Hanging succulent in a geometric brass planter with a tall plant in a turquoise pot in the background.
DIY Brass Hanging Planter
This adorable little brass tubing planter has been making its way around Pinterest lately —and for good reason. It’s just as fun as it is affordable and stands about 18″ tall so it’s a perfect addition to any small space! If you’ve yet to work with brass tubing, this is a fantastic intro project to get your feet wet.
Feb 24, 2019
How To Remove Stains From Marble Surfaces
Whether you’re working to get stains out of an old, neglected marble mantlepiece, or rust stains out of a newer marble shower, the method remains the same. Marble is a porous material — as is our skin, and like our skin when we have a wound, making a poultice to draw the stain out of your marble works in just the same way making a poultice to draw out infection in a wound would. The recipe may vary depending on the stain, but the poultice method is consistent.
Feb 24, 2019
5 Ways to Warm Up a Cold Entryway
Maybe the front door is drafty or the floor isn’t insulated. Maybe there’s a big window that’s always cold to the touch. Maybe you enter through a dark and damp basement. For whatever reason, your entryway is always freezing cold this time of year. As a renter, there are a few things you can do to warm up this high-traffic space in your home.
Feb 24, 2019
Let’s Get Started: A Weekend of Flowers & Floors
Happy New Year! During the month of January, one assignment at a time, you are going to get your home in great shape. The effort put in over the next few weeks will pay you back with interest over the course of the year ahead. Each assignment you complete will absolutely add to the momentum of positive change that lasts long after the Cure wraps up. Now, you got that little pep talk because it’s the first weekend of the Cure, time to hit the gas and speed forward.
Feb 24, 2019
How To Turn a Vintage Vanity Into a Desk
For years, I’ve wanted to get my hands on a vintage vanity and re-work it into a really functional workspace. So when my mom texted me a photo of this little beauty from a yard sale, I knew the time had come! One of the reasons it has taken me so long to pull the trigger on this project was because all the vanities I was coming across were in really beautiful condition.
Feb 24, 2019
7 Things to Do Now to Prepare Your Home for Winter
It’s almost November, and the cold — really cold — weather will be here before you can snap your fingers. Get a jump on winter by taking care of a few things in and around the house now, while it’s still bearable temperature-wise, and you aren’t knee deep in snow and ice. Here are seven things to make for an easier transition into the cold… 1.
Feb 24, 2019
Before & After: Becky’s Brilliant Basket-Based DIY Closet Organizer System
Project by: Becky Location: Victoria, BC, Canada I can only admit this because I have now dealt with the skeleton in my closet, but I am was (fingers crossed) a huge clothes piler. As a large-scale, whole-house renovation left us needing to stretch the last dollars a little farther, my husband and I decided to tackle much of the finishing details ourselves. One item on our list was fitting out our master bedroom closet. It is not a huge closet, but at 5’X7′, it is a walk-in closet.
Feb 24, 2019
How To Repair and Prep Cracked and Crumbling Walls for Painting
Repairing small cracks and holes in your walls is an essential home improvement skill. It’s quick and easy to do on your own, once you know how. We’ve gathered together a few good tips and photos to show you how its done; check it out, gather your supplies and give it a try…you can do it! Light weight spackle or non-shrink joint compoundPutty knifeFine grit sanding block 1. Sand around the crack or use a putty knife to remove any loose paint or drywall. 2.
Feb 24, 2019
Never (Ever!) Say This Word To Guests In Your Home
We all work so hard to make our homes beautiful, relaxing spaces where we can host our friends and family. So what if I told you that by merely uttering one little word, you could derail all the positive, beautiful attributes of your home in the eyes of your guests? Please, lovelies, never say this! “Sorry about the mess.” “Sorry it’s so hot in here.” “Sorry, we’re out of milk.” Sound familiar?
Feb 24, 2019
A Photographic Ode to IKEA’s Expedit in Kids’ Rooms
IKEA’s announcement last week that they were discontinuing the ubiquitous Expedit storage unit was, ultimately, much ado about nothing as its replacement, called Kallax, is nearly identical. But the public outcry by many fans was a reminder of how beloved this versatile and functional piece is. The Expedit transcends nationality, budget and decor styles as you can see in this gallery of children’s rooms.
Feb 24, 2019
Weekend Chores: Flowers, Outbox, Living Room & Lighting
Day 17: Friday, January 24….and the weekend of January 25 & 26 Assignments: Bring home some Friday flowers, empty your outbox, clean your living room and take a look at your lighting Yes! Here we go: the last full (and yes, busy!) weekend of the January Cure. This time next week, we’ll be done. This final stretch is when things should start coming together, as you spruce up your living room for your gathering and start the big emptying of the outbox.
Feb 24, 2019
Hang Ups: Storage Solutions for Kids Rooms Without a Closet
The start of a new year often injects us with energy and motivation to organize and clean. (And, in my case, the feeling is usually gone by February!) Closets are a traditional target, but what if you don’t have a closet? Kids usually get the smallest bedrooms in the house, often lacking a closet, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a functional, organized faux-closet. Above are 15 examples to explore.
Feb 24, 2019
Eleanor’s Cure: A Crash Landing, Averted
I count myself pretty lucky that my flat has a built-in Landing Strip, in the form of a covered radiator with mirror in the entry, and hooks for coats further along the hall. I know not everyone is this fortunate (I lived for years in a flat where the keys-mail-coat situation happened right in the kitchen, using up valuable counter space), so I’m definitely grateful for my current situation. The only problem with having a ready and waiting landing strip is that you do tend to abuse it.
Feb 24, 2019
How To Get Rid of Stuff (and Simplify Your Life)
Whether you’re about to move or just trying to simplify your life, ridding yourself of clutter can be an uphill battle. Tackling a whole pile of stuff (or even just one messy room) can be pretty intimidating. And once you’re actually holding something in your hand, it can be hard to pull the trigger. “But I used to really like this!” “But maybe I will use this… someday.
Feb 24, 2019
4 Tips for Getting In & Out of IKEA Faster
There’s no question about it, IKEA is a great resource for affordable and stylish furnishings, but it can can sometimes feel like a hassle to shop at the Swedish retailer’s stores, especially when you are in a hurry. After spending some time at one of their stores this weekend, I have a few tips to help you get in and out faster.1. Pre-plan your trip.
Feb 24, 2019
7 Cozy, Snowy Cabins For Sale—For $400K Or Less
While many people are sick and tired of the seemingly endless cold and snow that this winter has delivered, others—believe it not–just can’t get enough of that wonderland vibe. In our opinion, snow is best enjoyed outside the city, in the country, where it stays white and pristine, and activities like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and the like can be enjoyed. So, that’s why we set out to find snowy cabins for sale nationwide–all for $400,000 or less.
Feb 24, 2019
10 Smart Ways to Improve Your Attention Span
Because staying focused isn't always easy.
Feb 24, 2019
Before and After: A Major Twist on a Plain Jane Cube Shelving Unit
The ubiquitous white cube shelf unit is affordable, attractively minimalist, and endlessly useful, but occasionally it needs a bit of a twist to fit in with the rest of a home’s decor. This particular unit—similar to this one from Target or this one from IKEA—needed some real TLC: I had this six-cube shelving unit in the playroom. It has several scratches on top and stickers on the sides but it was still in good shape.
Feb 24, 2019
7 Cool Alternatives to Your Living Room Side Table
Is it just us, or do all living rooms kind of look the same? It doesn’t matter if they’re large or small, minimalist or maximalist. most living rooms follow the same cookie cutter format. There’s always a cozy couch, maybe an accent chair or two, a few coffee and side tables, and a nice, big television. It’s a bit of a snooze, but what’s the alternative? Turns out, there are plenty of ways to shake up your living room layout.
Feb 24, 2019
15 Outdoor DIY Projects For Summer
Fancy an outdoor rolling bar cart? Or a succulent scrap wood table? How about a shade sail or some wine crate planter boxes? Make the most of the outdoors this summer with one (or more!) of these 15 DIY projects.
Feb 23, 2019
How To Spray Paint Like a Pro
Spray paint is an easy and affordable way to spruce up something you already have or transform a cheap craigslist find. You can spray paint pretty much anything; but a seemingly simple spray paint project can quickly go south if done poorly. Drips, crackling and uneven coverage are all common problems that can be avoided if you take your time and know what you’re doing. Here are some general tips for making your next spray paint project a success.
Feb 23, 2019
Here’s Everything You’ll Want From Joanna Gaines’s Hearth & Hand Easter Collection
Get your Easter list prepped and ready, you’re going to want to head to Target before the holiday comes. Chip and Joanna Gaines’s Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target has an Easter collection launching February 24 and you’re going to want every item for sale. The entire collection can help you craft the perfect holiday Instagram.
Feb 23, 2019
How to Make Up to $5,000 a Day By Having Your Home Star in a Movie
You’ve probably seen a good amount of Oscar- and Emmy-worthy homes in your lifetime: “Home Alone,” “The Truman Show,” “Father of the Bride,” “Breaking Bad,” and “This Is Us” just being a small handful of them. But did you ever realize that these houses on screen are people’s actual homes? Many movie-worthy homes are rented out everyday for photoshoots, movies, TV, and music videos by production companies.
Feb 23, 2019
Proof Your Wall Shelves Don’t Have to be Boring
Just because shelves are utilitarian in nature doesn't mean they have to look it.
Feb 23, 2019
6 Things You Should Never Do with Essential Oils at Home
Essential oils, which are essentially (see what we did there?) concentrated plant parts used for aromatherapy, are ultra-trendy for a reason. Not only do they smell good; essential oils can be used around the house to clean, soothe, and set the mood. Having a hard time sleeping at night? Studies show lavender might help. Tummy problems? Grab your peppermint oil. Looking for a non-toxic way to de-germ your countertops?
Feb 23, 2019
Here’s Why Your Credit Score Is Dropping for “No Reason”
You consider yourself responsible with credit: You pay your bills on time and you don’t rack up any major credit card debt. And since you’re looking to apply for a mortgage sometime in the near future, you’ve been actively monitoring your credit. But since you’ve checked last month, your score has gone down. What gives? Why is your score acting so sensitive? Sheesh.
Feb 23, 2019
Don’t Make These 6 Common Cordless Drill Mistakes
If you only own one household tool, it’s probably a cordless drill. They’re pretty essential for even the most basic home improvement projects. But it’s not just a matter of grabbing one and getting to work. Drills may seem straightforward, but there are actually a lot of ways to mess up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
Feb 23, 2019
Universal Finally Revealed the Opening Date for Their Newest Harry Potter Ride and It’s So Soon
It is official! The next ride to hit Universal Orlando’s Wizard World of Harry Potter has been unveiled. For the last year, people have been speculating what exactly would replace the closed Dragon Challenge and many theories have been thrown around. Now, some of those theories have been proven to be true! The next ride to open at Universal will be Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Feb 23, 2019
Real Estate Rom Com: History Loves Company in Savannah
In honor of love, February, and gorgeous real estate, I put together another Real Estate Rom Com featuring this stunning home on Sotheby’s International Realty. A crowd bustles down Whitaker street, weaving in and out of Forsyth Park. It’s the annual historic house walk and as a winner of the Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award, 611 is a must see for any historic house enthusiast.
Feb 22, 2019
8 of the Best Places to Live if You Love Movies
Sure, New York has a new film festival every weekend and you’re practically guaranteed to run into a local actor any time step outside. And, of course, there’s the whole city of Los Angeles. But what if you’re a cinephile who doesn’t want to deal with traffic or the MTA? Thankfully, it’s not just the major cities that host all things silver screen.
Feb 22, 2019
Before and After: We Did Not See This Kitchen Paint Job Coming
But we're so glad it happened.
Feb 22, 2019
Are Statement Ceilings the Next Big Design Trend?
Do us a favor and look up at your ceiling. What do you see? Nothing? Yeah, we kind of figured. For years, the ceiling has been the most overlooked, and under-appreciated, part of every room. Sure, you might’ve used some adhesive, glow-in-the-dark stars when you were a kid or added a statement light fixture to the mix, but that’s probably the extent of your ceiling design chops. Or so you thought. Recently, it seems like the design tides are changing.
Feb 22, 2019
The Worst Savings Advice Experts Have Ever Heard
Even if you’ve just started to save for a big purchase like a home or for retirement, you’ve probably already run into plenty of bad advice. Everyone, especially your family, seems to have an opinion on where your hard-earned money should go. But not everyone knows what they’re talking about. (Sorry, Nana!) Luckily, five money experts weigh in on the worst savings advice they’ve ever heard.
Feb 21, 2019
10 Living Room Trends Set to Take the Rest of 2019 by Storm
If the kitchen is the stomach of your home, the living room is definitely its heart. It’s where you can curl up with a book on a lazy Sunday, catch up with some friends over a glass of wine, or spend the entire weekend binge-watching whatever’s on Netflix (hey, we’re not judging). Your living room is such an important part of your home, it’s important to keep it looking its best at all times.
Feb 21, 2019
15 Repurposed, Upcycled, and DIY Storage Ideas
There’s nothing we like better than seeing something creatively repurposed into something else—particularly if that ‘something else’ is storage-related.
Feb 21, 2019
Can You Guess the Best U.S. State Capital to Live In?
It’s likely been awhile since you knew every state capital by heart. Even if you can’t remember every single one—Montana, I’m looking at you—many are probably still the first city that comes to mind when you think of a certain state. But contrary to what you may think, state capitals aren’t just wealthy metro hubs for local politics—a lot of them also offer amenities like quality school systems, an affordable cost of living, and cultural attractions.
Feb 21, 2019
10 Rooms That Prove This Vintage Accessory Can Feel Thoroughly Modern
Who doesn’t love a good record player? They’re functional, stylish, and keep popping up in home tour after home tour. If you’re worried about adding one to your own place without making your houseguests wonder if they’ve been transported back to 1962, fear not. The rooms below prove that these babies can look just as cool now as they did way back when. Placing an antique-inspired record player on a trendy storage cart helps combine past and present.
Feb 21, 2019
The $17 Find That’s Finally Whipped the Kids’ Bathroom Into Shape
Between the gobs of toothpaste, magnetic fishing poles, and the mountain of tiny laundry, if you share a bathroom with children, you know it’s not always the cleanest room in the house. Try as I might to remind my four kids to put everything away—and as valiant as my efforts are to pick up after them—the kids’ bathroom in my house was rarely in good form.
Feb 21, 2019
House Tour: Giulia’s ‘Fantasy Girl’ Formula
Name: GiuliaLocation: Park Slope, BrooklynSize: 900 sqft, one-bdrm co-opYears lived in: 1.5 years Designed to be every ‘girl’s fantasy’ Giulia’s new home is a much more accurate reflection of her taste and preference than her last living situation.Giulia does public relations for Harper’s Magazine and is writing a memoir with recipes due out next year. She is a wonderful host and takes etiquette seriously. I arrived and was greeted with hot apple muffins!
Feb 20, 2019
CHI House Tour: Jessica & Alex’s Simple Modern On a Budget
Name: Jessica, a graphic designer and Alex, a packaging engineerLocation: EvanstonSize: 1920’s 3 Bedroom Condo – (Don’t know the square footage; too lazy to measure)Years lived in: 2 >> Though we have yet to meet in person, we feel like we know Jessica a bit – we “discovered” her colorful Chicago home through her blog and sent her an email asking if she’d be up for sharing it with the Apartment Therapy community, and happily she agreed.
Feb 20, 2019
Boston House Tour: Kyle’s Jamaica Plain Gem
This is from our Boston finalist, Kyle. Comment away!Name: KyleLocation: Jamaica Plain, MASize: 1000 sfOwn/Rent: Own >> I’ve been a serial room-rearranger since I was old enough to wobble. I’m not talking about a few times a year or even once a month. My home can look radically different from week to week. My dog used to get startled when he noticed that he was dozing on a couch that was moving from one side of the room to the other.
Feb 20, 2019
NY House Tour: Olga’s DIY Like You’ve Never Seen DIY
A showcase for those who transform their residences into homes via innovative interventionName: OlgaLocation: Windsor Terrace, BrooklynSize: 743 sqft. Co-op >>Enter Slideshow! When I walked in, Olga offered me a glass of water from her energy-efficient fridge sitting in the middle of her living room. Her kitchen, at this point, exists as a mere suggestion.Black marker drawings on the floor and walls indicate future appliance and cabinet locations. We were surrounded by lots and lots of boxes.
Feb 20, 2019
House Tour: Bill and Maria’s Cat Playground
Name: Bill and MariaLocation: Carroll Gardens, BrooklynSize: 850 sqft.Lived in: 3 years >> (Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Bill and Maria, founders of Uhuru Design shared their home with the design crowd at last week’s meetup. Not only do Maria and Bill love their two cats, but they happen to be talented designers who have their own company and who make great stuff out of simple materials.
Feb 20, 2019
House Tour: Rachel’s Weatherboard Cottage
Name: Rachel PittsLocation: Footscray, Melbourne, AustraliaSize: 82 square meters [882 square feet]Years lived in: 3 years >> Rachel and Leigh’s home has a really open, genuine and fresh feel to it. One of the first things they did after purchasing their 1900’s weatherboard home, was tearing down the wall in between the kitchen and living room.
Feb 20, 2019
Alecia & Jon’s Luminous Simplicity
Name: Alecia & Jon Zasiebida Location: Near North Side; Chicago, Illinois Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; rented The first thing you see when you enter Alecia and Jon’s apartment is sky. High ceilings and a wall of windows flood the space with openness, peace, and possibility. And the simple beauty that infuses their home only begins there. Alecia is a graphic designer with a love of simple, minimal style.
Feb 20, 2019
Meagen & Mike’s Cherry Hill Victorian Decorated for the Holidays
Name: Meagen and Mike Coburn and dog Dozer Location: Cherry Hill Historic District; Grand Rapids, Michigan Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; owned I arrived on Meagen and Mike’s street on an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon in mid-December. The forty-degree weather, mist and visible green grass didn’t feel like Christmas in Michigan.
Feb 20, 2019
Rebecca & Eric’s Global Territory
Name: Rebecca Crall & Eric Neagu (and Bailey) Location: Ravenswood; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: 5 years; rented Warmth. It’s the word that best describes the feeling you get the moment you step inside Rebecca and Eric’s Chicago apartment.
Feb 20, 2019