A Warm California House That Feels Nothing Like a Tract Home
Name: Andrea Van Soest Location: Murrieta, California Size: 3500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned “Many of the homes in Southern California (like ours) are tract homes,” confesses Andrea Van Soest. “While our builder did a good job of making the exterior of our neighborhood look darling, we have worked hard to make the inside of our home feel nothing like a tract home.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 6, 2018
A Renovated Cabin So Cozy Inside, Winter Won’t Seem So Bad
Name: Danielle and Ely Franko and Pomapoo, Bentley Location: Haines Falls, New York Size: 1530 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned “We purchased our home almost two years ago with the intention of fixing it up within a year and listing it for rent,” begins Danielle Franko. “At that point we had no emotional attachments, no idea of the work that would be required, and no real vision for what we wanted it to look like.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 5, 2018
Modern Minimalism Meets Traditional Beautifully in Brooklyn
Name: Bev Wilson Location: Boerum Hill — Brooklyn, New York Size: 975 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years, owned “I am a Brooklyn-based lawyer with a passion for interior design and photography,” writes Bev Wilson of Room Sauce. “My Instagram and website document the renovation of my fixer upper apartment, my design and staging projects, and my design travels. When I bought my apartment, it had been used as a rental for over ten years and was not in good shape.
Adrienne Breaux
Jan 4, 2018
A Classic, Cozy Oklahoma Home Ready for Christmas
Name: Serena Backues Location: Durant, Oklahoma “When we first saw the listing for our home, I fell in love, but Zach not so much,” describes Serena. “I saw this beautiful 100+year-old house with character and space for our growing family… he saw WORK. Looking back now we were both right. It needed a lot of work and our budget was very small, so it has been a true labor of love.” Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Family. livable. collected.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 25, 2017
A DC Condo is a Cozy “Little House in the Sky”
Jenna and her husband Mike moved into their Washington, DC condo right after their wedding. “We fell in love with it the minute we walked in because of the soaring ceilings, natural light, and open feel. We call it our little house in the sky and designed it to feel like a home. Our goal was to make it warm, comfortable, and welcoming.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 20, 2017
A Colorful Canadian Home Full of Flowers & Art
Floral designer, interior designer and talented painter Tanya List shares this home with her husband Ry and craft-loving daughter Reid. “We moved from Toronto to Muskoka about four years ago. [Toronto] was lovely, but once we had Reid I craved moving home to my hometown of Muskoka. It’s amazing here with lots of trees, over 300 lakes, and tons of room for a little kiddo to run around.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 19, 2017
Before and After: A Rustic Cabin’s ’80s Bathroom Gets a Total Turnaround
When three friends — Amanda, Kate and Carina — decided to chase their dreams and buy a cabin in the Catskills together, they were ready to start having fun and enjoying their mountain retreat right away. But the home was built in the 1980s, and though the architectural bones were extraordinary, there were still a lot of elements from the era (like bizarre wallpaper, carpeted stairs, funky electrical work, and a mustard yellow shower).
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 19, 2017
How To Thrive (Not Just Survive) in a Small Apartment
When we first visited illustrator Lisa Vanin’s Toronto studio apartment a couple of years ago, I was so impressed by how she made 390 square feet so livable. Cozy colors, vintage finds, a distinct living room and bedroom area—Lisa’s clearly a small home arranging wizard. But can living in such a small space be sustainable — mentally or physically — for the long haul? Can one thrive in under 400 square feet for years and years?
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 18, 2017
A Small Southwestern Modern Studio in Downtown Oklahoma City
“I’ve been into interior design for awhile and living in a studio has been a fun challenge,” writes Lyndsey, who shares this small studio apartment with her rescue dog Tux. “A lot of people couldn’t handle living in one large room, but Tux and I seem to make it work! Leaving out room dividers makes the space more open and bright but I have to be mindful about anything I bring in the space. If it isn’t useful or beautiful, its got to go!
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 15, 2017
This Country’s Homes Master Effortlessly Cool, Casual Vibes
Nothing is really worse than a too stiff and stuffy home. When a home feels more like a museum and less like a place you doing your living in, it’s hard for you — or your guests — to relax. But these homes below are the very opposite of stiff; they’re beautiful spaces that are also casual and comfy, with an energy that feels vibrant and motivating.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 15, 2017
A Cool California Modern Boho Abode
“My husband and I bought our house when I was pregnant with our first-born nine years ago. It was a foreclosure and previously owned by someone who was trying to “flip” it. We did not like the design choices he made but we loved the neighborhood and luckily, choosing to buy in Venice, California has been a great investment,” writes blogger and designer Kristin Dion. “Over time, we have made several improvements.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 14, 2017
How to Sort Your Closet Like a Professional Personal Stylist
Laurel Kinney more than helps people look their best; she helps them look more like themselves! As a professional personal stylist, a big part of her job is also helping clients organize and sort their closets. Before, she’s shared the four biggest ways you get in the way of looking your best and questions you should ask yourself now (so your closet doesn’t end up full of clothes you never wear).
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 14, 2017
A Small Boston Studio Apartment’s Got Great Bones
“In the past, I’ve lived in one-bedroom apartments, so I was a bit nervous about how to set up a studio so that it felt more like a home and less like one giant bedroom,” writes Maeve Stier, the Boston-based blogger behind Chic Now.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 12, 2017
19 of the Cutest Tiny Homes, RVs, Vans, Airstreams & More
Mortgages, bills, work stress, soccer games, the nightly news — is it any wonder that many of us feel a deep yearning to get away from it all? To pack just the essentials? To simplify our lives? To have the time — and freedom — to explore the world?
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 12, 2017
Proof Planning Pays Off: A Bright, Cozy Home in Just 300 Square Feet
“My home is small but I feel so lucky to call it mine. It’s located in a small beach town within walking distance to some really great shops and restaurants,” describes Lauren Hunter, of her studio apartment. Name: Lauren Hunter Location: Coronado, California Size: 300 square feet Year Lived In: 6 years, renting Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Bright, Feminine, Cozy What is your favorite room and why? The living area, which is also my bedroom.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 11, 2017
3 Reasons This Country’s Homes Are So Devastatingly Dreamy
Some of the most beautiful homes I saw this year were from The Netherlands. From houses in Amsterdam’s bustling urban center to organic modern homes full of history in bucolic country settings, each home perfectly embodies the personality and spirit of the person living in it. But while each space is wholly unique, I noticed a series of three important things that folks living in Dutch homes seem to “get right” when it comes to design.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 8, 2017
An Easy, Quick and Super Affordable (Under $20) Wall Art Idea To Copy
And it's a stylish way to display your favorite 2017 memories without spending a ton of money.
Adrienne Breaux
Dec 5, 2017
This Tiny Denver Home Makes Downsizing Look Good
Name: Austin Klapesky Location: Denver, Colorado “This tiny house was one of the biggest challenges of my life. Going from a 1,500-square-foot house to 400 is a challenge to say the least,” writes Austin Klapesky. “When I purchased it, it was a disaster. Great bones, but every surface needed rebuilding. We went down to the brick walls and dirt floors. As I was designing it, I had to really challenge myself to think small scale yet smart and efficient.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 27, 2017
The Paint Trick You Didn’t Realize Your Art Needs
While most people feel finished after hanging a piece of art — others go one step farther. And it’s a step that you might want to add to your home if you have art that needs enhancing or enlarging. It involves a little paint and time, but the end result is a one-of-a-kind look that will add a ton of personality to your home!
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 22, 2017
Real People, Real Advice: Hosting Overnight Guests in a Small Home
Last week I asked a number of stylish, smart people who happen to live in teeny tiny homes to share their advice for hosting holiday dinners and gatherings. Their tip and lessons were enormously helpful! In this post, I asked them to tackle the subject of overnight guests — something I struggle to deal with in my small-ish one-bedroom apartment.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 20, 2017
Actually Helpful Advice for Hosting in a Small Home
For many small space dwellers, the thought of entertaining over the holidays—inviting friends and family into a teeny amount of square feet—is plain daunting. Don’t let the challenge of hosting in a small home get in the way of your dinner party dreams this holiday season, though. Not only is entertaining in a small space possible, it can be downright pleasant! And these real small-space dwellers share their tips, advice, and lessons learned.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 13, 2017
How to Quickly Give Your Guest Room a Glow Up
If you like someone enough to let them stay inside your home, chances are you like them enough to want them to have a nice time during their visit. Help that happen by making sure your guest room is a cozy and functional place to stay before the holidays get here! Guest rooms can easily turn into “junk” rooms the longer they sit unoccupied.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 8, 2017
Amazing Dining Room Redos that Prove Anything’s Possible
The holidays are just beyond the horizon, and chances are you’ll have at least a guest or two in your dining room. If your current dining area is old, outdated, or just unattractive, you may feel like there’s nothing (affordable) that can be done…or that you’re running out of time. That’s just not true! And these daring and delightful dining room makeovers prove it. Lisa’s dining room before wasn’t terrible, but it lacked pizzazz.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 7, 2017
70 of the Coziest, Most Inspiring Dining Rooms of All Time
Inspiring rooms your guests will feel like sinking into and staying awhile.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 31, 2017
This Minimal, Modern Brooklyn Rental Will Make You Believe in Beige Again
Interior designer Maggie Burns describes her Williamsburg rental apartment’s style as “Modern, Eclectic, Cozy, Urban, Minimal.” But I would describe it as a beautiful way to keep a home light and airy by using warm, cozy beige and cream tones (rather than a just all-white palette). Beige has (quite rightly) gotten a bad reputation over the years (mostly due to bland, builder’s grade homes).
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 26, 2017
City Life Done Right: How to Attractively Store a Bike Indoors
If your preferred mode of transportation is powered by bike pedals, you might be familiar with the dilemma many bike owners + city dwellers face: Where the heck do you store a bike? Like, in a way that’s not totally revolting to the eyes? These real-life spaces have the right idea. As a rule, your best choice is going to involve some sort of wall or ceiling hanging situation. Why? Because attaching your bike (or bikes) to a solid surface will impose visual order on them.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 25, 2017
There’s More Color in This Modern 360-Square-Foot London Flat Than Most Homes
Name: Sally Averill Location: Notting Hill, London Size: 360 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned After putting in a few failed offers on flats in the Notting Hill area of London, Sally discovered this mini and modern home and knew it was love at first sight. “I’ve lived in Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Australia — I love the light and knew I wanted somewhere full of light but also bold colours.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 24, 2017
This Incredibly Chic Dorm Room Makeover Proves No Room is Beyond Hope
Are your dorm room days behind you? You can still find a ton of inspiration with this tiny, 180-square-foot, concrete-brick room's stunning transformation.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 23, 2017
A Super Simple Way to Disguise a Window Air Conditioner in the Off Season
While they’re absolute LIFE SAVERS in the summer months (or, if you live in the South like me, 11 months out of the year), A/C window units are pretty much hideous. But, cooler temperatures bring the opportunity to hide or disguise that window A/C during the winter, and it’s a small tweak that will dramatically upgrade a room’s look.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 23, 2017
13 Unbelievably Adorable Halloween Decorating Ideas You Still Have Time to Do
Don’t fret! It may be mid-October but there’s still plenty of time to add a little Halloween spookiness to your home. Jennifer Perkins is a crafter and blogger who goes ALL OUT when it comes to decorating her Austin house for Halloween. And much of her decor is DIY! These cute Halloween decor projects can be spotted in the Halloween tours of her home…and they are fast and easy to make.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 19, 2017
How to Pull Off Painting Your Living Room Black
Or as the actual (but too long) title to this post should read: How to Pull Off Painting Your Living Room Black and It Not Look Like an Angsty Goth ’80s Teen Is Gearing up for a Halloween Party While Their Parents Are Out of Town. I’m here today to let you know it is possible to rock super dark paint on the walls, ceilings, shelving, mantel, fireplace, etc. and not look like you went on Trading Spaces with The Addams Family.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 16, 2017
Smart Ways to Make a “Bedroom” in a Studio
Ask anyone who’s ever lived in a studio apartment what their least favorite thing about it is, and chances are that (after the size) they’ll complain about their bed being out in the open, in sight of the living room/dining room/kitchen. It can make it feel like you’re living in a dorm room versus an actual adult home. But, with smart decor elements and design tricks, you can make your bed feel like its own area, improving the way your studio looks from any angle.
Adrienne Breaux
Oct 10, 2017
Proof This Color Combo Is the Most Versatile Palette of All
Did you catch this rad house tour from Buenos Aires? Each room was bursting with bold design elements balanced and mixed to perfection. But something about the living room really stuck out to me: it’s an excellent example of the versatility of a black and white color palette. In other words, if you’re someone who gets tired of the same look after awhile and you like to mix it up, take some notes from this home.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 14, 2017
The Stylish Bathroom Design Direction That’s Perfect for a Tight Budget
Did you catch the gorgeous, renovated bathroom in this Philadelphia house? On a tight budget for the whole home, Melissa and John’s bathroom is filled with affordable materials used in fresh ways. And the room’s success is due in large part to the fact that the couple stuck to two strong, simple and complementary design styles: modern and rustic. Below, four elements that make this bathroom so beautiful and affordable to emulate.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 13, 2017
Turn an Empty Wall into an Entryway in 4 Easy Steps
We don’t all have the luxury of a dedicated entryway, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all try carve one out using ingenuity and design elements. Start with the where — the obvious location is the wall right beside the door you use daily — and then add these things in. Below: your easy entryway checklist. This stylish yet simple entryway is from Michael’s ’80s-inspired boho glam rental apartment.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 11, 2017
7 Dreamy Kitchens That’ll Make You Rethink Mint Green
Earlier this year, we predicted what would be trendy in the kitchen for 2017, from rich, muted hues, warmer finishes, New Bohemian style and more. We’re now more than halfway through this year, and I find myself looking back at 2017’s designs. I’ve seen many of the trends predicted above come true, but I’ve also noticed a color trend emerge for the kitchen that I didn’t expect: mint green!
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 8, 2017
What It’s REALLY Like Living With Open Kitchen Shelving
The debate between open shelving and closed cabinets in the kitchen divides many people. Some find the look charming, but hate the practicality of it. Others think it looks messy, but wonder if they’d use their stuff more if they could see. And many other opinions in between abound. So I asked some folks who live with open shelving in their kitchen every day to share the real truth. Kristina Browngardt is the co-founder of Wilder Design Co.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 5, 2017
How to Add Color When You Can’t Paint Your Rental Walls
Color lovers who area also renters (and can’t paint your walls), rejoice! You CAN have a colorful home even if wall paint is against the rules. Interior designer Rachelle Padgett didn’t let the no-wall-color constraints of her small rental apartment get her down. Instead, she got creative. And the tricks she used to add more hues to her home could easily be translated to any home.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 31, 2017
The Versatile, Industrial-Style Storage Item That Works in Any Room
It’s not that anyone forgot that lockers and filing cabinets exist, it’s just that they aren’t used nearly as commonly as they ought to be in my opinion. They’re affordable (to buy new or find used at thrift stores) and you can store lots of different things in them. They’re DIY’able (hello, paint one a bold color!). They not only fit in with a lot of different design styles, but they offer up a heaping dose of industrial vibes to any room they live in.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 25, 2017
The Clever DIY Storage Idea That’ll Take Your Kitchen to the Next Level
If you’ve got a pantry—no matter the size, from a small cabinet to a complete closet to a dedicated room—chances are you have a door or two enclosing it. While you might have given attention to organizing the shelves within your pantry, have you thought about tackling all that wasted space behind your door? This DIY pantry door storage solution is functional and beautiful. And it’s such a good idea, we’re rerunning this post two years in a row!
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 22, 2017
A Color Master’s Secrets for Killer Combos
There was a lot to drool over, design-wise, in James and Kurt’s Chicago home. Contemporary art and cool furniture, and as a bonus, two homeowners that look like they must throw amazing parties. But there’s no denying it’s the color palette that really steals the show. Purple, yellow, blue, green — this vibrant home features a variety of hues that are unexpected and delightful.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 21, 2017
How To Get a High End Kitchen Look on a Budget: Tips for Using Affordable Building Materials Wisely
Flirting with the idea of using affordable building materials for a kitchen remodel? Smart move for your budget. But, that doesn’t mean you want your home to look like you built it out of materials from the bargain bin. So, take notes from this minimal and modern kitchen in this Spanish hand-built home. We’ve got a breakdown of why this space doesn’t look like it was done on the cheap, despite being primarily made up of very affordable materials.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 15, 2017
Three Years Later: A Los Angeles Rental’s Design Update
This "Street Cred Granny" style rental home now has much stronger "Underwater Safari" vibes.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 10, 2017
How to Get a High-End Living Room Look on a Real-Life Budget
Built in 1928, this Michigan house came with plenty of architectural charm when Justin bought it, but it needed updating. And that’s just what Justin did, transforming the dated interior into a modern, cozy abode. Every room packs in interior design inspiration, but the living room deserves a longer look. It’s a simple, elegant composition that looks sophisticated and high-end. But you can totally pull this look off on a budget.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 9, 2017
For Your Inspiration Board: Two Uniquely Creative Ideas for DIY Sliding Doors
Though you can buy any number of ready-made sliding barn-style doors from your local hardware store, you might be more of the DIY type, or you may have a home that needs a unique sliding door solution. (Or maybe you’re just not into the rustic farmhouse modern look.) Here are two beautiful homes feature sliding doors made out of unusual (and affordable) materials that could be inspiration for a sliding door solution of your own.
Adrienne Breaux
Aug 4, 2017
You Should Steal These Styling Secrets from This Chic London Home
Blogger and freelance stylist Ruth Matthews shares her beautifully designed London home with her husband Dan and son Ted. Each room is filled with an array of vintage and modern furniture, textured woods, clever art, energetic patterns and bold color. But it’s how she’s deftly arranged her home — each room and the vignettes within — that deserves extra attention.
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 28, 2017
Real-Life Renters With Vividly Colorful Homes…Despite a “No Painting” Rule
It’s a tale as old as time (well, as long as leasing agreements have been around): You find a rental apartment or house you LOVE…but you’re not allowed to paint the walls. Perhaps the walls are white or beige and you find them ho-hum. Or perhaps your rental walls do have color—but not color you like. What’s a rule-following tenant supposed to do?
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 13, 2017
A Foolproof Formula to Make Any Blank Wall Sensational
Blank walls are BORING. To turn that situation around, don’t just stop after a coat of paint or a piece of art. Keep layering until you get a composition that adds visual excitement to the room. I recently saw a perfect example of a beautifully layered feature wall, and it’s a design formula anyone can use to turn a blank wall into a sensational statement wall.
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 6, 2017