Open closet with cluttered items, including boxes, bags, and toys, labeled "Before."
Closet Envy: Creative Uses for Closets
Closet envy usually involves admiring another woman’s shoe collection, but I’ve never been into shoes. I am, however, into clever uses for small spaces and it’s been on my mind lately as I look to create a spot at home for my my bedroom-less, playroom-less son to call his own.
Mar 11, 2020
7 Ideas for Making a Forward Facing Book Display
Just as your local library displays book covers on tables and sprinkled throughout shelves, parents have adopted this display method to entice their young children to pick up a book and, when they do, to make it easier for them to find specific books visually. Here are seven different ideas for creating such a display in your home:Start with SPICE RACKS: Don’t you love it when the simplest solution is also the cheapest?
Mar 11, 2020
Liz’s Well-Edited Half of a Durham Duplex
Name: Liz Location: Old West neighborhood — Durham, North CarolinaSize: , 590 square feet — 1 bedroomYears lived in: 6 months — rented When faced with a move from a 1,000 square foot house to an apartment nearly half the size — and over a thousand miles away — Liz took the opportunity to pare down her collection of vintage and thrifted possessions (as seen in House Call: Liz’s Durham Digs).
Mar 11, 2020
The 25 Best Small Space Living Tips and Inspiration
We love small spaces. We love them for their lower energy and heating bills and because they force us to edit, organize, and reduce our accumulation of stuff. But most of all, we love them because there seems to be no end to what you can do with them given some creative planning! Here are 25 of the top small space living posts we wrote this year.
Mar 11, 2020
4 Things First-Time Homeowners Tend to Overlook
According to real homeowners on Reddit.
Mar 11, 2020
Jen & Omar’s Inspired Apartment
Name: Jen & Omar; 2 cats, Dillon & WillLocation: Grandview — Columbus, OhioSize: 650 square feetYears lived in: 3 months — rented It’s hard to believe, but a few short months ago, this apartment in the Columbus suburb of Grandview was a bachelor pad.
Mar 11, 2020
Three Men & a Home Filled with Photography
Name: Russell Brown, acupuncturist & owner of Poke Acupuncture, John Arsenault, fine art & commercial photographer & John Ruggiero, hair stylist Location: Hollywood — Los Angeles, California Size: 2,500 square feet — 4 bedrooms, 2½ baths Years lived in: 6 months You asked and we delivered. Russell Brown’s Poke Acupuncture post intrigued a few readers who wanted an inside look into Russell’s personal residence.
Mar 11, 2020
10 Ways to Hang and Display ABC Flashcards
Sure, you can keep alphabet flashcards in their box, but they’re so attractive you may like to use them as art. (And little eyes will see them more frequently this way.) Here are ten examples of hanging and displaying abc flashcards in children’s rooms to inspire you.
Mar 11, 2020
Sleeping Together for the First Time
Whether you’ve just moved in with your significant other or have decided to have a date spend the night, sleeping in the same bed with someone else can sometimes be a real compromise. When I imagine sleeping in the same bed with someone, I first think about the romantic ideals and completely forget about any issues such as snoring, stealing covers, and alarm clocks.
Mar 11, 2020
The Big List: 49 Smart, Money-Saving Creative Reuse Ideas
We get excited about stylish, functional, and innovative creative reuse ideas, from the myriad ways you can reuse a jar, to uses for chipped tea cups, antique bread bins, vintage card catalogs, bubble wrap, wallpaper scraps, even old gym floorboards. Here’s a big roundup of some of our favorites… The Many Amazing Ways to Reuse a Jar: • 10 Simple Uses for Spaghetti Jars • Crafty Uses for Baby Food Jars • Don’t Throw Out That Jar!
Mar 11, 2020
8 Cool & Compact Futuristic Showers
Sorry if we’re sci-fi geeking a bit, but this Folding Shower shown above looks straight from The Fifth Element, specifically the scene where Korben Dallas (B. Willis) has to push Leeloo (an unforgettable Milla Jovovich) into a hideaway shower. Designed specifically for small space dwellers, this French designed shower is seeking a manufacturer, so it’s not yet on the market, but we think would be perfect for people who decide to convert their spare closets into a bathroom.
Mar 11, 2020
This Living Room Color “Trend” is as Classic as Ever
Choosing a color to paint your living room walls is a pretty big decision, especially since most people spend lots of time relaxing on the couch or entertaining with loved ones in the space. You might want a paint color that is both unique and eye-catching but that you’ll love even if you change your mind about your furniture or decor choices a few years down the road, which is why you’ll probably be surprised by the top living room color trend of 2020.
Mar 11, 2020
This DIYer Turned a Plain IKEA Stool into Something Much More Luxe for Under $50
This DIY is so easy—and super high-impact.
Mar 11, 2020
Chip and Joanna Gaines Don’t Want Their Next Big Project to Be “Fixer Upper” 2.0—Here’s Why
It’s been almost two years since the last episode aired of “Fixer Upper,” and Chip and Jo haven’t skipped a beat with picking up other projects since—the big one being Magnolia Network debuting this October. While die-hard fans are hopeful that it might include another Chip-and-Jo renovation show, the Gaines revealed in a recent interview that they don’t want the network to be the next “Fixer Upper.” (Do you hear that?
Mar 11, 2020
A 480-Square-Foot Backyard Shipping Container House Slays Small Space Style
Adorable in style, this house is full of small-space lessons anyone could use for a size-challenged home, from a DIY Murphy bed (using hardware found on Amazon), to sliding doors, and even the use of color in a compact space.
Mar 11, 2020
These 10 Festive Displays Will Make You Want to Decorate for St. Patrick’s Day
After seeing these rooms, we're officially St. Patrick's Day people.
Mar 11, 2020
This 1940s Rental Apartment Shows How to Fit A Lot of Function in a Small Space
Photographer Josh Olson says creating a home you love is all about communication. "Your pieces should be in constant communication with each other, be it through their palette, geometry, or narrative."
Mar 10, 2020
Love Living Coral? Here Are the Color Matches from 7 Paint Brands
2019 sure is looking bright—at least when it comes to colors. If you count yourself among the fans of Pantone’s just-revealed Color of the Year, Living Coral, there are myriad ways to bring it into your home. The most straightforward of which would be paint, so we rounded up some matches from 7 paint brands so you can grab a gallon and (literally) get rolling on that new wall.
Mar 11, 2020
This Is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019
It’s the beginning of the holiday season (Happy Hanukkah!), and for design lovers, today there’s a special reason to celebrate. Today, Pantone announces its Color of the Year 2019. It’s the 20th anniversary of the announcement, and last year, the global color authority went with Ultra Violet, a grape-like purple that reminded people of Monica’s apartment on “Friends” and others thought might have a deeper societal meaning.
Mar 11, 2020
Essential Tips for Getting Organized, According To The Onion
We thought we had covered all of the basics of organizing and cleaning your space, but it turns out we missed a couple. The Onion has put together some Tips For Getting Organized and we’d be remiss not to note a few of their (helpful?) pointers.
Mar 11, 2020
8 Bold Paint Colors You Have to Try in Your Small Bedroom
It’s no secret that we at Apartment Therapy love color, even (er, make that especially) in small spaces. While the rest of the internet might still be spewing the “paint it white to make it seem larger” line, we know that a bold shade can bring energy and a sense of expansion to a modest room. Have a small bedroom and want some paint ideas beyond white and gray? We’ve got you—and your walls—covered.
Mar 11, 2020
The $14 Trick to Making Any Piece of Furniture More Functional
If you live in a tiny apartment where a single space serves multiple purposes (your bedroom is your living room is your dining room, right?), the best thing you can do for your furniture is to make it mobile. Adding a fresh set of wheels to tables, bar carts and kitchen islands lets them slide from one side of the apartment to another, filling in wherever they’re needed most. Here’s how to turn those pinch-hitting pieces into veritable MVPs.
Mar 11, 2020
Subtle & Stylish (AKA Actually Livable) Nautical Spaces
If you’re searching for a motif to make your bedroom, bathroom or any other room peaceful and vibrant, turn your eyes to the seas. Nautical decor is a long-standing favorite for a reason: Shiplap, navy blue and rope details are easy to work into any room, and they are likely to conjure up visions of lazy days by the beach. It’s easy to go over the top with nautical decor, though.
Mar 11, 2020
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Divine Color Inspiration Awaits in These Closets
Fashion is such a great resource for home style that we’ve combined two of our favorite Apartment Therapy features — our Fashionable People profiles, featuring chic House Tour subjects, and our Color Search tool, powered by Sherwin-Williams® — to help you find sartorial-meets-interior inspiration in a snap. Each of these lovely ladies has a rich, moody and distinctive color savvy that translates beautifully to the home. Which suits your style best?
Mar 11, 2020
Ideas for Using that Awkward Space Above the Fridge
The space above a refrigerator is often overlooked and underused. It’s not particularly accessible for oft-used items, but it’s a shame to have the space go to waste, especially in a small kitchen. I looked at a selection of real homes to see how people were using this space. Some of these examples involve clever built-ins, but many will work for renters, too. Simple shelves were installed on the wall above the fridge to hold a few cookbooks and some barware.
Mar 11, 2020
Living in a Small Space: Three Things that Make a Big Difference
Do you live in a small space? Do people sometimes confuse your bedroom for a closet? Can you reach your kitchen sink from your couch? If you’re looking for ways to make your space more livable without spending a ton, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three classic ways to make living little work for you: 1. Lighting Small is one thing, but small and dark is quite another. Almost nothing has the power to transform the a room like good lighting.
Mar 11, 2020
Small Space Solutions: Compact & Smart Home Workstations
A clean, organized, and well-lit home work space is a must. And what better time to tackle this issue in your home than the fresh start of a new year! Many of us don’t have the luxury of a separate home office or studio, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create a healthy environment for working at home. Even if you don’t work from home, carving out a space for productivity is important and a smart way focus on specific tasks without distraction.
Mar 11, 2020
Before & After: Kim and Scott Wrangle In Their Cables
On a scale of 1-10, organizing cables and cords behind an entertainment center ranks about a .001 on my scale. But when it’s all done and finished, the results are often night and day, not only just improving the aesthetics in and around the home entertainment center, but also possibly making your home a little bit safer thanks to better organized power and wiring.
Mar 11, 2020
City Living: Step Into these 12 Brownstones
“American style” architecture might first bring to mind Victorian, Ranch, Cape Cod or Prairie styles, but for city folk the brownstone stands out as perhaps the best representative of urban housing, especially in the Northeast. With the help of the Cosby family and Carrie Bradshaw, the brownstone has been cemented into the popular imagination of what city living looks like.
Mar 11, 2020
5 Double-Duty Room Combos that Always Work
Maybe you’re making room for a new baby’s nursery or that cave of collectibles you’ve always wanted. Or maybe you just like living small. No matter what your motivation is for maximizing your space, the best way to do it is by combining two functions into one room. Here are five classic double-duty room combos we see all the time, proving that when it comes to a thoughtful layout, you can kill two birds with one stone. 1.
Mar 11, 2020
8 Tips for Mixing Styles at Home (Without Looking Like a Crazy Person)
Homes that layer in different styles are dynamic and interesting. But too much mixing and your eye doesn’t know where to land, and winds up confused and unhappy. The most successful rooms seek some common ground, where everything finds a way to get along. Here are ten ways to mix aesthetics, without getting a raised eyebrow: COLOR: Using a consistent color helps your decor hang well together and look more cohesive.
Mar 11, 2020
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Top 5 Sources of Color Inspiration
Painting is easy. It’s knowing what color to paint that can be a challenge. We love the Sherwin-Williams Chip It!™ color selection tool that lets you find paint colors from any photo, so we’ve rounded up the top places we turn to find inspiration. Where do you hunt for colors? Top 5 places to find color inspiration:Chip It! chipped local paint store Where do you find your color inspiration? Tell us in the comments! (Images: 1. Sherwin-Williams; 2. Chris; 3. Emily Long; 4.
Mar 11, 2020
A Microbiologist Shares How “Target Hygiene” Cleaning Can Help When Everyone’s Getting Sick
We’ve got good news for you: You probably don’t have to spend all day disinfecting.
Mar 11, 2020
A New York Couple Shares 350 Square Feet
Natasha and Rob somehow make it work in their East Village apartment, despite it being tiny!
Mar 10, 2020
Before and After: A $340 DIY Bedroom Proves the Power of a Fresh, Fun Paint Job
This budget bedroom has some super smart ideas.
Mar 10, 2020
How Bad is it to Clean Bare-Handed?
You know you should wear gloves to clean, but knowing and doing are two very different things.
Mar 10, 2020
How to Clean and Disinfect Your House Keys
You're waging a valiant defense against germs. But what if you found out you were pawing a germ magnet every day, multiple times, without a second thought?
Mar 10, 2020
A 400-Square-Foot Brooklyn Apartment Gives Truth To The Phrase 'Less Is More'
The New York Times technology reporter Taylor Lorenz's advice for small-space living is to "stick with the basics, and don't be afraid of a little open space."
Mar 10, 2020
The Property Brothers’ New HGTV Show Is Helping Celebs Give Back with Home Renovations
The star-studded lineup includes Brad Pitt, Viola Davis, and Rebel Wilson, among many others.
Mar 10, 2020
Michelle’s Sweet and Eclectic Studio
Name: Michelle Konar Location: Upper West Side — Manhattan, New York Size: 330 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rent As a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Michelle learned to hone her creativity. As a graduate she has taken those skills and applied them to her work in advertising, as well as in her home. Unafraid to take on a project, she is always looking for ways to improve her space.
Mar 10, 2020
Lex, Lynn and Lucy’s Downtown Modern Family Home
Name: Lex, Lynn and LucyLocation: Financial District — Manhattan, New YorkSize: About 800 square feet including terraceYears lived in: 4.5 years — ownWhen Lex and Lynn moved into their one bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan, the view of the New York skyline took center stage. Their style was minimalistic — graphic black and white were favored over color for a look of grown up chic. But enter their daughter Lucy, and everything shifted.
Mar 10, 2020
The Big Problem With Farmhouse Sinks That No One Tells You About
Here's what you need to know.
Mar 10, 2020
6 Surprising Ways to Save Money on Moving and Avoid Buying Cardboard Boxes
Consider making use of the things you already own.
Mar 10, 2020
A Small Rustic Modern Joshua Tree Cabin Is FULL of DIY Project Ideas
From lighting, to doors, to tile, this 780-square-foot cabin was totally DIYed by the homeowners who blew their budget on a down payment!
Mar 10, 2020
Tossing Unused Paint Is More Complicated Than You Think
Here's how to do it right, whether you're working with oil, latex, or spray paint.
Mar 10, 2020