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Dated kitchen with wooden cabinets, white countertops, and a dishwasher, labeled "before."
Before & After: 1966 Cabinets Get a Two-Toned Transformation
When they first thought about how to renovate their kitchen, Tonja and Jon debated for years about how to update their original 1966 cabinets. They finally decided to take on the job of refinishing them themselves. Just wait until you see the stellar results. They learned a valuable lesson about renovating: nothing ever turns out exactly how you think it will. In their case, it turned out better. That beautiful two-toned design? A happy accident!
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 20, 2014
Before & After: Laundry Nook Refresh
Potential can be a dangerous thing. Like when I sell myself on a fixer-upper accent chair from Goodwill, convinced I’ll watch a YouTube video one day and learn how to upholster it back to glory. “But it’s got so much potential,” I tell myself, while the chair collects dust in the basement. Bri of Emerson Grey designs saw similar potential in this laundry nook in a potential new home… Thankfully, her story ends better.
Taryn Williford
Jan 20, 2014
Rachel & Tiernan’s Textured Townhouse
Name: Rachel and Tiernan Mennen Location: Bloomingdale; Washington, DC Size: 2,700 square feet (including English basement) Years lived in: 2 years; Owned Rachel, an interior designer, and Tiernan, an attorney, moved from Brooklyn to DC’s Bloomingdale neighborhood about two years ago. Though it’s in the heart of the District, it maintains a sort of outpost-y spirit, which appealed to the couple, reminding them of Brooklyn.
Natalie Grasso
Jan 20, 2014
The Kitchn Editors Spill: The Best Daily Habits that Make Kitchen Life Better
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 18 Daily Habits That Make Life in the Kitchen Better
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 20, 2014
Before & After: Megan’s Modern Bench
Megan and her husband found this bench at an estate sale, but she almost missed out on it because it was obscured by some bad baby-blue bathroom tile! It was her husband that pointed it out, and they both jumped on the chance at grabbing it up at a good deal. From Megan: I ripped off the old tile and put batting and fabric over the wood. I love the fabric because it’s fairly neutral and has a vintage vibe to it.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 19, 2014
Chelsea’s Tiny Personality-Packed Room
Name: Chelsea Park Location: Chinatown, New York, NY I remember thinking my 9×7 room looked a lot bigger when it was empty. Then I got my bed in there. Once I was done crying on the inside, I decided right then would be a great opportunity to stop hoarding and start making good use of my walls. I have a ton of books, so I hung several bookshelves and made the words the focal point of my room. Now it’s my happy little place.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 19, 2014
Before & After: From Salvaged Wood to Stylish Reclaimed Headboard
When Johnny’s mattress was delivered to him, he couldn’t help but notice an almost dismantled shipping crate that another customer’s bench has been shipped in. When he asked the delivery men what they were going to do with it and they said they’d throw it away, he knew he had the opportunity to salvage this wood for a home project!
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 19, 2014
Before & After: A Dining Room Refresh
Sometimes it’s just a simple decluttering, a few fresh coats of paint and a less-is-more attitude that completely transforms a room from kind of dark to light and bright, as it did in Cortney’s dining room. From Cortney: Our family spends a lot of time at the dinner table. We (mainly me) were looking for a change. I really wanted to brighten the area and free up the wall space that our hutch was on. We found the new dry bar on Washington, DC Craigslist for $20!
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 18, 2014
Tina and Matthew’s Tiny Budget Tropical Beach House Makeover
Name: Tina Gonsalves and Matthew Wild Location: Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia We bought this five bedroom house in late May 2012, just a few days after returning from a year long overseas trip. It was a really ugly house, on a wonderfully quiet street, just near to the beach. It had been on the market for a long time, as I guess no one knew what to do with it. My husband and I took up the challenge.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 18, 2014
Before & After: A $6 Side Table Makeover
A sad, old table handed down to Jessica from her grandfather was a sturdy side table, but lacked the style she was looking for. It was an unexpected designer piece that gave Jessica the inspiration to transform this side table into something else! Jessica spotted a Bernhardt Cabrillo Nailhead Chest in Architectural Digest Magazine and loved the look.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 18, 2014
Chloe’s Stylish West London Home
Name: Chloe Macintosh of Made.com, her husband Alastair Macintosh, and their sons Felix and Elliott Location: Fulham; London, UK Size: 3,800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; owned Chloe Macintosh’s West London home is a light-filled oasis, a world away from the mid-winter gloom outside. It has a glamorous, 1960s jet set vibe, and the giant Slim Aarons poolside photographs set a mood of relaxed elegance. Much of the furniture is from Chloe’s own company, Made.
Rebecca Bond
Jan 17, 2014
Before & After: Old Dresser Gets a New Chevron Pattern
Shanelle scored this this dresser from her parents years ago. She liked the style of the dresser itself but it need a little more flair. She updated the knobs, but ultimately realized a major overhaul was in order. Shanelle used a nice, thick layer of wood stripper to loosen the color and then gave the dresser a good sanding to get the original wood in shape. She sketched with chalk and then taped off her kicky chevron pattern and applied two coats of white to alternating layers.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 17, 2014
Cynthia’s Gentle Renovation
Name: Cynthia of Recreational Decorator Location: The Beach – Toronto, Ontario, Canada We bought our home just about two years ago and renovated it from top-to-bottom. The elderly woman (her refurbished sofa still sits in our livingroom) who sold us the home had lived here for years and wanted a family to move in who would not tear the house down or do a monster reno (we have a very large city lot so the home was certainly appealing to builders).
Janel Laban
Jan 16, 2014
Fresh Start: 5 Things You Should Do Every January
I’m not usually one for New Year’s resolutions, but I am always interested in rejuvenating my space, work and life in the New Year. January is a great month for cleaning up problem areas, whether they are physical problem areas in your home, or work and financial issues. Here are a few of our top tips for simple tasks to help get your new year get off to a great start! 1. Declutter your desk or work area and go through important papers. Tax time is coming!
Andie Powers
Jan 16, 2014
Shaun & Matt’s Glam Loft
Name: Shaun Sperling & Matt Leyes Location: Andersonville; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3 years Matt and Shaun’s loft is a study in the type of creative freedom that comes from having a loft space, loving DIY projects, and joyfully merging two design styles.
Arthur Garcia-Clemente
Jan 16, 2014
How To Clean Stuffed Animals
Is it completely germophobic to be cleaning your kids’ stuffed toys every month? Of course, I’m asking for a friend of mine (wink)! I completely understand that our kids need to grow their immune system by being exposed to various degrees of bacteria, still, I can’t look at these toys and remain calm. It makes me cringe. Just like that tiny chalk mark the teacher used to forget to erase on the board back in school. Ok, there goes my free-spirit reputation!
Séverine Baron
Jan 16, 2014
Cesar’s Colorful & Eclectic Aesthetic
Name: Cesar Location: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil It all started in my childhood. I was always in love with architecture, art and history, and consequently, I started collecting all sorts of objects. To me, they told a story and reminded me of specific times and aesthetics. Over time, this seemingly disjointed collection made sense, and I use it in my decor.
Janel Laban
Jan 15, 2014
Before & After: A Pre-War Pad Gets Some Post-Modern Love
Architect Alexandria Barker began with this dark and dated pre-war apartment and transformed it into an open, loft-like space with modern detailing. Want to see it now? See more photos of this awesome space at Barker Freeman Design Office Thank you Alexandra!
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 15, 2014
Tips for Reblooming an Amaryllis Flower
Cambria Bold
Jan 15, 2014
Shawna & Stef’s “Put Together” Apartment
Name: Shawna & Stef Location: Seaport/Financial District – NY, NY When friends and family walk into our apartment, their first response is your home is so “put together”. For us, our home represents our individual (and often opposite) styles ‘put together’ as a couple. Stef (a banker by day) has a love and great eye for street art that serves as the source of inspiration for our decor.
Janel Laban
Jan 14, 2014
Before & After: Knotty Pine Looks So Fine
Malcolm found this bookcase at a flea market — it had been salvaged from an old barn and treated with polyurethane. He really dug the layers of paint that it had accumulated, so he bought it with the intention of making it a little more polished and intentional. Nice! We love how Malcolm didn’t try to fight the rustic vibe but instead added even more shades of wood for a gorgeous and interesting piece. And those new legs make it feel lighter overall.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 14, 2014
The January Cure: Cleaning the Fridge
Cambria Bold
Jan 14, 2014
DIY Party Decorations: How To Make a Mini Pennant Banner
I’ve come a little late to the pennant and bunting bandwagon, but I’m here now, and I cannot get enough of adorable banners! They’re perfect for parties or weddings, but I also love to see them jazzing up a bookcase or lending a sassy wink to a traditional picture frame. This miniature banner is a birthday gift for my crafty sister-in-law, so I chose a toned down palette of warm yellows and a pretty mauve in order to make the banner suit her home décor.
Erin Roberts
Jan 13, 2014
Jonathan’s Evolving, Relaxed West Coast Style
Name: Jonathan Paul Location: Santa Monica, California Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; rented Jonathan, a recent California transplant, is enjoying a home that offers him the opposite of what he grew up with on the East Coast. Taking full advantage of a kitchen large enough to double as a workspace, he added incredible built-ins and is making full use of all the spacious storage. Another luxury he now enjoys is a front yard, where he is embracing his green thumb.
Bethany Nauert
Jan 13, 2014
Before & After: A Nightstand’s Nod to Geometry
Reeves loved the shape of this kicky MCM nightstand, but wanted to add a dose of fun to the boring, brown exterior. What an upgrade! We just love the subtle yet punchy color and how Reeves left a few triangles bare — a nice nod to the original wood. From Reeves: I chose to do a geometric pattern on the drawer, framed by the black on the rest of the nightstand. The geometric pattern goes with the modern style of the nightstand and I love the way it turned out!
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 13, 2014
Before & After: Maura’s $13 DIY Wall Art!
Maura had recently made the move to a small studio apartment with 12-foot walls, a lot of blank space to fill with a small decorating budget. One Saturday after breakfast, an idea on how to transform her dining area with DIY painted wall art came to her. From Maura: I had purchased 6 sample sizes of paint recently for a slow-to-progress project that I decided to use right away for this new project.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 12, 2014
Before & After: A Rearranged and Refinished Bedroom
It can be easy to think completely changing the look of a room takes a lot of new furniture purchases and money. But as this bedroom reveals, some attention to existing furniture, fresh bedding, smart arranging of furniture and careful curating of new and vintage accessories can completely transform a space. Helped by Jesse of Scout & Nimble, this client’s bedroom got a much-needed makeover when the existing furniture was moved to make better use of the space.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 11, 2014
Before & After: Claire’s Contrasting Credenza Makeover
Claire found this credenza with tons of potential on Craigslist for only $30. But, though the lines were beautiful, the shape nice and the extra storage space it would provide a bonus, the finish was banged up and the color didn’t fit with her tastes. We love that Claire kept some wood color along with adding a fresh white paint to the piece. It brightens up the piece without completely obscuring the natural and beautiful wood.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 11, 2014
Lauren and Chad’s Vintage Comfort
Name: Lauren Naimola and Chad Pratt, plus their two cats Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan Size: 2,100 square feet Years Lived In: 12; Owned Welcome to Lauren and Chad’s bright and textural Michigan home! Lauren is proprietress of the impeccably curated vintage shop Dear Golden, and it’s no surprise that the couple’s home is every bit as stunning and refined as her store.
Bridget Pizzo
Jan 10, 2014
Before & After: Bland Foyer Gets A Facelift
When Jenna and her family moved into their house three years ago, they loved the layout and bones of the space, but they desperately wanted to liven up the chilly room with some much needed color. We’d say they accomplished their goal. What a stylish and inviting space. We absolutely love the subtle colorblocking — it adds so much interest to an otherwise neutral palette. They offset the color with crisp white trim and chose to redo the floor with luxury vinyl tile.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 10, 2014
Are You From a Naked Family?
Imagine this scenario: you are hanging out one night with a group of friends, and someone suggests you all hop in the hot tub together — naked. Would you strip down at the drop of a hat? Or would you rather string yourself up by your toenails and be forced to watch Carrie Underwood’s live version of The Sound of Music? Your comfort level —whatever it may be — probably has its roots in your childhood.
Dabney Frake
Jan 9, 2014
Christina’s Notsobig Happy Home
Name: Christina of The Redesign Company Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Our home is our happy place. We downsized 10 years ago and use every square inch of this notsobig house. Even the garage, which we turned into a teen cave for our ohsobig boys. We want the whole wide world to know that it doesn’t have to cost a lot to be beautiful and bigger is not always better. sometimes… but not always. Hehehe… Thanks, Christina!
Janel Laban
Jan 9, 2014
Lea & Mike’s Charming Craftsman Casa
Name: Lea & Mike of Casa Pino, a textile, interior design and art collaboration Location: Arlington, Virginia My husband and I moved to Arlington from a small apartment in Brooklyn 2 years ago. We now live in a 2 bedroom/ 1 bathroom 90+ year old bungalow with our dog and 2 cats. We live right in the heart of Clarendon, a fun vibrant neighborhood with tons of shops, restaurants, and nightlife just minutes from Washington, DC.
Janel Laban
Jan 9, 2014
Before & After: A Charming Log Cabin Kitchen
When Steve and Sherrie moved in to their new home, the dark kitchen was in need of a facelift. The appliances were new and the cabinets were in good shape, but they knew they could turn the rest of this dim log cabin kitchen into a bright and happy place. Amazing work! We especially love how they managed to keep the cozy vibe of the log cabin while making the kitchen so much more modern and user friendly.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 9, 2014
Before and After: Rita and Cane’s Flower Powder Room
With a guest bathroom outfitted in seashell wallpaper, brass fixtures, laminate countertops, vinyl flooring, and “swine beige” finishes, Rita and Cane of This Sorta Old Life could have treated this bathroom as a gut job. But having gutted their master bath not too long ago, they knew what a formidable undertaking that would be, and instead, they figured out a way to make the current space work.
Carolyn Purnell
Jan 9, 2014
Improve Your Kitchen in 2014
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 10 Small Ways to Improve Your Kitchen in 2014
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 9, 2014
Fitting a Dining Room Into Small Spaces
Cambria Bold
Jan 9, 2014
A Fantastic London Flat in the Shadow of Big Ben
I’m experiencing an definite mix of emotions over this home: envy, jealousy, but mostly pure admiration! I discovered this amazing submission in my inbox today – a beautifully designed and decorated flat in central London. Here’s the story from JP: The flat is located in a small Edwardian mansion block on a square in central London and enjoys not just the view of Big Ben, but also its chimes.
Janel Laban
Jan 8, 2014
Heather & Eric’s Cozy Victoria Cottage
Name: Heather & Eric, and kids Ellie & Jane Location: Fairfield; Victoria, B.C. Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; Owned I actually came across Heather and Eric’s beautiful home on Airbnb! We were looking for a little getaway for the weekend, and I couldn’t believe how charming their space was. Eric owns a tree planting company, which allows for a large amount of travel during the year.
Andie Powers
Jan 8, 2014
Before & After: A Neutral Credenza Goes Colorful
Jackie found this gorgeous, but slightly beat up credenza at her local Goodwill for only $20. It had great, clean lines and she fell in love with the amazing details on the doors, so she snatched it up and made it her own. Looks like all members of the family (including dogs) love it! From Jackie: I used a hand sander to remove all the old layers of paint off of the top.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 8, 2014
12 (Okay 13) More Items You Probably Own Too Many Of
There’s something about the new year that puts me into declutter mode. So, it’s not surprising that Thursday morning, the New Year’s Eve hangover now thankfully a memory, there I was, donation box in hand, tossing, tossing, tossing, starting with my favorite gotta-goes, the multiple multiples.
Abby Stone
Jan 7, 2014
Before & After: A Rococo Revival
Clever Christa recognized that this consignment shop loveseat had great bones, but it still needed some major…eerr…love, so she got right to work reinventing. Not only did she choose this bold, Indian-inspired chintz but she also smartly turned the disjointed double seat into one cohesive cushion.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 7, 2014
8 Tips for a Better Life at Home This Year
Cambria Bold
Jan 7, 2014
Layne & Rand’s 1928 Bungalow
Name: Layne & Rand Location: Springfield, Missouri My husband, Rand and I live in a 1928 bungalow in Springfield with our two cats. When we moved in, all the original trim downstairs was unpainted, and I tried my best to decorate around it for nearly four years. Finally, I gave myself permission to paint it all white. I love it so much more now! The white walls and trim are the perfect background for my mid century furniture and eclectic collection of handmade art.
Janel Laban
Jan 6, 2014
Natural Curiosities’ Endlessly Inventive Offices
Name: Natural Curiosities, an art house/art studio Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles, California Size: 5,200 square feet Years lived in: 2 1/2 years at Jensen Recreation Center’s Bowling Alley Space. How do you imagine your dream office? Lots of light? A historic old building? Lots of hidden nooks and crannies filled with things to discover? Working with a bunch of talented and creative people? Check, check, check and check! Welcome to the wonderful workspace of Natural Curiosities.
Abby Stone
Jan 6, 2014
10 Clever Ways to Store Stuffed Animal Collections
Ready to organize those stuffed animal collections for the new year? Some parents recommend purging until you don’t need a storage solution, but some kids love their stuffies so much that they’d love to keep them all. If you agree to house a bunch of these toys, you might want an aesthetically pleasing way to store and display them. We’ve rounded up some simple and clever ideas for keeping plush toys corralled and displayed so that, hopefully, everyone is happy. 1.
Beth Callaghan
Jan 6, 2014
Before & After: This Muted Chair Gets a Kick of Color in an Unusual Way
Well, color us intrigued. Lettie couldn’t pass up the DIY potential of this brown, vinyl chair (especially for $4.99), but knew she needed to make one big change. Brave Lettie spray painted the chair a lovely light blue. Spray paint! Who knew? From Lettie: I painted a primer coat using a Rustoleum white primer and let it dry over night. I then gave it a good coat of Valspar’s Silver Fox and also let it dry over night. I left the legs of the chair as is.
Jennifer Hunter
Jan 6, 2014
Apartment Therapy’s Favorite 2013 Dining Rooms
Cambria Bold
Jan 6, 2014