Property Crush

These Are AT Editors’ Favorite Property Crushes From 2021

published Dec 27, 2021
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Blue apartment exterior
Credit: MW Studio

Apartment Therapy’s editors see a lot of great ideas, brilliant tips, and inspiring photos throughout the year. But which of these are the most memorable after a jam-packed 12 months? Every day this week, we’re sharing the best hacks, advice, homes, and more that we saw and heard in 2021. Check out all of our picks here!

One of the most beloved features at Apartment Therapy is Property Crushes — an entire column dedicated to properties for sale that are ripe with character and unique design. And while it’s easy to fall in love with just about every property that ends up in there there’s a select few that hold a special place in our hearts. These eight favorites are, according to our editors, the best of 2021.

Credit: BrightMLS/Guerilla Realty

An Art Deco Jewel in Baltimore

“I love sexy curved awnings from this Baltimore Property Crush. It’s the color combined with those curves. It feels like an Art Deco commercial building… but it’s a house.” —Adrienne Breaux, House Tour Editor

Credit: The Corcoran Group

A Shipping Container Penthouse

“I know I am supposed to say the private outdoor space of this Midtown hideaway is my favorite feature — but honestly, I saw the built-in wood cabinetry in the bedroom and thought, yes, I would like to live there, please and thank you.” —Ella Cerón, Lifestyle Editor

Credit: John Maciel

A Charming Massachusetts Houseboat

“It is a dream of mine to live on a houseboat. The one thing holding me back (in addition to the small problem of not having houseboat money) is how cramped they can be. So this 1,800-square-foot houseboat Property Crush kept that dream alive for me.” —Taryn Williford, Lifestyle Director

Credit: MW Studio

Steve from Blues Clues’ Williamsburg Pad

“This place has some incredibly cool outdoor spaces and looks somewhat inconspicuous from the outside.” —Sarah Everett, Editorial Assistant

Credit: Dean Tyler Photography

An Island Off the Coast of Maine

“I would love to own my own island, please.” —Alison Goldman, Special Projects Editor 

Credit: Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty - Highland Park

This ‘90s Palace in Minnesota

“I’m torn between the construction paper-looking walls in the kitchen, and the pink-on-pink-on-pink bathroom. They both give me ‘Saved By The Bell’ vibes, and I can’t get over it.” —Savannah West, Home Assistant Editor 

Credit: Brown Harris Stevens

A Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule in the Bronx

“I’ve been going big on time capsule homes this year. They’re some of the best kinds of houses, in my humble opinion. This one in the Bronx has a wood stove built into the wall that I love.” —Madeline Bilis, Real Estate Editor

Credit: Courtesy of Summit Sotheby's International Realty

A Groovy Throwback House in Salt Lake City

“Just look at this conversation pit!!!—Nicoletta Richardson, Entertainment Editor