Cardboard boxes stacked in a room with a potted plant and large windows.
10 Creative Ways You Can Save Money While Moving
You just bought a new home or signed the lease for an apartment you’ve been coveting. Spending your discretionary dollars on a great piece of art or furniture sounds a lot more fun than blowing money on boring moving boxes and tape, right? If only it were that easy: Moving can be a pricey endeavor once you layer in all of the costs associated with professional movers, rented trucks, housing deposits, and miscellaneous fees.
Jul 3, 2018
After 11 Homes in 17 Years, This Blogger Is a Rental Makeover Master
Name: Jewel Marlowe and family Location: Jamestown, Rhode Island Size: 3,000 square feet Years Lived In: 10 months, renting “As a military family, we have learned that even short-term rentals can have high style. This 10-month rental home is a prime example,” shares Jewel Marlowe, blogger, interior stylist, and frequent customizer of rental homes.
Jul 3, 2018
A TV Personality’s Home Mastered Mixing Wallpaper and Woodwork
Name: Vanessa Sicotte, Jonathan Plourde and three kids Location: Montreal West — Quebec, Canada Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, owned Vanessa and Jonathan were able to see the vast potential beyond the yellow walls (in every room!) of their home when they purchased it in 2014. As an interior design writer, blogger and TV personality, Vanessa put her expertise to use in designing a home that reflects the personalities of her family both as a unit and individually.
Jul 3, 2018
Before and After: Finally, A Big Change for A Neglected Master Bedroom
This master bedroom was perfectly nice but understandably neglected, having been low on the family’s priority list for years. But it finally got its much-desired makeover, and the hotel-inspired results are totally worth the wait. This is so dreamy and calm! I’ve never stayed at a Four Seasons hotel, but now I want to know if the rooms are anything like this. Stephanie of Olive and Tate is responsible for this excellent bedroom upgrade.
Jul 3, 2018
An Old Victorian Maisonette in London Gets a Fresh New Look
Name: Marlene Fao, her partner Keith and two Bengal cats, Leopold and Enso Location: Wimbledon — London, United Kingdom Years lived in: 1 year, owned Originally from France, Marlene has been living in London since 2010, and bought this Edwardian Maisonette home last year with her partner Keith, a civil engineer.
Jul 3, 2018
6 Feng Shui Tips Every Novice Should Know
Feng shui is all about creating harmony between your inner self and the world around you, but if we’re being totally honest, incorporating it into your home is hard stuff. Similar to the latest trends in tech, fashion, or design, the definition of good feng shui is constantly evolving, which means your home should follow suit. Ugh. “It can be intimidating—even for us consultants,” says Laura Cerrano, founder and CEO of consulting firm Feng Shui Manhattan.
Jul 2, 2018
Instead of Moving, This Couple Rearranged, Updated, and Revitalized Their Current Home
Awaiting the arrival of a baby and unable to find another home they liked enough to move, they decided to stick with the home they already have, updating it for their new life.
Jul 2, 2018
A Brooklyn Apartment That Architects Daydream About
This design-savvy one-bedroom in Prospect Heights is full of surprises—including a private roof deck with views for days. 430 Sterling Place, Apartment 4D Located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn $799,000 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom It’s not surprising that this apartment was designed by an architect—you’ll spot it in the details the minute you pop open the door. Here, every inch of the 750 square feet of space has been smartly utilized to make it feel big, airy, and beautiful.
Jul 2, 2018
It’s Cancer Season: Here’s Your July Home Horoscope
Slip into your seashelled sanctuaries, star-kissed space holders. This month in the cosmos finds us craving deep emotional retreat, and learning how to live with our longings, even when they can’t immediately manifest in the external world. The Sun spends most of the month in feel-it-to-heal-it Cancer, and the sign of the crab asks us to tuck into our secret shelters and childhood hideaways, to protect our tenderness, and to lean into our loony inner lifeworlds.
Jul 2, 2018
Before and After: These Homeowners Made a Very Bold Move in Their Kitchen
Why are we showing you a photo of a kitchen in a post allegedly about an entryway? Well, because the wall you see is about to disappear, opening up the entryway in a major way. Kimberly Smith of Turning It Home helpfully describes the situation: In our home was a non-load bearing wall that separated the entry way/dining room from the kitchen.
Jul 2, 2018
The Scottish Castle Where Kit Harrington & Rose Leslie Got Married Has a Long Family History
Jon Snow and Ygritte finally got their happy ending – IRL that is. Any Game of Thrones fan knows that on the show, Ygritte did not get such a happy fate. And we have no idea what will happen to Jon, will he sit on the Iron Throne? Will he just be by Daenerys Targaryen’s side? We won’t know until the TV series concludes in 2019 (yeah, we’re not mad we’ve already waited one year and still have another to go).
Jul 1, 2018
The World’s Most Requested Airbnbs Will Give You Some Serious Design Inspiration
If you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb, you know that those homes can pack a seriously stylish punch. And with the newly launched Airbnb Plus, you’ll see even more of that. All of the homes are a new tier of breathtaking listings, inspected and verified in person against a 100-point checklist for quality and comfort to ensure a premium experience for guests (AKA us). Here, a look at the top wish-listed Airbnbs on Airbnb Plus and the design takeaways you can use in your own home.
Jul 1, 2018
Partner
How the Hommeboys DIYed Their Way to a Gorgeously Eclectic Dream Home
We’re endlessly inspired by the Hommeboys (aka Austin Carrier and Alex Mutter-Rottmayer) and their creative design DIYs. Their Sonoma, CA, home is the definition of #stylegoals, packed to the brim with texture, pattern, and color. Now, that is.
Jul 1, 2018
The Organizing Accessories Expert Travelers Always Have in Their Suitcase
If you think packing is stressful, it’s probably because you don’t have the tools to make it easy. Take it from me, a converted messy person. I was a slob to the nth degree; where chaos reigned in any room I stepped in. But I quickly learned the only reason that most of my messes happened was because I refused to invest in actual organizing tools, which are literally designed to keep your life tidy. When every item has a home, it’s hard to be messy.
Jun 30, 2018
This Phoenix Rental Reignited a Passion for Interior Design
Name: Ashley Pennington Location: Roosevelt Historic Neighborhood — Phoenix, Arizona Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, renting I moved into this rental to reignite my passion for interior design. This duplex is in the Historic Roosevelt District of Downtown Phoenix. I was so excited to come in and show myself what I was capable of designing. The home was built in the 1920s, has original floors, windows, cabinets and bathroom fixtures.
Jun 30, 2018
This Is The Wage You Need to Live Alone Anywhere in the U.S.
If you live in a major city and don’t make six-figures, you probably live with one or more roommates. And, of course, you probably wish every day that you could move to the middle of nowhere—where rents are cheap—and live alone. Well, surprise! Those dreams will probably never come true, because apartments throughout the country just aren’t as affordable as you think they are.
Jun 30, 2018
4 Amazon Private Labels You Need to Know About (Plus Top-Rated Picks)
You live and die by Amazon. You’ve been a Prime member for years, you know all about that secret $2 section, you head to Amazon Handmade whenever you need a unique gift, and you even give preference to hotels with rooms equipped with Alexa. But did you know Amazon has a whole host of private labels? Amazon launched its first private label in 2009; five years later they slowly launched 11 more; today Amazon has approximately 76 private labels.
Jun 29, 2018
You’ll Swoon Over This Small DC Rowhouse’s Exposed Brick & Beams
Name: Sarah Lyon and her roommate Carrie Location: Dupont Circle — Washington, DC Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: Almost a year My roommate, Carrie, and I found our place on Craigslist after doing an extensive search of rowhouse apartments in DC. We were about ready to give up when we found what was truly a hidden gem—a place that was affordable, had equal-sized bedrooms and two bathrooms, and even came with a roof deck. We snagged it right away!
Jun 29, 2018
What Does “Starter Home” Really Mean?
Looking to purchase your first home? Find out what this popular real estate term really means, and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Jun 29, 2018
11 Things You Should Never Ever Do at an Open House
Open houses can be exciting, no matter whether you’re actively house-hunting or just a nosy Nellie. These events offer a pressure-free (okay, mostly pressure-free) way to scout out any homes on your radar—and maybe even find your dream space. But staying on your best behavior at an open house is paramount: After all, the seller’s agent is right there. Act like a loon and they’ll pass on the memo to their client, who may decide not to accept your offer.
Jun 29, 2018
Partner
The Most Common Mistakes When Starting a Reno (and How to Avoid Them)
If you’ve ever ended a Fixer Upper binge convinced you can definitely make over your kitchen and shiplap your bedroom this weekend, then you know that renovations are rarely what they seem. Whether you’re calling in contractors or just refreshing paint, there are perennial pitfalls that cost time, money, and frustration. These common mistakes could cost you—or you could read on and avoid them now. (We suggest option B.
Jun 29, 2018
Partner
Before & After: The Paint Project That Adds Depth to Your Kitchen
Yes, it defies conventional wisdom, but stay with us...
Jun 29, 2018
What a 2020 Recession Would Mean for Your Home Buying Dreams
We spoke with real estate and home financing experts to get the full picture.
Jun 28, 2018
Kraftmaid Has a Secret Outlet That Sells Kitchen Cabinets for Cheap
We're talking deep, deep discounts... but are you cut out for the experience?
Jun 28, 2018
A Minimal California Home Features All Your Modern Furniture Design Crushes
Name: Alle Fister and Don Popkes Location: Playa Del Rey, California Size: 4,500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned Alle Fister—owner of Bollare, a communications firm that works with well-known beauty and fashion brands—met Don Popkes 10 years ago. Six and a half years ago the couple got married and bought this house, their first home and a total fixer upper.
Jun 28, 2018
A Long Island City Condo Is Now a Warm and Welcoming Home
Name: Sharon and Dan and pup Ruby Location: Long Island City – Queens, New York Size: 1,020 square feet Years lived in: 7 months, owned We’ve been living in our condo for about seven months! We moved here from Manhattan because we wanted more space to grow a family (we’re expecting a baby girl at the end of August!). Our condo is just over 1,000 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, dine-in kitchen, dining room, and in-unit washer/dryer.
Jun 28, 2018
What “Move-In Ready” Actually Means
According to the following four real estate professionals, there are several acceptable interpretations of this phrase.
Jun 27, 2018
One Way You Might Be Sabotaging Your Own Vacation
Besides the relaxation and change of pace offered by a vacation while it’s happening, an additional benefit of taking time off is being primed to appreciate and enjoy your own home, routines, and everyday life again. Nothing kills this buzz more, though, than returning to a home that slams you with unpleasant demands the minute you walk in the door.
Jun 27, 2018
A Perfectly Imperfect, Colorful New Zealand Home
Name: Amanda Holland, Mike Brunel, daughters Millicent and Eva Location: Wellington, New Zealand Size: 230 square metres (approximately 2,476 square feet) Years Lived In: 11 years, owned Interior stylist and design/lifestyle store owner Amanda Holland (of Small Acorns) lives in Wellington with her husband and their two daughters Milly and Eva. The couple bought this home 11 years ago when it was really run down and had no one living in it for two years.
Jun 27, 2018
When Your Country Scores a Perfect 10 in Life Quality, This Is What Home Looks Like
A long-standing refuge for multicultural immigrants and maple syrup connoisseurs, alike; Canada, oh Canada, was just named the second best country to live in by US News & World Report, and the first for overall quality of life. High-ranking in categories across the board, and with a largely beloved prime minister in power, to boot–Canada is justifiably full of happy residents.
Jun 27, 2018
Partner
Tour a 400-Square-Foot Tiny House That Got a Big Color Makeover
Name: Shaina and Michael, and Keiko Location: Stanardsville, VA Size: 400 square feet When Shaina and Michael decided to downsize, they knew the perfect tiny house to call home: the darling property that was originally built to house Shaina’s grandfather’s medical practice! The couple edited their possessions down to the essentials (beloved local art, items with emotional resonance, family heirlooms) and said hello to simpler living.
Jun 27, 2018
Wallpaper Made by Kids and a Hidden TV in a Bold Brooklyn Reno
Name: David Shade, wife Lindsay Key and two small children, Zev, almost four, and Frieda, a year and a half. Location: Bed Stuy, Brooklyn Size: 2,100 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, owned Lindsay and I have an interior design firm, Key + Shade, on the third floor of our home. We love to cook, eat, entertain, make art, and garden. I am a bit of a neat freak and we never have enough storage, so we built closets and cabinetry to clear the clutter.
Jun 27, 2018
Questions We All Ask Ourselves: Should You Switch Duvets in the Summer?
Summer-proofing your home happens like clockwork. Once the temperature rises, you add an air conditioning unit and screens to your windows, trade in your woodsy candle for a beachier scent, and swap out your flannel sheets for some lightweight linen ones. But, if we’re being honest, we never know what to do with our duvets. On the one hand, duvets are comfortable and a great extra layer for when your AC is on full blast.
Jun 26, 2018
9 Weird Ways Clothes Hangers Can Solve Your Life’s Problems
They aren't just for closets.
Jun 26, 2018
A Small & Stylish Seattle Home Uses Every Inch of Space Wisely
Name: Mona Tavakoli, Beau Ritten, and cats Minnow and Sushi Location: Central District — Seattle, Washington Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting Make your way up the stairs to Mona and Beau’s converted top-floor apartment in the heart of the Emerald City, and you can feel the eclectic vibes seeping into the landing. The elongated cat statue staring at you on your way in could be playing a large part. Needless to say, their pad is very cool.
Jun 26, 2018
The 10 Questions Everyone Forgets to Ask at an Open House
The open house circuit can feel stressful and intimidating. You’re filing in and out of strangers’ homes and apartments, hoping this one might be the one. But how can you know? Luckily, those agents—you know, the ones manning the cookie tables, holding piles of business cards—can answer all your burning questions. You just need to know which ones to ask. Here, the top 10 questions to ask at an open house to help determine whether or not the space is right for you.
Jun 26, 2018
Partner
See How the Right Chair Totally Completes a Room
Often it just takes one item to make a space really sing, and seating is one of our favorite ways to accomplish this. The right chair offers so many design solutions: Color and functionality, plus a healthy dose of whatever your personal style is, whether it’s mid-century or boho or something else. Need a little inspo? Take a cue from these Instagram influencers who took statement seating from the modern design pros at Industry West and personalized it for their own homes.
Jun 26, 2018
An Art Director’s Brooklyn Abode Is a Hip Half Loft, Half Studio
Name: Taiyo Kitagawa and Lebowski the cat Location: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, NY Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, renting I grew up in Fuji, Japan and moved to Switzerland when I was 9 years old. I moved to the USA for college, so my apartment contains design influences from around the world. I’m an art director now and my personal style comes through in the space, from the art on the walls to knickknacks.
Jun 26, 2018
One Smart Thing You Should Always Do After Washing the Dishes
Let me begin with a caveat: I do not always do the dishes straight away. I do try to, because I think it’s always easier to just deal with the mess instead of letting it pile up. Why not put that coffee mug in the dishwasher or give that chef’s knife a quick rinse and dry and put it safely back on my magnetic strip? The alternative is that I don’t do those things and I just leave it all out on the counter.
Jun 26, 2018
Food Blogger Gaby Dalkin’s Seattle Home Is Perfect for Entertaining
Name: Gaby Dalkin Location: Lower Queen Anne — Seattle, Washington Size: 2,000 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, owned “I love the Seattle house!” I had just wrapped up shooting food blogger Gaby Dalkin’s lower Queen Anne townhome when she let out that statement with a serene smile.
Jun 25, 2018
Before and After: This Is Why You Should Never Turn Down Free Furniture
This poor old dresser was dated and unwanted, until one intrepid crafter, armed with only a vision and an impressive drawer pull collection, took it in and made it over. The results are fantastically impressive. I actually squealed a bit when I saw this—and I don’t even really like purple! This is a piece that is 100% practical (storage), while somehow also being 100% fun (tassels!).
Jun 25, 2018
This 3,785-Square-Foot Upstate NY Home Is Full of Surprises
This property brings the simplicity of Bauhaus and the reverence of a cathedral together under one roof. Sturdy, warm and historical are some of the words that come to mind when it comes to this beautiful New York home. 6580 Bianchi Lane Located in Clarence, New York $890,000 4 bedrooms, 3 baths Things we love about this property crush: The cathedral ceiling brings instant character and history to the home, even with its modern amenities (that kitchen!).
Jun 25, 2018
26 of the Most Stylish, Serene, Scandinavian Style Kitchens We’ve Ever Featured
Minimalism and functionality are two key elements that can take a hum-drum, cluttered kitchen and turn it into a beautiful space to cook and entertain in. As I mentioned in this Scandinavian-style house tour round-up last month, perhaps the greatest feature of Scandi-inspired style is that it can be interpreted and used in so many different ways.
Jun 25, 2018
The $13 Way to Take Charge of Your Messiest Kitchen Cabinet
It’s an unfortunate truth of small space living that the tinier the kitchen, the harder it is to find storage space—and worse, stay organized. While some of us invest in new ways to carve out storage space and keep our kitchens tidy, others are forced to forgo their non-essential (and clutter-causing) kitchen wares, especially plastic Tupperware. But fret not my lunch-packing (and leftover-loving) friends, there’s hope for your messy Tupperware cabinet.
Jun 25, 2018
Here’s How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting a Bad Sunburn
Every summer, we try to take extra care to apply sunscreen any time we know we’re going to be in the sun. However, even people have a hard time remembering how often they need to reapply sunscreen (every 60-90 minutes, depending on the brand of sunscreen you use). While you were concerned about your own skin, did you ever think to apply it to your dog? If you spend hours outdoors with your pet during the summer, they also need protection from the sun.
Jun 24, 2018
6 Celebrities Who Have Homes in the Suburbs
When the hustle and bustle of big city living gets to be too much, many celebrities—understandably—flock to the suburbs for quieter living. After all, when you own multiple homes, it pays to diversify, right? The following celebs range from singers to actors to athletes but they all share common ground: owning homes in the suburbs (even if a few of them are trying to unload said properties at the moment).
Jun 24, 2018
If There’s Such a Thing as a Sexy Toilet Plunger, This is It
Toilet plungers are not something we tend to discuss. But, for sure, we want them to work and we sure hope there’s one accessible if we—horror!—happen to need one in someone else’s bathroom. (By the way, this post has some great tips for how to unclog a toilet, should you find yourself without a plunger). Whether it’s through consideration for your guests or to equip your own home with the top tools for the job, we found the one toilet plunger to replace all others.
Jun 24, 2018
What Does “Open Concept” Really Mean?
One of the most sought-after features in real estate today is “open concept.” But, like many popular buzzwords, people seem to mean different things when they use it. So we decided to talk with some real estate professionals to break down what open concept really means, how it originated, and why it’s so appealing.
Jun 24, 2018