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The Latest: May 2019

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Retro chair with black and white geometric pattern, metal frame, and wooden armrests on red and white checkered floor.
Real Life Rescues: 10 DIY Ways to Update Your Vintage Seating
This is the weekend! Finally take that vintage/free/found/Craigslist chair, sofa or stool and pull out its potential! If you’ve been sitting on a DIY seating project because you just weren’t sure what to do with it, we’ve got 10 real-life examples of taking an old piece of furniture and adding a zing of personality. Perhaps one of these ideas will inspire your own makeover this weekend? Pictured above: 1.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
5 Interactive Wallpapers for Kids
Wouldn’t you have loved to create little worlds on the walls with magnets, or draw tiny characters all over your bedroom when you were a kid? If you have a creative child that leaves you scrubbing walls with a bucket and sponge—let the creativity fly! These five interactive wallpapers for kids let parents breathe easier and get kids’ creative juices flowing. 1. My personal favorite: Sian Zeng Interactive Magnetic Wallpaper for kids from Just Kids Wallpaper, $540 AUD.
Andie Powers
May 4, 2019
Before & After: All White Kitchen Gets a Subtle Kick
Kristi recently remodeled her kitchen and didn’t give her toe kicks a second glance. Then she got a glimpse of Oh Joy’s recently remodeled studio kitchen, and was inspired to try something new… Switching up the white to black is a subtle but significant change. Rather than painting the actual toe kicks again, Kristi came up with a temporary solution that lets her try out a color, and change it up again down the road. Renters, take note!
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Bronwyn’s Small San Francisco Studio
Name: Bronwyn Location: Nob Hill, San Francisco, California I have a small studio apartment on Nob Hill in San Francisco. I love being in the middle of the city, so I can walk most places. I love having my home be small, so it is easy to keep up with. I have a wall of closets which is so important for keeping me organized. I love the beams on my ceiling and the built-ins from the 1920s that add character to the space. I painted all the paintings myself.
Janel Laban
May 4, 2019
Freia’s Cozy, Colorful Corner in the Master Bedroom
Name: Freia Location: Berkeley, California Room Size: Tiny! Her corner is probably 5′ x 5′ feet at most, but it is part of our main bedroom (that part is probably 6′ x 8′) When I first discovered little Freia’s nursery, I never would have guessed it was but a tiny corner of the master bedroom in mom Audrey’s two-bedroom rental.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
Tips For Negotiating a Lease with Exotic Pets
I am an exotic pet person. This came as quite a surprise to me when I moved to a new city and called a vet specializing in small animals to see if they could fit in one of my guinea pigs who had developed a sneeze during our move, but was told that the vet did not treat “exotic pets”. Surprise! Both of my guinea pigs and my little mouse are exotic pets. I assure you they all felt quite fancy when I informed them of their status.
Erin Roberts
May 4, 2019
Art on Theme: 9 Books of Ready-to-Frame Posters
When is a book not a book? When it’s actually a tiny little bound packet of posters. Since we’re all about pieces that pull double-duty, I thought I’d share a few ready-to-frame poster books: titles you can grab at the bookstore to keep on the coffee table, and then tear pages from as needed to fill up the walls. I was recently gifted the book Swissted, a collection of vintage rock posters re-designed by digital artist Mike Joyce.
Taryn Williford
May 4, 2019
Nature Calls: Tools For Budding Birdwatchers
It’s the perfect time of year to have the kids active and outside and, if they love to watch birds, to encourage that, too. If you have a beginner birder at your place, here’s everything they’ll need (and a couple of things they’ll love) to get started on what often becomes a life-long hobby. 1. Audubon Bird Call can produce generic bird calls $8 from Los Poblanos Farm Shop. 2.
Alison Gerber
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Backyard Blight Turns Out of Sight
Last time we checked in with Aaron & Heather Hawes in Saint Louis, they shared the transformation of their old firehouse into a modern and sleek photography studio. Today they are back with a new project: the recent makeover of their outdoor parking area. As before, the Hawes’ did all the work themselves, and the results are quite incredible. Now before anyone freaks out, the photo was indeed taken at a different angle, but I think you can see why.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Noisy Kids? How To Keep The Peace With Your Next-Door Neighbors
No doubt about it: kids make noise. What happens when you have kids, noisy kids and your neighbor doesn’t? Apartment living can be tough, but it’s even tougher when a case of shared walls meets very different lifestyles. Here are a few guidelines for ensuring everyone gets along just fine. 1. Get to know each other. Invite your neighbors over for dinner. Nothing beats a shared meal for wearing down divisions and clearing up misunderstandings.
Alison Gerber
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Vintage Dresser Goes From White to Wow!
Dena loved this vintage dresser from the moment she saw it, specifically the sleek hardware that gave the whole piece a modern look. She took it home and made two simple but bold changes that transformed the entire look — and turned it into a show-stopping piece! From Dena: Wink. I loved it at first sight but knew I wanted to add some legs to it to raise it up. I’m getting to be an old woman and anything I can do to keep from bending over is awesome. Okay, so I’m not that old.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Marvelous Mid-Century Modern Make-Under
You can see that this bright blue piece of furniture has a nice mid-century shape, but with the thick, gloppy coat of paint, the damage to the top and the overall unpleasant look of the exterior, plenty of folks would probably pass this furniture piece up, even if it was free. Not Zachary. He spotted it, took it home and did one impressive make-under! From Zachary: My boyfriend and I were taking a walk and we found this little blue nightmare on the curb for the garbage man.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Take It Outside: 8 Spring Cleaning Projects That Are So Much Easier Outdoors
Ah, spring: when a young man’s fancy turns to beating rugs and scrubbing the crisper. And no, those aren’t euphemisms, but chores that are infinitely easier to accomplish now that going outdoors won’t result in certain death. Some of these require access to a hose, but there’s hope for apartment-dwellers, too… I am stupidly excited about finally getting to scrub down the recycling can we keep in our pantry.
Tess Wilson
May 4, 2019
Before & After: IKEA Futon Graduates From College
Certain decor doesn’t transition well from college to more grown-up digs, and your futon is one of them. Which makes this a good hack for folks who don’t want to get rid of the one they currently own, or spend the money on a new sofa. Elizabeth shows you how to do it with IKEA’s GRANKULLA, but you can use any similar type of wooden futon. To make this new daybed happen, Elizabeth disassembled the futon, made a few modifications, and then reconstructed it into a different shape.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Faded Outdoor Umbrella Sees The Light of Day
Ashley had a very faded striped pastel umbrella that she could have easily jettisoned. Instead, she took a little inspiration from this Urban Outfitters umbrella, budgeted about $20 for her version, and gave it a little makeover… Ashley used a paint sprayer with thinned down latex paint to give it about three coats of bright white paint. Then, she and her husband laboriously hand-painted a design on each panel. The final step was attaching pom-pom trim around the edge.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Oscar’s Bright, Bold Abode
Name: Oscar (5) Location: Den Bosch, the Netherlands Room Size: 3.5 x 3.5 meters I’m not sure if it was the bright yellow bed, the wall of beautiful books, or the fabulous wallpaper, but it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on Oscar’s room. I’ve always been drawn to spaces that combine both vintage and modern pieces, and I absolutely adore both bright white spaces and those filled with bold colors. This room is the perfect union of all of those elements.
Lauren Hufnagl
May 4, 2019
Rachel’s First Place (and It’s Great!)
Name: Rachel Location: San Francisco, California It’s my first home! I turned 30 last year and decided to pull the trigger and buy my first place – a one bedroom apartment in San Francisco. With the help of my sister (she’s an architect), I completely renovated the kitchen. The original kitchen was literally from the 1940s – it still had an icebox for a refrigerator! While rustic, it wasn’t functional.
Janel Laban
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Wall Goes From the Woods to Wood
Sandy grew tired of her painted birch tree entryway, and needed to switch it up. A quick trip to the hardware store and $28 later, she created a completely new look. Check out what she did and see what you think… Sandy bought four packs of shims and covered the wall from floor to ceiling with cedar. Here’s Sandy with the details on how she did it: Start at the top left hand corner of your wall.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Tory Burch for FitBit
Product: Tory Burch for FitBit Price: $38.00 – $195 Rating: Strong Recommend* FitBit users are a passionate bunch. And rightly so. The app and corresponding wristband have achieved quite a bit of notoriety for creating one of the most all-encompassing body, health and fitness trackers on the market. The minimal band of the FitBit was always missing something for me, though. Enter Tory Burch.
Elizabeth Giorgi
May 4, 2019
Our Readers’ Best Tips for Living on Next-To-Nothing
At Apartment Therapy, we have an entire category called Budget Living where we funnel ideas and strategies for living and decorating when you’re tight on funds. But “budget living” isn’t a one-size-fits-all term. One person’s poor is another’s filthy rich. When we published an article about living on minimum wage, our lovely readers came together with an outpouring of responses for making ends meet when it feels like there are miles between them.
Tess Wilson
May 4, 2019
Surviving Life in a Walk-Up Apartment With Kids
I know exactly how many stairs there are to our apartment. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve counted—through tantrums, while carrying strollers or sleds in the dead of winter. We’ve lived here four years now, they were babies, they were just-learning to walk, I even had one C-section. Friends who live large on the ground floor tell me they’d never go back. So…how do we do it? How do we make life work with kids in a walk up? 1.
Alison Gerber
May 4, 2019
10 Sources for Scandi-Style Kids Bedding
Is there anything more enviable about a Scandinavian kids room than their amazing mix of bright and bold textiles? Of course there isn’t, just look at those quilts! Ready for some new bedding? Here are some Scandi-style sources to brighten up your little one’s room: 1. For Scandi-style on a budget, look no further than IKEA. Remember their cheaper pieces can always be paired with more expensive Scandinavian linens. This duvet cover and pillowcase is just $29.99. 2.
Alison Gerber
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Awful, Alternating Colors Reveal Beautiful Bones
Featuring a color palette of pale yellow, navy blue and salmon, this desk was a mess of colors. Many people not on the hunt for such a mix of hues would probably have taken one glance and moved on. But Brittney saw past the palette to this desk’s beautiful bones, and set out to restore it back to its mid-century modern glory. From Brittney: My fiancé and I recently moved in together and I was on a tight budget to try and make his former bachelor pad a home.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
The 10 Commandments of a Clutter-Free Life
Maybe you see beautiful, clutter-free spaces in magazines or on the web, and think: my home could never look like that. But it can! Freeing your space — and your life — from overwhelmingly huge amounts of stuff doesn’t take superhuman effort. All you need is a little commitment to some basic principles. This isn’t a new idea, but I think it’s a wonderful place to start if you’re aiming for a simpler, less cluttered life.
Nancy Mitchell
May 4, 2019
Before & After: 1979 Airstream Gets A Revamp
Mackenzie and Blaine from The Local Branch were looking for a work studio that they could take on the road. They found this 1979 Airstream Sovereign Land Yacht 32′, gutted it, and got to work creating the studio of their dreams. They painted the yellowing walls a crisp white, laid down a floating wood floor, replaced a large broken window, built out the cabinets, and installed locker cabinets, a sewing machine and upper planters.
Kate Legere
May 4, 2019
Vivian’s Converted Loft in Oakland
Name: Vivian Location: Oakland, CA Three words to describe our home would be: organic, DIY and modern. What I love most about our apartment is it’s a space that has a character of its own, which allowed us to bring in both of our personalities to make a cozy relaxing home in the middle of a concrete urban neighborhood.
Janel Laban
May 4, 2019
How To Transfer Custom Images to Ceramic Plates
Adding a graphic element to is a good way to customize a party and make it your own. For Maxwell and Lulu’s Halloween party, we created these easy cupcake plates using ceramics from the thrift store and some clip art. Inkjet Lazertran Image Transfer Paper Blank Ceramic Plate Clear Acrylic Spray Chosen Image Alcohol (optional) Bowl of Warm Water Paper Towel I love this method because it can be temporary if you want to reclaim your plate after the party.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Winifred the Dog Gets New Digs
Meet Winifred! Reader Mera recently adopted her and, to celebrate Winnie’s official “adopted” status, decided that she needed a soft spot to call her own. The leather pouf she was using as a dog bed was nice and all, but maybe a little small? Yes, just maybe. Mera carved up a custom stamp, printed the arrow block-printed fabric herself, and sewed it up as a nice (large!) bed for little Winnie.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Kura For Two? Using IKEA’s Low Loft As A Bunk Bed
Reversible and versatile, the IKEA Kura bed is shaping up to be a firm favorite of Scandi-style and budget-loving parents the world over. Its low profile means its perfect for small spaces and younger kids. But…is it possible you could make the Kura sleep two? Here are examples of some families who have done exactly that.
Alison Gerber
May 4, 2019
Before & After: An Outdated ’80s Chandelier Turns into a Trendy, Geometric Lamp
Have you ever seen those glass and brass, ’80s style light fixtures that often hang in foyers and dining rooms? Not terrible, but slightly outdated. The good news is that you might already have one or you could find a used one for cheap. The even better news is you could turn it into a stylish, geometric lamp that matches pricier contemporary lamps.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
How To Properly Light a Bedroom
At first glance, the bedroom seems the least important room in the home, in terms of lighting. After all, we’re not really working in there much (unless it doubles as an office), and the primary goal of the space is to support sleep— which requires an intentional lack of light.
Eleanor Büsing
May 4, 2019
How to Properly Light a Bathroom
As with the kitchen, the bathroom is a “work room,” and therefore one of the most important spaces in the home to get lighting right. They also tend to be smaller than all the other rooms in our home, and don’t have as many (or as large) windows. Careful consideration of the General, Task and Accent lighting we add to this room will pay dividends in how the area functions and feels.
Eleanor Büsing
May 4, 2019
How To Downsize a Kitchen: 8 Tips for Owning Less in the Most Space-Sucking Room in the House
Lately it seems that I’m hearing the word “downsize” everywhere. From friends buying their first bijoux apartments after years in shared and spacious rented accommodation, to my parents’ generation selling multi-bedroom suburban houses and moving into city condos, to articles about living more minimally, owning less is trending. Obviously, downsizing is going to be different for everyone.
Eleanor Büsing
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Brooklyn Heights Bathroom Gets a Stylish Upgrade
Brooklyn homeowners Ben and Therese described the style of their old bathroom as “Hilton bathroom gone wrong.” It felt cramped and outdated, and the molded tub and beige tile just didn’t match their style. They both knew what they wanted — a modern, functional space that would reflect their personal tastes — but they weren’t sure exactly what that would look like. So they started doing research. Lots and lots of research.
Nancy Mitchell
May 4, 2019
20 Interesting Household Uses for Old Pantyhose & Stockings
If you wear stockings or pantyhose, don’t let runs and snags ruin your day. And definitely don’t throw old nylons away. Because, while they might have fallen short in their promise to keep your legs looking smooth, they have a whole other future existence as versatile household helpers. Turns out nylon is pretty handy, so check out these twenty ways to reuse all your worn out hose: Locate small objects on the floor by covering your vacuum nozzle with some hose.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: 2 Contemporary Cabinets Age Considerably…Overnight
Kristine picked up a couple of small cheap laminate dressers for $25 (one is pictured above), with an ambitious plan in mind for them. This is no makeover, or simple paint job — it’s a full on transformation. Click to see what they become… What’s amazing about these cabinets is the level of detail that went into the project. They look aged and weathered, have bronzed label holders, and now look like multi-drawer antique cabinets instead of cheap three-drawer dressers.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Do You Like It Big in the Bedroom?: Oversized Art
The bedroom is a great place to make an impact…with oversize art. Fewer windows and, often, a tendency to leave the walls blank is an opportunity to add a focal point with one big, grand piece of art. Top Row 1. A colorful, abstract painting brings focus to the center of this vibrant bedroom. Real Living magazine featuring Andrew O’Brien artwork (available here) 2. A monochromatic room is punctuated with an ironic canvas. Tamara Magel Home on Houzz 3.
Claire Bock
May 4, 2019
How To Choose the Perfect Paint Color? Look at The Light
Paint color and light go hand in hand, and are a complex couple. Your paint color will look different depending on the light that it’s exposed to. The tricky part is this: light is never consistent and how it shines depends entirely on time and context. Learn the different light variables, and how color responds, and you are well on your way to becoming a paint master of the universe.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Pepto Pink to Serene Seaside Boy’s Bedroom
Danielle’s son Conor was distressed by the pink walls in his new bedroom. In fact, they made him cry. A fresh paint job and several DIY projects later, his new beachy boy’s room was making a splash. Danielle: The day after we moved into our home, Conor came down the stairs crying. Absolutely sobbing and we begged him to tell us what was wrong. Did he have a nightmare? Was he scared sleeping in a new house? No, it was none of that. He was upset that he woke up in a pink room….
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Clinton Hill Kitchen Lightens Up
Before her renovation, the kitchen in Sanaya’s Clinton Hill co-op wasn’t much to look at. But the issues with the kitchen went far beyond appearances: the cabinets were falling apart, and cans of food were holding up shelves in some places. A well separating the kitchen and pantry made both spaces seem small and cramped. It was time for a change — time to tear everything out and start anew.
Nancy Mitchell
May 4, 2019
Cara and Otis’s Soft San Francisco Student Digs
Name: Cara and Otis Location: San Francisco, California This is our first home together and we are both students! As in, our budget was (and still is) extremely low. Our house is solely furnished via leftover furniture in our parents’ garages, IKEA, Goodwill, and mainly the Craigslist Free section. It was a bit tricky to configure all of our hodgepodge items into a layout that made sense and was comfortable, but after three years we finally figured it out! We love our San Francisco home.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Heavy Dresser Gets a Knot-Too-Shabby Makeover
What do you do when you’ve got a heavy, boring dresser that needs some style to stand out? You tackle the problem with a fresh coat of a paint and an affordable DIY design detail that takes it from plain to personalized. From Molly: My boyfriend desperately needed a new dresser that actually 1) fit all of his clothing, and 2) fit in with the rest of the bedroom (the one he was using was from his childhood bedroom set, hello student life).
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
How To Keep the Laundry Mountain Monster from Eating You Alive
Anyone else at war with piles upon piles of laundry? It never occurred to me how much motherhood and laundry go together, but here we are! While it’s still an uphill battle, I have learned that some things (when I actually do them) help keep the relentless laundry situation under control.
Shifrah Combiths
May 4, 2019
25 Masterful Ways to Hack 1 IKEA Dresser
Call them hacks, or makeovers, or just plain paint jobs, but these 25 DIY projects show you just what’s possible with IKEA’s TARVA dresser. It’s an unfinished wood blank slate, waiting for your personal stamp of style. Check out these ideas and finished projects, and try one yourself this weekend.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Beige Room Glammed Up for a Baby Nursery
Project by: Britt F. Gage/For You, By Me Location: Queens, New York City Britt Gage was hired to bring some glamour to this space in anticipation of Felicity Adele’s arrival in the world. Her parents wanted something with personality and pizazz. Hmmm…how about a glitter wall? From the designer: It’s an interesting experience creating a room for someone who you haven’t met, or rather, hasn’t even been born yet.
Carrie McBride
May 4, 2019
Color Confidence: 10 Colors that Work Well with Wood Trim
In this post on easy-to-live-with paint colors, a number of you asked for a post on paint colors that go with wood trim. Ask, and you will receive! Here’s a roundup of some successful colors from our House Tours that allow wood trim to shine. When it comes to wood trim, neutrals are an easy choice, but as some of these rooms from our house tours show, having wood trim doesn’t mean that you have to be a shrinking violet. Bold colors can work just as well! TOP ROW: 1.
Carolyn Purnell
May 4, 2019
How to Ask for Help Around the House
Last week I had a cold. Nothing too serious, but I needed lots of bed rest and a break from the mile-long to-do lists that normally make up my daily routine. While I felt better from taking much-needed time to rest, it also meant a huge pile-up of stuff around the house that didn’t get done, from laundry, dishes and weekly vacuuming to a bunch of home maintenance tasks that all seemed due at once, like changing filters and testing smoke detector batteries.
Adrienne Breaux
May 4, 2019
How To Deep Clean Your Closet
With the change of seasons comes a change of clothes. But before you head to the stores to buy something new, give your old wardrobe a fighting chance. Which means it’s time to put some waders on, dive in, and clean out your closet. I know it’s not high up there on your list of fun times, but it’s a necessary evil that must be done. Go forth young fashion pilgrim and make us proud. 1. Put on Some Music: This is no time for Adele.
Dabney Frake
May 4, 2019