About Carrie McBride | Page 3 | Apartment Therapy

Empty room with white walls, tiled floor, and scattered boxes and furniture parts.

Before & After: Blank Slate to Modern, Gender-Neutral Nursery

Project by: Allison Harlow of Curio Design Studio Project type: e-design Location: Miami, Florida This space provided lots of challenges! It was long and narrow, did not have a natural focal point and the budget needed to remain around $1000. To make things more complicated the client wanted to keep the gender of their baby a surprise and create a nursery that was modern, gender neutral, mature and utilized mostly neutral colors.

Carrie McBride

May 4, 2019

Before & After: Plain Jane Changing Table Gets a Quick, Easy Upgrade

Changing tables aren’t usually very memorable which is why we like this simple idea for customizing and adding color to one. This nursery DIY is quick, non-permanent and only requires a pair of scissors and some yarn. The folks at bedding company Little Auggie gussied up this IKEA Gulliver changing table with four colors of yarn which they wrapped around the side dowels. You can create any pattern you fancy – perhaps an ombre or just one single color you love.

Carrie McBride

May 4, 2019

I Tried the 4-7-8 Trick to Fall Asleep Fast — Here’s What Happened

Have you heard of the “4-7-8” breathing method? I hadn’t until references to it kept popping up in my Facebook feed. I ignored them at first, but the positive endorsements from friends and friends of friends (“works for me every time!”, “did it last night and it worked!”) were a siren song that I couldn’t resist.

Carrie McBride

May 4, 2019

Archer’s Colorful Nursery with Geometric Elements

Name: Archer Location: Los Angeles, California We bought our house when I was 8 weeks pregnant with Archer. Since then, we’ve completed a full gut renovation on the house, including new flooring and walling off a second doorway in Archer’s room. While those renovations were being completed, I had lots of time to come up with a plan for this room!

Carrie McBride

May 4, 2019

Calling all Neatniks: IKEA’s Pegboard System Finally Hits US

Pegboard and IKEA seem like a match made in heaven and now we can enjoy this marriage here on earth. Released in Europe and other parts of the world last spring under the name SKADIS, the line just landed here in the U.S. and neatniks everywhere can rejoice. The basic SKADIS board comes in three sizes priced between $8-$16.

Carrie McBride

May 3, 2019

Before & After: A Rental Property Adds Curb Appeal (On Your Advice)

It’s been two years since readers gave Laura advice about increasing the curb appeal of her rental property and she’s back with an update. Her plan was to make the lawn healthier and add some shrubs. She was also considering painting the shutters or siding and asked readers to help decide what color might go nicely with the yellow. So, let’s find out how this house looks now and which advice Laura ran with!

Carrie McBride

Apr 30, 2019

25 Creative Alphabet Wall Displays

An ABCs print or poster is a popular piece of nursery decor, but some parents really go all out when it comes to displaying those essential 26 letters. Here are 25 creative examples, from wood and cardboard letters to decals to string art and much more. Row One: 1. McKenzie’s Modern Traditional Mix 2. DIY Feature Wall Baby Nursery on Project Nursery 3. Jude’s Nautical Big Boy Room 4. Lincoln’s Easy As ABC Room 5. Baby G’s Elegant Gender Neutral Nursery Row Two: 6.

Carrie McBride

Apr 7, 2019

11 IKEA Products Every Renter Should Know About

I'm a lifelong renter and IKEA products have come to the rescue for many of my rental conundrums over the years.

Carrie McBride

Mar 29, 2019

A Photographic Ode to IKEA’s Expedit in Kids’ Rooms

IKEA’s announcement last week that they were discontinuing the ubiquitous Expedit storage unit was, ultimately, much ado about nothing as its replacement, called Kallax, is nearly identical. But the public outcry by many fans was a reminder of how beloved this versatile and functional piece is. The Expedit transcends nationality, budget and decor styles as you can see in this gallery of children’s rooms.

Carrie McBride

Feb 24, 2019

Hang Ups: Storage Solutions for Kids Rooms Without a Closet

The start of a new year often injects us with energy and motivation to organize and clean. (And, in my case, the feeling is usually gone by February!) Closets are a traditional target, but what if you don’t have a closet? Kids usually get the smallest bedrooms in the house, often lacking a closet, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a functional, organized faux-closet. Above are 15 examples to explore.

Carrie McBride

Feb 24, 2019

10 Items in the IKEA Kids Section You’ll Want for Yourself

Before I had kids, I would typically hightail it through the children’s section of IKEA watching to be sure my toes didn’t get squashed by a rocking moose. But with two kids at home, I now know my DUKTIGs from my LATTJOs and my FLISATS from my MAMMUTs. And, I can tell you, there are some good grownup finds in there that you might be overlooking. Let me show you a few… IKEA was smart to design a very basic dollhouse, the FLISAT ($29.

Carrie McBride

Mar 11, 2018

Charm & Light in this Romantic East Village One-Bedroom Gem

Size isn’t everything. This small East Village one-bedroom makes it easy to overlook the square footage and focus instead on all the bewitching details like the marble fireplace, wide plank wood floors and skylight windows. We haven’t even gotten to the private terrace on the roof yet which the realtor suggests could be described by Ralph Waldo Emerson as “A secret nook in a pleasant land.” 111 East 10th St.

Carrie McBride

Oct 4, 2017

A Sunny 1,200-Square-Foot 2-Bedroom in a Former Brooklyn Church

If you have a love for older homes, but a desire for modern amenities this apartment could be the perfect compromise. This former church and school in a landmarked district of Brooklyn was converted to condos in 2005. Arrive home to a beautiful, historic brick exterior and then enjoy all the modern comforts of home.

Carrie McBride

Jun 20, 2017

Warmth, Charm & Architectural Details in this $1.5m Multi-Family Home in Historic Stuyvesant Heights

This two-family home in Stuyvesant Heights is straight out of central casting and represents all the things we love about older Brooklyn homes like hardwood floors, fireplaces, decorative molding and exposed brick. The 1.5 million price includes an owners’ duplex and a garden-level rental unit (to help pay the mortgage). The home’s architectural details are in keeping with the historic neighborhood’s posh past and exude warmth and charm.

Carrie McBride

May 31, 2017

A $699k Storybook Cottage in the Rolling Hills of Bucks County

This charming cottage is in the countryside, but it’s not as far-flung as you might think. Located in the borough of New Hope, Pennsylvania, it’s about an hour’s drive from Philly and an hour and a half from New York City. This home is small — just under 1,300 square feet — but it’s brimming with charming details (exposed beams! fireplaces!) and thoughtful updates.

Carrie McBride

May 25, 2017

Thoughtful Design in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn

For better or for worse, Brooklyn is booming with new construction. But instead of bland and cookie-cutter, this 6-unit building was designed with a style connoisseur in mind, boasting Italian finishes and thoughtfully selected materials, finishes and fixtures. This fourth-floor unit is the last one available in the building.

Carrie McBride

Apr 18, 2017

Above the Fray in a Small Manhattan Penthouse (with Private Roof Deck)

Having private outdoor space in New York City is on the wishlist of many (most?) residents here. We’re drawn to the hustle and bustle of the city, but at the same time we’re always looking for places to retreat and re-energize. I imagine this 287 square foot roof deck would be just the antidote to the urban whirl below.

Carrie McBride

Apr 4, 2017

Before & After: A Bathroom, Unused for 30 Years, Gets a Gorgeous New Life

Interior designer Laura Breisch of Making Home Interiors took on her toughest client — herself — when she purchased this Detroit home that had stood empty for 30 years and she purchased in a foreclosure auction. Instead of working with contractors, she enlisted her boyfriend and father and the three of them remodeled this bathroom from head to toe.

Carrie McBride

Mar 4, 2017

Style Lessons from Today’s Small Cool Entries (& Don’t Forget to Enter & Vote!)

Every home has something to teach and each small home in the Small Cool contest holds lessons and tricks for living well while living small. Here’s some wisdom from today’s entries → (above) A lofted bed with tons of storage makes Helene Louise’s small apartment work. And, it was a DIY project so she could customize it to her exact needs. A bench makes so much sense in a small home because you can move it around to suit your needs. Extra dinner guests?

Carrie McBride

Apr 19, 2016

A Versatile Workhorse: Ideas for Using the IKEA Molger Bench All Around the House

It's a versatile workhorse you can use almost anywhere.

Carrie McBride

Jan 26, 2016

The Year’s Smallest Homes from Reader House Calls

much Above: We spend a lot of time decorating the space and we’re really proud of our new home. Our place reflects our personalities and passions. See more → Ana and Fabiano’s Cozy Canadian Home Despite our place being small, we love having friends over. We love grilling lakeside at the complex’s pool and then ending the night in our unit. We’ve squeezed as many as 15 friends in, piled on our sectional sofa and gathering around our small dining room table.

Carrie McBride

Dec 31, 2015

Radical Gift Giving Strategy: Give Everyone the Same Gift

Some people have a true knack for gift giving and manage to think of a thoughtful and personal gift for everyone on their list. Then there’s the rest of us who struggle, procrastinate and, often, end up with gifts that are generic, uninspired or wholly unsuitable for the recipient. Well, here’s an idea to simplify your holiday shopping this year: get everyone the same gift.

Carrie McBride

Dec 16, 2015

Mug → Microwave → Mouth: 5 Minute Bread Pudding Just for You!

(Image credit: Taryn Williford) From the Kitchn → The 5-Minute Drugstore Dessert You Need in Your Life

Carrie McBride

Dec 11, 2015

I Bought a Dishwasher for My Rental Apartment: Was it Worth It?

This past winter I fell on ice and broke my wrist. As you can imagine, this made many things more difficult, including housekeeping. My husband and I (and now our two kids) have lived in the same rental apartment sans dishwasher for eight years. My husband had been campaigning for one for years, but I had resisted for two reasons: 1) why invest money in a rental apartment and 2) why give up valuable cabinet space in our already small kitchen.

Carrie McBride

Oct 29, 2015

Topaz’s Basement “Burrow” Retreat

Name: Topaz Location: Downtown Wheaton, Illinois I work as an Art Director in the Chicagoland area and about two months ago moved into a gorgeous, half-basement nook. In the style of one of my favorite authors, L.M. Montgomery, I like to name my homes. However, accurately naming a home that is partially underground turned out to be more difficult than expected. After many word searches and some rather depressing synonym discoveries, I settled on “The Burrow.

Carrie McBride

Aug 25, 2015

Flirting with Minimalism or Downsizing? These TED Talks May Just Talk You Into It

It remains to be seen whether downsizing and minimalism are going to be a cultural shift or just a cultural fad, but these ideas are certainly in the air and on a lot of minds. If you’re feeling a tug toward simplicity and paring down, here are some excellent TED Talks to watch on these topics from people who are already “walking the walk.” With one exception, these TED Talks come from Tedx events – TED-sanctioned but independently run events.

Carrie McBride

Jul 4, 2015

Before & After: Autumn & Justin’s Bedroom Grows Up

It’s not uncommon to work on every room in your home before you get to your bedroom since it’s a room guests often don’t see. This was the case with Autumn and Justin whose Michigan home we toured last year. They felt great about the rest of their home, but really wanted a “grown up” master bedroom. Seems like they saved the best for last… Ta da! Lighter, brighter and with a soothing, calm vibe.

Carrie McBride

Apr 29, 2015

Up Your Color Game: 7 Reasons to Paint Things the Same Color as the Walls

My friend’s newly purchased apartment includes a short interior staircase and I suggested she paint the stair rails the same color as the (blue) wall behind them. Will she do it? She’s thinking about it. There are many good reasons to try this painting technique; here are seven along with pictures to illustrate the strategy. 1.

Carrie McBride

Apr 7, 2015

Dear Landlord: Dos and Don’ts for Rental Remodels

Dear Landlord, I’m your future tenant and, I get it, your priorities are a little different than mine. You want things to be durable, long-lasting and, usually, cheap. I, on the other hand, would really love them to look nice. I heard you’re doing a little work on the place before I move in so I wanted to share some do’s and don’ts, my wish list and no-no list. Some of them come at a cost, but others won’t cost you a penny.

Carrie McBride

Mar 24, 2015

Long Overdue: The Microwave Needs a Nickname

Ever the romantic gift-giver, I recall with utter clarity the Christmas my father gave my mother a microwave oven. The year was 1984. Its inaugural run was a bowl of water (how’s that for cautious?) How is it that thirty years later we are still sounding out all three laborious syllables: MI-CRO-WAVE? Why doesn’t this ubiquitous appliance have a shorter, widely accepted nickname? It’s time to remedy this oversight!

Carrie McBride

Nov 20, 2014

IKEA Food Around the World: Chestnut Whippy, Fish Balls, Shawarma & More

If you’ve shopped at IKEA before you know that it’s more than a store – it’s an experience. And one of my favorite parts of the experience is the restaurant. Since I don’t go often, I stick to the classics, namely the omnipresent meatballs.

Carrie McBride

Nov 13, 2014

Before & After: Baby Crib Repurposed Into a Headboard

Lucy didn’t have a headboard. And she didn’t have a crib. But when she saw one being thrown away by neighbors the wheels started turning and she snatched it up. But how to make it into a colorful headboard for herself? Clue: she didn’t use paint. Lucy shares: Dilemma: I didn’t have a headboard for my bed, but I also didn’t have the money to spend on one. Solution: My neighbors threw out pieces of a baby crib by the dumpster in my alley. They saw trash.

Carrie McBride

Nov 10, 2014

Before & After: Dark, Unloved Room Turned Fresh Family Room

Project by: Jacqueline Wheeler Interiors Location: Charlotte, North Carolina Clients: Candice Langston and Felix Von Uklanski This family room has one big virtue: its large size, but, as you can see, not a lot of effort has gone into making it an appealing space for the family to spend time in. Jacqueline Wheeler was hired to brighten it up and and bring it to its full potential.

Carrie McBride

Oct 28, 2014

Before & After: A “Cozy Modern” IKEA Kitchen Remodel

Six months after moving into their home, Jill and her husband were ready to tackle the kitchen remodel. The plan: IKEA cabinets and appliances, moving the cooktop, and adding bold tile. The result perfectly embodies the “cozy modern” style they love. As with all remodels there were a few bumps in the road—namely the project took about twice as long as they’d anticipated—but they got their dream kitchen when all was said and done.

Carrie McBride

Oct 13, 2014

Before & After: IKEA Jennylund Chairs Get an MCM Makeover

Chelsea had already made one enhancement to her Ektorp Jennylund chairs from IKEA (the cute pom-pom fringe she added to the bottom), but what she really wanted was chairs with a more Mid Century Modern vibe. She looked for super cheap steals on Cragislist…and struck out. She researched new slipcovers to buy…but they, too, were out of her budget. Finally, she resigned herself to tackling them as a DIY makeover.

Carrie McBride

Sep 19, 2014

Before & After: Micaela’s Revamped Living Room

Micaela went out on a limb and bought a blue couch and then became “confused about color” as she tried to make this new purchase work in her living room. She wrote in to Apartment Therapy for help and readers were not shy about sharing their suggestions. Flash forward a year and Micaela is ready to share her revamped space: → First, one more “before” shot: Here’s Micaela: I did SO MUCH in a year!

Carrie McBride

Aug 19, 2014

Before & After: Backyard Shed to “Small Piece of Heaven” Playhouse

When Soffia’s family moved into this house in Alftanes, Iceland six years ago she dreamed of transforming this small shed into a playhouse for her daughter and son. The shed, and her plans, lay fallow for years until recently when she harnessed her creative energies and unleashed them onto what she calls a “small slice of heaven” for her kids. Soffia tells us: Most items are hand me downs or thrifted, so this was made on a shoestring budget.

Carrie McBride

Jul 8, 2014

Before & After: Jumbled Playroom Gets Organized

It doesn’t take long before kids toys totally take over a playroom. This room was actually a pool house that had gotten out of control and the parents brought in Miki Steiner to turn it into an organized and enjoyable playroom. Miki tells us: I am a self taught interior designer, working in the Bay Area. My clients are mostly renters who seek to improve the interior of rooms on a very tight budget.

Carrie McBride

Jul 2, 2014

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: One Year Sharing a Bedroom with a Baby

Some parents share a room with their baby by choice (especially those who choose to co-sleep) and others by necessity if they live in a small home. Perhaps you have a long-term plan to move into a two-bedroom home, but are staying where you are for now. Or, like my family, you’re not quite ready to have your infant share a room with an older child.

Carrie McBride

Apr 29, 2014

Before & After: Kicked to the Curb Night Stand to Kicking It Up a Notch Play Kitchen

This sad little piece is about to make a little girl very happy. Jen took advantage of her town’s “free cycle” program where once a year you can put things you don’t want on your curb and then cruise around looking for things you do want. She grabbed this laminate night stand and envisioned it as a good foundation for a play kitchen for her daughter. The final result is a super low-budget, cheerful toy. A breath of fresh air!

Carrie McBride

Jan 23, 2014

Before & After: Basic Side Table Gets Some Rawr!

Avery paints murals and furniture professionally, but it was time to let her kids in on the fun. They chose this side table to jazz up and the kids both inspired the new theme (dinosaurs!) and lent a hand in the painting. Rawr indeed! Avery gives us the scoop on how her family spent their afternoon giving this basic table some kid-friendly personality: My husband and I have been quite busy lately. (Aren’t we all?

Carrie McBride

Dec 10, 2013

Before & After: Old Entertainment Center Turned Fresh Toy Storage

Would you pay $100 for this old entertainment center? I probably wouldn’t, but Kim had a vision and a motivation: “Our two year old daughter was taking over the house with all her toys. I had to come up with a toy storage solution.” The white paint updates this piece by decades and the pink adds an understated but sweet touch for her daughter. Kim spent about $180 on this project – $100 for the furniture, $40 for paint and another $40 for the crystal knobs.

Carrie McBride

Oct 11, 2013

Before & After: Dull, Lifeless Space to Colorful Playroom

Homeowner Kathleen would be the first to say that this room in her house was just kind of sad. It was intended as a playroom for her kids, ages 6 and 9, and as a place for the family to hang out together. With paint, some new furniture and colorful accessories she was able to breathe life into the room to make it a vibrant, stimulating part of the home. She even found a way to make the big brown couch work in the space.

Carrie McBride

Oct 2, 2013

Make Today, Eat Any Day: How To Freeze Cookie Dough

(Image credit: Emma Christensen) From The Kitchn → How To Freeze Cookie Dough

Carrie McBride

Sep 25, 2013

10 Dessert Recipes You Can and Should Commit to Memory

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → 10 Desserts To Know By Heart

Carrie McBride

Sep 24, 2013

Quick Tip for Keeping Chopped Fruit From Turning Brown

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy) From The Kitchn → The Best Way to Keep Chopped Fruit From Turning Brown