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The Latest: May 2019

Welcome to the hub for accessing all our latest posts! Easily sort through content by date to quickly find what you’re looking for — you’ll never miss out on the latest updates here.
Modern living room with wooden coffee table, yellow rug, decorative shelving, and eclectic chairs.
Supercharge Your Spring Cleaning: 5 Ways Tech Can Help You Save Space & Declutter
I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but you’ll often find me with a garbage bag in one hand and a spray bottle in another. I’m tossing things left and right and deep cleaning what’s left. I guess you could call it “spring cleaning,” but with the weather being always-sunny here in Los Angeles, I feel it’s less about the season and more about how things tend to pile up during the school year: the toys, the papers, the… stuff.
Carley Knobloch
May 3, 2019
Half-Painted Walls That Are All-the-Way Gorgeous
It’s a wall painting trend that comes and goes: The half-painted wall. (Or, like the famous “Is the glass half full or half empty?” question, you could also consider these half unpainted walls). Whichever way you look at it, only painting half of a wall isn’t putting in half the design effort; it’s creating bold style with well-placed color. These rooms showcase just how beautiful and sophisticated this painting idea can be.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
7 Other Places to Use Cafe Curtains (Besides the Kitchen)
If you ask me, the café of the home shouldn’t have the monopoly on cafe curtains. Those short-tier curtains that cover the bottom half of windows are perfect for more than just the kitchen. Cafe curtains perfectly balance privacy and luminosity, letting plenty of light in while keeping inquisitive eyes out. And the best part? You can get them up quickly (without holes in the walls) with nothing more than a tension rod, curtain clips and a light piece of fabric.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
5 Creative Art-Hanging Ideas from an Artist’s Converted Loft
Even though “having too much art” is so not a problem, it can definitely feel like one sometimes. So what’s a savvy apartment dweller to do when they’ve run out of wall space for their private collection? The home of one New Orleans-based artist might offer some ideas.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Use This Easy-to-Do Painted Pattern Trend to Beautify or Conceal
The power of painted-on pattern is well known. You can conceal damage on thrifted furniture pieces, you can update dated kitchen and bathroom cabinets—you can use paint patterns to upgrade just about anything you can put paint on. But not everyone has the DIY skills (or energy or time) to paint elaborate patterns. Thankfully, there’s a paint pattern trending—and it’s easy to do, can be done in any color and helps both beautify and conceal.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Clinton Hill Kitchen Turns Timeless
This is an ugly kitchen. But its ugliness might seem a bit innocuous to you, if you didn’t know the extent of the fire damage hiding behind its walls. The unit’s owners, Colin and Orli, originally intended a fairly simple renovation, before they realized the extent of the unseen damage their kitchen was hiding. Their renovation was more involved than they originally planned.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Sandra’s San Francisco Apartment Full of Light, Textiles and Plants
Name: Sandra Location: San Francisco, California I’m a textile designer behind the brand Happy French Gang and I live in a typical San Franciscan apartment in a very old house right in front of the famous Dolores Park. The place is about 800 square feet and I think we brought some French spirit to that place! We have two bedrooms, and the one we gave to our 5 year old is facing the cool Dolores St. palm trees.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
Here’s Where to Find all the Cool Stuff from the Shosh in Japan Episode of Girls
The third episode of Girls saw one of the major characters, Shoshanna, relocating to Japan for a new job. This led to some interesting new storylines, and, of course, lots of interesting fashion and design. From the opening scenes with the taking alarm clock and that incredible, playfully designed apartment building, it’s not hard to see why Shoshanna loves Japan. We’ve tracked down some of the best pieces from the episode so you can experience it too.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Make It Work: Unique Ways to Make Tile Kitchen Countertops Look Totally Tasty
We tend to think of tiled countertops as a cheap and imperfect solution, when marble or quartz just isn’t in your remodeling budget. Instead of approaching the update with mixed feelings, look to these surfaces as reassurance that your kitchen or bath will still fresh and clean — they just won’t break the bank. Using longer rectangular shapes automatically makes this surface seem more special and unlike most square tile countertops.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Before & After Makeover, Multiplied: One Balcony Refresh at Four Different Budgets
Long-time Apartment Therapy readers might remember a little renovation diary series about The World’s Ugliest Condo — the affectionate title for my in-laws’ second home in Florida before I redid it for them several years ago. At the time, I shared the entire renovation process, but the one area we didn’t touch was the outdoor space. Until now. The outdoor space was originally just so blah. And tan. And then more tan. Followed up by some tan.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
What’s the Right Height for Hanging a Light Fixture Above a Table?
When it comes to any job that involves drilling holes, you want to get it right the first time. Just as you do when hanging art, you have to figure out the sweet spot when hanging light fixtures. Today’s Frequently Asked Home question: What’s the right height for hanging a light above a table? For fixtures hanging over a kitchen island or a dining room table: Hang it low enough so that it brings light to the surface (but not so low that it obscures eyelines).
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
7 Different Ways to Design a Simple Garden Walkway
You can give your yard a little love with a simple DIY garden path.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Before & After: From Super Blank Slate to Charming Nursery
For some people, a totally blank slate of a room is just plain intimidating. For Jolie, it’s a joy. See how she built a lovely little nursery in a room that was in need of some serious charm. From Jolie: When my sister-in-law and I first started off on this renovation journey, I don’t think we realized what we were getting ourselves into!
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
Well-Preserved: Fresh Flowers that Dry Beautifully
Cut flowers offer a lovely, if ephemeral and short-lived pleasure—while fresh, that is. Preserved flowers keep on giving, and several fresh picks that can be found in markets now have a gorgeous extended life when dried. The long-lasting, low-maintenance loveliness these preserved blooms offer might sway those looking for the never-ending flower. Here’s a guide to five varieties with decidedly current appeal and timeless potential.
Carrie Bluth
May 3, 2019
Holly’s Warm & Welcoming Home (With a Wes Anderson Themed Bathroom)
Name: Holly Location: Portland, Oregon Our home is actually the main floor of a beautiful old Portland home (built in 1908) that’s since been divided into four apartments — one for each floor plus the basement. Because of its wonderful history, it definitely has a few quirks. The apartment is about 1,400 square feet, but is only a one bedroom (a converted dining room). Our closet is a converted butler’s pantry, so we store our shoes in drawers made for holding potatoes.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
Smart Space Solutions to Steal from Tiny Campers & Trailers
If you want to know about glitter and fitness, ask Richard Simmons. For answers about small spaces and storage, go straight to the owners of trailers, RVs, and campers. They wrote — and regularly revise — the book on compact living, and we reap the benefits of their knowledge, ideas and inspiration. Take a look at these, and learn… Like the idea of this post?
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Big Changes for a Little Bathroom
In their Clinton Hill co-op, Mario and Joe were struggling with a problem common to many apartment dwellers — a cramped, tiny bathroom with hardly any storage space. So they decided it was time for a renovation and, working completely within the room’s existing footprint, made a few changes that completely transformed this cramped space. The biggest change: converting the old tub into a walk-in shower with a frameless glass door, which opens up the room considerably.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
10 Fun & Carefree Weddings You Wish You’d Been Invited To
Let’s face it–some weddings can be, well, boring (especially if you’re not the dancing type). You’re probably happy to be there, just to support the couple as they commit their lives to each other forever. But sometime between the rubbery chicken dinner and the encore performance of the Cha Cha Slide, you’re bound to be sitting there thinking to yourself, “This wedding would be so much better if there was a bounce house.” And you know what?
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Ashley & Ca’Ron’s Simple and Sweet Elopement
Bride & Groom: Ashley & Ca’Ron Wedding Date: June 12, 2014 Venue: Maison La Vigne Bed & Breakfast in Hapeville, Georgia Number of guests: 6 “Don’t be afraid to go small.” That’s bride Ashley’s best piece of advice for future couples looking to tie the knot with a sweet and simple ceremony.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Let’s Settle This: Where’s the Best Place for the Microwave?
What’s the perfect place for microwaves in the kitchen? They are must-have appliances for many, but they sure do have large, ugly footprints. So, do you prioritize saving space over aesthetics? Put them where you can easily reach? Or, is there that one sweet spot that let’s you have it all? Installing the microwave above your cooktop is a classic space saver, freeing up your countertops to use as workspace — especially when microwave and hood-fan combos do double duty.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
The Sweet Strange History of Cat Funerals
Funerals, of course, are not a happy occasion, but they serve an important purpose: they give the bereaved a chance to celebrate the dead person’s life, to mourn together, and hopefully, to begin the healing process. When a pet dies things are a bit murkier. For a human death there’s an accepted script to follow: for a dog or cat, no so much. But anyone looking for a fitting way to mourn Fido or Fluffy might be heartened to hear that cat (and dog!
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Chelsea Kitchen Fit for a Pro
When Cara and Jared moved into their Chelsea apartment, they weren’t too excited about the kitchen’s inefficient layout and dated finishes. But the last straw was when the mosaic tiles (the result of a former homeowner’s DIY project) started falling off the wall.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
A Catio is the Coolest Thing You Never Knew Your Cat Needed
Here’s something to add to the list of awesome things you can build for your cat: a catio. It’s a portmanteau of cat + patio, and it’s an enclosed outdoor space that lets your cat enjoy the great outdoors, without the attendant risks. If you’ve got the DIY itch, here a few inspiring projects to get you started. Your neighbors may look askance at your new outdoor room, but your cats will be happy, and that’s what matters.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
How To Finish Off Your Bathroom in Style With Baseboards
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Baseboards are a fantastic way to spruce up a room, and put the finishing touch on a newly remodeled one. Multiple layers of decorative molding brings great visual drama, or you can use a simple wood plank for a straightforward, modern look. Baseboards are relatively easy to install.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How to Hang a Bathroom Mirror on Ceramic Tile
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! The process of drilling through ceramic tile is easy as pie — as long as you use the right tools. The hardest part? Taking the plunge wondering whether you’ve marked the right spot where you’ll soon drill into your pristine new tile. Glass & Ceramic tile bitDrillSpray bottle + waterAnchorRubber mallet 1.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
How to Build a Long Wood Floating Shelf (That Won’t Sag in the Middle)
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Floating shelves are fantastic, and I knew I wanted one above the tub in my new bathroom. We searched high and low for a floating shelf that not only looked good, but could hold a lot of weight without sagging —especially because the wall is pretty long.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Builder-Basic Bathroom Gets a Little Character
When Celeste first moved into her Park Slope condo in 2008, she wasn’t super excited about the bathroom’s generic, builder-basic look. But she didn’t consider remodeling until several years later, when dark spots on the floor’s limestone tiles alerted her to the fact that the floor had never been properly sealed. Limestone is extremely porous, and despite her best efforts at cleaning the tiles just got more and more discolored.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
We’ve Reached Peak Fiddle Leaf: Is This the New “It” Plant?
A recent New York Times article highlighted the current “it” plant of the home design world: the fiddle-leaf fig plant. Dark green leaves and height create a bold statement in any home. But have we arrived at “peak fiddle-leaf”? I’ve observed another plant taking center stage in interiors recently. A beautiful, dramatic plant addition to any home—but without the price tag (or sometimes-fickleness) of fiddle-leaf plants.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
This Fashion Accessory Might Be Just the Thing to Dress Up Your Windows
What costs nothing, takes seconds to complete and is a small detail that can have a surprisingly charming impact on your window? I spotted this tiny but clever detail on some drapes in this recent real-life home…it might be a way for you use a fashion accessory you may have been neglecting as well as jazz up your window coverings. It’s one of those “duh, of course!” ideas that you may have never considered before.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Functional Fix for a Dying Kitchen
When Lisa moved into her Upper East Side one-bedroom, she loved everything about it but the kitchen. Besides not being very pretty, Lisa’s kitchen had a lot of problems. The upper cabinets were too shallow for dishes, and the lower cabinets were too narrow for pretty much anything, meaning Lisa had to store her pots and pans in the coat closet. The whole kitchen had only one outlet, and there was a large and suspicious stain on the laminate countertop.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
This Ceramic Studio in a Red Hook Warehouse is a Maker’s Dream Space
Editor’s note: We’re re-running this tour because Helen Levi is launching a new dinnerware line on June 14th and we’re excited! Her work is beautiful, earthy and a favorite of mine, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for 2018. — Adrienne Breaux, House Tour Editor Helen—whose simple, craft-filled home we toured—also has a beautiful studio in Red Hook where she creates her beautiful ceramic pieces.
Minette Hand
May 3, 2019
5 Fresh Ways to Shake Up the Look of a Bathtub/Shower Combo
Ah, the tubber combo. It’s ubiquitous in bathrooms all over the world. And because it’s so common, it can very easily fall into the boring side of washroom architecture. If you have one and you hate it, you don’t have to demo the whole thing and start anew. You can just make some smart, sleek modifications and enjoy a fresh-feeling, semi-renovated spa-like space.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Cord Control: 9 Ways to Organize & Disguise Ugly Wires
While technology has made our lives easier (and lazier) in countless ways, it hasn’t really done us many favors on the organization front. As our collection of tech gadgets grows, so does that tangle of cords under our desks and tv stands. There are a couple schools of thought when it comes to wrangling the wires: Stash them out of sight, or get more attractive wires, chargers, and docks and let them double as decor.
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
Before & After: The World’s Narrowest Kitchen Opens Up
I can’t even look at a picture of this kitchen without feeling claustrophobic, so I can’t imagine how Anne lived with it (and cooked in it, even) for almost a decade. I think it goes without saying that after cooking for ten years in a kitchen that measured only 27 square feet (no, really) she was ready for a change. The biggest change, by far, was the removal of the wall separating the (previously teeny tiny) kitchen from the living room.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Partner
Milestone Makeovers: A Healthier Bathroom for Bethany’s Growing Kids
Bethany, a family photographer in Los Angeles, is at the phase of parenting where she’s having to let go. She’s watched her two kids grow and learn, and she’s already nostalgic for their first, early days together. Childhood is marked by memories, and Bethany wanted to savor each one. And as a family photographer, she’s especially in touch with how a family’s home becomes the backdrop for these moments.
Sponsored Post
May 3, 2019
How to Choose The Right Bathroom Lighting
All this week we’re talking about bathroom renovations, starting with Ashley’s recent remodel, and following up with tons of helpful posts about the process! Lighting is one of the best things about a bathroom renovation. Since the bathroom is where we get ready for the day ahead, the lighting can make or break our look. Here’s how you can marry beauty and function when choosing what you need for your newly renovated bathroom.
Audrey Bauer
May 3, 2019
Insanely Creative Things People Have Made from IKEA Bed Slats
What can you make from IKEA’s most utilitarian offering, you ask? Well what can’t you make? The SULTAN LADE bed slats are a $10 take home add-on that make IKEA’s platform beds feasible without a boxspring, but they’re also simply just a bunch of raw pieces of lumber stapled together to a polyester cord.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
The Laissez-Faire Way to Work a Gallery Wall: Layer Your Artwork, Literally
You see it more often with artwork that’s leaning – either on the floor or on a picture ledge. But this post serves as permission to get a little crazy with the frames you hang on the wall, too. Let your artwork overlap to create a dense, rich and laid-back gallery wall.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
10 Seemingly Unimportant Things You Really Ought to Take Pictures Of, Every Time
When photos happened on film, you had to be very deliberate about when and where you snapped pictures. But now with a camera app at your fingertips, you’re able to digitally fill entire photo albums with some really boring things. And you should, actually. We’ve put together a list of everyday things you should be documenting with photographs in order to stay organized and sane, and to maintain a perfect record of parking spots and great haircuts alike.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
15 Smart Bedroom Styling Tips I’ve Learned From House Tours
Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. In this case, you’re turning to our smart and stylish house tour homes for guidance on how to style a chic and serene bedroom. Take these tips home to create a space you’re proud to show off (and if you want to tell your friends where you got the idea, that’s fine too). Above: A great way to style a bed in front of a window is to create a visual arc from the floor all the way up to the end of the curtain rod.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Kitchen Inspiration: Bold & Beautiful Patterned Floors in Real Homes
The floor usually isn’t the design element that first grabs your attention in a kitchen, but these rooms are the exception. Bold, busy patterned floors mix with a variety of decor styles in these examples. What they all have in common? They totally steal the show! Shown above: Bold blue and white floors grab your attention the moment you walk into the kitchen of Anne & Steve’s Relaxed, Eclectic & Casual Home in Cape Town.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Spend a Little to Make More: Inexpensive Curb Appeal Upgrades That Will Improve Your Home’s Value
Planning on selling soon? I’m sure you know that kitchens and bathrooms are a great target for your makeover dollars, but they also are the most expensive places to renovate. If you have just a little cash but want to make a major impact, step outside and check out the view from the curb. A fresh coat of paint will go a long way. If you want your property to pop out on the block, go for a bright, eye-catching color that’s a little out of the norm.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Real Life on Screen: Film & TV Characters with Refreshingly Relatable Apartments
Often our favorite television series and films showcase dreamy apartments that are quite unrealistic for the characters who inhabit them. You know, the ones where your quintessential broke 20-something somehow affords to live in the lap of luxury despite being in financial ruin? That said, here are five TV and movie characters with practical, realistic apartments that look like mine and yours. Finally, a break from all the apartment envy.
Neyat Yohannes
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Practical Upgrades for a Brooklyn Kitchen
The kitchen in John and Kaija’s Brooklyn co-op began life as a narrow galley kitchen, but a previous owner had the smart idea to tear down the separating wall to half-height, and top the remaining wall with a countertop. This made the kitchen a lot more spacious, but the new countertop, inconveniently located at bar height, wasn’t particularly useful for prep work, and storage was still an issue.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
15 Times Cross-Stitch Was Actually Incredibly Cool
This is not your grandma’s cross-stitch. These projects take the art form of stitching tiny X’s with thread and turn it on its head. Giant painted cross-stitch wall murals, stitched sterling silver bangles, an embroidered IKEA stool – trust me, there’s a lot more to this craft than alphabet samplers. Greet your guests with a cross-stitched welcome sign.
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
A Well-Designed Day in Charlotte
Katie and her boyfriend Patrick worked wonders on their Charlotte, North Carolina home that was once a foreclosure. They opened up the kitchen, replaced flooring and added their serene style to the space, creating a beautiful, calming home. Katie manages annual giving at a local private school and, on the side, operates Maiden Flower Crowns with her business partner and friend Allison Purmort. Today, she shares some favorite local businesses in the Charlotte neighborhood she lives in.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
6 Kitchens That Will Persuade You to Pick Waterfall Edge
Once considered an ultra-modern decor choice, waterfall counters are popping up in a variety of kitchen styles these days. They add a sleek, minimal look to any kitchen design while helping to hide appliances and protect wood cabinets. They’re often easier to clean. And’ if you really love your counter material, you can you can show it off more of it when you pick waterfall style.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Graphic Green Tile Totally Transforms a Dated Bath
Few things in decor are more polarizing than the retro pink bathroom. Some people hate them with a passion, and some people really, really love them. Unfortunately, when Chase and Lauren bought their more than 50-year-old house in Austin, they didn’t have a choice. Lurking behind all that pink tile was something even more unappealing: extensive water and termite damage. The pink bathroom had to go.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019