The Latest
2019

The Latest: 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.
AJ & Alex’s Eclectic Shabby Chic Queens Apartment
Name: AJ, Alex, Ira (the pug) and Dudley (the cat)Location: Astoria — Queens, New YorkSize: 580 square feetYears lived in: 9 months — rented We got our first peek at Alex and AJ’s apartment when we pointed out their bedroom before and after. Now, the couple are sharing their entire apartment with us. With the scant 580 square feet they have to work with, AJ and Alex have packed a lot of whollop into their space.
Jason Loper
Apr 14, 2019
Stefanie & Mike’s Heavenly Hollywoodland Home
Name: Stefanie and Mike Location:Hollywoodland — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1800 square feetYears lived in: 2 years — owned Stefanie and Mike are cast perfectly for their role in this charming two bedroom home. Stefanie an actress with a talent for design and Mike a handy and thoughtful husband with a flair for surprises have managed to capture a little bit of that old Hollywood charm.
Gregory Sparks
Apr 14, 2019
Stacey & John’s Crazy Quilt of An Apartment
Name: John and Stacey Cline (and dog, Laz)Location: Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhood — St. Louis, MissouriSize: 787 square feetYears lived in: 2 — rented Minimalists, avert your eyes. Stacey and John’s apartment is the interior equivalent of a crazy quilt. It comprises an eclectic mosaic of recycled items, vintage fabrics, and reclaimed tidbits that Stacey brings in, mainly from thrift stores. She’s not afraid of pattern and color, and mixes them liberally to good effect.
Ann Manubay & Dabney Frake
Apr 14, 2019
Michael’s “Comfortable Modern” Rowan Building Loft
Name: Michael FrancesconiLocation: Downtown — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1,000 square feetYears lived in: 2 years Michael’s home is not just another run-of the mill downtown space. While It is common to find concrete floors and industrial modern style furnishings in lofts, Michael has balanced out his space by incorporating color, built-ins, and unexpected furniture choices.
Marcia Prentice
Apr 14, 2019
American Style Through the Decades: The Sixties
Look in practically any room today, and you’ll find some element that has its design origin ties to that high era of style, smoking and culture known as the Sixties. Sure TV’s “Mad Men” has certainly had its impact on the recent style resurgence in today’s interiors, but folks were going mad for 1960s style even before Don Draper started sipping whiskey at 10am in the morning.
Adrienne Breaux
Apr 14, 2019
Homemade Holiday Gift Idea: Make a DIY Barbecue Mop
The kitchen magician or grill master in your life will love this handmade, personalized BBQ mop from you! Pair this easy-to-make kitchen tool with a jar of homemade sauce 100% cotton twine 3/4″ x 12″ wood dowel (I found mine in a 3 pack at a hobby store, but you can always cut a longer dowel down to size.) 2 zip ties (use clear if you can find them!) Scissors 1. Wrap the cotton twine around a book or piece of cardboard that is 4″-6″ in length approximately 40-60 times. 2.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 14, 2019
Homemade Holiday Gift Idea: Make These Cozy Lavender Handwarmers
These rice and lavender hand warmers are a cozy winter treat. They may seem to lack a certain high powered, high priced, in-demand shiny Christmas present quality, but believe me, they are magical. Because nothing is more comforting when you just can’t get warm. Make them for your office mates, your aunt, your dog walker — everyone will love them. Guaranteed.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 14, 2019
Homemade Holiday Gift Idea: Make A No-Sew Yoga Mat Strap
This simple little strap is just as useful as it is cute -and it takes just minutes to make. No sewing machine? No problemo! We constructed this beauty out of webbing found at the craft store and specialty fabric tape. So as long as you’ve got an iron and an embroidery needle, you can easily tackle this cheerful little stocking stuffer. Or combine it with a yoga mat for a more substantial gift.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 14, 2019
The Discovery Begins Next Friday, February 14…
Dear Readers, It’s finally the month for our Sixth Annual Homies Awards – the biggest linkfest of our year. Starting in one week, we will be inviting all of you to share your favorite home design and home cooking blogs, dig deep into the blogosphere, and spread link love everywhere we go. All info is below. Join us and share your favorites!
Maxwell Ryan
Apr 14, 2019
LA House Tour: Lynn and Leif’s Paris Hotel Home
Remember when we blogged about Paris Hotel Boutique a few weeks ago? And we begged Lynn to let us do a house tour? Well she graciously agreed, and here’s her beautiful home! Name: Lynn Goldfinger-Abram & Leif Abram Location: San Francisco, CA Size: 1550 sq ft. Years lived in: 10 Our style: Hollywood Glamour meets Paris Hotel with a modern twist!
Grace Shu
Apr 14, 2019
Shannon’s Soothing Mix of Styles
Name: Shannon Schelbert of mac+cam photography, along with husband Michael, sons Mac (10) and Cam (8) and dog Tottenham (named after Tottenham Hotspur) and cat Messi (after soccer player Lionel Messi) Location: Aldridge Place — Austin, Texas Size: 2500 square feet Years lived in: 3 — owned It’s all about details and materials in this Central Austin home. It’s also about customizing a home to fit the residents’ needs.
Adrienne Breaux
Apr 14, 2019
A Breezy, Cheeky Canadian Country Home
Name: Cynthia Zamaria and Graham Loughton Location: Keene — Ontario, Canada Size: 2,400 square feet Years lived in: 7 years, owned Cynthia possesses an incredible ability to see the potential for a space and then make it come to life. For years she has been exercising her creativity through interior design by transforming her family’s city and country homes.
Lauren Kolyn
Apr 14, 2019
A Couple and Their Cute Pup Share 550 Square Feet in Detroit
Name: Leo + Jordan Miller + Alexander Lynch Location: West Village — Detroit, Michigan Size: 550 square feet Years lived in: 8 months, renting Jordan is an Ohio native who moved to Detroit on a whim in the summer of 2016 because of her love for the state of Michigan, particularly its lakes. Al grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula called Norway.
Diana Paulson
Apr 14, 2019
A Modern Adobe Farmhouse Home in Marfa
Name: Ginger Griffice and Chick Rabourn Location: Marfa, Texas Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned If you ask people what the town of Marfa, Texas is all about, you’ll hear a variety of different narratives describing this small, rural cultural curiosity: It’s an old place that is having new life breathed into it; It’s a dying town that’s being reborn as a cultural center. It’s hip…it’s dried up.
Arthur Garcia-Clemente
Apr 14, 2019
A Custom-Built Condo Masquerading as a Cozy Cabin Getaway
Name: Corey Dane Location: Madison, Wisconsin Size: 809 square feet Years Lived In: 5 years, owned My 800-square-foot condo has been a labor of love since purchasing it in the winter of 2013. Funny thing…I wasn’t looking to purchase a home at the time. I had just moved to Madison and planned to rent an apartment while I got a lay of the land, then stumbled upon the building and my home while helping a friend move into another unit.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Apr 14, 2019
The 4 Construction Shortcuts Every New Home Buyer Should Watch Out For
Looking back, I was an easy-to-please buyer—pretty much the opposite of anyone on “House Hunters.” Case-in-point: My 28-year-old self was impressed that the cheap, very standard mirrors in the bathroom came included with my newly built house. As I toured the upstairs of the home, though, my real estate agent immediately pointed out there were no baseboards in any of the bedrooms, a shortcut she was increasingly taking note of in new builds.
Brittany Anas
Apr 14, 2019
The Most Googled Credit Score Questions, Answered by Finance Experts
No doubt, credit can be confusing. Not only are there various factors that make up the anatomy of your credit score, there are also different credit scoring companies. Making things even more convoluted, achievements like paying off your student loans can actually cause a drop in your scores, plus there’s plenty of myths circulating about credit. Suffice to say, people have a lot of questions about credit.
Brittany Anas
Apr 14, 2019
Partner
5 Ways to Dress Up Your Rental…and Still Get Your Deposit Back
It’s true that not all of us are lucky enough to live in a place with beautiful hardwood floors and high ceilings and hundred-year-old moldings. The good news is that there are ways to add a little personality to your space, even if you’re renting — and even if you’re on a tight budget. When it comes to finding things that will make your apartment really shine, we’ve got a great source.Allow us to introduce you to Amazon Handmade.
Creative Studio
Apr 14, 2019
A Creative Couple’s 420-Square-Foot Studio in Hell’s Kitchen
Will and Kate don't just share this small studio apartment — they make it look stylish and easy!
Adrienne Breaux
Apr 14, 2019
Dog Owners Are Happier Than Cat Owners, According to a New Study
People often debate whether cats or dogs are better. We don’t have any definitive proof which animal is better, but one might better for you. According to a new study, dog owners are happier than cat owners. Who can be unhappy when their dog gives them kisses? Now, this isn’t to say that cat owners aren’t entirely unhappy, but it would appear that dog owners are happier.
Ana Luisa Suarez
Apr 14, 2019
9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal, According to Real Estate Experts
When it comes to curb appeal, doesn’t it seem like everyone talks only about painting your door a bright color and manicuring your front yard? My thoughts exactly. Happily, there are lots of other things you can do that will make a big difference when it comes to freshening your house’s exterior, making it the cutest one on the block and, hopefully, prompting it to linger less on the market. Here, some of the best tips, from real estate professionals.
Lambeth Hochwald
Apr 13, 2019
7 Rooms That Prove You Can Never Have Enough Throw Pillows
Sure, it may take a bit longer to make your bed each morning, but the added oomph is so worth it.
Sarah Lyon
Apr 13, 2019
Before and After: A Tiny Bathroom Gets a $5,000 Black-and-White Upgrade
Erin‘s small, square master bathroom was cramped and outdated, with brown tiles and a builder-grade sink that offered no inspiration. But a trip to Italy did: “I kept talking about how I envisioned a master bathroom that looked like it belonged in a boutique hotel in Italy, and my partner surprised me with a vacation to one of my favorite cities in the world! Rome!” Erin says.
Jamie Wiebe
Apr 12, 2019
Shh! Here’s the Insider’s Secret to Finding Remodeling Materials for Cheap
Thrift stores aren’t just for scoring super-cheap clothing and decor. What if I told you there is a place to stock up on renovation supplies (and great furniture) without paying home improvement store prices? And shopping there contributes to a great cause? Some smart shoppers may know just what I’m talking about: Habitat for Humanity ReStore. With nearly 900 shops around the country, these stores are the ultimate win-win.
Dana McMahan
Apr 12, 2019
5 Things You Need to Know About ‘Home Equity’ Before Getting a Mortgage
They say that buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. And, while the jury is out on whether it’s always the best long-term investment for everyone, it’s important to learn the lingo so that you’re handling this big decision—and the big money that goes along with it—wisely. One of the most crucial things to know about home finance is equity. To break down exactly what equity is and why it’s important, we spoke to two real estate experts.
Chelsea Greenwood
Apr 12, 2019
15 No-Spend Challenge Ideas (Plus 3 Important Rules) You Can Try to Save Money
For those times when you need a little more motivation (and cash flow).
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 12, 2019
Google Doodle Honors the Bauhaus Movement with a Minimalist Rolling Art Show
Today marks one hundred years since the German art school Bauhaus opened its doors. While it only remained functioning for 14 years, Bauhaus’s impact on unifying art, craft, and technology through design remains one of the most influential movements to this day—and now, it has its own Google Doodle. When you press play on the Doodle, the animated art show starts rolling to life, complete with objects created by Bauhaus moving in a simple, minimalist fashion.
Nicoletta Richardson
Apr 12, 2019
You Can Rent Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s California Home for $500/Night
​If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a pair of mint doors and yell, “Lucy, I’m home,” you don’t have to build a time machine to do it.
Liz Steelman
Apr 12, 2019
A Tiny House Rental Features Hand-Built Furniture and Hanging Decor
Name: Chelsea Pursley, my bunny, Bailey Location: East Downtown — Austin, Texas Size: 450 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I found my house online about a month before moving to Austin from Atlanta. I signed the lease sight unseen, and thankfully it was even better than I expected! I live here with my pet bunny, Bailey, and I work from home full time as a UX designer. Since I spend so much time at home, creating a functional space that reflected my style was essential.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Apr 12, 2019
20 Different Ways to ‘Break the Script’ and Make Some Memories This Weekend
Many of us thrive on routine, but when things become too cyclical, time can feel like it's speeding up.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 12, 2019
This Modern Remodel’s Kitchen and Bathroom Color Palette Is Eye-Popping
Architect Andrea Serboli's Barcelona apartment was completely renovated, and it's now a sleek, bold, and modern home.
Lula Poggi
Apr 12, 2019
Designer Rachel Castle’s Australian Home Is a Colorful Explosion of Fun
You may know Rachel Castle from her colorful instagram feed, her gorgeous bed linen range, or her witty artwork.
Viv Yapp
Apr 12, 2019
What Nobody Tells You About Smart Locks
Ever find a skeleton key? How quaint they look—what a throwback to another time! But if you’ve looked in the locks aisle at a big-box hardware store lately, that may be the way modern keys are headed, too.Smart locks are crowding out traditional locks, and they just keep getting smarter.
Dana McMahan
Apr 11, 2019
Before and After: An Awkward Upstairs Bedroom Goes ‘Cabin Chic’
Cat and her boyfriend, Brian, seriously lucked out: His family’s hunting lodge in southern Utah is the perfect weekend retreat. But over time, the cabin has transformed from a yearly hunting haven for the boys to a family vacation home. “Naturally, it was in need of some decor and interior design,” Cat says. Cat and Brian’s upstairs bedroom had an awkward slanted ceiling and standard white wall.
Jamie Wiebe
Apr 11, 2019
These Wall Murals Require Zero Artistic Skill
Mural, mural, on the wall Who is the fairest of them all?Answering that question right now is a tough challenge. Fantastic, design-forward murals are all over the interwebs—and the right one can seriously elevate your space. Plus, retailers are working directly with independent artists to create affordable, large-scale murals. That’s a nice bonus for us wall-art size queens who lack the means to buy originals.Even better: Modern murals are easy to apply and even easier to take down.
Laura Lambert
Apr 11, 2019
11 Unexpected Things You Can Clean With Soda
Traditional cleaning solutions are great, but your pantry is full of everyday items you can put to work when you clean. You already know about keeping blackboard chalk around for treating stains and using cream of tartar to clean your brick fireplace facade. So what’s the deal with using cola to clean? Before you whip out your 12-pack of Diet Coke and go to town on your kitchen, keep in mind that certain sodas work better cleaning specific surfaces.
Ashley Abramson
Apr 11, 2019
Pop Quiz: Do You Know What a ‘Garden Tub’ Is?
It seems that everyone has a different idea of what exactly one is.
Chelsea Greenwood
Apr 11, 2019
8 Over-the-Door Organizers That Will Instantly Double Your Storage
A good over-the-door organizer can be a game-changer when you aren't working with a ton of storage space.
Caroline Biggs
Apr 11, 2019
This Emerging Style Combines the Best of Both Minimalism and Maximalism
Is it just us or does minimalism feel so yesterday? Don’t get us wrong: We love a sleek and clean space as much as the next design enthusiast; however, we have to admit that the neutral color palette and lack of funky details feels, well, sterile.
Kelsey Mulvey
Apr 11, 2019
Roommates Make a Small Apartment as Efficient as Possible
Name: Austin Buben, roommate Loren Kennedy, and an English Bulldog named Sherman Location: Lower East Side — New York, New York Size: 450 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, renting (Austin has lived in the apartment for three years. Loren moved in a year ago and the two of them have made many improvements and adjustments to the space.) Austin is a creative who works in interior design and branding for hotels, restaurants, and bars. Austin loves to cook and was blessed with a green thumb.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Apr 11, 2019
The Fundamentals: Shop 5 Tiny But Perfect Studios
Everything you need to get the look of some of our most popular spaces.
Marshall Bright
Apr 11, 2019
Here’s the Truth About Those Fancy Pot Fillers
I remember my first time—seeing a pot filler, that is. A couple years back, I walked into the freshly remodeled kitchen of a friend, who also happens to be an incredible interior designer. It had all the drool-worthy bells and whistles: the butcher block-topped island, a gorgeous marble backsplash, ceiling-height custom cabinets, and a breakfast nook with statement lighting. And a pot filler.What is that for? I asked.
Laura Lambert
Apr 10, 2019
Latch Hooking and Punch Needling Are Making a Comeback and We’re on Board
Nostalgic motifs will always have a place in our hearts, but lately we’ve been seeing that carry over into the DIY home decor realm with modern takes on rug hooking and punch needling. But nostalgia isn’t the only factor behind the resurgence of these more traditional crafts: Modern textile artists are putting out amazing work, and we want to show off similar pieces in our homes.
Cat Meschia
Apr 10, 2019
The Best Modern Farmhouses on the Market Right Now
When it comes to choosing a style of home, you might have a hard time balancing your desire for traditional details with your love of all things clean and modern. But you don’t have to choose! The real estate market is brimming with fabulous renovated, modern farmhouses. According to Amy Huff, a Realtor at the center of it all in Waco, Texas, many buyers are attracted to this style thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines’s renovations on “Fixer Upper.
Lisa Iannucci
Apr 10, 2019
How to Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit, According to Landlords
So your credit’s shot due to some past troubles with bill-paying or credit card debt. Does this mean you’ll never be able to rent an apartment again? Not necessarily. “We are oftentimes at a crossroads when it comes to dealing with prospective tenants with bad credit,” says Robert Rahmanian, co-founder of REAL NY, a Manhattan real estate brokerage company.
Lambeth Hochwald
Apr 10, 2019
The Outdated Bedroom Trend Experts Hope to Never See Again
Abandoning this style can help your space feel more modern, personal, and welcoming.
Kate Streit
Apr 10, 2019
A $12 Upgrade Makes This Home’s IKEA Cabinet Look More Expensive Than It Is
Madison and Matthew are both pretty low-key individuals who enjoy a neutral and relaxing environment.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Apr 10, 2019
Before & After: A Dark, Dated ’90s Camper Gets a Bright and Airy Reno
The end result is cheery and modern.
Ashley Poskin
Apr 9, 2019