The Latest: 2019

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A row of apartments viewed from the street front.

My Husband Was a Live-In Super. It Opened Our Eyes to a Whole New Side of Renting

When my partner, Devin, got hired on as the on-site manager at our 33-unit apartment building in Seattle, he received a quick demo of the clunky, crash-prone software used to track rent payments, a key to the maintenance closet, a pamphlet from the 1960s explaining how to program the building’s callbox, and a pat on the back from ownership.

Kelly Knickerbocker

Mar 16, 2019

Here’s the Real Difference Between an IRA, 401(k), Roth IRA, and a Roth 401(k)

You’re set to start saving for your future. You already put money aside for retirement every month, but you’re probably already wondering how you should invest it. Which type of retirement savings account is best for you? Should you start a 401(k), an IRA, a Roth 401(k), or a Roth IRA? What even are the differences? What about if your first home is your savings priority right now?

Rebecca Renner

Mar 16, 2019

Before and After: A Random Catchall Room Gets a Storage-Packed IKEA Upgrade

When Kristina moved into her new home, the lackluster office was of little use to the owners—besides being a place to toss mail, or hang art that didn’t fit with the rest of the home. Kristina decided that, if she was going to use a room as a dumping ground, it was going to look as fabulous as the rest of her home. Instead of a hodgepodge of furniture and decor, it’s now a highly functional mudroom, ready to organize all Kristina’s incoming and outgoing things.

Emily Shwake

Mar 16, 2019

Why Brass Trunks Are My Favorite Way to Tie a Room Together

Growing up, we had a few trunks in my house from my mom’s and grandma’s childhood days. They were worn-looking and covered in stickers from summer camp and travels, but they didn’t exactly catch my eye. As I grew older and started decorating my own apartment, I began to spot brass trunks all over Pinterest and fell for them, hard. Unlike the black, weathered trunks we’d had in our basement, these were shiny, glam-looking, and much more my style.

Sarah Lyon

Mar 15, 2019

Shop the Best Looks from Interior Define’s Instagram with This Exclusive Discount for AT Readers

Springtime is the season to make big home changes and invest in larger furniture items—it’s that “out with the old, in with the new” vibe in the air. You don’t need a lot to refresh your space in small, subtle ways, but if you’re ready to commit to a piece of quality furniture, allow us to direct you to Interior Define.

Nicole Lund

Mar 15, 2019

What the Most Successful Airbnb and VRBO Hosts Know About Staging Their Home

So you’ve decided to rent out your pad to earn some extra cash. Depending on where you live, you can stand to make a hefty profit by making your home available for rental through services like Airbnb and VRBO. Before you dive in, though, it’s crucial that you come prepared. There’s more to being a successful host on these popular vacation rental sites than meets the eye, and if you want your property to stand out, presentation is key.

Kate Streit

Mar 15, 2019

A U.K. Home Brilliantly Blends Leopard Print, Kitsch, Color, and Humor

Name: Siouxsie Crow, husband, and two kids Location: Sussex, United Kingdom Size: 840 square feet Years lived in: 15 months, owned We bought our house in August 2017; it’s number 37 and I was 37 when we moved. It’s our first home, as previously we’ve rented. I live here with my husband Sholto, who is an art director and all-around creative. We have two children: a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a third on the way.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 15, 2019

Wallpaper Was the Answer to Maxwell’s Makeover of Two Guest Rooms

I’ve covered kitchen/dining room as well as the entrance/living room, so now we’re going to stroll down the hall on the main floor and visit the two guest rooms down at the other end. There is also a bathroom in between. These rooms sit exactly in the same position as the old house, because I loved the layout. They are easy to get to, but private with their doors at the far end of the hall.

Maxwell Ryan

Mar 14, 2019

Makers Spotlight: The Crafter’s Box

I can’t remember how I first heard about Morgan Spenla and the company she’d started just a few years ago, The Crafter’s Box, but something made me stop, check out the site and call her up to find out what she was doing. What she was doing was building a company in her hometown of San Diego around a personal passion and a professional belief that crafting is a true antidote for our web addled world.

Maxwell Ryan

Mar 14, 2019

These Modern Tiny Houses Offer a ‘Pay As You Live’ Option for Urban Nomads

Thanks to the evolution of residential spaces, the term “house-hopping” has gained an alternate meaning. Case in point: Berlin startup Cabin Spacey’s prefab tiny houses. Singularly known as the Minimal House, the conservatively-sized structures are designed to accommodate so-called “urban nomads” who are in search of instant housing.

Kenya Foy

Mar 14, 2019

This Was the Most Popular Paint Color the Decade You Were Born

Walk into any recently renovated home today and chances are you’ll see a lot of greige—a neutral color that’s the perfect combination of gray and beige. There’s no denying it’s the paint color du jour. It’s funny how, oftentimes, you can instantly pinpoint how modern (or not) a room is just by looking at the color of the walls. Some day our children might look back and wonder why we all plastered our walls in such a boring color!

Brigitt Earley

Mar 14, 2019

How to Improve Your Credit When You Have None

Establishing credit poses a tricky Catch-22: You need credit to get credit. This can prove to be quite a conundrum if you’re trying to rent an apartment, buy a home, or, heck, simply need car insurance but don’t qualify because of a thin credit file.

Brittany Anas

Mar 14, 2019

The Best Online Mortgage Payment Calculators, According to Experts

Whether you’re a serious buyer or daydreaming to pass the time at work, a common part of buying a home is trying to predict your monthly mortgage payments. Is it going to end up being cheaper than your rent? Are you going to need to downsize a bit? You probably want a ballpark number before you call your mortgage lender and hire a real estate agent, so you plug the numbers into an online mortgage payment calculator.

Heather Senison

Mar 14, 2019

Before & After: This $400 Bathroom Redo Has a Genius Way to Cover Textured Walls

Before Ashley put her guest house up on Airbnb, she wanted to give the bathroom a fun update. It was simple and sparse in comparison to the rest of the home, so, even though she was working on a tight budget, she was determined to use her DIY tricks and unique style to make it an exciting space for guests. Ashley carved as much time out of her schedule as she could—during nap times, evenings, and weekends—to work on the bathroom.

Emily Shwake

Mar 14, 2019

Partner

Spring Refresh: 3 Simple Garden Projects That Work in Small Spaces

Despite any residual chill, it is finally spring! Which means that now is the time to prep your garden. In warmer climates, you can start planting right away. In colder zones, start your plants indoors and transplant them outside when the weather warms up. And regardless of where you live, this is a great weekend to get started on some easy DIYs to pot your plants.

Creative Studio

Mar 14, 2019

A Small Boston Studio Apartment Has One of the Best DIY Bedroom Lofts Ever

Name: Graham Gardner, partner Sarah, and dog Murphy Location: Jamaica Plain — Boston, Massachusetts Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting We are Graham and Sarah—both nearly 30, nearly married, and together for nearly eight years. So far, so good. Sarah is the smart one—thoughtful, sometimes shy, always empathetic, and caring.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 14, 2019

It’s Not All Retirees and Disney: 5 Reasons Why I Keep Moving Back to the Southeast U.S.

There is no shortage of things to see and do in the nine states that make up the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia). I’ve loved living here for most of my life, and even decided to move back after a grand three-year adventure living in Alaska.

Lauren Ramirez

Mar 13, 2019

25 Easy Tips, Strategies, and Ideas for Small Space Living

As we close out our Small Spaces & Simple Living month here on Re-Nest, we’re rounding up a list of tips and ideas provided by YOU via this post. Everyone has a bit of a different take on coping with small spaces: it’s all about purging your stuff. No, it’s all about organizing your stuff. Wait, it’s all about storing your stuff!

Cambria Bold

Mar 13, 2019

Hot Tip: How To Keep Your Paint Rollers and Brushes Fresh

My fiance and I have spent our last two weekends priming ceilings. It’s hard work, but rewarding. Every night after a few hours’ work, we fastidiously clean out the rollers and brushes, using more water than we’d like—and they’re never up to par the next day. This was our practice until a friend stopped by today and let us in on a painter’s secret.To make the rollers and brushes last much, much longer (and save gallons of water in the meantime!

Amber Byfield

Mar 13, 2019

This $2.95M Home Used to Be a Library and, Wow, I’ve Never Wanted Anything More

A day ago, if you would have asked me about my dream home, I would have said something very vague and mentioned the words “glass,” “mid-century modern,” and maybe even, “Actually, don’t tell anyone but I kind of loved the house Eleanor lived in on ‘The Good Place?'” But that has all changed now that I have become aware of this house in Rockport, Massachusetts, that is now on the market for $2,950,000.

Liz Steelman

Mar 13, 2019

Before & After: A Mini $250 Makeover for That Awkward Space Under the Stairs

The little nook at the bottom of these stairs wasn’t really serving a purpose. The steamer trunk is undeniably cool, but it couldn’t do the heavy lifting of filling out the otherwise blank question mark of a space. Suzanne was transitioning into her new life as founder of a design company and really needed a place to work until she could move into an office. She thought about using the basement, but it was dark and sparse.

Emily Shwake

Mar 13, 2019

6 Stylish Accent Tables You Can Get on Amazon for Less Than $50

Accent tables can do a lot to make a room feel finished, but for such a small piece of your room, they can end up being surprisingly expensive. Fortunately, one of our favorite online retailers, Amazon, offers an impressive assortment of accent tables that are both super stylish and inexpensive. From a pair of nesting end tables to a two-tiered coffee table, here are some of the best accent tables under $50 on Amazon. The only thing better than a sleek and space-savvy end table is two of them.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 13, 2019

Elbow Grease Made This Small 400-Square-Foot Studio Extremely Livable

Name: Jenii Stewart and two cats, Robin Hood and Will Scarlet Location: Uptown — Chicago, Illinois Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, renting I’m a graphic designer and animator and love plants (I’m slowly growing a green thumb), bugs, and my two cats, Robin Hood and Will Scarlet. They both have an excess of personality and it keeps things interesting. Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Mid-century bohemian nerd chic.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 13, 2019

This Instagram Account Wants to Add ‘Cleaning Brand Designer’ to Your Resume

NBD wants to be the next big cleaning brand. But right now, NBD is literally no big deal—because it doesn’t exist yet. If you search this startup cleaning brand’s name, the first page is all unrelated results like one from Urban Dictionary that defines the internet acronym NBD as “no big deal.

Taryn Williford

Mar 13, 2019

Basic Guide to DIY Basket Making

I come across so many beautiful baskets in stores that I forget these items are often handmade. With a little bit of practice and patience, it’s not so hard… as long as you start small. After all, they don’t joke about bird courses as ‘basket weaving’ courses for nothing! I recommend preparing your materials (find local materials, then dry and soak them), then weaving them into small shapes or flat mats.

Emily Smith

Mar 12, 2019

How To Convert the Dining Table Into a Desk Workspace

After careful deliberation, my girlfriend recently decided to say farewell to hour long bus commutes to pursue some promising freelance opportunities and work from home. The bad news? We only have one home office space between us in our modest sized one bedroom apartment (and in reality it’s only the smallest of converted closet spaces).When space is at a premium, dining tables can easily become serviceable desks. The challenge is keeping it organized for dual duty.

Gregory Han

Mar 12, 2019

Tips for Keeping a Clutter-Free Kitchen

With the rise in open space floorplans, having a neat and tidy kitchen has become increasingly important. If not kept in check, kitchen clutter can soon take over the entire space. And a cluttered kitchen is a sure fire path to frequent take-out ordering. Here are tips for keeping your kitchen clutter-free and ready for meal prep.• Keep the countertops clear – Coffee maker, toaster, mixer, blender … so many little appliances, so little space.

Jason Loper

Mar 12, 2019

Before &amp After: Painted Ceiling Transformation

Yuko’s new workspace in Japan was cluttered and disorganized when she moved in. Her unpacked items desperately needed a place to go. Lucky for Yuko, a little paint and a lot of organization really transformed this space!We first saw this space a few weeks ago in Inspiring Studios & Workspaces. Apartment Therapy readers responded so well to Yuko’s space that I decided to do some investigating. Yuko was kind enough to provide us with a “before” image of this space.

Meg Lewis

Mar 12, 2019

The 6 Amazon Small Space Buys That Make My Apartment Livable (and Lovable)

Because offering advice on small space living is kind of our thing.

Nicole Lund

Mar 12, 2019

What to Do With an Inherited Collection

There are many ways to inherit collections. Sometimes loved ones pass and leave behind keepsakes or parents downsize during a move. Collections can be highly personal and carry a sentimental value that outweighs any monetary value. There is no proper way to handle inherited collectibles. Each situation will vary, but often the most difficult decision is the most basic one: do you keep it?

Susan Mitchell Blavin

Mar 12, 2019

One Minute Tip: Three Ways to Use Vertical Space

Today’s One Minute Tip comes from Fay Wolf, with three simple ways to rethink vertical space. • The Star: Fay Wolf is a singer-songwriter, actor and professional organizer. She’s acted on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Bones, and her songs have been heard on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Pretty Little Liars. Fay’s Los Angeles-based company New Order has been organizing lives since 2006, helping creative people deal with both inner and outer clutter.

Rebecca Blumhagen

Mar 12, 2019

Here’s Who Will Pick Up All That Furniture You Konmari-d (For Free!)

Moving can be a giant pain in the butt. Yet, while you’re packing up your entire existence, it’s a great opportunity to assess which of your possessions you no longer need or want (and perhaps those that don’t spark joy?) including furniture. While it’s tempting to kick old furniture to the curb and let the garbage man take care of it, it’s much more sustainable and useful to donate such items to a charity, such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. The best part?

Chelsea Greenwood

Mar 12, 2019

Line Art Is the Trend Minimalists (and Wannabe Minimalists) Need to Know

It's taking over home design, one line at a time.

Marlen Komar

Mar 12, 2019

The Laziest Way to Dust Around Your Decor (Without Moving All Your Knick-Knacks)

Some people enjoy cleaning, and for various reasons. It could be the feeling of accomplishment or being able to exert a small but tangible amount of control over their environment. Or it might be something as simple as catching a thrill from vacuum lines in the carpet. I’ve never heard of anyone who likes dusting, though. Dusting, of course, is essential to any well-thought-out cleaning regimen. And when left undone, it’s not only unsightly, but can lead to allergy attacks.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 12, 2019

Should You Just Buy Now or Save Up More for a Down Payment? Here’s How to Decide

You see homeownership in your future. But, after looking into your crystal ball—err, savings account—are you envisioning yourself at the closing table in the next month? Year? Five years? TBD depending on if you win the lotto? Fewer than four out of 10 millennials own homes, according to research from the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based social and economic policy group.

Brittany Anas

Mar 12, 2019

A Cabin in the Forest Has Colorful Wallpaper, Patterned Tiles, and All My Envy

Name: Ayanna Barton, family, and short term rental clients Location: Kerhonkson, New York (Hudson Valley) Size: 820 square feet Years lived in: 8 months, owned Our vacation cabin is located in Kerhonkson, a hamlet in the Catskills only two hours from New York City. Initially, I hesitated for a long time to purchase the little cottage. I had recently purchased another home and did not have any plans of buying another property so soon.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 12, 2019

Before and After: After a Minimalism-Inspired Makeover, a Dark, Dated Living Room Is Light and Bright

This north-facing, low-floor unit lacked natural light, but Paige replaced blinds, ripped out a built-in bookshelf, and painted the walls a bright, fresh white.

Adrienne Breaux

Mar 12, 2019

How Do I Remove Permanent Marker From a Laptop Screen?

Sent by AngelaEditor: First try using a pink eraser to remove the mark. If the marker stain proves stubborn, a mixture of 1 part isopropyl rubbing alcohol with 2 parts water (you make have to tweak this proportions) can also remove the stain.Ironically, using a black dry erase marker over the permanent marker can also help remove Sharpies marks, due to the solvent in the formula!Leave any additional suggestions for Angela in the comments below.

Gregory Han

Mar 11, 2019

Look Inside: A $2M Laguna Beach Cottage with Ocean Views and Gardens Galore

Glorious gardens and dreamy ocean views combine to create a scenic sanctuary in Laguna Beach. 805 La Mirada St Located in Laguna Beach, California $1,998,000 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 1 partial bath It’s tough to narrow down our favorite part of this Laguna Beach home that proves cottages can be both charming and contemporary. Keeping watch over the Pacific Ocean, the panoramic beach views are an obvious contender.

Brittany Anas

Mar 11, 2019

Don’t Throw Away Your Old Mascara—It Could Save a Baby Duck!

If you thought your dried-out mascara wands weren’t good for anything but the trash can, think again. Thanks to Reddit user marilynbmonroe, the web is abuzz with a surprising—and potentially life-saving—way to repurpose your old mascara wands when you’re done with them. The Wands for Wildlife initiative is asking supporters to recycle their mascara wands to help save the lives of wild animals.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 11, 2019

Before and After: This $800 Bathroom Remodel Is the Stuff DIY Dreams Are Made Of

The work paid off.

Dabney Frake

Mar 11, 2019

4 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund, According to a Financial Planner

‘Tis the season for filing taxes and more importantly, receiving your tax refund. But before you go and blow it all on a trip to Tulum or a pricey pair of shoes—guilty!—you may want to consider some more productive ways to use your tax refund. We called on financial advisor Douglas A. Boneparth, CFP and President of Bone Fide Wealth for advice on how to smartly use our tax refunds, no matter how big or small the amount. But first: savings.

Caroline Biggs

Mar 10, 2019

BarkBox Sells Flower Crowns for Your Dog–Just in Time for Spring

We’re finally approaching the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The first day of spring is March 21 and it cannot come soon enough. To say we’re tired of all the snow and gloomy weather that winter has brought would be an understatement. If we could break up with winter, we totally would and we’d never call it back. With spring approaching, that means warmer weather, and with that, it means we’ll finally get to see some beautiful flowers!

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

7 Tweets That Hilariously Sum Up How Hard It Is to Buy a House

Buying a home can be an incredibly stressful process. Although it’s exciting to look forward to having a new space to call your own, anyone who’s been through it before can tell you it’s not always as fun as it looks on HGTV. From trying to figure out what you can actually afford, to finding the right real estate agent, to the delicate art of making an offer, the home-buying process is not without its craze-inducing moments.

Kate Streit

Mar 10, 2019

This Bar In Orlando Has a Dog Park and Even Serves Doggy ‘Beer’

Every dog owner thinks that their dog is the best. And they are right! We all have the best dogs in the world. If you’re obsessed with your dog, you are obviously not alone. In fact, nearly half of pet owners prefer to cuddle with their dog, rather than their human partner. For one couple, their love for their dog inspired them to do something big. Paul Jaszczenski and Lainie Pekich brought home their beloved German shepherd, Kaia, and never wanted to leave her side.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

This Sunny Home Has 75 Houseplants… Each with Its Own Name!

Name: Wendy Lau, husband Kwan, and a whole lot of plants Location: Toronto, Ontario Size: 1,770 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, owned I was first drawn to this house for the natural lighting and the sunroom and I knew that it would be perfect for all my plant babies. It was a true labor of love as we renovated this 1970s home to update it to its full potential. We took down all the interior walls and made it one big open space.

Apartment Therapy Submissions

Mar 10, 2019

This Woman’s ‘The Office’-Themed Bridal Shower Would Be Approved by The Finer Things Club

Everyone has that one TV show that just makes them happy, no matter how many times they’ve watched all of the episodes. For quite a few people, that show is “The Office.” The show is the most-watched TV program on Netflix, with nearly twice the views that “Friends” gets, according to data released in 2018.

Ana Luisa Suarez

Mar 10, 2019

5 Tips for Cutting Down On Dirty Dishes

As hard as one might try to piece together the perfect kitchen, if you find yourself with an uncontrollable mound of dishes, that perfect kitchen ends up looking like a pile of mess. But is every spoon, fork, cup and plate in the sink absolutely essential? Can you really cut down the amount of dishes you do every day, without using disposables? Yes! Here are five places to start. 1. Own fewer dishes.

Alison Gerber

Mar 9, 2019