The Latest
2019

The Latest: 2019

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Kitchen with wooden cabinets, white appliances, and a central island under a ceiling light.
Before and After: This Kitchen Flips the Script on Beige and Boring
Ida recently stumbled across images she took the day she closed on her condo. Apart from the fantastic light, which is one of the reasons she and her husband were sold on the place, the kitchen was pretty basic and humdrum. It’s come a very long way in the three years since this photo was taken. What was a beige and boring room now feels warm and welcoming. Ida did a wonderful job reviving this kitchen into something totally new, without changing the layout or moving things around.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
6 Stylish Ways to Display Your Books If You’ve Run Out of Shelf Space
If you like design, there’s a good chance you also like books—especially ones about interiors and art, which tend to be big. No matter the subject, books bring so much joy to a home—whether it’s by providing entertainment, education, or escape. And on a more superficial level, they add color and texture to a space to make it more visually rich and interesting too.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
You’ve Kondo’ed, Now What? These Apps (And Their Users) Are Cashing In On Stuff That Doesn’t Spark Joy
If there’s one thing we can all hope for from the Marie Kondo “Tidying Up” craze, it’s finally saying goodbye to the concept of retail therapy—a notion coined by the Chicago Tribune in the late 1980s with the idea that we had started “measuring out our lives in shopping bags and nursing our psychic ills.” In her show and book, Kondo has us thank and then get rid of the clutter that is no longer serving us.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Wait, a Cacti Black Market Exists? How to Know If Yours Is Sustainably Sourced
We all have been swooning hard for a while now on cacti. Not only have we been loving the image of the iconic desert plant on interior wall murals and bedspread prints, but we love the cactus itself, too. Robust and relatively easy to care for, these wonderful additions to the home bring a lovely southwestern vibe into any space. Luckily for all of us, most cactus dealers—online and off—are responsible. They grow their plants from seeds and wouldn’t dream of poaching.
Elizabeth Seward
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Tiny Bathroom Redo Triggers Some Major Cute Aggression
Some bathrooms are modern and sleek, others are luxurious and spa-worthy. And then there are those adorable ones that you just want to squeeze. This is one of those bathrooms. If the diminutive size wasn’t enough, it also helps that this bathroom is now blush pink, which ups the cuteness factor by 100 times. (For the color curious, the shade is Sherwin-Williams Intimate White). The shade looks great with the brass accents and black hardware and fixtures.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Curvy Kitchen Islands Are Trending, and I’m All In
Kitchen design has kind of been the same for a few years now—subway tile backsplash, splashy pendant lights, as big of an island as possible, and maybe some open shelving for good measure. Cabinet color has started to shift a little bit from all white to a little more bold in some instances, but it hasn’t fully taken off yet.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
It’s Time to Marie Kondo Your Inbox—Here Are 9 Proven Ways to Do It
There’s always that friend. You know, the one with 76 unheard voicemails, 150 unread texts, and—gulp—15,964 unread emails in her inbox. (Or maybe that “friend” is you.) Either way, keeping your inbox uncluttered or even reaching Inbox Zero can feel like impossible feats of #adulting. But digitally cleaning house doesn’t have to be your least favorite chore.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Your Phone Needs Spring Cleaning, Too—Here Are 5 Things That Could be Slowing You Down
We have a step-by-step guide to get you started on a cleaner, smarter device.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
The Most Magical Moments (and Practical Tips) from My First Visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
On the spectrum of Harry Potter fandom, I’m somewhere in the middle. Thanks to Pottermore, I know my houses (Hufflepuff and Horned Serpent at Ilvermorny, the American equivalent of Hogwarts), my Patronus (fox), and my wand (redwood, phoenix feather core, 12 and a quarter inches, pliant). I’ve read the original books and seen the movies, but I won’t win any trivia competitions, and I’m in no rush to sit through the five-plus hours of “Cursed Child.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
A First-Time-Living-Solo San Franciscan Found the Perfect Small, Soothing Home
Name: Carra Manahan Location: San Francisco, California Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting A couple years ago, I decided to get my own apartment in San Francisco. I’d lived in the Marina since moving to the city and couldn’t part with it. The neighborhood’s beautiful and charming; there’s truly something special about being able to see the Golden Gate Bridge from it.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
Cancel Hulu: It’s Now Free With Your Spotify Subscription
If you’re like me, you subscribe to a bunch of streaming services. While they’re not particularly expensive, those monthly fees can add up. But there’s some good news for the multi-streamers among us: Spotify Premium members can get Hulu for free. Yep, totally free. If you’re already paying the $9.99 to listen to Spotify ad-free, there’s a new perk. The Verge reports that you can bundle the basic Hulu plan into your account for no extra monthly charge.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
“The Simpsons” Has Been On TV for 30 Years—Here Are the Best Homes
“The Simpsons” is in its 30th season—and now holds the title of the longest-running primetime scripted series. Over three decades, we’ve seen hundreds of versions of the opening theme, ending with the family together on the couch, in a home most Americans would probably recognize. That said, Springfield (and its surrounding areas) has some other pretty awesome places to live. So here’s a selection of the coolest pads in “The Simpsons” universe.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
In ‘Shrill,’ Aidy Bryant’s Annie Has a Plant-Packed Sunroom We Want to Steal
Hulu’s new series, “Shrill,” isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics. In fact—spoiler alert—Aidy Bryant’s character Annie gets an abortion in the first episode. It’s an experience that feminist author Lindy West recalled in detail in her hit 2016 memoir of the same name.
Stephanie Chan
May 3, 2019
9 Design Mistakes We All Make in Our First Apartments
Decorating can be hard, especially when you move into your first apartment. The cards are kind of stacked against you—it’s small, you likely don’t have much furniture of your own, you might have a roommate (or several!), and you’re probably not making bank yet, meaning the budget is tight. So you’re bound to make a mistake or two in setting up your space. We have all been there, and the good news is most of these decorating issues can be solved pretty easily.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
This Pinterest-Favorite Laundry Trend Could Be Dangerous, Warns American Cleaning Institute
Move over, Tide Pod challenge, there’s a new laundry-related caution in town—but this time, it has to do with storage. Displaying laundry packets in jars may look pretty, but according to the American Cleaning Institute, decanting the pods can be dangerous with small children or elderly people in the home. In time for both spring cleaning and National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-24, 2019), the ACI launched its sixth annual Packets Up!
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
6 Ideas to Steal from ‘Queer Eye’s’ Season 3 Loft in Kansas City
As of today, March 15, our internet BFFs are back for season 3 of “Queer Eye” and they are bringing the heat to Kansas City. And by heat, I mean structured neutrals used in bold ways, with pops of color in the plant life, and a heavy dose of mixed metals. Bobby Berk himself designed the Fab Five’s Midwest home base, and the best part is you can recreate it quite easily.
Anita Shriver
May 3, 2019
Nesting Tables Are the Easiest Way to Add a Layered Look to Your Living Room
Two is always better than one, and the same rule applies to coffee tables. Over the last year, there has been a spike in styled living rooms that have taken the usual formula of one big coffee table and broken it up into two separate pieces. Nesting coffee tables don’t just apply to big living rooms that have the extra square footage for additional tables.
Marlen Komar
May 3, 2019
Before & After: This Cold Living Room Is Now a Cozy Spot for Curling Up
When reader Chantel Breault decided to give her living room a makeover, her chief incentive was to give it some life. The space before didn’t evoke much at all in terms of feelings or aesthetic. It was “Neutral, lacking personality, not even cozy,” and Chantel wanted to make the space feel more cohesive and classic. With solid bones, there fortunately wasn’t a huge amount to tackle with this project.
Elizabeth Seward
May 3, 2019
Before & After: ‘Queer Eye’s’ Design Team Did This Renovation by iPhone Flashlight
If your weekend plans include bingeing all of season 3 of “Queer Eye”—now streaming on Netflix as of today—you’re not alone. The Fab Five quickly became our internet BFFs when the reboot dropped last year, and now the boys are back—this time in Kansas City—to help some more deserving folks. Luckily for us, the hardest working designer on TV, Bobby Berk, gave us the exclusive tea on one particularly special makeover from this season.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This Over-the-Top Wizarding Rental Is Made For Harry Potter Fanatics
Reroute your owls to deliver The Daily Prophet to your new address because you’ll never want to leave this Harry Potter rental. Located in Salem, MA, this private room can fit two guests, and ideally those who can revel in the extra attention to detail. Just one mile from the train station, this room was crafted by a host with experience in the toy and games industry.
Ashley Ross
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A $3K Rustic Scandinavian Bathroom Reveal
Elise’s bathroom was tiny and a hodgepodge of somewhat new, but super generic, finishes and fixtures, and a mismatched paint job. She wanted to both enlarge and update the space for her planned family, and do it on a very tight budget. The bathroom is now an incredibly relaxing, earthy space that Elise loves to be in. The stone countertops, combined with reclaimed wood vanity and black fixtures is a great combination that feels rustic and comfortable.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
The Surprising History of Pink: How the Rosy Hue Has Taken Over Interiors
If it feels like you’ve been seeing life through rose-colored glasses lately, it may be because life is great. But, it also may be because there are more shades of pink used in interiors than ever before. In the past 100 years, the connotation and representation of the color pink has changed.
Marissa Hermanson
May 3, 2019
Shopping Your Home Is the Free Decorating Tip Designers Swear By—Here’s How to Do It Successfully
I’ve heard designers say this, in one way or another, what feels like a million times: Shop your home to change up your decor for free. And you know what—it’s a good idea, in theory. You can’t beat free, right? But, it’s also a little soundbite-y. And by that, I mean, how does one actually go about doing this? I’ve never pressed a designer for actionable tips—that is, until now.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
13 Classic Kitchen Staples We’re Buying at IKEA for Under $10
The only thing better than a stylish kitchen utensil is one that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Luckily, IKEA is brimming with inexpensive, Scandi-style kitchen essentials that probably cost less than your fancy morning coffee. From wine racks to colanders, here are 13 go-to kitchen wares at IKEA for under 10 bucks.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Yes, You Can Pull Off Maximalism in Tiny Houses and Small Spaces
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Having a tiny house doesn’t mean you have to abandon all signs of style and personality in your place. Nay—you can be what I’d like to call a mini-maximalist, and as long as you do this strategically, you can pull it off with flying colors. Don’t believe me? That’s okay. Because I’m ready to state my case with some house tour proof.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Kitchen Goes from Dark and Cramped to Light and Bright
This kitchen was small and it didn’t help that it had a tiny, barely usable breakfast nook just off to the left. Honestly, I don’t think a bagel, let alone a human, could fit in that space, so it just didn’t make sense to keep it. On top of that, the small kitchen was dark and uninviting.
Anita Shriver
May 3, 2019
This App Will Pay You for Photos of Help Wanted Signs
These days, it’s hard to come across a person who doesn’t already have a side hustle, whether it’s running an Etsy store, driving for Uber or Lyft or renting out a spot on Airbnb. But most of those take a lot of work. A far more flexible way to earn some pocket change would be something like Indeed’s Job Spotter app. Instead of uploading selfies to Instagram, Job Spotter gives you more than just likes and follows.
Kenya Foy
May 3, 2019
Your Knife Block Is Full of Mold—Here’s How to Clean It
Here’s the thing about knife blocks: We don’t really recommend them. They can dull the blades of your knives as you drag them in and out of their holders, they’re often sold as an expensive set with knives that you really don’t need, and they can harbor some serious mold (and maybe even bacteria) in those dark, hard-to-reach slots.
geraldinemcampbell
May 3, 2019
Have Pets? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Looking Stylish
They say that a dog is man’s best friend, but having a pet can wreak some serious havoc on your interior design game. From hopping on your pristine couch to chewing on the leg of your dinner table, even the most house-trained pets don’t know how to care properly for your home. Nobody wants to live in a space that’s half-chewed up or covered in dirt, but what’s the alternative? Getting rid of precious Fido? Absolutely not!
Kelsey Mulvey
May 3, 2019
Watch Conan O’Brien Go NYC Apartment Hunting in 2001
With the release on Team Coco of 25 years of show clips, we took a look back into some of our favorite bits from Conan O’Brien’s past. One of our favorites is this one, where Conan goes alongside show writer Andy Blitz (you may remember him as one-third of the Slipnutz, the group of guys that slipped on nuts). It’s a funny look at how apartment hunting in cities is generally a painful experience…and how much prices have changed in New York.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Home’s Remodeled Floor Plan Shows How to Maximize Space Wisely
This 925-square-foot apartment was renovated in about 3.5 months.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Why Rewatching the Same Shows Is Actually Good For You
Have you ever been forced to defend your TV viewing habits? One of the most grating examples of this is trying to explain why you keep watching the same shows over and over again. Honestly, if you don’t already know why I’m dedicated to rewatching “Nurse Jackie” every few months, then you might want to check out a new study from the University of Chicago. Long story short: Rewatching stuff you’ve seen a million times before just makes you feels good.
Kenya Foy
May 3, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Now Have Their Own Instagram
Since announcing their engagement in November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been nonstop busy with traveling the world, making public appearances, and building a life together. And with a baby coming around the corner (as in this month!), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives are about to get a whole lot busier—and they just made it a million times easier for us common folk to follow along with their new Instagram account.
Nicoletta Richardson
May 3, 2019
Here’s a Story About the *Other* ‘Brady Bunch’ House, Now Available for Rent
Last year, HGTV shelled out $3.5 million to get its hands on a nostalgic piece of famous TV real estate, but here’s another opportunity to live in another “Brady Bunch” house – as a tenant. Located in Studio City, the owners are looking to rent the property for $12,500 a month. Fans of the popular ’70s sitcom know the Fryman Canyon Estates residence as the home Mike Brady shared with his three sons before uniting with Carol and her three very lovely girls.
Kenya Foy
May 3, 2019
6 TV Siblings Show Us Why Being Roommates with Family Can Be Wonderful
Today is National Siblings Day, a day to celebrate just how wonderful it is to have your siblings in your life, and also to post embarrassing pictures of them. For some, siblings aren’t just the people you spent your childhood with—believe it or not, some siblings choose to live together out there in the real world. Before you scoff at the entire idea, yes, living with a sibling can be hard—there can be a lot of baggage there—but it can also be wonderful.
Maggie Fremont
May 3, 2019
We Need To Taco ‘Bout This Burrito Blanket
I think it was the famous father, donut lover, and American prophet Homer Simpson who said, “Mmm, I’m a toasty cinnamon bun,” while wrapped up in his bedsheets one morning. While that does sound delicious, when you do wrap yourself up in sheets like Homer did, you’re really more of a human burrito, right? That’s why I’m sure Homer would be the first in line (or online?) to buy the latest food-based item going viral: a literal burrito blanket.
Joseph Lamour
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Dilapidated 1920s Cabin Is Brought Back to Life
“This dilapidated historical home in Lake Arrowhead, California, was brought back to life,” explains Lauri Carleton, the owner and creative director of Mag.Pi Shop and a partner in Goods Co.Op. “The town of Lake Arrowhead is located 80 miles from Los Angeles, and since the late 1800s has been a retreat for Hollywood icons and Southern California families. It still serves that purpose, and is a growing place of expression for creatives.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
This Mushroom Dome Tiny House Is Airbnb’s Most Popular Listing
Just south of San Francisco, close to the idyllic Highway 1 views of California’s picturesque cliffs and beaches, lies a tiny mushroom dome cabin in the woods. It’s one of the world’s most popular Airbnb listings and, for just $130 a night, it could be yours to sleep in. The Mushroom Dome cabin is in Monterey Bay and is surrounded by 10 acres of woods that make perfect hiking trails.
Ashley Ross
May 3, 2019
You Can Rent These Former Celebrity Homes on Airbnb
What we might love most about Airbnb‘s existence is the astounding variety of stays travelers can now experience. If you can dream up a lodging scenario—anything from a treehouse to a mansion—you can likely find it on Airbnb. And yes, that includes the former homes of celebrities. There’s no denying the allure of being physically present in a space that one of your heroes once called home.
Elizabeth Seward
May 3, 2019
Peek Inside the Big Differences in the Homes from ‘Little’
“Little” offers a big look on two strikingly different homes: One that belongs to a demanding tech tycoon and the other to an overworked assistant of said tycoon. The Tina Gordon-directed comedy, which hits theaters April 12, sees Jordan (played by Regina Hall) as a founder of a mobile gaming company who bullies a kid magician and wakes up as her 13-year-old self (Marsai Martin) the next day.
Stephanie Chan
May 3, 2019
You’re 3 Steps Away from a Home Worthy of a Nancy Meyers Movie
How amazing would it be to have your life be like a movie? Think about it: You’d have a great wardrobe, iconic one-liners, and, of course, a home that has #goals written all over it. Naturally, we can’t talk about stunning, on-camera homes without bowing down to Nancy Meyers.
Kelsey Mulvey
May 3, 2019
Peek Inside the Hotels Where the ‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Stayed During Filming
“Game of Thrones” may be coming to an end, but the most-licensed program in HBO history can live on in the memories of superfans with a serious case of wanderlust. Throughout the years, the show has filmed in 10 countries, including Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, United States, Canada, and Scotland. Hotels.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Brown, Dated Kitchen Gets a $40K Remodel
Name: Claire Armstrong, boyfriend Andy, and two cats, Toki and Aspen Location: Glassell Park — Los Angeles, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 4 months, owned This house was built in Mar Vista in 1939 and moved to the current lot in Glassell Park in 1956 along with a detached garage from South LA. It has only had one owner who tended a beautiful garden and had interesting taste in wallpaper and DIY improvements.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
I Tried This ‘House Hunters’ Reddit Hack That Predicts Every Winner
Much of the appeal of watching “House Hunters” is playing detective, tuning into side comments and reactions that hint at what the ultimate house will be. You’ll be tempted to learn the secret to predicting the outcomes, like me. However, you might sincerely regret it once you know because all future “House Hunters” viewings will be forever changed. Consider yourself warned, far more than I was before embarking on this experiment, which began with a Reddit thread.
Jennifer Nied
May 3, 2019
What Your Childhood Bedroom Says About Your Current Design Style
I remember what all of my childhood bedrooms looked like because, well, I had a hand in picking most of the big pieces out and looked forward to redecorating every couple of years: Bedding, art for the walls and even paint colors. Let’s put it this way—I used to collect and hoard paint chips from The Home Depot when I was a kid.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Stay at This Airbnb-Slash-Alpaca Farm for Under $75 per Night
If you can dream it, you can find it on Airbnb. The vacation rental service gives you the chance to stay in some truly remarkable spaces. You can rent homes once owned by famous celebrities, stay overnight in converted train cars, and get cozy in the tiniest tiny houses you can imagine. If you like your vacation rentals to be an experience, we found your next destination: an alpaca ranch.
Elizabeth Entenman
May 3, 2019
Behold Big Plants, Beautiful Views, and Bold Brick in This Sleek NYC Loft
Name: Florian MarquardtLocation: SoHo, Manhattan, New YorkSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 2 months, rentingI live right in the middle of SoHo in a four-story walk-up with a fantastic (furnished) rooftop right on top of me. The apartment is technically a loft (one apartment per floor), though it feels like a true one bedroom. It gets tons of natural light and despite its location is super quiet even during the day.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 2, 2019
The Best Tiny House Hotels to Stay In, Starting at $75/Night
Think the tiny home trend is adorable—but more so in an aspirational kind of way? Instead of committing to downsizing your life into 300 square feet (or less!), you can give the trend a test run at one of these tiny home hotels. These five resorts excel when it comes to cozy and quaint getaways. The best part? They’re pretty affordable, too, with rates starting at $75 a night. The newest tiny home hotel to make its grand (or petite?
Brittany Anas
May 2, 2019