A First-Time-Living-Solo San Franciscan Found the Perfect Small, Soothing Home
Name: Carra Manahan Location: San Francisco, California Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting A couple years ago, I decided to get my own apartment in San Francisco. I’d lived in the Marina since moving to the city and couldn’t part with it. The neighborhood’s beautiful and charming; there’s truly something special about being able to see the Golden Gate Bridge from it.
May 3, 2019
Cancel Hulu: It’s Now Free With Your Spotify Subscription
If you’re like me, you subscribe to a bunch of streaming services. While they’re not particularly expensive, those monthly fees can add up. But there’s some good news for the multi-streamers among us: Spotify Premium members can get Hulu for free. Yep, totally free. If you’re already paying the $9.99 to listen to Spotify ad-free, there’s a new perk. The Verge reports that you can bundle the basic Hulu plan into your account for no extra monthly charge.
May 3, 2019
“The Simpsons” Has Been On TV for 30 Years—Here Are the Best Homes
“The Simpsons” is in its 30th season—and now holds the title of the longest-running primetime scripted series. Over three decades, we’ve seen hundreds of versions of the opening theme, ending with the family together on the couch, in a home most Americans would probably recognize. That said, Springfield (and its surrounding areas) has some other pretty awesome places to live. So here’s a selection of the coolest pads in “The Simpsons” universe.
May 3, 2019
In ‘Shrill,’ Aidy Bryant’s Annie Has a Plant-Packed Sunroom We Want to Steal
Hulu’s new series, “Shrill,” isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics. In fact—spoiler alert—Aidy Bryant’s character Annie gets an abortion in the first episode. It’s an experience that feminist author Lindy West recalled in detail in her hit 2016 memoir of the same name.
May 3, 2019
9 Design Mistakes We All Make in Our First Apartments
Decorating can be hard, especially when you move into your first apartment. The cards are kind of stacked against you—it’s small, you likely don’t have much furniture of your own, you might have a roommate (or several!), and you’re probably not making bank yet, meaning the budget is tight. So you’re bound to make a mistake or two in setting up your space. We have all been there, and the good news is most of these decorating issues can be solved pretty easily.
May 3, 2019
This Pinterest-Favorite Laundry Trend Could Be Dangerous, Warns American Cleaning Institute
Move over, Tide Pod challenge, there’s a new laundry-related caution in town—but this time, it has to do with storage. Displaying laundry packets in jars may look pretty, but according to the American Cleaning Institute, decanting the pods can be dangerous with small children or elderly people in the home. In time for both spring cleaning and National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-24, 2019), the ACI launched its sixth annual Packets Up!
May 3, 2019
6 Ideas to Steal from ‘Queer Eye’s’ Season 3 Loft in Kansas City
As of today, March 15, our internet BFFs are back for season 3 of “Queer Eye” and they are bringing the heat to Kansas City. And by heat, I mean structured neutrals used in bold ways, with pops of color in the plant life, and a heavy dose of mixed metals. Bobby Berk himself designed the Fab Five’s Midwest home base, and the best part is you can recreate it quite easily.
May 3, 2019
Nesting Tables Are the Easiest Way to Add a Layered Look to Your Living Room
Two is always better than one, and the same rule applies to coffee tables. Over the last year, there has been a spike in styled living rooms that have taken the usual formula of one big coffee table and broken it up into two separate pieces. Nesting coffee tables don’t just apply to big living rooms that have the extra square footage for additional tables.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: This Cold Living Room Is Now a Cozy Spot for Curling Up
When reader Chantel Breault decided to give her living room a makeover, her chief incentive was to give it some life. The space before didn’t evoke much at all in terms of feelings or aesthetic. It was “Neutral, lacking personality, not even cozy,” and Chantel wanted to make the space feel more cohesive and classic. With solid bones, there fortunately wasn’t a huge amount to tackle with this project.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: ‘Queer Eye’s’ Design Team Did This Renovation by iPhone Flashlight
If your weekend plans include bingeing all of season 3 of “Queer Eye”—now streaming on Netflix as of today—you’re not alone. The Fab Five quickly became our internet BFFs when the reboot dropped last year, and now the boys are back—this time in Kansas City—to help some more deserving folks. Luckily for us, the hardest working designer on TV, Bobby Berk, gave us the exclusive tea on one particularly special makeover from this season.
May 3, 2019
This Over-the-Top Wizarding Rental Is Made For Harry Potter Fanatics
Reroute your owls to deliver The Daily Prophet to your new address because you’ll never want to leave this Harry Potter rental. Located in Salem, MA, this private room can fit two guests, and ideally those who can revel in the extra attention to detail. Just one mile from the train station, this room was crafted by a host with experience in the toy and games industry.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A $3K Rustic Scandinavian Bathroom Reveal
Elise’s bathroom was tiny and a hodgepodge of somewhat new, but super generic, finishes and fixtures, and a mismatched paint job. She wanted to both enlarge and update the space for her planned family, and do it on a very tight budget. The bathroom is now an incredibly relaxing, earthy space that Elise loves to be in. The stone countertops, combined with reclaimed wood vanity and black fixtures is a great combination that feels rustic and comfortable.
May 3, 2019
The Surprising History of Pink: How the Rosy Hue Has Taken Over Interiors
If it feels like you’ve been seeing life through rose-colored glasses lately, it may be because life is great. But, it also may be because there are more shades of pink used in interiors than ever before. In the past 100 years, the connotation and representation of the color pink has changed.
May 3, 2019
Shopping Your Home Is the Free Decorating Tip Designers Swear By—Here’s How to Do It Successfully
I’ve heard designers say this, in one way or another, what feels like a million times: Shop your home to change up your decor for free. And you know what—it’s a good idea, in theory. You can’t beat free, right? But, it’s also a little soundbite-y. And by that, I mean, how does one actually go about doing this? I’ve never pressed a designer for actionable tips—that is, until now.
May 3, 2019
13 Classic Kitchen Staples We’re Buying at IKEA for Under $10
The only thing better than a stylish kitchen utensil is one that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Luckily, IKEA is brimming with inexpensive, Scandi-style kitchen essentials that probably cost less than your fancy morning coffee. From wine racks to colanders, here are 13 go-to kitchen wares at IKEA for under 10 bucks.
May 3, 2019
Yes, You Can Pull Off Maximalism in Tiny Houses and Small Spaces
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Having a tiny house doesn’t mean you have to abandon all signs of style and personality in your place. Nay—you can be what I’d like to call a mini-maximalist, and as long as you do this strategically, you can pull it off with flying colors. Don’t believe me? That’s okay. Because I’m ready to state my case with some house tour proof.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: This Kitchen Goes from Dark and Cramped to Light and Bright
This kitchen was small and it didn’t help that it had a tiny, barely usable breakfast nook just off to the left. Honestly, I don’t think a bagel, let alone a human, could fit in that space, so it just didn’t make sense to keep it. On top of that, the small kitchen was dark and uninviting.
May 3, 2019
This App Will Pay You for Photos of Help Wanted Signs
These days, it’s hard to come across a person who doesn’t already have a side hustle, whether it’s running an Etsy store, driving for Uber or Lyft or renting out a spot on Airbnb. But most of those take a lot of work. A far more flexible way to earn some pocket change would be something like Indeed’s Job Spotter app. Instead of uploading selfies to Instagram, Job Spotter gives you more than just likes and follows.
May 3, 2019
Your Knife Block Is Full of Mold—Here’s How to Clean It
Here’s the thing about knife blocks: We don’t really recommend them. They can dull the blades of your knives as you drag them in and out of their holders, they’re often sold as an expensive set with knives that you really don’t need, and they can harbor some serious mold (and maybe even bacteria) in those dark, hard-to-reach slots.
May 3, 2019
Have Pets? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Looking Stylish
They say that a dog is man’s best friend, but having a pet can wreak some serious havoc on your interior design game. From hopping on your pristine couch to chewing on the leg of your dinner table, even the most house-trained pets don’t know how to care properly for your home. Nobody wants to live in a space that’s half-chewed up or covered in dirt, but what’s the alternative? Getting rid of precious Fido? Absolutely not!
May 3, 2019
Watch Conan O’Brien Go NYC Apartment Hunting in 2001
With the release on Team Coco of 25 years of show clips, we took a look back into some of our favorite bits from Conan O’Brien’s past. One of our favorites is this one, where Conan goes alongside show writer Andy Blitz (you may remember him as one-third of the Slipnutz, the group of guys that slipped on nuts). It’s a funny look at how apartment hunting in cities is generally a painful experience…and how much prices have changed in New York.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Home’s Remodeled Floor Plan Shows How to Maximize Space Wisely
This 925-square-foot apartment was renovated in about 3.5 months.
May 3, 2019
Why Rewatching the Same Shows Is Actually Good For You
Have you ever been forced to defend your TV viewing habits? One of the most grating examples of this is trying to explain why you keep watching the same shows over and over again. Honestly, if you don’t already know why I’m dedicated to rewatching “Nurse Jackie” every few months, then you might want to check out a new study from the University of Chicago. Long story short: Rewatching stuff you’ve seen a million times before just makes you feels good.
May 3, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Now Have Their Own Instagram
Since announcing their engagement in November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been nonstop busy with traveling the world, making public appearances, and building a life together. And with a baby coming around the corner (as in this month!), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives are about to get a whole lot busier—and they just made it a million times easier for us common folk to follow along with their new Instagram account.
May 3, 2019
Here’s a Story About the *Other* ‘Brady Bunch’ House, Now Available for Rent
Last year, HGTV shelled out $3.5 million to get its hands on a nostalgic piece of famous TV real estate, but here’s another opportunity to live in another “Brady Bunch” house – as a tenant. Located in Studio City, the owners are looking to rent the property for $12,500 a month. Fans of the popular ’70s sitcom know the Fryman Canyon Estates residence as the home Mike Brady shared with his three sons before uniting with Carol and her three very lovely girls.
May 3, 2019
6 TV Siblings Show Us Why Being Roommates with Family Can Be Wonderful
Today is National Siblings Day, a day to celebrate just how wonderful it is to have your siblings in your life, and also to post embarrassing pictures of them. For some, siblings aren’t just the people you spent your childhood with—believe it or not, some siblings choose to live together out there in the real world. Before you scoff at the entire idea, yes, living with a sibling can be hard—there can be a lot of baggage there—but it can also be wonderful.
May 3, 2019
We Need To Taco ‘Bout This Burrito Blanket
I think it was the famous father, donut lover, and American prophet Homer Simpson who said, “Mmm, I’m a toasty cinnamon bun,” while wrapped up in his bedsheets one morning. While that does sound delicious, when you do wrap yourself up in sheets like Homer did, you’re really more of a human burrito, right? That’s why I’m sure Homer would be the first in line (or online?) to buy the latest food-based item going viral: a literal burrito blanket.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Dilapidated 1920s Cabin Is Brought Back to Life
“This dilapidated historical home in Lake Arrowhead, California, was brought back to life,” explains Lauri Carleton, the owner and creative director of Mag.Pi Shop and a partner in Goods Co.Op. “The town of Lake Arrowhead is located 80 miles from Los Angeles, and since the late 1800s has been a retreat for Hollywood icons and Southern California families. It still serves that purpose, and is a growing place of expression for creatives.
May 3, 2019
This Mushroom Dome Tiny House Is Airbnb’s Most Popular Listing
Just south of San Francisco, close to the idyllic Highway 1 views of California’s picturesque cliffs and beaches, lies a tiny mushroom dome cabin in the woods. It’s one of the world’s most popular Airbnb listings and, for just $130 a night, it could be yours to sleep in. The Mushroom Dome cabin is in Monterey Bay and is surrounded by 10 acres of woods that make perfect hiking trails.
May 3, 2019
You Can Rent These Former Celebrity Homes on Airbnb
What we might love most about Airbnb‘s existence is the astounding variety of stays travelers can now experience. If you can dream up a lodging scenario—anything from a treehouse to a mansion—you can likely find it on Airbnb. And yes, that includes the former homes of celebrities. There’s no denying the allure of being physically present in a space that one of your heroes once called home.
May 3, 2019
Peek Inside the Big Differences in the Homes from ‘Little’
“Little” offers a big look on two strikingly different homes: One that belongs to a demanding tech tycoon and the other to an overworked assistant of said tycoon. The Tina Gordon-directed comedy, which hits theaters April 12, sees Jordan (played by Regina Hall) as a founder of a mobile gaming company who bullies a kid magician and wakes up as her 13-year-old self (Marsai Martin) the next day.
May 3, 2019
You’re 3 Steps Away from a Home Worthy of a Nancy Meyers Movie
How amazing would it be to have your life be like a movie? Think about it: You’d have a great wardrobe, iconic one-liners, and, of course, a home that has #goals written all over it. Naturally, we can’t talk about stunning, on-camera homes without bowing down to Nancy Meyers.
May 3, 2019
Peek Inside the Hotels Where the ‘Game of Thrones’ Cast Stayed During Filming
“Game of Thrones” may be coming to an end, but the most-licensed program in HBO history can live on in the memories of superfans with a serious case of wanderlust. Throughout the years, the show has filmed in 10 countries, including Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, United States, Canada, and Scotland. Hotels.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Brown, Dated Kitchen Gets a $40K Remodel
Name: Claire Armstrong, boyfriend Andy, and two cats, Toki and Aspen Location: Glassell Park — Los Angeles, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 4 months, owned This house was built in Mar Vista in 1939 and moved to the current lot in Glassell Park in 1956 along with a detached garage from South LA. It has only had one owner who tended a beautiful garden and had interesting taste in wallpaper and DIY improvements.
May 3, 2019
I Tried This ‘House Hunters’ Reddit Hack That Predicts Every Winner
Much of the appeal of watching “House Hunters” is playing detective, tuning into side comments and reactions that hint at what the ultimate house will be. You’ll be tempted to learn the secret to predicting the outcomes, like me. However, you might sincerely regret it once you know because all future “House Hunters” viewings will be forever changed. Consider yourself warned, far more than I was before embarking on this experiment, which began with a Reddit thread.
May 3, 2019
What Your Childhood Bedroom Says About Your Current Design Style
I remember what all of my childhood bedrooms looked like because, well, I had a hand in picking most of the big pieces out and looked forward to redecorating every couple of years: Bedding, art for the walls and even paint colors. Let’s put it this way—I used to collect and hoard paint chips from The Home Depot when I was a kid.
May 3, 2019
Stay at This Airbnb-Slash-Alpaca Farm for Under $75 per Night
If you can dream it, you can find it on Airbnb. The vacation rental service gives you the chance to stay in some truly remarkable spaces. You can rent homes once owned by famous celebrities, stay overnight in converted train cars, and get cozy in the tiniest tiny houses you can imagine. If you like your vacation rentals to be an experience, we found your next destination: an alpaca ranch.
May 3, 2019
Behold Big Plants, Beautiful Views, and Bold Brick in This Sleek NYC Loft
Name: Florian MarquardtLocation: SoHo, Manhattan, New YorkSize: 700 square feetYears lived in: 2 months, rentingI live right in the middle of SoHo in a four-story walk-up with a fantastic (furnished) rooftop right on top of me. The apartment is technically a loft (one apartment per floor), though it feels like a true one bedroom. It gets tons of natural light and despite its location is super quiet even during the day.
May 2, 2019
The Best Tiny House Hotels to Stay In, Starting at $75/Night
Think the tiny home trend is adorable—but more so in an aspirational kind of way? Instead of committing to downsizing your life into 300 square feet (or less!), you can give the trend a test run at one of these tiny home hotels. These five resorts excel when it comes to cozy and quaint getaways. The best part? They’re pretty affordable, too, with rates starting at $75 a night. The newest tiny home hotel to make its grand (or petite?
May 2, 2019
This Small Studio Apartment Has an Easy, Elegant Divider Solution
Name: Channing Foster and cat, Cosette Location: Mount Pleasant — Washington, D.C. Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 9 months, renting Channing Foster has lived in her Mount Pleasant apartment for less than a year, but she’s already made it her own. Drawing inspiration from the building’s mid-century foundations, she’s elevated the space with a disciplined color palette and an elegant selection of furniture, art, books, and heirlooms.
May 2, 2019
Partner
How Creating Space in My Home Made Living in It Better
What if we said you could increase the size of your living space instantly? What would you do with your extra room? You can, but the trick isn’t to add more space to your home; it’s to subtract stuff.But not permanently! With MakeSpace, your stuff doesn’t disappear. It just relocates to a place where you won’t trip over it every time you walk into the living room…or bedroom, or garage.
May 2, 2019
These Studio Dwellers Got Creative to Carve Out Separate Spaces
Name: Jose Aparicio, husband Jonathan, and cat Lucia Location: Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 650 square feetYears lived in: 3 years, rentingI work in cancer prevention at a local university and am a part-time ceramist. I share the apartment with my filmmaker husband Jonathan Wysocki and our cat Lucia. The apartment is a first floor commercial space with a wall of windows on one side, painted bright white with 12-foot ceilings.
May 2, 2019
Before and After: A Once-Cluttered House Is Now Light, Bright, and a lot More Enjoyable
Name: Eileen Preston and Mark Cooper and kidsLocation:  Pleasantville, New YorkSize: 3,200 square feetYears Lived In:  Eileen Preston 1 year, Mark Cooper 11 years; ownedOur home is at the end of small wooded road. I love the privacy and land.  This house has lots of windows! As a nature lover, I bring lots of plants and natural elements in. It is sunny and bright and having a lot of green leaves indoors gets me through the winter.
May 1, 2019
Rent this Rustic Tiny House in the Middle of the English Countryside (Alpacas and All)
In the southwest of England lies a tiny house in Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city near Stonehenge. Two guests can cozy up in the studio-style space with a bed meant for stargazing. The hut includes a tiny wood-burning stove in the corner of the main living area that’s equipped with bench seating and a wooden table, plus kitchen appliances (tea kettle definitely included). Every morning, guests are treated to fresh bread, marmalade, granola, and muesli.
May 1, 2019
Disney Parks Have a Very Specific Smell—And You Can Bring it Home
Want to make your Disney vacation last forever? Try smelling it.
May 1, 2019
11 IKEA Products Under $5 Every Renter Needs
Whether you’ve just signed your first lease (yay!) or you’ve been renting for a while, you know that home decor updates can be limited. Not all landlords will allow you to paint a room a brilliant poppy red or knock out a wall for more natural light.
May 1, 2019
Patti Smith’s Former Detroit House Has a Secret Passageway to a Wine Cellar
Here’s your chance to own a piece of rock n’ rock real estate history. The Michigan home of iconic singer/author Patti Smith has officially hit the market, and the three-bed, one-and-a-half bath Tudor beauty is straight out of a fairy tale. But here’s a unique twist: the realtor is her son, Jackson Smith.Located in St. Clair Shores, the 2116-square-foot brick home, which is listed at $499,000, sits on the canal of Lake St. Clair.
May 1, 2019
Add a Turkey (Napkin) to Your Thanksgiving Table
Watch the video to learn how!
May 1, 2019