These IKEA Hacks Will Dominate 2018: A Top 10 Countdown
Here's our top 10 countdown of predictions....
Dabney Frake
Jan 3, 2018
Before & After: This Old Closet Now Puts Up a Good Front
Medina and her husband Vince inherited this built-in closet when they moved into their current rental, and had to find a way to make it work — especially since the tiny bedroom doesn’t allow for much more storage. They removed its ugly outdated doors early on in their tenancy, but that just left them with this awful view of red faux wood grain, which Medina especially couldn’t stand.
Dabney Frake
Dec 31, 2017
The Best Budget Kitchen Transformations of 2017, All Well Under $1000
Think a new kitchen is currently out of reach? If yours is bringing you down, but you don’t have the means to do a full renovation, don’t give up too soon. These budget renovations all cost under $1,000 (and some well, well under that) and prove beyond a shadow of doubt that you don’t need a wad of money to give your kitchen a brand new look. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of paint, a little bit of elbow grease, and some good ideas. Use these five as inspiration.
Dabney Frake
Dec 28, 2017
Before & After: This Costco Playhouse Got Customized for Christmas
If you’ve just spent hours assembling your child’s new dollhouse, or are still pulling things together for Christmas morning, then you might not want to see this. Because mom Melissa just turned this generic brown Costco playhouse into a winter wonderland of beauty.
Dabney Frake
Dec 24, 2017
Before & After: This Laundry Room Is Now Loads More Bright
Morgan and her husband recently bought a home and, little by little, are updating each room. First up, the laundry room. One of the things that sold them on the house was having a mud room off the garage, complete with a washer and dryer. As handy as that is, the room was very dark with brown walls, brown cabinets and was desperately in need of an update. More than anything Morgan wanted a light, bright and fun space to work in.
Dabney Frake
Dec 16, 2017
Before & After: A Mini Yet Mighty Rental Kitchen Makeover
Samantha’s little apartment is only about 500 square feet and it’s a rental. She wanted to make some minor changes, without putting a bunch of money into the makeover. Then she got the best news that an ambitious renter can possible get in their lifetime: when Samantha moves out, the apartment is getting renovated by the owners. Which meant it was carte blanche time! Samantha’s 1925 original kitchen had so much potential, but was a little on the lackluster side.
Dabney Frake
Dec 7, 2017
Before & After: A Subtle Yet Significant Bathroom Upgrade
About $100 can make a huge difference.
Dabney Frake
Nov 28, 2017
Before & After: A Perfectly Nice Kitchen Gets Unbelievably Better
As kitchens go, this one isn’t too shabby. There are really nice white countertops, classic subway tile on the backsplash, and basic wood cabinets that look perfectly sound and in good condition. There’s no horribly dated light fixtures, no crappy peeling wallpaper, or any odd woodwork that needs to be ripped out. Even the walls are white and ready to go. Not much you can do to improve this space, right? So very, very wrong.
Dabney Frake
Nov 8, 2017
Before & After: A Large ’80s Bathroom Becomes Two for $4K
Chantel’s bathroom had a dark dungeon of an enclosed shower, dated vanity that lacked storage, and an odd medicine cabinet behind the toilet that protruded from the wall. With 35 years of use into this bathroom, it suffered from a grunge she just couldn’t get rid of — not to mention a slight odor and an odd color scheme that she just couldn’t live with. As you can see above, the 1980s was in full effect. The bathroom was originally one large 16′ x 7′ bathroom.
Dabney Frake
Oct 31, 2017
This Weekend: Give the Proverbial Squeaky Wheel a Little Grease
It’s easy to forget about all the little things in our home that are broken or just not working. Don’t get me wrong — it’s good to focus on the big picture — we all have priorities after all —but, when we bump against the same tiny, irksome problems again and again, they start to wear on us mentally. Your goal for the weekend: feel a little bit better about your space.
Dabney Frake
Jul 28, 2017
This Weekend: A Brand New Bedroom For Zero Dollars
Many good things in life take time and money, but every now and then you can cut some corners and take a few minutes to improve a room in your home without a significant investment. This weekend, make your bedroom a better place with these easy (and completely free!) changes. Clear Your Nightstand(s): Is your bedside table functional, or is it bogged down by used earplugs, loose change, unread books, and half empty glasses of water?
Dabney Frake
Mar 31, 2017
The Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Is No Longer Granite
It seems like just yesterday I was bemoaning the ubiquity of granite, hoping and praying it would go the way of the dodo bird and I’d never have to see its speckled self in a kitchen again. Now, after several years of declining use, the day has come: another surface has officially surpassed granite in terms of popularity. Any guesses as to what the new countertop du jour might be? It’s quartz, otherwise known as engineered stone.
Dabney Frake
Feb 23, 2017
Keep the January Cure Alive All Year Long with Weekend Projects
Are you already missing the January Cure and wondering how you’ll manage the rest of the year? Or do you just need a little nudge to stay motivated to keep your home in good shape? Sign up for Apartment Therapy’s Weekend Projects and don’t do it alone! Each week we tackle basic cleaning chores, organizing efforts, and small home projects. Join us and make your space better — little by little, week by week — at a natural, low-pressure, and manageable pace.
Dabney Frake
Feb 2, 2017
#4: FLEKKE Daybed
IKEA says: The FLEKKE daybed is four functions in one: seating, single bed, bed for two, and two big drawers for storage. The backrest mounts on the right or the left side of the daybed. Real wood veneer will make this bed age gracefully. What We Predict: Buyers will find countless ways to make this daybed more custom, not to mention comfortable. DIYers will capitalize on the built-in storage and make it even more functional for small spaces.
Dabney Frake
Jan 11, 2017
Before & After: A Non-Profit Cafe Gets Its First Facelift in 10 Years
Right before Thanksgiving we posed a question to readers — “If you had $200 to surprise someone with a gift, what would that gift be, and to whom would you give it?” Brigid Barjaktarevic’s response — some supplies to spruce up her non-profit workplace — caught our eye. We thought we could do more than just provide paint as the gift; we wanted to go all in on an Apartment Therapy makeover.
Dabney Frake
Dec 21, 2016
Getting a Robot Vacuum for the Holidays? Never Forget This Family’s Roomba Poopocalypse
My Facebook feed is a battleground right now, overtaken with competing analyses of the world today, the state of politics in America, and what’s going to happen to us all now. Which is why, when a friend liked this unassuming little anecdote about a late night run-in with a Roomba and some poop, I clicked over for a little respite. Fifteen minutes later I was still laughing. Here’s how Jesse tells it: So, last week, something pretty tragic happened in our household.
Dabney Frake
Nov 30, 2016
Decorating Ideas Worth Stealing: IKEA Holiday Catalog
IKEA’s winter photoshoots are treasure troves of seasonal inspiration. Even if you don’t buy a single ornament from them this year, take these styling tips and decorating ideas back to your own home. Some are tweaks on familiar tradition, but all of them embrace the warm atmosphere and special feeling of the holidays. Go Dark: Instead of bright colors and garish decorations, go for a moodier, cozier space (lead image above).
Dabney Frake
Nov 8, 2016
Simple 5-Minute Projects Are the Secret To This Small Kitchen’s Success
We recently finished redoing Tara’s rental kitchen, transforming it from a 1970s nightmare into a more livable and lovable space. After doing the more substantial stuff — like painting cabinets and redo-ing the floors — we added a bunch of space-saving storage to make it a small kitchen superstar. It doesn’t take much, just a few 5-minute projects here and there.
Dabney Frake
Nov 6, 2016
The World’s Tiniest Decor: It’s All Just Too Damn Adorable
I had a dollhouse as a kid and have been a “miniac” every since. Thankfully it’s my job to share this stuff, because I could look at these all day and not get a damn thing done. Prepare to enjoy tiny versions of all the home stuff you love in real life. If you like high-end furniture and shopping accessories, check out Phillip Nuveen’s collection of Herman Miller (as shown above), Chanel & Louis Vuitton creations. Above, a miniature fish tank from Kristi on Etsy.
Dabney Frake
Oct 18, 2016
20+ Two-Person Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off This Halloween
Because every Burt needs an Ernie, Thelma goes with Louise, and who wants to see Siegfried without Roy? It’s more fun to dress up with someone else for Halloween, and it’s doesn’t need to be your honey. Team up with a friend for the party or parade, and use these two-person costumes ideas for inspiration. 1. Mike and Eleven from Stranger Things, from Shrimp Salad Circus 2. Unicorns from Brit & Co. 3. Zoolander and Hansel from Brit & Co. 4.
Dabney Frake
Oct 10, 2016
Stacy Covered Her Rental Countertop With Contact Paper & This Is What Happened
Stacy’s rental bathroom started out just fine. She had white and grey tile floors, a grey-blue wall color, and a white pedestal sink. The bathroom was tiny, but there was a separate counter and mirror from the sink, with plenty of space to store her products. The only trouble was the green countertops, which made the bathroom feel dark and dingy despite it being light everywhere else.
Dabney Frake
Oct 6, 2016
Win The Halloween Puppy Parade: Cute No-Sew DIY Costumes For Dogs
Start with your pup’s own harness, hoodie or raincoat, and easily transform them into a ridiculously adorable outfit for Halloween — all without a stitch. And hey, want to match your pet? These dog costumes are great on their own, but we’ve even come up with human costumes to match. Together you two will be the hit of the pet parade. A Poncho Becomes . . . A Stick of Butter Above, Zuzu’s yellow raincoat does double duty as packaging for a stick of butter.
Dabney Frake
Sep 28, 2016
How to Make An ’80s-Inspired Patterned Tile Planter With 98¢ Tile
House plants are a great addition to any home and stylish planters make them even more part of your decor. We asked artist and surface designer Dana Finnigan to share her favorite method for making a handmade tile planter — which you can customize with your own pattern. Take it away Dana…. 10 x 10 cm Tiles (or, for U.S.
Dabney Frake
Sep 24, 2016
Before & After: “The Details Are the Design” In This Bedroom Makeover
We are big fans of Calling It Home’s yearly One Room Challenge, and love to watch all the amazing transformations that happen in just six short weeks. Some are more extensive than others, but all are amazing and inspirational. Above is a blank slate guest bedroom from Pencil & Paper Co. which became a layered, yet fresh and comfortable space for house guests.
Dabney Frake
Aug 28, 2016
Before & After: This Guy Converted an Old Cargo Van into a Tiny Mobile Apartment
Zach is an all-around creative sort of guy —photographer, filmmaker, art director. Wanting to travel in search of stories to tell, he brought his considerable talent to bear on an old cargo van, making it into a super stylish mobile apartment and studio. He’s now driving around the country, doing freelance work and following his dreams. Zach stripped the van and built it back up with solar panels, working electric, and even a fridge.
Dabney Frake
Jul 1, 2016
Reno Reveal: A Major DIY Bathroom Redo (Done Just in the Nick of Time!)
Phew. This project was a squeaker. Ashley found out she was pregnant after the renovation was planned and wound up photographing the final space at about thirty-seven weeks. I think she’s pretty happy she didn’t bring her new baby daughter home while the paint was still drying. Take a look at the finished space!
Dabney Frake
May 25, 2016
Inside A “Wes Anderson Meets Worst Nightmare” Bathroom Renovation
Name Location Years lived in Room Room Size Ashley and her husband moved from Denver to a small town in Illinois a couple of years ago, buying an old 19th Century home in the process. It came with a real doozy of an upstairs bathroom. Since the couple is pretty hands-on (Ashley does a lot of DIY projects here at Apartment Therapy) they planned to tackle the space themselves.
Dabney Frake
May 23, 2016
Style Boosts: Ideas for Upgrading a Simple Kitchen Sink Window
Windows over sinks tend to draw the eye, which means that this small area in your kitchen has a lot of visual responsibility. Taking some time to dress it up — even a little bit — can change the entire look and feel of the room, and reward you tenfold. Erin of Francoise et Moi painted the window frame a pretty blue to make it stand out, and topped it off with brass hardware.
Dabney Frake
Apr 4, 2016
20 New Ways to Use Shelf Brackets You’ve Never Thought Of
Think outside the shelf.
Dabney Frake
Mar 30, 2016
Get a Classic Black & White Checkered Floor on Any Budget
There’s a reason that black and white checkered floors pop up again and again, and that’s because they’re so versatile, straddling the line between casual and elegant, or classic and modern. They can look retro, Parisian, kitschy or crisp. They are also possible with a wide range of budgets.
Dabney Frake
Mar 7, 2016
Lighting Problems Renters Can Relate To (And What To Do About Them)
Rental apartments aren’t known for crystal chandeliers and beautiful statement lighting. Instead you get (almost always) awful and (frequently) unflattering light with shadows that turn even the prettiest people into Bela Lugosi — not to mention dated fixtures desperately in need of an aesthetic upgrade. Learn how to improve your lighting situation with one of these solutions.
Dabney Frake
Jan 29, 2016
Organization Inspiration: Small Hallway Storage Projects That Make a Big Difference
Hallways are awkward spots in our homes, both overlooked and undervalued —they’re weird in-between places that we pass through multiple times daily, but we don’t actually spend a lot of time there. What they don’t have to be is a waste of space. With a little time and effort they can be storage powerhouses. Who says you can’t have built-ins in the hallway?
Dabney Frake
Jan 22, 2016
Get Rid of Christmas Clutter: 5 Things to Toss Right Now
Before you mindlessly pack up all of your holidays decorations, and store them out of sight for the year, take a moment to toss things that have no business sticking around. You’ll be happy next December when you don’t have to wade through three storage bins full of glitter and gold. Get rid of these five things, and maybe you can even get it down to one small box. Instead of holding onto lights that no longer light up, get rid of them.
Dabney Frake
Jan 4, 2016
You Want Nutella Skillet S’mores In Your Mouth Right Now
(Image credit: Ariel Knutson) From The Kitchn —> Nutella Skillet S’mores
Dabney Frake
Dec 10, 2015
3 Super Simple Ways to Wrap Cookies as Gifts
Freshly baked cookies during the holidays are the best gifts ever. You want all your hard work to shine and for your goodies to look and feel special. However patience, talent, and time are often in short supply. Here are three of the easiest ways to package up your homemade treats! Pick a theme (like plaid!), buy some materials, and have yourself a good ‘ol time packaging up your cookies. The three packaging “recipes” from the video are below.
Dabney Frake
Dec 9, 2015
Homemade Holiday Gift Idea: Make A Terrazzo Lazy Susan
Terrazzo floors and walls have been around for hundreds of years, and this lazy Susan is a good way to get the look on a smaller scale. We’ve traded traditional marble chunks with a confetti mix of colorful glass that feels both modern and timeless. It’s a great project that’s also a fun, festive and unexpected gift.
Dabney Frake
Nov 19, 2015
11 IKEA Holiday Decorating Ideas Worth Stealing
It’s always fun flipping through an IKEA catalog, looking at all the new stuff, and imagining how it might look in our own home. Their winter holiday collection is an extra bonus this time of year, filled with festive decorations and — most importantly — fresh decorating and styling ideas. Above, garland hung from the ceiling above, and around doorways, is perfect when space is at a premium. Create a unique decorative element on the wall using leftover ornaments.
Dabney Frake
Nov 11, 2015
Before You Remodel: 6 Tile Trends You Should Know
I have see the future of tile and it makes me want to renovate my bathroom or kitchen…again. At Cersaie last month, which is *the* bath and tile show, I had a chance to see lots and lots and lots of examples of what’s next in that world. Here are some of the trends I saw: As technology improves, ceramic tile makers find new methods to create tile that looks and feels like completely different material.
Dabney Frake
Oct 26, 2015
Layer In Lots of Pattern & Texture
Today’s topicSee all the lessons! Pattern and texture (along with color) are the life and spark of a room. Without them, spaces feel flat and lifeless and, really, what’s the point of that? You can banish blah with different fabric, rugs, curtains and wallpaper that all work together in interesting ways and become part of a space that you love to look at — and more importantly, love to live in.
Dabney Frake
Oct 15, 2015
Create a Floorplan That Flows
Today’s topicSee all the lessons! Every room is different, and comes with its own particular shape and features. Some are long and narrow, some have funky nooks, and others are perfect squares. A successful layout allows you to move easily through that space, and will look and feel right too. Once you’ve got a plan in place, you’ll be able to narrow down your purchases, since you’ll know how much furniture you need, and what elements will fit in the space.
Dabney Frake
Oct 15, 2015
What’s Your Style Profile?
We at Apartment Therapy use these eight design styles to sum up different looks and attitudes towards interiors. Here’s what each represent. And then when you’re ready, click back to the original post, and see what it all means! Update: Here’s the link to a Pinterest board with all the sources for the items, if anyone wants product information. A. New Traditional: You gravitate towards classic formal design, but are relaxed and updated given how we actually live today.
Dabney Frake
Oct 13, 2015
Answer One Simple Question and Identify Your Style Profile
Today’s topicSee all the lessons! By now you’ve gone out into the world and gained a fresh look. The next step to creating a room you’re happy with is to identify what types of things you love, and and which style(s) speak to you most. Like a horoscope, you can take this with a grain of salt — it’s simply a way to start thinking in general terms and there are ABSOLUTELY NO WRONG ANSWERS here.
Dabney Frake
Oct 13, 2015
The 3 Types of Toilet Paper Users: Which One Are You?
I swear I’m not obsessed with bathrooms, but this discussion came up during one of our editorial meetings the other day. We obviously take our jobs VERY seriously and no topic is too detailed, or too inappropriate for us to write about. “Crumplers” (as demonstrated in the lead photo above) are devil-may-care types who want to get in and out of the bathroom fast, with the least amount of fuss.
Dabney Frake
Sep 18, 2015
10 Everyday Items Under $25 Everyone Needs At Home
There are a handful of products I use at home every single day. I don’t always think to sing their praises, and often forget they are there. But they are essentials nonetheless, without which I’d be decidedly unhappier. Here’s a list of ten non-flashy, basic things I can’t live without. My friend Michelle introduced me to Salux, a brand of Japanese wash cloths, and I am addicted.
Dabney Frake
Sep 10, 2015
Moving Day Just Got 100x Easier With These Simple Tips & Hacks
Dread your upcoming move all you want, but it’s going to happen. Make moving day less painful with this series of clever and easy tips and hacks that are simple, but will make the whole process faster and easier. And then maybe, just maybe, you won’t go insane after packing your 99th box, and will enjoy the first night in your new home.
Dabney Frake
Jul 31, 2015
Temporary Outdoor Accessories & Decor All Renters Should Know About
You can still have the backyard or patio of your dreams, even if you rent. You just need to use temporary, removable accessories or decor that you can take with you at the end of your lease. Easy peasy. Outdoor Decking: Temporarily mask the ugly tile on your patio with these deck tiles that can move with you. The above photo is from a Swedish apartment seen on Dust Jacket Attic, but you can buy those tiles from IKEA. 32 square feet will cost you about one hundred bucks.
Dabney Frake
Jul 5, 2015
Before & After: Mediocre Melamine Cabinet Gets a Total Transformation
If you remember this Before & After project, then you know Kristen of The Painted Hive is not messing around when it comes to furniture transformations. She’s especially good at taking run-of-the-mill laminate furniture and turning those pieces into polished projects you’d be proud to have at home. After prepping the cabinet, Kristen resurfaced the entire face with small wooden hexagonal squares, added a base, and painted the sides black.
Dabney Frake
Jul 3, 2015
Before & After: Butler’s Pantry Gets Glossed Over
When Sue De Chiara first saw the butler’s pantry in her (now) new house, this was what it looked like: Storage for miles, dark wood cabinetry, and black countertops. It’s undoubtedly a phenomenal space, but Sue found a way to make it a total showstopper. Leaving the countertops and sink as is, she painted the cabinets a glossy deep blue and switched out the hardware. It just goes to show how dramatic a change can be made with just paint!
Dabney Frake
Jun 2, 2015