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Happy Modern

A Vibrant Urban Jungle Paradise in Downtown LA
Walking into Rory's house is like walking into an adult Disneyland...if your version is a wonderland of wild colors, impeccable attention to detail and over-the-top accents.
Marisa Vitale
Feb 19, 2019
A Pink-centric, Playfully Sophisticated California Home
Name: Caroline and Jayden Lee Location: Atwater Village — Los Angeles, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: Rented 2.5 years Caroline and Jayden are the hard-working dynamic duo behind Woodnote Photography and Coco Carpets, two companies that combine a love for travel with an eye for all things beautiful.
Jessica Isaac
Feb 19, 2019
This Treasure Hunter Filled a Sixties Home with Fantastic Finds
Name: Emily Waldmann Location: Austin, Texas Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: Owned 3 years Austin is known for its music scene and amazing barbecue. But Austin also boasts some diverse, singular design. Deep down in East Austin is where you’ll find Seattle native Emily Waldmann and her incredible modern-meets-bohemian style. This 1967 renovated charmer features welcoming common areas, ample outdoor space, and a private master bathroom ensuite.
Minette Hand
Feb 19, 2019
A Playful, Pop Art-Inspired Seattle Home
Name: Ali and Duffy Location: Green Lake — Seattle, Washington Size: 1,900 square feet Years lived in: Rented 4 years When I posted a picture to Instagram of the wallpaper in Seattle restaurant, Joule, gushing over it as one of my favorites in the city, I had no idea it would lead me to my next House Tour subject. “My husband’s company Electric Coffin designed and made that wallpaper,” read a comment from a woman named Ali, “as well as the whole restaurant!
Mackenzie Schieck
Feb 19, 2019
A Food Blogger’s Bright Modern Apartment
Name: Michelle Lopez, her partner Erlend and their cat Penny Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York Size: 750 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, rented Michelle and her partner Erlend recently relocated from Portland, Oregon to this sunny Brooklyn apartment. The couple moved to New York for Erlend to attend grad school at Columbia University. Michelle is a food blogger, specializing in desserts.
Melanie Rieders
Feb 19, 2019
A Candy-Colored Seattle Studio
Name: Suki Location: Queen Anne — Seattle, Washington Size: 677 square feet Years lived in: Owned 9 months Before she started decorating, Seattle homeowner Suki set out to create a space that felt like a vacation home, which worked out nicely for me since it was an especially gloomy day the afternoon I showed up to snap some pictures. I was desperately in need of a mini getaway and Suki’s condo totally delivered.
Mackenzie Schieck
Feb 19, 2019
A Cozy, “Minimalist with Nerdy Flair” Studio Apartment
Name: Vicari Vollmar and Jordan Conley Location: Lansing, Michigan Size: 600 square feet Years lived in: 4 months, renting Vicari is a senior designer for a public policy firm with an affinity for fitness, bold color, and a good gin fizz. She firmly believes in carbohydrates, horoscopes, and the power of love. Jordan is a state contract monitor, CrossFit coach, and bookworm. He enjoys binge-watching a series on Netflix, comic books, and snuggling his calico, Harley.
Diana Paulson
Feb 19, 2019
A Mid-Century Modern Home in Delaware
Name: George Marrone Location: Wilmington, Delaware Size: 4,300 square feet Years Lived In: 7 years, owned George discovered this stunning house — just outside of Philadelphia — while helping a friend look for properties online. He works in healthcare, but has always had an affinity for architecture and design. Today, this artist-built 1959 gem is set along a creek among gardens in a setting that’s utterly captivating. But the house itself was near ruin when George found it.
Carina Romano
Feb 7, 2019
A Modern Refresh of a Victorian-Era Portland Home
Name: Andy Barlow, and his cat Cavanaugh Location: Eliot Neighborhood — Northeast Portland, Oregon Size: 850 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting Andy and his cat Cav live in one unit of a Portland duplex that was built in 1890 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Andy is a multi-talented real estate agent, freelance interior designer, and professional home-stager, who never thought that he would end up living in and loving a 127-year old home.
Heather Keeling
Feb 7, 2019
A Life Coach’s Canadian Home Is Bursting With Positive Vibes
Name: Leisse Wilcox (plus Mia, Grey, and Clara) Location: Cobourg — Ontario, Canada Size: 2,500 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned Leisse Wilcox is a Life and Success Coach, and her home is like walking into a bubble of positivity and optimism. The walls are plastered with kind expressions and uplifting reminders for her and her three daughters. Obviously it works. Leisse and her daughters were so welcoming; they were just as warm as their home feels.
Craig Kellmann
Oct 18, 2018
The New Editor-in-Chief of Out Magazine’s Cool Brooklyn Apartment
Name: Phillip Picardi and Dr. Darien Sutton-Ramsey Location: Downtown Brooklyn — New York Years lived in: 1.5 years, renting Phillip and his partner Darien live in a luxury high rise apartment building in Downtown Brooklyn. “I hate to admit this, but we could never go back,” Darien laughed when talking about the perks of living in this space. The airy apartment features high ceilings, modern finishes, and amazing views of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Melanie Rieders
Oct 9, 2018
This Colorful Home Has Incredibly Creative DIYs and IKEA Hacks
You'll get tons of inspiration from this colorful, creative, and clever home!
Liz Calka
Oct 1, 2018
A Fun Scottish Apartment in a Former High School
Name: Will Harvey, Iona Sangster, and Luna the Cockapoo Location: Leith — Edinburgh, Scotland Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned Will and Iona Harvey’s modernly colorful and whimsically decorated flat in Leith, a district to the north of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, is dotted with references to school: A vintage school desk and chair serve as office furniture in their living room, while a seat meant for a small student sits in the bedroom.
Jessica Rapp
Sep 24, 2018
The Brooklyn Loft of Aelfie’s Founder Is as Audacious and Badass as You’d Think
Name: Aelfie Oudghiri, her husband, their daughter, and Shah the cat Location: Brooklyn, NY Size: 1,800 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned Fans of textile, furniture, and accessories company Aelfie are familiar with the brand’s stylish offerings—quirky graphics, loud colors, patterns that complement (and sometimes even clash, in a good way).
Melanie Rieders
Sep 13, 2018
Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani’s Lively L.A. Remodel
Name: Emily V Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, and cat, Bagel Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned When the writer, podcast host, and all-around talented Emily V. Gordon posted on Instagram about the newly remodeled house she shares with her husband—equally talented actor and comedian Kumail Nanjiani—I knew I needed to see more.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 6, 2018
This Is the Most Colorful Home in London (Possibly the World)
Name: Ms. Pink and Mr. Black, two out of their three sons, and three cats Location: London, England Size: 1,350 square feet Years lived in: 16 years, owned When I asked Ms. Pink if I could feature her home on Apartment Therapy, she seemed almost apologetic that she didn’t have photos of every room of the 1,350-square-foot split level flat in a Victorian house she shares with her partner Mr. Black, two of their three sons, and three cats.
Adrienne Breaux
Sep 3, 2018
A Creative California House is Color Saturated
Name: Genevieve Danger Berrick Location: Echo Park — Los Angeles, California Size: 900(ish) square feet Years Lived In: 1 year, renting Family legend has it that when Genevieve was 3 years old she firmly informed her mother that she would no longer be wearing pink. And she stood by her word until she rediscovered the color and its place in her east side home. “I decided to really lean into my enjoyment of it.
Jordana Longo
Aug 28, 2018
A Modern Montreal Home Has the Best Black and White Tile Backsplash
Name: Maca Atencio, husband Esteban, and kids Nico and Oli Location: Montreal, Quebec Size: 1,120 square feet Years lived in: 11 months, owned Living in Montreal can be fun, artsy, and beautiful, and that’s completely on display in lifestyle blogger Maca Atencio’s home. She and her husband Esteban had waited a couple of years to buy the perfect house for their little family, and this one had every single detail they wanted!
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 13, 2018
This DIYed, Colorful House Is the Complete Opposite of Boring
Name: Tina Bousu and family (including four kids and four dogs!) Location: North Colorado Size: 4,500 square feet Years lived in: 7 years, owned This house is essentially our dream home! We have a large family and had quickly outgrown our starter home and this neighborhood and home were so far out of anything we ever thought we could have. I was half seriously looking at homes in the area for sale and this one came up.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Aug 8, 2018
This Harlem Home Has an IKEA Bed Hack—In the Living Room
Name: Habiba Koroma Location: Central Harlem, NYC Size: 630 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, renting A ball pit is not necessarily something you expect in an NYC apartment, but in Habiba’s home, it’s an integral feature of her son’s play area. The ingenious, whimsical kid-friendly space that Habiba, an interior designer, has created for Miles also includes a library, a whiteboard, a hanging yarn installation, and a giant rasterized mural of him.
Chinasa Cooper
Aug 2, 2018
A Tiny 300-Square-Foot Studio Apartment Is a Jewel Box
Name: Heather Alexander Location: Washington Heights, New York City Size: 300 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, renting After divorcing a “design-curmudgeon,” Heather says she really went for it when she moved into this place six years ago. Filled with so many colors, fun finds, and treasures she dubbed her home the “Jewel Box.
Minette Hand
Jul 23, 2018
21 of the Most Gorgeous, Unique Modern Home Designs
Modern is such a broad genre of design. And one not easily defined in terms of the home, frankly. Sure, there’s likely an “official” definition floating around out there, but in practice, modern is personal, varied, and often tied to an era. Sometimes I think it’s easier to talk about what modern design isn’t. It isn’t always minimal, but it can be.
Adrienne Breaux
Jul 11, 2018
A Minimal California Home Features All Your Modern Furniture Design Crushes
Name: Alle Fister and Don Popkes Location: Playa Del Rey, California Size: 4,500 square feet Years lived in: 6 years, owned Alle Fister—owner of Bollare, a communications firm that works with well-known beauty and fashion brands—met Don Popkes 10 years ago. Six and a half years ago the couple got married and bought this house, their first home and a total fixer upper.
Marisa Vitale
Jun 28, 2018
A Beach House So Pretty It’s Hard to Believe It’s a Rental
Name: Ashley, my husband, our three-year-old son Don and two dogs (Derek and Lucy) Location: Miami, Florida Size: 2,000 square feet Years lived in: 6 months, renting My name is Ashley [of At Home With Ashley] and I live in this rental home with my husband Preston and our 3-year-old son, Don. We have two dogs (both are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels).
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Jun 19, 2018
A Melbourne Apartment Is a Cheery, Happy, Modern Mix
Name: Abeer and Aetesam, with their two sons, Hamza and Azaan Location: Donvale — Melbourne, Victoria Size: 1,600 square feet Years Lived In: 1 year, renting Having moved from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and most recently Melbourne, this is a family on the go. Abeer, a photographer/blogger and her engineer husband, Aetesam, started renting this bungalow in the suburbs of Melbourne a year ago, and have lovingly turned it into a home for them and their two little boys since.
Viv Yapp
Jun 15, 2018
This Australian Home Celebrates Fun, Happiness & Color
Name: Helen Bayley and husband Chris Bayley. Daughters Charlotte (9), Annabelle (7), and Imogen (6). Location: Queensland, Australia Years lived in: 11 years, owned Helen Bayley knows how to create happiness with color. In 2013 she launched Lovestar, a company that vibrantly re-imagines the old-fashioned ceramic wall vase out of modern materials like Lucite. Helen and her husband handcraft their products in their studio in Brisbane, and the vases have been a huge hit since day one.
Adrienne Breaux
Jun 11, 2018
This Home’s Renovation Makes Wall Stencils Cool Again
Name: Cassidy and Todd Wellons (and Lyle the six-year-old Weimaraner) Location: Cleveland Park — East Nashville, Tenneesee Size: 2700 square feet Years lived in: Own, lived in for 2.5 years and renovated for 1.5 years This historic East Nashville house was completely gutted when Cassidy and Todd purchased it in April 2014—even the baseboards were gone—but they saw the potential in the structure.
Julia Steele
May 9, 2018
Inside a UK Home with Palm Trees, Pineapples and Leopard Print
Name: Steve and Beth Parnell Location: Manchester, UK Years lived in: 2 years, owned “Our home incorporates our love of pattern and color and also retro style—I like to call our interior style Eclectic Modern Retro!” describes Beth Parnell, founder of Dotty Dishes. “When we moved from London to Manchester two years ago, this was the only house we viewed.
Adrienne Breaux
May 2, 2018
This Contemporary Brooklyn Brownstone Is an Explosion of Color
Architect Talia Braude went all out with her home's color scheme.
Chinasa Cooper
Apr 30, 2018
This Hand-Painted, Patterned Farmhouse Is Drenched in Color
Name: Kristin Nicholas. I live here with my husband Mark and teenage daughter Julia Location: Western Massachusetts Size: 3500 square feet Years lived in: 20 years, owned Our home was built in 1751 in western Massachusetts on a south facing knoll. It sits alongside an abandoned apple orchard that backs up to a small mountain populated with all kinds of wildlife. In the orchard during the growing season, our flock of sheep and lambs graze and rest, graze and sleep.
Apartment Therapy Submissions
Apr 17, 2018
Quick Question! In or Out: Cheeky Word Art on Decor?
Right? “Hustle” pillows and “I Can’t Adult Today” blankets, “Live, Love, Gymnastics” tea towels and “The Snuggle is Real”…At this point, it’s like, okay okay, I get it. The world is filled with cute sayings, always has been. There were some real zippy zingers back in the mid 19th-century. I mean “bully for you!” or “acknowledge the corn!” That is some first-class slang.
Julia Brenner
Oct 21, 2017
This 231-Square-Foot Mini Modern Cottage Is a Must-See
Name: Zoe Peters Location: Mill Valley — California Size: 231 square feet Years lived in: 3.5 years Nestled under trees on the far edge of family property in Mill Valley is a charming cottage Zoe calls home. Near Mount Tamalpais, it’s the perfect home base for a nature lover. And it’s got a history packed with artistic spirit; the space used to be her brother-in-law’s grandmother’s art studio.
Ana Kamin
May 22, 2017
Instant Style Upgrade: 20 Mirrors Worth a Second Look
Nothing makes a room quite like a mirror. They’re oh-so-shiny, reflect any available light beautifully, and somehow always end up drawing the eye. If you’re contemplating adding something lovely to your home this spring, why not make it a mirror? We’ve rounded up 20 excellent choices, to suit every style and every budget. Gleaming Primrose Mirror at Antrhopologie, Starting at $398 A traditionally-styled mirror that would also work well as an unexpected accent in a modern room.
Nancy Mitchell
Mar 13, 2017
IKEA’s New PS 2017 Collection is Here & It’s a Happy Modern Dream
Anytime IKEA announces a new line of furnishings and home accessories, we find that cause to celebrate (or at the very least squeal with delight). Available this February, the PS 2017 collection speaks to what we know and love about the Swedish retailer; each piece is playfully and smartly designed, most doing double duty.
Arlyn Hernandez
Jan 26, 2017
Design Doppelgängers: 10 (Nearly Identical) Designer Chair Look-a-Likes You Can Actually Afford
Nothing beats the real deal, but when your wallet hasn’t quite caught up to your great taste, there are ways to get the look without going ridiculously over budget. Lookalikes abound, but not everyone is in the “ok with it” camp. For those who are, we offer up the following scenario: The second you win the lotto, you’ll be on board to pony up for the originals, but until that day comes, we might find you lounging on these knock-offs of classic beauties.
Katie Holdefehr
Sep 30, 2016
If You Love Pop Art, You’re Gonna Want to Pin Every One of These Rooms
What we have here is a dozen unabashed, Warhol- and Lichtenstein-inspired rooms that would look right at home in a pop art museum as they do inside these homes. If you love bright colors and retro styling, get thee to Pinterest and save these shots for later. It’s part aspiration and part inspiration. As big and bold as these rooms are, there are some pretty do-able ideas in here. Do you have any pop art-inspired pieces at home?
Taryn Williford
Feb 21, 2016
Whitney’s Super Chic New Orleans Apartment
Name: Whitney Location: New Orleans I live in a one bedroom apartment that’s about 625sqft. My style is definitely eclectic, as I like to blend several different styles. It was very important to me that my apartment reflect the personality of my fiance and I, which is fun and very carefree. We spend most of our time here, so our living room had to be both stylish and comfortable. I love color and bold artwork. My entire room was designed around this large cow canvas art.
Janel Laban
Jun 4, 2015
Carolyn’s Bedroom Makeover: The Plan
Now that you’ve seen the peachy-beige before photos, it’s time to talk about the design direction that our makeover was taking. I’m an image hoarder, so I pulled open all the files that I had saved from the last few years and obsessed over them, looking for ideas. Join me on my journey. First, I thought a lot about what I wanted out of our bedroom.
Carolyn Purnell
May 12, 2015
Before & After: A Boring Family Basement Gets a Modern Makeover
This family uses their basement for watching movies, playing, and hanging out together. The space satisfied many of these functions, but with its hodgepodge of furniture, beige walls, and random floorplan, it was less than inspiring. With the help of 6th Street Design School, this bland space was transformed to one with patterned wallpaper, bright colors, ample seating, and function-specific areas. Bright, poppy, and fun, this space is much more energizing than its original incarnation.
Carolyn Purnell
Apr 15, 2015
9 Places to Find Inexpensive, Modern Furniture
If you've got champagne taste & a beer budget, take a look at this list of eight retailers where you can satisfy your design craving.
Nancy Mitchell
Feb 8, 2015
Bryant’s Modest Mid-Century Baton Rouge Abode
Name: Bryant Smith Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana I live in a 1955 Atomic ranch house, located beneath stately live oaks in balmy Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I bought this 1,160 square foot home just over two and a half years ago and was delighted to see that most of its original character had been left intact: blonde brick, oak tile floors, wall of windows, sliding glass kitchen cabinets, phone recess, attic fan, car port, metal-rimmed laminate counters, etc.
Adrienne Breaux
Nov 9, 2014
Before & After: Empty Storefront Gets a “Brite” Makeover
Every city has its share of empty storefronts. In Boston, online ticketing platform Eventbrite has turned one such space into a pop-up location for 15 events in ten days. Sara Steele-Rogers, Eventbrite’s Boston marketing manager, transformed a vacant South End shop into Brite Space, a collection of pop-ups aimed to inspire the imagination and bring the city together through local, unique experiences.
Tara Bellucci
May 21, 2014
Jane’s Heritage-Contemporary in London
Name: Jane of Korla Home Location: London, UK I would call my style heritage-contemporary as I love mixing old and new. I have to have lots of colour in my home as it makes me happy. I don’t stick to any design ethic, I just trust my eye to create a well designed livable space – I have three kids so white everything wouldn’t work! What I really love about my home is my sitting room.
Janel Laban
Nov 13, 2013
Before & After: Home Office Gets a Light & Lively Makeover
Wendy from Designed to Dwell had a perfectly nice formal study, yet she came to a realization I think we’ve all had at some point: sometimes what we think we like isn’t our style after all. Check out how Wendy lightened and brightened to create a completely fresh new room that’s much more her. After living with the formal study for a few years, Wendy realized her study needed a makeover.
Julia Brenner
Oct 23, 2013
Bold Colors Meet Mid-Century in an Arizona Townhouse
Name: Lalita Adkins Location: Phoenix, Arizona Size: 2,2000 square feet Years lived in: 5 years; Owned Five years ago, Lalita moved into her husband’s townhouse while they were still dating. Before she got her hands on it, she says it was a bachelor pad, with occasional traces of the ghosts of girlfriends past. As a lifelong design lover, Lalita recognized the possibilities in the unique and open layout of the home.
Lindsey Kay Averill
Sep 23, 2013
Kate’s Wonderfully Small Amsterdam Home
Name: Kate Clarkson, designer and creator of Moozle Location: Watergraafesmeer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Size: 70 square meters (approx. 750 square feet) Years lived in: 2.5 years; Owned Kate Clarkson’s colorfully quaint abode catches your eye immediately. This small space feels grand, thanks to her personal touch and lots of quirky accessories.
Breanne Johnsen
Aug 9, 2013
Before & After: DIY Mongolian Lamb Stool
Fluffy white Mongolian lamb stools pop up like dandelions in tony dressing rooms and decor magazine spreads, but the prices can be a bit overwhelming for the rest of us. But Nadia, the Paris-dwelling blogger behind Preciously Me, came up with a way to get the look on her own with just an IKEA stool and a fluffy pillow.That’s quite the upgrade, no? Nadia started with an IKEA Marius stool (which seems to be available in black, white, and blue on the U.S.
Elizabeth Licata
Feb 12, 2013
Roger’s Carefully Curated London Home
Name: Roger BeckettLocation: Kensington, London, United KingdomSize: 755 square feetYears lived in: 10 years, owned Roger’s home is located on a picturesque London street a stone’s throw from Kensington Palace. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve wandered onto a film set, or perhaps stepped into the pages of a favorite Victorian novel.
Eleanor Büsing
Apr 13, 2012
Wendy & Gavin’s Bright White Cottage
Name: Wendy Withers + Gavin Lester, their two sons Boots + Oscar, two dogs Olive + Bear Location: Mar Vista — Los Angeles, CA Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 3 years — own Wendy and Gavin share this incredible and cozy cottage with their two boys and two dogs. They have built a joyous home full of artwork and inspiration, designed with traditional and eclectic elements; an adorable family home. Raising a baby and toddler can keep you on your toes.
Bethany Nauert
Feb 14, 2012
Chris & Heather’s Happy, Hippy Haven
Name: Chris & HeatherLocation: Acton, MassachusettsSize: 2,700 square feetYears lived in: 4 I first met Heather and Chris when they contacted me for a fresh eye to help them pull together their playful family room. The moment I entered their house I had two thoughts: This is absolutely a future Apartment Therapy House Tour, AND this woman is so talented at design, I can’t imagine how I’m going to be a value added here.
Kyle Freeman
Jan 26, 2010
The Most Colorful Apartment In The World
The Most Colorful Apartment In The World
Aug 4, 2017
Molly Bernard | House Tours
Molly Bernard | House Tours
Jan 22, 2019
How Do I Choose The Perfect Sofa?
How Do I Choose The Perfect Sofa?
May 31, 2017
A Broadway Actor's NYC Apartment
A Broadway Actor's NYC Apartment
Sep 8, 2017