Colorful soap bars in a white dish with yellow daffodils and pink hyacinths in the background.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Candles Using a Microwave
Homemade candles are fun to make and are great gifts that can be personalized by picking out specific containers and scents. Don’t want to fuss with a double boiler and a bunch of candle-making equipment? Don’t have to! Make thoughtful, personalized, homemade candles using just a microwave. I made my candles two ways: with color, and scented (both ways are illustrated below).
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.
Dec 19, 2019
The “Dingy to Decorative” DIY Patterned Entryway Makeover
Project by: June Location: Hertfordshire, UK Our hallway was dark and dull, looking grubby and tired.
Dec 19, 2019
The “100% DIY Faux Flavor Paper” Project
Project by: Kelly Location: Athens, GA I recently became obsessed with this wallpaper pattern called “Cuben” made by Flavor Paper. I saw a photo online of how someone had used it in a kitchen. Unfortunately the wallpaper is a little out of my budget so I decided to attempt to recreate it in my own kitchen with paint. I measured my walls and plotted out the design on graph paper. I used a yard stick and a level to get all the lines penciled onto the wall.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Vintage Scarf Pillow Covers: No Sewing Needed!
I am such a sucker for vintage scarves. I cannot resist them. They are little pieces of wearable art that can also look great around your home. For just a few bucks you can transform your throw pillows by adding unexpected pops of color and texture — and there is absolutely no sewing involved at all so you won’t have to ruin your lovely scarf! Vintage scarves Throw pillows Rubber bands or ribbon 1. Gather a few small throw pillows from around your home.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make a Magnetic DIY Frame for Artwork…in 10 Minutes
I’m on a DIY framing kick right now, and dealing with all the artwork I’ve accumulated in the past year. I’ve also discovered rare earth magnets, which are proving very handy for various projects (like this wall organizer). Put the two together and you get a cheap and custom way to temporarily hang artwork that’s easy to swap out when you’re ready to display something else.
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!
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.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make a Painted Faux Marble Table Top
Yesterday I showed you the “before” condition of this poor little table, which was used outside by its previous owner and left to rot and weather. Today I’m showing you how to paint faux marble to use as a replacement table top for any project you have in the works. This is a very easy technique that takes hardly any time or money to do. Round wooden top or decorators table Black paint White paint Sealer Regular paint brush Sea sponge Small feather 1.
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.
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.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
DIY Renovation Project: How To Build a Recessed Shower Shelf
When remodeling a bathroom, consider adding a recessed shower shelf into your design. It’s a practical and streamlined way to add storage space for shampoos and soaps, without taking away elbow room. Built-in shower niches are also a great alternative to gunky corner shelves and rusty shower caddies. For all of you DIY renovators, read on to learn how to build a shower shelf of your own.
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.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
DIY Project: How To Remove and Install a Kitchen Sink
Earlier this week, I showed you my newly renovated sink and backsplash area in my kitchen. If you’re interested in learning how to remove and install your own sink, follow these steps to complete the process yourself! A new kitchen sink that fits both width, length and depth of the existing space Plumber’s putty Your brand new sink!
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.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
DIY Home Decor: How to Make a Vinyl Chalk Cloth Wall Organizer
I’m a bit preoccupied with black and white. While always a classic pairing, inspirational black and white images have been popping up everywhere recently — like this recent roundup of entryways. Lucky for me, my 1910 apartment has a fantastic vintage black and white bathroom. It also has a bit of an odd 18″ angled wall that was screaming for a DIY solution! I chose to create a wall pocket organizer using vinyl chalk cloth, in part because you can write on it (how fun!
Dec 19, 2019
DIY Home Decor: How to Make a Leather Valet Tray
When Paul’s not busy restoring vintage items, he’s down in his basement workshop crafting leather goods for his etsy shop. Most projects are made to fill orders but, every once in awhile, he makes personal projects as well, including this super simple valet. Here’s how to do it yourself: Skill Level: Easy Time Required: 1 hour Project Cost: $20-50 (depending on size and tools used) When choosing your piece of leather, pick something thick and firm enough to hold its shape.
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.
Dec 19, 2019
How To Install Window Insulation Film
With an average savings of over $15/window during heating season, insulating your windows with plastic film makes whole lot of sense—especially if you live in an old, drafty house. And if you have any windows that don’t open, keep those insulated year-round for extra savings on cooling costs during the summer months. Here’s how. Window insulation kit Extra window tape (optional) Ladder Scissors Measuring tape Hairdryer An extra set of hands (optional) 1.
Dec 19, 2019
Phil and Annette’s Prospect Park Home
Name: Annette and Phil Englander Location: Brooklyn, New York Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 22 years; Owned Husband and wife duo Phil and Annette share a Brooklyn home that beautifully displays their collective creative skills. Phil, a cabinet maker, has thoughtfully constructed custom built pieces that add to what makes the home unique. Annette, an artist as well, paints using a technique for adding color to silk.
Dec 19, 2019
Carly & Chip’s Resourceful & Refined Home
Name: Carly, Chip and their dog Lucy Location: Pacific Heights — San Francisco, California Size: 1,200 square feet Years lived in: 3 — rented Carly, Chip and Lucy live down the street from Alta Vista Park, in an apartment set on the hillside overlooking San Francisco. On top of their serene location, there is something about this couple’s home that draws you in and makes you want to stay.
Dec 19, 2019
Ken’s Mixed Media Dream House
Name: KenLocation: Midtown West — Manhattan, New YorkSize: 570 square feetYears lived in: 2+ — owned Who lives here? A software VP and a former life drawing class model. A collector and a minimalist. A former Brooklynite who likes his art raw and urban and a Dallas gentleman who prefers things serene and centered. An Art Decophile, a Wegner-ite, and a Carrie Bradshaw shoeaholic. And they’re all named Ken. Welcome to Ken’s mixed media dream house.
Dec 19, 2019
Sarah & Chad’s Long Distance School of Style
Name: Sarah & ChadLocation: Iqaluit, Nunavut, CanadaSize: 1350 square feetLived in: 6 months Sarah and Chad (who you might remember from their House Call) make me feel lazy. I have a long list of decorating to-dos and the only thing holding me back is me! Living in a big city, my access to supplies is widespread, shopping for furniture both new and used is a no-brainer, prices are competitive and shipping costs for home improvement goods just isn’t usually a factor. Not so for these two!
Dec 19, 2019
Laura’s Inviting Live / Work Studio
Name: LauraLocation: Brooklyn Heights, BrooklynSize: 600 square feet studioYears lived in: 7 In addition to maturing tastes, Laura had a practical impetus for taking steps to upgrade. She was about to start working from home and she wanted to feel good about spending a lot of time within the same four walls. The addition of a refined and beautiful small home office in the corner of her studio was the beginning of great things.
Dec 19, 2019
These Tiny Tweaks Turned a Photographer's Camper into a Cozy Home
From lively plants to sweet throw pillows, this is one RV you actually want to spend time in.
Dec 19, 2019
How an Event Planner Added Some Wanderlust to His Blank Box Apartment
STYLE
This apartment dweller gave his space the first-class treatment.
Dec 19, 2019
8 Trends on Amazon That Look More Expensive Than They Really Are
STYLE
As the Everything Store, Amazon sells virtually everything imaginable—including the latest trends on the cheap.
Dec 19, 2019
Fay’s Charming Grand Lake Apartment
Name: Fay Johnson Location: Grand Lake; Oakland, California Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3.5 years; Rented Looking at Fay’s gorgeous Oakland apartment, it’s hard to not feel envious. Situated on the top floor of the building, her apartment boasts features most people desire in a home: large windows that provide plentiful light all day, original hardwood flooring and a working fireplace.
Dec 19, 2019
Alex & Zack’s Inspired Cole Valley Edwardian
Name: Alex Bronstad & Zack Suhadolnik Location: Cole Valley; San Francisco, California Size: 620 square feet Years lived in: 4.5 years; Rented Alex and Zack sit tucked against bright bay windows while I take photos of their place. They’re planning a summer road trip, a sort of wilderness sabbatical, and sketching floor plans of the camper they’ll call home.
Dec 19, 2019
Phillip & Claire’s Colorful & Bright London Flat
Name: Phillip Stoup and Claire Bock Location: Clerkenwell; London, UK Size: 650 square feet Lived in: Six months; Rented My husband and I moved to a new flat this past October after our landlord sold our previous flat. I was in love with our old flat and it has taken a while to settle into the new one. Photographing the flat for this house tour proved to be a great exercise for making the house feel like our own.
Dec 19, 2019
Rebecca & George’s Hilltop Homestead
Name: Rebecca Miller & George Revel Location: Glen Park; San Francisco, California Size: 1,300 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years Influenced by their rural roots and a shared passion for the outdoors, Rebecca and George’s Montana retreat happens to be in the heart of San Francisco. Heirloom artwork, fly fishing antiques, and vintage photographs punctuate warm rooms filled with classic furnishings and plenty of natural light.
Dec 19, 2019
Carly & Scott’s Colorful Collected Apartment
Name: Scott Henderson & Carly Sciacqua Location: Central Richmond District; San Francisco, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 2 years; Rented The newly engaged (congrats!) couple’s home is the perfect example of a successful collaboration. With Scott’s background working on architectural projects and Carly’s colorful sensibility, the space is well planned and perfectly accentuated with pops of color, quirk and personality.
Dec 19, 2019
Rena’s Global Eclectic San Francisco Apartment
Today’s tour is the second in a collaborative series curated by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of Aphrochic for Apartment Therapy. They handpicked homes from around the world to share that capture the culture and style that they celebrate in their book, Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul.
Dec 19, 2019
Jamie’s Wild Blue Yonder
Name: Jamie Bayer Location: Avondale; Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 1 year; rented If there’s one word to describe Jamie’s apartment, it’s fun. Bright colors, vintage glassware, crafts, collections, and quirk — Jamie knows what she loves, and she has no fear in building her home around it. When I saw Jamie’s recent house call, I was practically drooling, and I knew that I had to see her space in person.
Dec 19, 2019
Ross’s Greenwich Village Home
Name: Ross Weiner Location: Greenwich Village, New York, New York Size: 700 Square Feet Years lived in: 1 year; Owned With a love of the arts and a strong sense of style, Ross went about turning a bare studio apartment into a one bedroom home with charm to spare.
Dec 19, 2019
Krzysztof’s Modern Deco-Inspired Home
Name: Krzysztof Palacz Location: Buena Vista, San Francisco Size: 880 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Owned House tour veteran Christopher Reynolds tipped me off about his friend Krzysztof’s San Francisco apartment. Since I trust Christopher’s eye, I didn’t ask for many details, and showed up site unseen with tripod in tow. Krzysztof first had me at the Cherner chairs, a modern classic I’ve been coveting since design school.
Dec 19, 2019
This Celeb Has 36 Christmas Trees in Her House
She has enough space for three dozen trees. Imagine!
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Your Own Reusable Food Wrap
Sorry Costco, but I don't buy Saran Wrap in bulk anymore.
Dec 18, 2019
10 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Buys That Will Make Your Small Space Work Harder
Without breaking the bank.
Dec 18, 2019
Finally, the Best Decorating Ideas for Your Studio Apartment
Turns out, your small space can be pretty AND practical.
Dec 18, 2019
5 Classic Design Rules to Absolutely Never Break
We're all about breaking the rules for the sake of putting your own touch on a space, but these five design credos are non-negotiable.
Dec 17, 2019
This Weekend: Give a Rug or Carpet a Deep Clean
Winter is rough on our floors from wet snow, mud and more, especially on our carpets and rugs. This Weekend Project is about giving one carpeted room or rug a deep, thorough clean that will make your whole space feel invigorated and refreshed. Experts suggest that you deep-clean rugs and carpet at least once a year. This weekend, knock out one spot in your home really well.
Dec 16, 2019
This $9 Trader Joe’s Buy is Perfect for Procrastinators and Tiny Homes Alike
Cheap, easy, AND adorable? The holiday trifecta!
Dec 16, 2019
18 Uses for White Vinegar, Your Favorite Pantry Staple
You can put this household workhorse to use in every room of your home.
Dec 15, 2019
How to Fake a Department Store-Worthy Christmas Tree With Thrift Store Finds
Upcycling never looked so chic.
Dec 13, 2019
Before and After: A Super Functional Closet Redo with a Tropical Twist
The only thing missing from this adorable closet redo is a daiquiri.
Dec 12, 2019
The Surprising Kitchen Trend We’re Starting to See More Of
It immediately adds personality to the space.
Dec 12, 2019
How To Make DIY Scented Pinecones
There's nothing like a little cinnamon to make it smell like home for the holidays.
Dec 12, 2019
Buying a Christmas Tree? Here's Every Measurement You Need to Know
For the best-looking Christmas tree on the block, a tape measure is your best friend.
Dec 12, 2019
9 Things Interior Designers Still Have from Their First Apartments
Here's what design pros are hanging onto for life.
Dec 12, 2019
Here's What Interior Designers Always Buy at IKEA
STYLE
These expert-approved wares are worth adding to your blue and yellow shopping bag.
Dec 11, 2019
6 Retro Trends That Are Starting to Stage a Comeback
I thought it would be fun to poll a few designers and study a few lookbooks to see what vintage trends might make their way to the forefront again in 2019.
Dec 10, 2019
8 Seriously Smart Home Decor Hacks, According to Reddit
From saving money to decorating your home, Reddit has some great ideas.
Dec 9, 2019
Peek Inside a 484 Square-Foot House in Texas That Used To Be Half the Size
The guest cottage is tranquil, with a style that belies its small size.
Dec 6, 2019
This Is the Most Popular Home Decor Item In Your State
This is what was most searched in 2019.
Dec 8, 2019
These Intricate Mini Animal Sculptures Are Made Out of Paper
Instead of attempting to fulfill a run-of-the-mill New Year’s resolution, the pair started 2018 off by committing themselves to creating a miniature paper animal sculpture for every single day of the year.
Dec 7, 2019
Before and After: This Charming DIY Home Office Goes Fabulously Un-Gray
Bring on the color!
Dec 6, 2019
6 Projects You Can DIY Using Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year
Whether you want a little Classic Blue or a lot, these projects will help you stay on-trend for 2020.
Dec 5, 2019
DIY Floors that Look Like a Million Bucks
These DIYs will floor you
Dec 5, 2019
One Easy Way to Score Free Holiday Decorations (and How to Use Them)
Check decorating off your list (and then check it twice, because this is THAT simple).
Dec 3, 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!
Dec 3, 2019
These are the Trends Everyone Had in Their Homes from 2000 to 2019
Shiplap, faux taxidermy, and millennial pink—get ready for a trip down memory lane!
Dec 3, 2019
7 Photo Display Ideas That Are Both Fun and Stylish
In this day and age, we often post photos to Facebook or Instagram and then forget all about them. But with so many clever ways to display printed pictures around the house, why not round up your favorite photos and start decorating?
Dec 2, 2019
Before and After: The Most Magical Little DIY Playhouse You've Ever Seen
This little fairytale house will make you want to be a kid again.
Dec 2, 2019
Activists Dropped a Sinking House into a River to Show the Severity of Climate Change
Earlier this month, some parts of England got more rainfall in just 24 hours than they normally would in a single month.
Nov 30, 2019