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.
Colorful lunch bags on a wall; open bag with banana, egg, popcorn, and cookies.
Out to Lunch: 12 Top-Rated Lunch Boxes & Bags for Kids of All Ages
Ahh, back to school. The heady smells of crisp notebook paper and waxy crayons are in the air, which means it’s time to figure out where your kiddos’ lunch will be served out of when it’s time to put those pencils down and beeline toward the cafeteria. Here, we rounded up 12 top-rated picks for kids of all ages, from of-the-moment-but-really-useful bento boxes to easy-to-carry top-handle bags.
Arlyn Hernandez
May 3, 2019
Still Not on the Bullet Journal Train? This Book Explains Exactly How to Use them to Get Your Life Together
Bullet journals basically do it all—they’re a totally customizable place to keep track of just about everything in your life, and they’re beautiful enough to be Instagram content (seriously, every time I look at a bullet journal I’m reminded that I need to up my penmanship game!). There’s also so much bullet journaling content out there that, if you’re new to the whole concept, it can be a little overwhelming. Where do you start?
Brittney Morgan
May 3, 2019
A Teacher-Turned-Designer Furnishes a Playroom for Her Kids
Project by: Alana Chernecki of Brillante Location: East St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada Alana, a school teacher turned designer, blended both of her realms of knowledge in creating a playroom for her daughters. A mix of style and pedagogy, the space is designed to foster creativity and imaginative play, while still looking sleek and age-appropriate.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
AI Designs My Little Pony Names That Sound More Like Monty Python
The scientist who brought us future paint colors named by artificial intelligence like Bank Butt and Snowbonk is at it again, this time using her research and software to dream up new My Little Pony characters.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Move Over Avocado Toast: Bachelor Parties Are Why You Can’t Afford a Down Payment
Want to buy a home but having trouble saving up a 20% down payment? You could theoretically try bailing on your buddy’s upcoming bachelor party. Zillow recently crunched some numbers to find that attending a string of destination bachelor parties in your 20s and 30s can add up — to a full third of a down payment on a typical home. Bachelor party attendees reported spending an average of $738 apiece, according to survey data from wedding website The Knot.
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
How To Make a Leather Bench with Only One Power Tool
I have a confession: Sometimes using power tools scares me. I know – that’s embarrassing for a DIY-er to admit. But I also know, deep down, I can’t be the only one who feels this way. So, what if I told you that you could make this bench with minimal tools and minimal upholstery skills? Seriously, there is no sewing involved.
Cate Henderson
May 3, 2019
Neat Freaks Might Just Be Superior Humans, According to Science
Do you have cleaning wipes at the ready at all times? Does sweeping make you feel Zen? Have you been taking flak from your friends for years for being a quote-unquote neat freak? Well then do we have some good news for you. People who like to clean are supposedly happier, according to research recently conducted by The Clorox Company (who, of course, it deserves to be noted might have a vested interest).
Julie Sprankles
May 3, 2019
Room Sweep! Try This 20-Minute Entryway Decluttering Strategy
The hardest part about decluttering has to be the “getting started.” Without a real nudge to dive in and actually do it, you might never feel the urge to, say, tidy up a few over-stuffed baskets or cluttered drawers. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do today. The thing is, today’s “room sweep” micro-mission is a timed exercise. All you have to do is focus your energy on one area—today, the entryway—and deal with it for just 20 minutes.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
The Finishing Touch That Will Set Your Bathroom Apart
Here's a fresh new way to add a little fun to your bathroom.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Here’s Where To Stream Your Favorite Saturday Morning Cartoons
We bet the sheer mention of some of these shows from the classic era of Saturday morning cartoons will bring their theme songs back to earworm status. The good news is, many of them are now available to watch again — this time digitally remastered, sans commercials — thanks to the magic of streaming TV.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
“Pittsburgh Potties”: A Real & Very Mysterious Thing
Ever wandered down into someone’s basement and seen a fully functional toilet in the middle of the room? ‘Pittsburgh Potties’ are just that —common commodes installed in your average unfinished basement, without walls or doors —and so named because of their prevalence in Western Pennsylvania. Why, you might be asking, is this an actual thing in this area? I’m glad you’re as curious as I was.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Why I’ll Always Keep “Alvin Corn” in My Cleaning Kit
I love inexpensive, simple DIY household cleaners with one giant caveat: they have to work. One of my very favorite homemade cleaners is Alvin Corn. I’ve mixed one up for every bathroom in the house and one for common areas and it’s one cleaning solution I’ll never replace. Alvin Corn is a homemade glass cleaner that actually works — and works so very well. I first found out about it years ago on Crunchy Betty when she tested several homemade glass cleaners.
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
How To Take Plain Store-Bought Curtains to the Next Level
While ready made curtains are perfectly wonderful out of the package, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to make them a little bit more special.
Arlyn Hernandez
May 3, 2019
When In Decorating Doubt, Follow the 3/3 Vertical Rule
Sometimes the best way to decorate, particularly when you don’t know where to start, is by looking at nature itself. Plenty of decorators will tell you that they find color combos in nature, or that you can’t go wrong with a nature-inspired floral or foliage pattern. And don’t even get me started on the crazy plant lady trend, which I’d wholeheartedly participate in if keeping plants alive were actually a strong suit of mine.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Memphis & Facts of Life-Inspired Nursery
When Jessica and her husband moved into their home they knew that they would need to do some serious updating. They took off the Beetlejuice wallpaper in their guest room and when it came time to turn it into a nursery they decided to go full fun. A little bit of Memphis, a sprinkling of Facts of Life, a dash of FAO Schwartz and you have a super cute, very unique nursery.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
One Dirty Thing You Should Wash with Your Regular Laundry
We’ve all been there. After several loads of laundry, the measuring-cap-slash-lid on your detergent can get pretty grimy with gunky buildup. But thanks to a clever tip from Redditor bluechris11, we now know a solid way to quickly clean your gross detergent caps. Believe it or not, you can simply toss your dirty detergent cap in with your next load of laundry to give it a good wash.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
You’re Probably Not Washing Your Throw Blanket Enough
If you’re anything like me, then you love cuddling up with plush throw blankets when you’re in bed (and on the sofa). But with all that close-knit nightly snuggling, it can be hard to figure out the right time to let go of your favorite throw and toss it in the wash. Luckily, we have laundry experts John Mahdessian, founder of Madame Paulette, and Kim Duk Won, owner of Manhattan’s Nordic Cleaners to call upon for help.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Big Changes for a Very Small NYC Bathroom
After living with the cramped, unremarkable bathroom in his Manhattan apartment for almost a decade, Charlie had a pretty clear idea of what he wanted out of his renovation: “I wanted it to look bigger.” Which was a bit of a challenge in a 40-square-foot space with no windows — but I think you’ll agree that this renovation rises to the occasion. The biggest change was replacing the old tub with a glass shower stall, which significantly opens up the space.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
Renovation Ideas to Steal from Updated Ranch House Exteriors
In today’s real estate market, affordable ranch homes are proving their potential. When they aren’t dismissed, torn down, and then replaced by larger McMansion-style homes, they get snapped up by eager buyers happy for the large lots, large windows and friendly layouts. These exterior renovations show you don’t have to compromise your style, and that there are so many ways to customize and modernize an ‘outdated’ home’s appearance.
Brie Dyas
May 3, 2019
It’s Official: This Overlooked Budget Flooring Looks Great Absolutely Anywhere
And all for less than $1 per square foot.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Here’s a Fool-Proof Plan for Cutting Down an Overwhelming Collection
New technology is forever changing the way we live with media at home, but I bet you’re still hanging onto some relics of the past. Instead of ignoring them—hidden away behind the doors of a TV console or the depths of a storage closet—today, we’ll try and cut down on those collections. If you have a cherished collection—say, a perfectly curated assemblage of vinyl records or books—today’s mission will go quickly.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
7 Secrets to Getting the Anthropologie Look at Home
As a design lover, Anthropologie is hands down one of the the best places to window shop, browse and discover. There’s something inspirational and beautiful to see in every corner of the store, and half the time, it’s not even merchandise but Anthropologie’s expert propping, styling and display pieces. I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m in an Anthropologie, I get a “I never want to leave this place” feeling.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
If You Ever Spill While Cooking, You Should Stash Some Chalk in Your Kitchen
You know how weightlifters and gymnasts use chalk powder to keep their sweaty hands dry? The same principle carries over with all kinds of grease (dry shampoo, anyone?). Next time you find yourself with an oil splatter or greasy stain on your favorite top, trade in your stain stick and try pre-treating with a little chalk instead. Like baby powder, chalk is ultra-absorbent, making it a must-have to keep on hand for bacon grease splatters and lipstick marks alike.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Committing to Color to Transform a Kids Room
Project by: Jessica Davis of Nest Studio Location: South Orange, New Jersey Jessica wanted to give her daughter’s room a new look, something age-appropriate but not overly precious or childish. A large room with good light, the possibilities were endless, but she settled on a rich color for the walls and timeless furniture that her daughter can grow with.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Really Dark Brooklyn Kitchen Lightens Up
Although this Greenpoint kitchen, at 100 square feet, is much larger than many NYC apartment kitchens, it was suffering a bit from dark, heavy finishes. The black countertop sucked light out of the space, and glass-front cabinets left nowhere to hide clutter, making the kitchen feel chaotic and cramped. Plus, two of the cabinets were blocking a window — never a good look. The new kitchen embraces lightness and brightness, but, refreshingly, doesn’t go all the way white.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
The Best Purple Wall Paint Color Comes from a Surprising Source
When John and Melissa bought their Pennsylvania home, they wanted to create a space that would grow and evolve with them and their family. That’s why choosing the right wall paint color was even more crucial: They wanted something bold, timeless, and flexible. In addition, their paint choice had to be versatile enough to accommodate future additions to their home — perhaps a new sofa or different wall art. The winning hue is purple, and the source for this shade is surprising!
Esteban Cortez
May 3, 2019
Flip or Flop’s Christina El Moussa Takes Elle Decor Inside Her Bachelorette Pad
It’s been a busy year for Flip or Flop star Christina El Moussa, and she’s not slowing down. The HGTV heavyweight, whose split from husband and co-star Tarek El Moussa back in December had the internet in a frenzy, recently opened up her doors to Elle Decor for a home tour.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
Basic, Not Boring: Beautiful Kitchens That Elevate the Humble (& Affordable) White Tile Backsplash
White tile — it’s timeless, classic, affordable and looks good in just about any backsplash, regardless of your kitchen or bathroom’s style or size. Its ability to complement any color palette or material selection means you can choose something that will remain classic and flexible for your home’s future. But what can be done to keep it looking fresh and unique?
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Fridge Always a Mess? This Common Reason May Be the Cause
My problem isn’t the physical act of cleaning my fridge out; I do that every now and then without trouble. The real issue is keeping my fridge organized and functional for more than a week or two at a time. The whole beautiful array of fresh veggies and lined up condiments will slowly turn into a jumbled clutter that hides almost-expired products and allows dishes of leftovers to grow their own ecosystems in the back.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Planning a Kitchen Upgrade? Secrets to the Perfect Island
Pin this for later.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
The Well-Tailored Closet: How These Fast Wardrobe Fixes Transformed My Wardrobe
There’s no faster way to look more put together and elegant than having a closet full of well-tailored clothes. But if you have a hard time finding pieces that fit you properly—from struggling with long pant hems or boxy blazers—know that there’s an easy fix for that: A tailor! Bringing your clothes into a trusted seamstress to be nipped and tucked can make all the difference, especially considering you can change the details that you don’t find flattering.
Marlen Komar
May 3, 2019
This Epic San Francisco Estate Takes Up an Entire City Block
Considering this San Francisco mansion takes up an entire city block in the most expensive urban real estate market in the country — one of the largest private lots in the Bay Area — and is a compound comprising four separate residences around a sculpture garden, it’s actually kind of a steal at $12.5 million.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Anatomy of the Ultimate Kitchen Island
This kitchen above designed by Laura Butler-Madden, is very pretty, with deep blue cabinets, brass accents, and open shelving. It sits on one end of a huge, open concept great room with soaring ceilings and beautiful herringbone floors. But this room’s highest achievement may be achieving “peak kitchen island”. Let’s zoom in on it and discuss, shall we? First off, it’s freaking huge.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
Floyd Mayweather Just Paid $26M Cash for this Beverly Hills Mansion
Two things are for certain, Floyd “Money” Mayweather loves to make headlines, and it’s been a great year for the boxer. He won the much-hyped “one-of-a-kind superfight” against UFC champ Conor McGregor last month, the estimated $300+ million in winnings from which enabled him to do good (purportedly one of several athletes who promised to donate millions to Hurricane Harvey relief in Houston) and #treatyoself with luxurious new digs.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
7 Times Simple White Paint Drastically Transformed a Room
No one doubts the transformation that painting an entire room in neon pink would have (bold, to say the least), but tell someone you painted an entire room white, and they might wonder what the next coat will be. These rooms prove, however, that white is its own standalone color that can make a huge impact on a space. Perhaps white paint’s biggest super power (other than being affordable and versatile, of course) is its ability to brighten up a space.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
Before & After: From Cherry Wood Beast to Mind-Blowing Beauty
This unremarkable “cherry wood cave with black plastic counter tops” in the suburbs of Chicago was transformed into a dreamy kitchen, full of personality and luxurious finishes. The homeowner spent months searching for the perfect interior designer, someone who would bring authenticity to the project, and the wait was clearly well worth it.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before & After: An Oppressive Beige Bathroom Gets a Dose of Color
There’s no denying the appeal of vintage bathrooms — but Rachel and Michael’s vintage bathroom had seen better days. The tilework, though charming, was badly chipped, and the tight, walled-in enclosure made showering a bit of a claustrophobic experience. The original vanity, mirror, and lights had been replaced with ones that didn’t quite suit the style of the room, and then on top of it all, there was the color of the walls: a very bad, oppressive beige.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
The Money Pit Home Is for Sale — and It May Be an Actual Money Pit
Before there was Chip and Joanna, there was Tom Hanks and Shelley Long in the classic 1986 film The Money Pit. The duo starred as two yuppies who buy a sprawling estate for just $200,000 in a distress sale. But naturally, nothing goes right when they attempt to move into the home, which ends up being a deathtrap with collapsing stairs, a bathtub that falls through the floor, and even a resident raccoon. And now, it can all be yours!
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
This Kitchen Was The Worst Part Of The House, Now It’s The Best
When Kia Designs renovated a house in London that had been previously used as a house share, they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them—especially in the kitchen, which was easily the worst part of the house. They hoped it would come to be the heart of the home, a place that people would love to gather in and hate to leave. To give you a sense of how far this room came, take a look at it in it’s original state: Clearly, mission accomplished!
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: See The Amateur Kitchen That Won Remodelista’s Considered Design Award
Zachary Leung’s Toronto kitchen was recently declared the 2017 Remodelista Considered Design Awards Best Amateur Kitchen, and it’s not hard to see why. He lovingly converted this 130-year-old dark and awkward room into a space that’s somehow both timeless and of-the-moment, with room for entertaining, laundry, and cleverly concealed storage. It’s hard to believe this was designed by someone who doesn’t do interior design full-time for a living.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Creative Ways to Add Plants to Even a Tiny Kitchen
Nothing adds life (literally and aesthetically) to a space quite like plants. And in a kitchen, plants can serve a double purpose, because if you choose to grow herbs, you can look at them and eat them, too. You may think that having a teeny-tiny kitchen means no room to grow things, but that’s where you’d be wrong. If you’ve got the light, we’ve got nine ideas for ways you can find the space.
Nancy Mitchell
May 3, 2019
You Probably Haven’t Heard of a Junk Bowl, But You Need One
It’s the final week of our month-long decluttering plan (you can catch up here if you want to join in), and hopefully your home is feeling lighter, leaner and more in-control than ever. That’s why now is the perfect time to set up a system that I believe is the secret to keeping future clutter from getting out of hand.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
This 20-Minute Bathroom Clean Out Is the Easiest Thing You Can Do For Your Home
I don’t know about you, but my bathroom is usually the first casualty to clutter. I think it’s because it’s the last room I spend time in on my most hurried, out of control days. In a rush to get out the door, I leave my bathroom in a mess of tissues, makeup and hair products that, yeah, don’t get picked up as quickly as they should when I get home. So my bathroom has always been in a perpetually messy state that lends itself to attracting more clutter.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
The Easiest Closet Clutter Clearing Trick
Decluttering is an exercise in introspection. You need to think about the way you feel about your things (aka the entire KonMari philosophy) and also about when and how you use them. Who wants to hang on to things they don’t need? It’s that question—will I really use this?—that is at the heart of my favorite closet decluttering exercise: The reverse hanger trick. The idea is that you turn all the hangers in your closet around so that they hang backwards on the rod.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
This Fairytale Cottage in Washington Is a Replica of Snow White’s House
It took 12 years and two successive, fantasy-loving owners to complete, but this charming little cottage in Ollala, Washington is now an exact replica of Snow White’s House — and it’s for sale. According to Travel+Leisure, the 2,800-square-foot home features four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms on five private, gated, wooded acres — and all the character and charm you could want from a real-life Brothers Grimm fairytale, minus the seven dwarves.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Why You Should Spray Vinegar Around Your Windows
We’re eager for that moment to throw our windows open to fresh spring breezes — and it seems that the things outside our homes are awaiting the opportunity, too (but for different motives). If it’s not the pollen blowing inside, it’s the bugs that somehow make it through the tiniest nooks and crannies you don’t see (even if you have screens).
Shifrah Combiths
May 3, 2019
Sorry, But These Home Improvements Just Don’t Pay Off
If you plan on selling within five months, or even five years, a renovation is usually planned with extra consideration for resale value. Though there are certain updates that will always be a worthy investment with wide appeal (read: hardwood floors), some projects aren’t worth the trouble if your goal is to maximize your home’s value. One of the most common pitfalls for value-focused renovators is going overboard on the extras.
Brie Dyas
May 3, 2019
Does Sun Bleaching Really Work? We Tried It
Nothing compares to the smell of fresh laundry that’s been hanging outside to dry. Not only is it a fresh and efficient way to do laundry, it’s also oft-touted as a way to brighten whites without having to use special detergents or harsh chemicals. All you need is plenty of time and sunshine. First, wash your clothing as usual, adding up to ½ cup of lemon juice to the wash for an extra boost. (You can also add lemon juice to a spray bottle and spray directly on tough stains.
Ashley Poskin
May 3, 2019