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The Latest: May 4, 2019

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Child reading a book in a cozy nook with colorful pillows and wall shelves filled with books.
Kids Closets Used as Reading Nooks
All a little reader really needs is a book, but a soft place to curl up, a light and maybe even a bit of privacy doesn’t hurt. I love the trend of repurposing kids closets as reading nooks. You can keep the door to make a secret reading hideaway or take the doors off to make small rooms seem bigger. Here are ten examples to inspire you: TOP ROW: 1. Miss G’s Closet Book Nook by Mama.Papa.Buba 2. Closet Nook for a Brother & Sister by Life with Daugs 3.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
Finley and Jackson’s “Modern Shabby-Chic” Bedrooms & Playrooms
Name: Finley and Jackson Location: Seattle, WA Room Size: Bedroom: 10′ x13′; Playroom: 9′ x12′ feet This darling brother and sister must have wonderful sleeps in their sweet shabby-chic and modern rooms. Cozy, light, warm, subtle pops of color and thoughtful vintage accents combined with Emily’s (Finley and Jackson’s mom) spectacular taste and creative aesthetic make this tour memorable.
Breanne Johnsen
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Gnarly to Nautical Boy’s Bedroom
Here’s how Hung describes the room his 5-year-old son Adrian inherited when they bought this house: “purple 70s shag plush carpeting and lime green grey walls”. Not exactly a child’s dream room. The family decided to turn Adrian’s room into a not-too-themey nautical room.. Great job! The textile hanging and lights are particularly dramatic and memorable. They’re a smart way to add a strong visual that is affordable and that even renters could do.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Headboard Gets Reincarnated
What do you do with a three dollar headboard you found at a yard sale? Why, put it in your foyer, of course. Follow me to find out more… That’s exactly what Kelly from A View Along The Way did. She was ready to get her foyer in order and needed a bench. Since the kind of benches she was looking at came with a hefty price tag, she put her creative cap on and figured out a really stunning solution. Her husband took the headboard apart and cut it in half to fit in the space.
Alysha Findley
May 4, 2019
Finn’s DIY Domain
Name: Finn Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado When we moved cross-country for the third time, we knew that Finn HAD to have some serious attention paid to his own space. The poor guy has watched us remodel bathrooms, a kitchen and his sister’s room; but he was never the star of the show. My husband wanted to theme the dickens out of Finn’s room, but I was pretty stringent on sticking with something that could easily grow and evolve with the little guy.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Laundry Room Gets Scrubbed of Its Boring Past
Scandinavian magazine Allt I Hemmet recently featured this laundry room, submitted by one of their readers. Far from exciting, Anna-Lena’s space was devoid of color and personality, not to mention cramped. With Allt I Hemmet’s help, the laundry room got a good cleaning itself, and came out on the other side with a sparkling new personality.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Small City Bedroom To Custom Lofted Bed & Desk
In small rooms it just makes sense to “go up” and optimize your vertical space. Faced with the challenge of making better use of a tiny bedroom (7′ x 12′) in Manhattan, architect Benjamin Marcus conceived a lofted bed structure with stairs and desk and storage below. Benjamin tells us more about this project: The room has two points of entry on opposite long walls, making it a very tight space.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
Christmas DIY Craft Project: How To Make an Etched Snow Globe
Has it snowed yet where you live? No? Then here’s a quick and easy project to create your own Winter Wonderland, using glass etching cream and some tape. Faux snow globes are great for mantel decorations or the table. You get all the snowfall, without the boots or mittens! Here’s how to make one yourself… Materials Glass dome or cloche Etching cream Paintbrush Painters tape Hole punches (at least two sizes is ideal) Instructions: 1.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
How To Sew a Reversible Christmas Tree Skirt
When we decided to have our first Christmas tree above 18″ this year, it seemed the right time to make a tree skirt. It’s not difficult, and making your own means it can be made out of any fabric you choose. Here, I share how to make a reversible one so if your preference changes from year to year it’s as easy as a flip of the fabric: (2) contrasting 1.
Regina Yunghans
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Blue Dresser Gets a Deep Sea Treatment
Shannon needed an easy way to update a dresser she found boring, and cycled through several ideas of what to do with it. She has tons of materials stored at home, so the solution came one day when she simply opened a drawer.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Easy Home DIY Project: How To Sew a Table Runner
A table runner is one of my favorite ways to dress up plain tablecloths or bare tables. This is probably the easiest sewing project that you could take on, and the same steps can be used to make napkins, too. For those who hoard designer fabric remnants found in the bargain bin like myself, the table runner project is a great way to put those pieces of fabric to good use. For this project, I created two table runners out of just one yard of Designers Guild Kashgar fabric.
Claire Bock
May 4, 2019
Emerson’s Colorful, DIY-Crafted Nursery
Name: Emerson Location: Renton, WA Room Size: About 8′ x 10′ My first introduction to this beautiful nursery was the colorful chevron pouf. Once I saw that, I knew there had to be more fabulousness to come. And I wasn’t wrong! Megan Kane designed this nursery for her little girl, Emerson, and the hand crafted details make every inch of this room special. Megan is a DIY kind of gal, and it shows in the decor of this room.
Beth Callaghan
May 4, 2019
A Shiny New Shower & Tub: A Cleaning Regimen for Keeping them Perfect Forever
Alright, I keep telling myself, this is your one chance. You may never again have a bathroom with a brand-new bathtub and shower surround. Of the 10 bath/shower combos I’ve lived with in my life, none have been remotely new nor perfect…but soon all that will change. I’ve got one chance to do this right!
Tess Wilson
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Not So Pretty In Pink Bathroom
When you buy a house with a pink, mauve, salmon and coral bathroom, it might be time to renovate. Some people like that kind of thing, but Katie isn’t one of them. She and her husband tore out the carpet the day they moved in. Soon after that, they made a plan and got to work on the rest of the renovation. You might be surprised to learn that this beautiful bathroom update only cost $3,500. Katie and her husband did a lot of the work themselves, and made some smart choices.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
10 Interactive Gifts for Design-Loving Kids
For many of us, the love of architecture, home design, and decor had deep roots in childhood. This season, help spread that passion to the kids in your life with these books, blocks, and crafts. Top row: 1. Draw Me a House: Architectural Ideas, Inspiration, and Colouring In by Thibaud Herem, $17.01 2. LEGO Architecture Fallingwater, $98.95 3. Citiblocs Wooden Building Block Set, $48.21 4. 3-D Home Kit, $31.46 5. Fun with Architecture Rubber Stamp Set, $24.95 Bottom row: 1.
Carolyn Purnell
May 4, 2019
A No-Rules Nursery in the Netherlands
Name: Baby R Location: Leiden, The Netherlands Room Size: About 11 square meters I’ve always been drawn to Dutch and Scandinavian-style spaces. There’s just something about the bright whites, vivid pops of color, and amazing vintage pieces mixed in with the modern decor. Baby R’s nursery is no exception. Fuchsia drapes, bold patterned wallpaper, fabulous frocks, and washi taped walls – this space has it all. How would you describe the look and feel of this room? Fun!
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Red Retro Chair Evolution
This red pod chair had seen better days, and Cathy of Retro Evolution Design knew she could give it some new life. The upholstery was old, dirty, and damaged. Not to mention the base, which was a little too tall, too heavy, and maybe a little bit ugly? Cathy recovered the chair in a sturdy linen tweed blend fabric. Her son fabricated a new “cats cradle” style wire rod base with angles that complement the chair above. Now all that’s missing is a custom ottoman to match!
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Erica & Spencer’s Brooklyn Apartment Combination
Erica and Spencer’s one-bedroom apartment in Windsor Terrace was just the right size for the two of them — that is, until two turned into three, and they started thinking about finding a little extra space for their growing family. As luck would have it, they found the perfect place without even having to move. After discovering that their neighbors’ 750 square foot apartment was on the market, they quickly snapped it up and set about combining the two units.
Nancy Mitchell
May 4, 2019
5 (Typically Weekly) Chores You Can Skip When You’re Busy
Give yourself a break when things get overwhelming and let go of that “I have to do it all” feeling. As long as you don’t let any extended cleaning breaks slip into a comfortable habit, there are some chores you can ignore every once in awhile. Here are five you can skip when you’re busy… Wanna know what we think are the chores you should never skip?
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Kim’s Nursery Dresser
My parents bought this dresser over 30 years ago, but that doesn’t exactly make it an heirloom. It’s very sturdy, but the wood isn’t anything special, the drawers fronts needed patching, and the sides are veneer. The price tag sold me: free. To update the dresser, the first thing I did was use a jigsaw to cut off the scallop-y business at the bottom. (I wish I had a picture of me, eight months pregnant, wielding that tool.
Kim R. McCormick
May 4, 2019
The Assassin Bug: Facts, Dangers & Prevention
Assassin bugs (or kissing bugs) get their names from their habit of biting humans on the face near the lips. (It’s true people: I can’t make this stuff up.) Here’s what you need to know about this not-so-nice insect. Assassin, a.k.a. kissing bugs, are found all across the bottom two-thirds of the United States, and predominantly in Arizona, California, Texas, and New Mexico.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Kim’s Bright and White Kitchen Update
Kim, a lifestyle blogger who loves spending time in her kitchen trying out recipes with her two young daughters, always wanted to redo this space to be more open, bright and inspiring. Without a huge budget, the family decided to tackle the project themselves — a scary thought for folks who had never tried anything like it before!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 4, 2019
Can’t Sleep? 5 Reasons Why Your Bedroom is Keeping You Awake
Sleep is a key building block of health and happiness, yet it’s often hard to get and stay there for one night, let alone a string of several nights at a time. Here are five common reasons your bedroom isn’t working, and eight small changes to help you fall asleep, keep snoozing throughout the night, and ultimately function better the next day. PROBLEM #1: ALLERGIES Is your stuffy nose keeping you from getting shut eye?
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
One Minute Tip: How to Make Felted Soap
Before there were loofahs and washcloths, people used an old fashioned bar of soap sewn into a felted wool covering. The wool was exfoliating and had antibacterial qualities, and the soap created a nice lather without wasting its suds. In the last few years, felted soap has come back into fashion (it’s popping up in lots of Etsy shops as well as Anthropologie, and is a popular gift item this season). Today, we show you how to make it!
Rebecca Blumhagen
May 4, 2019
Before & After: IKEA BEKVÄM Stool Solves a Special Problem
We’ve see the IKEA BEKVÄM stool in every room of the house, but Kylie shares a hack that I have never seen before. With a few modifications (and nice new coat of paint), see what Kylie now uses it for in her kitchen these days, and the problem it solves… As you can see, the stool got an extra story with just a few pieces of wood and some screws. Now her daughter Matilda can get in on all the action, without asking to be held.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Olive’s Creatively Colorful Abode
Name: Olive Sydney Location: Florence, Alabama Room Size: 12′ x15′ I’m often conflicted when it comes to children’s spaces in that I love the clean, bright aesthetic of a white space, but I’m also partial to bold color. So when I came across this room from parents Tera and Wes of Armosa Studios, I was thrilled to find the best of both worlds. How would you describe the look and feel of this room? The look of the room is bright and happy.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
5 Chores You Should Never Skip (Even If You’re Busy)
Pressed for time? Running late? Didn’t finish your Sunday morning “to clean” list but need to head out the door to brunch right now? Whenever you’re pressed for time — or have an extra heavy schedule a certain week — don’t let all your chores and cleaning duties slip into disarray. Keep your house functioning by being choosy with which chores you skip and which ones you tackle.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
How To Make a Rooftop Cutting Board
Inspired by Danish rooftops, Ferm Living has turned useful kitchen accessories into design-worthy décor. After coveting these, along with Susanna Vento’s self-made cutting boards, I decided it was absolutely necessary that I made one of my own. Here’s how to make your own rooftop cutting board… Upon research I found that maple and ash hardwood has a nice tight grain — suitable for daily use.
June Bhongjan
May 4, 2019
Easy & All Natural Wallpaper Removal Tip: Use Vinegar and Hot Water
Over the holidays, I finally started on the spare bedroom in my Mom’s house. It has not seen any decorating love since the 80’s, and it was time to strip the wallpaper and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. I was a little apprehensive because I had never removed wallpaper before, but I soon realized it was more tedious than difficult. I also learned that it was a job that could be made easier with our favorite friend: white vinegar.
Kate Legere
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Quick and Cheap Laundry Room Refresh
It took just one weekend for Tasha, a self-described “designer trapped in a lawyer’s body,” to transform her laundry room (from the room in her home “where fun went to die” ) to a room that now makes her and her husband smile! Using leftover paint from previous DIY projects, Tasha painted the cabinets and walls.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Catch-All Basement Corner to Cool Kids’ Craft Corner
I think many of us can relate to those catch-all corners of our rooms that we know can be improved in both form and function. Melissa from 5 foot 12 Creations had a vision for her catch-all basement corner: a special space where her children could access art and craft supplies, a charming space where the markers are many and the paper is plentiful. The perfect pint-sized craft corner! I can only imagine the hours of creating that are now spent here.
Julia Brenner
May 4, 2019
Michelle’s Organic and Plant-Filled Home
Name: Michelle Smith Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Our wide open downstairs has evolved a lot in the seven years that we’ve lived here. In the past couple of years in between designing the interiors of my boutiques, Kindred, then Gather, I’ve made some changes at home too. I painted the walls a handsome gray which brightens up our townhouse which has limited natural light. I bought some flat file storage to store my photo backdrops by color and have available on the fly.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: “Nautical or Nothing” Boy’s Room
Maggie and her family relocated to Heilsbronn, Germany and began decorating and renovating (lots of DIY!) their new home. Her son’s bedroom was livable but had no life. A subtle, but warm paint job and the addition of nautical-inspired accessories later and her son has a room that reflects his interests and personality. Maggie tells us more: My son is absolutely obsessed with all things Titanic so for his room it was a no brain-er, nautical or nothing.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
What’s the Difference? Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator
I have a confession to make and it’s a doozy: I’m an editor of a site about design (this one) and I don’t know the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator. In fact, I’ve been using those two terms interchangibly for years. Bad editor! So I decided to educate myself (and you!). Turns out, it’s pretty straightforward but there are some major distinctions.
Jennifer Hunter
May 4, 2019
Scientifically Soothing: 6 Successful Green Wall Paint Colors from House Tours
It’s no news that green hues soothe and relax, particularly when used as wall paint, surrounding a room, its furnishings and its inhabitants in a calming color. But how do you keep from choosing the wrong green and making your space look lame? Easy: Choose greens that are a little bold and different, but still relaxing. Here are six successful paint color picks from house tours.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Eden’s Teal Treasure
Name: Eden, 6 months Location: Denton, TX Room Size: 12′ x 12′ We first saw Anna Tovar’s design skills when she shared her son Axel’s nursery with us. Now, we’re delighted to see what she’s put together for her new daughter, Eden. The design made the very most of a tight budget with thrifted and repurposed pieces and a keen eye for detail.
Beth Callaghan
May 4, 2019
5 Things To Know If You’re Having FiOS Installed
This past summer my husband and I were excited to learn that Verizon’s high-speed, fiber-optic, internet/phone/tv FiOS service had become available to our building and we were quick to sign up. Having suffered through many tedious cable and internet installations over the years, I was expecting pretty much the same rigamarole, but there were a few twists to the process you might want to know about if you’re on the brink of making the switch yourself.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
How To Make Your Own Lavender Laundry Detergent
Homemade laundry detergent isn’t just about saving you money (although it’s definitely a budget friendly move). In this day and age, when most of us are so far removed from the process of how our necessities are made, there’s something thrilling about making something that you need. If you’d like to try your hand at it, here’s how I made mine.
Shifrah Combiths
May 4, 2019
Cruz’s Modern Geometric Masterpiece
Name: Cruz Stanton Barros Location: Murrieta, California Room Size: 13′ x 10′ When I learned that Priscila Barros, editor-in-chief of Babiekins Magazine was pregnant, I knew that an amazing nursery was in the works. By combining modern geometric patterns with warm colors and textures, she and decorator Amy Fjeldsted created a cozy vibe for her son Cruz that is perfectly on trend.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
10 Alternatives to Plastic Storage Bins
If you live in a small space, you know that organization is key. We don’t all have the luxury of garages, attics and basements to hide all those plastic bins full of ‘stuff’ that seem to accumulate with life. Nope, we must cohabitate with the ‘stuff’ and stare at it every day. If it’s going to be out for everyone to see, it should look good and intentional in your space. Here are some stylish storage alternatives to keep you organized with style.
Melissa DiRenzo
May 4, 2019
How to Make a Cloud Nursery Mobile
I’ve had this idea for a cloud mobile tutorial for months now, but there was always something more pressing to do (I should clarify that, in most cases, neither the mobile nor the more pressing matter was accomplished). This was actually a very easy little project, I’m surprised to say. You never know, when you delve into something new, whether it will go as planned or end up in the unfinished pile in the corner of the closet (along with the partially knitted baby blanket).
Katerina Buscemi
May 4, 2019
Before & After: An Old Dresser for a New Nursery
My mother-in-law’s house is filled with memories. It is the home that my husband grew up in and I love discovering bits and pieces of his past throughout the house when we visit. On one particular visit, my mother-in-law pointed out a shabby old dresser in a corner that she said she was going to throw out because she has had it since my husband was a baby. “Oh, no!” I yelped, and then regained my composure. “Do you think…I could have it? For Sloane?
Christine Lu
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Shannon’s Simple Yet Delightful Desk Makeover
Shannon couldn’t get this Mid-Century Modern-style desk she found at a yard sale (for “practically nothing,” she reports) in her car fast enough! It wasn’t in the best condition and the finish was a bit rough, but Shannon loved the shape and had a perfect place in her home for it — after refreshing it with cheery paint. From Shannon: I decided that a fun dose of bright color was just what it needed to really come to life!
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Vintage Table Becomes Medical Miracle
Victoria’s bathroom needed storage— namely a perfectly sized table on which to keep frequently-used stuff handy, and off the sink counter. She got what she needed in the form of an antique medical table found in the basement of an estate sale, and priced at a whopping ten dollars. The original enamel paint was in bad shape and flaking off in big sections. Victoria took to it with a wire brush, then eventually a power grinder.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: From Boring Office Desk to Industrial Chic Changing Table
When Maude Lefrancois found out she was pregnant, she decided to change her home office into the nursery — and her desk was the perfect height for a changing table. With a few nuts and bolts, a shelf, and vintage wood crates, she turned her sterile office desk into a warmer industrial changing station with more than enough storage. Maude drilled holes into the metal frame and attached four angled brackets with nuts and bolts.
June Bhongjan
May 4, 2019
Aidan’s Dreamy Room in Germany
Name: Aidan Location: Northern Germany in Hannover Room Size: 4.7 x 3.2 meters (15 x 10 feet) I’m a long-time fan of the work of Holly Becker of Decor8, so I was thrilled to find out she was pregnant and working on a nursery. By choosing the main focal points first, like the stunning Kite wallpaper by Ferm Living and the gorgeous crib by Oeuf, Holly was able to work from there to create a dreamy and cohesive gender-neutral space for baby Aidan.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Finn’s Bright and Airy Nursery Transformation
With baby Finn on the way, mom Kelli of Purple Tree Photography wanted to transform the family’s unused third bedroom into a nursery for their new addition. After many coats of paint and a lot of hard work, the space has been transformed into a bright and airy oasis for their beautiful baby boy. I think my favorite part is the pop of color in the small nook above the crib – it went from being the biggest eyesore of the space to its greatest asset.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
6 Dumb Household Rules You Hated Growing Up, but Now Totally Understand
When you’re young, it’s your job to not worry and to push limits. It’s all about you, you, you. It’s up to your parents to firmly establish boundaries and rules. And while you live under their roof, it’s either their way or the highway. Sound familiar? Here are six seemingly arbitrary household rules that drove you nuts at the time, but make so much more sense today. Then: Why bother? I’m just going to use it again tonight!
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019