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.
Modern kitchen with gray cabinets, round white table, black chairs, and cowhide rug. Stainless steel appliances and open shelving.
The Most Stylish Chair That Works Both Inside and Out
The number of chairs that I have in my apartment has reached an embarrassing level, but I’m honestly not even that ashamed. I’m just constantly drawn to so many different styles, from funky peacock chairs to classic cane designs. I’m always arranging and rearranging to make room for new finds, like this on-trend Windsor chair I picked up at Target.
Sarah Lyon
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Setting Up a Nursery is a Family Affair
Allison stepped in to help her sister-in-law set up her baby nursery after the passing of her mother. Her act of love and kindness led to one adorable space for the new baby, with a beautifully bittersweet story. From Allison: After my mother-in-law passed away, I decided to step in to help my sister-in-law with her nursery for her baby girl on the way.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
Decorating with Crystals: Totally WooWoo, or Something Worth Considering?
You’d have to be living under a rock (pun very much intended!) to be unaware of how popular geodes, gems and crystals have become in interiors. If I had to say where it all started, I’d point the finger at agate, which started popping up on the reg about five years ago in slice and slab form as coasters, trivets and even tabletops.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
A Real Life Exercise Diary: What Happened When I Started Going on Walks Every Morning
Here’s the thing: I used to be a very productive person in the morning. I used to be a wake up early, make myself breakfast, get out the door and make it into the office before everyone else kind of person, but lately I’ve fallen into a very slow and tired routine. My recent mornings have been kind of a struggle, so I decided to try something new to get me out of my AM slump: getting up and going for a walk outside before doing anything else.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
This Blogger Made Over Her Rental Laundry Room Using Only Dollar Store Items
Once in a blue super blood moon, a blogger comes along and from the first time you see them on video, you want them to move into your house and be your best friend. For me, that moment came this year when “meeting” delightful wish-she-would-adopt me mama Tonya Payne of Hey Tonya, whose YouTube tutorial documenting her complete overhaul of a tiny rental laundry room using only dollar store products is going viral. Because it’s genius — and she’s just plain adorable.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
10 Surprisingly Beautiful Decor Finds Worth Shopping For at Home Depot
Home Depot is a home run when you’re in need of screws, plywood, and mulch, but it may not be the first place you think of when it comes to decorating. And while I’m not about to say that it should be, necessarily, it certainly shouldn’t be ignored.
Arlyn Hernandez
May 3, 2019
These Words Were Added to the Dictionary the Year You Were Born
Some words become a part of our collective lexicon with such zeitgeist that it’s hard to believe there was ever a time when they weren’t part of the English language. And some are so definitive of an era that simply seeing them listed next to a year immediately brings you back to that time and a place — and the movies and songs that then dominated pop culture.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Square Tile is the New Subway Tile and We’re Not Sorry
It's just as cheap and available as subway tile, and you're not tired of it yet.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Fun, Unexpected Ways to Add a Blast of Color To Your Bathroom
One of my favorite trends recently is the re-introduction of color to the bathroom. After so many years of white and beige, it’s about time. If you’d like to take baby steps, you can introduce color to your bathroom with art, or with paint, or maybe even with some nice towels — but if you’re ready to really commit, consider one of these unexpected (and unexpectedly delightful) ways to add color to your bathroom.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Calling all Neatniks: IKEA’s Pegboard System Finally Hits US
Pegboard and IKEA seem like a match made in heaven and now we can enjoy this marriage here on earth. Released in Europe and other parts of the world last spring under the name SKADIS, the line just landed here in the U.S. and neatniks everywhere can rejoice. The basic SKADIS board comes in three sizes priced between $8-$16.
Carrie McBride
May 3, 2019
How to Harness the Power of Your “Tendency” to Organize Your Whole Home
We love personality frameworks because they offer us a way to understand ourselves and make us feel comfortable about traits that others around us might not understand. (Like: I need alone time to recharge because I’m an introvert.) But you can also take advantage of personality tests to let you thoughtfully hook into what makes you tick in order to create change in your life. Take Gretchen Rubin’s latest book, The Four Tendencies, for instance.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
You Should Keep a Rubber Glove Under Your Couch Cushions—Here’s Why
Seriously, stick a rubber glove under your sofa cushions and you'll never have to scold Fido for jumping on the couch again.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Bright & Modern Update for a NYC Apartment
When your work involves promoting an array of new and vintage designer furniture from showrooms, brands and private collections, it’s safe to say that you’re surrounded by decor inspiration every day. That’s precisely the case for Tamara Rosenthal, the Vice President of Marketing for the designer furniture consignment site Viyet, when she set out to renovate the 1,700-square-foot Upper East Side apartment her family calls home.
Brie Dyas
May 3, 2019
Can You Spot the Hack? The VALJE Shelving Flip
I spy with my little eye another IKEA hack done right. If you scored high on the Spot the IKEA Quiz, I have no doubt you’ll be able to spot this IKEA piece turned high-end Scandinavian home decor. This project, along with many like it, further proves how a simple change in perspective can dramatically alter the success of a space.
Amelia Lawrence
May 3, 2019
The Work Triangle: Outdated Design Myth or Absolute Must-Have?
There are few words whispered with more veneration than ‘the kitchen work triangle’ — a decades-old term that still dominates kitchen design today. But does it still hold true in the modern world? Before you start your next remodel, get the latest thinking on layouts and decide what’s best for you. As Nancy recently wrote in her series on 100 Years in the Kitchen, the concept came about in the 1940s, based on industrial motion studies aimed at increased efficiency.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Beyoncé and Jay Z Are Reportedly Buying in Bel Air
Queen B and Jay Z could be on the move. The power couple are reportedly under agreement on an over-the-top Bel Air mansion. According to The Real Deal: The eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom spread was designed by Irish architect Paul McClean, who designed at least three of the 10 priciest homes sold in L.A. last year. The six-structure compound totals 30,000 square feet with eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, four pools, a basketball court, a recording studio, a spa, staff quarters and limestone floors.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
10-Minute Mini Herb Garden in an IKEA Container
When you live within city limits, it’s rare to have access to private green space. In a perfect (and sustainable) world, we would all have our own backyards, overflowing with lush shrubbery, robust herbs, and fruit-bearing trees right next to our cute little chicken coops. In reality, we’re forced to get a little more creative – vertical gardens, hanging planters, and fruit purchased from the local market.
Amelia Lawrence
May 3, 2019
The Color Factory is an Instagram Obsession Come to Life
Color lovers, you might want to book a trip to San Francisco ASAP: The latest must-visit destination is The Color Factory, and it’s probably already infiltrating your Instagram feed. Inside the can’t miss it striped exterior, you’ll find a 12,000 square foot, pop-up “color experience.” Color Factory just opened on August 1, and tickets are selling out faster than you can say (or take a) Boomerang.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
10 Under $10: Life-Saving Organizers for Serious Shoe Lovers
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, especially when it comes to shoes. And while collecting cute pairs of kicks is almost as fun as wearing them, finding space-savvy (and cost-effective) ways to store them at home is a whole other story. Thankfully, the web is filled with affordable options for organizing a vast collection of footwear—it just takes a little research.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Is it OK to Wash Whites & Colors Together in the Laundry?
We all love shortcuts — especially when they involve saving time doing repetitive, not-fun chores that we can’t escape …like, uhh, laundry. With the more recent advent of washing machines and detergents that are said to wash clothes just as well with cold water as with warm or hot, the suggestion to flout convention and forego separating seems to be gaining popularity. Here’s why we say no to combo laundry loads and yes to doing laundry the way your mother taught you.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
#WCW: Here’s Why We Are Totally Crushing on Designer Amber Lewis
If you don’t read designer Amber Lewis’ blog or follow her on Instagram, you’re missing out on a lot. First, girlfriend is FUNNY. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, and I’ve never seen a designer come up with better names and hashtags for her projects—”Client Rad Trad” or “Client Oh Hi Ojai,” anyone?
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
8 Old TV Shows & Movies that Accurately Predicted the Future
They say that if you want to know what the future will hold, then you should study history. But it might be more accurate to substitute the word “history” for movies and television shows. For decade after decade, movies and television shows like “Back to the Future” and “The Jetsons” have depicted their take on what day-to-day living would be like in the future.
Kelly Weimert
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Building a Baby-Friendly Space, Basically From Scratch
Life comes at you fast. Lisa had been considering this room for a makeover when she found out she was pregnant and suddenly on a whole new unexpected timeline. After gutting the room they got to work adding classic elements to the structure of the room so it was more in line with the rest of the house as well as, you know, getting it ready for a baby.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
This Kitchen Appliance Hack Can Save You Thousands
If you’ve ever had your eye on a super fancy 60″ stove from companies like Viking or Wolf, you know just how expensive they are. These kitchen ranges are fantastic features for serious cooks, but an extra large one can cost beaucoup de bucks — we are talking over $10,000 for that single appliance alone. So when I saw this genius workaround, which gives you most (if not all) of the features, without the higher price tag, I really wanted to share.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
A Tiny House with a Unique (& Clever!) Bedroom Solution
There’s a problem frequently encountered by designers of very small houses, which is that beds are very nice to have while sleeping, but, even when you’re not sleeping, they take up a lot of space. Our caveman ancestors, presumably, solved this problem by having beds that rolled up when not in use: more recently, designers of so-called “tiny houses” have gotten around this by lofting beds up high, with living space below.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Before & After: This Exterior Makeover Will Make You Turn (Sea-Foam) Green With Envy
Ashley’s adorable home needed a bit of a boost in the exterior paint department. After giving herself permission to just friggin go for it, she decided that they would not only be painting their home sea-foam green, they’d be doing it themselves. Sweat was sweated, paint was painted and a few labor heavy weekends later, a bold and bright house emerged.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
Before & After: The Color That Instantly Modernizes Any Home’s Exterior
Homes across the world come in a rainbow of colors, but there’s one hue that’s king when it comes to working with just about any style of architecture. It’s not an exterior paint choice for the faint-hearted. But those willing to take the paint plunge will be rewarded with a dramatic curb appeal sure to get the neighbors talking. All black!
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Quality Finds: 10 Crowd-Approved “Buy it for Life” Kitchen Essentials
As much fun as shopping can be, having to buy the same item over and over again is no bueno. That’s why it pays to know which products are actually worth the investment, especially when it comes to hardworking items for the kitchen. The commenters at Reddit know all about the importance of buying quality appliances up front. They started multiple “Buy It for Life” threads for this very reason.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Cozy NYC Co-op’s Stunning Renovation
“Doing a gut renovation on my own—no husband, no boyfriend, just me—wasn’t easy,” admits Sarah Jacobson, of the renovation of her 750-square-foot NYC home. “It was literal blood, sweat and tears (so many tears!). It was many a moment of fear, of thinking I wasn’t good enough, of thinking I didn’t know what I was doing, of thinking I’d bitten off more than I could chew. But guess what? I did it anyway.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
This Closet App Helped Me Live Like Cher Horowitz (and Here’s What I Learned)
Since the first time I saw Clueless, I have envied Cher Horowitz’s closet. Not even her clothes—although she’s still one of my style icons, so I’ll take those too!—but the computerized system that she used to pick out her outfits. I mean, it was truly amazing, both because it was pretty high-tech for the 90s (It was 1995! Her computer had a touch screen!) and because it meant that she always looked flawless and her closet could so easily stay impeccably organized.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
Sick of Shaker? Here’s Another Kitchen Cabinet Style That Works Everywhere
Noticed one or two Shaker cabinets on Apartment Therapy or Pinterest lately? You are not the only one. The traditional style adds clean architectural interest while still blending in nicely with whatever else is going on. And it’s absolutely everywhere right now. But is it the only option if you want something timeless?
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
7 Challenges to Kick Start a Happier Healthier You for Fall
Being more mindful of your health doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling your entire diet or hitting the gym for an hour every day—there are a lot of little things you can do to help you feel like your happiest, healthiest self. Things like staying hydrated, getting in extra steps, trying new things and taking breaks are all important, and it all starts with challenging yourself to pay attention to them.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
This Decluttering Book is the Tiny Tidying Tool You Need in Your Arsenal
There are plenty of books and articles out there that can tell you exactly how to clean and organize your home, but do you want to understand your clutter better? After all, understanding your habits is one of the keys to getting better at managing them and becoming more organized.
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
A New Twist on the Matte Black Trend (This One On Your Walls)
Matte black is having a big moment. From the exteriors of houses to furniture to kitchen cabinets and more, one of the most popular ways to add matte black to your home is the easy and versatile accent wall. Want to take your matte black game to the next level though? Wall paint simply not a big enough statement for you? These two black accent walls weren’t achieved with wall paint; they’re wood walls.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
#WCW: If You Love Laidback California Style, You’ll Love Sarah Sherman Samuel
If you’re a fan of laid back California style, then chances are you’ve pinned, liked or at least scrolled through images of LA-based designer Sarah Sherman Samuel’s interiors. Though she grew up on the water in Michigan, Sarah could write the book on the bright, boho West Coasty thing that’s happening in the design world right now. But she’s not just a one-trick pony.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before and After: Two Bathrooms Go from Revolting to Reborn
Fernando and Maximiliano bought an abandoned-for-years, run-down, dilapidated house in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Though the house had good architecture, classic bones, and potential, every room needed a lot of work. A budget of…zero meant that the couple would have to do much of the renovations themselves. Here, Fernando and Maximiliano tell us about the what they were facing with these bathrooms and how they turned them around.
Federico Paul
May 3, 2019
Take 20 Minutes and Listen to This: “The SoHo Effect” by 99 Percent Invisible
99 Percent Invisible is not a new podcast, and The SoHo Effect is not even a new episode. But on a recent re-listen during a long car trip, I realized that there’s a whole lot of overlap in the Venn diagram of Apartment Therapy readers and people who would probably find this story fascinating. So here we are. I’m writing, and you’re reading, a very forthright recommendation: Go listen to this 19 minute, 38 second podcast.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An Abandoned Living and Dining Room’s Total Turn Around
When Fernando and Maximiliano bought a classic house in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of La Boca, the building had been abandoned for years and every room was begging to be renovated. With a very minimal budget they decided to redo every room themselves. When we bought the house the living and dining room were two separate rooms, and every wall had a different color or wallpaper. The wooden floors were buried in dirt.
Federico Paul
May 3, 2019
Take Back Your Space: Conquering a Monster of a Messy Closet
See it "magically" transform from chaos to order.
AT Video
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Windowless Bedroom Finally Sees Some Light
Fernando and Maximiliano bought a classic house in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of La Boca. It had great architectural bones, but the building had been neglected for years. Every room needed tons of transformation. But with a teeny-tiny budget to work with, they With almost zero budget they decided to tackle the renovations themselves! People say that you don’t miss something until it’s gone…and that became very true about windows.
Federico Paul
May 3, 2019
Before & After: An $80 Sofa Gets an Affordable and Easy Refresh
Amy fell in love with this sofa’s good bones and excellent cushions, even though the fabric was a little drab. After inspecting the piece to make sure it wasn’t too good to be true, she took it home and got to work and giving it a super easy and affordable refresh. From Amy: This is one of those sofas built with an incredibly sound construction, it’s something that is hard to find these days for an affordable price.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
The Best Day to Shop the IKEA As-Is Section
IKEA is a many-splendored place. Along with rows and rows of inexpensive but stylish furnishings, the mega-retailer also boasts a pretty impressive “as-is” section—filled with broken items, custom returns, and of course major markdowns. However, the only problem (like most hassles related to shopping at IKEA) is timing: figuring out the best day to show up to peruse these oft-ransacked shelves.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
HAY Launches a Kitchen Line at MoMA
While we’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of HAY’s collaboration with IKEA (due in stores this October!), the Danish brand has some more great news: They just launched a collection of kitchen items, and they’re available as of today at the MoMA store. HAY Kitchen Market is a curated collection of essentials from HAY’s co-founder Mette Hay.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Two Big Reasons To Paint Over Your Exposed Brick Right Now
I’ll just start off and say that there’s a lot to love about exposed brick walls. I’ve lived with many over the years, and there’s no substitute for the warmth, texture, and authenticity they bring to a room. But those are just the pros, because exposed brick can also be kind of a nightmare. So, read on to decide if all that historic charm is worth the headache.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
An Under-$20 DIY Project to Add Curb Appeal
Stephen and Amy bought their first home together in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood in 2013. Their home is adorable inside and out, with many of the elements crafted by the couple. There is one small element that I think has a big impact on their home’s curb appeal — and it’s an easy and affordable DIY! “When we bought the house, there were ugly numbers nailed to the door.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Sliding Barn Doors Aren’t Just for Fans of HGTV’s Fixer Upper
Not all barn doors have to look as if they came straight from a farm. Here are our favorite picks, from rustic to modern.
Brie Dyas
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Finding Space for a Third Bedroom, Beautifully
Buying an apartment in New York often involves a level of compromise. When Deeksha and Joe moved from D.C. to New York, along with their three-month-old son, their dream was to find a three-bedroom apartment. Reality was a spacious apartment in Washington Heights, with gorgeous views of the river — and only two bedrooms. But in the apartment’s L-shaped living room, they saw an opportunity.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
5 Ruthless Questions to Ask Yourself When Decluttering
The very hardest part of clearing things out of your home isn’t the actual brawn of walking them out the door. Nope, there’s another muscle that needs exercising to prepare for this fight: Your brain. The tough part of decluttering is truly the mental aspect of deciding what should stay, and ultimately, how to get over the hurdle of liberating those once-worthy objects from our ownership. You have to be merciless.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019