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.
Open-plan living room and kitchen with beige walls, ceiling fan, TV, gray sofa, and green pendant lights over the counter.
Before & After: This Co-op Renovation is a Book Lover’s Dream
For almost ten years, John lived in his Hell’s Kitchen co-op while it slowly crumbled around him. The apartment, built in 1923, was definitely showing signs of its age: plaster was falling off the walls, moldings were caked with years of paint, and the kitchen cabinets, which had been replaced sometime in the 90s, were starting to fall apart. Faced with all this, and with the prospect of his partner, Katherine, moving in with him soon, John decided it was time for some big changes.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Goodbye TV: Projector Buying Tips & Advice from People Who Made the Switch
I’ve been thinking about getting a projector. The thought of curling up on my couch and recreating the movie theater experience in my own home is very appealing. But I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to buy. And I sure as heck don’t know how to get the most bang for my buck. Thankfully, three real people in real homes were more than happy to share why they’re #teamprojector for life—and it just might inspire you to make the switch.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
“Everyone Has a First Class”: One Casual Gym-Goer’s Search for Her Workout Soulmate
Hello and welcome to the new year. Let’s talk fitness. Particularly, fitness and resolutions. This year I hit the ground running (lol. But also no, that’s too high impact) by trying out four different types of fitness classes. I wanted to actually find something new that I could maybe stick with for the whole of 2017 and there’s nothing like a New Year’s resolution to push you past the “first class jitters”.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
How to DIY When You Live in an Apartment (Without a Garage or Workshop)
Being a DIY weekend warrior is a bit easier when you have fresh ventilation, room to spread out, and a place to put all that sawdust. But if you don’t have a garage, workshop, backyard, or driveway at home, don’t say goodbye to DIY. It’s possible to get crafty, even if you’re a renter living in a multi-unit building. Need proof? Jess Goodwin filled her stylish small apartment in the middle of Chicago with hand-made projects — no garage, no problem.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Our Style Valentines: The Instagram Accounts We’re Totally Crushing On
Have you ever browsed the Instagram Explore page to find cool accounts to follow, only to fall totally head over heels for one? Some Instagrammers—be they bloggers or brands—are just so good you can’t help but double tap on every single beautiful, creative photo they post. Here are 14 Instagram accounts the Apartment Therapy editors are totally crushing on this Valentine’s Day. (Seriously, these are the ultimate in aesthetic goals, and you should go follow them all.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Stop the Stress: 15 Real People Share Their Go-To Relaxation Methods
At the end of a long, stressful day, what do you most look forward to? Everyone has a different way of unwinding—for some people it’s plopping down on the couch to watch their favorite show on Netflix, for others, it’s going to the gym or taking a long hot shower. There’s pretty much no limit to how you can relax and de-stress.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Ani DiFranco’s House is the Beautiful Bohemia I Need Today
Given the events of the past couple of months, and today in particular, I was really happy to hear new music from Ani DiFranco this week. The DIY folk hero and acoustic activist released a video for “Deferred Gratification,” a song off her upcoming album “Binary,” due out in March. When you consider the tenor of political discourse lately, and DiFranco’s legendary feisty streak, it’s a surprisingly gentle song.
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
“The Good Place” Has Me Imagining What My Afterlife House Would Look Like
In case you missed it, NBC’s The Good Place wrapped up its first season last week with a pretty unexpected finale. If you’ve been sleeping on this new comedy, now’s the time to catch up—even if it’s just to check out the set design. Come for the aesthetics, stay for the surprisingly solid philosophy jokes! The Good Place is about Eleanor (Kristen Bell), a bad person who’s mistakenly sent to a section of the afterlife intended only for humanity’s best.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
Apron Front Farmhouse Sinks: Best, Budget-Friendly Picks For Your Kitchen
If you love the look of an apron front (or farmhouse) sink, look no further than this handy guide, where we’ve rounded up 22 different sinks, in all kinds of different materials and price points. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find a sink that will be a complete showstopper in your kitchen. Before you shop, here’s something you should know about apron front sinks right off the bat: they’re not cheap.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Small Changes Made a Big Difference in This Little Kitchen
If you’ve ever found yourself a bit dismayed by a remodel where the homeowners took a perfectly serviceable kitchen and subjected it a complete gut renovation, then this project is for you. Instead of starting from scratch, Lindsay and Matt made just a few small changes to their Brooklyn kitchen, creating a fresh, modern space with a minimum of hassle (and a minimal budget).
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Budget-Friendly Mini-Makeover for a Boring Bathroom
Lindsay and Matt, the Brooklyn homeowners who brought a light touch to the renovation of their less than exciting kitchen, took the same approach toward their apartment’s somewhat generic bathroom. It had been recently renovated, and they were on a pretty serious budget, so a complete overhaul wasn’t in the cards. Instead, they made a few small changes that made this little bathroom much more fresh — and much more functional.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
The Mary Tyler Moore Show Apartment Was the Epitome of Single Girl Cool
Mary Tyler Moore just passed away at the age of 80. While she accomplished much in her decades-long career, many will remember her best as Mary Richards, the single, never-married career woman that was the center of Moore’s eponymous show. We’ll also never forget that sweet, sweet apartment.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Terrazzo: The Forgotten Flooring Material is Back, and Better than Ever
The wheel of design is always turning, and at no time is this more delightful than when something you remember from your childhood as being particularly dowdy is suddenly the height of chic. My mother’s sandals and culottes are suddenly for sale at Urban Outfitters, and similarly, the floors of my parents’ house are the hottest new thing in design. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to terrazzo.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
This Versatile Vintage Classic is Back & in Bathrooms Everywhere
Mosaic tile floors are having a renaissance. Of course, as many of you will point out, they never really left — lots of bathrooms, including the one in my New York studio, have floors like this that have been there for years. So these floors are not so much a trend as a classic that’s getting a (well deserved) moment in the spotlight. The bona fides of this particular kind of floor are many: they’re classic, they’re beautiful, they work with almost any style of bathroom.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
How to Eliminate Junk Mail (& Email) Once and For All
Does it feel like junk mail is taking over your life? Between random credit card offers and ads piling up in your mailbox and a seemingly uncontrollable amount of subscriptions and spam flooding your inbox, things can get cluttered and super overwhelming—and fast. The good news is, there are some tricks and services you can use to manage both your mailbox and your inbox to keep your life as junk-mail-free as possible.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Shoebox-Sized Studio Gets a Space-Maximizing Makeover
Clashing patterns, chipping paint, and mismatched furniture is far from unusual in Beijing’s rental market. But Becky Lane’s apartment in an older neighborhood near the city’s fashionable Sanlitun district was another ordeal entirely. Despite this apartment being at the higher end of her budget and in a state that would make most expats go running for the nearest renovated home, Becky said yes to renting.
Jessica Rapp
May 3, 2019
Can You Really Dust Your Houseplants With A Banana Peel? We Tried It, Here Are Our Results!
It seems everyone and their brother has plant fever these days, and the only cure is MORE PLANTS! We’ve mastered the art of watering, they’re all stayin’ alive. Now we’re onto more cosmetic issues, like: just how shiny and clean can I get my plants? Can I buff them with banana peels? According to an old folk remedy (and a few people on YouTube) shredded banana peels draped all over plants can help to rid it of an aphid infestation.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
Real Couples On: The Biggest Purchase They’d Make Without Consulting Their Partner
How much money would you feel comfortable spending on something for your home…without consulting your partner first? After all, when you live together, you work together to decorate the space and manage the finances. We asked a handful of real couples to share any money limits they have when it comes to splurging on decor. See how you and your mate’s spending style stacks up, or get advice on how to set limits in your own partnership.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
How to Love Your Tiny Rental Bathroom: Styling Ideas from 10 Real Homes
Many aspects of a rental home are transformable, yet the rental bathroom tends to be a ‘you-get-what-you-get-and-you-don’t-get-upset’ zone because there typically isn’t a lot of literal or metaphorical wiggle room. But even with less-than-ideal rental bathrooms, and even when living with roommates or significant others—we can still elevate the style and add functional beauty. Check out 10 rental bathrooms from our house tours that do this in spades.
Julia Brenner
May 3, 2019
It’s Time You Started Living: The ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ House Is for Sale
We’re still mourning the loss of an icon. Mary Tyler Moore turned the world on with her smile, as did the Minneapolis Victorian that served as her apartment’s exterior on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The Queen Anne home that’s been on and off the market is currently for sale, and at quite the price reduction. While Mary Richards’ sweet apartment was a set on a soundstage, the interior of the Kenwood home is impressive in its own right—and just a little bit bigger.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Home Depot Tool Rental Secret That Can Save You Money
Certain tools and equipment are expensive. Like, really expensive. I think it’s safe to say that absolutely no one on the planet wants to actually buy an industrial carpet cleaner for thousands of dollars, for example, let alone find a place to store it when they’re done. Unless you use these types of things all the time, it doesn’t make any sense to own them outright, which is why we’re thankful for temporary rentals.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
10 Rules You Can (and Should) Break on Your Wedding Day
When you announced your engagement, odds are that you were flooded with questions about the planning process faster than you could get through the congratulatory comments on your ring selfie. Have you decided on a date? What about your venue? What colors are you thinking? Checking off the big ticket to-dos is a feat in itself, but when you factor how many traditional “wedding rules” there are to honor, it can get overwhelming—and quick.
Olivia Tinsley
May 3, 2019
Snail Mucus Isn’t the Only Reason Korean Beauty is Big Right Now
If the words sheet mask, Peach & Lily, 10-step skincare routine, and BB cream are familiar to you, then you’re probably up on the Korean beauty trend, which continues to grow in popularity in the US—partly because it’s lauded as a more natural, intentional approach to skincare, and partly because of the ridiculously cute packaging. I mean, moisturizing face mist in a pink bunny bottle? You had me at bunny!
Julia Brenner
May 3, 2019
You’re Doing it Wrong! 8 Ways You May Be Damaging Your Washer and Dryer
Doing laundry seems like a fairly straightforward process, and it’s one of the first chores many of us learn how to do. But there are a lot of ways—both big and small—that you could be damaging your washer and dryer in the process, so it’s important to be careful when you’re throwing your clothes in the wash.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
The Home Design Blogs You Should Be Reading for Endless Inspiration
Have you been reading the same design blogs for forever? Are you longing for a little something new and fresh (with the exception of Apartment Therapy, of course)? Stay loyal to your long-term favorites and spice up your online life with these 10 sure-to-be-bookmarked blogs.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
How Many Wedding Registries Can You Have Before You Start Getting Side-Eye?
Navigating the world of registry etiquette is tough work. To put together The Registry Rule Book, we asked some industry experts to weigh in and answer some of the hardest questions engaged couples might have. Putting together a complete wedding registry is an exercise in moderation. No bride or groom wants to look greedy by registering at multiple stores.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
How Do I Tactfully Tell People About Our Registry?
Navigating the world of registry etiquette is tough work. To put together The Registry Rule Book, we asked some industry experts to weigh in and answer some of the hardest questions engaged couples might have. The reason wedding registries can be such tricky territory is that the whole process is a delicate dance.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
3 Gorgeous Statement Wall Art Ideas to Adorn Those Empty Walls
One of the most difficult (not to mention, most expensive) decorating tasks you have to face when designing a new apartment is how to fill those big, blank walls. While store-bought statement pieces can work room-altering magic, they also come at a cost. To decorate that spot over the couch or dining room table on the cheap, turn to supplies you may already have lying around: fabric, wrapping paper and wallpaper.
AT Video
May 3, 2019
Baby Makes Three: A Shared Master Bedroom & Nursery with Global Style
Name: Marra (Newborn) Location: Fort Meyers, Florida The nursery was designed to flow with the existing decor in our master bedroom since we are sharing a space with our little girl. We live in a two-bedroom townhouse and often have guests so we wanted to keep our guest room for hosting. We needed to find a way to create a kid friendly space that still had a sophistication to work in an adult space as well. We also wanted to forgo a crib and follow a Montessori nursery style with a floor bed.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
Doing This One Small Task Today Will Make Your Bathroom Feel More Organized
No matter how often I “clean” my bathroom, it always feels like there’s a mess hiding in the shadows. An undercurrent of disorganization. A collection of clutter just out of sight. It probably feels that way because although I try to keep my cabinets and drawers tidy…I haven’t really expended that much effort, just kind of tossing my stuff into random drawers. Who has time for anything more? Thankfully you don’t actually have to have more time than that.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
A Beige Rental Bathroom Gets a Major Boost on a Budget
My friend Joseph has a beige bathroom and asked me to come over and help him do something — anything — to make it better and I jumped at the chance. Because one less beige bathroom in the world is no bad thing. He’s a renter, so it couldn’t cost a lot, and everything needed to be 100% temporary. (You know those pesky security deposits and how they don’t get returned when you make permanent changes.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Is it OK to Wash Cleaning Supplies and Clothes Together? We Have the Answer
You know how it goes — it’s been a minute since you did a load of laundry, so you roam the house scooping up soiled clothes. When you happen upon the moist dish rags in the sink and the cleaning cloths you recently used to wipe down the counters, you toss those in, too. Hey, we’ve all done it. But is it even OK to wash your cleaning supplies and clothes together? The question, of course, isn’t whether you can. It’s whether you should.
Julie Sprankles
May 3, 2019
The Best-Kept Plant Lady Secret Is Something You’re Not Doing
Keeping your plants clean (and dust-free) is vital to their health and happiness. Along with attracting harmful pests, too much dust on your plant’s leaves can make it hard for your houseplants to absorb light and properly photosynthesize (remember that from elementary school?). That’s why experts recommend dusting off your plants at least once a month by using a clean microfiber cloth. But for the healthiest houseplants possible, the cleaning shouldn’t stop there.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
A 100% Reversible Rental Bathroom Makeover For Under $500
Joseph's bathroom had some decent bones, but needed a light and renter-friendly makeover. See what we did...
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
This $50 Temporary Flooring Floats Right Over Rental Bathroom Tile
Renters rejoice.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Watch and Work Out: How To Incorporate Exercise Into Your TV Time
So you want to fit more fitness time into your day, but you also value your TV time and don’t want to miss out on your favorite shows. Rather than sacrifice your relationship with Netflix, why not incorporate some exercise into your watch schedule? Try swapping out the couch (and by swapping out, we mean more like sliding the coffee table out of the way to make room) and watching from your yoga mat instead.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
5 Secrets of People Who Go To Bed Early
If you’re anything like me, you probably continually promise yourself that tonight’s the night you’re finally going to start going to bed earlier, and then midnight rolls around and you’re still wide awake, intently reading some article you saw on Twitter (or watching “okay, just one more!” episode of your new favorite Netflix show and suddenly it’s 2 AM).
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
7 Books You Should Be Reading During Black History Month
I’m the first to get ridiculously excited about a good reading list, but Black History Month is something special—not to mention a time to honor the history of black Americans and further your education about past and present issues. From biographies to historical fiction to memoirs (and even a classic children’s book), here’s a starting point for what you should be reading during Black History Month and beyond.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
High & Low: Get the Boho Glam Bedroom Look
Sometimes the bedroom is the last space in the home that gets the love when it comes to decorating because we’re not even awake to enjoy it right? Wrong! It should be your sanctuary, a place to unwind and relax at the end of the day. This boho-glam bedroom will definitely do the trick. See how you can get this look on any budget. This beautiful bedroom designed by Ave Styles is full of interesting textures and patterns that are a little unexpected but work so well together.
Melissa DiRenzo
May 3, 2019
Want to Live Longer? This Study Suggests It’s Time to Turn Over a New Leaf
It looks like those plant lady vibes may actually be improving your lifespan. Recent research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital dives into the results of an eight year study covering the possible link between vegetation and life expectancy—and the data suggests it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Spoiler alert: Women who live in homes surrounded by vegetation not only have lower mortality rates, but improved mental health, too.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Esteban & Todd’s New Closet is Now the Stuff Of (Organized) Dreams
Closet size: 24 square feet How many people use this closet? Two. My partner Todd and I share the closet. How long have you lived in your home? Five years Your closet in 5 words or less: Small, narrow, chaotic, cluttered, disorderly. My partner Todd and I challenged ourselves to clean out our closet from head to toe, then reorganize it in a way that made more sense. We did a massive purge session, shopped for smart storage solutions, and are now ready to share our new space.
Esteban Cortez
May 3, 2019
Grow Your Own Food: You Can Now Build IKEA’s “Growroom” Vertical Farm Yourself
Back in October 2016, IKEA’s external innovation hub Space10 announced the Growroom, a spherical structure that allows people to grow their own food locally and sustainably. Last week, Space10 made the plans available to anyone who wants to build their own circular farm.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Why You Should Take a Day Off This Week
Say you woke up with flu symptoms this morning—fever, aches, a bad case of the sniffles and a cough that won’t quit. Would you call out sick from work so you could have a day to rest and help yourself feel better? We often take sick days when we’re feeling under the weather, but what about when we’re otherwise exhausted and drained or have been super stressed out lately?
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
DIY Ideas for Framing Big Art on a Small Budget
This past fall, I went on a quest for a simple frame for a long 14-by-50-inch map. After quickly realizing there was no way a store-bought frame would fit these odd dimensions, I emailed a local NYC framing company for a quote. A couple days later, there it was in my inbox: a whopping $782.09 cost estimate. As much as I value supporting local businesses, there was no way I could do it. So then how do you make a big statement without completely destroying your budget?
Katie Holdefehr
May 3, 2019
Here’s One Smart Way to Handle Your Lost Sock Problem
Keeping socks paired up through the laundry cycle is pretty simple if you toss them in a mesh bag beforehand, but that step doesn’t make its way into everyone’s routine. If you’re more likely to toss dirty socks in the general direction of the hamper—well, you’re probably hoarding a pretty large “orphan sock” collection.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019
I Lived According to the 10 Commandments of Pinterest for a Week
If you’ve ever spent even just a few minutes browsing through Pinterest, you know that it’s full of tips that people claim will make your life easier and leave you feeling happier and healthier. So, I decided to give it a go and try out all this wisdom —what would it be like to live life according to Pinterest for a week? What did I have to lose? To make this experiment possible in the first place, I had to figure out what life according to Pinterest would even look like.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Watch Out: 7 Times When Cheaper Rent is Actually More Expensive
So you found the perfect apartment—everything seems to check out, from the desirable neighborhood to the amazing rent. But is it really as wonderful as it seems? Before you start shifting those extra dollars from your rent fund to your coffee budget, double check your new home to make sure none of these hidden expenses are going to end up emptying your wallet.
Anne Momber
May 3, 2019
Real Life Closet Makeover: Aimée and Jonny’s Shared Catch-All Storage is Now Super Clean
Aimée and Jonny just gave their shared closet a major makeover from head to toe, breaking it down and building it back up to be better than before. Their main take away? Don’t be afraid to purge! It makes all the difference. See what changed, and how they tamed their trouble spots. Aimée and Jonny’s linens refused to stay stacked neatly on their shelving, preferring instead to fall over, flop around, and unfold themselves.
Aimée Mazzenga
May 3, 2019