Kelsey Mulvey's Recent Articles
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8 Unexpected Ways to Decorate with Plants
If you’re reading this story, there’s a good chance you’re a brand new plant parent. Congratulations! After sifting through countless species and asking yourself some serious questions to make sure you’re up for the task, you’ve finally found a plant that you will have to hold, love in sickness and in health, until (plant) death do you part.The only question that remains is how you’ll use your plant.
Jun 5, 2019
4 Rooms That Prove Primary Colors Are Cool
Psst… reds, blues, and yellows are making a comeback in home decor.
Jun 4, 2019
This Is Why Everyone Is Obsessed with Seashell Décor Right Now
Shells offer a fun, playful touch to a space that’s neither as ubiquitous as flowers or campy as a cherry-shaped pillow.
Jun 4, 2019
5 Living Room Questions Interior Designers are Sick of Answering
Look, interior designers are professionals and more than happy to answer your questions, but there are a few they really wish we all would stop asking.
Jun 1, 2019
How to Responsibly Buy Home Decor Abroad
“I really don’t like to travel,” is not something you hear too often.Most of us can agree that traveling is the gift that keeps on giving. You can immerse yourself in a new culture, experience delicious foreign food, take stellar photos of the coolest places on Earth, and buy some beautiful home decor from all around the world. But filling your home with pieces that exude wanderlust is easier said than done.
May 31, 2019
6 Stylish Bedrooms That Might Make You Ditch Your Headboard
Ditching the headboard isn’t the end of the world, but that doesn’t mean you should leave the space above your bed blank.
May 29, 2019
6 Home Decor Finds That Will Make Your Desk a Little Less Sad
There’s a really good chance you’re reading this article while you’re burning the midnight oil. Or maybe you’re procrastinating tackling that laundry list of projects, emails, and deadlines. (It’s okay, we won’t tell your boss if you don’t!)Truth is, you spend a lot of time working. Some studies even say an average person spends over 13 years in their lifetime working.
May 28, 2019
9 Living Room Trends Heating Up This Summer
If there’s one room you should consider refreshing regularly, it would definitely be your living room. Whether you’re Netflix and chilling with your significant other or having a bunch of friends over for wine and cheese, your living room is probably one of the most trafficked places in your home.
May 25, 2019
These Under-$50 Outdoor Finds Will Make Summer 2019 Your Best Season Yet
Believe or not, the first day of summer is just a few weeks away.And while you’re scrambling to restock your rosé inventory (#priorities) and book some Insta-worthy, long weekends away, now’s a better time than any to redecorate your outdoor space. As soon as the temperature rises—and stay there—you’re going to want to spend all your time outside, so you patio, balcony, or communal courtyard should be dressed to the nines.
May 19, 2019
The True Story Behind How Brands Like Brooklinen and Casper Became Internet Darlings
At Apartment Therapy, we’re dedicated to showing you the latest and greatest in home decor. We try our very best not to play favorites, but can’t help but notice that the Internet has its preferences. With convenient direct-to-consumer business models, click-worthy social media profiles, and aesthetically pleasing products, a handful of today’s companies have a cult-like following, transforming them from just another brand into the very best the Internet has to offer.
May 18, 2019
So, What’s the Deal With the Plant-Based Decor Craze?
Has anyone else noticed plants are taking over the world? And no, I don’t mean in a “I have 23 fiddle-leaf figs in my house” plant parent kind of way. In an effort to have a brighter, cleaner, greener future, many people are ditching their wasteful products for more sustainable alternatives. Over the past few years, we’ve seen people embracing vegan fashion, trading their meaty meals for plant-based dishes, and, yes, even bring some plant-based decor into their homes.
May 18, 2019
10 Under-$150 IKEA Finds with the Smartest Hidden Storage
Whoever originally said that less is more definitely lived in a small space. With square footage at a premium, a small space forces you to think creatively about how you design your space. And yes, that means investing in some furniture with hidden storage.Sounds easy, right? Not quite. You see, finding pieces with hidden storage is difficult enough, but items that look nice? And aren’t crazy expensive? Now that’s a design dilemma. That’s where IKEA comes in.
May 15, 2019
Why Is Cane Furniture Suddenly Everywhere?
In the interior design world, trends come and go faster than you can say, “mid-century modern”—but you can bet they’ll eventually make a comeback.Take cane furniture, for example. Wickered furniture has been around since ancient Egyptian civilizations, and caning has been having small resurgences since the 1600s (psst… you can check its entire history here). Now in 2019, centuries after cane furniture burst onto the design scene, we’re seeing it everywhere.
May 13, 2019
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Paint Color
We’re cutting down the confusion once and for all.
May 11, 2019
7 Design Tricks That Will Make Your Small Outdoor Space Feel So Much Bigger
Summer will be here before you know it, which means it’s time to schedule some beach trips, stock up on rosé, and get your outdoor space in tip-top condition.We know what you’re thinking: “What outdoor space?
May 9, 2019
9 Cheap Design Tricks That Will Make Your Home Look Expensive
In a perfect world, you’d have a home worthy of a shelter magazine spread. Each room would have floor-to-ceiling windows (hello, natural sunlight!); there’d be a waterfall shower in the master bath (yes, you’d have more than one bathroom); and your kitchen would be decked out in top-grade, stainless steel appliances.The only thing standing in your way from your dream digs? Your bank account.
May 5, 2019
The One Design Rule You Should Break, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
If you clicked on this story, there’s a good chance that, like us, you love astrology. Sure, some people think astrology is a little hokey, but we always feel like or horoscopes just get us. As a result, we turn to the stars for everything—and we mean everything. Which houseplants we should buy, what colors to paint our space, and which room to set up first when we move somewhere new. Now, it’s time to see what type of rule breaker you really are.
May 4, 2019
Should We All Start Renting Our Furniture?
Here’s what you need to know about the emerging trend.
Apr 24, 2019
How to Fake Your Way to Order in a Maximalist Home
Just because you have a “more is more” mentality doesn’t mean your home has to look like an episode from Hoaders.
Apr 23, 2019
Moving In Together? Here’s How to Marry Your Styles
Check out tips from these loved-up design duos.
Apr 23, 2019
5 Unexpected Design Duos That Actually Go Really, Really Well Together
As overrated as the saying is, opposites really do attract. We see it in iconic television show like Monica and Rachel on “Friends,” and Oscar and Felix from “The Odd Couple.” It’s all the rage in the world of fine dining (read: Dessert nachos are a thing and they are good!). So why should interior design be any different? It’s so easy to think that your home needs to match to perfection.
Apr 19, 2019
6 Smart Ways Design Pros Refresh Their Homes for Spring
Get the season off to a smooth start with these tips.
Apr 18, 2019
The Furniture You’re Probably Not Replacing When You Move—But Should Be
To help make your move as stress-free as possible, we're sharing four pieces you should always replace once you're in your new space.
Apr 17, 2019
5 Brands Revolutionizing How We Approach Bathroom Decor
At Apartment Therapy, we firmly believe in bringing beauty to every square inch of your home, but even we have to admit our bathrooms sometimes get less love than the rest of our spaces. When it comes to decorating your home, you probably think about reconfiguring your living room or adding a punch to your kitchen with a fun backsplash. But your bathroom? Not so much.
Apr 14, 2019
You’re 3 Steps Away from a Home Worthy of a Nancy Meyers Movie
How amazing would it be to have your life be like a movie? Think about it: You’d have a great wardrobe, iconic one-liners, and, of course, a home that has #goals written all over it. Naturally, we can’t talk about stunning, on-camera homes without bowing down to Nancy Meyers.
Apr 12, 2019
This Emerging Style Combines the Best of Both Minimalism and Maximalism
Is it just us or does minimalism feel so yesterday? Don’t get us wrong: We love a sleek and clean space as much as the next design enthusiast; however, we have to admit that the neutral color palette and lack of funky details feels, well, sterile.
Apr 11, 2019
Am I the Only One Who Still Hasn’t Embraced Marie Kondo’s Methods at Home?
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know who Marie Kondo is. Scratch that, at this point even if you live underneath a rock, it’s probably carefully curated and only adorned with items that spark you joy. From her best-selling book to an entire Netflix series, Marie Kondo has been revolutionizing the way people treat their homes and belongings—and it seems like everyone’s on board.
Apr 4, 2019
Interior Design 101: A Comprehensive Guide To Your Favorite Styles
We’re going to level with you, being a design enthusiast is hard stuff. Not only do you need keep up with the latest trends and have an encyclopedic knowledge of all the colors of the year, but you should also know the differences between all the biggest design styles. Sounds easy, right? Well, not quite. Truth is, knowing every single nuance between two different styles is easier said than done. After all, who really knows the difference between Scandinavian and minimalism?
Apr 2, 2019
These Aren’t Your Grandma’s Bathmats
Is it just us, or does buying a bathmat feel like a Catch-22? On the one hand, you need a mat in your bathroom. What’s the alternative? Getting your floor all wet or, even worse, slipping after a relaxing bath or shower? Um, no thank you. But while bathmats are integral to every home, you have to admit they’re not always the most stylish accessories.
Mar 31, 2019
8 Expert-Approved Ways to Carve Out a Play Area in a Small Space
It doesn’t matter if you were playing with your American Girl Dolls, doodling in a coloring book, or racing a stylish set of Hot Wheels, one thing’s for sure: A child’s playroom is so, so much more than a room. It’s a place where kids can foster their creativity and, well, be kids. Chances are, you probably have some pretty wonderful memories if you were lucky enough to have your very own childhood playroom.
Mar 31, 2019
What Would it Look Like if Barbie Downsized Her Dreamhouse?
Welcome to UnReal Estate, where we take characters from pop culture and reimagine their fantasy spaces into homes fit for the “real world.” Barbie has it all, right? It’s been 60 years since the iconic blonde was born and she’s never failed to impress us with her trendy closet, impressive career (Doctor! Detective! Astronaut! Olympic gymnast!), and stellar girl squad. But for most design enthusiasts, the coolest part of Barbie’s life is her real estate.
Mar 29, 2019
Have Pets? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Looking Stylish
They say that a dog is man’s best friend, but having a pet can wreak some serious havoc on your interior design game. From hopping on your pristine couch to chewing on the leg of your dinner table, even the most house-trained pets don’t know how to care properly for your home. Nobody wants to live in a space that’s half-chewed up or covered in dirt, but what’s the alternative? Getting rid of precious Fido? Absolutely not!
Mar 27, 2019
5 Apps That Make Selling Your Furniture Super Easy
Want to redecorate your home? There’s an app for that. Nowadays, there’s an app for virtually every task—and sprucing up your space is no different. Looking to move into a new apartment? You can swipe your way to your dream home. Want rev up your home with a new layout? A crop of apps will show you how. There’s also a handful of apps that make it easy for people to sell their furniture and we couldn’t be happier.
Mar 27, 2019
It’s Official: 2019 is All About Globe Lighting
We pay special attention to lighting. The glitzy chandelier featured in that historic house tour. Those coastal-inspired pendants along the bar at that airport restaurant. The single Edison bulb that illuminates your favorite hotel’s bedroom. “Lighting is one of the most important parts of a design—both the physical fixtures, as well as the quality of lighting,” says Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design.
Mar 24, 2019
What’s the Difference Between Sateen and Percale Sheets, Anyway?
Why schlep all the way to a store to touch stiff sheet set after stiff sheet set when there are plenty of direct-to-consumer companies who promise high-quality bedding at a fair, affordable price? We’ve already shared the key things to consider when buying sheets online, but there are a few questions that remain. What color or pattern should you choose? And perhaps the more pressing question, which material is the best for you?
Mar 19, 2019
These Little Dividers Solved the Biggest Problem I Had with My Closet
Anyone who lives in a small studio or teeny, tiny house can tell you that a smart storage system is crucial. After all, nobody has room for a bulky dresser or armoire when square footage is at a premium. In fact, it’s one of the reasons I love my apartment so much. Sure, my studio isn’t perfect—I don’t have a dishwasher and my balcony has a, erm, pigeon problem—but I have plenty of storage for all my stuff.
Mar 16, 2019
7 Ways to Add Warmth to a Mostly Minimalist Space
What is it about minimalism that always makes us a little weak in the knees? It doesn’t matter if it’s one of Philip Johnson’s iconic glass houses or a set from our favorite movie, there’s something about those clean lines, pared-down details and neutral color palette that makes us feel like we’re in a stylish sanctuary.
Mar 5, 2019
How to Find Your Personal Design Style, According to the Experts
Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was onto something when he famously said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Your personal style is so much more than haphazardly throwing on a T-shirt and pair of jeans; it’s a reflection of who you are. It’s as much a part of your identity as your job or Instagram feed. So why should your home be any different?
Feb 28, 2019
How to Make Your TV Feel Like a Real Part of Your Design Scheme
It doesn’t matter if you have a streaming service or cable box or if you binge-watch the latest shows the second they air or only tune in for big things like the Super Bowl, practically everyone has a television set somewhere in your home. And, more likely than not, your television is the focal point of whatever room it’s in. Do those lounge chairs in your living room face your television set instead of each other?
Feb 26, 2019
7 Cool Alternatives to Your Living Room Side Table
Is it just us, or do all living rooms kind of look the same? It doesn’t matter if they’re large or small, minimalist or maximalist. most living rooms follow the same cookie cutter format. There’s always a cozy couch, maybe an accent chair or two, a few coffee and side tables, and a nice, big television. It’s a bit of a snooze, but what’s the alternative? Turns out, there are plenty of ways to shake up your living room layout.
Feb 24, 2019
Are Statement Ceilings the Next Big Design Trend?
Do us a favor and look up at your ceiling. What do you see? Nothing? Yeah, we kind of figured. For years, the ceiling has been the most overlooked, and under-appreciated, part of every room. Sure, you might’ve used some adhesive, glow-in-the-dark stars when you were a kid or added a statement light fixture to the mix, but that’s probably the extent of your ceiling design chops. Or so you thought. Recently, it seems like the design tides are changing.
Feb 22, 2019
10 Living Room Trends Set to Take the Rest of 2019 by Storm
If the kitchen is the stomach of your home, the living room is definitely its heart. It’s where you can curl up with a book on a lazy Sunday, catch up with some friends over a glass of wine, or spend the entire weekend binge-watching whatever’s on Netflix (hey, we’re not judging). Your living room is such an important part of your home, it’s important to keep it looking its best at all times.
Feb 21, 2019
7 Design Tweaks That Will Instantly Refresh Your Small Space for Spring
ICYMI: Living in a small space isn’t all Instagrammable tiny houses or fun D.I.Y. projects from Pinterest. Sure, small spaces offer the unique challenge of maximizing your design chops in a teeny, tiny space, but the truth is it can be really frustrating. Not only do you have to find sneaky ways to make your small space look bigger, but you also have to figure out clever ways to store your stuff without turning it into a cluttered mess. But hitting the refresh button on your small home?
Feb 16, 2019
13 Cool Design Companies Founded By Couples
Boy meets girl. Boy loves girl. Boy starts a company with girl? Sometimes, yes. While most of us wouldn’t deign to start a company with our significant others—or whoever you recently swiped right on—mixing business with pleasure isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Take the 13 couples below. When these dynamic duos put their heads together, they wind up creating cool, covetable pieces for the home.
Feb 14, 2019
7 Kitchens That Prove All White Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
These white kitchens are packed with personality.
Feb 12, 2019
These Brands are Making It Super Easy to Set Up Your Home
Psst…you can order ‘em all from the comfort of your couch.
Feb 3, 2019
Is This Weird Old-School Trend Really Making a Comeback?
Waterbeds: should they stay or should they go?
Jan 28, 2019
7 Easy (and Affordable) Ways to Adultify Your Home
If we’re being totally honest, a walk down memory lane can be a very cringe-worthy experience. How many pictures have you looked at in total disbelief that you actually left the house with crimped hair, layers of eyeliner, and a hot pink velour sweatsuit? Yeah, not our finest moments. Looking at pictures of your previous living spaces can elicit the same embarrassment.
Jan 27, 2019