How To Polish Silver with Toothpaste
It kind of makes sense — if toothpaste can remove plaque on your teeth then it should come as no surprise that it will also do a number on that pesky tarnish that has built up on your silver! Toothpaste (not gel!)An old scrubbing toothbrush Apply a dollop of toothpaste to your piece of silver. I used about as much as I would on my teeth, however, if you are working on a larger piece you might need to use more. Add just a bit of water to your brush and go to town!
Jun 5, 2019
How To Polish Wood Furniture
Of all the responsibilities that come with taking care of your home, paying special attention to your wood furniture is sometimes overlooked. I recently inherited a beautiful wood rocking chair that had been stored away for a few years and was in need of some TLC. If it’s time to restore the surface of your wood furniture, this step by step guide shows you everything you need to know and how to lengthen the time before your next polish as much as possible.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Remove an Ink Stain with Milk & Vinegar
Sometimes we find ourselves in the most cliché nerd predicament: a leaking or exploding ink pen (where was your pocket protector when you needed it!?). But you can put away your inhaler, because removing an ink blob is easier than you think. Just grab some milk and vinegar and get to the stain ASAP! 2 parts whole milk1 part white distilled vinegarLarge bowl 1. Place your garment in a bowl at the most shallow part, allowing it to be covered completely with the mixture. 2.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Polish Silver Using Banana Peels
Bananas are legit. They are a proper on the go snack, packed full of nutrients and vitamins, and come in a convenient peel-and-toss wrapper to boot! But before tossing the wrapper, consider attempting this super simple method for cleaning your silver. BananasWaterBlenderRag to polish silver There are a few all natural recipes for cleaning silver but this is my preferred method for jewelry.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make Your Own Wood Polish
If you’re tight on space and don’t want a bottle of rarely-used wood polish hogging the shelf, don’t buy it! Wood polish is easy to make in small, single use batches, so you don’t have to worry about trying to jam yet another bottle away under the cupboard. Depending on the size lemon you use, the polish ends up being around about 1/2 cup of liquid.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Clean a Bathtub with Grapefruit and Salt
Lemons and vinegar are the great dynamic duo of green cleaning, but there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh grapefruit. It’s fresh and sweet, and can give your bathroom that extra boost of freshness that is usually only obtained with heavily scented candles and other cleaning products that aren’t so earth-friendly. I recently moved into a home that had sat empty for a year and while it was in great condition, the old cast iron tub looked pretty rough.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make a Fruit Fly Trap To Get Rid of Fruit Flies
We’ve all experienced it at one point: fruit flies, first a few then an infestation surrounding your fruit bowl. They’re pesky little critters, but we’ve found the best way to rid your kitchen of them. Here are our quick instructions for making a fruit fly trap with just a few simple materials. Vinegar, fruit or wine (apple cider vinegar works especially well) Glass or jar Sheet of paper Tape Find a suitable glass or jar.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Rug With Snow
Antique and handwoven rugs are breathtaking but can be tricky to clean. Stay away from chemical detergents by using nature’s cleanser, snow! Snowvember is upon us here in the midwest and I’m trying to make the most of it. After hearing about the magical cleaning powers of snow, I laced up boots, grabbed a recently purchased hand-woven rug and headed outside.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Fan
In anticipation of spending the warmer months with our oscillating fans on to keep us cool, now is a good time to pause and take a few minutes to give them a quick clean. They’ve got a lot of work ahead of them and could use a little bit of attention. (Plus it will keep your fan—and your lungs—in better shape!) Small toiletry items like cotton swabs, makeup brushes, foam craft brushes, or toothpicks are great for jobs like this.
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Unclog The Bathroom Sink
A clogged or slow-draining bathroom sink is a common problem in most homes. It shouldn’t happen too often, but when it does, be sure to use this natural formula to remove all the gunk–believe me, you don’t want a list of what that “gunk” actually is–and get that drain in tip top shape. 1/2 cup Baking soda 1/2 cup Vinegar Lemon juice (optional) Measuring cups Step 1. Remove the drain cover.
Jun 5, 2019
Erin & Ben’s Cliff May Modern
Name: Erin Davis and Ben SmithsonLocation: Casa View — Dallas, TexasSize: 1,498 square feetYears lived in: 6 months — owned We first met Erin and Ben this past Fall when they submitted their “Peacock” living room in our Room for Color Contest and we wanted more! Erin, who is no stranger to the interior design world, shows us how she and Ben flexed their decorating muscles in their newly purchased Cliff May home.
Jun 5, 2019
Janelle’s High Impact Oasis
Name: JanelleLocation: Southwest Waterfront — Washington, DCSize: 600 square feet — studioYears lived in: 11 months — owned Since Janelle’s studio was one of the finalists in this year’s Room For Color contest, I was expecting the vibrancy and the brave use of saturated hues. What I didn’t expect was that the same lively palette that wowed us in October was also capable of eliciting a soothing sense of calm.
Jun 5, 2019
100+ Tips for Frugal Living: How to Get Thrifty and Save Money
You might have financial goals at this point in your life. Or, you might not. But here’s the good news: it’s completely possible to save money and still have a happy, fulfilled existence. You just have to adopt a frugal mindset, and put practices in place to help you succeed. To help you out, here are 100+ ways to get thrifty and reduce your cost of living… 1. 6 Tips for Creating a ‘Buy Better, Buy Less’ Budget 2. How To Have an Adult Apartment on a Budget 3.
Jun 5, 2019
Elizabeth and Daniel’s Bright, Bold & Narrow Rowhome
Name: Elizabeth and Daniel, Georgia the dog and Edmond the catLocation: Hampden — Baltimore, MarylandSize: 900 square feet (mostly in length, not width!)Years lived in: almost 2 We were first introduced to Elizabeth and Daniel’s home when they entered our Room for Color Contest back in October. It was such a visual treat we contacted them with hopes that they would allow us to peak into the rest of their digs.
Jun 5, 2019
A 300-Square-Foot RV Is a Tiny Home on Wheels for a Couple and Their Three Dogs
Although small, this tiny home on wheels has hookups for everything a normal house has besides a dishwasher.
Jun 5, 2019
An “All Grown Up” Townhouse in Denver
Name: Allison Shaw Location: Denver, Colorado Size: 1,000 square feet Years Lived In: 1 When I arrived to tour the fabulous Allison Shaw’s home last month, she was in the final stages of prepping her latest venture: Brick & Mortar, a traveling dry goods general store housed in a Vintage 1964 Aristocrat Trailer. Allison and her equally fabulous business partner, Tran Wills, are two of the biggest supporters of local design in Denver, making both their homes and business fun and enticing.
Jun 5, 2019
Past & Present Styles Mix in a San Francisco Home
Name: Janel Holiday Huff, Interior Designer and Principal of Janel Holiday Interior Design, and Jim, Freelance Maverick Design Curator and Captain of soon to be opened Blu Dot Showroom in San Francisco Location: San Francisco, California Size: 1,350 square feet Years lived in: 6 1/2 years Janel and Jim’s home is feminine, or maybe it’s eclectic, and/or Mid-Century modern — I would say it really can’t be defined by one particular style.
Jun 5, 2019
Sara & Jason’s Terrific Toy-Tastic Home
Name: Sara & Jason and 3 furry children: Ash, Ronin, and KumaLocation: Kansas City, MissouriSize: 1,700 square feetYears lived in: 3 — owned When it comes to displaying collections no one quite takes the job as seriously as the residents of this house. What started as a passion and a hobby of collecting vinyl toys and artwork from artists around the world has turned into a way of life for these folks in The Heartland.
Jun 5, 2019
House Tour: Lisa’s Beachy Regency Modern Mix
Name: Lisa JossLocation: Mill ValleySize: 1,850 sq. ft.Years lived in: 2 You may remember seeing Lisa’s bathroom on AT:NY. Here’s your chance to see more of her cool blue “beachy-regency modern” Marin house.Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know!
Jun 5, 2019
5 Tips for Living with a Small Kitchen
Jun 5, 2019
Raphaëlle’s Foodie Montreal Apartment
From Apartment Therapy → Raphaëlle’s Foodie Paradise Apartment Check out this light-filled apartment above the famous Jean-Talon food market in Montreal, Canada, and see how it’s used to host for cooking, entertaining, and dinner parties.
Jun 5, 2019
3 Steps to Decluttering Your Home for a Garage Sale
Where do you begin when it comes to cleaning out your home in preparation for finding stuff to sell at a garage sale? Well it turns out it’s pretty similar to regularly decluttering your home; only after you’ve combed through drawers and closets, you’ll be evaluating if there’s anything you can make a little dough on. 1. Declutter You’re going to start looking for things to sell in a garage sale in the same way you would if you were aiming to declutter your house.
Jun 5, 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
This Millennial’s Minimal Home Boasts Handmade DIY Furniture and Decor
This rental apartment has Palladian windows, curved ceilings, an ornate mantel and fireplace, and 25+ plant babies!
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
#3: ELVARLI Storage System (& Room Divider!)
Ok, sure, sure. It’ll work well as a storage solution just about anywhere, but we all know where and how this would really shine: as a room divider! Buildable-to-size with a variable mix of open and closed storage, the adjustable heights will make it a possibility for all sorts of studios, apartments and homes that could use some more definition to their space.
Jun 5, 2019
All We Are Saying, Is Give Bees A Chance: How To Grow a Pollinator Garden
Red Fox We’re probably not the first to tell you that bees have been disappearing from their hives, never to return, at alarming rates. Colony Collapse Disorder has been an issue here in the US since the 1990s and it’s now occurring all around the world. Among the super-bummer factors believed to be causing CCD is habitat loss. While this is a really large scale issue, there are a few things the average gardener can do to help out.
Jun 5, 2019
The White House Kitchen: A Behind-the-Scenes Visit
During an incredible visit last week to the White House (for a sneak peek at the new Obama state china service), I swung by the kitchen and snapped all the photos I could manage while hearing about the upcoming State Dinner from the two talented women who are in charge of all things culinary for the Obamas. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen of most famous family in the nation (which was much more compact than expected!
Jun 5, 2019
Happier Houseplants: How To Keep Indoor Plants Healthy
During the month of March, we’re gathering some of our best problem solvers together into master “Home Remedies” posts to help you make your home healthier, solving one problem at a time. Today, help for all the indoor gardeners out there that struggle with keeping house plants healthy.
Jun 5, 2019
Get the Word Out! 5 Effective Ways to Advertise Your Garage Sale
Well, don’t do a ton of work to prepare for a garage sale and then not tell people about it! Half (actually, probably more than half) the success of a great garage sale can be contributed to good marketing of the event. So this week, consider your options, pick the choices that get you the most excited and decide how you’re going to get the word out! When you decide to start advertising your garage sale can be up to you.
Jun 5, 2019
How to Make Sure Your Garage Sale is Legal (& Keep Your Neighbors From Hating You)
Of the many things that have to be in place before you can throw a successful garage sale (like decluttering your house to have enough stuff to sale and picking a good location), you also need to make sure your garage sale is playing by the rules and playing nice. Here are three things to consider before throwing your next garage sale. 1.
Jun 5, 2019
How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City: 8 Fun, Affordable Ideas
Low budgets and a lack of time can put a dent in the fun of summer traveling, without doubt. But just because you can’t go far doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time. Lovingly called a “staycation” by some, we call it being a tourist in your own city. Here are eight ways how to do it.
Jun 5, 2019
By Foot, Bike or More: How to Explore Your Neighborhood
Whether you’ve lived in your neighborhood for years or have recently made the move, we bet there’s something you’ve never noticed before. Home is not just the few rooms you pay for and occupy — it spills out of your front door and stretches into the streets and businesses that surround your address. This weekend, with these tips, get up, out and explore your ‘hood.
Jun 5, 2019
Brenda & Harry’s Contemporary Coach House
Names: Harry, Brenda and their two sonsLocation: Wicker Park — Chicago, IllinoisSize: 2000 square feetYears lived in: 11 total, 4 post-reno — owned Brenda and Harry have been friends of mine for a long time now which means I’ve been lucky enough to share in many of their “life events”. That translates to a busy decade or so, including a wedding (fantastic!), a first baby (joyous!), a second baby (doubly joyous!
Jun 5, 2019
Kim & Scott’s Happy “Yellow Brick Home”
Name: Kim & ScottLocation: Logan Square, ChicagoSize: An itty bitty 650 square feetYears lived in: 2.5 happy years A perfect tour for small spaces month, here is an expanded look at the colorful condo that is the inspiration behind the blog Yellow Brick Home. Located in Chicago in a nearly 100 year old building, this recently renovated Logan Square space got a strong dose of individuality from its owners.
Jun 5, 2019
House Tour: Alicia’s Romantic Portland House
Name: Alicia PaulsonLocation: PortlandSize: Almost 2,000 square feetYears lived in: Almost 7 If you’re one of the many fans of Posie: Rosy Little Things, Alicia’s shop, you’ve already had glimpses of her home on her blog. If you’re an AT reader, you’ve had a quick peek at her studio — she was a Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know! tips@sf.apartmenttherapy.
Jun 5, 2019
Classic American Design: Shaker
Tis The Gift To Be SimpleFrom a religious and social standpoint, Shakers were radicals when they arrived in New York from England just before the American Revolution, in 1774. Like Quakers, they are pacifists. In contrast to the Quakers and most other religions, the Shakers, officially the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Coming, began with a woman leader.
Jun 4, 2019
How To Paint Your Floors and Not Screw it Up
Years ago when I decided to paint the floors in my small summer house, most people were shocked (including my parents). Bare wood floors were so chic and such a staple of 90’s style, that painting them over and covering them up seemed sacrilegious. I didn’t think so anymore. See how they turned out… The floors were cheap, solid oak floors, in great need of refinishing.
Jun 4, 2019
A Mobile Plant Shop Owner’s “Muted Folky Boho” Home
He's basically trying to live in a tree house.
Jun 4, 2019
Pete & James’ Natural & Neon Loft
Name: Pete & JamesLocation: Williamsburg — Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,000 square feetYears lived in: 1 — rented Skulls and neon lights transcend the biker bar look in the fun and eclectic Brooklyn apartment of Pete and James. When I first saw Pete and James’s apartment featured in a House Call back in March, I knew I was going to love the space.
Jun 4, 2019
A Heritage of Harmony Home
Location: Echo Park – Los Angeles, California Size: 2200 square feet Years lived in: 8 months Kathleen and Bradford live at the top of the hill in Echo Park. You drive up and up and up and then when you get to the very top you walk down a set of stairs to reach their front door. Their house is very private with an incredible view. I will admit I am a bit (ok a lot) jealous.
Jun 4, 2019
Reader’s Bathrooms: Splatgirl’s Blue Lagoon
(Welcome to Bathroom Month! We’re taking inspiring bathroom submissions from our readers and giving gifts in return. Join us. All info is here.) Welcome to Splatgirl! Hello! I would love to share my bathroom. I designed and DIY’d this room from scratch. It includes a poured concrete Japanese soaking tub, concrete countertops and a 9 1/2 foot tall tile mosaic shower wall.
Jun 4, 2019
Celebrate Thanksgiving With Far Away Family
From Apartment Therapy → 8 Ways To Celebrate Thanksgiving With Far Away Family (Without Buying a Plane Ticket) Just because you’re not physically in the same place as family on Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with them. Here are 8 ways to still celebrate Thanksgiving together!
Jun 4, 2019
House Tour: Jennifer Bartlett’s 134 Charles Street
So, last night we’re sitting around, contemplating the eventual move out of our 250 s/f home, and SKGR says to me, “Hey, how about this place?” “How much?” we ask.“Oh, not too much. $17.5 million.”“Sounds good,” we say. “How big?..”“Oh, a bit bigger than ours. It’s about 12,000 inside and 2,500 outside.”“OUTSIDE?!?”“Yes, it’s got three multilevel gardens,” she says.
Jun 4, 2019
The 60 Minute Quick House Clean
Jun 4, 2019
Design Prescription: Faith’s Arlington Dining Room
Name: Faith Location: Arlington, VA Room: Dining Room Size: about 140 square feet Own or Rent: Own This is an update from the #MakeoverAmerica road trip! We’re traveling across the United States to tell people about Complete + Happy Home, and while we’re at it, we’re saving the country, one room at a time! Design Prescriptions are hour-long visits where Maxwell offers advice on what readers can do to improve their homes.
Jun 4, 2019
These 7 Things Made My New Apartment Feel So Much Bigger
I needed clever storage solutions or the spacious apartment I dreamed about would turn into a cluttered reality. Luckily, I found random solutions that helped me store everything.
Jun 4, 2019
7 Questions Every Pet Owner Should Ask Before Signing a Lease
Want to make sure your pet is really welcome in that new apartment? Experts say to ask these seven questions before signing a lease.
Jun 4, 2019
Tyler & Jules Can Make Your Bed Rock
Name: Tyler Marcum & Julie KotaridesLocation: Astoria, Queens NYCSize: 1,000 square feetYears lived in: 5 years There’s a very good reason why so many people are interested in this pad. It’s thoroughly adorable and has always been — throughout all its transitions. Before the calmer gray, white, yellow, and blue palette entered the picture, the place was featured as a finalist in our Second Annual Fall Colors Contest as Tyler’s Color Fueling Station.
Jun 3, 2019
Roundup: Best Staircase Storage Solutions
Kristin’s The Amazing Staircase is not only one of our favourite AT posts of all time, it’s a glowing example of utilizing limited space efficiently. Staircases are often overlooked for their storage space potential, but the interior architecture feature can often be converted by using the space ontop, inside, under or over the stairs themselves.
Jun 3, 2019
SF House Tour: Annie and Eric’s Art-Filled Ocean Beach House
Name:aka Wexford Girl Location: Size: Years lived in: It’s pretty obvious when you step into their house that Eric Rewitzer and Annie Galvin are artists. The first hint is the sheer amount of actual art throughout the house, much of it by one of the pair, but it’s their strong use of color, creative finishes, and attention to detail that really shines through and let you know you’re not dealing with just another rehabbed San Francisco home.
Jun 3, 2019
Amy & David Butler’s Creative Textile Lab of a Home
Name: Amy & David Butler Location: Granville, Ohio Size: 4,500 square feet – Post & Beam Modern Circa 1969 Years lived in: 8 Years What a wonderful treat! We’re thrilled to be able to share this peek inside the home and studio of textile designer, Amy Butler and her husband, David.
Jun 3, 2019
Best Charcoal Grills: Perfectly Portable to Huge
Grilling is one of the great joys of summer. If you live in an apartment with an especially small outdoor space — or none at all — you may be worried that this particular joy is denied to you, but never fear. Below you will find our absolutely biggest roundup – 17! – of grills big and small, portable and iconic, but ALL charcoal (or wood). Enjoy and tell us your faves. This is our reader favorite.
Jun 3, 2019
Why Your Space is Always Dusty: 2 Ways You Might Be Dusting Wrong
It's true: Dusting seems futile. But that's no reason to let it go. Here are two ways you might be dusting wrong.
Jun 3, 2019
Before and After: This Mid-Century Ranch Home Just Got Some Major Curb Appeal
It was in serious need of a spruce up.
May 30, 2019
How To Clean Task Chair Caster Wheels for Smooth Rolling
The facts were undeniable: my task chair’s wheels had the ride of a Jeep traversing off-road terrain with a flat tire and roadkill stuck to the bottom. After weeks of home improvement projects, our apartment’s floors had become dirty with an assortment of debris, half of which seemed to have found itself stuck onto the caster wheels.
May 30, 2019
Great Tile and Gorgeous Antique Rugs Fill This Spacious San Francisco Remodel
After a five-month long remodel, this home was completely transformed into a more modern, bright space.
May 29, 2019
5 Common Myths About Composting at Home (It’s Easier and Less Smelly Than You Think)
In honor of National Composting Day on May 29, we spoke to some experts to help break down common myths about composting, including how to do it in an apartment.
May 29, 2019
A Family of Three Snuggles into a 200-Square-Foot Modern Minimalist Tiny House on Wheels
A young family of three has customized a cute tiny house on wheels to be the minimal, functional home of their needs.
May 28, 2019
Your Walls Need This Whimsical Magnetic Wallpaper
Imagine the possibilities.
May 26, 2019
Fitness Lessons From My First (And Also Last) Day at Barre Class
What happens to your body during barre class doesn't seem to make sense, but that's part of the charm—and it totally works.
May 25, 2019
The Best Bookcases and Shelves for Every Budget, Space, and Style
The books we hold onto say something about us. Sometimes it’s because the characters, places, or plots are still a part of us, even after we turn the last page—and we’re not quite ready to donate, or pass along to a friend. Other times, they’re like to do lists: the titles we’ve been meaning to get to. Or maybe they’re just something you’re proud to display: Those books that telegraph something about your personality, interests, or convictions.
May 25, 2019
The Best Mouse Traps
It might not be fun to talk about, but with winter approaching you know it's necessary
May 25, 2019
5 Things We Found in Amazon’s “Useless Gifts” Section
We rounded up a five of the funniest ones in the bunch to make shopping for your next white elephant party a breeze.
May 23, 2019
Bellevue, Washington
Coolest Suburbs
Bellevue’s name comes from a French term meaning “beautiful view,” and let’s just say they nailed the name.
May 22, 2019
Decatur, Georgia
Coolest Suburbs
One thing you might immediately notice when you visit this Atlanta suburb is that its residents (called “Decaturites”) like to keep it local.
May 22, 2019
Ellicott City, Maryland
Coolest Suburbs
A suburb of Baltimore, Ellicott City is resilient and ever on-the-move, just like the Patapsco River on which it is built.
May 22, 2019
Carmel, Indiana
Class of 2019 Superlatives
The Indianapolis burb has worked hard to make its streets and scenic parks bike friendly, with new trails popping up regularly.
May 22, 2019
Oak Park, Illinois
Readers' Choice
The Chicago suburb received the most votes in our Home Team Panel poll, which asked Apartment Therapy's most engaged readers to cast a ballot for the coolest suburb in America!
May 22, 2019