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The Latest: May 22, 2019

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Laundry room with white washer and dryer, maroon walls, wooden window frames, and a water heater.
Before and After: A Cramped Porch Becomes a Pastel Laundry Paradise
The enclosed porch on Ashley‘s 1905 home did not live up to expectations: a low ceiling and burgundy walls and floors turned the space into a “sad little box,” she says. “It felt disconnected from the rest of the house,” especially after doing extensive renovations. “I know how much some updates would transform this room,” she says. So over the course of six weeks, she transformed this dark and dreary porch into a pastel, botanical laundry room.
Jamie Wiebe
May 22, 2019
Become a Power Drill Expert With These Easy Tips
The blinds in my room? Sure, I hung them. The shelves in the kitchen? Of course I put those up. The gallery wall in the hallway? Yes, that was definitely my doing.(Lies!)My dad thinks I did all of this handiwork with the power drill he bought me, but I can’t bear to tell him that I actually have no idea how to use the thing. I’ve been hiring people for years to hang things in my apartment while the power drill collects dust somewhere under my bed.
Erin Johnson
May 22, 2019
This Dark and Dramatic Home’s Style Is “Tranquil Library Meets Speakeasy”
Elizabeth wanted her home to feel like you were walking into an old Irish pub slash cool, dark and tranquil library--but a library you'd want to smoke a cigar and drink a whiskey on the rocks in while reading a book or having a really good conversation.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 22, 2019
Forget Plain White Tiles, These 8 Rooms Will Make You Crave Bolder Floors
Tile floors are a welcome addition to just about any room of the home. But more often than not, people opt for plain white. And sure, it’s a safe bet, but one of the best parts about tile flooring is that pattern play is completely acceptable and encouraged. Need some guidance as you pick a tile pattern for your new home or decorate around an existing floor design? Check out these show-stopping tile floors at the top of our inspiration board. Talk about a warm welcome!
Sarah Lyon
May 22, 2019
This Australia Home Features Washi Tape Used in Two Simple But Striking Ways
Name: Katie Riddell, her husband Hamish, 9-year-old daughter Sophie, and Matilda their rescue dog. Location: South Eastern suburb of Melbourne, Australia Years lived in: 16 years Katie Riddell is a former lawyer-turned-interior decorator and lives in a three-bedroom, late 1960s renovated brick veneer home with her husband Hamish and daughter Sophie. Their home is filled with treasured items collected on travels, or created by their daughter or Katie.
Natalie Jeffcott
May 22, 2019
Jeff Bridges Is Selling His Montecito Home, and the Rugs Really Tie the Rooms Together
If there ever was a home that was filled with good vibes, we’re guessing it’s one that belongs to Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges. The beloved actor, known for films like “Crazy Heart” and “The Big Lebowski,” just listed his sprawling Montecito compound for $7.995 million, realtor.com reports.
Megan Johnson
May 22, 2019
Bellevue, Washington
Coolest Suburbs
Bellevue’s name comes from a French term meaning “beautiful view,” and let’s just say they nailed the name.
Shelby Slaughter
May 22, 2019
Decatur, Georgia
Coolest Suburbs
One thing you might immediately notice when you visit this Atlanta suburb is that its residents (called “Decaturites”) like to keep it local.
Emma Weldon, Heather Karellas
May 22, 2019
Ellicott City, Maryland
Coolest Suburbs
A suburb of Baltimore, Ellicott City is resilient and ever on-the-move, just like the Patapsco River on which it is built.
Amanda Loudin
May 22, 2019
Carmel, Indiana
Class of 2019 Superlatives
The Indianapolis burb has worked hard to make its streets and scenic parks bike friendly, with new trails popping up regularly.
Kenzie Kittle
May 22, 2019
Oak Park, Illinois
Readers' Choice
The Chicago suburb received the most votes in our Home Team Panel poll, which asked Apartment Therapy's most engaged readers to cast a ballot for the coolest suburb in America!
Julie Chyna
May 22, 2019
Media, Pennsylvania
Coolest Suburbs
You won’t get far in Media without hearing someone refer proudly to this quintessential small suburb by its nickname: “Everybody’s Hometown”—a distinction locals take very seriously.
Diana Spalding
May 22, 2019
How We Chose the Coolest Suburbs in America
Methodology
Wondering how we defined "cool?" Want to know exactly what makes a "suburb?" Check out our full methodology.
Jessica Prois
May 22, 2019
Alexandria, Virginia
Coolest Suburbs
Its history, trendy vibe, and proximity to Washington, D.C. afford the suburb its unique flavor.
Missy Schrott
May 22, 2019
Winter Park, Florida
Coolest Suburbs
Brick streets, historic neighborhoods, and a mini-version of Manhattan’s Central Park paint one sublime picture of the Orlando suburb.
Pam Brandon
May 22, 2019
Arlington, Texas
Class of 2019 Superlatives
This city west of Dallas holds the spot as the most Googled burb.
Stephanie Jarrett
May 22, 2019
Arvada, Colorado
Coolest Suburbs
Arvada has been described by residents as the best of both worlds—a place that has a small-town charm with big city perks.
Shanna Fortier
May 22, 2019
Alameda, California
Coolest Suburbs
The island is a small town close to SF with bike-able streets, beaches, and a lively downtown shopping district.
Jean Chen
May 22, 2019
Royal Oak, Michigan
Coolest Suburbs
You’ll also find an assortment of businesses that include everything from coffee shops to record stores in a downtown scene replete with outdoor pianos for anyone to stop and play.
Mark H. Stowers
May 22, 2019
Hoboken, New Jersey
Class of 2019 Superlatives
Everything in this New York City suburb is within a single mile, and the area boasts bike paths and parks galore.
Jennifer Tripucka
May 22, 2019
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Class of 2019 Superlatives
CVNP has more than 125 miles of hiking trails, according to the National Park Service.
Alex Hall
May 22, 2019
Naperville, Illinois
Class of 2019 Superlatives
The burb west of Chicago posted about 13,400 listings on Etsy last year.
Karen Berner
May 22, 2019
Maplewood, New Jersey
Coolest Suburbs
Maplewood, New Jersey—home to colonial houses sitting beneath blossoming Magnolia trees—can make a suburban convert out of any hip New Yorker.
Marichelle Hills
May 22, 2019
Denton, Texas
Coolest Suburbs
The Dallas burb's downtown area has won awards for being one of America’s best main streets, with family-owned small businesses lining the historic courthouse square.
Alyssa Stevenson
May 22, 2019
Somerville, Massachusetts
Coolest Suburbs
There are old-school pizza spots, midnight screenings of classic movies, and a roving music festival called Porchfest that takes place on—well, porches across the Boston suburb.
Megan Thielking
May 22, 2019
Belmont, North Carolina
Coolest Suburbs
Located just 15 miles from Charlotte, the suburb of Belmont boasts an enticing mix of culture, outdoor recreation, and friendly neighbors.
Hayley Lawrence
May 22, 2019
Evanston, Illinois
Coolest Suburbs
The idyllic first suburb north of Chicago is brimming with excitement and culture—full of restaurants, bars and beaches.
Sydney Stone
May 22, 2019
Pasadena, California
Coolest Suburbs
This Los Angeles suburb nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains is chock full of cultural gems that make it unique.
Carrie Dilluvio
May 22, 2019
Kirkwood, Missouri
Coolest Suburbs
Kirkwood is more than just a suburb of St. Louis. It has its own unique identity and history, which residents treasure.
Fran Mannino
May 22, 2019
Round Rock, Texas
Coolest Suburbs
Round Rock, one of the fastest-growing cities of its size, has a constant outcrop of new restaurants, free live music, and events for sports fans—even for those into quidditch!
Mike Parker
May 22, 2019
Beaverton, Oregon
Coolest Suburbs
The burb's many transplants often say things like “I would’ve moved here a decade ago if I’d known how nice people are.”
Arianne Cohen
May 22, 2019