Worn black dresser with missing drawers and chipped paint, labeled "before."
Before & After: Foil Finish Chest
Korrie has a passion for furniture, a passion she happily shares with her friends and community of blog readers. Though she usually find pieces to refinish herself, sometimes she benefits from what she herself calls their shared furniture addiction. This chest started out as a friend’s project, one that she passed along to Korrie when she found herself overwhelmed.
Oct 12, 2012
A Creative Place for the Litter Box
A friend of mine has been moving the cat’s litter box from room to room trying to find the perfect place for it. One day she woke up inspired and followed through. The other night, she showed off her ingenious solution to me. • Creative Litter Box Apartment Therapy
Oct 11, 2012
Before & After: The Power of Color
This earthy room was in need of a bit of energy. Interior designer Kirsten Krason came in and saved the space. Follow me after the jump to what she stirred up…Kirsten had a little pattern party with primary colors and brightened up this room in a big way. She kept a good amount of the furniture and added some new pieces along the journey. She splurged on a few big items like the rug, coffee table and window treatments, but then bargain hunted for other great but inexpensive finds.
Oct 11, 2012
Before & After: Kid’s Art Easel
My kids’ art easel is one of those things I could trash instantly when my kids are done using it. It’s covered in doodles and smudged with so much paint that it’s an eye sore. Then when they actually use it, I’m the happiest person on Earth, watching them create their soon-to-be-sold-by-Sotheby’s works of art.
Oct 11, 2012
Before & After: A Colorful Decoupage Game Cabinet
Board games. Where do you keep yours? In our house, they teeter unsteadily in a big pile on the top shelf of our coat closet. Admittedly, this is not really a great place for them, especially when the time comes for the kids to grab one. A nice game cabinet would be ideal. A nice, colorful, unique and all-out fun game cabinet. Like this one.Lori at Bleak 2 Unique certainly wasn’t going for a subtle makeover when she came across this cabinet.
Oct 11, 2012
Our Essential Kitchen Cleaning Tools
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Whether you’re setting up a kitchen for the first time or looking to pare back down to the basics, our Essentials Guides are here to help. Today we look at the cleaning tools and solutions needed to keep your kitchen in good shape! • Essential Kitchen Cleaning The Kitchn
Oct 11, 2012
25 Pretty Patterned Wallpapers
Wallpaper adds instant color, helps define your room’s style, and introduces dimension beyond the comparative flatness of paint. Settle in, here is a massive round up of modern wallpapers, organized around some vague trends. • 25 Pretty Patterned Wallpapers Apartment Therapy
Oct 11, 2012
All About: Drawer Dishwashers
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) What are the pros and cons of dish drawers? Do you have them? What has your experience been? • All About Drawer Dishwashers The Kitchn
Oct 10, 2012
The Appeal of Teal in the Kitchen
Dark, moody teal. While it might not be your first thought for a kitchen, it sure does work. Pair it with some warm wood accents and you have yourself a cozy room. • Teal Kitchens Apartment Therapy
Oct 10, 2012
Healthy Habits for a Good Night’s Sleep
How you get ready for bed is just as important as how you wake up, if not more. Ending the day with letting everything go from the past, present and future can often be the most difficult task you face all day. • Get A Good Night’s Sleep Apartment Therapy
Oct 10, 2012
Throw a Parks & Rec Style Halloween Party
Last year on Parks & Rec, April and Andy threw a blow-out Halloween shindig. They remembered vampire teeth, blood capsules, and spiderwebs, but forgot to let their roommate Ben know they were throwing a party… • Parks & Rec Halloween Apartment Therapy
Oct 9, 2012
Big Color in Small Spaces
Painting your walls can totally transform a space, but here’s a reminder that even small doses of color can have major impact. • Big Color in Small Spaces Apartment Therapy
Oct 9, 2012
A Visit to the Rialto Market in Venice, Italy
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) A week ago Faith was in Venice, Italy, for a short trip, and of course she had to check out the market while she was there! The most famous market, the Rialto, of necessity has something of a tourist flair. Take a peek! • Rialto Market, Venice The Kitchn
Oct 9, 2012
A Faster, Easier Way to Chop Herbs
(Image credit: Faith Durand) Here’s a great little tip we picked up at a cooking class in Paris a couple years ago — a faster, easier way to mince fresh herbs. It’s so easy we wondered why we had never thought of it! (Classic sign of a good tip, right?) • Faster Way to Chop
Oct 8, 2012
10 Sources for Removable Wallpaper
The thought of applying wallpaper to smooth and clean walls used to make one shudder. But these days there’s a lot of removable wallpaper on the market – so whether you have a short attention span or you’re in a rental, you can still get in on the fun. • Removable Wallpaper Apartment Therapy
Oct 8, 2012
A Closer Look at Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair
While other midcentury designers were molding chairs from new materials like steel and plastic, Hans Wegner stuck with a classic — wood. He created many designs in wood, but none have had the staying power of the Wishbone Chair. • The Wishbone Chair Apartment Therapy
Oct 8, 2012
What Do You Make of Divorce or Breakup Showers
When you breakup with a live-in love it’s not unusual to suddenly find yourself without half of your stuff. Many people are throwing their friends breakup showers. What do you make of this? • Divorce/Breakup Showers Apartment Therapy
Oct 5, 2012
How To Use the Fridge Humidity Drawers
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Have you solved the mystery of the humidity drawer in your fridge? Last week, after seeing carrots and cucumbers not survive their time in these cryogenic chambers, we figured we had to look into how to use them properly. • Fridge Humidity Drawers The Kitchn
Oct 5, 2012
Inspiring Boldly Colored Countertops
Brightly colored countertops aren’t a choice for the faint of heart. The cost and permanence makes them a bold statement, but if done right they show off a homeowner’s fun and carefree personality. • Boldly Colored Countertops Apartment Therapy
Oct 5, 2012
Before & After: Vintage Tea Cart Transformed
When Heather found this tea cart, it was hiding in the back corner of a garage, cobwebby, dirty, and even a little water damaged. Despite the dilapidated appearance, the structure was solid, and Heather knew just how to reinvigorate this piece of history to make it work in her home.Yup — Heather transformed her tea cart into a bar cart, a lovely marriage of past function and present need in her home.
Oct 5, 2012
The Kitchn Is Hiring
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Are you an avid home cook and reader of The Kitchn? Do you enjoy blogging, photography, and sharing your own family kitchen adventures? We are hiring a new contributor for the site. Interested? Read on to see what we’re looking for. • The Kitchn Is Hiring The Kitchn
Oct 5, 2012
How To Successfully Rent Out Your Home
This summer a number of my friends rented out their homes. After an extensive poll and some crazy stories, I’ve compiled their suggestions into a guide to renting out your space. • Renting Out Your Home Apartment Therapy
Oct 4, 2012
Indoor Vertical Gardening Tips
In the lobby of our hotel in San Diego I noticed an impressive vertical indoor garden. I was able to get a few details about the setup and tips for how to make your own vertical garden at home. • Indoor Vertical Gardening Apartment Therapy
Oct 4, 2012
Stylish Electric Kettles
My electric kettle is used daily which is why it’s awarded a permanent spot on the counter. Americans have a smaller range of choices than Europeans, but there are still good-looking ones around. • Stylish Electric Kettles Apartment Therapy
Oct 3, 2012
All About: Terracotta Kitchen Floor Tiles
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) How do terracotta floor tiles perform and hold up in a kitchen? Do you have terracotta tiles in your kitchen? Share your experiences with us! • Terracotta Kitchen Tiles The Kitchn
Oct 3, 2012
10 Minty Fresh Kitchens
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Are you reminded of your grandmother’s kitchen when you see mint green cabinets? The color mint is definitely a little retro-feeling, but like all things vintage, at some point it’s bound to make a comeback. • 10 Minty Fresh Kitchens The Kitchn
Oct 3, 2012
Tap It: Pumpkin Keg
Nothing says October like a pumpkin full of beer! Here’s an adaptation of a summery watermelon keg for the fall season. • Pumpkin Keg Apartment Therapy
Oct 3, 2012
Are You Embracing the Exposed Bulb?
Clean, minimalist, industrial or unfinished, harsh, bare? Exposed bulbs are making a comeback, and while some embrace the trend, others would rather put a lampshade on it. • Embracing the Exposed Bulb? Apartment Therapy
Oct 2, 2012
How To Make Vegetable Stock
(Image credit: Emma Christensen) Every time we make vegetable stock, we wonder why we ever bother buying it in the store. It’s so easy! Chop up some vegetables, cover with water, and simmer. Done. And all in just a little over an hour. • How To Make Vegetable Stock The Kitchn
Oct 2, 2012
A Closer Look at the Artichoke Lamp
DWR calls it “the consummate modernist chandelier”. Designed in 1958 the PH Artichoke Lamp is perhaps the most recognizable and coveted of modern light fixtures. • The Artichoke Lamp Apartment Therapy
Oct 2, 2012
How To Be a Good Overnight Guest
Recently a friend was driving through our area so we invited him to stay the night. Almost two weeks later, he’s still here.What is appropriate behavior for a house guest? Here are a few basics for being a good guest. • Be A Good Guest Apartment Therapy
Oct 1, 2012
Before & After: A Victorian Bathroom Gets a 21st Century Update
Many of us complain about our sub-par, bad taste bathrooms and wish for something updated and modern. But let’s be honest, how many of us have started out with this degree of bad? Follow me after the jump to see how April left the 1800’s behind…Photographer April Cochran-Smith chose to go with a clean, bright, and cheery look for her bathroom, using a white palette and bold, unexpected primaries.
Oct 1, 2012
Before & After: Vintage Settee Makeover
Julie was lucky enough to find this matching pair of settees for her sun room on sale for a mere $10! Though she didn’t love the dark wood and dated fabric, she did love the lines and function of these pieces, which she knew could be updated to work in her room.A couple of coats of white paint later, and the bases are lighter and brighter. Julie selected a new floral fabric and redid the upholstery to give these settees a new lease on life.
Oct 1, 2012
A Closer Look at the TrippTrapp Chair
It’s hard to believe the Tripp Trapp chair has been around for four decades as it still feels thoroughly modern. The chair is at home in any style of decor: from country farmhouses to chic penthouses. • TrippTrapp Chair Apartment Therapy
Oct 1, 2012
Find Local Orchards, Pumpkin Patches and Scenic Drives
If you’re looking for an orchard or scenic drive to experience this autumn, here are some national and regional directories to check out. • Orchards, Pumpkins, Drives… Apartment Therapy
Sep 28, 2012
Rustam’s From Russia With Midcentury Love Studio
Name: Rustam Babayev Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia Size: 335 square feet (31 sq. m) Years lived in: 4 years – owned. A colorful gem of small space living comes today by way of the northernmost largest city in Russia, Saint Petersburg. What may be equally surprising as the location and the cozy dimensions of the studio apartment is the enthusiastically vibrant and international midcentury elements which permeate throughout.
Sep 28, 2012
Beatrix Potter’s Recipe for Gingerbread
Today Beatrix Potter’s very rare personal recipe book will go on sale in London. The 161-year-old book recipe book is full of family recipes, and thanks to an official release by the book’s handlers, we have the actual gingerbread recipe here! • Beatrix Potter’s Gingerbread The Kitchn
Sep 28, 2012
Decorating: Hobby or Unhealthy?
“Obsessed with home decor? You may have self-image problems,” warned a recent article claiming that women today feel stressed about home decor to the point that they have self-esteem issues. • Hobby or Unhealthy? Apartment Therapy
Sep 28, 2012
A Closer Look at the Platner Chair
14 years after Harry Bertoia’s steel mesh furniture made its debut, came the Platner chair. Born of a generation embracing a more luxurious, sensual brand of modernism, the Platner chair gave new-school materials an old-school elegance. • The Platner Chair Apartment Therapy
Sep 27, 2012
Quick History: Tatami Mats
Tatami mats are a kind of rush flooring used in traditional Japanese homes. Made of woven rush grass around a rice straw core, they are gentle but firm underfoot, and also give off a lovely (I think) scent, especially on rainy or humid days. Increasingly rare in modern Japanese interiors, tatami deserves to be considered as a potential material in all homes. Let’s take a look at its rich history.
Sep 27, 2012
Introducing the Renovation Diary Project
Are you thinking about making a big change? If you have big dreams, Apartment Therapy wants to partner with you to help make those dreams happen with our Renovation Diary Program. • Renovation Diary Apartment Therapy
Sep 27, 2012
20 Smoothie Tips, Hints, and Recipes
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Smoothies are a fast, easy breakfast, and many of us are devoted to our morning shake. So we’ve rounded up our best ideas and tips covering everything from blenders to protein powder, plus inspiring recipes with fruit, greens, and even whole grains. • 20 Smoothie Tips & Recipes The Kitchn
Sep 27, 2012
Scallop Designs in the Home
Although it’s the tail end of the season for fishermen, scallops in both fashion and the home are still going strong. This simple pattern and/or detail makes things both classic and special. • Scallop Designs in the Home Apartment Therapy
Sep 26, 2012
A Closer Look at Thonet Bentwood Chairs
You might not think of scrolled arms and contoured backs as features of modern design, but Thonet’s classic “cafe” chairs were light years ahead of their time. To make them Thonet pioneered the use of heat to bend wood into improbable shapes. •
Sep 26, 2012
6 Ways to Tidy Your Pantry in 10 Minutes
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) Sometimes we don’t have time for a full cleanup and overhaul of our kitchen storage, but still, the smallest effort can make the largest difference. Here are six things to do tonight that will only take you 10 minutes. • A Tidy Pantry in 10 Minutes The Kitchn
Sep 26, 2012
Resolving Design Disputes with a Mate
My boyfriend and I recently decided to co-habitate. Merging our existing possessions wasn’t too painful, but buying and arranging furniture? War. How do you settle décor disputes? • Resolving Design Disputes Apartment Therapy
Sep 25, 2012
Choosing the Right Freezer Containers
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) The right packaging will ensure that frozen foods retain their flavor, color, and texture, without developing freezer burn or absorbing other flavors and odors. The following containers are suitable for frozen foods: • Choosing the Right Freezer Containers The Kitchn
Sep 25, 2012
The Power Of Paint: My Lamp Before & After
Though I’ve been doing this a long time, the power of paint to transform things still astonishes me. Take this lamp (or lamps, since it’s part of a pair) for instance. They’ve been moving from room to room as I’ve tried to work their weird green base into my home’s neutral color scheme. But it wasn’t working.
Sep 25, 2012