn’t look too bad, but click through to find out why reader Sara refers to this bathroom as a “two-toned linoleum bath pit” — and how the situation was dramatically remedied in less than two weeks for less than $2,000. Here’s more detailed information on this 1950s bathroom, pre-renovation from homeowner Sara: The before picture pretty much sums up why I needed a change from this two-toned linoleum bath pit.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
These Incredibly Easy Storage Solutions Are Beauty Blogger-Approved
If the bathroom drawers are overflowing, the bedroom dresser is buried under a pile of bottles and jars, and your closet door unable to shut because its so stuffed, it may be time to rethink your current beauty supply storage setup. But don’t be under the impression that this kind of organization undertaking has to be expensive. The very easy and affordable storage ideas in this beauty blogger’s home could be be just the solution you need to tame your products and accessories!
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Wine Baths Are the Medieval Self-Care Trend We Didn’t Know We Were Missing
If you’ve ever sipped on a velvety, chewy glass of red wine so delicious that you thought to yourself, “Wow, I could take a bath in this,” then you just might be ready to try the Medieval self-care regimen we didn’t know we were missing — but are totally here for now.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
How Spending $10 at IKEA Helped Me Solve a Clutter Crisis
Many of us are familiar with the floor/chair/bed-covered-in-clothes issue that can strike one’s bedroom at any time (or, all the time). Whether it’s the clothes you plan on wearing the next day, the clothes you wore that day, or the product of a flurry of outfit changes until hitting on just the right look—you can’t have a bedroom that’s a sanctuary if you’re swimming in articles of clothing.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
This Stitch in Time Saves You From Having to Re-Do Your Shower
With so many home maintenance tasks that "should" be done, it's inevitable that a few go by the wayside for a bit longer than is ideal. Let's check this one off the list.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Take a Ride in Roseanne’s Living Room on This New York Subway Line
Everyone’s favorite ’90s working class drama is making a comeback, and to celebrate the return of Roseanne ABC is taking New York City commuters on a a nostalgic immersion experience — complete with retro afghan blankets — as a literal hype vehicle.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Here’s How ‘Lady Bird’ Created an Iconic Teenage Bedroom From Scratch
The coming of age movie is a Hollywood staple, which often depicts a young woman whose story is defined by a romantic relationship. Part of what made this past year’s Lady Bird so special is that its subtle telling of a teenage female experience—from tenuous mother/daughter relationships to shifting friendship dynamics—relied on Lady Bird’s personal growth as the main storytelling device. Its actors have received plenty of accolades ahead of Sunday night’s Oscars.
Laura Schocker
May 3, 2019
Is It Time to Reconsider Track Lighting?
I don’t know about you, but when I hear “track lighting,” I picture a sad ’80s sitcom bachelor pad. But what do I know? Even the most precision-dated trends can make a comeback once nostalgia gets the best of us. Denim jackets, leg warmers, big blazers — all have seen a resurgence in the past few years. I’ve even heard teenagers singing Phil Collins without irony.
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
This Stunning Kitchen Trend is Ideal for Minimalist Neatniks
If you’re looking at kitchens that were designed in the last few years, you’ll notice a definite trend towards undermount sinks. It’s easy to see why they’re popular: having a sink that attaches to the underside of the countertop, rather than sitting on the top, makes for a clean, minimal look. And you can brush crumbs directly into the sink, which is nice.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
24 Modern & Unique Lighting Ideas for Your Kitchen
Bye bye, bad track lighting.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Let’s Settle This: Are Single Bowl Kitchen Sinks Better Than Double Bowls?
Much like front- or top-loading washing machines or gas versus electric stoves, kitchen sinks inspire strong opinions and fierce debate — ones that transcend even the trends of the moment. People love or hate their single bowl sinks; others love or hate their double bowl sinks, too. If you’re in the position to choose, and/or you’re open to change, here are the pros and cons of each.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Massive (7 Room!) Mid-Century Makeover
This is a treat: a whole-house renovation, with before and after photos from seven rooms — and the exterior, of course. This massive makeover retains the home’s mid-century modern charm, while giving it a fresh, more modern twist. Let’s dive in. This exterior remodel was so well done! It highlights the house’s bold lines and actually makes it easier to appreciate the beauty of the bricks.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This $4K Bathroom Is Now Living Its Best Life
This bathroom has a lot of charming quirks, but upon further inspection, we’ll see that it’s falling apart at the seams a bit. Fortunately, a thoughtful design company is about to help this little room be its very best self. Before we ogle the bathroom now, let’s let Courtney and John Achilli of Content + Company describe their process: Not every renovation is a total overhaul.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
This is The Easiest Weekend Project You’ll Tackle All Year
This weekend, we're going to fill the bucket from which we pour.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Stream these Women-Led Shows to Celebrate International Women’s Day
March 8 is International Women’s Day, and it’s a great opportunity to support an organization that helps women, such as Kiva, WAGGGS, or another great non-profit. Once you’ve done your part, relax with some women-led TV. While the Oscar winners this year were still pretty dude-heavy, you can lift up women’s profiles in TV by streaming and supporting women-helmed projects. Cinematography work by women is amazing, but rare.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
There’s a Secret Room Hiding Behind This Wardrobe
When I saw the title of this reader submission, I braced myself for some The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe action, but it turned out to be less Narnia, more Lane Kim. Don’t let your teen see this makeover unless you’re prepared to build them a secret hideout — and you’ll probably be tempted to build one for yourself. Here we see Laura Medicus of The Colorado Nest‘s daughter stepping into a fairly magical vintage wardrobe . . .
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Reese Witherspoon’s Latest Read, and Five More Books We’re Loving This Month
For me, a new month means a new TBR pile, and I always look to my favorite bookworm, Reese Witherspoon, for what to add to my list. “Reese’s Book Club,” a community of almost 400,000 on Instagram, selects a new read each month and often brings in the author for exclusive interviews. Our March Book Pick, #EroticStoriesForPunjabiWidows, has something for everyone: It’s a mystery, a romance, a family drama… and yes, it’s ? ? ?!
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
How to Hide 5 Unsightly Things Around Your Home
We’ve all been there. After decorating our dream living room/bedroom/kitchen, etc., we discover all kinds of unexpected eyesores—a.k.a. unsightly cords, wall outlets, radiators, etc.—that definitely weren’t a part of our design vision. So what to do when faced with unattractive (but oh-so-necessary) visual clutter? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Read ahead for a handful of ways to conceal (and sometimes incorporate) five common eyesores around your home.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Chip and Joanna Gaines Announce the Sex of Baby #5
Fixer-Upper superfans have been anxiously awaiting the news of Chip and Joanna Gaines’s fifth child’s sex, going as far to speculate that it’s a little girl named Evie. But the truth has finally come out, and it looks like it’s due to quick comment Chip made while at a golf tournament. “Alright, alright.. if we’re going to announce the gender of our #5th child. It might as well come from my new friend #Gage! Take it away my man.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
Wayfair vs. Overstock: Who Has the Better Deal on Home Goods?
Spring is a season of new beginnings. By now, you must be ready to tackle shaking out the winter cobwebs and doing a bit of a refresh around your home. I’m not talking an extreme renovation and remodeling, but more like a decorating mini makeover with a new piece of furniture or lighting. Or even a seasonal swap of pillows, throws and rugs. The Internet is kind of amazing insofar as it puts the inventory of big home retailers at your fingertips. But the downside of that is, THERE. ARE.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Google Doodle Celebrates International Women’s Day With Collection of Intersectional Illustrated Books
As ladies around the world and the men who support them stand up in unison to celebrate International Women’s Day today, Google’s famed Doodle is doing what it does best — shining the spotlight on unsung but important stories through its homepage.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
There’s A Psychological Reason You Want to ‘Nest’
My house has never looked better than it did in the third trimester of my pregnancy. My kitchen cabinets and bedroom closet were organized, my carpets and counters were clean, and my living spaces were decked out with the latest mid-century pieces from Target and CB2. As I deep-cleaned and primped my home prior to the baby’s arrival, I knew exactly what was happening: I was nesting. (And then the baby came, and all bets for a clean or well-designed home were off.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Should You Let Your Pet Sleep With You? We Dug Up the Answer
Pets belong on the bed. At our house anyway, and at many of yours, I bet. In fact, surveys on the topic show that around half of pet owners let them sleep on the bed. As for us, our little guy Truffle starts out wedged between my pillows and my husband’s, but at some point in the night moves to curl up to my back, a solid, warm little brick that’s surprisingly immovable for 16 pounds.
Dana McMahan
May 3, 2019
Behind This Door is A Small Apartment With Some Really Smart Storage
You know we are suckers for smart storage — especially in small spots — and when it’s well-designed and executed storage, we get especially excited. This 550-square-foot Toronto apartment is not only a beautiful home, but it packs in tons of clever, built-in solutions that check off all the right boxes. The apartment comes from Stacey Cohen Design, who called upon a wealth of design knowledge and experience in taking advantage of every square inch of space, in every room.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
10 Things to Get Rid of as You Pack Up Your Kitchen for a Move
Moving is the worst! Or, more accurately, packing is the worst. Getting set up in a new home is fun, and a chance for a fresh start. But packing is a slog, and if you’re not at least a little strategic about it, you can make more work for yourself. One essential part of your packing process should be decluttering. Do not put something in a box if you don’t want it to live in your new kitchen!
Ayn-Monique Klahre
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Rusty, Fungus-Ridden Bathroom is Now Ravishing
This bathroom has a lot working for it — streamlined sink, flowered toilet, a cute tiled floor, and boats, boats, boats — but, as we’ll soon learn, it has a lot working against it. Let’s just say you never want something making your wallpaper bulge out… This is a tricky room to photograph, so I’m leading with a few more before shots to get you oriented in the space.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
The 10 Things I Hate About You House Is on the Market
“You’re just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you,” which is what you’ll be singing to this house. And for good reason! Not only is it beautiful, it’s also the house featured in classic teen movie 10 Things I Hate About You. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the gorgeous Victorian has plenty to offer up outside of its Hollywood pedigree, but that doesn’t hurt. The five bedroom, four bathroom 5,760 square foot house is on the market for $1.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
The Kitchen Splurge I Totally Regret Buying
Kitchen renovations are basically one long series of compromises. Stumble upon a Ferrari red Bertazzoni range at half price? Obviously you have to slash the budget elsewhere (many elsewheres) to make that the star of the new kitchen. More often than not, these compromises are focused on the savings and not the splurging. Those splurges are oh-so-tempting, though, and wait for you around every corner—and on every Pinterest or Instagram refresh.
Dana McMahan
May 3, 2019
If You Love Kitchen Islands, You’ll Love…Bathroom Islands?
Kitchen islands are not really polarizing—if you have the room, you probably want one. But bathroom islands? Now there's something new to covet.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Is Walmart Really That Much Cheaper Than Target?
Target sells just about anything, from motor oil to mattress pads to milk. But of course Walmart sells a lot of the same stuff, too (plus some). Both of these stores aim to be your one-stop shop, whether you’re shopping in person or online, and this got us wondering: Are their prices as similar as their inventory? We compared prices at both stores, evaluating some of the most common household goods and personal care items to see which one will offer the biggest bargains.
Danielle Centoni
May 3, 2019
This Ranch Featured On Fixer Upper Just Had a Price Reduction
While some folks just cannot get enough of all things Fixer Upper and Chip and Joanna Gaines, others are cooling on the couple and their Magnolia empire in Waco, Texas — including, it would appear, local home buyers. A few years ago, after Fixer Upper was well into its third season, each real estate listing for a home featured and fixed up on the show could command a bidding war, but now the same or similar inventory sits on the market, even seeing reductions in price.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Don’t Make These 7 Costly Home Improvement Mistakes
Taking on a home improvement project is expensive enough as it is – why add to the bill? Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or remodeling an entire bathroom, here are some costly mistakes to avoid. It’s crucial to take care of structural issues before starting on cosmetic fixes.
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
Check Out This Empty Candle Jar Hack, Courtesy of Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski
We can’t get enough of the touching reboot of Queer Eye that debuted in February, courtesy of Netflix. If you’ve already binged all eight episodes of season one, hoping the Fab 5 will magically show up on your doorstep ready to make you over from head to toe while instantly becoming your new BFFs, well, that probably isn’t in the cards. But following the fellows on Instagram is a close second, because they offer up style tips, motivational mantras, and smart hacks all the same.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
If You Like Bad Design, You’ll Love This Instagram Account
While there’s certainly never any snark about houses around these parts, we can still appreciate it when it’s artfully done. @PleaseHateTheseThings compiles the best bizarro, wackadoo real estate and design photos the internet has to offer, presenting them with just the right amount of sarcasm and wonder. The brainchild of interior designer Dina Holland, the account catalogues all the “absurd, ill conceived & just plain stupid things in home decor” with razor sharp wit.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
This New Zealand Home in a 1920s Converted Factory Is a Plant Lover’s Dream
Name: Ron Goh Location: Auckland, New Zealand Size: 2142 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned Ron is a digital designer… and a plant addict, as evidenced by the Auckland home he shares with his partner, and two dogs (a mini schnauzer and chihuahua). He describes their loft, located in a 1920s converted factory in the Victoria Quarter, as packed with character and featuring cityscape views. There are two levels: an open plan kitchen/dining/living area below and two bedrooms above.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
In Honor of Its 150th Anniversary, Little Women Is Getting a Graphic Novel
Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel Little Women is a moving story of four sisters—Meg, Joe, Beth, and Amy—growing up during the Civil War. The popular story inspired many adaptations, including movies, musicals, operas and children’s books. Now, to celebrate 150 years of the March sisters, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has partnered with Tapas Media to give the beloved story a modern and more inclusive update.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Chloe Benjamin, Author of ‘The Immortalists,’ Has an Enviable Number of Bookshelves
Chloe Benjamin, who lives in Madison, Wisconsin, spent years writing her epic novel The Immortalists, an emotional story about four siblings who learn the exact dates of their deaths from a mysterious fortuneteller. As Varya, Daniel, Klara, and Simon grow up and grow apart, this knowledge drives distinctly different journeys and forces each to question whether we control fate—or fate controls us.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Leni Zumas, Author of ‘Red Clocks,’ Offers a Peek Into Her Writing Space
Leni Zumas’ novel Red Clocks is one of the most talked-about of 2018, celebrated for telling a complex, thoughtful story about five strong women grappling with motherhood in vastly different ways. Her central characters—a biographer, a daughter, a wife, an explorer, and a witch-like mender—find their paths intersect as reproductive rights undergo major governmental regulation.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Justin Timberlake Lists His SoHo Bachelor Pad For $8M
As anyone watching the Golden Globes red carpet could plainly see, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are a match made in Hollywood heaven — which could be why, eight years after purchasing it and two years after wedding his perfect partner, Timberlake has finally listed his former NYC bachelor pad.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Apartment Therapy’s Top 10 Instagrammers to Jumpstart Your Spring Goals
Tuesday, March 20, marks the first official day of Spring! Depending on where you are in the country, it might still feel very much like Winter outside, but the equinox is, indeed, upon us, which means warmer weather can’t be too far behind (…right?). In the meantime, you can use that fresh start on the calendar to get going on some of your goals for the new season.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
3 Mistakes You’re Making When You Stretch
Stretching is critical component of physical fitness and overall health. “It keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” according to experts at Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.
English Taylor
May 3, 2019
Tyra Banks Bought a Stunner of a Pacific Palisade Mansion
Star of the hit movie Life Size and creator of little known reality show America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks has reportedly picked up a brand new California property. After selling her gorgeous New York condo last spring, Banks recently purchased this sprawling Pacific Palisades home for $6.995 million. The 6,160 square foot, five bedroom, five and a half bathroom contemporary home boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and amenities fit for a supermodel.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
5 (Free) Apps that Will Guarantee You’re More Organized Next Tax Season
Tax prep can be a major drag. Along with gathering all of your W-2’s and interest statements, you have to organize a mountain of paperwork—think: receipts, expense reports, and so on—to file your taxes properly. Luckily, there are several smartphone apps designed to streamline the daunting process of preparing your taxes. From receipt organizers to mileage trackers, here are five foolproof (and totally free!) apps that will have you ready for tax season in no time.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Newlyweds Nest in an Easygoing ’70s Ranch House
Name: Chelsea Daffinson, my husband Brion, two dogs Harley and Stella and a whole lot of plant babies. Location: Marietta, Georgia Size: 1800 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned We were previously renting in Historic Marietta when we had the realization that we were paying rent equal to a monthly mortgage payment. This 1,800-square-foot, 1973 home caught our eye and, while we were hoping to buy a starter home, we found that this was going to be our forever home.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
If You Love Renovations and Mysteries, These Hallmark Movies Are For You
Did you know one of America’s most loved 90s pop icons is at the helm of her own Hallmark Channel movie franchise? Jewel, who continues to successfully pull off going only by her first name despite transitioning into an acting career, is the lead in her third Fixer Upper Mystery, which premiered this month, following two previous 2017 movies in the series.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
Here Are the Details on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Untraditional Wedding Cake
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are bucking tradition. According to royal history, the chosen wedding dessert should be a fruitcake. But luckily for their boatload of wedding guests, Harry and Meghan have decided to eschew tradition and go with something a bit more trendy. The couple are going with a lemon elderflower cake. Kensington Palace announced the delectable treat news in a tweet on Tuesday, saying “For their wedding cake Prince Harry and Ms.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
A New Service is Here to Help You Become The Ultimate Stylish Plant Parent
Bloomscape, a newly launched startup out of Detroit, wants to help you become the plant parent you’ve always wanted to be. If you’re a beginner who is kind of befuddled about what plants to buy, where to buy them and what to do when you get them into your home, Bloomscape might be for you. If you think you’ve got a pretty good handle on the situation but could use a little moral support and loving advice, Bloomscape might also be for you.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019