The perfect formula here is a DIY cleaner specifically meant for mirrors (don’t worry; we’ve got a great one) paired with a flat-weave microfiber cloth.

Ashley Abramson

Jun 28, 2020

DIY Project Idea: How To Make a Lamp Out of Anything

The key to making a table lamp is finding the correct socket set-up and mount. Some readymade kits already exist but, otherwise, you have to figure out what works best for your chosen vessel-turned-lamp base. I myself had a random wooden vase/candleholder that perfectly accommodated a basic globe shade from the hardware store. It was screaming to become a lamp, and I was more than happy to oblige.

Dabney Frake

Jun 24, 2020

Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? Yes—Here's How

Paint can save you from replacing your siding altogether.

Brigitt Earley

Jun 16, 2020

How to Get a Broken Key from a Lock

First step: Don't. Panic.

Hannah Kinnersley

Jun 14, 2020

After Raising Six Kids, This Mom Started a YouTube Channel to Teach Practical Life Skills

Inspired by the "Dad, how do I?" channel, she created "Mom, how do I?"

Mia Nakaji Monnier

Jun 1, 2020

Laminate Floors Need Some Love? Here's Everything You Should Know

You can achieve polished, sparkling clean laminate floors without worrying about damaging them.

Ashley Abramson

May 31, 2020

How to Totally Transform Your Current Furniture—Without Paint

Get ready to embrace one of the best trends of the '90s.

Ashley Poskin

May 15, 2020

This Space-Saving TV Solution is Easier Than You Think

This project looks way harder than it is.

Megan Baker Detloff

May 12, 2020

How To Repair Chipped China

I love delicate porcelain. Plates, bowls, vases — I’ve even started collecting pieces from White Forest Pottery, much to my wallet’s chagrin. What I don’t love are the moments right after you accidentally chip one of your prized possessions. But before writing them off completely, I thought I’d see if there was anyway I could salvage my beauties. While I realize they will never be 100% perfect again, my attempt at salvaging them was quite worthwhile.

Kimber Watson

May 12, 2020

Learn This One-Hour Project and Double Your Storage Space

It's easier than it looks! Learn how and you'll be able to organize your stuff in no time.

Megan Baker Detloff

Apr 28, 2020

Propagation Station: How To Make Plant Babies

All the resources you need to save money, one new baby leaf at a time.

Amelia Lawrence

Apr 22, 2020

3 Tools and 10 Minutes Are All You Need to Silence Annoying Squeaks

This is the easiest chore ever to cross off your list.

Megan Baker Detloff

Apr 21, 2020

This Laundry Expert Says You Can Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

If you follow the right steps, you may never need to spend money on a dry cleaner again.

Ashley Abramson

Apr 15, 2020

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!).

Kimber Watson

Apr 14, 2020

How To: Pick Out Throw Pillows

Is there a twelve-step program for addiction to throw pillows? Maybe we’ll start one. It’s gotten pretty bad. In fact, we’ve had to place a moratorium on them for the calendar year (here we come, 2010!).

Susie Nadler

Mar 28, 2020

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!

Kimber Watson

Mar 12, 2020

How To Make a Stencil For a Paint Pattern

Stencils are a fun and economic way to create a pattern or duplicate an image over and over again. They can be used on a vast array of items from rugs, and garden containers, to walls and ceilings. You can purchase them pre-made, but if you’re looking for something one-of-a-kind your best bet is to make it yourself. There are quite a few options when it comes to picking out the material for your plate.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 11, 2020

How To: Start a No-Dig Garden … Step by Step

A few weeks ago we blogged an article in the LA Times about No-Dig Gardens. They require less water than traditional gardens and they’re an easy way to start a raised bed. You can even start one right over a patch of grass you want to get rid of. Another easy gardening option is bringing the garden inside with grass you can grow indoors. Our friend and coworker, Hulda Nelson, tipped us off to the article.

Stephanie Kinnear

Feb 6, 2020

How to Make an Easy, No-Sew Cushion

If you read the January Cure diaries, you probably saw my window seats, both bare and then with cushions. If you’re interested, here’s how I made the cushions in about an hour. FoamUpholstery fabricPlywood SheetsThin Batting (Optional) Measuring TapeScissorsHammer or Rubber MalletStaple Gun (with staples of course)Foam CutterKnife, electric or otherwise1. Measure your space and cut foam to the same dimensions.

Dabney Frake

Feb 6, 2020

DIY Home Decor: How To Paint a Faux Concrete Wall Finish

A few years ago I wrote about a distressed glazing technique which has a distressed feel to it, a way we developed to add visual texture to your walls that doesn’t like a stock rag rolling. Here, we take this process one step further. The look is both soft and contemporary, works well in urban environments, and is still livable. It’s unique every time, and in this example we’re emphasizing a linear quality, as if the “concrete” was poured into a wood formwork.

Mark Chamberlain

Feb 6, 2020

How To Repot an Orchid

There is nothing more satisfying than watching an orchid send out its flowering spike — knowing that when you see the glorious blooms, it was you that helped it thrive to do so. And while we’ve shown you how to repot your houseplants before, orchids, well they’re a different sort of breed. Unlike your typical houseplant, potting orchids in soil will lead to root rot and one dead plant! Orchids are either terrestrial or epiphytic.

Kimber Watson

Jan 16, 2020

How to Force Bulbs So They Bloom Indoors Any Time of Year

It's like a natural magic trick!

Molly Williams

Jan 9, 2020

Here's How to Fix Scratches in Your Hardwood Floors

You don't have to settle for covering them up with a rug.

Kelly Dawson

Jan 5, 2020

Try This DIY Project!: Turn an Old Box Spring Mattress into Stand Alone Bed Frame

This DIY project is a great use for older box springs, and an affordable way to have a “brand new” bed. It only requires about four yards of upholstery fabric, and can be done in just a couple of hours… Katy from The Clever Bunny had a hand-me-down mattress which was relegated to her guest room. In lieu of a bed frame she chose to cover the box spring with fabric and add legs.

Dabney Frake

Dec 20, 2019

DIY Home Decor: How To Make a Sliding Door for Under $40

Do you know what kind of looks you get when you go to the hardware store and tell the clerk you want to DIY a sliding door? When they point in the direction of “Doors & Windows,” you know it’s time to take matters into your own hands. I needed a door for a lofted space above our living room, and wanted the sliding effect. However, since it was a temporary solution, its construction needed to be simple and easy to do.

Sarah Rae Smith

Dec 19, 2019

Tips & Tricks for Hanging Temporary Removable Wallpaper

Hanging traditional wallpaper is daunting, but you can breathe a lot easier when you’ve got the removable and repositionable kind. The fear that you’ll screw up is minimal. Still, it’s helpful to know what you are getting yourself into before you get started. And tips and tricks are always handy! For this project, we used wallpaper tiles from Hygge & West designed by Laundry called Andalusia in Blush.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

How to Blow Out an Egg for Decorating and Craft Projects

Whether Easter’s on its way or you’re just looking to decorate with eggs to add a touch of organic beauty around your home, blown eggs are a great way to utilize both the package, and the contents of the package with little to no waste at all. Raw eggs Thumbtack Toothpick or bamboo skewer Small bowl Straw (narrower the better) or syringe 1. Balance the egg vertically on the table and start by pressing a thumb tack into the very top point and bottom point of your egg.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How to Make An (Easy!) Wooden Shoe Rack

A shoe rack is a great way to keep high traffic areas from getting cluttered with piles of shoes. To make one for the fancy footwear in your household, all you need is a free afternoon, power tools, and a can-DIY attitude! Personalize your rack by scaling up the length of the dowels for big shoes and boots, or scale down for those little pitter patters.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To DIY a Stylish Futon That Doubles as Small Space Storage

In Brittany & Jordan’s newly renovated camper, a lot of DIY went a long way. To take the living space from floral to fabulous, Brittany proudly designed and built this storage futon herself. When she couldn’t find the right futon/couch/storage solution for the camper, she used her knowledge from years of working in her dad’s shop to come up with the design, cut all the pieces, assemble, rework and reassemble the structure.

Hayley Lawrence

Dec 19, 2019

Get Colorful: How To Dye a Sheepskin

Sheepskin and flokati rugs are everywhere these days — they add texture to a room, and instantly add comfort to a hard plastic or wood chair. But if you’re looking to make your sheepskin stand out from the run of the mill, or just need a little change, fabric dye is the ticket. Fabric dye 1 cup salt Rubber gloves or stir stick Soaking bucket or bathtub Water 1.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Leaning Framed Floor Mirror

We’ve featured Amanda’s DIY projects before and she’s a bit of a DIY master. Skill Level: Moderate Time Required: 2-3 Hours Project Cost: Varies depending on mirror size Plate glass mirror Flat wooden boards, 1 inch thick by 3-4 inches wide Wooden boards, 1 inch thick by 1-2 inches wide Sheet of OSB or plywood, four inches wider and taller than the mirror size Tools Table saw Nail gun and nails Set OSB on a large flat surface, lay mirror on top, centering to fit.

Nora Taylor

Dec 19, 2019

Build Your Own Beautiful Moon Cradle

When my wife was pregnant I started looking for inspiration for the nursery. I found some nice designs for a cradle, but really fell in love when I found images of a moon shaped cradle. This cradle was made by someone in France and also featured on Apartment Therapy. I decided to try and make this myself based on the images I could find online.

Nora Taylor

Dec 19, 2019

How To Carve a Pumpkin

After examining endless short, tall, lumpy, skinny, and funny-looking specimens, you finally picked out that perfect pumpkin and are now ready to take it home and carve it. But before you get started, take a look at our materials list and stop by the hardware store to pick up a few important tools that will help to get the job done safely and accurately. Compass saw Fleshing tool (an ice cream scoop or ladle will work too!

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Hide Home Wires

No matter how clean your space actually is, a tangled bundle of wires can instantly make the room appear messy and unorganized. Make your space clutter free and ready for its close-up with one of these helpful hints. Before you start: Turn off and unplug all your appliances and do a quick sweep to remove any dust bunnies that may have taken up residence in your wire pile.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make a Tutu in an Hour or Less (No Sewing Required!)

Tutu skirts are a great stand-in when you don’t have a costume planned for a party or you need something fun to wear to a race. This fabulous, totally customizable tutu-orial is easy, inexpensive, and takes hardly any time at all, so grab your measurements, your toddler’s measurements, or your dog’s and have a blast with this goofy costume idea! You can purchase tulle off a bolt or from a spool, depending on how wide you want your strips to be.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How to Stain Wood & Give New Life to Old Furniture

Beautiful wood tones in no time.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make Paper Flowers: Spray Roses

Paper flowers are a creative and economic way to add color and cheer to your space. These particular flowers are a favorite because they don’t come across as overly “crafty” and you can make large quantities in hardly any time at all. As an added bonus, construction is simple and requires nothing more than scissors and quick-drying glue. Cardstock or construction paper Floral stem wire (or something similar) Glue gun + glue Scissors 1.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make a Terrarium

Making your own terrarium is fun and surprisingly easy – and equally easy to maintain. Whatever the climate may be in your large, expansive home or your teeny tiny apartment, a terrarium—given a healthy dose of indirect light and an occasional spritz of water—will be happy as a clam. You can usually find gorgeous, hand blown glass terrariums at any design store, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for them!

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Use The Rasterbator to Create Large Scale Wall Art

It can be difficult to pull the trigger on a large scale wall art purchase. When you calculate the cost of the piece, transport, and hanging, the whole process can be pretty expensive -not to mention it’s a huge commitment. So in the mean time, there your wall stands, lonely, empty, bare… while you wait (and save up for) that perfect piece.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make Soap

Handmade soap is an easy and effective way to add a personalized touch to your bathroom. Whether you’ve got sensitive skin and want to know exactly what ingredients are going into your soaps, or you want to give your guests that ’boutique hotel’ experience while they’re staying with you, it’s fast, fun and totally worth the investment. You can purchase soap making kits that come with everything you need, or gather your supplies individually.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make DIY Drawer Pulls from Just About Anything

For the times that you just can’t find that perfect drawer pull (or the times that you can, but don’t feel like dishing out the $$), knowing how to make your own is a great skill to have. So round up the troops, (seriously, how cool would army people drawer pulls be!?), gather your supplies and get to work! Plastic toys from the dollar store or thrift shop are great pieces to start with.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Keep Dark Denim From Bleeding On Your Furniture

No matter what price I pay for dark denim jeans, they always seem to bleed. Some are worse than others (one brand in particular seems to hemorrhage indigo) but they all are culprits. Here’s how to protect your furniture from a tough-to-remove stain: It may not seem like that big of a deal, but just wait until you leave your (very unwanted) mark on a friend’s white Barcelona chair. Ever tried to remove indigo from white leather? Make sure that doesn’t happen!

Ashley Poskin

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make a Custom Baby Gate

Chris and Julia’s daughter was growing up fast, and they needed a baby gate for their soon-to-be-mobile child. Not thrilled with the readymade options they saw in stores, they devised this custom option for the top of their stairs. The plexiglass makes it less conspicuous than others out there, and the special size works nicely for their extra-wide staircase.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

How to Make a Small Entryway Wall Organizer (with Magnets!)

As renters, we take what we can get, and what we often get are miniscule (or non-existent) entryways and a lack of built-in storage. This multi-faceted organizer has a variety of ways to hang your stuff — coats, bags, and umbrellas — so they are at your fingertips as you head out the door, and stay tidy when you come back in. As a neat bonus, it also has a magnetized area for keys. You can learn how to make one yourself, right after the jump!

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

How to Build a Custom DIY Floating Frame for Artwork

This inexpensive painting ($40 on eBay) needed a frame, but I didn’t want to invest the money in an expensive custom job. After doing a little research, I came up with a DIY floating frame that’s simple and modern, and very easy to make. This particular painting was done on a masonite board, but the plan can be modified for wrapped canvas as well. 1″ x 2″ lengths of wood (in actuality they are about .75″ x 1.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

Upholstery Project: How To Make a DIY Headboard with Fabric Slipcover

I get obsessed with things I see on Pinterest, and this padded headboard (okay, the whole place) is one of my recent fixations. I like the modern, streamlined look of it— but that it’s also more relaxed than a lot of the tufted, nailhead DIY headboards I see all the time.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Upholstery Project: How Make Your Own Custom Fabric Piping (or Welting)

Piping (or welting if you prefer) adds a nice detail to DIY upholstery projects, and gives added tailoring to cushions and headboards. Choose the same color as your main upholstery fabric, or a fun contrasting color for more zip. It’s also easy and quick to make.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Project Idea: How to Make Easter Baskets from Sugar String

These simple and sweet Easter baskets, made from sugar and string, are a great DIY project for the upcoming holiday. Reader Krys shows you how her grandmother used to make them when she was growing up. Read on to learn to make them yourself: 3 cups sugar Acrylic spray Lace or ribbon (optional) 1 spool crochet thread (350 yards) 3-9 inch balloon Approx.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Project: How To Grout Tile

Applying grout is always exciting. It’s the final touch to all of your hard tiling work, and much less tedious and time consuming. (If you missed it, see my earlier tutorial on how to tile your shower.) Yet, there are still some steps to ensure the longevity of your grout lines and the lifespan of your tiles.

June Bhongjan

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Home Renovation: How To Tile Your Bathroom Shower

Unlike painting, tiling isn’t as quick and easy as it looks. Tiling is for those who enjoy tedious, repetitive perfectionism. And I can’t say that I do, but in the end, the three days that turned into three weeks (seriously) was all worth it. Clean white subway tile transforms spaces — all in such a timeless way. So, before you start mixing the thin-set, check out the lessons I learned about how to tile your bathroom.

June Bhongjan

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Lighting Project: How To Make a Swing Arm Wall Sconce

I’m a big fan of DIY lighting projects— once you get the basics down, an entire world of lamps, sconces and pendants open up to you. Here’s everything you need to make this industrial-style swing arm wall sconce. A pair would look really nice on either side of your bed, wouldn’t it? For this project, I purchased all supplies from Grand Brass.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Home Decor: Lego Family Portrait

If photo shoots make you cringe, then Lisa’s Lego-themed family portrait might be more up your alley. It’s cute, but not TOO cute. See how she did it…. Lego Minifigures IKEA Ribba Frame Heavy Cardboard Command Strips Scissors Glue Stick Hot Glue Gun 1. To make the mini figurine family, choose the right hair, heads, bodies and legs (and dogs!) from your Lego stash.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

DIY Project Idea: How to Make a Modern Pegboard Shelving System

As DIY projects go, this is one of my favorites. A photo of one popped up here on Apartment Therapy last year, and it’s been in my crosshairs ever since. I love this shelving system because it’s simple, yet pretty, and can be configured in multiple ways. It’s also very easy to make, with a little precision and patience.

Dabney Frake

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make Your Own Reusable Food Wrap

Sorry Costco, but I don't buy Saran Wrap in bulk anymore.

Edith Zimmerman

Dec 18, 2019

How To Paint Furniture for a Professional-Looking Finish

Painted accent pieces can add charming touches for your home but can be less than charming if painted incorrectly. The process might not seem difficult at all- apply paint, dry, repeat- but if you want a clean, professional finish, there are a few more considerations and steps involved. When painting a really nice piece, you need to put in just as much effort in the prep and sanding stages as you do in the painting stages.

Ashley Poskin

Dec 17, 2019

Restoring Naugahyde To A Shine

We’re still in love with our Eames chairs and recently inherited a couple more that are covered in naugahyde. They’ve been sitting in storage for about 20 years and they’re dull and sad. We want them to look shiny and new like the picture above. Jump below for hot to restore them to their original lustre.Here’s our baby, a dull pink with water stains and sadness.

Laure Joliet

Dec 16, 2019

How To Clean and Season an Old, Rusty Cast Iron Skillet With Salt and Oil

Cast iron skillets get better with age- as long as you’re consistently cooking with them, and as long as you don’t clean them with soap. If it’s been ages since you’ve actually used your skillet, chances are it’s in need of some TLC. Covered in rust, you say? No problem! Reach for these three simple kitchen staples to help you return your pan to its former glory. Coarse saltOil (vegetable, olive- even Crisco works!

Ashley Poskin

Dec 5, 2019

Have a Very Hyggelig Holiday: 65 Scandinavian Decorating Ideas

If your love for all things Scandi is still going strong, these ideas are for you!

Tess Wilson

Dec 3, 2019

Stop the Smell: How To Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Have you noticed your clothes smelling… musty? Even if you’ve switched the load from the washer to the dryer immediately after the cycle has ended? Before you run out and buy a strongly scented laundry detergent to cover the smell, give your machine a thorough cleaning. Taking care of your washing machine can help it stay clean and prevent walking.

Ashley Poskin

Nov 22, 2019

How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

A while back Abby and I got some tips from Danny Seo on how to be smarter about how we did laundry. He had some great simple (green) tips that we implemented right away. He also was one of the first to point out the importance of maintaining the machines so that your clothes get clean, the machines stay efficient and you get the most out of your investment.

Laure Joliet

Nov 21, 2019

How To Clean Suede Shoes

If you’ve ever owned anything suede you know how much of a hassle it can be to keep clean—but you also know how durable and long-lasting the fabric is. So if you’ve tucked away furniture or clothing because you’re stumped as to how to clean up those stains, get up and gather these three tools, because DIY suede stain removal is easier than you could ever imagine. The first step in stain removal is to identify your stains.

Ashley Poskin

Nov 20, 2019

The Very Best Thing You Can Do For Your Bathroom for $25

This easy project adds both style and function, with very little effort.

Chris Perez

Nov 19, 2019

How To Make a Clementine Candle

I learned this fabulous little party trick when I was a school teacher years ago and have been showing other folks how to do it for years.

Maxwell Ryan

Nov 15, 2019

8 No-Fail Methods for Hanging a Wreath (Anywhere!)

We've got eight different tricks for you, whether you own or rent.

Ashley Poskin

Nov 12, 2019

How To Fix a Slow Draining Sink

Our sink has been draining very slowly for months; but, complete laziness has kept us from doing anything about it. Last night when we were brushing our teeth, we realized that we’d let it all go too far.

Stephanie Kinnear

Sep 23, 2019

Before & After: A MacBook Remade Just For Mom

It was about two years ago, my partner Emily’s 2006 MacBook laptop began showing the visible signs of being well used…very well used. The white polycarbonate front edges cracked after years of palm pressure and the heat discolored the once pristine white laptop to a yellowish hue most often equated with British dental hygiene.

Gregory Han

Sep 6, 2019

How To: Slipcover a Reading Chair

Time: 2 WeekendsCost: $120 This is one project that most (including ourselves) consider TOO HARD. Recovering a reading chair? Forget it. But NicoleMari’s patient, smart, inspiring instructions will soothe your nerves and give you confidence. NicoleMari submitted this project to our January Jumpstart Contest and tied for second place in her category (Thanks, Nicolemari!)… AFTERTell us the tools and resources you used for the project: I bought all my materials and notions at fabric.

Maxwell Ryan

Jul 4, 2019

How To: Organize A Bulletin Board

Right now, we’re looking at our blank bulletin board. It has one final step (a coat of white spray paint) before its ready to go back in our office. It used to be covered in fabric from IKEA (a busy pattern) but we wanted to go with simpler look for 2009. The previous bits of information on the bulletin board happened to be quite cluttered as well. Everything from inspirational tear-out pages from design magazines to a spare set of car keys were scattered about on our bulletin board.

Beth Zeigler

Jun 19, 2019