Clock on books beside a leather tray holding keys and coins on a dark wooden table.
DIY Home Decor: How to Make a Leather Valet Tray
When Paul’s not busy restoring vintage items, he’s down in his basement workshop crafting leather goods for his etsy shop. Most projects are made to fill orders but, every once in awhile, he makes personal projects as well, including this super simple valet. Here’s how to do it yourself: Skill Level: Easy Time Required: 1 hour Project Cost: $20-50 (depending on size and tools used) When choosing your piece of leather, pick something thick and firm enough to hold its shape.
Dec 19, 2019
Chris & Roger’s Vivacious 160-Year-Old Victorian
Name: Roger and Chris Stout-Hazard and dog Buck Location: Sharon Springs, New York Size: 1800 square feet Years lived in: Owned 2.5 years Roger and Chris’ style is the kind of laid-back, eclectic look that would look great anywhere. But combine it with the great architectural bones of an 160-year-old Italianate Victorian in the overwhelmingly charming small town of Sharon Springs, New York, and you’ve got a bold and modern mix that makes for one seriously enviable home.
Dec 19, 2019
Clara & Sam’s Warm & Inviting Rockridge Home
Name: Clara of Banner Day & Sam (and their dog Morgan) Location: Rockridge; Oakland, California Size: 1,600 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years; Owned Clara and Sam live in a 1930s cottage just a short walk from Oakland’s charming Rockridge neighborhood. After leaving a career in corporate law to start her interior design business Banner Day Consulting, Clara has been constantly pursuing her passion for design in their home, as well as for her numerous clients.
Dec 19, 2019
Elisabeth’s Cure: Living Rooms & Loving Life
Nothing gives me motivation to spruce up the house like sending out invitations! In preparation for a small birthday party with a few girlfriends, I’ve nearly turned this house upside down. I rearranged the furniture in both living spaces, swapped out a coffee table and some pillows, and got new lamps. Thanks to the Cure, there is also new greenery.
Dec 19, 2019
DIY Project Idea: How to Make a Modern Pegboard Shelving System
As DIY projects go, this is one of my favorites. A photo of one popped up here on Apartment Therapy last year, and it’s been in my crosshairs ever since. I love this shelving system because it’s simple, yet pretty, and can be configured in multiple ways. It’s also very easy to make, with a little precision and patience.
Dec 19, 2019
Annie’s Harmonious Oakland Studio
Name: Annie Oxenhandler Location: Adams Point; Oakland, California Size: 624 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented Though a challenge at first, Annie managed to create a harmonious space with the illusion of having separate rooms in what would otherwise be an open studio.
Dec 19, 2019
Olivia’s Elegant Oakland Apartment
Name: Olivia Smartt Location: Adam’s Point; Oakland, California Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Rented As a Bay Area photographer, Olivia likes her walls to remain mostly clear so that she can relax in her home after a long day, as her professional life is very busy and visual. Though bare in some areas, it’s clear that she has put much thought into which art, furniture and decor pieces takes up space in her elegant and minimal Oakland apartment.
Dec 19, 2019
Minimal, Scandinavian-Inspired Style in British Columbia
Name: Dani, Dave & Freddy (4 years old) Valentine Location: Coquitlam, British Columbia Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 4 years; owned The Valentines live in Coquitlam, British Columbia which is about 25 minutes outside of Vancouver. You may remember from awhile back Dani’s House Call of their Scandinavian, minimalist inspired home. I had to get the chance to see this home for myself and trekked out for a visit to explore this family’s beautiful, clutter-free space.
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: Shifrah’s Junk Drawer
We left off yesterday with a half-reorganized junk drawer. I’d done the easy part, putting away cooking utensils that were grouped according to their use, and had the “junky” portion left to tackle. Check out my final result, and read how I got there: After putting all the cooking utensils away on the right side of the drawer, it was time to tackle the big pile of junk that was left.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Install Window Insulation Film
With an average savings of over $15/window during heating season, insulating your windows with plastic film makes whole lot of sense—especially if you live in an old, drafty house. And if you have any windows that don’t open, keep those insulated year-round for extra savings on cooling costs during the summer months. Here’s how. Window insulation kit Extra window tape (optional) Ladder Scissors Measuring tape Hairdryer An extra set of hands (optional) 1.
Dec 19, 2019
Phil and Annette’s Prospect Park Home
Name: Annette and Phil Englander Location: Brooklyn, New York Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 22 years; Owned Husband and wife duo Phil and Annette share a Brooklyn home that beautifully displays their collective creative skills. Phil, a cabinet maker, has thoughtfully constructed custom built pieces that add to what makes the home unique. Annette, an artist as well, paints using a technique for adding color to silk.
Dec 19, 2019
Cow Hollow Home Gets a Pro Makeover
Name: Broderick St. Location: Cow Hollow; San Francisco, California Size: Approximately 7580 square feet About: Remodeled in 2013. 7 bed, 7 full baths/2 half baths. My interior design firm just completed a project that I am practically drooling over. Our client gave me the ok to photograph the completed project and share it with you, so we can all drool together! The property is going for a cool $11.
Dec 19, 2019
Colman’s Converted Georgetown Stable
Name: Colman Riddell Location: Georgetown; Washington, DC Size: 1,700 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Owned Colman’s house first appeared on Apartment Therapy last December. Having made several changes in the past year, she invited us to revisit the converted stable — which dates back to the 1850s — for a full tour. Colman, a nurse-turned-decorator, shares the home with her husband, two children, and their Boston Terrier, Pim.
Dec 19, 2019
Lorenzo Diggins + The Essential Man Showroom
Name: Lorenzo Diggins Jr/The Essential Man Location: The Unique Space | Downtown Los Angeles (Arts District) Size: 180 square feet Years lived in: A little over a month — Rented Last week I took a visit to the new Unique Space in downtown LA, where I met Lorenzo Diggins, creator of The Essential Man and got a tour of his new workspace.
Dec 19, 2019
Chris and Sam’s Elegant Family Duplex in Edinburgh
Name: Sam, Chris, Madeleine and Maggie Location: New Town; Edinburgh, Scotland Size: 3,000 square feet Years lived in: 1 1/2 years; Owned From the moment you walk through the front door into the spacious and grand, grey hall, this family home is elegant and beautiful. Chris holds up his hands and tells me firmly that it is “all down to Sam.
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Happy, Inspired Studio
Name: Lauren Mizrahi Location: Marina, San Francisco, California Size: 500 square feet, Studio Years lived in: 2.5 years; Rented Lauren of Live Happy Inspired brings her sense of colorful, stylish living to her home as well as her blog.
Dec 19, 2019
A “Did-it-Themselves” Townhome in Oregon
The homes of avid Do-It-Yourselfers have a charm and artistry all their own; they are often places that represent their owners more clearly than any space filled with off-the-shelf
Dec 19, 2019
Andi & Dean’s Modern Meets Victorian
Name: Andi Forker and Dean Enell Location: Alamo Square; San Francisco, California Size: 1,250 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; owned We followed their Renovation Diary as Andi and Dean fully gutted and remodeled their kitchen, but now the improvements have extended throughout their entire home. For this couple, the past three years have been spent fixing up their Victorian flat, room by room. With most of their major goals accomplished, they have an amazing space to show for it.
Dec 19, 2019
Alex’s Unique, Antique San Francisco Apartment
Name: Alex Treister Location: Mission Dolores, San Francisco, California Size: 1210 square feet Years lived in: 1; owned Walking through Alex’s apartment is like taking a trip around the world. Her home is a gallery of pieces she’s collected over the years, including Native American artwork from Ashland, a poster from a bathroom in Tokyo, a harp from Peru, a statue from Bali, artwork from Prague and much more.
Dec 19, 2019
Lindsay Nakashima’s Focus on Family
Name: Lindsay Nakashima and son Hugo Location: Hyde Park — Austin, TexasSize: 1400 square feetYears lived in: Owned, 10 years Beauty permeates every inch of the Austin home of Lindsay Nakashima, the grandniece of famed Mid-Century Modern furniture maker George Nakashima. His modern and warm wood furniture designs mix with Lindsay’s refreshingly simple and honest approach to design, to create a home that’s entirely welcoming.
Dec 19, 2019
Sarah’s Contemporary Color in London
Name: Sarah RedshawLocation: Wimbledon, London, United KingdomSize: 905 square feetYears lived in: 13 years; owned For most of its life, Sarah’s South London terraced home had a traditional two-up, two-down layout. But after 12 years of ownership, Sarah decided that the arrangement wasn’t working for her anymore. She craved more space, more light, and a more contemporary feel.
Dec 19, 2019
Holly & Joe’s Finally Forever Home
Name: Holly & JoeLocation: Portland, ORSize: 2,000 square feetYears lived in: 8 months; Owned Three cross country moves in three years is enough to test even the most solid of relationships, but newlyweds Holly and Joe are convinced it just made theirs stronger. They recently decided to put down roots in Portland and plan to let those roots go deep before they consider another move any time soon.
Dec 19, 2019
Christopher & Merete’s Truly Tiny Home on the Range
Name: Christopher Smith & Merete Mueller Location: Hartsel, Colorado Size: 127 square feet Years lived in: 3 months; Own Christopher and Merete own a tiny house on some of the most beautiful land in Colorado. One hundred miles southwest of Denver, fifteen minutes down a gravel road just outside Hartsel, sits a 127 square foot home. It’s cozy, efficient and costs hardly anything to power, but most importantly: it’s theirs.
Dec 19, 2019
Alexandra & John’s Clusters of Color
Names: Alexandra Grenham, her husband, John, and their two daughtersLocation: North End — Boston, MassachusettsSize: 1,336 square feetYears lived in: 1 year; owned When I saw Alexandra’s House Call last month, I was excited to get the job of shooting the full tour. Like you, I couldn’t wait to see more of the beautiful brick and beam loft peppered with bursts of color.
Dec 19, 2019
Amber’s Art-Filled Austin Apartment
Name: Amber Abramson, Associate Director at New Image Art Gallery and owner of Busy-Being, her son, Angelo, and pets Pigeon (AKA Maiden of Anarchy) the cat and Paper the turtle. Location: Cherrywood neighborhood — Austin, TexasSize: 900 square feetYears lived in: Rented, 1 year It’s hard not to be envious of a woman who can turn a blank space into a fascinating, art-packed apartment in just under a year, but then again, not all folks can claim as many creative hats as Amber.
Dec 19, 2019
Evelyn Lee’s Sustainable Starter Apartment
Name: Evelyn LeeLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYSize: 1,185 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedMeet Evelyn and her cat, Sam. Evelyn’s Williamsburg apartment was her first project directly out of Parsons’ Interior Design program (yes, she’s LEED accredited); and where she was able, she used sustainable materials to create a relaxing haven she calls home.
Dec 19, 2019
Poke Acupuncture’s New Spot On Melrose
Name: Russell Brown // Poke AcupunctureLocation: Los Angeles, CA The last time we visited Russell’s office at Poke Acupuncture, he was at his old location in West Hollywood. Just in the past couple months, he’s moved to an actual storefront and brought his DIY talent to this incredibly curated new office space. Succulents, fine art, books and hand crafted furniture are just some of the truly awesome elements of this acupuncture office.
Dec 19, 2019
Raina & Robert’s Modern Farmhouse Makeover
Name: Raina Kattleson of A Stylist’s Life & Robert Butscher, an architectLocation: Hudson Valley — New York, NYSize: 1200 square feetYears lived in: Bought 1 ½ years ago — spent 15 months renovating and now rent it out. The popularity of makeover shows, before and afters, and rags-to-riches stories points to our continued fascination with those who have the gift to see the potential in something. It’s not a gift everyone has.
Dec 19, 2019
Faith’s Magical Bohemian Treehouse
Name: Faith Blakeney Location: The Treehouse – Los Angeles, California Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 2 years I spent a warm Sunday hanging out with Faith at her bohemian treehouse. She is one stylish lady (and, yes, she is the sister of Justina Blakeney). When Faith moved from New York a few years back, she looked at place after place on Craigslist only to get frustrated because she had her heart set on lving in Venice.
Dec 19, 2019
Suzy’s Whimsical Mid-C Modern Home
Name: Suzy UltmanLocation: Old Worthington — Worthington, OhioSize: 1,700 square feetYears lived in: 2 — ownedIf you’re familiar with Suzy Ultman’s work, you know her for her playful designs depicting a world populated by grinning apples, thick-eyelashed owls and rosy-cheeked matryoshka dolls, figures rendered with simple details that pack a mega punch of personality.
Dec 19, 2019
The Fleet Family’s Modern Craftsman Mix
Name: Jake and Angela Fleet, three kids and a mini golden-doodle named ChillyLocation: Phinney Ridge — Seattle, WashingtonSize: 2100 square feetYears lived in: 9 years — owned I was delighted to be able to photograph Jake and Angela’s modern Craftsman home on one of the sunniest days that Seattle had seen in months. The sunny rays through each of the huge, gorgeous windows scattered all around the home highlighted details like the boxed beam ceilings and rich hardwood floors.
Dec 19, 2019
Jonya & Brad’s Modern A–Frame
Name: Jonya and Bradley Streeper (and son Julian Grey)Location: Beaverton — Portland, ORSize: 2,400 square feetYears lived in: 3 — owned Jonya, Brad and their two–year–old son Julian live in one of the most thoughtfully decorated, wonderfully airy homes I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. An open floor plan and tall ceilings allow for a steady stream of unbelievable natural light to flood the entire space.
Dec 19, 2019
Agustin’s Barrio Baroque
Name: Agustin SandersOccupation: Interior Designer Location: Nob Hill — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 650 square feetYears lived in: 3-1/2 years — rented The story reads a bit like the treatment for Harry Potter: Young man enters specialized and venerable college, learns artful sorcery and a mastery of the dark arts. He waves a magic wand, sees into the future and pulls from the past, all while channeling the skills of his mother’s craft.
Dec 19, 2019
Will’s Toronto Townhouse Revisited
Name: WillLocation: Cabbagetown; Toronto, OntarioSize: 1,300 sq. feetYears lived in: 4.5 years owned We last visited Will’s English Gentry in Cabbagetown in the summer of 2010. While there wasn’t much to improve on since then, Will has moved around furniture, acquired some new accessories and renovated his furnace room. So this tour shows details missed in the first tour and focuses on the small changes that alter the feel of the space.
Dec 19, 2019
Carly & Chip’s Resourceful & Refined Home
Name: Carly, Chip and their dog Lucy Location: Pacific Heights — San Francisco, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 — rented Carly, Chip and Lucy live down the street from Alta Vista Park, in an apartment set on the hillside overlooking San Francisco. On top of their serene location, there is something about this couple’s home that draws you in and makes you want to stay.
Dec 19, 2019
Mazen’s Tailored Toronto Townhouse
Name: Mazen El-Abdallah, founder of Mazen StudioLocation: Leslieville, Toronto, OntarioSize: 900 square feetYears lived in: 4 years owned When Mazen bought his townhouse, the space was divided into small rooms. Coming from a loft, Mazen wanted this home to have an open feel. Thanks to Mazen’s renovation and interior design, the house now feels like one big space with the upstairs living room area connected to the downstairs.
Dec 19, 2019
Jen & Nate’s Upcycled Mix
Name: Jen Selk & Nathan Kalman-LambLocation: Midtown — Toronto, CanadaSize: 2 bedrooms, 800 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 years together, Nate for 5 — Rented Jen and Nate’s two bedroom Toronto apartment proves yet again that you needn’t spend buckets of money to make a home function well, look beautiful, and reflect the unique personalities of its inhabitants.
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy and Robert’s House of Festive Flair
Name: Nancy and Robert SalzLocation: Berkeley, CaliforniaYears lived in: 25 Nancy Salz says her home is devoid of architectural interest. But over the past 25 years, she and her husband Robert have embellished their three-bedroom family lair with lovingly crafted DIY projects and intriguing collections, making it one of the most colorful and creative homes in Berkeley, California. The first floor flows easily from room to room showcasing vibrant surprises around every corner.
Dec 19, 2019
BJ & Megan’s Traveling Farmhouse Homestead
Name: Megan & BJLocation: Chatham County, NCSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: Renting for over 2 years Traveling homestead? you ask. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Well, in the case of BJ and Megan’s 1917 farmhouse, that’s exactly what it is. After contentedly nestling itself into the soil of Burlington, NC for the better part of a century, the owner had it relocated 30 miles away to save it from demolition in 2002.
Dec 19, 2019
Rachel & Jonathan’s Cozy Angelino Heights Home
Name: Rachel Craven & Jonathan CravenLocation: Angelino Heights – Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1700 square feetYears lived in: 1 year Rachel invited me over to her beautiful home in Angelino Heights. I was so excited because Angelino Heights is the second oldest district in Los Angeles; therefore, there are so many stunning old homes with a lot character. Another treat was the Echo Park Craft Fair that was being held at her home later in the day.
Dec 19, 2019
Holly and Ryan’s Vintage Minimal
Name: Holly, Ryan and their son AugustLocation: Portland, OregonSize: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: 5 Holly is one of Portland’s most celebrated fashion designers. After photographing the sweet shop she co-owns, I had a hunch that the qualities I found in her clothing line—romance, inspiration from past eras and subtle palette—would be echoed in her home. I hunched right! Join me for a tour of a mellow, beautiful home. Holly and Ryan have a great touch in their home.
Dec 19, 2019
Lucas Wren’s Small, Modern Nursery
Name: Lucas Wren (18 months)Location: Berkeley, CaliforniaRoom Size: ~150 sq. ft. When you’ve got 150 square feet and no closet to work with, decorating your child’s room poses special challenges. Lisa Jackson found solutions to these issues with a fantastic blend of high end pieces and affordable design.
Dec 19, 2019
Bess & Peter’s Brick & Timber Loft
Name: Bess and PeterLocation: South Park — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 1 year and 2 months — rented Not many couples have the pleasure of walking by the place they got married every time they leave their apartment door, but for Peter and Bess, this is indeed the case. Their apartment building faces tree-covered South Park, where they were married just a month after moving in.
Dec 19, 2019
Penelope and Nathan’s Full–Hearted Eclectic
Name: Penelope, Nathan and Bell MillerLocation: Portland, OregonYears lived in: 2 Penelope and Nathan turned a broken down house in North East Portland into a handmade palace full of personality and joy — the perfect spot to raise their 20 month old daughter, Bell, and even have leftover room for guests and grandparents. When Penelope needed a bit of peace and contemplation, they built an outdoor lounge room completely from reclaimed, tossed–aside materials.
Dec 19, 2019
Amanda & Lincoln’s Eclectic Modern Home
Name: Amanda & LincolnLocation: Ashbury Heights — San Francisco, CaliforniaSize: 1,885 SF Years lived in: 4 years — owned Amanda and Lincoln live in a sunny Ashbury Heights flat with their two adorable daughters, dog Mango, and cats Truffle and Kiwi. From the IKEA kitchen to the giant letter “M” on their living room wall, their 1905 Victorian flat is the perfect mix of flawless styling and the comforts of home.
Dec 19, 2019
Eric’s Soothing Stripes
Name & Age: Eric, 1.5 weeks(!) oldLocation: Austin, TX When Ohdeedoh friend Luciana let us know that she was decorating a nursery for a baby boy, we couldn’t wait to see what she put together. Baby Eric’s nursery was lovingly decorated in advance of his October 15 birth day. Welcome home, little man.
Dec 19, 2019
“Found, Free & Flea” Author Tereasa Surratt’s Rustic Camp
Image: Bob Coscarelli for CS Interiors magazineName: Tereasa Surratt and David HernandezLocation: Wandawega Lake Resort, Elkhorn, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 Author Tereasa Surratt (A Very Modest Cottage) and her husband David Hernandez know about reusing and recycling with style. In Tereasa’s new book, Found, Free & Flea: Creating Collections from Vintage Treasures, she shares her style advice, using the couple’s idyllic lakeside getaway as a setting.
Dec 19, 2019
Laura’s Mid–Century Melrose Place
Name: Laura LeonLocation: Kerns neighborhood — Portland, OregonSize: 1,010 square feetYears lived in: 2 1/2 years — rented Laura’s a color and materials consultant, trend forecaster and photographer. Another notch to her freelancing belt she should think of including? Interior designer! With her eye for quality vintage, simple colors and personal details, this woman is an artist with her home.
Dec 19, 2019