Women exercising with TRX suspension trainers in a gym.
Your Feelings Toward Gym Class Probably Match Your Feelings About Exercising
In grade school, everyone had a least favorite subject. Maybe you really didn’t like reading, so English was boring for you. Or maybe you struggled with math and science and felt left behind during those classes. Honestly, did anyone enjoy running the mile in gym class? Sure, sometimes gym gave us an excuse to stand around and talk to our friends, but more often than not, it was awful.
Sep 9, 2018
This Old-School, Small-Space Bedroom Solution Will Streamline Your Morning, Every Morning
It might sound like something straight out of “Downton Abbey”or “The Crown,” but you need a clothes valet. No, it’s not a butler you can tell your deepest secrets to as he fastens your cufflinks. But it is going to make getting dressed—and by extension, your mornings—a bit more luxurious and a lot more smooth. A clothes valet is a tall piece of furniture, usually about the size of a full-length mirror, that holds your clothes for the next day.
Sep 9, 2018
How to Paint Your Bathroom and Not Screw it Up
Painting the bathroom is just like painting any other room, right? Not so much, it turns out. I’ve painted my share over the years and never treated them any differently than any other room, but I’ve been doing it wrong. When it comes to bathrooms, there are a few things that make painting a little trickier than the rest of the house. Sam Ross of Nailed It Contracting was nice enough to pepper him with painting questions when he painted my bathroom recently.
Sep 9, 2018
Before and After: A Clever $400 Upgrade for Rental Bathroom Tiles
In today’s Before & After, a Berlin guest bath gets a six-hour, $400, low-key upgrade that’s sure to inspire even the least DIY-inclined among us. Here’s a hint: If you can operate a sticker, you can handle this project. Before we ooh and aah, let me just say that the bathroom is already pretty nice. It’s black and white, which is a great palette for a rental bathroom, and I love that little black stripe.
Sep 9, 2018
5 Lazy Person-Approved Ways to Declutter Your Space
With a move on the horizon, chances are you have a massive closet clean out on your schedule or the vision of redecorating your living room (and finally discarding that sofa from college) is in your head. But when moving day gets closer (and you realize how much stuff you really have), all you want to do is lie down. Well, there are actually easy ways to make sure your discarded items and furniture go to worthy causes—and in many cases, you don’t even have to take off your slippers!
Sep 9, 2018
There’s a ‘Stranger Things’ Haunted House and Here’s How You Can Visit
Grab some Eggo waffles, Christmas lights, and put on a “Ghostbusters” costume, it is time to head to the Upside Down. For Halloween this year, you can get the pants scared right off of you at a “Stranger Things” haunted house. You might want to be careful, not everyone is ready to face the Demogorgon alone. “Stranger Things” became one of the most popular TV shows shortly after it debuted on Netflix in 2016.
Sep 9, 2018
I Tried Furniture-Free Living for a Week to See if I Felt Healthier
Minimalism is all the rage in decor. From Marie Kondo to the airy white images floating around Instagram, it’s hard to escape the burgeoning love for simple living. I used to joke with colleagues that soon, the new minimalist trend would be to toss out your furniture. Well friends, it’s finally happened. The furniture-free movement is the newest home decorating trend—and it’s all in the name of optimal health and minimalist living.
Sep 9, 2018
5 Ways Tiny Homes Don’t Actually Save Money in the Long Run
Sure, you already know a tiny home is likely to be a fraction of the cost (and size) of a traditional starter home. But you may be curious how the two home types compare when it comes down to day-to-day living costs—and which one shakes out to be a better investment in the long run. While expenses (often unexpected ones) are a common denominator in ownership for both home types, the things that will siphon money from your savings account can differ dramatically between the two.
Sep 8, 2018
SoCal Meets Mid-century Modern in a Small Santa Monica Guest House
Name: Hank Geer and girlfriend Location: Santa Monica, California Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, renting We live in a guest house in Santa Monica, surrounded by an avocado tree, a lemon tree, and an orange tree. When we moved in it was mint green and covered in fleur de lis. Hank took his love for furniture and turned our apartment into his first interior design project.
Sep 8, 2018
KitchenAid Just Released a Gorgeous Retro-Inspired Mixer Color for Their 100th Anniversary
Every kitchen needs a KitchenAid mixer. Yes, they are a bit pricey and take up a decent amount of space, but they are so versatile. You can make cakes, cookies, pies, dough, and so much more using your mixer, especially if you get the KitchenAid attachments. Not only can you get a lot done with this mixer, it really stands the test of time. People can have their mixers for decades, as long as they take good care of them. KitchenAid is celebrating a big anniversary in 2019.
Sep 8, 2018
6 Celebrities with Awe-Inspiring Swimming Pools
If you’re struggling with summer’s departure, fear not: In Hollywood, it’s always bright and sunny. In fact, it’s rare to come across a big celebrity who doesn’t have a sparkling swimming pool in their backyard. Whether they’re smack-dab in Los Angeles or 3,000 miles away, here are some of our favorite celebrity swimming pools: When Anna Faris sold her Nichols Canyon home last month, she actually lost money on the deal.
Sep 8, 2018
Before and After: This IKEA Room Divider Hack Solves Two Problems at Once
IKEA’s KALLAX is perfect for holding boxes, bins, baskets, and books, but one DIYer saw its potential as an understated entertainment unit—and the results are inspiring. This looks so great. Nicole Witney of Meraki came up with and completed this smart hack, which has so much going for it. Its central position means it is viewable from the kitchen—essential for tedious food prep/cleaning tasks—and yet it doesn’t dominate the space.
Sep 8, 2018
5 Dorm Room Transformations You Need to See to Believe
Plus, smart tips for making the most of these often sterile spaces.
Sep 7, 2018
An Artist’s Charming Blue and White Australian Cottage
Name: Michelle Grayson and family Location: Brisbane, Queensland Size: 2,874 square feet Years lived in: 10 years, owned Atop one of the highest residential streets of Brisbane grows a huge fig tree, and beneath its leaves is a nearly 100-year-old home. Inside this house, behind its stained glass front door, is the cozy and inviting home of Michelle Grayson, one half of the genius behind Sprout Gallery.
Sep 7, 2018
9 Easy Ways to Save Money When Buying a Home
They say that your home is your biggest investment–meaning you’re going to sink a good chunk of change into your new abode, both at the outset and over the years. With that kind of money on the table, it’s crucial to save some dollars wherever you can. With that in mind, I picked the brains of three real estate professionals to determine the easiest ways to save money when buying a home.
Sep 7, 2018
A Small Studio Above a Garage Is Perfect for a Minimalist Artist
Name: David Becker Location: Ottawa — Ontario, Canada Size: 420 square feet Years lived in: 4 years in flat, 24 years in main house, owned The original house is a 1,200-square-foot, one-and-a-half story house built in the early 1950s. When I found myself living there alone (widowed empty-nester), I decided that, though the house is not large, it was larger than I needed. I renovated the house and designed an addition that contains a studio apartment above an attached garage.
Sep 7, 2018
5 Things on My “Farewell to Target” Shopping List
As a good rule of thumb, you should never be too far from a Target. I found out that this is especially true if you’re planning a move; and boy, was I ever planning a move. I was a young newlywed who would soon be shipping off to Alaska to join my husband at his military station.
Sep 6, 2018
15 Brilliant Things You Can Clean With Bar Keepers Friend (According to Reviews on Amazon)
One extremely valuable feature of Amazon—one that takes some of the uncertainty out of buying many things sight-unseen—is the power of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of user reviews. When at item has pages upon pages of high-star ratings, it’s almost impossible not to check it out. Especially when it’s touted as a miracle cure-all for all your cleaning conundrums. Bar Keeper’s Friend is one of those.
Sep 6, 2018
Want A Big Yard? Move Here
If there’s one home amenity that frequently tops a house hunter’s wish list, it’s a big yard. And though you might have had a mammoth half-acre backyard to play in, your kids (and pets) will have less room to grow—especially if you’re buying a newly-built home. According to a new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), via data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual Survey of Construction, yards are growing smaller and smaller every year.
Sep 6, 2018
Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani’s Lively L.A. Remodel
Name: Emily V Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, and cat, Bagel Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned When the writer, podcast host, and all-around talented Emily V. Gordon posted on Instagram about the newly remodeled house she shares with her husband—equally talented actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani—I knew I needed to see more.
Sep 6, 2018
Before and After: A Rental’s $100 Bathroom Makeover
This vintage bathroom had a color scheme its renters described as “lentil yellow and seafoam green,” which Pantone probably isn’t going to be announce as the 2019 Color Combo of the Year. But in a rental, what can be done? It turns out that paint is the problem, but it’s also the solution.
Sep 6, 2018
This Cool and Colorful Home Looks Like a Ton of Fun
Name: Natalie Papier, husband, two kids, cat Location: Oak Park, Illinois Size: 3000 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned Our home is a historical Victorian in Oak Park filled with love and eclectic pieces we have curated over the years. It’s a mix of our family’s quirks and personalities. We have a 10-year-old son, Kellen, and a 7-year-old daughter, Maddie. My husband, Alan, and I have a love for art and music and we love incorporating that into our home.
Sep 6, 2018
Elvis Presley’s Former Mobile Home Sells At Auction For Under $68K
Just ten miles south of his historic Graceland mansion, Elvis’ honeymoon hideout at the Circle G Ranch was a respite from super stardom. The 60s mobile home on the property was a serene getaway for “The King of Rock and Roll,” even if it was a modest trailer. It’s the magic that Elvis and Pricilla Presley brought to it that turned it into the treasure it is now—a treasure that just sold at GWS Auctions for $67,650.
Sep 5, 2018
10 Things to Do with the Last 10 Minutes Of Your Day
A morning gone wrong can make us feel like the rest of the day is doomed, a thought which might all too easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Of course, there are things like the proverbial (and actual!) spilled milk that we can’t control, but there are plenty of things we can. Setting ourselves up for success in the morning is one of them. And it starts with the last ten minutes of the night before.
Sep 5, 2018
The Weird Thing You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment in L.A.
It’s my third time moving in Los Angeles, and I haven’t even lived here for four years. That means I’ve spent more time on Craigslist, Zillow, Trulia, Rent.com, and Rental Girl than I want to know. I even have rental alerts that ping me once they’ve found a “match” that meets all of my dream home criteria (I haven’t disabled it because apartment hunting is one of my favorite hobbies #noshame).
Sep 5, 2018
Before and After: A Bright and Airy $2K Kitchen Makeover
When Genevieve Claire of Vieve Claire moved into her home, the kitchen had the same, standard design from when it was built: brown cabinets, dark surfaces, and track lighting. The kitchen felt dark and drab, and it was crying out for a refresh. I started looking into DIY solutions, but unfortunately, there were no shortcuts due to the material and sizing of our cabinets. Playing it safe, we decided to call in some professionals and talk through options and designs.
Sep 5, 2018
This Stylish Dog House Is Bark-itecture That’s Sustainable, Too
If dogs could talk, they might surprise us with their home improvement requests, like a space that reduces their carbon footprint and ultimately helps save the planet. Or…they might ask for more treats or a comfier bed. (That probably sounds more realistic, yes?) Either way, pet owners can now make a positive environmental impact while also making their dog comfortable and happy.
Sep 4, 2018
A Totally DIY, Teeny Tiny Prison Bus Is an Incredibly Cozy Home
Name: Ben and Meag Poirier (and Moose, our dog—he’s a Staffordshire terrier mix rescue from Georgia. He’s 3 ½ years old. We adopted him when he was 3 ½ months old.) Location: White Mountains of New Hampshire in the summer; Southwestern U.S. in the winter and everywhere else in between. Size: 165 square feet Years lived in: 1 year full time. 3 years since we began the bus conversion project, owned.
Sep 4, 2018
10 Things to Make a Dark Apartment Feel Brighter
While dealing with a tiny apartment can be trying, there’s something that’s possibly even more frustrating: dealing with a dark apartment. I’m lucky enough that my little studio apartment has two big, glorious windows (and two smaller ones, which I am also grateful for), but I’m still very aware that, particularly in a space this size, it’s important to maximize the light you have.
Sep 4, 2018
The Best House Listings All Have This in Common
When you’re about to sell your place, you want it to look as gorgeous as possible to attract the best buyer. And the one thing that all the most attractive listings have? A set of great photos. The first thing you’ll want to do when selling your home is take some great snapshots that reflect what your pad really looks like (minus the pile-up of junk in the corner).
Sep 4, 2018
This Brooklyn Home Has an Envy-Inducing Art Collection
Name: Mallory Fletchall and David Rhoads, and their two cats Michael and Kiki Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, renting If Mallory and David’s Brooklyn rental looks familiar, it may be that you’ve caught a drool-worthy snapshot of it on her Instagram account, which has over 71K followers. It’s no wonder.
Sep 4, 2018
How a $3 Purchase Can Clean Almost Everything
You probably already own it. Now let us show you everything it can do for you.
Sep 4, 2018
A Small Home Gets a Design Refresh After a Breakup
Following the end of a romantic relationship, Farah decided to remain in the 400-square-foot space she had shared with her partner. But doing so required a re-design.
Sep 3, 2018
How I Lost 300 Square Feet of Living Space But Still Have It All
Welcome to A Renter’s Diary! Over the next few weeks, we’ll follow Rebekah Hall as she and her boyfriend move from a home into a 800-square-foot apartment in Little Rock, Arkansas. From battling with the task of downsizing, to figuring out the quirks of the space, Hall will share all of the things you might forget or underestimate. This week she deals with the shock of how small 800 square feet really is: I have had incredible luck as a renter.
Sep 3, 2018
This Is the Most Colorful Home in London (Possibly the World)
Name: Ms. Pink and Mr. Black, two out of their three sons, and three cats Location: London, England Size: 1,350 square feet Years lived in: 16 years, owned When I asked Ms. Pink if I could feature her home on Apartment Therapy, she seemed almost apologetic that she didn’t have photos of every room of the 1,350-square-foot split level flat in a Victorian house she shares with her partner Mr. Black, two of their three sons, and three cats.
Sep 3, 2018
An Art-forward Funky Vintage Portland Bungalow
Name: Jordon Rahmil, my husband Etai, our two cats and our GoldenDoodle Cricket Location: Piedmont neighborhood — Portland, Oregon Size: 1500 square feet Years lived in: Almost 2 years, owned Our home, which I lovingly call the #1927funkycottage on Instagram, was built in 1927 in the Piedmont neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. It’s a three level home, with a finished basement we recently remodeled, and it’s two-bedroom, one bathroom.
Sep 3, 2018
The Clever Product That Doubles My Suitcase Storage
This one’s dedicated to all of the over-packers out there. It is impossible for me to bring a carry-on for most trips—I’ll even budget for those dreaded checked bag fees when I’m planning my vacations. I’m always looking for ways to cut back—but I also have one trick that maximizes space, without losing any of my stuff (hey, there are worse vices). It’s these travel bags that I always have on hand for trips.
Sep 2, 2018
A California Loft’s Palette Feels Like a Surf Trip in Mexico
Name: Laakea Laano and my Jack Russell Terrier Location: Oakland, California Size: 720 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned I’m so blessed to live in this neighborhood. My Jack Russell (a.k.a. The Boss) and I can walk to the movie theater, coffee shops, Fenton’s, used bookstores (they still exist, yay!), and, of course, the pet store. My apartment gets a lot of natural light but stays cool because of all the redwood trees around the building.
Sep 2, 2018
This Tiny Tent Is for Cats
You can buy clothing for your cat, fancy beds for your cat, and even a little gem to cover up their private bits. But did you know you can also buy a tent for your cat? Though, be advised, you should probably never take your cat camping with you. Australian company Cat Camp has created the first specialized cat tent. Because why should humans be the only ones who can have all the fun going camping?
Sep 2, 2018
What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualified and Pre-Approved?
The terms pre-qualified and pre-approved almost sound like they could be synonyms. But when it comes to home financing, there’s actually quite a big difference between the two—and securing pre-approval for a loan is actually what brings you closer to the closing table. Think of it this way: Getting pre-qualified is like taking baby steps towards getting approved for a mortgage. You call up a lender, self-report your credit score, and relay information about your income.
Sep 2, 2018
This Collection Turns Your Existing Furniture Into a Cat Tree
Living with a cat can be very beneficial to your health. It has been proven that cats can reduce your stress and anxiety, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your risk of heart disease. But it isn’t always easy living with cats. We have to clean up after them, we find their toys all over, and often times their stuff takes up too much space in our homes. If you live in an apartment, you know that there is a limited amount of space you have for furniture.
Sep 2, 2018
The $10 Buy That Will Refresh Your Shower
If you moved in a rush, you probably just tossed everything in a box. But while you’re setting up the bathroom in a shiny new apartment, one look at your shower curtain liner sends you into a panic: You suddenly notice the bottom of the liner is brown or gray or cloudy. When was the last time you cleaned this curtain? If you have to ask, then it’s time to treat yourself and your new space to a fresh curtain liner.
Sep 2, 2018
Before and After: There’s Only One Minor Regret After This $10K Kitchen Remodel
This kitchen was super cute and cozy, with beautiful whitewashed hardwood cabinets, bright, cheerful curtains, and platters that coordinate with the yellow paint. But it had been 14 years since this kitchen had gotten a tuneup, and its owner was ready for a fresh look. First, here’s how Emma Rupp described the kitchen and the initial update: Original wood cabinets, tile counters, and range/hood.
Sep 2, 2018
The #1 Mistake People Make When They’re Cleaning
Believe it or not, there’s a big mistake most people are making when they clean. Not cleaning your home from top to bottom—a.k.a. dusting first and leaving sweeping and mopping for last—can have some major consequences for your housekeeping routine. Don’t believe us? We called on cleaning expert Kadi Dulude, owner of Wizard of Homes NYC, to help us break down the benefits of cleaning your home from top to bottom. Read ahead to see what she had to say.
Sep 2, 2018
6 Ways You Can Make Living Near Your Ex A Lot Less Stressful
You may have done a great job splitting up all your stuff or maybe you feel pretty good about the custody setup you both agreed to, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy having your ex living right around the corner—especially if your lease isn’t up for another year. Not to worry—stepping outside of your apartment won’t always spike your anxiety. If you follow these six tips we promise your next bump-in won’t be as awkward as the last one.
Sep 1, 2018
33 Small, Mindful Home Habits That’ll Save You Money in the Long Run
Little money-saving habits don’t ever feel like they’re doing much in the moment, but in the long run they can add up to significant savings. And, no, we’re not talking about the same well-worn advice to brew your own coffee or bring your lunch to work. These are at-home habits, most of which involve a minor change in your routine and might only take a few seconds each.
Sep 1, 2018
How I Used My Home Equity to Pay Off My Credit Card Debt
Two years ago, I got divorced. Because I needed cash to pay my lawyer, I put my everyday expenses on a credit card. Before I knew it, between what I charged and the high interest rates, I was in considerable debt. I had a little over $17,000 on two cards. I looked into transferring my debt to an 18-month no-interest credit card and spending every penny I could to pay off my debt before that interest kicked in. But when I ran the numbers, I wouldn’t make it.
Sep 1, 2018
How To Polish a Stainless Steel Sink with Flour (Yes, Flour!)
A few years ago, I learned a trick that changed my life. No, seriously, it was a complete game-changer in the care of my kitchen sink. This is a tip you’ll shrug off and then eventually grudgingly try. And then you’ll say, “Oh man, that was so easy and awesome! Why didn’t I do that sooner?” The key, my friends, to the most shiny and luxuriously polished stainless steel sink, is very cheap, very simple, and very weird: flour. Why would you want to polish your sink?
Sep 1, 2018