Inspiring Messages from a Few of Our Cutest House Tour Pets
Anyone else having a rough day? I hope you’re all feeling your feelings in whichever way helps you, being kind and supporting to the people around you who need it, and finding some solace and joy when you can. If a bit of sunshine in the form of adorable floofballs from our House Tours can add a bit of light to your day, well, that’s something. These cuties are here to give you some hope, love, and virtual cuddles. Like, what even just happened? We’ve all been there.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
4 Stunning Libraries Straight Out Of Beauty and the Beast
St. Florian Monastery in Austria (Image credit: flickr user Renate Dodell) cc by-nd 2.0Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA (Image credit: Joseph Sohm) shutterstockFonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA (Image credit: flickr user neverbutterfly) cc by 2.0George Peabody Library in Baltimore, MD (Image credit: Andrea Izzotti) shutterstock If you missed Disney’s live action remake of Beauty and the Beast, the dark academia deserves a look.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” Production Designer Spills the Inside Scoop (Including the One Thing That Didn’t Make the Cut)
This summer, when VH1 announced that domestic diva Martha Stewart and rap icon Snoop Dogg were teaming up for a cooking show, we first thought it was a joke, and then quickly had a lot of questions. Near the top is, what would a kitchen shared by them even look like? Well, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party premiered last week, and I had a chance to ask the production designer, James Pearse Connelly, just how he made one set work for such different personalities.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Mary Tyler Moore Show Apartment Was the Epitome of Single Girl Cool
Mary Tyler Moore just passed away at the age of 80. While she accomplished much in her decades-long career, many will remember her best as Mary Richards, the single, never-married career woman that was the center of Moore’s eponymous show. We’ll also never forget that sweet, sweet apartment.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
It’s Time You Started Living: The ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ House Is for Sale
We’re still mourning the loss of an icon. Mary Tyler Moore turned the world on with her smile, as did the Minneapolis Victorian that served as her apartment’s exterior on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The Queen Anne home that’s been on and off the market is currently for sale, and at quite the price reduction. While Mary Richards’ sweet apartment was a set on a soundstage, the interior of the Kenwood home is impressive in its own right—and just a little bit bigger.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Grow Your Own Food: You Can Now Build IKEA’s “Growroom” Vertical Farm Yourself
Back in October 2016, IKEA’s external innovation hub Space10 announced the Growroom, a spherical structure that allows people to grow their own food locally and sustainably. Last week, Space10 made the plans available to anyone who wants to build their own circular farm.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Benjamin Moore’s New Luxe Paint Line Is What Designers Have Been Waiting For
Have a room that could use an extra dose of drama? This week, Benjamin Moore announced CENTURY, their new luxury line of paint that is not only gorgeous, but has a tactile finish that adds a new experience to a space. They’re calling the finish “soft touch matte,” and it reportedly feels like a soft leather glove.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Watch Kristen Bell Give Her Sister’s Basement a Total Makeover
If there’s anything we love more than a great before and after, it’s a great before and after with Kristen Bell. The Good Place star surprised her sister and her family with a totally new basement for their Detroit home. In an episode of MyHouzz, the home renovation platform’s web series, the Frozen and Veronica Mars actor set out to do something huge for her big sister: totally renovate her basement.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This Ridiculously Tiny San Francisco Studio Has a Bathroom in the Kitchen
Alright, San Francisco, you officially win at ridiculous real estate. This studio is so tiny that it has a combo kitchen and bathroom. The icing on the cake? The landlord is asking $2000 per month. SFist shared a listing from neighborhood site Nextdoor advertising this newly renovated space in Presidio Heights. While the square footage isn’t advertised, the listing does say it’s “tiny” and that “one person [is] best.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This Is Exactly How Much Time Running Adds To Your Life, According to Science
If you haven’t laced up those running shoes since January (hey, no judgement), this news might motivate you. New research has calculated just how much time a jog adds to your life. A paper published last month in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases takes a look at just how much running increases longevity. The study states that in general, “runners have a 25-40% reduced risk of premature mortality and live approximately three years longer than non-runners.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Lauren Graham & Alexis Bledel Talk About the Gilmore Girls Revival & the Possibility of More Episodes
On Sunday, Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel were on a panel together, and naturally, all anyone wanted to talk about was Gilmore Girls. The actors behind everyone’s favorite verbose mother-daughter duo chatted about the Netflix revival and the possibility of more episodes.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Tamagotchi Is Back and the ’90s Renaissance Continues
Children of the ’90s, the nostalgia hits keep coming. Japanese electronic toy company Bandai has re-released everyone’s favorite pixelated pet, the Tamagotchi. Here is what we currently know about it: Bandai’s exciting news coincides with the 20th anniversary of the OG Tamagotchi, which was launched worldwide in May 1997 (it was available in Japan earlier, in 1996). There are a few differences from the original.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
There’s a Great British Baking Show for Gardens, And Here’s How You Can Stream It
If you’re obsessed with watching charming and talented amateur contestants compete on The Great British Baking Show, it’s not a stretch to say you’ll enjoy another UK export—and starting in May, you’ll be able to stream it here in the US. Now that Mary Berry has left and Mel and Sue have been replaced, I know I’m going to need a new addictive, yet soothing British competition show.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This is America’s Favorite Paint Color (and It’s Not a Neutral!)
As we’re known to say around here, painting is an easy and inexpensive way to totally change the look of your space. And while colors come in and out of vogue (neutral whites and grays have reigned supreme for quite some time now), it looks like people might now to be more willing to add a little more hue to their homes.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Last Chance: Everything That’s Leaving Netflix in July
Netflix giveth and Netflix taketh away. While we’re excited about what’s returning to the streaming service next month, that means some things have to go. So to prioritize your watch list for the remainder of June, here is everything that’s leaving Netflix in July. Sorry, Sandra Bullock fans: Two of the actor’s classic rom coms starring floppy haired leading men are giving their notice.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
These Are The Most Popular Paint Colors By State
People have strong opinions on color—in general, and especially the ones they choose to live with and add to their homes. So we find it inherently interesting to see if certain areas prefer one color over another. The people at BEHR recently studied paint sales across the country, and determined each state’s most popular shade.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Living Room Goes from Bland to Glam
Spoilers for “Best Room Wins.”While we’ve been in a golden age of TV for awhile now, but only in the past few seasons have we seen more variety in new home and design programming. If you want something besides another flipper taking over their hometown or another pair of questionably employed folks complaining about paint colors, there are actually other options out there.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Beyoncé and Jay Z Are Reportedly Buying in Bel Air
Queen B and Jay Z could be on the move. The power couple are reportedly under agreement on an over-the-top Bel Air mansion. According to The Real Deal: The eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom spread was designed by Irish architect Paul McClean, who designed at least three of the 10 priciest homes sold in L.A. last year. The six-structure compound totals 30,000 square feet with eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, four pools, a basketball court, a recording studio, a spa, staff quarters and limestone floors.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Color Factory is an Instagram Obsession Come to Life
Color lovers, you might want to book a trip to San Francisco ASAP: The latest must-visit destination is The Color Factory, and it’s probably already infiltrating your Instagram feed. Inside the can’t miss it striped exterior, you’ll find a 12,000 square foot, pop-up “color experience.” Color Factory just opened on August 1, and tickets are selling out faster than you can say (or take a) Boomerang.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
HAY Launches a Kitchen Line at MoMA
While we’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of HAY’s collaboration with IKEA (due in stores this October!), the Danish brand has some more great news: They just launched a collection of kitchen items, and they’re available as of today at the MoMA store. HAY Kitchen Market is a curated collection of essentials from HAY’s co-founder Mette Hay.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Fixer Upper Is Ending After This Season
Sad news for Fixer Upper fans: The HGTV renovation show’s fifth season will be its last. Chip and Joanna announced the news this morning on their blog, citing the need to “catch our breath for a moment.” The couple have been going full force with the show, its spinoff, books, and new products, including a line for Target called Hearth & Hand that debuts in at the store in November.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Sherwin-Williams Announces Its 2018 Color of the Year
If you’re over the hues of 2017, you’re in luck—paint companies are steadily releasing their trend reports, along with their 2018 Colors of the Year. Today, we have the pick from Sherwin-Williams, which is “mysterious,” “opulent,” and “inspired by wanderlust.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This TV Character Has The Most Unaffordable Rent (No, It’s Not Carrie Bradshaw)
30—the magical percentage of take home income that people are supposed to spend on housing and housing related expenses like utilities for their living situation to be considered within their means—might be harder and harder to achieve, but at least us regular, real life people aren’t alone. TV characters often live in unrealistic places, and a new study shows just which ones could afford their homes, and which would be spending more than they should.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Calm Down, Chip & Joanna Haven’t Sold Their Waco House
Don’t worry people, the Gaines might be leaving their HGTV show, but they aren’t leaving Waco. Here’s what went down. Fixer Upper fans were freaking out all over the internet yesterday at reports that the couple behind Magnolia Market was selling their farmhouse and skipping town.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
New Show ‘Animal Cribs’ Tackles Over The Top Renovations For Your Pets
Renovation shows are having a moment, and yet with all the options past and present, there hasn’t been one totally dedicated to one very important part of the family: animals. Thankfully, Animal Planet is on it, and a familiar face is taking on these extreme home makeovers (pet edition). You might recognize Antonio Ballatore as the winner of HGTV’s Design Star and the host of The Antonio Treatment.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Here’s Exactly What It’s Like to Be on House Hunters
House Hunters has been a staple at HGTV since 1999 and has spawned a plethora of spinoffs, including House Hunters International, Tiny House Hunters, House Hunters Off the Grid, and House Hunters Renovation. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be on the popular real estate show? Here’s what we found out. According to CheetSheet.com, you don’t need a minimum budget (like you do for Fixer Upper), but you have to have already put in the leg work.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Lloyd Wright’s Infamous Sowden House Is On the Market
In 1926, architect Lloyd Wright (yep, son of Frank) built this “neo Mayan” home in Los Feliz for friend and artist John Sowden. The property is currently for sale for $4.7 million.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Last Chance: Everything That’s Leaving Netflix in December
December is creeping up on us, and that means that we have news on what will be leaving Netflix next month. Just know that new arrivals are around the corner, and take some solace that there’s a holiday happening this week, so you can sneak in one last viewing of your favorites. Say goodbye to some beloved witchy sisters (and one of our favorite Halloween houses of all time). See ya later, Paddy’s Pub—seasons 1 through 11 are leaving the streaming service next month.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Meghan Markle’s TV Apartment Is Serious Goals
The soon-to-be royal won't be returning for Suits' eighth season--and we might miss her apartment the most.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Here’s How To Get Your Cats and Dogs To Like Each Other, According to Jackson Galaxy and Zoe Sandor
Sharing a space when everybody doesn’t like each other is no fun. It’s almost harder when the ones who are fighting have four legs and don’t speak. That’s every episode of Animal Planet’s new show, Cat vs. Dog, where cat whisperer Jackson Galaxy and dog trainer Zoe Sandor help a household with interspecies fur children become one big happy family—or at least attempt to.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Cancel Your Weekend Plans, The Crown Season 2 Is On Netflix
Hear ye, hear ye: The Crown season 2 is now available on Netflix. While the world was caught up with royal engagement fever, you probably forgot that the period drama was returning for another ten episodes. Here’s what you need to remember from season 1 and what we can expect from season 2 (spoilers ahead, but not really because it’s based on true events, you know?).
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Pinterest Plant Trend That’s Anything But Boring
These plants will be everywhere in 2018, according to Pinterest.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Cheerful Curb Appeal Idea That’s Trending on Pinterest
Nothing says “welcome home” like a smart exterior. Though if your curb appeal could use some punching up, there’s a relatively simple and effective way to change that, and it’s currently trending on Pinterest. Today, the Pinterest 100—the company’s 2018 trend report—was released, and we spied this tried and true trick for updating your home: a boldly hued front door.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Here’s Why You’re Having Recurring Nightmares, According to Science
People have tried to decipher what our dreams mean since the beginning of time, and now, researchers are taking a look at why we have them. A new study published last month takes a look at one particularly stressful dream pattern: the recurring nightmare. Occasional bad dreams are one thing, but recurring nightmares can signal something else, according to a study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
No One Knows What To Do With The New York Times’ Confusing Modern Office Furniture
Picking office furniture is generally a no frills, utilitarian endeavor. Grab some desks, chairs, file cabinets, conference tables and call it a day. Whoever was in charge of that task for the New York Times, though, decided to spice up the workspace with some modern pieces—so modern, in fact, that they’re baffling the staff.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Forget Creepily Screenshotting Your Friend’s Stories: Instagram Is Testing a New Alert
Sorry, creepers: Instagram is once again “borrowing” a feature from Snapchat. The photo app is reportedly testing a screenshot alert notification for Stories, so you can no longer save photos undetected. The feature was reported yesterday by TechCrunch when people took to social media to share the new feature. Good bye freedom to screenshot IG stories. ? Thank you, Instagram for the warning. pic.twitter.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Check Out This Empty Candle Jar Hack, Courtesy of Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski
We can’t get enough of the touching reboot of Queer Eye that debuted in February, courtesy of Netflix. If you’ve already binged all eight episodes of season one, hoping the Fab 5 will magically show up on your doorstep ready to make you over from head to toe while instantly becoming your new BFFs, well, that probably isn’t in the cards. But following the fellows on Instagram is a close second, because they offer up style tips, motivational mantras, and smart hacks all the same.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Joanna Gaines Talks About What’s Next After Tonight’s Final Fixer Upper Episode
Tonight is the series finale of Fixer Upper, and if you’re in denial, you’re not alone. Jo took some time today to reflect on the end of the show over on Magnolia’s blog. While the power couple aren’t exactly disappearing forever, deciding to end their hugely popular HGTV show last fall came as quite a surprise.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
There’s a Condo For Sale In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Building
Want to live like Mrs. Maisel? Then we have good news: an apartment in The Strathmore, the Upper West Side building where the show is set, is on the market. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was a breakout hit show last year, winning two Golden Globes in January (for Best Musical or Comedy TV Series and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series). And as lovers of space and design, we watched for the marvelous mid-century interiors as much as the brilliant acting and storytelling.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Design Is For Babies: A Q&A With Julie Merberg, Author of Baby’s First Eames
Babies don’t know much about design. Every time I’ve tried to delve into the finer points of Eliel versus Eero Saarinen with the under-one crowd, they just stare at me blankly (and occasionally drool). Thankfully, Julie Merberg has a new book coming out May 8 called Baby’s First Eames (Downtown Bookworks), and I am thrilled that finally, newborns and I will have something to talk (rather, screech and coo) about.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
The Under $20 Item That Gives My Tiny Rental Kitchen More Counter Space
If you live in a small space, chances are that your kitchen is also equally diminutive. As you can see, my particular kind of tiny rental kitchen is of the single wall variety, with a paltry two cabinets width of counter to speak of. While that (and the single outlet) mean I have to cull the clutter and keep appliances elsewhere when not in use, even when the counter is cleared, that’s not a ton of space to work with if you’re trying to cook a meal.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Sherwin-Williams On What Color Palettes Will Take Us Into 2019 & Beyond
While we still have six months left of 2018, that hasn’t stopped paint companies from looking forward to 2019 and beyond. If you’re dying to know what colors will be hot for the last year of the decade (we’re looking at you, renovators and redecorators), Sherwin-Williams just announced their color forecast for next year. Here are its picks for color trends for 2019.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
This Tiny ‘Mean Girls’ Broadway Dressing Room Got a Really Fetch Makeover
Backstage at the August Wilson, the nearly 100-year-old theater currently houses the cast of “Mean Girls,” the delightful Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Tiny Fey’s beloved early aughts teen comedy. Barrett Wilbert Weed, who stars as Janis, preps for eight shows a week in a minuscule dressing room—one that recently underwent a serious style transformation.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Here’s Everything That’s Leaving Netflix In July
Summer: the season where you neglect Netflix to spend more time outside—or, the time when it’s too hot, so you stay cool and comfortable on your couch. Either way, if any of your faves are on the list of July’s expiring titles, you might want to make a date with your (streaming) device. Sadly, the 1994 version of Alcott’s March sisters will snowball fight out of our queues in July, but it could be the impetus you need to check out the recent PBS/Masterpiece adaptation.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Here’s What’s New on Netflix in July
You may be tempted to cut down on screen time this season to enjoy the outdoors, but Netflix wants to make that as hard as possible. Here’s what’s coming to the streaming service in July. Everything leaving Netflix in July Everyone’s favorite rambunctious redhead returns for a second season of the Netflix/CBC reboot. Jerry Seinfeld is back, and picking up more comedians in cars to get coffee.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Do You Like Jokes and Crafts? This Punny Video Of Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman Is Sew Good
If you like puns, crafts, and craft-related puns, then we have a pretty great way for you to spend two minutes. In a video to promote their new crafting competition show, Making It, former Parks & Rec costars Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman challenge each other to a DIY-themed pun-off. “Y’all thready for this?” starts Poehler. “Don’t be spoolish,” Offerman dishes.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Alert: Instagram’s Favorite “It” Plant Is Back at Costco
Great news, plant parents: the Instagram favorite fiddle leaf fig tree appears to be back in stock at select Costco locations across the country. You might remember how excited we got to spot them at a Michigan location last year (Auburn Hills) where they were around six feet tall and under $50 ($46.99 to be exact). Our plant sleuth Kaitlin Flannery just let us know that the leafy tree is back at Auburn Hills, though they are smaller in size and in price.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019
Author Kelsey Miller On Her Home Office Splurge and What She Learned While Writing a Book about ‘Friends’
Kelsey Miller never expected to have room for a home office in New York City—at least until she was “rich and famous.” However, she and her husband lucked out on the apartment front, and now she has a small writer’s retreat all to herself. The author of the forthcoming book “I’ll Be There For You” takes us on a mini tour of her workspace, and shares what it’s really like writing a book about everyone’s favorite TV show, “Friends.
Tara Bellucci
May 3, 2019