Empty room with dark floor tiles, white walls, a black low shelf, and a modern ceiling light fixture.
Before & After: Plain Jane Entryway Now Pops with Pattern & Color
Katja’s entryway was pretty, but plain, and needed a good dose of something. Turns out that something was turquoise paint and a lot of graphic pattern. To create the accent wall, Katja first painted it a light turquoise. Then, strips of painter’s tape were placed vertically every 14 inches. Smaller bits were taped at an angle off those stripes, to create the arrow effect. She then painted over the whole thing with a darker turquoise and removed the tape.
Dabney Frake
Nov 12, 2013
Before & After: DIY Makeover with Small, Chic Changes
Sometimes “before” pictures aren’t disgusting nightmares that leave you horrified. Sometimes they are perfectly nice, but the owner was just sick and tired of looking at the same layout or piece of furniture. We’ve all been there and so was Bethany, who’d grown weary of seeing this dark brown trellis pattern first thing after walking in the door. She made a few crucial tweaks without spending a dime — including a mini IKEA hack — and wound up refreshed.
Dabney Frake
Oct 14, 2013
Before & After: Boring Dresser Gets Extra-Special Facelift
Chrissann recently re-did a dresser for her daughter’s room. In its original state, the dresser wasn’t anything special — certainly not an antique — and she wanted something more fun, and brighter than the original boring brown. If you are sick of seeing chalkboard paint everywhere, or hate the dusty mess of the chalk itself, here’s an alternative: try dry erase paint instead.
Dabney Frake
Sep 13, 2013
Laken’s Dorm Room Redo: Before Photos
Laken is an incoming freshman at Washington University in Saint Louis and, just this Sunday, moved into her new dorm on campus. She was greeted by a very typical sight: commercial grade carpeting, conspicuous vents, and standard issue furniture. The dorms are very nice by all accounts, but it’s always a challenge to transform an impersonal space into a comfortable home for the next nine months.Laken has less than a week to get her room ready before classes begin.
Dabney Frake
Aug 21, 2013
Before & After: Vintage Table Turned Pretty and Patterned
One of the regular readers of Meg’s blog, Radical Possibility, found this little Lane end table at a flea market, and needed her help to transform it. About $30 and three hours of TLC later, this little table had a totally new look. The pattern on top is based on the Forest Flowers iPhone cover by Rifle Paper Company.
Dabney Frake
Jul 16, 2013
Before & After: Plain Bedroom Wall Gets Glam Stencil Treatment
The whole project, including the paint, cost $27. If this sounds good to you too, head on over to Chrissann’s blog, Ducklings in a Row Thanks, Chrissann!
Dabney Frake
Jun 25, 2013
Before & After: Old Chair, New Material
Here’s kind of a cool thing. This steel-framed chair had seen better days. Enter Janusz, who has an abiding love for the world’s most humble material — cardboard — and for bringing old furniture back to life. Click here to see what he did next. While the text isn’t in English, there are enough photos so you get the idea how it was made here and here. It almost look like inlay, doesn’t it?Thanks for sharing, Janusz!
Dabney Frake
Jun 19, 2013
Before & After: Beige Office Made Beautiful
Where I used to avoid working in my cluttered office since I could just carry my laptop elsewhere in the house, I now ONLY want to work in here.  The mood it creates is nothing short of inspiring. I used the rich wood tones and bold colors that I love, and I added in pops of color in unexpected places.
Dabney Frake
Jun 11, 2013
Before & After: Kitchen Banquette from Scratch
Tonya lives in a “fantastically old” house that’s filled to the brim with home improvement projects. The target for one of these projects was a blank corner of her kitchen that needed seating beyond just the high chair that usually lived there. Check out what she was able to do with this little corner in just one weekend.  The idea seemed logical and simple and kind of a no-brainer.
Dabney Frake
May 28, 2013
Before & After: Revisited Old Tricycle
This is what Will had to say about the project: The personal drive to restore the tricycle stems from a general interest I have in refurbishing old, half rusted and seized treasures from the past. This is particularly true when it comes to bicycles (or here a tricycle). As it is, I’m looking at two half assembled bikes both wearing the Wilmas brand and almost ready for their maiden voyage.
Dabney Frake
May 6, 2013
Before & After: Revamped 1970s Plywood Chair
Everybody has at least one piece of old furniture in their attic, but how often do you actually do something with it? Lacker was rooting around in his and found this vintage chair from the 1970s. It was in decent shape, with a metal base and plywood seat. See how he gave it a second life, after the jump.Lacker says: I was on vacation and looking for something to do. When I saw this chair, I immediately thought of creating a new seat and chair back with pieces of veneer.
Dabney Frake
Apr 26, 2013
Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces
There are plenty of vertical garden options to help you scratch your farming itch, most of which can also be used indoors. A living wall in a kitchen brings life inside. • Vertical Gardening Supplies Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 5, 2013
The Dos & Don’ts of Growing Mint
It’s fragrant, fast-growing, green, and compliments fruits, vegetables and meats. So what’s not to love about mint? Read on for the dos and don’ts of successfully growing mint in your home garden. • How to Grow Mint Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 5, 2013
Eco Friendly Way to Repel Flies
With warm weather on its way, it’s almost time to dine al fresco. Eating in the open air also means flies making a dive for your meal. Here is a safe and easy way to repel these pests without using harmful sprays. • Eco Friendly Fly Repellant Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 4, 2013
Simple Centerpieces: Spring Tulips
Easter may have passed, but with warmer weather comes plenty of reasons to celebrate. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch with friends or a small dinner party, bring spring to the table with an easy tulip arrangement. • Spring Tulip Centerpieces Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 4, 2013
Are Ikea Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?
The million dollar question: Julia loves the way IKEA cabinets look, but is curious to know how readers feel about theirs. Does it hold up? Are there any bugs? Do you regret yours? • Ikea Kitchen Cabinets? Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 3, 2013
Your Old Fridge Might be Costing You
Old fridge in your kitchen? You might be wasting a ton of money. The government’s Energy Star website has a nifty calculator to help you figure out how much money you could save by retiring it. • Is Your Fridge Costing You? Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 3, 2013
Jane’s Kitchen Transformation
Jane’s kitchen wasn’t her cup of tea, but it wasn’t in bad shape. The real issue was the lack of storage and a vent hood. See what she did to make it more functional and lovely. •Jane’s Kitchen Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 2, 2013
Benjamin’s Dressed Up Fridge
Ben needed a fun and unique way to dress up his renters fridge, without breaking his lease. Enter magnetic photo paper, one pattern, and you get an appliance with a brand new look. • Benjamin’s Rental Fridge Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 2, 2013
Wall Color Ideas with Dark Cabinets?
Help Michelle do a quick fix on her rental kitchen. What color paint is the best choice to blend with dark cabinets? See what readers have to say, and chime in yourself! • Wall Color Ideas? Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 1, 2013
Before & After: Backyard Brought to Life
Christy and Hannah went from having a very uninspired yard to a garden-filled dreamland. See what they did to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with veggies, plants, and flowers. • Before & After: Backyard Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Apr 1, 2013
Ideas for a Spring Table Top Garden
Are you itching for some spring greenery, despite this late snow? With the holiday weekend ahead, forget spring greens outside and create them inside instead. • Spring Table Top Garden Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 29, 2013
The Best Outdoor String Lights
It’s almost time for outdoor entertaining, and Maxwell’s getting a jump on the game. Today he shares his favorite string lights for the backyard, balcony or patio. • The Best Outdoor Lights Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 29, 2013
Storage Solutions for Apartment Kitchens
One of the most frequent problems in a kitchen is a lack of storage, an issue compounded by a rental kitchen. When you can’t renovate, refer to this round up of ideas instead. • Storage for Kitchens Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 28, 2013
What Household Tasks Do You Hate?
We all have harmless little household tasks that infuriate us for no reason. Nobody likes messy jobs like unclogging drains, but what about simple ones like changing light bulbs? • What Tasks Do You Hate? Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 28, 2013
Rental Roundups: Our Best Tips
We’re all about rental solutions this month, and here’s a round up of our best tips for making your temporary house a home. • Our Best Rental Tips Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 27, 2013
Seth & Allison’s Kitchen Reno Diary
Over on Apartment Therapy, Seth & Allison’s construction crew is hanging drywall in their new kitchen. Three weeks left on the renovation; think they’ll make the deadline? • Seth’s Kitchen Renovation Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 27, 2013
Life Without a Dishwasher
Are you lazy about doing dishes, and recoil in abject horror at the thought of cleaning them by hand? Here are a few tips for tackling life without a dishwasher. • Life Without a Dishwasher Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 26, 2013
Perfect Veggies for Window Boxes
Plant veggies in window boxes willy-nilly and most of those poor plants just won’t flourish. Check these out first for some ideas of which plants do best in shallow soils. • Veggies for Window Boxes Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 26, 2013
What Not to Compost or Recycle
Composting and recycling seem straightforward, but as with most processes, there are shades of gray. Here’s a nice refresher for those of us who wonder if we were helping the process or muddling it up. • What Not to Compost Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 25, 2013
Easter Egg Experiments for Children
Easter is coming, and it’s time to have fun with eggs! There are tons of different ways to experiment — here are a few basic ones for all age groups. • Easter Egg Experiments Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 25, 2013
Mini Might: Small Versions of Big Things
This post is dedicated to small versions of big things that make life more convenient and enjoyable, starting with this compact portable dishwasher. It not only fits, but it also frees up counter space! • Mini Versions of Big Things Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 22, 2013
More Ways to Use Aluminum Foil
Real Simple has a collection of other, possibly-new-to-you uses for aluminum foil. The best little tips and tricks are the ones you can use in a pinch and on the fly, and these definitely apply. • Ways to Use Aluminum Foil Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 22, 2013
Trending: Gold and Brass in the Kitchen
Brass and gold fixtures give your kitchen a certain je ne sais quoi. They’re warm and luxurious all at the same time, and look just as good in modern interiors as in traditional ones. • Trend: Gold in the Kitchen Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 21, 2013
Seth & Allison’s Kitchen Renovation
Seth & Allison’s kitchen gets new windows today, and what a difference! It’s the fourth week of their renovation diary, with four more weeks to go… • Seth Allison Kitchen Reno Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 20, 2013
Easy Does It: Folding Shopping Carts
Sick of schlepping armloads of groceries from the store to your apartment? Think your arms are going to snap off after block three? Granny carts to the rescue! • Folding Shopping Carts Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 20, 2013
Maxwell & Ursula’s Light Renovation
It’s rental renovation-palooza over at Apartment Therapy this month. Our fearless leader Maxwell is tackling a new pad and showing us the process. Today he shares some kitchen plans and inspiration. • Maxwell’s Light Reno Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 19, 2013
Spruce Up Your Dining Room with Paint
Maybe your dining room could use a little extra pizzazz but you don’t want to buy new furniture. We’ve got some ideas to liven things up, and give meal times a little more oomph. • Paint Your Dining Chairs Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 19, 2013
Honeycomb for the Home
This hexagonal pattern is the bee’s knees – organic but also repetitive, and perfect for adding geometric interest to decor. Imagine it as a kitchen backsplash! • Honeycomb for the Home Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 18, 2013
7 Ways to Rescue a Rental Kitchen
Like it or not, rental kitchens come furnished, which makes them difficult to personalize. Jason explores temporary ways to disguise old appliances, tile, flooring, or walls. • Rescuing a Rental Kitchen Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 18, 2013
End Grain & Edge Grain Cutting Boards
Nice cutting boards will last for years, so why not buy one that feels good to the touch, and looks beautiful? Kate shares her favorite end grain and edge grain finds, and tells us the difference between the two types. • Wooden Cutting Boards Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 15, 2013
Buy or DIY: Cake Toppers
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or an order-from-the-interneter, we’ve got some fun cake toppers for you to peruse. Here are 10 great ones to purchase or make yourself. • Buy or DIY: Cake Toppers Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 15, 2013
Sarah Saves a Bar Cart
Carts like these store spare dishes and free up precious cabinet space. See how Sarah brings this thrift store find back to its former glory, with some modern updates along the way. • Sarah Saves a Bar Cart Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 14, 2013
Trendy Easter Eggs
Every year, clever folks come up with even more great ideas for decorating eggs. Check out this year’s trends and how they translate to Easter. • Trendy Easter Eggs Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 14, 2013
Creating a Home Color Scheme
Before you jump in and repaint your kitchen, get the low down on preventing design disasters. Hint: look around at your cabinets and countertops. • Creating a Color Scheme Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 13, 2013
DIY Secret Hiding Spots
TOP ROW: 1. Stylish Wall Storage from Mamamekko 2. Doortop Stash from Make 3. Beck Marks the Spot for Secret Storage 4. Secret Storage Sofa from Ana White 5. Hidden Jewelry Box from Design Sponge BOTTOM ROW: 6. Hollow Stash Book from Vivid Please 7. Hidden Bookcase from Imgur 8. Floating Secret Drawer from Stashvault 9. DIY Hide-a-Key from Zakka Life And, if all else fails, just go buy this and stick it in your fridge: 10. Iceberg Lettuce Safe Do you have a secret hiding spot?
Dabney Frake
Mar 13, 2013
Seth & Allison’s Kitchen Reno
We are six weeks into Seth & Allison’s renovation project diary. Now that demo is done, it’s time for framing! Check out their progress and all the photos here: • Seth & Allison’s Kitchen Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 13, 2013
Empty to Lush Backyard
Tim and D’arcy took an empty, awkward, and narrow outdoor space and created a stunning garden haven. What was plain jane is now perfect for mealtimes and entertaining. • Empty to Lush Backyard Apartment Therapy
Dabney Frake
Mar 12, 2013