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.
Woman lifting child in a bright kitchen with white cabinets, books, and plants.
There’s A Psychological Reason You Want to ‘Nest’
My house has never looked better than it did in the third trimester of my pregnancy. My kitchen cabinets and bedroom closet were organized, my carpets and counters were clean, and my living spaces were decked out with the latest mid-century pieces from Target and CB2. As I deep-cleaned and primped my home prior to the baby’s arrival, I knew exactly what was happening: I was nesting. (And then the baby came, and all bets for a clean or well-designed home were off.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Should You Let Your Pet Sleep With You? We Dug Up the Answer
Pets belong on the bed. At our house anyway, and at many of yours, I bet. In fact, surveys on the topic show that around half of pet owners let them sleep on the bed. As for us, our little guy Truffle starts out wedged between my pillows and my husband’s, but at some point in the night moves to curl up to my back, a solid, warm little brick that’s surprisingly immovable for 16 pounds.
Dana McMahan
May 3, 2019
Behind This Door is A Small Apartment With Some Really Smart Storage
You know we are suckers for smart storage — especially in small spots — and when it’s well-designed and executed storage, we get especially excited. This 550-square-foot Toronto apartment is not only a beautiful home, but it packs in tons of clever, built-in solutions that check off all the right boxes. The apartment comes from Stacey Cohen Design, who called upon a wealth of design knowledge and experience in taking advantage of every square inch of space, in every room.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
10 Things to Get Rid of as You Pack Up Your Kitchen for a Move
Moving is the worst! Or, more accurately, packing is the worst. Getting set up in a new home is fun, and a chance for a fresh start. But packing is a slog, and if you’re not at least a little strategic about it, you can make more work for yourself. One essential part of your packing process should be decluttering. Do not put something in a box if you don’t want it to live in your new kitchen!
Ayn-Monique Klahre
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Rusty, Fungus-Ridden Bathroom is Now Ravishing
This bathroom has a lot working for it — streamlined sink, flowered toilet, a cute tiled floor, and boats, boats, boats — but, as we’ll soon learn, it has a lot working against it. Let’s just say you never want something making your wallpaper bulge out… This is a tricky room to photograph, so I’m leading with a few more before shots to get you oriented in the space.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
The 10 Things I Hate About You House Is on the Market
“You’re just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you,” which is what you’ll be singing to this house. And for good reason! Not only is it beautiful, it’s also the house featured in classic teen movie 10 Things I Hate About You. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the gorgeous Victorian has plenty to offer up outside of its Hollywood pedigree, but that doesn’t hurt. The five bedroom, four bathroom 5,760 square foot house is on the market for $1.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
The Kitchen Splurge I Totally Regret Buying
Kitchen renovations are basically one long series of compromises. Stumble upon a Ferrari red Bertazzoni range at half price? Obviously you have to slash the budget elsewhere (many elsewheres) to make that the star of the new kitchen. More often than not, these compromises are focused on the savings and not the splurging. Those splurges are oh-so-tempting, though, and wait for you around every corner—and on every Pinterest or Instagram refresh.
Dana McMahan
May 3, 2019
If You Love Kitchen Islands, You’ll Love…Bathroom Islands?
Kitchen islands are not really polarizing—if you have the room, you probably want one. But bathroom islands? Now there's something new to covet.
Danielle Blundell
May 3, 2019
Is Walmart Really That Much Cheaper Than Target?
Target sells just about anything, from motor oil to mattress pads to milk. But of course Walmart sells a lot of the same stuff, too (plus some). Both of these stores aim to be your one-stop shop, whether you’re shopping in person or online, and this got us wondering: Are their prices as similar as their inventory? We compared prices at both stores, evaluating some of the most common household goods and personal care items to see which one will offer the biggest bargains.
Danielle Centoni
May 3, 2019
This Ranch Featured On Fixer Upper Just Had a Price Reduction
While some folks just cannot get enough of all things Fixer Upper and Chip and Joanna Gaines, others are cooling on the couple and their Magnolia empire in Waco, Texas — including, it would appear, local home buyers. A few years ago, after Fixer Upper was well into its third season, each real estate listing for a home featured and fixed up on the show could command a bidding war, but now the same or similar inventory sits on the market, even seeing reductions in price.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Don’t Make These 7 Costly Home Improvement Mistakes
Taking on a home improvement project is expensive enough as it is – why add to the bill? Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or remodeling an entire bathroom, here are some costly mistakes to avoid. It’s crucial to take care of structural issues before starting on cosmetic fixes.
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
Check Out This Empty Candle Jar Hack, Courtesy of Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski
We can’t get enough of the touching reboot of Queer Eye that debuted in February, courtesy of Netflix. If you’ve already binged all eight episodes of season one, hoping the Fab 5 will magically show up on your doorstep ready to make you over from head to toe while instantly becoming your new BFFs, well, that probably isn’t in the cards. But following the fellows on Instagram is a close second, because they offer up style tips, motivational mantras, and smart hacks all the same.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
If You Like Bad Design, You’ll Love This Instagram Account
While there’s certainly never any snark about houses around these parts, we can still appreciate it when it’s artfully done. @PleaseHateTheseThings compiles the best bizarro, wackadoo real estate and design photos the internet has to offer, presenting them with just the right amount of sarcasm and wonder. The brainchild of interior designer Dina Holland, the account catalogues all the “absurd, ill conceived & just plain stupid things in home decor” with razor sharp wit.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
This New Zealand Home in a 1920s Converted Factory Is a Plant Lover’s Dream
Name: Ron Goh Location: Auckland, New Zealand Size: 2142 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned Ron is a digital designer… and a plant addict, as evidenced by the Auckland home he shares with his partner, and two dogs (a mini schnauzer and chihuahua). He describes their loft, located in a 1920s converted factory in the Victoria Quarter, as packed with character and featuring cityscape views. There are two levels: an open plan kitchen/dining/living area below and two bedrooms above.
Adrienne Breaux
May 3, 2019
In Honor of Its 150th Anniversary, Little Women Is Getting a Graphic Novel
Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel Little Women is a moving story of four sisters—Meg, Joe, Beth, and Amy—growing up during the Civil War. The popular story inspired many adaptations, including movies, musicals, operas and children’s books. Now, to celebrate 150 years of the March sisters, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has partnered with Tapas Media to give the beloved story a modern and more inclusive update.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Chloe Benjamin, Author of ‘The Immortalists,’ Has an Enviable Number of Bookshelves
Chloe Benjamin, who lives in Madison, Wisconsin, spent years writing her epic novel The Immortalists, an emotional story about four siblings who learn the exact dates of their deaths from a mysterious fortuneteller. As Varya, Daniel, Klara, and Simon grow up and grow apart, this knowledge drives distinctly different journeys and forces each to question whether we control fate—or fate controls us.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Leni Zumas, Author of ‘Red Clocks,’ Offers a Peek Into Her Writing Space
Leni Zumas’ novel Red Clocks is one of the most talked-about of 2018, celebrated for telling a complex, thoughtful story about five strong women grappling with motherhood in vastly different ways. Her central characters—a biographer, a daughter, a wife, an explorer, and a witch-like mender—find their paths intersect as reproductive rights undergo major governmental regulation.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019
Justin Timberlake Lists His SoHo Bachelor Pad For $8M
As anyone watching the Golden Globes red carpet could plainly see, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are a match made in Hollywood heaven — which could be why, eight years after purchasing it and two years after wedding his perfect partner, Timberlake has finally listed his former NYC bachelor pad.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Apartment Therapy’s Top 10 Instagrammers to Jumpstart Your Spring Goals
Tuesday, March 20, marks the first official day of Spring! Depending on where you are in the country, it might still feel very much like Winter outside, but the equinox is, indeed, upon us, which means warmer weather can’t be too far behind (…right?). In the meantime, you can use that fresh start on the calendar to get going on some of your goals for the new season.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
3 Mistakes You’re Making When You Stretch
Stretching is critical component of physical fitness and overall health. “It keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” according to experts at Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.
English Taylor
May 3, 2019
Tyra Banks Bought a Stunner of a Pacific Palisade Mansion
Star of the hit movie Life Size and creator of little known reality show America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks has reportedly picked up a brand new California property. After selling her gorgeous New York condo last spring, Banks recently purchased this sprawling Pacific Palisades home for $6.995 million. The 6,160 square foot, five bedroom, five and a half bathroom contemporary home boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and amenities fit for a supermodel.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
5 (Free) Apps that Will Guarantee You’re More Organized Next Tax Season
Tax prep can be a major drag. Along with gathering all of your W-2’s and interest statements, you have to organize a mountain of paperwork—think: receipts, expense reports, and so on—to file your taxes properly. Luckily, there are several smartphone apps designed to streamline the daunting process of preparing your taxes. From receipt organizers to mileage trackers, here are five foolproof (and totally free!) apps that will have you ready for tax season in no time.
Caroline Biggs
May 3, 2019
Newlyweds Nest in an Easygoing ’70s Ranch House
Name: Chelsea Daffinson, my husband Brion, two dogs Harley and Stella and a whole lot of plant babies. Location: Marietta, Georgia Size: 1800 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned We were previously renting in Historic Marietta when we had the realization that we were paying rent equal to a monthly mortgage payment. This 1,800-square-foot, 1973 home caught our eye and, while we were hoping to buy a starter home, we found that this was going to be our forever home.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
May 3, 2019
If You Love Renovations and Mysteries, These Hallmark Movies Are For You
Did you know one of America’s most loved 90s pop icons is at the helm of her own Hallmark Channel movie franchise? Jewel, who continues to successfully pull off going only by her first name despite transitioning into an acting career, is the lead in her third Fixer Upper Mystery, which premiered this month, following two previous 2017 movies in the series.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
Here Are the Details on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Untraditional Wedding Cake
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are bucking tradition. According to royal history, the chosen wedding dessert should be a fruitcake. But luckily for their boatload of wedding guests, Harry and Meghan have decided to eschew tradition and go with something a bit more trendy. The couple are going with a lemon elderflower cake. Kensington Palace announced the delectable treat news in a tweet on Tuesday, saying “For their wedding cake Prince Harry and Ms.
Megan Johnson
May 3, 2019
A New Service is Here to Help You Become The Ultimate Stylish Plant Parent
Bloomscape, a newly launched startup out of Detroit, wants to help you become the plant parent you’ve always wanted to be. If you’re a beginner who is kind of befuddled about what plants to buy, where to buy them and what to do when you get them into your home, Bloomscape might be for you. If you think you’ve got a pretty good handle on the situation but could use a little moral support and loving advice, Bloomscape might also be for you.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
Explain It All: Why Was it So Easy for Sam to Climb into Clarissa’s Window?
By now, you already know that Melissa Joan Hart and company are in talks to reboot Nickelodeon’s 90s hit, Clarissa Explains It All. As the Hollywood Reporter said of the project, the new show would see former star Melissa Joan Hart reprise her role as Clarissa Darling, but this time, she’d play the mom of the family. How very Girl Meets World of them!
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
Can You Make It Through The Scariest Movie on Netflix?
Netflix can be pretty tight-lipped on their viewer data (with the exception of occasionally trolling its users on Twitter), but now they are reporting that there’s one horror movie on the streaming platform that many viewers are just too scared to finish. The 2017 horror movie Veronica is one of the scariest movies on Netflix. Set in 1991 Madrid, Veronica is about a teen girl who finds herself besieged by an evil supernatural force after she plays Ouija with two classmates.
Meryl Williams
May 3, 2019
Beyoncé’s Former Hamptons Rental (Yes, Another One) Is For Sale
Depending on who you ask, this totally qualifies as one of those urgent questions that need answers: Who wants to live in a home Beyoncé once rented ? You can, that is if you have enough coins and crisp dollar bills to purchase Sandcastle, the Carters’ not-so-humble former rental in Bridgehampton that is now on the market for $49.95 million.
Kenya Foy
May 3, 2019
This Astrology App Will Help You Figure Out How Compatible You Are With Your Crush
Is it just me or does it seem like astrology is everywhere? Not that I’m mad about it—I check about four different sites every Monday and look forward to our Home Horoscopes every month. I was talking to my friend Emily the other day, a true astrology believer, about getting back into the online dating game when she whipped out an astrology card to check on my compatibility with a guy I’d matched with.
Nora Taylor
May 3, 2019
Adam Levine Sold His LA Mansion to John Mayer
With celebs often buying one another’s homes, sometimes the world of celebrity real estate can feel like one big episode of Trading Spaces. Such is the case when it comes to the recent sale of Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo’s home. The Maroon 5 frontman and star of The Voice and his model wife have just sold their sprawling LA ranch — which registers at just over over 7,000 square feet — to fellow musician John Mayer for $13.5 million.
Marni Epstein-Mervis
May 3, 2019
A Fresh Modern Twist On a Beloved Old-World Material
We're here for it.
Autumn Hachey
May 3, 2019
4 Things You Should Never, Ever (and Actually Can’t) Donate
As the holidays approach, you’re probably beginning to haul your seasonal decorations and wrapping paper out from storage. Surprise! Your storage space is brimming with things you totally forgot about, too. But don’t be dismayed by all the crap you forgot—it’s actually great that you’re noticing it during a season when giving back is top of mind. Think of the holidays as your yearly reminder to donate your old, outgrown, and gently used items.
Rebekah Hall
May 3, 2019
The Plant-Saving Reason You Should Put Charcoal in Flower Pots
While most people think it’s neglect that does house plants in, over-watering is actually the most common way to kill your green friends. Keeping them alive means figuring out how to not drown them, and that’s where charcoal comes in. Without proper drainage, water will linger at the bottom of the pot, and roots become water-logged and susceptible to rot, fungus and bacteria. Unfortunately, when it comes to water, not all flower pots and planters are created equal.
Dabney Frake
May 3, 2019
You’ve Been Overlooking This Surprising Source for Small Space Decor
You’ve probably heard of the site Dormify, but didn’t consider giving it a second glance because, well, you’re not in college anymore. However, considering the brand’s well-curated selection of decor for small spaces, it’s just as ideal for the urban dweller as it is for collegiate dorm rooms. Check out some of our highly covetable finds below. This black-and-white Scandi-inspired pillow sham will take your bedding game to the next level.
Karen Marsala
May 3, 2019
What It’s Really Like Being on a Home Improvement Show
To your average homeowner watching HGTV, the idea of Fixer Upper hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines or some other home improvement hero waving a magic hammer and turning your 1970s kitchen catastrophe into something out of a glossy magazine spread sounds almost too good to be true. So is it? We asked two alumni of home renovation shows to tell us what the experience was really like, and whether there were any downsides or unwelcome surprises. The verdict?
Jon Gorey
May 3, 2019
West Elm’s New Collection Will Have You Dreaming of Summer
West Elm’s boho-chic summer collection of furniture and accessories will have you throwing impromptu garden parties in no time (even if it’s just a backyard-less fantasy). The globally-inspired, itching-to-be-Instagrammed looks include rugs in modern ikat patterns, eye-catching woven seating, and a plethora of modern outdoor furnishings.
Nicole Haddad
May 3, 2019
The Steel Magnolias House is a Bed and Breakfast—And You Can Stay There
Clairee, Ouiser, M’Lynn, Annelle, Shelby. If these are names of women who are as dear to your heart as any real-life girlfriends, then pack your bags for a trip to the real-life Chinquapin Parish—known to locals as Natchitoches, Louisiana. Where the Eatenton home from Steel Magnolias is now an actual bed and breakfast, with bookings available.
Melissa Massello
May 3, 2019
Amazon Wants to Pay You to Declutter
I like to think I’m a pretty savvy Amazon shopper. I regularly surf for Lightning Deals and take full advantage of Subscribe & Save and no-rush shipping discounts. So I’m a little shocked I didn’t know about this well-kept secret sooner. Have you heard about Amazon Trade-In? Amazon’s Trade-In program lets you turn in used items in exchange for Amazon gift cards and discounts.
Taryn Williford
May 3, 2019
No Costco Membership? 5 Stores That Will Match the Warehouse’s Prices
Don’t want to shell out $60-$120 on a Costco membership, but do want to take advantage of the club’s low prices? Well, you’re in luck, because these five retailers helpfully offer price-matching to us lowly non-members. Read on for all the details. There are reminders for each of the retailers below, but it warrants emphasis: be sure to read the fine print for any price-matching policy you come accross.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
The One Thing I Always Do When I Move Into a New Rental
Earlier this week, we published an article that shared six stylish solutions for those (kind of awful) vertical blinds you so often see in rental apartments. Of course, they are incredibly practical, and if you’re all about privacy and so-so about aesthetics, then keep on keepin’ on I suppose. But me? I can’t stand them. They look so… institutional and devoid of any personality.
Arlyn Hernandez
May 3, 2019
Before and After: How To (Subtly) Modernize An Antique Dresser
This is a Very Serious Dresser, and while it is certainly beautiful and worthy of preservation, how does one incorporate a dark, gravitas-filled antique into a home that’s decidedly not all stained glass windows, turrets, and gargoyles? Don’t worry—the answer is not “paint it white.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
I Rewatched the Original Trading Spaces and Here’s What I Learned
“Trading Spaces” and I go way back…like Alex McLeod back (the season 1 host prior to Paige Davis joining the show). I was but a mere high schooler with a penchant for basic cable when I first laid eyes on Ty Pennington’s puka shells and Hildi’s offensive wall treatments. The OG interior decorating reality show, Trading Spaces definitely spawned my foray into the world of interiors, but after re-watching the original series (the TLC reboot airs April 7th!
Jessica Isaac
May 3, 2019
A Laundry Room Goes From So Much Brown to Wow
A proper laundry room is a fabulous thing to have, but this one had a few issues: indoor vinyl siding, various holes, and so much brown, brown, brown. Laundry is tedious enough already — if you have a chance to make the experience more pleasant, take it.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Before and After: Making Room For Two in 440 Square Feet Isn’t Easy
This post is especially for those of us who have lived in 400-ish-square-foot homes, and with a loved one we’d like to keep loving. We can relate to the limited storage, style compromises (there’s zero “me” space), multi-multi-use rooms, and eccentric bed positioning. This studio, shared by a married couple, is an inspiring small space, both pre- and post-renovation. This dreamy decor was designed and executed by Kate Lemmon of Kate L Photography.
Tess Wilson
May 3, 2019
Joanna Gaines Talks About What’s Next After Tonight’s Final Fixer Upper Episode
Tonight is the series finale of Fixer Upper, and if you’re in denial, you’re not alone. Jo took some time today to reflect on the end of the show over on Magnolia’s blog. While the power couple aren’t exactly disappearing forever, deciding to end their hugely popular HGTV show last fall came as quite a surprise.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
I Researched 30 Yogurts and Now This Is the Only One I’ll Buy
I recently spent hours examining every yogurt label I could find to determine which yogurts have the least amount of sugar. I was focusing on toddler yogurts for this story for Kitchn about low-sugar yogurt brands, but it got me thinking about the yogurts I eat, too. It was shocking, truly, to discover most yogurts have a ton of added sugar. I had frequently heard this was the case, but I assumed it was the “dessert” yogurts like strawberry cheesecake or cookies and cream.
Danielle Centoni
May 3, 2019
5 Important Lessons We Learned from Lauren Graham’s New Book
Grads everywhere may be thumbing through Oh The Places You’ll Go!, which is all well and good, but we think Gilmore Girl-turned-author Lauren Graham has written the next classic for high school and college graduates. Her small-but-mighty book, In Conclusion, Don’t Worry About It, was developed after she gave the commencement speech at her high school in 2017 and realized she had some valuable advice for young people on the cusp of new chapters.
Samantha Zabell
May 3, 2019