The Latest
2020

The Latest: 2020

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.
A big rectangular mirror in an intricate gold frame hung on the wall in a bright and airy living room
The Gilded Mirror Trend That's Taking Over Interiors
Style
It's the comeback kid of 2020.
Arlyn Hernandez
Jul 17, 2020
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Quartz Countertops
Read and learn.
Dabney Frake
Jul 17, 2020
Butcher Block Countertops Have One Major Drawback
Butcher countertops are still having their moment. They can add warmth and character to an otherwise sterile kitchen, and the natural and classic look of wood can simultaneously upgrade a kitchen and give it a timeless feel. But as with any trend, you should be wary of adopting it unless it’s a style that truly and personally brings you joy. When it comes to butcher block countertops, which require extra maintenance and can pose unique challenges, this is especially true.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 17, 2020
8 Ways to Design a Happier Home
Your home is your haven, and you deserve to be happy in it, no matter how much money you make, how big your space is, or how much you know or don’t know about decorating. The good news is there are tiny tweaks you can make to boost your mood in your house, and none of them cost a fortune. Some of them are scientific, so you might not even understand how or why the happy hits you. Just go with it—and the rest of these strategies for feeling your best in your nest.
Danielle Blundell
Jul 17, 2020
These $13 Colorful Amazon Throw Pillowcases Trick People Into Thinking I’m Fancy
They're a dupe for West Elm at a fraction of the cost.
Alyse Whitney 수지
Jul 17, 2020
A Dark Blue NYC Rental Apartment Makes a Case for Maximalism
David, a NYC theater set designer, has lived in this rental apartment for 10 years.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jul 17, 2020
Italy Is Giving Away Hundreds of Historic Buildings For Free
If you’ve ever lusted over Italy’s gorgeous architecture (who hasn’t?), we’ve got some news for you. The government is accepting proposals for 103 historic sites, and in exchange, they’re yours, rent free. Most of the historic buildings are old homes, inns, and monasteries, but some of the properties up for grabs are literal castles.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Beautiful Backsplashes Made from Sheet Materials
The Kitchn Editors
Jul 17, 2020
How To: Soundproof Your Home
Of all the problems associated with urban living, noise is the one that drives people the most nuts (For an example, watch this Italian clip). From the knocking pipe in the bedroom, to the upstairs neighbor’s rock’n’roll medley, to the bridge and tunnel traffic outside the window, noise can disrupt sleep, distract you when concentrating and stress you out after work when you need to unwind.
Maxwell Ryan
Jul 17, 2020
A Warm and Welcoming Home in a Dream Neighborhood
Name: Anissa Location: Meridian Hills — Indianapolis, Indiana Anissa’s home is a lovely mix of warm woods, bright whites and pops of greenery. Renovating a home is never easy, especially a unique and older one, where striking a balance between maintaining the character of the home and keeping it fresh is key. After dreaming of living in this neighborhood for about a decade, Anissa and her family made their dream come true.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jul 17, 2020
DIY Fabric Curtains to Conceal Clutter
The Kitchn Editors
Jul 17, 2020
5 Ways to Instantly Modernize an Old & Dated Apartment
Your apartment. It’s not quite a dream home. The floors are terrible and the kitchen is in need of an overhaul. Your rental might not be Mr. Right, but it is Mr. Right Now. If the place you call home feels a little dated, here are some easy ways to modernize your apartment.
Taryn Williford
Jul 17, 2020
5 Things You DON’T Really Need
From Apartment Therapy → 5 Things You DON’T Really Need Stores want to sell you lots and lots of stuff, that’s their job. Your job is to figure out which things you can’t live without and which ones you should leave on the shelf. That’s where we come in.
The Kitchn Editors
Jul 17, 2020
Here’s Your First Look at Ellen’s Collection for Loloi Rugs
Ellen DeGeneres has been busy. The comedian, TV host, and most recently designer has been working on several new home collections under her ED by Ellen brand, including a line of rugs, pillows, and throws for Loloi. The collection was first announced in October 2016, and debuted at the Las Vegas and Atlanta markets in January. The rugs come in seven styles and multiple colorways each.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Ingenious Ideas for Fitting in a Small Workspace
​Time to stop working from your couch.
Danielle Blundell
Jul 17, 2020
Meryl Streep Just Bought This Mid-Century Home in Pasadena
Meryl is on the move. The 20-time Academy Award nominee (and three-time winner) just dropped $3.6 million on a mid-century pad in Pasadena, California. Streep and her husband, sculptor Don Gummer, are the first people to buy the home in nearly fifty years, according to the exclusive on Variety. Built in 1959, the 3,087 square foot property sits on nearly two acres in the hills of Pasadena and has panoramic views of the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains and the Colorado Street Bridge.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
21 Things You Can Do With Lemons and Lemon Juice (That Don’t Involve Food)
Lemons are kind of a miracle to me. Their wizardly talents range from saving sailors from untimely scurvy deaths, to working equally as well in savory and sweet dishes. And on top of that, lemons are an ace all-natural cleaning agent to use around the house. Lemon is a cleanser and deodorizer that can work wonders for your skin, wardrobe or dresser drawers. Make a serum to calm your puffy, swollen eyes. Mix lemon juice with sugar or salt to create a deliciously smelling body scrub.
Taryn Williford
Jul 17, 2020
76 (Mostly Free) Virtual Things To Do at Home Right Now
Bookmark and browse whenever boredom strikes.
Nicoletta Richardson
Jul 17, 2020
Before & After: The Year’s Most Dramatic Transformations
We like to reserve for our very last Before & After roundup the projects that really wow you. As in, these ‘after’ photos will leave you shocked. Amazed. Inspired. Take a look at some of this year’s most dramatic transformations. Click on the slideshow to see the projects. To learn more about each project (and see more pictures), click the links in the captions.
Nancy Mitchell
Jul 17, 2020
10 Stylish Ways to Patch Your Favorite Jeans
Cooler weather means wearing jeans frequently, and wearing jeans frequently means wearing jeans out more quickly than you ever thought possible. If your favorite pairs are ripping, fraying, or just showing more wear-and-tear than you’d like, these 10 DIYs will keep them functioning and looking fabulous all fall. If you want a basic fix without adding too many distracting elements (these are jeans after all), try this tutorial on how to add a denim patch inside your favorite pair.
Tess Wilson
Jul 17, 2020
This Converted Church in Sweden Answers All Our House Prayers
Two very popular categories of dreamy real estate include 1) homes in Sweden, and 2) converted churches—and this house just happens to be both. Peek inside this stunning property, which is accepting bids above 2,625,000 Swedish Krona, or $323,559 USD. Built in 1889, this former Baptist church is now an open and airy residence in Högsbo, a town 45 minutes outside of the city of Uppsala.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Bust Out Your Trapper Keepers, A Lisa Frank Movie Is Happening
Your middle school dreams have come true—the intensely rainbow universe of Lisa Frank will be coming to a theater near you. The feature film, which will be a live action/animation hybrid, is currently in development. If it’s anything like classic hybrids Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Paula Abdul’s Opposites Attract video, count us in.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Aimée and Jonny’s Shared Catch-All Storage
Closet size: 25.3 square feet How many people use this closet? Two! My husband Jonny and I. How long have you lived in your home? 2 years Your closet in 5 words or less: jam-packed, chaotic, mysterious, lazy, hoarding Aimée and Jonny’s closet is a major multi-tasker. When they first moved into their current home, Jonny had the closet all to himself. A year later, Aimée started sharing it with him.
Aimée Mazzenga
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Katy’s Woefully Unkempt Walk-in
At first this closet was perfect. Then it slowly fell apart over the course of a couple of months.
Dabney Frake
Jul 17, 2020
Real Life Closet Makeover: Melanie & Steven’s Skinniest Closet in the World
Closet size: 4.125 ft² plus a garment rack How many people use this closet? 2 How long have you lived in your home? We moved into this apartment about 8 months ago. It’s gone smoothly for the most part, but I’m definitely messier than Steven. Your closet in 2 words: Cramped and cluttered Can Melanie and Steven’s closet even be called a closet?
Dabney Frake
Jul 17, 2020
Small Bedroom Storage: 10 Over-the-Door Organizers Under $50
An organized home is incredibly gratifying. It allows tasks to get done more smoothly, cleaning completed more quickly, and projects processed more enjoyably. Plus, the tranquility and uncluttered emptiness of an organized home is a beauty all its own. These over-the-door storage products won’t tidy your entire home, but small organization projects are an encouraging way to start!
Angie Cho
Jul 17, 2020
A Real Life Chaotic Closet Gets a Makeover: Esteban & Todd’s Clutter Challenge
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. We moved into our Oakland apartment five years ago, and our bedroom closet has been a mess ever since. It’s not the amount of space that’s the problem, but how we use it.
Esteban Cortez
Jul 17, 2020
You’ve Cat to Be Kitten Me: This Arizona House Has Some Purr-culiar Decor
This log cabin style home in the Arizona desert might look unassuming from the outside, but just wait un-tail you see the inside, my furrends. I don’t know how to tell you this, but it’s pawsitively, provocatively plastered in felines. Located in Concho, about two hours east of Flagstaff, the 2,500 square foot two bedroom, one bath home stands out for one glaring reason: Most of the surfaces, including ceilings, walls, floors, and even appliances, are covered in cats.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
An Easy 5-Minute Upgrade for Lazy Home Improvers (and Renters)
Good design is in the details—no matter how small. Today we’re here to shine the light (pun intended) on those white plastic light switch plates that are so commonplace, they’re often overlooked as permanent fixtures. No matter what your style, we promise there’s a wall plate that complements your home design better than the existing smudge-prone standard. All you need is a screwdriver and a few bucks, so start swapping.
Jessica Isaac
Jul 17, 2020
These Are The Hottest Home Colors, According to Pinterest
With the resurgence of ’80s style in the past few years, pastels have been having quite a moment at home. And while light colors will always have a place in our palettes, Pinterest is noticing that some bolder hues have been gaining in popularity recently. In the company’s 2018 Home Report released this week, bolder, deeper shades were gaining traction.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
This Hydroponic Planter Is Like a Fancy Chia Pet
No soil needed.
Kenya Foy
Jul 17, 2020
Ellen’s Design Challenge: Meet Bradley
Name: Bradley L Bowers City: Miami, FL Style: I use the term “future-monk” to describe my style. I avoid decoration and I love to let the purity of materials merge with really funky and exciting shapes & forms. Carpenter paired with: Matt Muenster What are your design strengths? Follow-through; I think it is an underrated quality and one of my greatest assets and strengths. What are your design weaknesses? I am insistent.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Calling All Wine Lovers: Be One with Your Vino and Stay at This Wine Barrel Hotel
For many wine lovers, an ideal relaxing scenario doesn’t exist without a glass (or two) of vino on deck. Apparently, there’s a new, fancy way to “wine” down, and it takes place inside of a barrel. Trust us when we say it’s a definite upgrade from getting wine drunk on your living room couch.
Kenya Foy
Jul 17, 2020
This 1-Minute Maintenance Tip Will Help Keep Pests and Smells Out of Your Bathroom
Weekend Projects
It'll maintain the seal your plumbing needs to do its job, plus it helps prevent stagnant water from sitting in your faucet or showerhead and breeding bacteria.
Shifrah Combiths
Jul 17, 2020
Real People Share Their Strategy for Downsizing (& It’s Advice Anyone Could Use)
Need to ditch some of your stuff soon because you’re moving to a smaller home? Or have you recently looked around your home and thought “What is all this stuff?” Whatever your motivation for wanting to declutter, you might find some useful inspiration with this advice — all from people who had to downsize their stuff when they moved into their current home.
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 17, 2020
Before & After: Maxwell & Ursula’s Light Rental Reno
Here’s a look back at Maxwell’s renovation of his and Ursula’s new apartment in SoHo. If you missed any of this earlier in the year, you’ll definitely want to take a look — I think you’ll be impressed with how much he was able to achieve in such a short span of time. Here’s another view of the kitchen before, to give you an idea of what we were dealing with.
Nancy Mitchell
Jul 17, 2020
7 Plants You Can Buy on Amazon to Make Your Winter a Little Greener
Fight the winter blues with something green.
Jaclyn Turner
Jul 17, 2020
Add Instant Charm to Your Table with this Bow Napkin
Ready for the most elegant party trick we’ve seen in a long time? Take just one cloth napkin and a pretty napkin ring and turn them into a beautiful bow to top off your table. If you’re hosting a holiday party or a casual get-together, use this bow-shaped accent to dress up each place setting. We’re willing to bet your guests will be begging to know how you made them.
AT Video
Jul 17, 2020
Before & After: Matthew Patrick Smyth at Designer Visions
On the floorplan, it’s listed as “Auxiliary Room,” a vague definition that falls far short of inspiration. What to do with this space, with no windows, no definition, and to be honest, no saving grace? Not to worry. Enter gentleman designer Matthew Patrick Smyth, who manages to turn slightly vague into totally specific. Through the lens of the talented Mr. Smyth, it’s part Kasbah but pure Kismet. And it stole the show at Hearst’s Designer Visions.
Patrick J. Hamilton
Jul 17, 2020
A Safe Non-Toxic Sealant for a Wooden Highchair?
Q: What is a safe, nontoxic sealant for a wooden highchair? We have an old wooden highchair that has a tray with all the finish worn off. The tray had also broken in half where it was seamed together. I glued it together again, but I’d like to refinish it to make it easier to clean. It is in otherwise perfect condition and we want to use it for our grandchildren.
Cambria Bold
Jul 17, 2020
A Remodeled Charleston House Goes from Dilapidated to Delightful
This classic four-square house in Charleston was originally built in 1935 and before getting remodeled, needed a more efficient and open layout, and lots of love.
Minette Hand
Jul 17, 2020
How’s That Working Out? 6 Months Without a Changing Table or Pad
When you ask parents what not to buy for a nursery, a changing table rises to the top of the list. “Official” changing tables don’t repurpose well into non-baby furniture so many parents choose alternatives to traditional changing tables, primarily dressers or desks that are at a comfortable height and deep enough to accommodate a changing pad.
Carrie McBride
Jul 17, 2020
Taylor Swift’s Former NYC Rental Is the Townhouse of Our ‘Wildest Dreams’
Want to live like T Swift? The pop star reportedly rented out this townhouse in the West Village while renovating her Tribeca home last summer. Now, the place is on the market for a cool $19.995 million. Welcome to New York, indeed. Located at 23 Cornelia Street, the townhouse has five bedrooms and five full and two half bathrooms across three floors, totaling 5,500 square feet.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020
Before & After: The Year’s Most Creative Transformations
Some of my favorite before & afters are the ones where some intrepid DIYer sees the potential in a piece that everyone else would’ve left on the curb. From a side table turned pet bed to a humble crate turned into a swing, this year’s projects featured plenty of impressive repurposings. Check out some of our favorites. To view the ‘after’ photos, click the links for each project.
Nancy Mitchell
Jul 17, 2020
Less Mess & Stress: Getting Your Paperwork & Files Organized
Paper! This is a big one for lots of us and it’s one area where clutter not only causes mess, but can actually cost you money and time. Keeping on top of bills and being able to find important documents when you need them reduces the possibility of mishaps like late fees and getting a routine set streamlines the paperwork process. So, let’s think about this assignment as a investment – clear it out, set it up and permanently reap the rewards of less stress!
Janel Laban
Jul 17, 2020
Buying a New Refrigerator? Here’s How to Pick The Very Best One
The right appliances have a huge effect on your quality of life. If you’ve ever lived in a home with broken, poorly-designed, or just rundown appliances, and then upgraded, you know what I mean. You go from annoyed every time you grab a beverage from your refrigerator, to really looking forward to opening the door. Since your fridge gets get used many times a day, those interactions really add up.
Rachel Jacks
Jul 17, 2020
5 Greens-and-Candles Table Settings
The Kitchn Editors
Jul 17, 2020
A Stained Glass Cabin in the Woods
Imagine a beautiful retreat that celebrates light, color and nature, all in one. Enter Glass Cabin, a creation handmade by stained glass artist Neile Cooper. New Jersey based artist Neile Cooper had the idea for a little cabin in the woods where she could show off her stained glass craft. The result is Glass Cabin, a small structure in her backyard constructed almost entirely of reclaimed window frames and lumber decorated with her stunning artwork.
Tara Bellucci
Jul 17, 2020