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2019
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The Latest: May 2019

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This Is the Gift We’re Giving Everyone This Year
What do you call a plant that’s low-maintenance, affordable, and available in a stunning array of sculptural shapes and showstopping colors? The perfect gift. Our houseplant policy is simple—greenery on every available surface, please—and air plants oblige beautifully. These airborne beauties (Tillandsia, technically) thrive in hanging terrariums, atop windowsills, on slabs of driftwood, and most anywhere in between.
Creative Studio
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Bedroom Has a Smart Strategy for Wall-to-Wall Carpet
This bedroom was described as “so sad… but there is so much potential,” and one intrepid DIYer brought out all that and so much more. The stars of the new bedroom are a stunning accent wall made from ordinary board and batten, and some seriously cool rustic wood sliding closet doors. This makeover was completed by Angela of Angela Rose Home, and though Angela refers to it as The Boy’s Room (it belongs to a son), it’s beautifully gender neutral.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
10 Small Spaces with the Best Holiday Displays
‘Tis the season for holiday decorating! Year after year, I find myself wanting to spend a small fortune on mini trees, lights, and all things festive. But after the first year of going all out in my apartment, I had to pull back. Because there are only so many places you can add cheer to in 600-square-foot apartment, that is, without stumbling over faux reindeer or worse, blowing a fuse.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Tiny $4K Bathroom Feels Much More Spacious Now
In just 56 square feet, one experienced DIYer needed to fit a shower, toilet, sink—and, ideally, some beauty. After just six weeks of hard after-work work, this little bathroom has reached its full potential. It’s difficult to take great establishing shots of small spaces, but luckily the owner of this petite bathroom is here to describe its issues in detail: Our bathroom wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
This Faux Built-In IKEA Hack Could Save You Thousands
When Oriane and her husband Christopher moved into their large Chicago home, a lot of things needed updating (as these before photos prove). On a pretty tight budget, they ended up tackling many of the DIY projects of the remodel themselves. Everything from fresh paint to a new kitchen makes their condo beautiful. Though every room is lovely today, the formal dining room is one of the most impressive spaces.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Why Rain Shower Heads Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be
Yes, they are so luxurious, but there's a catch.
Dana McMahan
May 3, 2019
6 Small Space Elements That Nail Modern Farmhouse Decor
We could all learn a lesson in restraint from the tactful ways these tiny house and small space dwellers work farmhouse features into their overall decorating schemes.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
The Gimmicky Holiday Gift That’s Actually Made My Life 10% Better
I am a naturally tired person. Therefore I love coffee in the mornings, tea (and sometimes coffee) in the afternoon, and coffee with Bailey’s in the evening. One thing I do not love about drinking warm liquids is that sometimes they are mean and tricky fiends. They hurt you if you’re too eager! They turn cold if you take your time! How rude! This is not really a Problem, but it is an Annoyance. Every time I burn my tongue on too hot liquid, first I think “Hmm… Ouch!
Liz Steelman
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Unfinished “Dungeon” Becomes Something Dreamy
This “room” was described by its new owner as “a dungeon of a space underneath the garage that was large and dirt-filled,” but being a designer and, some would say, visionary, she saw a dreamy home gym-to-be. This really is a dream gym. Seriously, that floor! It’s the visual equivalent of an ultimate workout jam, and it practically makes one want to start jumping around.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
7 (Cheap) Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a High-End Spa
Bathroom renovations take time and come with a hefty price tag. The national average for a restroom remodel is $9,724, according to Home Advisor’s 2018 True Cost report. And in the upcoming year, homeowners plan on shelling out an average of $2,406 on upgrading their baths, according to the cost analysis. You don’t need to break the bank to upgrade the look of your bathroom.
Marissa Hermanson
May 3, 2019
People Thought “Friends” Was Leaving Netflix and Went Crazy On Twitter
Today was an emotional roller coaster, to say the least: Everyone thought “Friends” was going to be ousted from Netflix starting January 1, 2019. But now the country can rest easy, because the popular sitcom is going absolutely nowhere. The rumored deadline was going to fall on the sitcom’s fourth anniversary of when it was first available on the streaming service, and fans expressed their outrage all over social media.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This DIYed Kitchen Will Never Go Out of Style
This kitchen had a lot of problems—the ubiquitous over-sink scallop is just the beginning—so its intrepid but inexperienced new owner decided to DIY an entirely new kitchen by herself, including electrical work.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An Outdated Condo’s Budget Boho Remodel
Hannah Wilson and her husband own a home remodeling/design company called Blank Slate Renovations, and the home they currently live in is a 1,300-square-foot condo in Dallas, Texas. They had to remodel the whole space and they had to stick to a pretty low budget. Now finished, it’s got a minimal/modern/organic/Scandi/boho style.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
The Cute Holiday Trend You Can Copy from Prince George & Princess Charlotte
When Prince George and Princess Charlotte head over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house, they hang out in some very fun digs. That’s because Carole Middleton, the mother of Kate Middleton, recently revealed some festive fun she likes to bright out for her grandkids during the holidays. Carole, a professional party planner, told The Telegraph that each grandkid gets their own Christmas tree in their bedrooms “so that they can decorate it themselves.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
This Hack Makes Laundry Days So Much Easier
Laundry is the most avoided chore in our home. We don’t have a good spot to keep dirty clothes, which leads to chasing down little piles on laundry day, then scrambling to find a place to put the clean batches as each load comes out. Some very organized people have figured this out though. With their DIY sorting systems, household worths of laundry are neatly sorted before, during, and after each cycle.
Cat Meschia
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Is Not One of Those Wall-to-Wall White Kitchen Remodels
These classic ’90s honey cabinets are about to get a major makeover, and those tiny backsplash tiles are not long for this world. And while there might be subway tiles involved, this is definitely not one of those wall-to-wall white remodels. Here’s the backstory on this renovation and what the homeowner was going for: Our ’90s kitchen had good bones but dark, dated features and oak cabinets that were begging for some color.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Living Room’s New Bookshelves Have a Built-In Dog Door
Many makeovers involve transforming dark rooms with white paint and paring things down, but this one is completely the opposite. This room is about to get a lot darker, significantly fuller, and exponentially more fabulous—with one special surprise. This is absolutely stunning. The room has the feel of a 200-year-old study, a magical place to stumble upon in an ancient home. One would never guess it was totally put together from scratch.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Laundry Is Now the Exact Opposite of Basic and Boring
This laundry room was pretty nice—lovely daylight, pleasant neutrals, plenty of storage, and a few beautiful accessories. But after a dozen years of basically ignoring it, the room’s owners were more than ready for a makeover. Here’s the scoop on the issues with the laundry room: Our laundry room is central to our house, situated off of our living room and right next to our bedroom.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Bathroom Embraces One of the Year’s Biggest Trends
This “stuck in 1989” bathroom needed a lot more than just aesthetic improvements, as its tile, vanity, and toilet all had issues. Not unexpected after 30 years, but it was time for a makeover. Graphic designer Malcolm Simmons of Mas Means More gave this guest bathroom a fresh, modern look that looks clean and welcoming for guests, and embraces one of the year’s biggest trends.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
All “The Office” Christmas Episodes, Ranked from Worst to Best
While “Bob’s Burgers” and “Friends” maintains the monopoly on Thanksgiving stories, other shows crafted and perfected the sitcom holiday episode. Chief among them may be NBC’s “The Office,” which ran for nine seasons and celebrated Christmas for seven of them. It’s true that this show has not aged well since it aired.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
This ‘Fixer Upper’ House Is for Sale for Under $500K
If you’re a frequent “FixerUpper” viewer, then you may remember the Prickly Pear House from last year. Named for its giant, overgrown cactus in the front yard, the four-bed, three-and-a-half bath home in Woodway, Texas was entirely overhauled thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines. And the best part? It can now be yours if you’re willing to drop $499,000. Built in 1980, the 3444-square-foot home is located on a beautiful tree-filled lot on over half an acre of land.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
HGTV’s Dream Home 2019 Is Its Most Expensive Ever
The HGTV Dream is going up—and not just in altitude. According to PEOPLE, the 2019 Dream Home is the priciest one yet—valued at over $2.3 million. And as of Friday, the sweepstakes to win the home is now open. “Imagine a place where the mountains meet the sky, where nature wild and untamed greets you at your doorstep, where every season brings a new adventure.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
8 Clever Dining Room Design Ideas We’re Stealing from IKEA
When you want smart space-saving strategies, you can pretty much turn to IKEA. Almost all of their interior images are built sets, so they’re jam packed full of editorial ideas that someone has dreamt up and turned into reality. Inspiration abounds, and yet, these IKEA “homes” still feel like real homes with actionable ideas beyond just buying a table or a sofa or whatever.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
How “Roma” Recreated 1970s Mexico Using Alfonso Cuarón’s Memories (and Childhood Furniture)
Netflix’s latest original movie is already making waves as “Roma” has taken home over three dozen awards so far.
Kendra Beltran
May 3, 2019
This Lighting Trend is Whimsical and Just a Little Bit Wild
Lighting doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. I mean, don’t get it twisted. Lamps, pendants, sconces—they all still need to be functional, but if you can find something that looks cute and might get a chuckle or two from a houseguest, while still dutifully illuminating an area, I’m sold. And so, I bring you the latest trend to check all of those boxes: Animal lamps.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Bathroom Was DIYed from Head to Toe for $2K
Although this guest bathroom had a lot going for it—spaciousness, tons of natural light, lots of counter space—it was also, in the words of its owner, “truly a flashback to 1993 in all its bathroom glory.” The scalloped sink and peeled wallpaper had to go, so the entire bathroom got a 21st-century makeover.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Tim Gunn Talks Holiday Trends and Life After “Project Runway”
You know how they say never meet your heroes? Well, they were certainly not talking about Tim Gunn. You’ll be pleased to know that the affable mentor from “Project Runway” is just as lovely in real life as he is on TV. But you might have to wait a little while before he returns to your screen; Gunn, along with host and executive producer Heidi Klum, announced their exit from the fashion competition show in September to develop a new series for Amazon.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
How the Banks’ House in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ Gets a Magical Makeover
Fifty-four years since her big-screen debut, Mary Poppins is still practically perfect in every way. The magical nanny reappears in Disney’s highly-anticipated sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns,” starring Emily Blunt in the charming titular role (as Julie Andrews did before her in the 1964 musical movie).
Stephanie Chan
May 3, 2019
Stop Recycling Your Empty Glass Liquor and Wine Bottles
While we’re not suggesting you hoard all of your glass liquor bottles—please, recycle that mountain of two buck Chuck empties—sometimes a glass bottle comes along that’s too pretty to toss. And when that happens, there are several ways you can choose to repurpose it. Here are some of our favorites: For serving water: If it’s good enough for some of my favorite restaurants, it’s good enough for me.
Caylin Harris
May 3, 2019
5 Thoughtful Secrets of the Best Gift-Givers
Whether it’s a holiday gift or a way to say thanks, a good gift can leave a big—and lasting—impression on its recipient. That’s why knowing how to give a stellar gift is a skill that we can all stand to benefit from. Thankfully, we have Myka Meier, the etiquette expert behind Beaumont Etiquette to call upon for advice. We asked Meier for a few strategies for giving better gifts and she had lots to share. Read on for five ways to up your gift-giving game this year.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
7 Surefire Ways to Fail at Your New Year’s Resolution
Maybe you want to pay off debt or cushion your savings in 2019. Perhaps you want to get to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to go to, or try to cook healthier meals. No matter what your New Year’s resolution is, now’s the time to be proactive in planning: A whopping eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Want to make sure you stay disciplined and dedicated to the goals you’ve set for 2019?
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
5 Last Minute Decorating Ideas to Steal from Our Favorite Christmas Movies
This time of year, there’s really nothing better than channel surfing and landing on a Hallmark holiday movie marathon or spending a whole weekend streaming classic Christmas movies. But as many times as you’ve watched “Home Alone” or “Love Actually,” have you ever really taken notice of the films’ holiday decor? I mean, you can’t have a Hollywood Christmas without lights, a tree, and other festive flourishes, am I right?
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Get the Look: The ‘Sabrina’ Reboot’s Granny Chic-Gone-Spooky Style
The latest victim of the reboot craze is Sabrina Spellman. Our once fun-loving teenage witch has been reborn as a darker, edgier version of herself and I, for one, could not be more thrilled that the ’90s suburban, pastel floral TV sitcom house was laid to rest. The new Spellman Mortuary is granny chic-gone-spooky. It’s chock-full of vintage (well I guess it isn’t vintage if you’re hundreds of years old and you bought it when it was new…) and fabulous treasures.
Anita Shriver
May 3, 2019
9 Clever Ways to Upgrade Your Laundry Room for Cheap
Unless you are an alien who is fascinated by the fact that humans secrete unsavory odors and deposit them onto their clothing, you probably don’t enjoy doing laundry. If you need motivation to get through all those whites and darks, we’ve got nine very affordable ways to spruce up your laundry room and make it an inspiring place you actually want to be in. Laundry rooms rival doctors offices in terms of sterility.
Jessica Isaac
May 3, 2019
This Mattress Had a Serious Waitlist, But It’s Back in Stock Today
Mattresses are not like makeup, people! They’re not an impulse buy you make after seeing an ad on Instagram or watching a YouTube video once. They’re pricey and not something you’re constantly adding to your cart, online or IRL. So when you hear about one that’s racking up Kylie Lip Kit or Glossier Boy Brow waitlist numbers—that is, thousands of people deep—home design enthusiasts like myself have no choice but to take notice.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
The Best Macramé Planters You Can Buy or DIY
Plants and macramé go together like white fur blankets and Scandinavian homes. With the reemergence of Boho and trending #plantlady tags, it’s only natural that macramé plant hangers are popping up everywhere. They were big in 2018 and we predict they aren’t go away anytime soon. Macramé is such a beautiful craft that can be the perfect finishing detail to a room and we’ll kickstart your hunt with some of our favorite DIYs and buys.
Cat Meschia
May 3, 2019
The Trip You Should Take in 2019, Based on Your New Year’s Resolution
On January 1, anything seems possible. A brand new year is a clean slate and an enticing opportunity to embark on ambitious goals. Unfortunately, we all know that a few weeks or even days later most New Year’s resolutions usually fall by the wayside—but maybe 2019 can be different. Instead of tripping up on your lofty New Year’s resolutions, why not be proactive and book a trip that will help you stay motivated?
Jennifer Nied
May 3, 2019
January Is Going to Be a Great Book Month—Here’s What I’m Preordering
January is looking to be a great month for books—so much so that I’m preordering six novels right now. Here’s a little mystery, a little family drama, and a little dystopia to keep you occupied during your winter hibernation. There is a solar eclipse in Iran in 1979 and in France in 2012, and those two timelines run through the novel.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: These Kitchen Cabinets Got An Unexpected Paint Job
While this kitchen was quite tasteful and full of quality finishes, it didn’t fit in at all in the rest of the colorful, relaxed, free-spirited home. With just $80—and plenty of hard work—its owner gave it a fresh, fun new look. Here’s a little more information about the kitchen and the home, and what led to this undertaking: My kitchen was very dark and traditional before. Our cabinets were a dark cherry wood.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
10 Celebs Share The Books You Should Add To Your 2019 Reading List
For many, a new year means a new reading list that you’re determined to get through in 365 days. To help you with your 2019 goals, some of our favorite celebrities shared what they read this past year—giving you an inside look as to what you should stack on your nightstand next. Regardless of whether they like eBooks or the real deal, almost all the well-known personalities we’ve spoken with are burying themselves in a good read.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Bathroom Was Well Worth Two Weekends’ of Work and $2,000
This totally ’80s bathroom was “a beige nightmare” with a few issues beyond the aesthetic, but two stalwart DIYers managed to remedy all that and create a fabulously inviting space, all with just two weekends’ of work and $2,000.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
The One Home Decor Trend I Hope Stays in 2018
Well, the end of the year is upon us, and it’s time to look forward to what 2019 has to offer in terms of style and design. But I also think it’s fun to reflect on the past and think about what trends might be running their course. What I’m about to say might be a little polarizing, especially if you live in a rental and can’t really do much about your surroundings. But the one trend I hope stays in 2018 is: Bright white painted walls.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Welcome Cure for a Cramped and Outdated Kitchen
This kitchen was very cramped, what with all the intense wood paneling, small size, and free-range dishwasher. Over eight years, this 40-year-old kitchen in a 140-year-old home has been updated, and the fabulous results suit the house much better then all this ever could. Reader Chrissie Brackett is here to share a bit more about this kitchen and its challenges: Our kitchen and porch in our 1870s Victorian hadn’t been updated in about 40 years.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
10 Cool Gym Bags That Don’t Look Like Gym Bags
The only thing better than a good workout session is having a stylish—and functional—gym bag to stash your gear in. Unfortunately, gym bags that don’t look like, well, gym bags, are few and far between. So we rounded up 10 of the sleekest athletic bags on the web for you to drool over. From a quilted denim duffle bag to a pretty floral patterned stunner, here are 10 sporty bags that are chic enough to carry outside of the gym, too.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
10 Ways to Celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day
The holidays may be over but there’s another uniquely important day to note on the calendar: January 10 is National Houseplant Appreciation Day, which means it’s time to celebrate the joys and benefits of tending to an indoor plant. Along with improving the air quality in our homes, houseplants make wonderful roommates—they’re quiet, easy to care for, and fun to look at—and NHAD is all about paying homage to their awesomeness.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
10 of the Cheap and Easiest Ways to Improve Your Home in 2019
While you’re thinking about resolutions, your mind may wander to your home: how will you make your house a better place this year? While a big project isn’t always feasible, you can still work within the existing framework of your space to transform your home into a better, more functional place. How? We asked the pros—from realtors, to contractors, to interior designers—to dish on the easiest and cheapest home upgrades.
Brigitt Earley
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Backyard Shed Turned Tiny House for $15,000
This little shed was lurking in its new owners’ backyard, too large for their storage needs and far too large and unsightly to ignore. After a year of sneaking in DIY work in the evenings and on weekends after their day jobs, the couple now has a charming tiny house for beloved—and paying—guests.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
This Tiny House Was Snapped Up By Its New Owners for Only $250
There are a lot of fabulous tiny houses out there, but very few of them started life as a car dealership office before serving as a beloved taco stand for two decades. This is no ordinary tiny house, and after 50 busy, bustling years, it now provides a peaceful retreat for visitors in rural Texas.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019