5 Genius Decorating Tips, According to Art Teachers
STYLE
Get into the back-to-school spirit by hitting the refresh button on your home.
Aug 22, 2019
Beyond the Pale: The Grown Up Way to Do Blue & Pink
Pantone's choice of Serenity and Rose Quartz as co-colors of the year in 2016 did a lot to rescue this pairing from the nursery, but this post is not about sweet, pastel shades.
Aug 21, 2019
6 Beautiful Bedroom Trends That Will Take Over 2019
STYLE
Ready to hit the refresh button on your bedroom? These trends will look good well into the New Year.
Aug 16, 2019
Three Things to Splurge On for Your Living Room, And Two Things You Can Save On
They say that money can't buy you love but sometimes, it can buy some great living room style.
Aug 13, 2019
Get The Look: Iron Man/Tony Stark’s Man Cave
You may have drooled along with us at Tony Stark’s dream garage and workshop. Turns out some of the tech is actually quite achievable. Unfortunately we don’t mean the fantastical suit of armor, fanciful interactive 3D user interface, the sports cars, or the kickass space. But there’s plenty of daily tech in use that is quite attainable. Come check out Iron Man’s man cave!Tony Stark’s workspace is a man’s dream realized for the movies.
Aug 10, 2019
4 Major Style Lessons I Learned from Amsterdam
How to bring the Dutch spirit into your design routine.
Aug 9, 2019
10 Easy (But Cool) Ways to Style Your Dining Table, According to Designers
You don't need to have a dinner party to create a gorgeous tablescape.
Jul 18, 2019
7 Ways to Fake High Ceilings In Your Home That Might Even Fool You
You can't always get what you want, but you can use your design chops to hack your way to your dream house.
Jul 18, 2019
40 Black Rooms That Make You Want to Go to the Dark Side
Goodbye, neutrals. Hello, bold, beautiful black rooms.
Jul 17, 2019
7 Beautiful Ways to Decorate Your Bathroom Walls
Want to zhuzh up your bathroom walls, but don't know where to start? Let these rooms give you design inspiration.
Jul 16, 2019
Here's What Your Childhood Bedroom Color Says About You
Your tastes might've changed since you were a kid, but the color of your childhood bedroom might inform your current style.
Jul 16, 2019
Interior Designers are Already Over These Big 2019 Trends
Trends come and go—and these four fads have already had their 15 minutes of design fame.
Jul 15, 2019
Forget Rainbow-Colored Shelves: 7 Ways to Display Your Books
STYLE
If color-coded shelves feel played out, feast your eyes on these stunning alternatives.
Jul 14, 2019
Here's Proof That Wall-to-Wall Carpets are Wonderful
STYLE
Believe it or not, wall-to-wall carpets aren't as awful as they're cracked up to be. Style your carpet to perfection with these savvy tips.
Jul 13, 2019
Add Tons of Personality to Your Home with Oil Portraits
STYLE
Give the classic art style a modern twist with these tips.
Jul 12, 2019
It's Official: Disco Balls are Making a Comeback
STYLE
Put the spotlight on your space with these illuminating tips.
Jul 11, 2019
How to Style a Rug in Your Kitchen
STYLE
The kitchen rug trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon, so here's how to incorporate it into your space.
Jul 11, 2019
8 Bright Ways to Use String Lights in Your Home
STYLE
Let your home shine bright with these smart design tips.
Jul 10, 2019
10 Genius Plant Decor Ideas to Refresh Your Space
Style
Want to take your plant parent status to the next level? Check out these modern ways to decorate with your greens.
Jul 9, 2019
13 Super Secret Stair Storage Ideas
Underneath the stairs lies a great abyss known as unused space in most homes. Check out this list of 13 inspirational ideas to kick-start how to use your stairs, steps, and angles to your best small space advantage!In no particular order, here are our favorite 13 ways to efficiently use your staircase space: Stair Drawers: When you think about it, directly underneath your steps are layers of unused space. So why not add functionality to those common rectangles by transforming them into drawers?
Jul 1, 2019
Behr’s 2020 Color Trends Palette Will Transport You to the Great Outdoors
Only halfway through 2019 and the first wave of 2020 color announcements have begun. This week, PPG revealed that Chinese Porcelain is the first 2020 Color of the Year, and now Behr has unleashed their 2020 Color Trends palette. (June has been feeling very colorful.) We’re not just dealing with one hue, nay, a whole array of 15 that work together to achieve a common goal: a connection to the natural world.
Jun 12, 2019
33 Best Small Space Design Tips
A few months ago, we asked you to share your fave small space design tips and there were some great ideas! We loved your suggestions and enthusiasm and definitely picked up some fab tips for our own small space. After the jump, check out the compiled list and pick up a tip or two.4 Tips For Making a Small Office Feel Big 1) If you have a small space use small pieces that fit the scale of the apartment. Your space will feel bigger.2) Keep it clean!3) Get rid of the clutter.
Jun 8, 2019
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
It’s the start of the first three day weekend of the summer, so in keeping with (and expanding upon!) recent Apartment Therapy tradition, we put together a big list of DIY projects to consider for the days ahead. From crafting to cleaning, renovating to relaxing, there is an idea here for everyone – 100 to be exact! Join Us on Pinterest:Apartment Therapy Learn to make your pics prettier: How To Instantly Improve Your Photos Give your dining chairs a new (tufted!
Jun 5, 2019
The Catalogs We Actually LOVE to Flip Through
While some decor catalogs might seem like mail clutter, truth be told, many are still a ripe source of inspiration—if you know which ones to look for. Filled with beautifully styled rooms and up-and-coming design trends, these catalogs are actually worth a look, unlike much of what hits our mailboxes. To prove our point, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite store catalogs for your consideration.
Jun 5, 2019
#2: ELVARLI Storage System
IKEA says: Whether for a walk-in wardrobe, hallway solution or a business, ELVARLI storage system provides open storage that’s easy to get just right, while looking nice. ELVARLI storage system is the result of some innovative development at IKEA to create flexible, beautiful and lightweight storage. ELVARLI storage system is elegantly designed with attention to small details like seamless joints and invisible fittings.
Jun 5, 2019
#9: BARKABODA Wood Countertop
IKEA’s description: The herringbone pattern has a beautifully pleasing geometry to the eye. In BARKABODA countertop the pattern in dark brown wood adds true elegance to the kitchen. The countertop is made durable with a layer of solid wood that covers a particleboard core. This technique not only gives a genuine expression of solid wood, but is a good environmental choice as it’s resource-efficient.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Choose the Right Size Lamp Shade
Whether you’re buying something new or updating the old, pairing a new shade with a lamp can be tricky. We’ve got a few tips for you to keep in mind while you shop for that perfect shade. Measuring tape Lamp Remember these five things: The bottom edge of the lampshade should fall midway on the neck of the lamp. You don’t want the socket or the switch to be visible. When shade shopping, the shade size refers to the width across the bottom of the shade.
May 21, 2019
Rooms In Bloom: 14 Fabulous Floral Arrangements from Our House Tours
Fresh flowers are one of life’s ultimate indulgences: they’re beautiful, they’re fabulous, they’re gone before you know it. Here are 14 gorgeous, ephemeral arrangements from our House Tours and a discussion of just what makes them work so well— besides their own gorgeousness, of course… Danielle’s Charming, Classic Chicago Walk-Up: Ranunculus Ah, the sweetest little cabbages of the floral world.
May 19, 2019
Before & After: Black and White Stripe Linoleum Floor
Attention, all you renters out there: this is an easy, affordable, and ultra-stylish way to upgrade your dingy rental floors. We have been meaning to do something like this ourselves for quite some time, and seeing this project by Orlando Soria on Design*Sponge totally got us all jazzed up to copy her.
May 8, 2019
How To Build an Interior Window
Contemporary homes are built with open floor plans, great rooms, and high ceilings — a result of current tastes, as well as programmatic and structural changes in residential architecture. Unlike homes from the mid-century and prior, the contemporary home incorporates the previously private kitchen into the public living space and capitalizes on longer span beams to create rooms that flow together.
May 8, 2019
How To Make A Wine Bottle Tiki Torch for Under $4.00
Inspired by the this Recycled Wine Bottle Torch post and annoyed by mosquitoes this week (how is it that they’re already out and there’s been only a few weeks of spring?), we hit up the hardware store and threw together a $3.48 recycled wine bottle torch filled with citronella. While it’s not as classy as the real thing (nor as safe), it keeps the bugs at bay and looks pretty good. And it was quick and cheap.
May 8, 2019
How to Make Your Own Liquid Laundry Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap claims 18 cleaning uses in one bottle. One of those is laundry soap. Want to know how to make your own using only a cup of Dr. Bronner’s per 64 loads? Check it out: This laundry soap doesn’t create suds, but it doesn’t need to in order to get your laundry clean. 1 cup Dr. Bronner’s pure castile liquid soap1 cup baking soda2 cups water1/3 cup salt Warm the water and mix with salt and baking soda until dissolved.
May 7, 2019
How To Make Your Own Shade Sail
I’m sure in certain parts of the world people are looking forward to the start of Spring and warmer days, but here in Australia it is hot hot hot and there is never enough shade. So I’m making my own! No heavy plasticky shade sails for me… I’m opting for light white muslin to let the light in but take the edge off.MaterialsAs much fabric as you need to cover your chosen area. (As mentioned above, I used muslin.
May 7, 2019
Creative New Uses for Plant Stands
As someone who has a tough time keeping indoor plants alive, I knew I would never use my antique plant stand for its intended purpose. Instead, it is used to hold an iron kettle (Image 10). Occasionally I shove some cut flowers in the kettle but that’s about as green as my plant stand gets. It seems I am not the only one who has found alternative uses for plant stands.
May 6, 2019
A 30-Second Organic Air Freshener… Made From Trash
We’ve all heard of the old real-estate trick of sticking a cookie dough log in the oven and waiting for it to magically sell your house (or burn it down). But this process seems wasteful of food, or at its very best—when you stuff down your over-baked cookie deodorizer—disrespectful to the privilege and pleasure of eating. Here’s a way to freshen your home with garbage, yes, garbage.
May 6, 2019
How To Make an Alphabet Shadow Box
We’re always on the lookout for new ways to display the alphabet in a child’s room. Using an old picture frame and some wood, you can construct a shadow box, stencil letters onto the glass, and fill it with tiny, found objects to represent each letter. Click through for the complete how to.
May 5, 2019
How To Install a New Light Fixture
I can’t tell you how easy this project is. Seriously, my bloodhound could do it. This is also one of those things you can do to make yourself happy as a renter, but that won’t piss your landlord off. After removing it, just keep the old light and put it back up before you move out.
May 5, 2019
How To: Cut a Mat for Framing Artwork
Invest in a simple mat cutter and the world of framing is at your fingertips. Cutting mats is easy, inexpensive, and takes your artwork to a new level. It looks custom, even if you buy a readymade frame from a store.What You Need:Materials:Mat boardArtwork Tools:Sharp straight blade, such a X-Acto knife or box cutterMat cutter, like this Logan 4000 Pull-Style CutterStraight edge rulerPencilProtective cutting surfaceStore bought frame Instructions:1. Make sure your cutting surface is clean.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Boy’s Bedroom Redo
Michele’s son had outgrown his room’s decor, and everyone was sick of the orange, purple and red color scheme. It took a couple of weeks to re-do it completely, using a lot of what they already owned, plus adding a few new things to the mix. The goal was to keep it affordable and simple.This room might win the award for the most handmade things in one space.
May 5, 2019
How To Baby Proof Your Rental
Uh-oh. Has that baby of mine really worked out how to get in the refrigerator? Already? And the cabinets? Time to baby proof our rental. But how, when there is so little we can change? Here are a few of the challenges we renters face when baby-proofing, and the simple steps we can take to overcome them. If you can, start at the very beginning. When looking at a property, speak to the landlord about any safety concerns you have about the space.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: A Moroccan Pattern Stenciled Bathroom
This relatively plain bathroom got a major face lift with something that looks as good as wallpaper, but is actually impeccably painted, DIYed stencil handiwork. While that has a huge impact on the space, there are a few other east improvements that A Pumpkin and a Princess implemented that helped transform the room — can you spot them?Crystal from A Pumpkin and a Priness set out to makeover her guest bathroom, all on her own.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Kids’ Bathroom Gets Board & Batten Treatment
This bathroom isn’t terribly awful — but it isn’t terribly interesting, either. Come see what some new lighting, a framed-out mirror, and some board and batten walls can do for a rather ho-hum bathroom.Jenny from Project Maddox was determined to tackle her kids’ bathroom and make it just a little less “just moved in” and give it a more custom look.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Coffee Table Turned Tufted Ottoman
Brooke, from the home décor blog Inside-Out Design, started with this run-of-the-mill old coffee table, and with some ingenuity and a lot of handiwork, she and her husband transformed it into a one-of-a-kind hand-tufted ottoman.Brooke used West Elm’s Ikat Print by the Yard fabric as inspiration for completely transforming the coffee table.
May 5, 2019
How To “Fake” a Gallery-WrappedCanvas Print
This tutorial is inexpensive, easy, and best of all: low-risk. I was in need of some art for our bathroom, and it needed to be rather large and until I can afford what I’ve really got my heart set on — rather cheap.I decided to take a poster that I liked (picked up at a craft store for around $10) and skip the large expensive frame. Instead, I made it look like a wrapped canvas, using a cheap old thrift store canvas I had lying around.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Little Boy’s Room Gets a Creative New Look
I love it when kids’ rooms look like, well… a room fit for a kid! This is a great example of a clean, organized, yet creative space for a little one to flourish.Kara Rosenlund designed this room to be a cheerful, relaxed space perfect for a growing little boy. From the dramatic floor-to-ceiling chalkboard walls, to the sunny ceiling fan, to the “grass” rug on the floor, there’s no risk of mistaking this room for a serious grownup space.
May 5, 2019
Before & After: Kid’s Corner Gets a Mini (Mario!) Makeover
Katja gives full instructions, along with photos of the process, over at her blog, Shift Ctrl ART Thanks so much Katja — both projects look great!
May 5, 2019
How To Make a Colorful, Inexpensive Floor Cushion
Floor cushions are hot items right now. They make great alternative seating to accommodate extra dinner party guests and they’re perfect for back patio garden parties during the summer. Every shop from West Elm to Serena & Lily offers plenty of options, but depending on your budget they can be a little on the pricey side.
May 5, 2019
How To Make Your Own DIY Vintage Plate Tiered Dessert Stand
Here’s a quick and easy project for parties of all types; whether for kids or adults, casual or formal. These tiered stands are inexpensive to make, and a great way to use old dishes destined for donation. They also look just fancy enough and add great height to a dessert table — all good things.
May 5, 2019
Try This DIY Art Project: How To Make a Handmade Bird Mobile
Here’s a great idea for a DIY art project you can make, inspired by the art of Mark Hearld. Hearld is a British artist whose gorgeous prints, illustrations, and ceramics depict British fauna and flora dancing with color and movement. His installation at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a huge flock of painted wood birds suspended over visitors— something I dreamed of hanging in my house. Alas, I’ll have to (happily) make do with this DIY bird mobile I concocted instead.
May 5, 2019
Get Laken’s Look!: DIY Dorm Bed Canopy Project
Yesterday we saw the reveal of Wash U freshman Laken’s spruced up new digs. Today, Laken is showing us how she created the custom bed canopy shown above. If you like the look, you can make one for yourself! Materials Large 24″ diameter embroidery hoop Two curtain panels (we used one package of IKEA Vivan, for $9.
May 5, 2019
Christmas DIY Craft Project: How To Make an Etched Snow Globe
Has it snowed yet where you live? No? Then here’s a quick and easy project to create your own Winter Wonderland, using glass etching cream and some tape. Faux snow globes are great for mantel decorations or the table. You get all the snowfall, without the boots or mittens! Here’s how to make one yourself… Materials Glass dome or cloche Etching cream Paintbrush Painters tape Hole punches (at least two sizes is ideal) Instructions: 1.
May 4, 2019
How To Sew a Reversible Christmas Tree Skirt
When we decided to have our first Christmas tree above 18″ this year, it seemed the right time to make a tree skirt. It’s not difficult, and making your own means it can be made out of any fabric you choose. Here, I share how to make a reversible one so if your preference changes from year to year it’s as easy as a flip of the fabric: (2) contrasting 1.
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.
May 4, 2019
How to Make a Cloud Nursery Mobile
I’ve had this idea for a cloud mobile tutorial for months now, but there was always something more pressing to do (I should clarify that, in most cases, neither the mobile nor the more pressing matter was accomplished). This was actually a very easy little project, I’m surprised to say. You never know, when you delve into something new, whether it will go as planned or end up in the unfinished pile in the corner of the closet (along with the partially knitted baby blanket).
May 4, 2019
How To Make Dip-Dyed & Painted Paper Lanterns
Taking inspiration from the IKEA summer catalog and Designers Guild, I decided to dip dye paper lanterns to replace the grubby, aging ones currently hanging from my balcony. The 4th of July holiday gave me a good deadline to finally get this DIY project off the back burner. This is one of the cheapest and easiest DIY projects that I have done.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A Floral & Fashionable Bathroom Refresh
Little powder rooms can pack a punch. Case in point: Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere recently redid a tiny bathroom in her house, and decided not to play it safe. The results are impressive: I think it’s safe to say that this oversized floral wallpaper from Ellie Cashman is a show stopper and, when paired with the marble vanity and gold accents, makes for a glamorous and timeless room.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: Back Steps Become a Stairway of Heaven
Once you’ve groaned at the title of this post (go ahead, I know you want to), click on over to see Gemma’s DIY fix for the back steps down to her basement. An IKEA rug just happened to be the exact width of Gemma’s stairs, which made it an irresistible choice for a quick DIY runner. Finished off with some nailhead trim, it’s now a chic little entrance. (Plus, Gemma hopes the dark rug helps hide tracked in dirt.
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.
May 4, 2019
How To Transfer Custom Images to Ceramic Plates
Adding a graphic element to is a good way to customize a party and make it your own. For Maxwell and Lulu’s Halloween party, we created these easy cupcake plates using ceramics from the thrift store and some clip art. Inkjet Lazertran Image Transfer Paper Blank Ceramic Plate Clear Acrylic Spray Chosen Image Alcohol (optional) Bowl of Warm Water Paper Towel I love this method because it can be temporary if you want to reclaim your plate after the party.
May 4, 2019
How To Properly Light a Bedroom
At first glance, the bedroom seems the least important room in the home, in terms of lighting. After all, we’re not really working in there much (unless it doubles as an office), and the primary goal of the space is to support sleep— which requires an intentional lack of light.
May 4, 2019
How to Properly Light a Bathroom
As with the kitchen, the bathroom is a “work room,” and therefore one of the most important spaces in the home to get lighting right. They also tend to be smaller than all the other rooms in our home, and don’t have as many (or as large) windows. Careful consideration of the General, Task and Accent lighting we add to this room will pay dividends in how the area functions and feels.
May 4, 2019
Do You Like It Big in the Bedroom?: Oversized Art
The bedroom is a great place to make an impact…with oversize art. Fewer windows and, often, a tendency to leave the walls blank is an opportunity to add a focal point with one big, grand piece of art. Top Row 1. A colorful, abstract painting brings focus to the center of this vibrant bedroom. Real Living magazine featuring Andrew O’Brien artwork (available here) 2. A monochromatic room is punctuated with an ironic canvas. Tamara Magel Home on Houzz 3.
May 4, 2019
How To Recover an Old Lampshade
Recovering an old lampshade with new fabric is one of the easiest ways to make a large impact on a room — without largely impacting your budget. No sewing machine? No problem! Lamp shade 1 yard of fabric (if you are working with a very large shade you may need more) Sharp scissors Large sheet of blank paper (tracing paper or wrapping paper work great!) Spray adhesive Lots of clothespins Pen or marker 1.
May 4, 2019
How To Make a Giant Paper Chandelier
These extra large paper chandeliers make such amazing party decorations. They are colorful, easy to make, and have a huge impact in a room. I recently assembled this one out of movie ticket strips for an Oscars viewing party this year, but you can use other types of paper instead.
May 4, 2019
DIY Fall Decor: All Gold Everything
Fall is officially here, and everything is coming up gold. From garlands and wreaths to pumpkins and pears, read on for simple ways to DIY this metallic into your home for the season. TOP ROW: 1. Falling leaves garland from 6th Street Design School. 2. Gilded acorns available to buy from Light of Day Creations on Etsy, but an easy thing to DIY! 3. Gold-painted branches from Popsugar. 4. DIY no-sew burlap table runner from Inspired by Charm. 5. Gold-dipped log candleholder DIY on the Etsy blog.
May 4, 2019
The One Space for Storage You’re Probably Not Using
I’m always interested in what the kids these days are doing in their dorm rooms. Yes, I realize that statement makes me sound like a geriatric. But seriously, were there ever so many dorm-dedicated brands and options ten—even five—years ago? I look at Instagram, lookbooks and big box circulars longingly. But you know what? There are some great storage ideas and products for the rest of us disguised in all that college ‘ish. Ya feel?
May 4, 2019
How To Make a Pajaki Chandelier
A recent search for an “elaborate, colorful chandelier” for our living room lead me down a fantastic pająki rabbit hole. The paper and straw sculptures, typically Polish folklore holiday decor, were originally constructed to hang from the ceiling to resemble elaborate crystal chandeliers found in homes of the upper class. Pająki are usually made using wood straws but I wanted lots of color, so I changed it up a bit and used printed paper straws.
May 4, 2019
15 Clever Things You Didn’t Know You Really Needed in Your Kitchen
Are you thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Here are 15 clever details you might want to consider adding. They’re all elegant solutions that make life in the kitchen just a little bit easier, and we wouldn’t blame you one bit if you want them all. Built-in, pull out cutting boards. From Residence Magazine via Nordicspace. Even better, a pull-out cutting board right about the trash bin, to make sweeping away scraps super-easy. By Gary Wafford.
May 4, 2019
Brilliant Ways to Use Drawer Pulls & Handles You’ve Never Thought Of
The options are endless.
May 4, 2019
Before & After: A New Bathroom, 3 Hours & $150 Later
Erin of Earnest Home Co. admits that small changes aren’t her specialty. Once she focuses on a room, it’s usually all or nothing. So simply sprucing up her small bathroom was a decided challenge, one she did with only $150 and a couple of hours one afternoon. Since the tile and floor wasn’t going anywhere soon, she focused on the little things she could change out easily.
May 4, 2019
Worth a Fix: Common Ways You Might Be Getting Window Treatments Wrong
Windows — and their coverings — are a big part of your home’s design. Are you getting yours right? There are a lot of ways you can go wrong with window treatments in your home. Here are seven to look out for. Like the look of sheers but can’t sleep because they let too much street light in? Love the look of big, thick drapes but wish you had more of a breeze in your home?
May 4, 2019
How Gallery Walls are Like Cats (And Why Your Home Probably Needs One)
There's no such thing as an awkward space in the post-gallery wall world, because you can arrange a collage of frames to skillfully attack the proportions of any sized wall.
May 3, 2019