Bride in lace gown holding dress, groom in gray suit with brown shoes, holding white floral bouquet on terracotta tiles.
Good News, Bulk Buying Brides: Costco Now Has a Wedding Registry
Have you ever wandered the massive aisles of your local warehouse store, wondering why you can’t easily ask your friends and family to buy you a 120-pack of coffee pods or a 36-pack of water pitcher replacement filters? Well, now it’s only a click away, because Costco has recently announced its new gift registry.
Jul 17, 2020
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2018’s Trending Color Palettes, According to Our Readers
You’ve been searching, and (not to sound creepy) we’ve been watching. Today, we’re revealing three new Color Search palettes based on your top color searches. Color Search is, of course, our cool tool that lets you look at any image in our House Tours and tells you what Sherwin-Williams paint color will get you that look. Or, if you’re going the other way, lets you tell us what colors you’re feeling and see how other real people have used them in their homes.
Jul 17, 2020
5 Things You Can Do On Your Summer Break to Increase Your Home’s Value
You don't have to fully renovate to boost the value of your home, or even its "wow" factor. Instead, tackle these small projects this summer.
Jul 17, 2020
Rules to Remember When You Want Dark Walls in a Small Space
Angie Teater‘s Midtown East studio apartment in Manhattan is, quite simply, stunning. There’s plenty of furniture arrangement inspiration for your own studio apartment, but there’s something special Angie aced in her home: She used dark wall paint without making her small (350 square feet, to be exact) apartment feel like a cave.Below, the smart ways she pulled it off translated into “rules” to keep in mind if you are planning on going over to the dark side.
Jul 17, 2020
7 Kitchens That Are Rocking an L-Shaped Layout
One of the most important kitchen design decisions you’ll make, both for looks and functionality, is the layout. You have a few options—the tried and true U shape, or the elegant and functional galley shape. But if you love entertaining, and love the look of an open kitchen, there’s another kind of kitchen layout that’s worth a look: the L shape. An L-shaped kitchen has just two runs of cabinetry, arranged at right angles to each other. (The name pretty much says it all.
Jul 17, 2020
Before and After: A $200 Redo Totally Modernizes This Fixer Upper Living Room
You'll want to steal the high-contrast color scheme for your own space.
Jul 17, 2020
Cheap Ways to Make Your Kitchen Cabinets Feel Totally New
New year, new kitchen.
Jul 17, 2020
6 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Moving Into My First Apartment
The sweet taste of freedom after leaving your parents’ house or the dorms for the first time for an apartment of your very own is intoxicating. You can go get sugary cereal in the middle of the night if you want! You’re grown-up! It isn’t all junk food binges and co-ed sleepovers, though. Once the novelty wears off, living in a first apartment can mean learning hard life lessons. Here are six things I wish I had known before I moved into my first apartment.
Jul 17, 2020
How to Make It Work When You Have No Room for a Home Office: A Round-Up of Ideas & Inspirations
We know that it’s not always easy to visualize the possibilities of adding more into a small home, so here are some of our favorite posts—from roundups to Maxwell’s pro tips to a collection of small space house tours—to help you carve out a home office space when you’re short on space in general. Yes, You Can Fit A Home Office Into Your Tiny Home Try a small desk next to the sofa in place of an end table, as seen on Design Sponge.
Jul 17, 2020
How To Style Bookshelves Layer By Layer
Adding that last layer to a room means arranging and styling surfaces like windowsills, tabletops, and especially empty bookshelves. You can leave these to the last minute, as they are the finishing touches rather than the backbone of your design. Here’s how we tackled Ashley’s bookshelves during the makeover: Before you get started, gather lots of things in a variety of finishes, shapes, textures, and colors.
Jul 17, 2020
Why You Should Put Baking Soda in a Salt Shaker
The spillage is real.
Jul 17, 2020
Marble Countertops 101: Yes, They’re a Great Idea!
I’ve always loved white marble countertops and I last wrote about them five years ago (43 comments BTW). They are bright, elegant, add character and are wonderful to cook on, particularly if you’re baking. They can also be one of the cheapest stone solutions if you choose Carrara marble, making them a great choice if you’re on an IKEA kitchen installation budget. However, many people are afraid of them due to the perception that they are high maintenance.
Jul 17, 2020
This Quirky Art Deco Home In Portland Can Be Yours For Under $600K
Do the Charleston, because this Art Deco inspired pad will bring you all the way back to the roaring 20s. Though it doesn’t actually date back to the style’s heyday; according to The Oregonian, the Sunnyside home was built in 1992 by Paul Wenner, founder of Gardenburger, to resemble an Art Deco skyscraper. And that’s just the outside.
Jul 17, 2020
The Five Steps to a Beautifully Designed Living Room
I spotted the living room above in a recent Brooklyn house tour and instantly loved it. You can immediately see that it’s a balanced, well-appointed space. The arrangement is conducive for conversation, it feels sophisticated, and all the elements marry together beautifully. Not only do I think it’s a living room worth getting inspired by, it’s a living room that could be achieved on a budget and fit with many different styles.
Jul 17, 2020
Here’s What $1500 Will Rent You in Each of NYC’s Boroughs
Yep, living in New York City is expensive, especially when it comes to real estate. Even $1 million doesn’t get everything on your wishlist. Yet, over 8.5 million people live in the Big Apple, and at least some of them live in relatively affordable, non-rent controlled apartments. So we scoured what’s currently on the market, and came up with ten rentals across the five boroughs for around $1,500 a month. What does that get you in Manhattan versus Staten Island? Let’s find out.
Jul 17, 2020
The Ultimate Decluttering Guide: 130 Things to Get Rid of in the New Year
If the prospect of a shiny new year has you wanting to jump back onboard the KonMari-method decluttering train (à la Emily Gilmore in the Netflix “Gilmore Girls” revival), you’re in good company. The start of 2017 has us reimagining our homes as minimalist sanctuaries, filled only with joy-sparking essentials.
Jul 17, 2020
How To Fight The Rental Battle of the Beige in Every Room in The House
Between beige walls, brown floor tiles, and oak wood cabinets, most rental apartments have cornered the market on neutral. If your walls are the color of a bandaid, and your landlord has no pity for your palette woes, it’s up to you to take the bull by the horns and deal with it. One of the easiest ways to combat the lack of vibrant color is with really bold bedding and artwork. You’d never walk away from Jen & Kirstie’s happy, welcoming rental and think it’s boring.
Jul 17, 2020
7 Clever Painting Ideas to Steal from the 2019 IKEA Catalog
We all know that catalogs aren’t real life, but they can be excellent sources of inspiration to mine for your own home. IKEA has one of the best ones out there, and their 2019 edition (out this week!) is chock full of ways to add color, interest, and texture to your walls. Here are some clever and creative painting ideas to steal. Here, IKEA uses two complementary paint colors for the walls: a dusty blue and pink.
Jul 17, 2020
Create More Visual Harmony in Your Home
What is harmony, when it comes to one’s home? Well, in general, it’s a feeling of peace and cohesiveness. It’s more than just feeling like everything goes together — it’s the sense that the whole space is better for every element in it. It’s a way to create a sense of calmness throughout your entire home that makes your life just a little bit better. And here are six ways to add more of it to your home!
Jul 17, 2020
Before and After: This Living Room Looks Bigger and Brighter—No Reno Required
Here's proof that you don't have to bust down a wall to brighten up a dark space.
Jul 17, 2020
A Foolproof Layering Formula for a Dreamy Rustic Glam Dining Room
The dining room — or in smaller homes, the “dining area” — has become a forgotten, cluttered spot in many homes. With our tables piled with old mail collecting dust, many of us eat our meals in front of Netflix or on the go. But whether you entertain guests or cook meals for one, you deserve a beautiful spot in your home just for enjoying eating a meal.
Jul 17, 2020
Here’s Why We Feel Stressed Ending the Day with a Cluttered Inbox
Inbox zero isn't always attainable, and it shouldn't be.
Jul 17, 2020
This Polynesian-Inspired Palm Springs Pad Is For Sale
Want to live permanently on island time, but in the middle of the desert? This two bedroom home in Palm Springs really plays up its tiki culture history. Take a look inside. The 1,289 square foot two bedroom, two bathroom condo is located in Palm Springs’ famed Royal Hawaiian Estates.
Jul 17, 2020
Real Estate Rewind: The Weirdest, Wildest & Most Memorable Houses for Sale This Year
If you’ve ever browsed homes for sale, you know that after awhile, they definitely all start to blend together. However, these nine properties are ones that—for better or worse—we’ll never forget. From untouched time capsules to the sets of our favorite childhood sitcoms, these are the listings that made us smile, laugh, and even cringe this year. This Virginia estate has been in the same family since it was built in 1856.
Jul 17, 2020
There’s a Hidden Top-Loading Washing Machine In this Kitchen!
From Apartment Therapy → There’s a Hidden Top-Loading Washing Machine In this Kitchen!
Jul 17, 2020
10 Beautiful Ways to Style a Bar Cart
From Apartment Therapy → 10 Beautifully Styled Bar Carts Worth Throwing a Party For A bar cart is more than just a place to store your booze and drink accessories — think of it as a way to show off your sense of style! Here are 10 ways to to outfit and decorate your bar cart!
Jul 17, 2020
SMEG Adds Even More Appliances That Are Actual Works of Art
It’s Design Week in Milan and SMEG and Dolce & Gabbana are back with even more appliances turned art. If you thought the fridges were extra, just wait until you have a hand painted oven and range hood to match. The collection, called Sicily Is My Love, started as an exhibit at Milan Design Week in 2016. The fashion brand enlisted artists to paint traditional imagery on one hundred of the appliance maker’s hugely popular retro style refrigerators.
Jul 17, 2020
Watch How This Simple Change Makes a Dramatic Cabinet Difference
They may be some of the smallest details in a kitchen, but a change (or addition) of cabinet hardware can totally update a room’s entire look. Available in a disorienting array of finishes, shapes, sizes and materials, the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing what to adorn your cabinet doors and drawers with. But perhaps you’re not entirely convinced that a few knobs can make a big visual difference in a kitchen? Check out the Photoshopped images below.
Jul 17, 2020
Tamara’s Before & After Photos: The Sunroom Reveal
I am beyond thrilled with the result of my Style Cure and today I share my “after” photos! We went from a gloomy, unused, unfinished sunroom to a bright, open, and warm lounge area and office. There are so many elements in this new space that make me extremely happy, but just the fact that I can edit the photos for this post while sitting at a real desk in front of cheerful windows is enough to send me over the moon.
Jul 17, 2020
How to Know If You Have Hard Water (and What That Even Means)
As long as the tap turns on, you don’t really think about your water. But you may have a problem that shows up in other ways, and hard water is one you should definitely pay attention to.
Jul 17, 2020
This Totally Rad Airbnb Will Transport You Back to the ‘80s
No DeLorean required.
Jul 17, 2020
Small Space Secrets: Swap Out Your Bookcases for Wall Mounted Shelving
When you’re living in a small space, every detail counts. But sometimes those little things — the things that elevate a place from not quite right to effortlessly chic — can be hard to identify. Our first bit of advice? Swap your freestanding bookshelves for wall-mounted shelving. It’s an approach that was recommended by Maxwell in his “Apartment Therapist” column for Better Homes & Gardens.
Jul 17, 2020
6 Rules For Practical Dining Room Rugs
Jul 17, 2020
8 Discontinued IKEA Pieces We Wish They Would Bring Back
IKEA is always introducing exciting new products. The downside of this is that they’re always retiring old products. Some of them you may never miss, or never even notice that they’re gone, but the loss of others feels like the loss of an old friend. (Sure, I never did buy a canopy bed from IKEA, but it was nice to know that I could. You know?) A moment of silence, please, for these eight beloved IKEA products, taken from us too soon.
Jul 16, 2020
Emily & Aaron’s Condo Renovation: What It Really Cost – A Budget Breakdown
Name: Aaron and Emily Choi Type of Project: Full remodel, including the kitchen and two bathrooms Location: La Jolla, California Type of building: Condo; 1300 square feet Yesterday we got a look at the beautiful results of Emily and Aaron’s condo renovation. Today we’re taking a closer look at one of the more practical aspects of the project: the budget. How did the actual price tag compare with Emily and Aaron’s estimate from before the project began? Read on to find out.
Jul 16, 2020
5 Ways to Store Your Bulky Printer
Ultra-thin tablets. The MacBook Air. Everything’s getting smaller and more compact—but somehow we’re still dealing with big and bulky printers. Until Apple releases the Inkjet Air, we’re stuck with finding different ways to store our printers and make them less of an office eyesore.If you think the desk and the floor are the only spots for your big inkjet printer, think again. You can stash your printing gear in a million different places, if you know where to look:1.
Jul 16, 2020
Before & After: Bookcase Lightens Up for a Kid’s Room
Soffia bought two of these tall, imposing pieces at an Icelandic Goodwill—I’ve dubbed them “bookdenzas”—and wanted to lighten them up and give them some personality to use in her son’s bedroom. Here’s what she came up with: Soffia tells us: The tall book case is an old piece of living room furniture that was very popular in Iceland in the 70s and 80s. I bought it for around $40 at a local Goodwill.
Jul 16, 2020
Here’s How Much Your Favorite Movie Houses are Worth IRL
We love movies because they offer us an escape from everyday life. A chance to—even just for a moment—pretend that we’re the ones touring the Italian countryside or living lavishly in a beach house in Malibu. But have you ever wondered what the real price tag would be on your fantasy life? Here are 12 homes you might recognize from your favorite movies, and right below them, the dollar amount it would actually take to live there.
Jul 16, 2020
The Bottom Line: What It Really Costs to Buy & Install a Water Heater
Last month we asked how much readers spent buying and installing a new water heater in their home. And you told us! We hope this information gives a basic sense of how much this new appliance costs, and how much you can expect to pay when hiring someone. Keep in mind, this is general and prices most likely vary in cities versus more rural locations, etc…Although this gives you a rough idea, you should always seek multiple quotes for any work done in your home.
Jul 16, 2020
20 Ways to Customize the IKEA KURA Loft Bed & Make It Your Own
The KURA loft bed has earned its cred and its staying power. It’s cheap, ideal for small homes and, as you’ll see in these twenty examples, offers endless opportunities for customization. Paint, wood, fabric: choose your medium and make your KURA your own with a simple color upgrade or a full-on hack. 1. Wood slats cover this KURA to totally transform the look and lend it a tree house feel. (IKEAHackers) 2.
Jul 16, 2020
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10 Real-Life Housekeeping Tips That Really Work
Sure, it would be great to live in a spotless, stainless house that’s magazine-worthy and ready to be photographed at any moment, but nobody really lives that way. (Not even the people whose homes have been photographed.) As anyone who enjoys kids, pets, or parties can attest, saying yes to our messy lives is more fun than being perfect. When you accept that the occasional stain is the price of a full life, a little prep can save a lot of stress.
Jul 16, 2020
Here’s How You Can Help Make a Gilmore Girls LEGO Set Happen
People love LEGO. They also love Gilmore Girls. Now the two have come together in an idea so pure and beautiful that we can’t help but love it. Behold, a replica Luke’s Diner made from the toy blocks. While we’re waiting for Netflix, the showrunners, and cast to figure out if there will be more episodes of the revival or not, GG fans now have something else to possibly look forward to.
Jul 16, 2020
There’s a Clueless Pop-Up Coming to LA and We’re Like, Totally Buggin’
The 1995 teen film is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Jul 16, 2020
The Best Plant for Every Enneagram Type
Not all plants are created equal—it’s almost like they have personalities of their own!
Jul 16, 2020
Air-Purifying Plants Aren’t a Complete Myth (Just a Partial One)
If you ever click on web articles about houseplants (and you’re reading this, so we’ll assume that’s a yes), you’ve probably come across the idea that houseplants purify the air inside your house by sucking up invisible toxins. If you’re thinking that sounds too good to be true, yeah, it kind of is. But it’s not a complete myth either.
Jul 16, 2020
How to Organize a Small Apartment Kitchen: A 7-Step Plan
Kitchen set-ups often dictate the tone of the moments that make up our home lives—from the kinds of breakfasts grabbed during the morning rush to how often a home-cooked meal makes it to the table. Whether you’re starting afresh in a new place or you’re ready for a re-do of your current space, here’s how to organize a small kitchen so that rather than creating a Pyrex-wrangling, pots-and-pans banging mess out of you, it serves you.
Jul 16, 2020
What’s Your IKEA Love Language? Take This Quiz to Find Out
With Valentine’s Day this week, we’ve all got love on the brain. And if you’re sitting in your apartment, lost for words to express how you feel to your loved one, maybe it’s time to figure out your IKEA love language. Do you love your partner like a BEKVAM or a MALM? Take this super scientific, highly romantic quiz to find out. A. Knowing someone is serious about our relationship B. Being one half of an “it” couple C.
Jul 16, 2020