Kelsey Mulvey's Recent Articles
Page 6
These 10 Home Trends Will Dominate 2019, According to Designers
New year, new you. Once January 1 rolls around, we all make these grand resolutions to make ourselves healthier, more positive, more productive, and all-around better people. We buy a fancy gym membership. We forgo our favorite takeout spot in favor of a healthy, home-cooked meal. We even promise ourselves to not hit the snooze button more than once (okay, twice). We commit to bettering ourselves—and rightfully so—but what about our homes?
Nov 18, 2018
5 Ways to Make Your Mid-Century Modern Furniture Feel Cool Again
Are you kind of over mid-century modern design? Do you roll your eyes whenever you spot a knock-off Eames dining chair or faux Saarinen tulip table? Do you look at your MCM couch with a tinge of disdain, wishing you could redesign your space? It’s okay, you’re not alone. If I’m being totally honest, I too am tired of the MCM madness. Don’t get me wrong, I love the aesthetic; however, the style is becoming too ubiquitous that it no longer feels special.
Nov 15, 2018
Could One of These Colors Be 2019’s Answer to Millennial Pink?
Don’t get mad, but we’re kind of over millennial pink. Make no mistake, we were all about the hue when it first burst onto the design scene a few years ago. Part bubblegum pink, part salmon, it was once the coolest way to embrace your feminine side. But now? It feels, well, overplayed. While there are still some ways to make millennial pink look and feel cool again (hint: try pairing it with red!), we’re itching for a new “it” color.
Nov 14, 2018
8 Products That Will Help Keep Your Home Warm Once the Temperature Drops
I said “Brrr, it’s cold in here.”
Nov 9, 2018
Shopping for Bath Towels? Here’s How to Find the Right Plushness for You
Towels may serve a strictly utilitarian purpose—to dry you off after a shower, swim, or long bath—but, trust us, they’re far from basic. Truth is, choosing the right towel for your lifestyle and space can add a luxurious, spa-like quality to your standard bathroom. That’s why some people are willing to shell out the big bucks for ’em. (Need proof? Here are 14 bath towels that will rock your world!
Nov 4, 2018
My Apartment Doesn’t Have a Dishwasher—This $5 Find is a Huge Help
There’s a reason I’ve been living in the same apartment for nearly five years. My studio apartment is in a great location, has plenty of storage for all my stuff (read: two closets!), and even boasts a cute outdoor space, which I admittedly don’t use as much as I should. I love my apartment, but of course, no home is perfect. My space has a bulky, built-in media center and a mini fridge instead of a full-sized one (really).
Nov 3, 2018
This $15 Amazon Buy Solved My Biggest Bathroom Annoyance
Oh Command strips, where would we be without you? The perfect combination of strong and sticky, these little tabs are a mainstay in most people’s junk drawers. Like many of you, I’ve been a hardcore Command strips fan for years. Back in college, I would use ’em to hang everything from frames, to long mirrors, to that ubiquitous poster of Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Oct 31, 2018
Am I The Only One Over Mid-Century Modern Design?
You don’t need to be an interiors expert to be familiar with mid-century modern design. Even if you can’t spot its signature clean lines and minimal details from a mile away, most stores have products that are blatantly labeled “mid-century inspired.” The mid-century modern movement first broke onto the design scene over 50 years ago and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Oct 27, 2018
How to Decorate a Small Space the Right Way, According to Interior Designers
Living in a small space sometimes isn’t as fun as all those Instagrammable tiny houses make it look. With square footage at a premium, smaller apartments and houses come with their unique hurdles that make it challenging to decorate your space. Where are you supposed to put all your clothes? How do you fit an entire dining room into an area that’s as big as most people’s closets?
Oct 21, 2018
These Amazon Home Buys Are Designer-Approved AND Under $50
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Amazon has a bunch of home decor pieces that look expensive, but are ridiculously affordable. It’s not that surprising, right? After all, you can buy just about everything (and we mean everything) at the mega-retailer—and usually for a low, fair price. Of course, we’re not the only ones who think Amazon is a decorating enthusiast’s paradise.
Oct 17, 2018
10 IKEA Finds to Update Your Home for Fall
It’s no secret that the Apartment Therapy team loves IKEA. After all, where else can you buy sleek, Scandinavian furniture and accessories at an affordable price? Ikea might be known for its iconic pieces—the PAX wardrobe and the BESTÅ line certainly come to mind—but did you know the store has plenty of seasonal items too? To get you—and your home—into the autumn spirit, here are 10 IKEA pieces that basically scream fall.
Oct 13, 2018
10 Podcasts Design Enthusiasts Need to Download
As far as we’re concerned, podcasts are the gifts that keep on giving. Not only do they make the most grueling parts of your day—think: morning commute, late-night workout, and folding your laundry—more bearable, they’ll teach you something new in the process. Plus, many podcasts have dedicated online communities, which means you’re able to connect with like-minded people.
Oct 12, 2018
Here’s How Long Your Favorite Homewares Last, According to the Experts
Unless you just moved into your home—and purchased brand-new pieces to fill it with—you’ve probably had your furniture for a long, looong time. Your rug dates back to your college days, your mattress has lasted longer than most of your relationships, and you don’t even want to think about how many hours you’ve spent binge-watching TV on your couch. Once you’ve found a piece that fits with your space, aesthetic, and budget, you never want to let it go.
Oct 11, 2018
6 Cool Ways to Incorporate Fall’s Favorite Colors to Your Space
Autumn's never looked so good.
Oct 9, 2018
7 Tiny House Design Tricks to Try in Your Full-Sized Home
Because sometimes, the best things come in small packages.
Oct 7, 2018
How to Turn Your Closet Into a Design Moment
When you picture your dream house, chances are it features a big, beautiful closet. You know, kind of like Mariah Carey’s wardrobe in her iconic episode of MTV’s “Cribs.” Or maybe like Cher Horowitz’s, complete with a computer that puts together great outfits for you. Or maybe it has a rotating shoe cupboard like Goldie Hawn’s closet did in “Overboard.” You get the picture, right?
Oct 4, 2018
5 Rooms That Nail Tone-on-Tone Decorating
Is it just us, or are pops of color officially played out? Make no mistake, we love a good use of color as much as the next design lover. But when every single room has a pop of color, the styling tactic feels, well, dull. If you’re looking for an alternative, you may want to consider tone-on-tone decorating. Turns out, using one color throughout your space is unexpected, impactful, and totally Instagrammable.
Sep 26, 2018
9 Dining Rooms That Nail the Mismatched Chair Trend
ICYMI: A perfectly manicured dining room is so, so yesterday. We’ve all seen those uniform dining rooms in movies and catalogs. You know, with the long wooden table, matched chairs, and carefully curated China? They’re stately, regal, and, if we’re being totally honest, a little stale. You feel obligated to sit up straight, put your napkin on your lap, and use the correct fork for each course. Alternatively, a more eclectic dining room immediately feels cozier.
Sep 25, 2018
How to Decorate For Fall Without Being Cheesy
Chunky sweaters, warm apple cider, and crisp, colorful leaves—what’s not to love about fall? Well, the decorations for starters. Don’t get us wrong: We love autumn as much as the next person, but the season is often associated with really, really cheesy decor. We’re talking about inflated ghosts and goblins in the front yard, garland covered in fake leaves, and mugs, throw pillows, and coasters declaring one’s love for pumpkin spice lattes.
Sep 21, 2018
The Top 10 Home Trends for Fall, According to Designers
Yves Saint Laurent famously said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” Sure, trends come and go, but they’re pretty important to fashion, art, music, and, of course, design. Keeping up with trends not only allows you to see society through a beautiful, artful lens, it can help you gain a better understanding of a designer’s inspiration. Plus, bringing the biggest trends to your home will keep your space relevant and Insta-worthy. What’s in store for fall?
Sep 19, 2018
How to Elevate Your Rental Apartment, According to Design Experts
Ah, home sweet home. Well, for now, that is. Whether you recently graduated from college, are moving in with your partner, or are renewing your lease, there’s a good chance you’re living in a rental apartment. Studies show more people are renting than at any point in the past 50 years. We’ll let that sink in. Sure, there are a lot of perks to living in a rental.
Sep 18, 2018
10 Designers Share Their Favorite Under-$50 Home Buys
Designers, they’re just like us! They love to travel, are addicted to Target, and love a good bargain. As design lovers, we’re used to seeing gorgeous furniture and accessories that are way out (waaay) of our budget. We’re talking about $200 candles, pricey throw pillows, and sofas that are well into the quadruple digits. But good style doesn’t have to break the bank. Truth is, there are plenty of items on the market that are chic and affordable. Need proof?
Sep 13, 2018
5 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Buying A Mattress Online
Sweet dreams, everyone.
Sep 12, 2018
14 Designers Share Their Best Productivity Tips
What is it about the beginning of fall that always brings out the back-to-school spirit in us? It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since you graduated school, there’s something about September that makes us want to turn over a new leaf and be more productive. So, we get organized, set bigger goals for ourselves, and buy some super chic office supplies.
Sep 11, 2018
Two Design Veterans Are Behind the Next Big Direct-to-Consumer Furniture Brand
Kevin Lehrer and Jon Allen know a thing or two about quality furniture. As interior design veterans, the duo has schemed up furniture for a bevy of brands like Bed, Bath and Beyond and JC Penney. But at Sixpenny, their new furniture company, Lehrer and Allen are calling the shots. “There’s an ability to do more with less,” Allen tells Apartment Therapy.
Sep 8, 2018
This Is the Most Popular Decor Item in Your State
It doesn’t matter if you live in a charming, West Village brownstone or Spanish-style villa in California: There are some things every home needs. We’re talking lamps, bowls, and some stylish wall decor to kick your space up a notch. But how you prioritize your home decor may vary by state. Next Day Blinds recently created a infographic that shares the most-searched design accessory in every state. Want to see which item is big in your state?
Aug 29, 2018
The Secret to Making Millennial Pink Feel New Again? Pairing It with Red
Face it, millennial pink isn’t going out of style anytime soon. We loved the shade as much as the next person when it first came onto the scene in 2016. But two years later? It often feels stale and played out. If you want to freshen up the celebrated color, try pairing it with red. Let’s get one thing straight: This color combination is a far cry from what you see on cheesy Valentine’s Day decorations.
Aug 25, 2018
Questions We All Ask: Is There a Difference Between Modern, Minimalist, and Contemporary Design?
You don’t have to be a design aficionado to know clean, sleek furniture and design are all the rage these days. But discerning whether a piece is minimalist, modern, or contemporary? Now, that’s another story. Chances are you’ve been using minimalist, modern, and contemporary interchangeably for years, without thinking twice about whether or not they’re the same. It’s okay, you’re not alone.
Aug 21, 2018
Inside Hawaii’s Most Colorful New Hotel
With sweeping views of the Pacific, an abundance of flowers, and bright colors everywhere, it’s kind of surprising that Hawaii doesn’t have much of a design scene. We mean, what better way to complement the archipelago’s stunning landscape than with equally beautiful interiors? That’s where Dan Mazzarini comes in. As the owner of Manhattan-based design firm BHDM Design, Mazzarini knows a thing or two about bringing a fresh, fun energy to any space.
Aug 19, 2018
9 Unexpected Ways to Style Your Fireplace
Let’s face it: There’s no better way to spend a cold, snowy winter than nestled in front of a fireplace. But what are you supposed to do with your fireplace the rest of the year? Or if you live in a hot, dry climate year-round? Most people think of a fireplace as strictly utilitarian, but the truth is it can be a major design moment.
Aug 17, 2018
9 Stylish Ways to Create a Relaxing Bedroom
Let’s face it: No room can compare to the bedroom. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s important to design your room with a beauty rest in mind. There’s more that goes into a relaxing bedroom than a cozy mattress and luxe set of sheets. Whether you’re in need of a quick fix or complete overhaul, here are nine ways to turn your bedroom into a soothing sanctuary. Sweet dreams!
Aug 8, 2018
13 Millennial-Founded Design Brands We Can’t Get Enough Of
Millennials get a bad rap for being lousy guests, awful neighbors, and incapable of doing anything beyond taking a selfie or making avocado toast. But in reality? They’re not as bad as they’re cracked up to be—and happen to know a thing or two about design. Over the past few years, millennials have been launching design brands that are affordable, transparent, and ridiculously stylish.
Aug 7, 2018
7 Designers Share Their Favorite Paint Colors for a Relaxing Home
At Apartment Therapy, we believe that your home is your sanctuary—and you should treat it as such. After all, where else can you retreat to after a long day at work, bad date, or busy vacation and just relax? But before you KonMari your space or invest in some soft, dreamy sheets for your bedroom, you should decide on your home’s color scheme.
Aug 6, 2018
10 Beautiful Bar Closets Worth Toasting To
We hate to break it to you, but bar carts are so yesterday. Today, interior decorators and design fans are taking their love of libations to the next level by turning their extra closet space into a wet bar. If you ask us, this is one trend that’s here to stay. Not only will you have plenty of space to store bottles of bubbly, glassware, and other accoutrements, you have the opportunity to turn something as mundane as a hallway closet into a bonafide design moment.
Aug 2, 2018
Bobby Berk From Queer Eye Knows How to Cure Your Design Fatigue
It’s only natural to experience some design fatigue after living in the same space for a few years. You know, that irksome feeling you get when your once perfectly curated home feels stale, old, and uninspired? Bobby Berk, interior designer and co-star of Netflix’s Queer Eye, is the master of transforming a space, and he shared his tips for curing a case of home design-itis. Turns out, hitting the refresh button is easier than you’d think.
Aug 1, 2018
7 Target Products Designers Can’t Get Enough Of
Ah, Target; what a beautiful, beautiful place. We mean, where else can you buy clothes, furniture, greeting cards, deodorant, and a fresh latte in one fell swoop? Exactly. We know we’re not the only ones who are obsessed with Target. In fact, plenty of designers shop there for both business and pleasure. So, the next time you’re there, keep an eye out for these items designers can’t stop buying. Because, as you well know, you never go to Target and buy just one thing.
Jul 25, 2018
5 Insider Tips for Buying Vintage Home Goods
While we like shiny, new objects as much as the next design lover, we also have a soft spot for all things vintage. Mixing the old with new—be it a sofa from the sixties, art deco drinkware, or linens from the 19th century—can add a cool, one-of-a-kind flair to your home.
Jul 16, 2018
Questions We All Ask: Is There a Difference Between a Sofa and Couch?
We found out everything you need to know about your favorite piece of furniture.
Jul 11, 2018
What Insiders Look for When Buying Sheets Online
A good night’s sleep is just a click away. Thanks to the influx of e-commerce sites and direct-to-consumer companies, you can easily buy a set of sheets from the comfort of your couch. “Brands across industries are making it easier to shop online and instituting processes that make the purchase experience more seamless,” says Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute. “The comfort, trust, and accessibility of online shopping has made it a no-brainer for consumers.
Jul 6, 2018
Playful or Played Out? Designers Weigh in on Gray and Yellow Decor
Artist Wassily Kandinsky once said, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” Yet, finding a color combination that’s cool, modern, sophisticated, and complementary is easier said than done. For years, yellow and gray fit the bill. Easy and unexpected, the two hues were an unstoppable duo for gender neutral nurseries and cheery rooms alike.
Jul 6, 2018
6 Feng Shui Tips Every Novice Should Know
Feng shui is all about creating harmony between your inner self and the world around you, but if we’re being totally honest, incorporating it into your home is hard stuff. Similar to the latest trends in tech, fashion, or design, the definition of good feng shui is constantly evolving, which means your home should follow suit. Ugh. “It can be intimidating—even for us consultants,” says Laura Cerrano, founder and CEO of consulting firm Feng Shui Manhattan.
Jul 2, 2018
13 Stylish Beach Accessories Every Design Lover Needs
Whether you hop on the Jitney to Montauk, cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu, or jet off somewhere fabulous like the Maldives, there’s a good chance you’ll go to the beach at least once this summer. At Apartment Therapy, we’re all about living life as stylishly as possible, so why should our beach trips be any different? From fun floats to chic beach chairs, and everything in between, here are 13 beach accessories design fanatics—and beach bums—will love.
Jul 1, 2018
7 Stylish Ways to Repel Bugs at Home
Summer’s all fun and games until you’re practically eaten alive by a swarm of hungry mosquitoes. Bug bites are a total nuisance—nobody wants to be covered in big, itchy bumps—and potentially hazardous to your health. Not to freak you out or anything, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported illnesses from mosquito, tick, and flea bites have tripled in the United States since 2004.
Jun 30, 2018
These Sites Sell Gorgeous (and Affordable!) Large-Scale Art
Because sometimes size does matter.
Jun 28, 2018
Questions We All Ask Ourselves: Should You Switch Duvets in the Summer?
Summer-proofing your home happens like clockwork. Once the temperature rises, you add an air conditioning unit and screens to your windows, trade in your woodsy candle for a beachier scent, and swap out your flannel sheets for some lightweight linen ones. But, if we’re being honest, we never know what to do with our duvets. On the one hand, duvets are comfortable and a great extra layer for when your AC is on full blast.
Jun 26, 2018
15 Designers Share Their Favorite Vacation Spots
Maybe it’s the beautiful weather—or maybe it’s the surge of long weekends—but there’s something about summer that makes us want to pack our bags and go somewhere fabulous. To help get your summer off to an awesome, jetsetting start, we asked 15 designers about their favorite vacation spots. Whether you’re craving an all-American road trip or a week abroad, consider your summer travel plans set.
Jun 22, 2018
Here’s How Maximalists Can Fake Their Way to Minimalism
Simple silhouettes, neutral color palettes, sparse layouts. Let’s face it: Minimalism gets a much (muuuuch) better rap than maximalism. While the former is associated with being organized and chic, maximalism often falls into eclectic or hoarder territory. But what’s a person to do when they love prints, colors, and oodles of stuff? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Below, six easy ways maximalists can fake their way to minimalism.
Jun 19, 2018
How Wanderlust Can Influence Your Home Decor
Henry Miller said, “One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of thinking.” Now, we don’t claim to be mindreaders or anything, but he was definitely talking about home decor. From eyeing intricate Moroccan rugs at a market in Marrakech to finding beautiful chinoiserie porcelain far east, traveling—or the urge to travel—can be one of the biggest sources of inspiration when designing your space.
Jun 18, 2018