Enclosed patio with hanging plants, hammock, orange chairs, and a small table.
The Super Important Home Factor You’re Probably Not Considering
Shopping for a home means weighing wants and needs, and making careful compromises to squeeze as many of those must-haves and wish-list items into your budget as possible. But many buyers focus on typical home features while overlooking one potentially important detail. Nine out of 10 home buyers would like a laundry room, for example, while 82 percent want hardwood floors. Most buyers are looking for a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms, a new kitchen, and an open floor plan.
Jan 6, 2019
What 54 Percent of City Homeowners Don’t Want You to Know
Have you ever scrolled through social media and secretly wondered “How the heck are my peers affording that lifestyle?” Yeah, we don’t know how they are funding those Bora Bora vacations, either. But a recent report from Zillow gave us some pretty good intel on how people are actually affording down payments for homes in big cities. We’ll give you a hint: It has nothing to do with skipping avocado toast or cutting Netflix from the budget.
Jan 5, 2019
Experts Predict 2019 Real Estate Will Be a Buyer’s Market (Finally!)
Looking to buy a home? 2019 may be your year. According to a new report from CoreLogic, experts predict that this year’s real estate market may swing in favor of buyers. What is causing this shift isn’t necessarily news to potential homeowners: again, it’s a story of increasing home prices and rising interest rates. However, it seems like these factors are finally hitting the market hard enough to cause a change. Over the last several years, home prices have steadily increased.
Jan 5, 2019
A Catskills Dream Home Mixes Victorian and Arts & Crafts
Name: Spencer Bergen Location: Andes, New York Size: 2,000 square feet Years lived in: 3 months, owned The home was built in 1910 and sits in the historic hamlet of Andes, located in the Catskill Mountains—just two and a half hours from New York City. It features all original woodwork from when it was first built, and includes Victorian and Craftsman touches. While decorating I have tried keep in line with the cozy country setting while tying in the history of the home.
Jan 5, 2019
It’s Not Too Late to Join the January Cure… Here’s How to Catch Up in One Hour
January is a month for new beginnings. After all, the calendar starts with a clean slate—so why can’t you? Because we’re about all things home here at Apartment Therapy, we know the best way we can help on the path to a better you is by giving you advice, tools and encouragement to create a calm and clean space. That’s why we dedicate the start of each year to the January Cure.
Jan 4, 2019
3 Cities Where Millennials Are Actually Buying Homes
Contrary to popular opinion, millennials are buying homes. According to a study conducted by the team at LendingTree, an online loan marketplace, nearly one-fourth of all mortgage purchase requests made on their website between January and November of 2018 came consumers under the age of 35. And three American cities managed to rake in millennial buyers—making up almost one half of total new purchase requests.
Jan 4, 2019
This Couple Built a Tiny Home from an Old Army Truck
In addition to the highly popular #vanlife movement, there’s another vehicle-turned-home trend bringing out creative builders by the truckload. To date, we’ve seen a garbage truck converted into a living space, various school busses turned into homes, and a fire truck transformed into a vacation home. Joining the list of these super original homes-on-the go is the Lorry, an army truck tiny house built by couple Tom and Sophie.
Jan 4, 2019
This Tiny Teardrop Trailer Can Sleep a Family of Four
We’ve seen that many travelers have been eager to indulge in the #camperlifestyle. This includes scouting the perfect sites to explore and sleep in, but most importantly, shopping around for a camper that will make for the perfect road trip. Add incredibly cute, family-friendly, and comfortable into the mix, and you’ll get the Summit: a charming teardrop trailer from Colorado Summit.
Jan 4, 2019
The Best Trivia Board Games to Play on National Trivia Day
Here’s some fun trivia for you: January 4 is National Trivia Day. And what better way is there to celebrate than to partake in a fun little pop quiz of your own? From classics like Trivial Pursuit to newer games like Wits & Wagers, here are 10 of our favorite trivia board games—for National Trivia Day, game night, or just a random night at home. This iconic board game is beloved by trivia purists and game-night lovers alike.
Jan 4, 2019
A Minimalist Shares One of the First Things That Makes a Room Feel Overwhelming
When designer Erin Roberts and her husband moved into their 440-square foot small rental apartment in San Francisco, the first design task they tackled was figuring out the best way to lay out the space, “making sure we had enough furniture for guests to sit on, round trays for eating dinner on the sofa, and plenty of desk space for both of us to work side by side.
Jan 4, 2019
This Service Allows You to Swap Homes Like in ‘The Holiday’
There’s a website that allows you a temporary escape by swapping homes with a stranger—and it could be the getaway you’ve been looking for. Like the 2006 romcom “The Holiday,” Love Home Swap lets users list their homes and then browse through others to swap. If you’re going through a rut and need a quick change of scenery, or just want to escape your comfort zone and try something new, this might be an oddly simple solution.
Jan 3, 2019
Home Horoscopes: The Best Colors for Your Zodiac Sign
As we move into 2019, let the stars be your decorating guide.
Jan 3, 2019
7 Tips We Learned from ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’
If you’re like me, then you first heard of Marie Kondo from “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” Emily Gilmore adopts the famous KonMari method and ends up in jeans and a t-shirt due to getting rid of almost everything she owns because it does not bring her joy. This is a very loose understanding of Kondo’s signature method to decluttering your home, and one that is explored deeply in her new Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
Jan 3, 2019
This Adorable Caravan Rental Will Have You Planning a New Zealand Getaway
If you love the beach and cozy retreats, we’ve found the glamping getaway for you. This oh-so-quaint retro caravan set on the Pohutukawa Coast in Beachlands, Auckland, is available for rent and accommodates two. You can snuggle up with your S.O. on the plush double-size bed that also serves as a table. The playful, light-filled accommodation is complete with a small kitchen outfitted with a gas stovetop and under-bench oven.
Jan 3, 2019
A Pinterest Engineer’s SF Studio Is Minimal, Modern, and Musical
Name: Cindy Zhang and Kai the Corgi Location: San Francisco, California Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting My apartment is a “junior one-bedroom,” which means it’s a studio with a small door-less bedroom carved in. My apartment is my place to relax after a long day, but also the place to get work done. All the practicing for gigs happens here, as well as actual work on WFH Wednesdays.
Jan 3, 2019
This Simple Big-Picture Project Will Get You Closer to the Home of Your Dreams
The January Cure is Apartment Therapy’s way of helping you reset your home for 2019. We tackle one assignment each weekday throughout the entire month. Sign up now if you want to join! Getting your home into shape doesn’t happen all at once. Even this crash course of the January Cure is more of a journey than a race—each day we’ll get just a bit closer to a more comfortable home.
Jan 3, 2019
A 400-Square-Foot San Fran Studio Has the Cutest Checkered Floor
Name: Allison Sparkuhl and a cat, Veda Location: San Francisco, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years, renting Just about three years ago, my cat, Veda, and I lugged our stuff to San Francisco from NYC. After 12 years in one city, you don’t realize how much you accumulate! I used the opportunity to purge and really “KonMari” my life into things around me that truly made me happy.
Jan 2, 2019
This is the Year for Your Best Home Yet: Let’s Kick Off the January Cure!
The January Cure is Apartment Therapy’s way of helping you reset your home for 2019. We tackle one assignment each weekday throughout the entire month. Sign up now if you want to join! It’s officially 2019! And as shocking as the date on the calendar may be, I bet you’re a bit more thrown off by the current state of your home. The end of a year is all about celebration and community and taking time for things you love. But the beginning of the year?
Jan 2, 2019
This Whimsical Cottage by the Sea Is Straight Out of a Storybook
If you thought this cozy home might be taken from the pages of “Sleeping Beauty,” you aren’t too far off. Inspired by designs straight from fairy tales, “The Winckler” incorporates its natural surroundings through its shell made of locally sourced materials. The roof is made of split cedar shakes and the frame is constructed from timber, and inside is home to a stone fireplace that keeps the space warm in the wintertime.
Jan 1, 2019
4 Appliance Mistakes Experts Say Will Make Your Home Harder to Sell
Unless you’re planning on staying in your house forever, chances are good that, when planning home improvements, you have at least one eye on resale value. Today we’re tackling a tricky subject: can new appliances increase the value of your home? As most appliances don’t come cheap, is it worth the expensive upgrade? Turns out, the answer is: it depends. For the most part, expecting a significant return on appliances is a risky proposition.
Jan 1, 2019
A Bake Shop Owner’s D.C. Apartment Is Small But Sweet
Name: Elizabeth Mahon Location: Union Market neighborhood — Washington, D.C. Size: 540 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting I live alone, but my boyfriend spends most of his time at my place. We both love design and thankfully have really similar taste. He also does a really good job of reminding me to scale it back when I’m getting a little too crazy and want to buy everything—ha!
Jan 1, 2019
This Mountain Retreat Was Built to Escape from Urban Life
When the typical city dweller yearns for a break from the traffic, crowds, noise, and light pollution, some of the most immediate forms of relief can come by hopping on a quick flight to a remote, quiet destination, or packing up the car for a weekend road trip. But when California couple Jeff Waldman and Molly Fiffer faced this familiar conundrum, they decided on a more permanent solution.
Dec 31, 2018
A North Portland Rental Is Bohemian, Eclectic, and Filled with Plants
Name: Jordan Jones, my boyfriend, and our Maine Coon Cat, Thor Location: Portland, Oregon Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I’m a fashion blogger, barista, and hairstylist and I live in a one-bedroom apartment in North Portland with my partner Grant Thomas and our 20-pound Maine Coon cat named Thor. Grant and I met on Tinder three years ago back in San Diego, California, which is where we used to live.
Dec 31, 2018
13 of the Most Vibrant, Colorful Homes of the Year
Full of boldly colored walls, fun furniture, and vibrant accessories, these 13 homes are bursting with vivid hues in bold ways. They just might inspire you to do some painting in the new year. This home is practically a playground of color and pattern, spearheaded by a budding interior designer. DIY projects abound in this beautifully modern home, but what caught my eye the most was the inventive use of color.
Dec 30, 2018
Inside a 160 Square-Foot, Off-the-Grid Cabin With A Minimalist Vibe
For getaway seekers eyeing remote accommodations of the more sophisticated variety, Virginia design studio GreenSpur has come through marvelously with the Lost Whiskey Cabin. This particular accommodation is a beautiful example of the cottage’s natural aesthetic meshing perfectly with a pared down, industrial style. The 160-square-foot, solar-powered domicile sits just an hour outside of Washington, D.C.
Dec 30, 2018
5 Great Places in the U.S. to Live in a Tiny House
These five places in the United States are especially noteworthy when it comes to being tiny home-friendly.
Dec 30, 2018
I Keep My Holiday Lights Up All Year Long—Here’s Why You Should, Too
I wish I could tell you about the first time I realized that holiday lights look great as year-round interior decor, but I don’t remember a specific incident that acted as a catalyst here. Perhaps—in fact, most likely—it was when I was still in high school, living with my parents in the woods of Appalachia. Without much to do as a byproduct of living in a remote place and being a teenager, my bedroom became my sanctuary, just as it is for other teenagers across the world.
Dec 30, 2018
A Sacramento Home Is “Bright, Eclectic, and Slightly Chewed-Upon”
Name: Sarah Huchel Location: East Sacramento neighborhood — Sacramento, California Size: 1,020 square feet Years lived in: 8 years, owned I was looking for a home to buy for over a year, and I completely lucked out with this place. Not only is the neighborhood geographically amazing (I commute to work and can do nearly all my errands by bike!), the neighbors are fantastic (one of my best friends ended up buying a house three doors down), and my sewer line has not yet collapsed.
Dec 30, 2018
10 of the Best Decluttering Tips and Tricks from 2018
Sometimes all you need to declutter your space is a new frame of mind. Sounds easier said than done? Not so fast. Take a look at some of the best lessons we learned this year about how to live with less. You need to purge, but you might need that gigantic waffle maker at some point. Stop playing that game; you’ll never get the job done. Find out how washi tape can help: A Brilliant, Regret-Free Way You Can Use Tape to Declutter Your Kitchen. A marathon cleaning sesh only leads to fatigue.
Dec 30, 2018
One Clutter-y Thing You Should Pack Away with Your Decorations
For those of us with limited kitchen space (or a penchant for minimalism), designer and blogger Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha has a genius tip: When it’s time to put away holiday decorations, pack your specialty cooking supplies with them. The premise: Why take up valuable real estate in your home with cookware and gadgets that only get used twice a year, at best?
Dec 30, 2018
The Smartest Studio Apartment Layouts We Saw in 2018
Our homes have to host many different functions for our lives, from sleeping to cooking to lounging to working, and even sometimes entertaining. It’s hard enough living in a small home, but when that home is literally only one room? It can be tough to relax when you can see every inch of your home from your bed. But some of the most popular studio apartment tours this year showed you don’t have to let the lack of walls dampen your home or living style.
Dec 29, 2018
Dog Owners Take More Pictures of Their Pet Than Their Significant Other
If you were to hand someone your phone right now, what would the camera roll look like? A few snaps from recent date nights, a couple pictures of your loved ones, and roughly 500 photos of your pet, right? You just can’t help yourself, they fell asleep in the cutest position and you had to snap a couple (50) pictures of them! Don’t be ashamed, every pet owner has been there. Chances are, if you are a dog lover, your camera roll is just photo shoot after photo shoot of your pet.
Dec 29, 2018
The Best Colors to Make Your Small Space Feel Bigger
A room-by-room guide to making the most of your space.
Dec 29, 2018
9 of the Most Underrated Items at Home Depot, According to Long-Time Renters
Think Home Depot is just for suburbanites working on DIY projects or shopping for a washer/dryer? Ask long-time urbanites-who-rent and they’ll tell you that there are so many gems in this big-box store. In fact, many of the things you’d order from Amazon or pick up at Target for your place can be found at Home Depot—and with a better selection (and sometimes better prices).
Dec 29, 2018
A Small Denver Apartment Is a Latin American-Inspired Boho Sanctuary
Name: Maria Cronin and my cat Frida Location: Cheesman Park neighborhood — Denver, Colorado Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting I love that I smile when I walk in my apartment and throw down my work bag. My cat Frida (yes named after Frida Kahlo) awaits me while lounging on my favorite Peruvian throw blanket. I put a lot of thought into my home aesthetic. The inspiration behind my feminine meets eclectic vibe comes from my travels, my mother, fashion, and art.
Dec 29, 2018
This Artist’s Home For Sale Comes With All the Sculptures
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home that belongs to multimedia artist Michael Jude Russo is proof that the concept of becoming one with nature isn’t just an overused cliché. The art-filled abode sits slightly north of Fort Lauderdale in Wilton Manors and is currently on the market for $1.2 million. Included in the sale are the hundreds of artwork and sculptures displayed in the home, the gardens, and the two-story studio.
Dec 28, 2018
A Vintage Furniture Collector’s Thrifted Home
Name: Kelly Wheeler and three kids Location: Darien, Illinois Size: 1,500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned I bought my home six years ago and live here with my three kids, Jack, Brice, and Ireland. The home is a split-level that was built in the ’80s and when I moved in, it had wall-to-wall carpet and white walls. It was very dark and generic but I loved that it had lots of windows and space.
Dec 28, 2018
Is It Cheaper to Live in the City or the Suburbs?
Is it cheaper to be a city dweller or a suburbanite? When it comes to real estate, the obvious answer is that, yes, it’s probably much cheaper to buy a home or rent in the suburbs. (Thank you, next!) But, wait just a second! When you start factoring in other costs of living, or you hone in on some housing markets, you may be surprised to find that in some cases, living in the ‘burbs can be more expensive than city life.
Dec 28, 2018
These Bathrooms Make the Case for Matching Your Wall Tiles to Your Floor Tiles
There is nothing quite as luxurious as a stylish bathroom, but sometimes it’s hard to design the small space in a way that makes your eyes pop while simultaneously leaving a lasting impression. There are an infinite number of light fixtures and shower curtains you can choose from, but one way to take your bathroom up a design level is to match your wall tiles to your floor tiles. Does it sound intense? Sure, but have faith and hear me out.
Dec 28, 2018
The Most Pinned Homes of the Year
End-of-year round-up lists are the best if only because they’re an opportunity to see any house tours you may have missed! In 2018, many folks shared their beautiful homes, but somereally resonated with readers, particularly those who find inspiration on Pinterest. The photographs in this post represent the most pinned house tour photos of the year… did any of your favorites make the list?
Dec 27, 2018
7 Under-$100 Area Rugs on Amazon That Only Look Expensive
Because anything that makes finding a rug easier is greatly appreciated.
Dec 27, 2018
A Los Angeles Rental Is Warmly Whimsical
Name: Schalah Mitchell, one dog, and two cats Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 1200 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, renting I live alone with my dog and two cats, but my mother is a very frequent visitor and has made the guest room her home away from home, along with her two tiny chihuahuas. Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Warm, whimsical, classic and eclectic I have a lot of French furniture inherited from my grandmother or the home I grew up in Paris.
Dec 27, 2018
8 Super Smart Small Space Hacks, According to NYC Real Estate Agents
If you’re looking for the best way to maximize a one-bed or studio, here’s an unexpected source: New York City real estate agents, who are in and out of these small apartments all day long. Here, seven of the smartest real world small-space hacks these agents have ever seen. “The sweetest thing I’ve seen in a one bedroom was in the home of a single mom who had a trundle mattress underneath her four poster bed.
Dec 26, 2018
A Countdown of the 10 Most Liked Rooms of 2018
Apartment Therapy’s Instagram feed is a scrolling wonderland of stunningly gorgeous interior spaces, due in no small part to the photos from all of our house tours that end up on the feed. Curious about which house tour photos were the most liked on our Instagram this year? See if it was one of your favorites from the countdown below!
Dec 26, 2018
5 Fail-Proof Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive
Fake fanciness, without looking cheap.
Dec 26, 2018
11 Things You Really Can Get Rid of Between Christmas and New Year’s Day
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is usually a quiet one, so it’s the perfect time to go through your things and declutter. Between donating old pantry items and gently worn clothes, recycling gift boxes and catalogs, and tossing out old wine and leftovers, there’s plenty to clear out so you can make your home ready for the new year—and it’ll be conducive to helping you keep your resolutions.
Dec 26, 2018
This Suburban SoCal Home Has the Most Beautifully Boho Bedrooms
Name: Melanie Raver, husband, three daughters (8, 4, and 3 years old), and dog Location: San Diego, California Size: 3,000 square feet Years lived in: 7 years, owned We are the Ravers! My handsome hubby, my mini girl gang, and our extremely furry German Shepherd. We upgraded from our small starter home to a home with more space for our growing family. We found our home in a great area of North County San Diego, plenty of rooms, great schools, and a killer view of the Pacific Ocean!
Dec 26, 2018
Apartment Therapy’s 20 Best Cleaning Shortcuts of 2018
There are no gimmicks here—just genius hacks that'll keep your home sparkling all year long.
Dec 26, 2018