White shirt with ink-stained pocket holding pens, paired with a striped bow tie and brown leather strap.
How To Remove an Ink Stain with Milk & Vinegar
Sometimes we find ourselves in the most cliché nerd predicament: a leaking or exploding ink pen (where was your pocket protector when you needed it!?). But you can put away your inhaler, because removing an ink blob is easier than you think. Just grab some milk and vinegar and get to the stain ASAP! 2 parts whole milk1 part white distilled vinegarLarge bowl 1. Place your garment in a bowl at the most shallow part, allowing it to be covered completely with the mixture. 2.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Polish Silver Using Banana Peels
Bananas are legit. They are a proper on the go snack, packed full of nutrients and vitamins, and come in a convenient peel-and-toss wrapper to boot! But before tossing the wrapper, consider attempting this super simple method for cleaning your silver. BananasWaterBlenderRag to polish silver There are a few all natural recipes for cleaning silver but this is my preferred method for jewelry.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make Your Own Wood Polish
If you’re tight on space and don’t want a bottle of rarely-used wood polish hogging the shelf, don’t buy it! Wood polish is easy to make in small, single use batches, so you don’t have to worry about trying to jam yet another bottle away under the cupboard. Depending on the size lemon you use, the polish ends up being around about 1/2 cup of liquid.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Clean a Bathtub with Grapefruit and Salt
Lemons and vinegar are the great dynamic duo of green cleaning, but there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh grapefruit. It’s fresh and sweet, and can give your bathroom that extra boost of freshness that is usually only obtained with heavily scented candles and other cleaning products that aren’t so earth-friendly. I recently moved into a home that had sat empty for a year and while it was in great condition, the old cast iron tub looked pretty rough.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make a Fruit Fly Trap To Get Rid of Fruit Flies
We’ve all experienced it at one point: fruit flies, first a few then an infestation surrounding your fruit bowl. They’re pesky little critters, but we’ve found the best way to rid your kitchen of them. Here are our quick instructions for making a fruit fly trap with just a few simple materials. Vinegar, fruit or wine (apple cider vinegar works especially well) Glass or jar Sheet of paper Tape Find a suitable glass or jar.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Rug With Snow
Antique and handwoven rugs are breathtaking but can be tricky to clean. Stay away from chemical detergents by using nature’s cleanser, snow! Snowvember is upon us here in the midwest and I’m trying to make the most of it. After hearing about the magical cleaning powers of snow, I laced up boots, grabbed a recently purchased hand-woven rug and headed outside.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Fan
In anticipation of spending the warmer months with our oscillating fans on to keep us cool, now is a good time to pause and take a few minutes to give them a quick clean. They’ve got a lot of work ahead of them and could use a little bit of attention. (Plus it will keep your fan—and your lungs—in better shape!) Small toiletry items like cotton swabs, makeup brushes, foam craft brushes, or toothpicks are great for jobs like this.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Unclog The Bathroom Sink
A clogged or slow-draining bathroom sink is a common problem in most homes. It shouldn’t happen too often, but when it does, be sure to use this natural formula to remove all the gunk–believe me, you don’t want a list of what that “gunk” actually is–and get that drain in tip top shape. 1/2 cup Baking soda 1/2 cup Vinegar Lemon juice (optional) Measuring cups Step 1. Remove the drain cover.
Jun 5, 2019
Erin & Ben’s Cliff May Modern
Name: Erin Davis and Ben SmithsonLocation: Casa View — Dallas, TexasSize: 1,498 square feetYears lived in: 6 months — owned We first met Erin and Ben this past Fall when they submitted their “Peacock” living room in our Room for Color Contest and we wanted more! Erin, who is no stranger to the interior design world, shows us how she and Ben flexed their decorating muscles in their newly purchased Cliff May home.
Jun 5, 2019
Janelle’s High Impact Oasis
Name: JanelleLocation: Southwest Waterfront — Washington, DCSize: 600 square feet — studioYears lived in: 11 months — owned Since Janelle’s studio was one of the finalists in this year’s Room For Color contest, I was expecting the vibrancy and the brave use of saturated hues. What I didn’t expect was that the same lively palette that wowed us in October was also capable of eliciting a soothing sense of calm.
Jun 5, 2019
100+ Tips for Frugal Living: How to Get Thrifty and Save Money
You might have financial goals at this point in your life. Or, you might not. But here’s the good news: it’s completely possible to save money and still have a happy, fulfilled existence. You just have to adopt a frugal mindset, and put practices in place to help you succeed. To help you out, here are 100+ ways to get thrifty and reduce your cost of living… 1. 6 Tips for Creating a ‘Buy Better, Buy Less’ Budget 2. How To Have an Adult Apartment on a Budget 3.
Jun 5, 2019
Elizabeth and Daniel’s Bright, Bold & Narrow Rowhome
Name: Elizabeth and Daniel, Georgia the dog and Edmond the catLocation: Hampden — Baltimore, MarylandSize: 900 square feet (mostly in length, not width!)Years lived in: almost 2 We were first introduced to Elizabeth and Daniel’s home when they entered our Room for Color Contest back in October. It was such a visual treat we contacted them with hopes that they would allow us to peak into the rest of their digs.
Jun 5, 2019
A 300-Square-Foot RV Is a Tiny Home on Wheels for a Couple and Their Three Dogs
Although small, this tiny home on wheels has hookups for everything a normal house has besides a dishwasher.
Jun 5, 2019
My Secret Laundry Weapon is a Common, Easy to Use $15 Kitchen Tool
There's nothing I dread more than seeing a hand-wash tag on my new favorite shirt. Until now.
Jun 5, 2019
8 Unexpected Ways to Decorate with Plants
If you’re reading this story, there’s a good chance you’re a brand new plant parent. Congratulations! After sifting through countless species and asking yourself some serious questions to make sure you’re up for the task, you’ve finally found a plant that you will have to hold, love in sickness and in health, until (plant) death do you part.The only question that remains is how you’ll use your plant.
Jun 5, 2019
An “All Grown Up” Townhouse in Denver
Name: Allison Shaw Location: Denver, Colorado Size: 1,000 square feet Years Lived In: 1 When I arrived to tour the fabulous Allison Shaw’s home last month, she was in the final stages of prepping her latest venture: Brick & Mortar, a traveling dry goods general store housed in a Vintage 1964 Aristocrat Trailer. Allison and her equally fabulous business partner, Tran Wills, are two of the biggest supporters of local design in Denver, making both their homes and business fun and enticing.
Jun 5, 2019
Past & Present Styles Mix in a San Francisco Home
Name: Janel Holiday Huff, Interior Designer and Principal of Janel Holiday Interior Design, and Jim, Freelance Maverick Design Curator and Captain of soon to be opened Blu Dot Showroom in San Francisco Location: San Francisco, California Size: 1,350 square feet Years lived in: 6 1/2 years Janel and Jim’s home is feminine, or maybe it’s eclectic, and/or Mid-Century modern — I would say it really can’t be defined by one particular style.
Jun 5, 2019
Sara & Jason’s Terrific Toy-Tastic Home
Name: Sara & Jason and 3 furry children: Ash, Ronin, and KumaLocation: Kansas City, MissouriSize: 1,700 square feetYears lived in: 3 — owned When it comes to displaying collections no one quite takes the job as seriously as the residents of this house. What started as a passion and a hobby of collecting vinyl toys and artwork from artists around the world has turned into a way of life for these folks in The Heartland.
Jun 5, 2019
House Tour: Lisa’s Beachy Regency Modern Mix
Name: Lisa JossLocation: Mill ValleySize: 1,850 sq. ft.Years lived in: 2 You may remember seeing Lisa’s bathroom on AT:NY. Here’s your chance to see more of her cool blue “beachy-regency modern” Marin house.Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know!
Jun 5, 2019
5 Tips for Living with a Small Kitchen
Jun 5, 2019
Raphaëlle’s Foodie Montreal Apartment
From Apartment Therapy → Raphaëlle’s Foodie Paradise Apartment Check out this light-filled apartment above the famous Jean-Talon food market in Montreal, Canada, and see how it’s used to host for cooking, entertaining, and dinner parties.
Jun 5, 2019
8 Patterned Wallpapers That Are Totally Removable
Affordable and easy-to-install, removable wallpaper is a goof-proof way to revamp your space without committing to something permanent. And good news: Amazon offers an array of stylish peel-and-stick wallpaper options so you can upgrade your place in a pinch — for cheap.
Jun 5, 2019
With Bold Colors, Quirky Decor, and Plenty of Pattern, This Paper Artist’s House Is Undeniably Fun
Designer and paper artist Helen Ward shares this incredibly fun UK home with her family.
Jun 5, 2019
3 Steps to Decluttering Your Home for a Garage Sale
Where do you begin when it comes to cleaning out your home in preparation for finding stuff to sell at a garage sale? Well it turns out it’s pretty similar to regularly decluttering your home; only after you’ve combed through drawers and closets, you’ll be evaluating if there’s anything you can make a little dough on. 1. Declutter You’re going to start looking for things to sell in a garage sale in the same way you would if you were aiming to declutter your house.
Jun 5, 2019
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
It’s the start of the first three day weekend of the summer, so in keeping with (and expanding upon!) recent Apartment Therapy tradition, we put together a big list of DIY projects to consider for the days ahead. From crafting to cleaning, renovating to relaxing, there is an idea here for everyone – 100 to be exact! Join Us on Pinterest:Apartment Therapy Learn to make your pics prettier: How To Instantly Improve Your Photos Give your dining chairs a new (tufted!
Jun 5, 2019
How ‘Fixer Upper’ Changed the Way People Buy Homes
A decade ago, real estate agents struggled to get clients to look beyond burnt orange shag carpet or avocado green tiles. Now, agents say buyers excitedly search for homes they can renovate.
Jun 5, 2019
These Bathroom Storage Carts are So Cute, They’ll Even Make Your Retainer Look Chic
Yes, even tiny bathrooms can benefit from a storage cart.
Jun 5, 2019
This Millennial’s Minimal Home Boasts Handmade DIY Furniture and Decor
This rental apartment has Palladian windows, curved ceilings, an ornate mantel and fireplace, and 25+ plant babies!
Jun 5, 2019
An Hour-by-Hour Roadmap to Your Most Productive Day Ever
If your daily routine could use a little optimizing, here’s a science-backed template.
Jun 5, 2019
The Catalogs We Actually LOVE to Flip Through
While some decor catalogs might seem like mail clutter, truth be told, many are still a ripe source of inspiration—if you know which ones to look for. Filled with beautifully styled rooms and up-and-coming design trends, these catalogs are actually worth a look, unlike much of what hits our mailboxes. To prove our point, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite store catalogs for your consideration.
Jun 5, 2019
#2: ELVARLI Storage System
IKEA says: Whether for a walk-in wardrobe, hallway solution or a business, ELVARLI storage system provides open storage that’s easy to get just right, while looking nice. ELVARLI storage system is the result of some innovative development at IKEA to create flexible, beautiful and lightweight storage. ELVARLI storage system is elegantly designed with attention to small details like seamless joints and invisible fittings.
Jun 5, 2019
#9: BARKABODA Wood Countertop
IKEA’s description: The herringbone pattern has a beautifully pleasing geometry to the eye. In BARKABODA countertop the pattern in dark brown wood adds true elegance to the kitchen. The countertop is made durable with a layer of solid wood that covers a particleboard core. This technique not only gives a genuine expression of solid wood, but is a good environmental choice as it’s resource-efficient.
Jun 5, 2019
#3: ELVARLI Storage System (& Room Divider!)
Ok, sure, sure. It’ll work well as a storage solution just about anywhere, but we all know where and how this would really shine: as a room divider! Buildable-to-size with a variable mix of open and closed storage, the adjustable heights will make it a possibility for all sorts of studios, apartments and homes that could use some more definition to their space.
Jun 5, 2019
All We Are Saying, Is Give Bees A Chance: How To Grow a Pollinator Garden
Red Fox We’re probably not the first to tell you that bees have been disappearing from their hives, never to return, at alarming rates. Colony Collapse Disorder has been an issue here in the US since the 1990s and it’s now occurring all around the world. Among the super-bummer factors believed to be causing CCD is habitat loss. While this is a really large scale issue, there are a few things the average gardener can do to help out.
Jun 5, 2019
The White House Kitchen: A Behind-the-Scenes Visit
During an incredible visit last week to the White House (for a sneak peek at the new Obama state china service), I swung by the kitchen and snapped all the photos I could manage while hearing about the upcoming State Dinner from the two talented women who are in charge of all things culinary for the Obamas. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen of most famous family in the nation (which was much more compact than expected!
Jun 5, 2019
Happier Houseplants: How To Keep Indoor Plants Healthy
During the month of March, we’re gathering some of our best problem solvers together into master “Home Remedies” posts to help you make your home healthier, solving one problem at a time. Today, help for all the indoor gardeners out there that struggle with keeping house plants healthy.
Jun 5, 2019
Get the Word Out! 5 Effective Ways to Advertise Your Garage Sale
Well, don’t do a ton of work to prepare for a garage sale and then not tell people about it! Half (actually, probably more than half) the success of a great garage sale can be contributed to good marketing of the event. So this week, consider your options, pick the choices that get you the most excited and decide how you’re going to get the word out! When you decide to start advertising your garage sale can be up to you.
Jun 5, 2019
How to Make Sure Your Garage Sale is Legal (& Keep Your Neighbors From Hating You)
Of the many things that have to be in place before you can throw a successful garage sale (like decluttering your house to have enough stuff to sale and picking a good location), you also need to make sure your garage sale is playing by the rules and playing nice. Here are three things to consider before throwing your next garage sale. 1.
Jun 5, 2019
How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City: 8 Fun, Affordable Ideas
Low budgets and a lack of time can put a dent in the fun of summer traveling, without doubt. But just because you can’t go far doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Lovingly called a “staycation” by some, we call it being a tourist in your own city. Here are eight ways how to do it.
Jun 5, 2019
By Foot, Bike or More: How to Explore Your Neighborhood
Whether you’ve lived in your neighborhood for years or have recently made the move, we bet there’s something you’ve never noticed before. Home is not just the few rooms you pay for and occupy — it spills out of your front door and stretches into the streets and businesses that surround your address. This weekend, with these tips, get up, out and explore your ‘hood.
Jun 5, 2019
Brenda & Harry’s Contemporary Coach House
Names: Harry, Brenda and their two sonsLocation: Wicker Park — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 2000 square feetYears lived in: 11 total, 4 post-reno — owned Brenda and Harry have been friends of mine for a long time now which means I’ve been lucky enough to share in many of their “life events”. That translates to a busy decade or so, including a wedding (fantastic!), a first baby (joyous!), a second baby (doubly joyous!
Jun 5, 2019
Kim & Scott’s Happy “Yellow Brick Home”
Name: Kim & ScottLocation: Logan Square, ChicagoSize: An itty bitty 650 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 happy years A perfect tour for small spaces month, here is an expanded look at the colorful condo that is the inspiration behind the blog Yellow Brick Home. Located in Chicago in a nearly 100 year old building, this recently renovated Logan Square space got a strong dose of individuality from its owners.
Jun 5, 2019
House Tour: Alicia’s Romantic Portland House
Name: Alicia PaulsonLocation: PortlandSize: Almost 2,000 square feetYears lived in: Almost 7 If you’re one of the many fans of Posie: Rosy Little Things, Alicia’s shop, you’ve already had glimpses of her home on her blog. If you’re an AT reader, you’ve had a quick peek at her studio — she was a Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know! tips@sf.apartmenttherapy.
Jun 5, 2019
Classic American Design: Shaker
Tis The Gift To Be SimpleFrom a religious and social standpoint, Shakers were radicals when they arrived in New York from England just before the American Revolution, in 1774. Like Quakers, they are pacifists. In contrast to the Quakers and most other religions, the Shakers, officially the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Coming, began with a woman leader.
Jun 4, 2019
How To Paint Your Floors and Not Screw it Up
Years ago when I decided to paint the floors in my small summer house, most people were shocked (including my parents). Bare wood floors were so chic and such a staple of 90’s style, that painting them over and covering them up seemed sacrilegious. I didn’t think so anymore. See how they turned out… The floors were cheap, solid oak floors, in great need of refinishing.
Jun 4, 2019
A Mobile Plant Shop Owner’s “Muted Folky Boho” Home
He's basically trying to live in a tree house.
Jun 4, 2019
Pete & James’ Natural & Neon Loft
Name: Pete & JamesLocation: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,000 square feetYears lived in: 1 — rented Skulls and neon lights transcend the biker bar look in the fun and eclectic Brooklyn apartment of Pete and James. When I first saw Pete and James’s apartment featured in a House Call back in March, I knew I was going to love the space.
Jun 4, 2019
A Heritage of Harmony Home
Location: Echo Park – Los Angeles, California Size: 2200 square feet Years lived in: 8 months Kathleen and Bradford live at the top of the hill in Echo Park. You drive up and up and up and then when you get to the very top you walk down a set of stairs to reach their front door. Their house is very private with an incredible view. I will admit I am a bit (ok a lot) jealous.
Jun 4, 2019