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2019
May

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.
Wooden dresser transformation with chevron-patterned drawers and leather handles, before and after comparison.
Before & After: Wood Embellished Dresser
Hello, beautiful, dresser! I have a similar piece on my DIY To Do for the summer, so I was super inspired by the creative addition of herringbone and the piece’s simple white finish: “The dark and light woods, leather and crisp white paint work wonderfully together, and the herringbone pattern is just amazing and apparently quite simple to make,” writes Design*Sponge. Read on for full the project’s full description and instruction.
Landis Carey
May 6, 2019
Veggie Gardening 101: Succession Planting Ideas
As spring drifts into summer vegetables like spinach, broccoli rabe, radishes, and peas will finish up, which means now is the ideal time to plant new vegetables in their place. This planting strategy is called succession planting and the goal is to plant food all summer long so you have a continuous harvest. I’ve listed some of my favorite crop combos after the jump, but I am also curious what you are planting in your garden right now.
Willi Galloway
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Easy Revamped Pendant Light
A couple or years ago my Mum did a fantastic modern kitchen renovation incorporating all kinds of bargain finds.
MaryAnne Petrella
May 6, 2019
My Room: Lula
Sophie’s room for Lula is imbued with personality and love: I’m a composer and violinist based in London, UK. Waiting for my little Lula to arrive I really wanted to create a unique room that reflected my own style – a combination of classic antique pieces and more quirky or vintage finds – and that allowed me to bring together lots of little treasures collected on the road.
Carrie McBride
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A Compact Green Kitchen Renovation
Name: Stephanie Rearick and Jon Hain Location: Madison, Wisconsin Years lived in: 20 Stephanie and Jon had wanted to redo the kitchen in their 680-square-foot Madison home for 18 years. They knew the space was sad; as it was, there was little storage and workspace, cabinet doors didn’t close, and the room lacked any and all personality. Then they saw that, thanks to a grant, a local green-building consulting firm was offering design plans at a discount.
Therese Maring
May 6, 2019
Before & After: DIY White Kitchen Makeover
This is a great kitchen makeover. Using budget items from IKEA, repurposed materials and creatively placed chalkboard paint, this kitchen was completely transformed without ripping the cabinetry out. You don’t want to miss this one!We spotted this one over at Notes from the Heartland and don’t you just adore that island? A beadboard backsplash, chalkboard paint on the bulkhead and great lighting have made this space look fresh with a vintage vibe.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
Eliza’s Precious Vintage-Inspired Room
Name: Eliza Age: 5 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Room size: 11 ft. x 12 ft. When we received Melissa Nobb’s Room Tour Submission we were quite impressed with her daughter Eliza’s vintage inspired room. Not only is it lovely and cozy with lots of pretty feminine touches, perfect for a little girl, but the shear volume of antiques and vintage items is certainly awe-inspiring.
Danielle Thompson
May 6, 2019
8 Tips For A Cool Night’s Sleep (Without the AC!)
After a collection of heat-wave-days getting a good night’s sleep can be almost impossible. Even if it cools down in the evenings, some homes remain infected with a lingering warmth, making dream time a bit of a nightmare. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up to help me cope, but please share your own —for the summer has only just begun!Clearly, there is no A/C in my humble apartment, so scratch that from the list.
MaryAnne Petrella
May 6, 2019
Storage Anyone? Four Ways to Create Faux Built-In Bookcases
Attractive storage solutions in the living room are always a joy. My heart leaps at the sight of built-in shelving. Everyone seems to want them, but not everyone can get them, especially if you rent. Using these tips, create a serious storage solution and the beautiful look of built-in shelving. They’re quick, affordable and eco-friendly. All without hiring a single contractor!
Angie Cho
May 6, 2019
Don’t Make These Common IKEA Kitchen Cabinet Assembly Mistakes
Swapping out your cabinets is one of the easiest ways to give an outdated kitchen the refresh it needs. But this particular item is one of the more expensive elements in a kitchen. Fortunately, there’s a solution: IKEA kitchen cabinets.Though much more affordable, going this route isn’t without challenges. We love IKEA, but readily admit assembly and installation can be rather tricky.
Brigitt Earley
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A Brassy to Classy Lamp Re-do
When Alissa received this lamp as a hand-me-down from her grandparents, she loved the shape but not the dated brassy finish. Spray paint and a little imagination to the rescue!I see what Alissa means about the shape of this lamp — now that it’s painted! I admit that I was too distracted by the old brassy finish on the lamp to appreciate its finer qualities! Now that its been painted white I love it — especially that tall finial!
Jason Loper
May 6, 2019
Before & After: San Diego Garden Renovation
There’s nothing to fuel inspiration more than a really great set of before and after images. We definitely find that here, with this wonderful front garden renovation at the home of Dee Randolph and David McQuaide in the North Park area of San Diego. Especially wonderful is the replacement of sod in favor of drought tolerant plants.The homeowners also changed the trim color and red tiles on the roof to better compliment the newly completed garden.
Michelle Chin
May 6, 2019
Phia and Anthony’s Shared Space
Names & Ages: Phia, 12 and Anthony, 5Location: Yonkers, NYRoom Size: Approximately 200sf Sara has a knack for organizing and zero tolerance for clutter. Both of these traits are clearly evident in Phia and Anthony’s shared bedroom. It’s no easy task to divide a room between a twelve-year-old girl and her five- year-old brother but a combination of cleverly arranged shelving units, distinctive paint colors and a few good-natured children make it all work wonderfully.
Richard Popovic
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Craigslist Coffee Table To Tufted Ottoman
Tufted ottomans are a great solution for many small spaces that need something that can not only serve as extra seating but also as spot to set a tray down in a pinch – but they are often quite expensive. Over at Five Days … Five Ways they repurposed an old coffee table that had seen better days into a fantastic looking tufted ottoman.Considering that these ottomans usually run new in the many hundreds of dollars the cost breakdown for this project is quite impressive.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A $25 Bathroom Restyle
This half bath had its fair share of problems: an ugly floor, a water heater in the space and very little style. For only $25, it has been restyled to look much fresher with a cottage feel. Check out the dramatic change after the jump.From dirty and green to bright and blue, this half bath has had quite the intervention. Check out the cost breakdown: Glidden white paint ($7.77 at Wal-Mart) I used 1/2 gallon so cost is $3.89 Five 4′ wood strips at $1.65 each – $8.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
A Couple’s Simple Apartment Shows How Warm and Cozy Small Living Can Be
Name: Allison, my girlfriend Laura, and our cat RhiannonLocation: Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaSize: About 400 square feetYears Lived In: 8 months, rentingAfter living in a number of rentals over the course of our early twenties, my girlfriend, Laura, and I were looking for a space we could call home for more than a year. Aside from the hassles of moving we were ready to have a space to really make our own without the compromise that comes from college living or sharing with  roommates.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 6, 2019
A 30-Second Organic Air Freshener… Made From Trash
We’ve all heard of the old real-estate trick of sticking a cookie dough log in the oven and waiting for it to magically sell your house (or burn it down). But this process seems wasteful of food, or at its very best—when you stuff down your over-baked cookie deodorizer—disrespectful to the privilege and pleasure of eating. Here’s a way to freshen your home with garbage, yes, garbage.
Laurie Siegel
May 6, 2019
A Special Room for Imminent Foster Kids
Kids: Unknown; foster kids expected any day, one or sibling pair ages newborn – 5 yearsLocation: Nashville, TNRoom Size: 10′ x 11′ Martina and her husband Jason were in a unique position when designing the kids’ room for their house. They still don’t know how many, what gender, and what ages the children they foster will be.
Beth Callaghan
May 6, 2019
How To Grow Baby Lettuce (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Most folks don’t realize how easy (and cheap) it is to grow your own baby greens, even with a very limited amount of space. Just think about all the plastic bags and clamshell containers used for packaged greens that you buy at the store (not to mention how long they’ve been sitting in that plastic before they even get to market). Why not save the packaging and transit time, and harvest your own baby greens at home?
Ashley Poskin
May 6, 2019
Before & After: $17 Rental Kitchen Makeover
Rental kitchens are tough, you don’t want to put too much money into them but there isn’t much incentive for the landlord to make them top notch and gourmet. Here’s a great kitchen makeover that completely transforms the entire look of the kitchen for only $17. You really can’t miss this one.This great makover at HGTV really shows how far you can take $17. As the renters describe: We are renting right now and this kitchen was GROSS! I couldn’t live with it.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
Before & After: An Old Fashioned Hutch Goes Modern
Re-Nest reader Cassidy (of the blog Remodelaholic) emailed us her hutch makeover, and we were impressed enough to want to show it to you! She managed to turn what is otherwise a pretty old-fashioned hutch into something crisp and modern.
Cambria Bold
May 6, 2019
Tech Myth: Is It Safe to Mix Batteries?
For as long as we can remember we’ve heard the old wives tale that you should not mix battery brands in the same device. Naturally, that did nothing to prevent us from doing it frequently. We’ve never had any problems before (or so we thought) so it had to be fasle, right? Well it turns out the answer might have you running to the drug store after work.We’re sure the story is familiar.
Mike Tyson
May 6, 2019
5 Cities Where Millennials Are Actually Finding Those Mythical “Starter Homes”
It’s no surprise that the American housing market is pretty inhospitable to first-time homebuyers: Not only have available “starter homes” (the least expensive third of houses on the market) decreased by 23.2 percent in the past five years, these homes are also gaining value with incredible speed—57.3 percent over half a decade. And while you might have heard that we’re set to swing into a buyer’s market soon (we are!
Rebecca Renner
May 6, 2019
Daniel’s Brilliant IKEA Fräck Hack
At left, the affordable and handy Fräck mirror from IKEA. I’ve had one hanging in my bathroom for a few years and, now that I’ve seen what Daniel was able to do with his, I’m looking at mine in a whole new light… A whole new light! See what I did there? Daniel, from Manhattan Nest, is responsible for this brilliant IKEA hack. He was also kind enough to give us step-by-step directions on his blog so we can make one for ourselves!
Jason Loper
May 6, 2019
Club Soda + Salt = Non-Toxic Stain Remover
A few years ago I was hosting some friends when the spill of all spills happened. The one you nervously laugh about when purchasing anything white. Yep, the dreaded red wine spill, on a white wool rug, because really, what fun is a red wine spill unless it happens on something white? But my friend was quick on the draw. She ran to the kitchen and returned with salt, club soda, and a dish towel. By the next morning the stain was gone.
Julia Brenner
May 6, 2019
There's One Country Where It's Illegal to Name Your Child "IKEA"
But here are a few other IKEA-inspired baby names you could use instead (some assembly required).
Ashley Abramson
May 6, 2019
Tripp’s Big Red in The Big D
Name: Tripp (6 weeks)Hometown: Dallas, TXRoom size: 19″ x 13″ Red is the color of love, vitality, fire trucks, and cherry sours, so what a perfect accent color for a nursery. Tripp’s mom, Jennifer, went all out with the red pops to create a bright, happy place for her new baby boy. We love the fire engine red crib and daybed, the vintage plumbing valve dresser knobs, and the bold, graphic alphabet wall.
Katie Steuernagle
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Fence Facelift
My sister moved into a great little fixer-upper a couple of years ago and this past spring our Mum joined forces with her for a three-week landscaping caper. One of the most striking changes was this fantastic fence project.Even though the old fence had seen better days, the next door neighbors weren’t ready to replace the structure outright. Rather than just sprucing up her side with some paint, Big Sis designed a modern facing to glam up the area beside her deck and patio.
MaryAnne Petrella
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A Beautiful Grass Free Lawn Project
Many traditional neighborhoods need a little boost before they’ll be able to move to grass free yards. This project serves as just that. The yard in front of this home goes from a terrible looking patch of dead grass to a sustainable rockscape. Check out the dramatic transformation after the jump.Without the huge water needs of a typical grass lawn, this yard looks great with minimal upkeep.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
How to Quickly & Easily Spruce Up Wood Furniture
I’m the kind of DIY-er who imagines elaborate and wonderful furniture re-finishing ideas and is consistently too busy, lazy, or pre-occupied to execute them. But in desperate need of bedroom dressers I dropped $70 for a pair from craigslist that had good bones, but were grimy, scratched and in need of help.
Sarah Rainwater
May 6, 2019
Before & After: The Difference A Half Wall Makes
I know, I know, they did more than just knock out a half wall, but I would argue that it was the half wall removal that really made the difference in this kitchen. If they had done nothing else, the half wall removal would have transformed this kitchen completely. Find out more after the jump.This is a great kitchen renovation on a budget any way you slice it. The surfaces that were replaced were high impact and the surfaces that stayed were easily refinished.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Stadium Seats With Serious Style
One of the best parts about making do with what you have is the opportunity to make awesome improvements! In the case of these stadium seats, although they were cute beforehand, they needed more personality. Ready to see what they look like now?By using foamcore and fabric, the people behind Maple & Magnolia gave the backs of these seats a bit more punch. With the additional help of some color and wax, the chairs are now ready to take center stage!
Sarah Rae Smith
May 6, 2019
A Super Small 375-Square-Foot Studio Is Masterfully Arranged
Name: Madison Malone Kircher Location: Brooklyn Heights — Brooklyn, New York Size: 375 square feet (closet included) Years lived in: 2 years, renting Found her: A witty and talented writer who magically fits a kitchen, living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and storage in 375 square feet—including the closet. Meet Madison Malone Kircher. Madison’s an Associate Editor at New York Magazine.
Minette Hand
May 6, 2019
Before & After (& Really After): Studio Bathroom Redux
When I moved into my home, the bathroom in the studio over the garage was sad and depressing. When I embarked on my very first home improvement project to update it, I was really proud of the work I did, but it only held up to daily use for two years. The subfloor wasn’t level, so the composite floor was cracking, and the cheap composite counter top on the vanity had a corner chipped off.
Michelle Chin
May 6, 2019
True or False? Use Instant Yeast To Unclog Slow Drains
Science is cool, right? Clean a slow drain with baking soda and vinegar, and it makes things smell better but it doesn’t do much for getting rid of the unwanted matter blocking your pipes. So instead try a little instant yeast. To which you say, I’m sorry, what?If your shower or bathroom sink is running a little slow, it’s been said you can pour two packets (or a few tablespoons) of instant yeast down your drain.
Sarah Rae Smith
May 6, 2019
Ava & Piper’s Easy-Going & Colorful Rooms
Name: Ava (4) & Piper (3)Location: Brisbane, AustraliaRoom size: 2.4m x 4.5m For this Room Tour post, we have not one but two rooms to share with you from sisters Ava and Piper! Their rooms compliment each other so well that we couldn’t just feature one. With fresh white walls, furniture with clean lines and pops of pattern and color, you can’t help but feel cheery! Their mom Hannah shares with us her inspiration for her daughters’ bright spaces.
Danielle Thompson
May 6, 2019
Framing Artwork: Glass vs. Plexiglass
There comes a time when you purchase a piece of artwork — that photograph you’ve been ogling, or that screenprint that you’ve been in love with for years — that you are faced with the very grown-up decision of how to frame. Do you go with plexiglass? Or regular glass? Here are a few facts that might help you to make a decision.I’ve worked in fine art galleries and museums for years.
Jessica Tata
May 6, 2019
Before & After: A Tired Footstool Turned Pouff
So many of us have one of these tired footstools. They were cute a few years ago when they seemed light and inexpensive and now they’re just tired and cheap looking. Find out how you can transform it into something fabulous after the jump.The folks from Today’s Nest put together a great to tutorial to help you create the stool-turned-poof.
Allison Verdoorn
May 6, 2019
Before &amp After: Andi &amp Dean’s Master Bath on a Budget
Budget is the name of the game, but you’d never know after taking a peek at Andi and Dean’s newly renovated bathroom. Following the purchase of their San Francisco Victorian last year, the couple has taken on the remodel room by room. Check out the amazing transformation of their master bath!After falling in love with an Anne Sacks tile that was slightly over budget, the couple did some research and found a similar Italian porcelain for less.
Lindsay Tella
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Salvaged Stool to Colorful Plant Stand
This before & after project is a great example of how a good imagination is often the key to a great makeover. Kind of makes me feel better about all that daydreaming I did during algebra class.This makeover was featured on Sunset, and I love that this plant stand wound up costing $3.19, the cost of the Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch spray paint in Sun Yellow. If you needed to buy a pot, the project would cost a bit more, but still far less than a wrought iron planter.
Julia Brenner
May 6, 2019
Kristen Bell Went from Feuding Over Recliners to Doing La-Z-Boy Commercials
Holy forking shirt! Kristen Bell, star of “The Good Place,” the “Frozen” franchise, and the upcoming “Veronica Mars” reboot, has a new bullet point to add to her resume: La-Z-Boy brand ambassador. Wait, huh? Yup, La-Z-Boy, synonymous with old school recliners… that one. But if anyone knows about the hardship of working with a piece of furniture that’s less than ideal, it’s Kristen.
Rachel Shaw
May 6, 2019
How Kristen Bell Spends Her Perfect Night In
Perfect Night In is a series where we ask actors, artists, entrepreneurs, and beyond how they’d spend the ultimate luxury—a blissful evening at home.Whether you know her best as shrimp-loving Eleanor on “The Good Place,” spirited younger sister Anna in “Frozen,” or from her total Mom status on Instagram, one thing is for certain: We love Kristen Bell almost as much as she loves sloths.
Tara Bellucci
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Old Framed Prints Turned Modern Art
BEFOREWalk into any thrift store and you are sure to find framed art prints in all shapes and sizes. While the picture frames section has never been the first area I hit, it will be now thanks to this fresh idea from Tyler of PLASTOLUX. George has never looked so modern. AFTERTyler picked up this framed print of George Washington at a local thrift. He brought it home and – in one easy step – transformed George from ordinary to extraordinary.
Rikkianne Van Kirk
May 6, 2019
Cozy at the Computer: Using Armchairs as Desk Chairs
It happened by accident but I am now using an old oversized armchair as my desk chair. Carpal tunnel experts and physical therapists may gasp in terror but so far I love doing work in this unconventional cocoon of comfort. I feel like I have upgraded to First Class. Meanwhile, in my old workspace (the TV room), my ergonomically correct black high-tech monster of a desk chair spins alone.
Catrin Morris
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Adjustable Lamps Used As Plant Stands
It’s about that time to start bringing your plants in from the cold. Take them in, help them adjust, and make them stand out… literally.I wanted to prepare this year by possibly purchasing some plant stands. I was researching online and happened to stumble upon this adjustable pot. I loved the modern/industrial look. The inspiration plant pot resembled an adjustable light. I realized that I could use some of the broken lamps around my house.
Rikkianne Van Kirk
May 6, 2019
Before & After: Daniel’s Scary to Stylish Window
Security gates can be a necessity for city living, but, man, they can be ugly. For a little makeover inspiration, check out how much better this window looks with added salvaged molding.Daniel Kanter of Manhattan Nest is no stranger to DIY, but the fearlessness and skill evidenced in this project are especially impressive. When he saw that another resident of his building was discarding a pile of original moldings, he took them into his apartment, nails and all.
Kim R. McCormick
May 6, 2019
Before and After: A Condo’s Closed-Up, Dated Kitchen Is Now Modern and Marvelous
Name: Yumi Murayama, my boyfriend ChrisLocation: Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaSize: 1,060 square feetYears lived in: 2 years, owned Chris is an elementary school teacher and has been teaching over 15 years in Vancouver. Yumi was born and raised in Japan up to high school and studied in the United States. She founded her own interior design company—YU+ME Design in May 2018—and helps homeowners design their dream spaces.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
This House Has Some of the Neatest Built-Ins We’ve Ever Seen
Name: Kevin Morin, my partner, David, and Nigel the golden retriever. Location: Strawberry Vale — Victoria, British Columbia, CanadaSize: 2,300 square feetYears lived in: 3 years, ownedBuilt-in furniture and storage—particularly when done beautifully—can maximize a home’s available space like nothing else can. And the built-ins found in this house are great inspiration, all crafted by Ali Alamolhoda of Alamo Finishing.
Adrienne Breaux
May 6, 2019