Kimber Watson

10 Slim Console Tables That Are Perfect for Small Spaces
Convinced you can't fit a table in your tiny entryway? These 10 slim console tables might change your mind.
Nov 3, 2022
Pub-Sheds: The New Backyard Trend?
During one of the epic snowstorms this winter, I saw a bar carved into the snow by a couple of neighbors on the nightly news. It was pretty impressive and I wanted one. Now, pub-sheds seem to be making their mark in backyards around the globe. Is this the new craze for yards with enough space to accommodate them? Will this take over the man cave basement bar? Are you ready to swap out the lawnmower and power tools for a kegerator and bar stools?
Mar 19, 2015
Is Your House Making You Sick? 5 Ways to Purify Home Air Naturally
Would it shock you to know that the air you’re breathing indoors can be up to 5 times worse than the air outside? Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis can result in illness, allergies, asthma, and frequent headaches, and it can even be harmful to your digestive system! But you don’t have to settle for poor air quality. Here are five simple, ways for you to naturally purify the air in your home without purchasing an expensive air purifier.
Jan 17, 2015
4 Simply Blissful Danish Homes at Christmas
White lights over colored lights. Natural or handmade ornaments versus garish baubles. Charlie Brown-like trees over National Lampoon mega-sized versions. If you gravitate towards holiday decor that leans more discrete than gaudy, then these Scandi-inspired holiday tours are just for you!
Dec 15, 2014
Quick Fix: A Cheap & Easy Solution for Slamming Doors
I’ll admit to it. Every now and then in the heat of the moment, I’ve been know to slam the occasional door. So perhaps when this tip showed up in my inbox from my S.O., it wasn’t so much as a tip, but a hint. In an effort to keep the peace, literally, I’m going to give this quick tip a whirl.
Nov 10, 2014
Fall Gardening Tip: Save, Don’t Discard, Your Chrysanthemums!
Well before fall even arrives, garden centers, big-box and grocery stores already have their shelves stocked with an abundance of chrysanthemums. And if you were one of those individuals quick to get a jump on decorating for the harvest season, then you’re probably living with some pretty sad looking mums right about now. So what should you be doing with all those mums that are past their prime?
Oct 31, 2014
Porch Pizzazz: Halloween & Thanksgiving Outdoor Decorating Ideas
Before all those ghost and goblins come knocking on your door, could your front entry use a little sprucing up for fall? Whether you like to decorate with the natural elements of a fall harvest or add a little spook factor with a Halloween display, here are 10 stylish front entries to inspire your own. 1. Isn’t this just the quaintest house for trick or treating? The assortment of multicolored pumpkins that line the walkway make a statement by sheer numbers.
Oct 10, 2014
Before & After: Kimber’s Air Plant Weekend Project
Yesterday I explained the basics of how to care for air plants and then I showed you how certain species’ forms lend themselves best to different types of containers. Today I will walk you through the super simple steps I used to turn a vase sea sponge into an unique vessel in which you can hang your air plant (yes, it’s a natural dried sea sponge that is shaped like a vase!).
Oct 5, 2014
Decorating with Air Plants: 6 Ideas & Tips For the Weekend
Air plants, also known as tillandsias, are all over the blogosphere and I doubt this fun trend is going to fade anytime soon. It’s not surprising: With their striking sculptural forms and easy, elementary maintenance, they’re a versatile plant that anybody can care for! Earlier this summer, I came up with an interesting way to suspend one of my giant air plants, so I thought I’d share my idea in this week’s Apartment Therapy Weekend Project.
Oct 4, 2014
Time-Saving Tip: How To Quickly Dry a Load of Laundry
Doing laundry is a time-consuming and never-ending chore. But since it is a necessary evil, the only solution is to find ways to make the job easier and faster. This summer, I seem to be doing laundry more frequently, with smaller loads, and yet those smaller loads seem to take as much time to dry as my larger loads, even when set to the same exact settings. Boggled by this reoccurring conundrum, I asked my grandmother for her sage advice.
Aug 7, 2014
Budget Garden Inspiration: 5 Modest and Lovely Courtyards
I’ll admit, when I think of courtyard gardens, I naturally think of sprawling estates with hidden outdoor rooms, bordered by perfectly manicured boxwood hedges boasting a grand urn water fountain. Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Downton Abbey, but courtyards aren’t just unattainable outdoor spaces limited to the wealthy.
Aug 4, 2014
DIY an Outdoor Table with a Built-in Hidden Cooler
If you do a lot of backyard entertaining, have the space to accommodate an average size picnic table, and happen to be pretty handy with power tools, then this DIY might be right up your alley! Who wouldn’t want a clever table that keeps drinks cool and accommodates the lazy drinker? This little project from Remodelaholic uses standard 20″ x 10″ planter window boxes for the cooloers, which you basically construct the table around.
Jul 10, 2014
Garden Design Classics: The Armillary Sphere
Armillary spheres (sometimes referred to as armillary sundials) are a common decorative ornament in many gardens but can most often be spotted in the traditional English garden. Today’s armillary spheres, used as simply a decorative feature instead of a scientific instrument. are primarily fabricated of metal, and have become much more streamlined compared to their ancient counterparts. So what exactly is an armillary sphere, you might wonder?
Jun 13, 2014
Decorating on a Budget: 20 Tips from the Pros
A couple of months back, I gathered some tips from the pros for ways to round off an unfinished room. It seemed to hit a chord with our readers, leading to many commenters weighing in on their favorite piece of advice or offering up their own tips that have worked for them. Since we’re focusing on reining in our budgets this month, lets see what insightful pointers the masters can offer up when it comes to bargain decorating! From Emily Henderson: Love something? Buy just one.
Jun 3, 2014
Seasonal Style: 10 Ways to Store Summer Gear
Summer’s around the corner and after this wretched winter, I think we can all agree, it’s about time! And with summer comes extra gear to make room for. From flip-flops and beach towels to kid and doggy PFDs, here are some clever ways to store these seasonal items. 1. As simple as it gets: basic galvanized hooks mounted on rustic fencing provides a weathered backdrop for tiny bikinis and towels. Apartment Therapy. 2.
May 23, 2014
DIY Fire Pit Ideas for Backyard Entertaining
Backyard fire pits are a welcome addition to almost any yard, big or small. They provide light when it’s dark out, warmth on cool nights, a place for the kiddos to roast marshmallows, and the perfect ambiance for sharing cocktails among friends. I spent a year hunting down a vintage Preway fireplace, but had I not been lucky enough to find one, I surely would have gone the DIY route. Here are 10 ideas for creating an outdoor fire pit — from the super cheap to the DIY extraordinaire.
May 9, 2014
Real Room Inspiration: The Lucite Waterfall Console
One of my favorite neighborhood boutiques has a lucite waterfall console in the front window, and I’m in love. Not that this is a new design by any means, but somehow viewing it in the Caribbean-themed window display had me seeing this piece of furniture in a new light. Lucite has been around for quite some time now, historically popping up most often in Hollywood Regency decor. But the beauty of the lucite console is it’s perfectly at home in almost any setting.
May 1, 2014
Insta-Party: Pantry Items to Keep on Hand for Easy Entertaining
Are you panic-stricken instead of pleased when friends stop by unannounced? Would you like to be the talk of the town for being able to throw a fabulous soiree at a moment’s notice? Don’t fret! The biggest secret to a successful impromptu party is to be prepared in advance with a well-stocked pantry! If you’re anything like me, you work better under pressure. Too much planning and over-thinking for an entertainment can suck the fun right out of it.
Apr 4, 2014
Before & After: A Dramatic Small Space Makeover… and What Makes it Work
Anthony D’Argenzio’s one-bedroom East Village apartment, featured in Lonny Magazine, is my idea of the perfect small space. But it wasn’t always so — the apartment recently got a huge overhaul. Pictured above is the place pre-makeover. The ornately styled furniture, all shoehorned into the living room, made this small space feel even tighter. I think you’ll be more than pleasantly surprised by this little apartment’s big transformation.
Apr 3, 2014
Real Room Inspiration: Adding Color With Rugs
The easiest way to add color to a room is by painting the walls. But how do you infuse a room with color if you’re not allowed to paint? Of course, there are many solutions — from decorative accessories and art to pillows and throws — but the biggest impact can probably be seen by introducing a vibrant rug. Lets see how these (mostly) neutral rooms get transformed by a colorful rug! 1.
Mar 28, 2014
Finishing Touches for an Unfinished Room: Tips from the Pros
I don’t remember where I read it or exactly when I read it, but it had to be well over five years ago. Nevertheless, that one little sentence of advice is still stuck in my head to this day. It went something like, “if your room doesn’t feel finished, add a touch of black”. It’s such a simple suggestion, easy for any novice to try out, and it got me thinking. What other tricks do the pros have up their sleeves?
Mar 27, 2014
Why Organic Fabrics Are Worth the Money
Many of us spend extra time and money sourcing organic foods. Yet if you polled those same people, I imagine you would find the majority don’t think twice about organic fabrics. So what’s the big deal, you might ask? It’s intuitive to be concerned about whether fruits and vegetables have been treated with chemicals or preservatives, but fabrics? Is this taking the organic aspect too far? Are organic fabrics worth it?
Mar 24, 2014
What Are the Small Brown Bugs on My Houseplants? Dealing With Scale Pests
Notice the raised, brown growth on my Sago Palm. This is an example of scale. I’m currently dealing with a really sticky problem — yes, pun intended! — and anybody that has discovered one of their houseplants has a case of scale knows exactly what I’m talking about. While you may think scale is only attacking your plants, think again. Yes, it is first and foremost a plant pest, but this little creature can also wreak havoc on your home. So what exactly is scale?
Mar 20, 2014
Style Makeovers: Dated Kitchens Refreshed Without Renovating
Kitchens can be daunting and expensive to remodel, yet they remain the room people want to renovate the most. Whether you’re on a tight budget or a renter with constraints on what you’re actually allowed to do, the kitchens shown here are excellent examples of what can be achieved by simply painting cabinetry, removing cabinet doors, swapping out lighting or hardware, or upgrading appliances.
Mar 19, 2014
Smart Products to Keep Plants Hydrated & Healthy
Houseplants have many benefits, from purifying the air to adding color, texture, and interest to the home. They can also provide much needed winter therapy for those of us that garden in climates not suitable for year-round gardening. Here’s an array of products designed to help you give optimal care to your beloved plants, regardless of the color of your thumb. 2. Haw’s Indoor Watering Can, Williams Sonoma, $89.95.
Mar 18, 2014
Adding Pattern: Renewing the Look of a Painted Room with Stencils
Are your walls getting you down? Tired of looking at the same paint color, but have no desire to repaint? Why not consider sprucing up the look of your space by adding pattern with stencils? Unlike wallpaper, which is often used to accent a space with pattern, a stencil painted pattern appears more natural — and is also a relatively inexpensive way to make a big impact. But the real beauty of a stenciled pattern is the ease at which you can simply change your mind.
Mar 13, 2014
Kitchen Helpers: 10 Multi-Compartment Sorting Garbage & Recycling Bins
It’s 2014, so I will assume that anyone reading this is, of course, recycling. And if you don’t live in a city that has embraced single-stream recycling, you’re going to need multiple garbage cans or a multi-compartment trash-bin. There’s a wide variety of styles on the market, from stacking to sensor operated to a cabinet slide out. Whether you need a double receptacle, triple, or more, this roundup has wide variety of choices. 1.
Mar 3, 2014
Turn Your Photos Into Watercolors: Waterlogue
Let me introduce you to my latest app obsession, Waterlogue. It’s a cool new app that lets you transform boring old photos from your phone into handsome watercolor images — and it’s very user-friendly, with an attractive interface. If you’re familiar with Instagram, you’ll have no problem becoming quickly acquainted with Waterlogue.
Feb 20, 2014
Garden Visit: Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens
A few weeks ago (with advice from Houzz), I delved into things you can do now to help ready your garden for spring. And of course, one thing you can do is gather inspiration for your 2014 gardening plans! It’s only fair that I heed my own advice, so I decided to take a short bike ride to our local conservatory — a great way to spend some time escaping from the cold weather.
Feb 12, 2014
Go for the Gold: 15 Gold Leaf DIY Projects
The extreme cold temperatures gripping much of the country this winter have many of us going a little stir crazy (yes, I am hands down one of them!). Fortunately, the Winter Olympics are right around the corner, which will at least offer up some entertainment in my self-imposed house confinement. In the spirit of the Olympics, here are 15 gold-medal worthy DIY projects to try your hand at while taking in a few skiing or figure skating events. 1. Gold Leafed Ikea Desk Hack from Style Me Pretty.
Jan 30, 2014
DIY Decor Trend: Handmade Storage Ladders
Old ladders are easy, inexpensive finds and the possibilities for DIY storage projects are endless. Bookshelves, towel or quilt racks, plant stands, pot racks — you name it and you can come up with a clever way to turn that old ladder into virtually anything! Check out these 10 DIYs for a little inspiration and help with what to do with that old, wobbly ladder gathering dust in your basement. 1.
Jan 17, 2014
Paint Color Portfolio: Coral Bathrooms
Coral can be defined as a reddish yellow, pinkish yellow or a light yellowish red. It’s similar in shade to salmon and tangerine, with the former having a stronger pink undertone and the latter, a stronger orange. Coral is often associated with colors suited for a Caribbean beach house or tropical decor, but with the variety of tones, this bold yet warm color is quite easy to pull off in many spaces.
Sep 26, 2013
10 Just-a-Bit Bohemian Outdoor Spaces
Earlier this month, I gave you a peek inside a backyard in Brooklyn, courtesy of the folks over at Lonny magazine.  It was over-the-top bohemian — a very stylish look, but the majority of readers agreed that this laid-back, eclectic style was anything but practical. This time around, I thought I’d delve into our archives to show you outdoor spaces emanating a slightly bohemian vibe that are a bit more realistic and attainable.
Aug 20, 2013
How To Propagate Cacti & Succulents
Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies, but it can also be expensive when you start buying lots of plants and pots. What if you could double, triple, even quadruple the number of plants you currently have without spending a dime? If you have a little bit of time on your hands, along with a lot of patience, you can do just that. Let’s dig into cacti and succulent propagation!
May 17, 2013
Shade Loving Trees for Small Spaces
I’m fortunate to have a house in the city with a backyard that receives lots of morning sunlight and a front yard that basks in the strong afternoon sun.  I get to experience the best of both worlds, but many of my friends aren’t as lucky, and their gardens and yards often show it.
Apr 25, 2013
The Best of Vertical Gardening: Inspiration, DIY, & Resources
Last year I talked about design dilemmas common with the quintessential rectangular urban yard, and space (or should I say, lack thereof), is usually at the top of the list. From inspiration to DIYs, tips on products available on the market and where to source them — this post will surely have you dreaming up new ways to best utilize a small footprint in the garden. TOP ROW: Inspiration Look! Living Canopy on a Tiny Balcony Dwell On Design: Vertical Gardens Look!
Apr 18, 2013