Newsletters

Jason Loper

    How to Remove Candle Wax from Just About Anything
    Fabrics, hardwoods, walls, oh my!
    Jason Loper
    Oct 19, 2023
    10 Tools for Painting a Room That’ll Have You Ready to Tackle Your Next Makeover
    We've got everything you need for a successful paint job, right here.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 13, 2022
    28 Affordable MCM Style Sofas
    Scrolling around through Pinterest the other day, I stumbled upon a blog post that should be bookmarked by any mid century modern lover who may be planning a new sofa purchase — a resource guide with 28 sources for affordable mid-century modern style sofas…The folks over at Retro Renovation set out in search of sofas with mid century styling that fall under $2,000.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 30, 2021
    Get the Look: Camelback Sofas
    The camelback sofa is a great choice for fans of traditional styling. Aptly named for its curved back, the sofa comes in a variety of styles – one hump, two humps and barely there curved back. Check out 10 versions of this classic style after the jump…Top Row:Jefferson Sofa from Bassett Starting at $1,659Abbie Sofa from Pier 1 Imports $599.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 16, 2020
    Small Space Seating: Sofas & Loveseats Under 60 Inches Wide
    In this supersized world, sometimes finding small space furniture can be a challenge. Case in point: small sofas. I’m currently looking for a sofa but it can’t be any larger than 60 inches. My research is your gain, fellow small space dweller. Sophia Slipcovered Loveseat from Home Decorators Collection measures  60″W x 36″D x 35.5″H. Price: $699 Loring Sofa from Room & Board measures 59″W x 37″D x 31″H.
    Jason Loper
    Aug 10, 2020
    Out of the Closet: How To Make a Rope Wrapped Hanging Clothes Bar
    Tired of pulling my shirts, all wrinkled and creased, out of my over-stuffed closet, I decided to come out of the closet completely and create a hanging clothes bar in the corner of my bedroom. Say goodbye to these colorful (but useless) drawers-turned-shelves and hello to my new rope wrapped hanging clothes bar…This is actually a project I’ve had in mind for a couple of months.
    Jason Loper
    Jul 15, 2020
    Before & After: Anna’s Take on the Ikea Rast
    We’re certainly no strangers to the versatility of the Ikea Rast around here. I even put together a post about The Endlessly Adaptable IKEA Rast Dresser last year. This $35 dresser is a DIYer’s dream and I love continuing to discover new variations. Anna took the simple little dresser and turned it into a classic nightstand…Anna recently shared her Rast customization on her blog, Take the Side Street.
    Jason Loper
    Jul 15, 2020
    Before & After: Dana’s Updated Bathroom
    We’ve been following along as Dana and her husband sold their old house, moved into an apartment, and rebuilt a small house — all while also welcoming their third child. I’m sure this master bathroom update is a great indication of how the rest of the house has come together. Dana and her handy hubby, Steve, worked with what they’ve got in this small bathroom.
    Jason Loper
    Jul 15, 2020
    Before & After: Greg & Ashley’s Bathroom Gut Rehab
    We got a sneak peek into Greg and Ashley’s bathroom remodel back in April, when the couple was still in the thick of the project. After checking in on their progress, we discovered that the bathroom is now ready for a full unveiling!Greg and Ashley have been tracking the progress of their house renovation on their blog 7th House on the Left. When we peeked in at their bathroom last April they had just finished ripping out all the old stuff and installing the new tile and vanity.
    Jason Loper
    Jul 15, 2020
    Small Space Sleeping: 8 Favorite Daybeds
    Think of the daybed as the grown up version of a futon. By day it’s an attractive sofa and at night it converts into a sleeping space. Great for studio apartments, daybeds are also a great way to add a guest bed to a one bedroom apartment.  Window Daybed from West Elm This daybed fits a standard twin size mattress — a great option if you’re picky about what you sleep on.
    Jason Loper
    Jun 11, 2020
    7 Sources for Budget Outdoor Furniture
    So you want to create a little outdoor oasis but you’re a little strapped for cash. Don’t worry — it doesn’t always take a lot of money to look like a million bucks. Here are seven sources for budget outdoor furniture to help you get started. IKEA: Any time we do a budget furniture roundup, IKEA is bound to appear. Their furniture may not last a lifetime but it’ll definitely get you through a few summers. Shown: BROMMÖ Chaise lounge; $59.99.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 22, 2020
    Best Storage Beds 2013
    I’ve been obsessed with storage beds for about as long as I’ve had a bedroom. They are the perfect marriage of form and function. And, of course, they are an ideal small space solution. We’ve added a couple of new models to the annual roundup of best storage beds this year. See them all after the jump…Thompson Full Storage Bed with 6 Drawers from Urban Green Available as Twin, Full, Queen and King with 6 or 12 drawers.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 19, 2020
    Get the Look: Molded Plastic Shell Rocker
    The molded plastic rocker, whether the authentic Eames variety or one of the many replicas, is a definite design classic. Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948, we still see these stylish rockers in a lot of house tours and kids rooms today. To get the look in your own home, check out our resource list for this iconic rocker after the jump…Authentic Eames Rockers Authenic Eames Rockers are made in the USA by Herman Miller. Their shells are made from recyclable polypropylene.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 14, 2020
    Best Bar Stools & Counter Stools 2012
    With the rise of open floor plans, bar stools have taken a more prominent position in the home. Dining tables seem to be going the way of the Dodo in favor of breakfast bars and dining counters. Here’s our look at the best bar and counter stools – both with and without backs – on the market today. Backless Bar Stools • Rig Adjustable Bar Stool from CB2 – Adjustable seat, industrial edge, warm wood and a shock of red. This stool ranks up there as a new favorite.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 13, 2020
    9 Online Sources for Affordable Art Prints
    image:d31039926e13e8f50da59427bb20098eb2cb4623 w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" Buying art can seem overwhelming and expensive but, thanks to the magical internet, it’s now easier and more affordable than ever. We’ve profiled a lot of sources for artwork in our Marketplace over the years. The 10 web shops listed here all stock affordable art prints, most from emerging artists.
    Jason Loper
    Apr 2, 2020
    Best Bunk Beds 2012
    image:990df4954744a6816af6453b31d332faea1744fc w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" When you have more kids than bedrooms, bunk beds can be the perfect solution. Bunk beds have come a long way in terms of style. In fact, a few of the beds that appear on this list have me longing for my youth. Do you think a man in his mid-30’s could pull off a bunk bed in his bedroom?
    Jason Loper
    Mar 29, 2020
    16 Best Sleeper Sofas & Sofa Beds 2013
    Need an extra bedroom but don’t have a room? For all you city folks looking for a perfect sleeper sofa we offer you our updated 2013 roundup of our top picks at high and low prices. There is reader intelligence and a fit for everyone here, including one with style. Enjoy!
    Jason Loper
    Mar 28, 2020
    Every Color & Pattern: 15 Online Sources for Washi Tape
    You may have noticed that we’re big fans of washi tape around here. You can use it to dress up walls, decorate your tech, create custom bottles and much, much more. If you love this Japanese decorative tape as much as we do, you’ll love this resource list.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    Get Set: The Year’s Best Dining Tables
    Balancing your plate on your lap and eating over the kitchen sink may work for awhile but at some point you’ll feel better about life if you eat at a proper table. While it may seem like a waste of space, especially in a small apartment, a dining table can become an essential piece of furniture, used for meals, crafts and even serving as a work station. Check out this roundup of dining tables big and small to see if there’s one that will fit in your home.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    New & Used : Eames Lounge
    This month we’re looking at classics of design and the Eames Lounge Chair definitely belongs. We see this modern classic, whether authentic or one of the many replicas, in a lot of our house tours. To help you get in on the action, we’ve rounded up a number of resources for this iconic chair — new and used.NEW• Hive Chair and Ottoman starting at $4,499• Smart Furniture Chair and Ottoman starting at $4,499 (noticing a trend here?
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    10 Sources for a Happy Modern Style
    • Jonathan Adler — The first name that comes to mind when I think happy modern is Jonathan Adler. What started as whimsical pottery back in the late 90s has expanded to colorful furnishings for the entire home. Shown here: Templeton Queen Bed.• Dwell Studio — From furniture, like this Sven Dining Chair and Axel Dining Table, to rugs, fabric and wall decor, Dwell Studio is a great resource for decorating and DIYing.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    10 Sources for the Organic Modern Style
    The organic modern style is a favorite around here. We often see it represented in our house tours, like this bedroom in Michael Moeller’s Bachelor Pad Project in the Sky. If you’re a fan of the look, you can get it yourself with a little help from these shops…• Yorkwood Co. “Born on the streets of New York,” their tables, stools and benches, are crafted from locally sourced shipping pallets.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    Before & After: File Box Goes for the Gold
    It was a little over a year ago that this little file box came home with me and received its first makeover, going from a dull gray to a vibrant yellow. A lot of things have changed in my apartment over the past year, so it’s time for the file box to get another makeover…When I painted this file box last year, yellow was the perfect color. It suited the room where it lived, and I’ve always been partial to the color of the sun.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    Emily’s Rochester Merrypad
    Name: Emily WintersLocation: Rochester, New YorkSize: 1,350 square feetYears lived in: Owned for 2.5 years We saw a sneak peek of Emily’s home when we looked at how she dressed up her hearth. We also spied into her closet when we saw her awesome freehand painted ikat walls. Now we’re finally getting the whole tour of her house.
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    20 of September’s Best Before & Afters
    Before and afters are some of our most popular posts. And for good reason! Who doesn’t love to see the evidence of a makeover, often performed on a tight budget? Gathered together for your weekend viewing pleasure, here are 20 of September’s best makeovers …• Before & After: Connie’s Ugly to Unbelievable Dresser• Before & After: An Eames Lounge Knockoff, Transformed• Before & After: Free Vanity Mirror Totally Transformed!
    Jason Loper
    Mar 11, 2020
    Banish Bare Walls, Even in a Rental: The Best Sources for Removable Wallpaper
    These are your best bet.
    Jason Loper
    Feb 22, 2020
    High & Low: 10 Favorite Bedding Stores
    image:c1252ba4ef78621a945fe0c7100c14d28276dbd8 w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" If you sleep 8 hours per night, you’re in lying in your bed 2,920 hours per year. If you’re going to be in one place that long, you’re going to need to dress it up. Luckily, there are a million resources for bedding out there. Maybe a few too many. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites to narrow it down a bit.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 30, 2019
    Before & After: Michelle’s Welcoming Courtyard
    During the cold days of winter, I like to mentally fast forward to the lazy lounging days of summertime. So even though warm weather has just arrived, I’ve already been spending quite a bit of time thinking about outdoor spaces…This little courtyard before and after from Michelle over at Three Men and a Lady is just the thing to inspire me.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Alon & Betsy’s Clean & Classic French Countryside Home
    Name: Alon and Betsy KashaLocation: Normandy, FranceSize: 2200 square feetYears lived in: 5 years We got a first look at Alon & Betsy’s Beautiful Normandy Home last month and now we’re back to see the rest of this stunning home. Alon and Betsy have a clean and classic style and, in renovating this classic French home, they brought that perspective to the space. Alon and Betsy are the clever and creative forces behind a+b kasha.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Michelle & Joshua’s Secondhand Compromise Apartment
    Name: Michelle Pauly & Joshua Clark plus dog, Shimi, and cat, HarlieLocation: Humboldt Park — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 1000 square feetYears lived in: 1 — rented Michelle and Joshua reside in a vintage apartment overlooking Humboldt Park. As they mention in their survey, the couple must compromise on their styles in order to reach peaceful cohabitation. Joshua’s style leans more toward the 1970s log cabin vibe while Michelle favors a coastal/southwestern feel.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Andrew & John’s Vintage Berwyn Bungalow
    Name: Andrew Schultz & John TylerLocation: Berwyn, IllinoisSize: 900 square feetYears lived in: 1 — owned I’ve seen the way Andrew and John can create an amazing display of furniture and accessories, like the one we saw at The Vintage Bazaar. If they can do that in a big space in just an hour’s time, I reasoned, imagine what their home must look like! Andrew and John are the stylish fellows behind Study, a color and design service.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Kristin’s Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
    Name: Kristin SalazarLocation: San Diego, CaliforniaSize: 3,000 square feetYears lived in: 10 — owned We’ve seen Kristin’s ingenious concealment of her garage door opener and we turned to her when we needed a tutorial on installing glass in solid cabinet doors. Now we finally get a chance to see Kristin’s entire house.Kristin’s home is what I picture as my ideal California dream home.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Casey’s Modern Minneapolis Bachelor Pad
    Name: Casey FritzLocation: Minneapolis, MinnesotaSize: 825 square feetYears lived in: 1 month — rented I like to think of Casey as a modern, male version of the beloved TV character Mary Richards. There he is, living his bachelor life in Minneapolis, with a cool job and, as you’ll see in this house tour, a fabulous apartment that, like Mary Richards’, I totally covet. The only thing Casey is missing is his own theme song!
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    Kirsten’s Utterly Fabulous Utah Home
    Name: Kirsten + Josh Krason and son JettLocation: South Jordan, UtahSize: 1,500 square feet — owned After I saw House Call: Kirsten’s Colorful Family Home and Kirsten’s Jazzed Up TV Credenza, I couldn’t wait to see the rest of her house. Just as I expected, her home is equal parts colorful, classic, a little dramatic, and utterly fabulous! As a frequent reader of Kirsten’s blog, 6th Street Design School, I already knew that she has a fabulous sense of style.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 19, 2019
    How To Paint a Room
    image:67b7c9186c96828dfa2d1b65d5b34e09cb32315e w:540 s:"fit" class_name:"mt-image-center" show_pin_button:"true" show_image_credits:"true" Painting a room can seem like a daunting task but it’s totally worth all the work in the end. For me, seeing the steps all laid out helps make a task seem less overwhelming.
    Jason Loper
    Dec 16, 2019
    10 Sources for Luxury Bedding, Because You Deserve It
    In honor of National Splurge Day, might we suggest some dreamy bedding?
    Jason Loper
    Jun 18, 2019