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Kate Legere

Apartment Therapy contributor since 2011, Kate focuses her writing on green living and design. She currently resides in Philadelphia and likes biking, iced coffee, and naps.
    Equal Cleaning For All: Tips For Splitting Chores With Roommates
    In my last apartment, cleaning became a big issue. I lived with three other people, and it took us almost two years to actually sit down and determine how to keep our apartment clean. Here are some things I learned from that experience: 1. Truthfully define your definition of clean early on. Do you expect the house to be tidied daily, or is a thorough clean weekly, or even monthly, satisfactory? Setting expectations early on can help reduce conflicts down the road.
    Kate Legere
    Oct 14, 2022
    How To Paint Windowsills & Window Trim
    Repainting my windowsill made it onto my to-do list during the January Cure, and I decided to tackle it this past weekend. After a couple of hours of scraping and painting, my windowsill looks good as new.
    Kate Legere
    Sep 15, 2022
    How To Recaulk a Bathtub
    If you’re looking for a way to make your bathroom feel cleaner and brighter, try recaulking your bathtub. It takes a couple of hours to remove the old caulk and apply the new caulk, but it’s definitely worth it! Here’s how I recaulked my own bathtub in a few easy steps. Ready to give your bathtub a makeover? Great! Here’s what you need to get started.
    Kate Legere
    Sep 9, 2022
    10 Natural DIY Citrus Cleaners
    We are big fans of natural cleaners here on Apartment Therapy, and generally they are very easy (and inexpensive!) to make. I personally try to use citrus in my cleaning repertoire whenever I can because I find it to be an effect whitener and grease cutter, and it leaves the room I am cleaning pleasantly fragrant. Here are 10 of my favorite DIY citrus cleaners and cleaning techniques. Please share your favorites in the comments below! All Purpose: 1. How To Make Homemade Citrus Cleaner 2.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 16, 2020
    DIY on a Budget: 10 Mod Podge Projects
    You can do a lot with some fun material and glue. Below are 10 projects that use paper and fabric to give new life to old furniture and objects. TOP ROW: 1. Vintage Chair Makeover, DIY from The Sweet Escape via Apartment Therapy 2. Map Dresser, DIY from Refresh Restyle 3. Fabric Drawer Liners, DIY from Nalle’s House 4. Fabric Pots, DIY from Under the Sycamore 5. Paper Scrap Jar Lids, DIY from Design Sponge via Apartment Therapy BOTTOM ROW: 6.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 16, 2020
    Before & After: New Uses for Old Doors
    After moving to Saratoga Springs, NY, which is famous for its horses and horse track, Lucianna Samu became obsessed with old horse stall doors. She began collecting and refurbishing the doors for projects around the house. Below are pictures of a liquor cabinet and a kitchen pantry that Lucianna created by hanging the doors on modern sliding rails.According to Lucianna, My advice is that the lighter the door, the easier and less expensive the installation.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 15, 2020
    Mother’s Day DIY Gift Ideas: 10 Inspiring Succulent & Cactus Gardens
    In lieu of buying my Mama cut flowers this year, I am thinking it would be fun to make her a sweet plant arrangement. Below are 10 potted garden ideas using succulents and cacti, which I especially like because not only are they pretty, they are also low maintenance. TOP ROW 1. Cactus Garden from From Ezter With Love 2. Pretty Lace Flower Pots, DIY from A Beautiful Mess 3. Hanging Kokedama Plant, DIY from Free People 4. Vintage Planter Cacti Garden from A Beautiful Mess 5.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Natural & Beautiful: 5 Simple Wreath DIYs
    ‘Tis the season for pretty wreaths. Last year I did this roundup of pretty twig wreaths, and this year I went searching for some easy and natural wreath tutorials. If you’re looking for inspiration for making your own wreath, here are 5 easy projects that do not require a lot of time or supplies. 1.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Tips & Tricks for Getting Rid of and Dealing with Mosquitoes
    Looking for ways to rid your indoor and outdoor spaces of mosquitoes? Here are our best posts on how to keep those little buggers away. Natural Remedy: 5 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes How To Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Repellent Device Make Your Own Citronella Candles That Really Work 5 Tips For a Mosquito-Free Summer How To Make A Wine Bottle Tiki Torch for Under $4.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Before & After: Bold Color in the Kitchen
    When Lee moved into his apartment rental, the kitchen was stark white and sterile. Check out what some color and black and white self adhesive floor tiles can do…With the help of a hair dryer, he removed the old, cracked vinyl tiles, and replaced them with Armstrong self adhesive floor tiles (cost $90). By positioning them at an angle, he created a diamond pattern that helps to distracts the eye from the railroad apartment’s “long & skinny” shape.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Homemade Home: Great DIY Projects for Bedrooms from Our Tours
    Searching for some new solutions for your bedroom? Take a look at these projects from our house tours. Ideas include DIY artwork, making a pallet bed and building your own closet and nightstand.1. Hang old window panes 2. Make a pallet bed 3. Create your own collages and frame them4. Build your own closet5. Hang wall planters6. Put jewelry on display7. Use pegboard behind your bed to add texture 8. Turn an old mantel into a headboard9.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Making the Switch To Glass Food Storage Containers
    Back in March, I took the No New Plastic for a Month Challenge, and it inspired me to replace all of my plastic food storage containers with glass, and I haven’t looked back. Below the jump, you’ll find out how I transformed my refrigerator.First, I did some research to find the everyday glass food storage containers I now needed. I opted for Duralex Lys Square Bowls because they are stackable, made of tempered glass, and square in shape.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Bathroom Inspiration: 10 Colorful Clawfoot Tubs
    I don’t know about you, but my dream home definitely has a clawfoot tub in it. Perfect for the long baths I will take one day, and they just look so elegant. Mostly I pine after the crisp white ones, but lately I’ve been lusting over the colorful ones. Here are some inspiring tubs in a rainbow of hues: TOP ROW 1. Hearth 2. Apartment Therapy 3. Design*Sponge via Apartment Therapy 4. Elle Decor Sweden via SF Girl By Bay 5. Apartment Therapy BOTTOM ROW 6. Design*Sponge 7. Brick House 8.
    Kate Legere
    Mar 11, 2020
    Before & After: 15 Kitchen Makeover Projects from Our Readers
    We love a good transformation, and some of the biggest happen in the kitchen. Here are 15 of our favorite kitchen makeovers sent in from our readers that are sure to inspire you to get cooking. → Before & After: A Brown & Tiny Kitchen Gets Brightened and Space Maximized!
    Kate Legere
    Nov 20, 2019
    How To Make Homemade Citrus Cleaner
    I have been eating my way through crates of winter citrus, and recently decided to use some of the peels to make a homemade cleaner. I added orange peels to vinegar, and let them sit in an airtight container for a couple of weeks. The result: a powerful, inexpensive, natural cleaner.
    Kate Legere
    May 5, 2019
    Quick Christmas Craft Tip: Dip Your DIY Paper Snowflakes In Wax
    I never would’ve thought of this, but you have to admit it’s kind of genius: Catie from Fleur d’Elise dips her paper snowflakes in wax to preserve them. “This means they are stiffer, less likely to tear, and can either be taped to a window or hung in a tree.” I am definitely adding this to my craft to-try list! Recycled or decorative paper. The thicker it is, the harder it is to fold, so I recommend notebook paper or equivalent weight.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    Easy & All Natural Wallpaper Removal Tip: Use Vinegar and Hot Water
    Over the holidays, I finally started on the spare bedroom in my Mom’s house. It has not seen any decorating love since the 80’s, and it was time to strip the wallpaper and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. I was a little apprehensive because I had never removed wallpaper before, but I soon realized it was more tedious than difficult. I also learned that it was a job that could be made easier with our favorite friend: white vinegar.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    Reuse + Recycle: 10 Upcycled Dressers
    Do you have an old dresser that is missing a drawer or two? No problem. Check out these 10 dresser DIYs and turn that old dresser into something new. TOP ROW: 1. Book Shelf and Toy Storage from Apartment Therapy 2. Hidden Laptop Workspace from Lucky Me Studios 3. Garden Potting Bench from Jarden Designs 4. Kitchen Island from Dressy Isles 5. Kitchen Catch All from Clover Lane BOTTOM ROW: 6. Kitchen Buffet from Frugal Chic Living 7. Entertainment Center from Better Homes and Gardens 8.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    Outdoor Entertaining: 10 Party Worthy Beverage Dispensers
    Planning on entertaining outside this summer? Here are 10 party worthy beverage dispensers that will help you serve your beverages in style and keep the party flowing. Personally, I’m looking forward to making summer sangria and spicy ginger lemonade. TOP ROW 1. Enamel Beverage Dispenser, $98 from Terrain 2. Yorkshire Glass Beverage Dispenser, $32 from Circle Glass 3. Del Sol Pineapple Beverage Dispenser, $48 from Home Essentials 4. Glass Infuser Dispenser, $25 from World Market 5.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    Before & After: Backyard Patio with DIY Built-In Benches
    Sarah, from Smitten Studio, and her husband, Rupert, recently bought a house in Los Angeles, and worked very hard to renovate it. With this big project complete, they now have the time (and space) to work on some of the smaller ones, like their backyard. According to Sarah, the corner of the yard pictured above was basically used as a dumping ground for old plants and furniture, and now with some custom built benches, paint and accessories it’s another full living area.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    Before & After: 1979 Airstream Gets A Revamp
    Mackenzie and Blaine from The Local Branch were looking for a work studio that they could take on the road. They found this 1979 Airstream Sovereign Land Yacht 32′, gutted it, and got to work creating the studio of their dreams. They painted the yellowing walls a crisp white, laid down a floating wood floor, replaced a large broken window, built out the cabinets, and installed locker cabinets, a sewing machine and upper planters.
    Kate Legere
    May 4, 2019
    How To Make a Ladder Wardrobe
    Geneva, from A Pair & A Spare, recently moved into a new studio space, and has been working through a long list of DIYs to make the space just right. She found an old ladder her builder had left behind and got to work on one of the projects she had in mind — a ladder wardrobe. She only spent $9 on the total project, and she plans to use it for storing work-in-progress DIY projects and pieces waiting to be photographed.
    Kate Legere
    Feb 24, 2019
    Would You Keep These Dressers or Donate Them?
    Although I am not participating in the January Cure this year, I have taken on the large responsibility of cleaning out my childhood home and getting it ready for market. It’s been a year-long undertaking and the end is in sight: we have empty rooms, freshly painted white walls, and last week we started moving Mom into her new apartment at a nearby senior living community.
    Kate Legere
    Jan 30, 2015
    Before & After: Old Dining Room Set Gets a Makeover
    Sam, a friend of the blog Flutter Flutter, wanted to change up her chairs and table in her dining room. She mixed together some old cans of chalkboard paint she had lying around and purchased a bundle of wood from her local hardware store. The whole project cost her under $10 to complete. Check it out below. You can find more of the project details over at Flutter Flutter. Thank you Sam and Rosa!
    Kate Legere
    Dec 2, 2014
    Spooky & Festive: 10 DIY Halloween Garlands
    Looking for some fun decorations for Halloween? Here are 10 DIY garlands that won’t take you much time or money to make: TOP ROW 1. Shredded Paper Ghost Garland, DIY from Meri Cherry 2. Black Cats, DIY from Cakies 3. Gold Tip Feather Garland, DIY from Simple Stylings 4. Paper Plate Candy Corn Garland, DIY from Better Homes and Gardens 5. Yarn Pumpkin Garland, DIY from Haeley of Design Improvised for Honest to Nod BOTTOM ROW 6.
    Kate Legere
    Oct 15, 2014
    5 Low Profile Wall Mounted Bicycle Storage Solutions
    It’s been beautiful biking weather in these parts, but winter weather will be rolling in in no time. If you don’t have a proper place to store you bike yet, you might want to consider one of these five options. Good for small apartments where space is at a premium, these hooks are low profile and relatively easy to install. 1. Bike Hook, $116/set of 2 from Alexa Lethen: when not needed, the hooks can be easily taken off the knobs.
    Kate Legere
    Oct 2, 2014
    Special Occasion Decor: 10 DIY Floral Garlands
    In my opinion, flowers make everything better. I love them in vases, clipped onto crowns and I especially love them tied onto garland for special occasions — or just for fun! Here are 10 DIY versions, 5 using fresh flowers and 5 using pretty papers. FRESH 1. Flower Garland, DIY from La Mariée Aux Pieds Nus 2. Flower Garland Wall Hanging, DIY from The Kitchy Kitchen 3. Rustic Floral Garland, DIY from Rustic Wedding Chic 4. 15 Minute Flower Garland, DIY from Oh Joy! 5.
    Kate Legere
    Sep 14, 2014
    Chambray Linens for the Kitchen
    As a big fan of the chambray shirt, my motto has become why stop at the closet? Defined as a fine lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp, I have been slowly adding this versatile textile into other areas of my home and it does not disappoint. Below you can find 10 lovely chambray linens for the kitchen, including a couple DIYs for the sewers out there. TOP ROW 1. Thick Linen Chambray Apron, $46 from Fog Linen for Provisions by Food52 2.
    Kate Legere
    Sep 2, 2014
    Make It: 5 DIY Curtain Tie Backs
    Are your curtains in need of some tie backs, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on them? Here are 5 crafty DIY versions. 1. Brass Curtain Tie Back, DIY from Blackbird 2. Rope Curtain Tie Backs, DIY from Cottage in the Oaks 3. Ribbon Curtain Tie Back, DIY from Homemakers Challenge 4. Utensil Curtain Tie Back, DIY from Country Living 5.
    Kate Legere
    Aug 18, 2014
    Outdoor Entertaining: 5 Ways To Decorate With Fresh Herbs
    Herb season is in full swing, and I’ve been adding them to my meals, water, and baked goods. I’ve also found that they make for lovely and inexpensive decorations for casual get-togethers. Here are 5 DIY inspirations for your next outdoor party. 1. Add herbs to your flower arrangements. They smell wonderful and make for a great filler. 2. Make natural herbal insect repellent bundles using mint, lavender and sage.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 22, 2014
    10 Sources For Temporary Wallpaper for Kids Rooms
    Looking for wallpaper that is easily removable for your kiddo’s room? Here are ten sources that offer a multitude of well-designed options (along with a favorite pick from each). And if you can’t find one that tickles your fancy, there are services that will print your own design. 1. Kathryn Zaremba: Illustrator and textile designer, Kathryn designs whimsical prints, drawings, and wallpaper. Her wallpaper is printed on the east coast using FSC certified papers. 2. DesignYourWall.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 15, 2014
    Before & After: DIY Coat Closet Makeover
    Mallory from Classy Clutter had been itching to make over her coat closet since she the day she moved in. She found that no one in her house, including herself, wanted to hang up their coats when they had to untangle hangers and fiddle for a spot to hang their coat. She decided it was time to remove the hangers and closet bar, and replace them with hooks and bins.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 8, 2014
    Reuse + Recycle: 10 Delightful DIY Planter Ideas
    I just finished helping my mom plant the last of her outside plants, and now I’m craving some new plants of my own. Always looking for an opportunity to craft, I figure it would be fun to make a new (to me) planter as well. Here are ten planter ideas using odds & ends you just might have laying around your home. TOP ROW: 1. Clothespin Bag Wall Planting, DIY from Justina Blakeney 2. Vintage Ladle Plant Pot, DIY Vivere a Piedi Nudi 3. Upcycled Herb Cans, DIY from Changing My Destiny 4.
    Kate Legere
    Jul 3, 2014
    How To Make Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine
    Do you have an over abundance of fabric scraps that you are holding on to, “just in case”? Cintia from My Poppet was doing just that, and then she came up with the clever idea of turning her scraps into pretty twine. You can find the simple tutorial below. Scrap fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide) Something to wind your twine on to Scissors For more pictures and the full tutorial, head over to My Poppet.
    Kate Legere
    Jun 3, 2014
    DIY on a Budget: 10 Projects Using Jute, Sisal & Twine
    Jute, sisal, twine — I love it all. I love it for its texture, simplicity, and affordability. Below are 10 home decor projects that make good use of these natural fibers. TOP ROW: 1. Hanging Jute Basket, DIY from The Merrythought for Poppytalk 2. Jute Woven Bench, DIY from The Merrythought 3. Jute Twinkle Light Shade, DIY from Ella Claire 4. Jute Covered Power Cords, DIY from The Vow 5. Sisal Rope Bird Feeder, DIY from Dabbles Babbles BOTTOM ROW: 6.
    Kate Legere
    May 16, 2014
    Small Space Inspiration: 10 Closets Turned Workspaces & Home Offices
    Thinking of turning a spare closet or nook into an office or craft room? Check out these 10 examples for inspiration. TOP ROW: 1. Studio Renovation from Cardboard Sea 2. Home Office from Natalme 3. Closet Turned Home Office from A Cup of Mai 4. Tiny Closet Office from Design Addict Mom 5. Jason’s Closet Office from Apartment Therapy BOTTOM ROW: 6. Melissa’s “Cloffice” on a Budget from Shoestring Magazine via Apartment Therapy 7.
    Kate Legere
    Apr 30, 2014