Natural Solutions

Wooden staircase with black accents, framed art on walls, and a small landing area with framed pictures.
Before & After: Under Stair Storage RedoOrganizing
Like many other small space dwellers, we have almost no closet or storage space in my home. The tenants before us took the first step to maximize the dead space under the stairs by removing a partition wall to open up the area, and installed a drop down hatch under the stair. Unfortunately they didn’t install a railing and instead only those awkward, sharp rectangular boxes — after several falls down the stairs it was painfully obvious something needed to change!
Rachel Wray Thompson
Jul 15, 2020
Energy Saving Task Lighting in the Kitchen: 10 LED Under Cabinet LightsDecorating
I recently installed under cabinet lights in the kitchen of my rental apartment, and for a relatively small investment, they have made a big impact: They provide lighting for such kitchen tasks as dish washing and food prep, and their ambient glow is a pleasant alternative to the harsh overhead lighting I relied on previously. Fluorescent, halogen and xenonTOP ROW1. NON LED Countertop Light, $20 from IKEA2. LEDme Button Light, $54 from WAC Lighting3.
Kate Legere
Jul 15, 2020
Before & After: New Uses for Old DoorsHome Projects
After moving to Saratoga Springs, NY, which is famous for its horses and horse track, Lucianna Samu became obsessed with old horse stall doors. She began collecting and refurbishing the doors for projects around the house. Below are pictures of a liquor cabinet and a kitchen pantry that Lucianna created by hanging the doors on modern sliding rails.According to Lucianna, My advice is that the lighter the door, the easier and less expensive the installation.
Kate Legere
Jul 15, 2020
Before & After: Upcycled, Vintage, Budget Office MakeoverHome Projects
BEFOREDreary home office gettin’ you down? Take a cue from one of the lovely ladies of Fig & Sage who, after realizing the paint color on the walls made the office ‘depressing and lifeless’ in winter, transformed the room into… AFTER… a soothing, lavender-hued oasis with a wood door tabletop (salvaged from her basement), IKEA shelves and desk legs, two West Elm Parsons desks (scored for $15 each at an overstock warehouse), and neat, colorful organization.
Cambria Bold
Jul 15, 2020
8 Ways To Use a Bowl In Your HomeLife
Cambria has recently mentioned her affinity for bowls in the home and I have to wholeheartedly agree. They’re perfect for use all around your space, not just for a bowl of cereal! Here are a few suggestions on how to get more from your bowls:Now admittedly the bowls in the photo above aren’t the greenest of nature but they still convey the point we’re looking to illustrate below. See where else you can put them to use (besides your tool chest) from the tips below!1.
Sarah Rae Smith
Jul 15, 2020
5 Things To Do With Extra Sofa PillowsLife
The small pillows that came with my sofa upon purchase didn’t really accent anything as their name might suggest. I wanted something a little brighter and jazzier. Instead of keeping those pillows shoved in the back corner of the linen closet, try putting them to use with one of these 5 ideas:1. Remove The Covers: By removing the pillow covers, you can switch them out to be any color, pattern or style you want. It seems obvious, but is an easy one to forget.2.
Sarah Rae Smith
Jul 15, 2020
5 Things You Might Not Know About Watering PlantsPlants & Yard
Not many around these parts are new to the idea of gardening or the growing of plants. Even though we’ve all been around the block a time or two, we thought it was a good time to brush up on some quick tips and facts about keeping things watered properly. Do you know the best time to water your plants is? This answer and more after the jump!1.
Sarah Rae Smith
Jun 14, 2020
The Very First Thing You Should Do with a New Bottle of VinegarCleaning
By the time you grab a fresh bottle, it will probably be time to take care of an important kitchen chore you’ve been neglecting.
Ashley Abramson
May 28, 2020
Does the Tennis Balls in Dryer Trick Really Work to Soften Clothes?Cleaning
Everyone has a few home and cleaning tips they’ve been taught that, to be honest, may or may not even work—whether that’s using newspaper to clean glass, rubbing strongly-scented dryer sheets on clothes to keep bugs away, or polishing shoes with banana peels. One laundry hack that often gets tossed around is putting tennis balls in a dryer to soften your clothes and dry them faster.
Stephanie Kinnear
Apr 29, 2020
9 Alternatives to Cloth Bath MatsDecorating
I love the feel of plush bath mats, but mine usually end up staying tamped down, accumulating dog hair, and generally not being nice and fluffy. Given that I recently learned I have a few household allergies, I’ve decided it’s time to forgo the cotton rug.I’m considering these options, most of which are naturally antifungal; others are aromatic. All I know is I won’t miss having to shake out and wash my cloth bath mat.1.
Kim R. McCormick
Apr 21, 2020
Here’s a Simple and Food-Safe Way to Get Rid of Ants in Your KitchenCleaning
Ants tend to pop up in the spring and can linger through summer, foraging through your kitchen for food.
Ayn-Monique Klahre
Apr 7, 2020
Two Easy Homemade Alternatives If You Don’t Have Glass CleanerCleaning
Picture this: Inspired by the window-cleaning marathon you completed while getting a jump start on spring cleaning, you’re cleaning all the glass in your house. You’ve done all the doors, the glass that protects every photo that’s hung on the wall or displayed on a bookshelf, and the mirrored tray on your oversized tufted ottoman. In your zeal, you’ve finished a spray bottle of glass cleaner.
Shifrah Combiths
Apr 6, 2020
Saturday Assignment: Remove Household Rust With These 5 Natural RemediesLife
Rust is a quiet, subtle things that sneaks up on your pans, pots, servingware and even some furniture. The weekend’s a perfect time to rid your metal of this pesky unsightly element. And guess what? There are five eco-friendly ways to remove rust, most of which came from you, our readers! Rust comes in many different forms, but the most common in households is rust from iron oxides, where metal is exposed to water or air moisture and becomes oxygenated.
Tiffany Finley
Mar 18, 2020
Before &amp After: A Mid-C Modern BathroomHome Projects
Designer Gina De Pasquale renovated this Las Vegas residence that needed a little updating throughout. Her work is most impressive in the bathroom where she did a great a job of mixing high and low pieces, all while staying true to the mid-century aesthetic.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Mar 12, 2020
Cheap, Easy DIY Decorating Idea: Craft with Painted Fall LeavesDecorating
Here’s an easy DIY craft for you: grab some leaves from the backyard, whip out some craft paint or thread, and go to town. If your budget doesn’t allow for buying store-bought decorations, this is a cheap alternative that do-able and fun. TOP ROW: Alisa Burke painted a series of leaves, then strung them up as festive garland. Try painting leaves still on the branch, for a great centerpiece like Rachael’s. Or, simply tape up a collection of leaves like Elsie Marley did.
Dabney Frake
Mar 11, 2020
Easy DIY Project: Making Your Own Cloth NapkinsHome Projects
I’m not quite ready to go off the grid but I try to be eco in small ways, like turning off the faucet when washing dishes, keeping lights off in rooms I’m not using, and not using paper towels. Using cloth napkins is just one of those things that I’m hooked on. A few stats from Earth911 help put things into perspective: 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used in the U.S. every year.
Theresa Gonzalez
Mar 11, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Making Any Rental More Energy EfficientLife
Think that because you don’t own, you have no control over your home’s energy use? Not true! Here’s our ultimate guide; full of links to quick, easy and yes, even inexpensive, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills (your landlord will thank you!). Most of these changes are likely to pay for themselves in energy savings over the duration of your rental.
Rachel Wray Thompson
Mar 11, 2020
Furniture Makeovers: Before & After TransformationsHome Projects
2011 was packed with wonderful before and after projects! Readers and editors both shared some amazing furniture re-do’s. From the old made modern to the broken turned fixed, here are just a few of the incredible before and after furniture posts of the year.
Rikkianne Van Kirk
Mar 11, 2020
The 10 Most Dramatic Before & After ProjectsHome Projects
Thinking about the new year might be the time for home improvement resolutions, or at least some serious list-making. From a formerly dingy little caravan, to kitchens, gardens, dining rooms and a few entire homes, we have run the entire gamut of before and after projects this year. The following selections represent the most dramatic and inspiring of 2011 to help ring in any 2012 renovation plans.
Michelle Chin
Mar 11, 2020
Bathroom Before & After ProjectsHome Projects
We’ve had a great year of bathroom before and afters. From the controversial orange bathroom redux to the double renovation of a studio apartment bathroom, we’ve seen a lot and found inspiration even if we didn’t agree with every single choice someone made. I don’t think I would have had so much courage to tackle my own projects this year without Re-Nest and Apartment Therapy, so hopefully these will embolden someone else to do the same.
Michelle Chin
Mar 11, 2020
10 (Non-Renovation) Renovation Ideas For RentersLife
If you’re a renter, then you’re probably thinking about taking a mental checkout from our October theme (Green Building and Renovating). I can’t renovate. I can’t even paint! you think. Don’t worry, my friend. We have solutions for you, too! We call it the non-renovation renovation— temporary yet effective ways to dramatically change your home without sacrificing your security deposit.
Cambria Bold
Mar 11, 2020
Making the Switch To Glass Food Storage ContainersDecorating
Back in March, I took the No New Plastic for a Month Challenge, and it inspired me to replace all of my plastic food storage containers with glass, and I haven’t looked back. Below the jump, you’ll find out how I transformed my refrigerator.First, I did some research to find the everyday glass food storage containers I now needed. I opted for Duralex Lys Square Bowls because they are stackable, made of tempered glass, and square in shape.
Kate Legere
Mar 11, 2020
Tips for the Slow Home: Creating Functional SpacesOrganizing
Making your home, or even one room, function for the purpose you’ve identified isn’t about spending tons of money to overhaul your space; it’s more about being thoughtful about how you envision your space to function. Yes, you might need to purchase a sleeper sofa if you want your office to double as a guest room, but generally you can work with what you have.
Landis Carey
Mar 11, 2020
The 25 Best Small Space Living Tips and InspirationDecorating
We love small spaces. We love them for their lower energy and heating bills and because they force us to edit, organize, and reduce our accumulation of stuff. But most of all, we love them because there seems to be no end to what you can do with them given some creative planning! Here are 25 of the top small space living posts we wrote this year.
Cambria Bold
Mar 11, 2020
The Big List: 49 Smart, Money-Saving Creative Reuse IdeasLife
We get excited about stylish, functional, and innovative creative reuse ideas, from the myriad ways you can reuse a jar, to uses for chipped tea cups, antique bread bins, vintage card catalogs, bubble wrap, wallpaper scraps, even old gym floorboards. Here’s a big roundup of some of our favorites… The Many Amazing Ways to Reuse a Jar: • 10 Simple Uses for Spaghetti Jars • Crafty Uses for Baby Food Jars • Don’t Throw Out That Jar!
Cambria Bold
Mar 11, 2020
10 Ways to Save Energy in the Laundry RoomCleaning
Washing and drying clothes uses a lot of energy and water in a typical house. Here are 10 ways you can reduce your consumption of water and energy while doing laundry.Move the dryer closer to an outside wall The farther exhaust air has to travel from your dryer to get outside, the more energy your dryer will use on every cycle. If you can, move the dryer as close to its exhaust port as possible. Can you reduce the number of elbow bends in the exhaust pipe?
Laurie McGinley
Feb 12, 2020
How To: Start a No-Dig Garden … Step by StepHome Projects
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 Clean Hardwood Floors with Black TeaCleaning
It’s warm and soothing for your body, but did you know you can also use black tea to clean your hardwood floors? Tannins in the tea add a light, warm “stain” and help to bring out the wood’s natural warm tones. In addition to it’s beautifying qualities, black tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant contain polyphenolic compounds that prevent microbial growth.
Ashley Poskin
Feb 3, 2020
10 Easy-to-Find Secondhand Staples (and How To DIY These Thrift Store Finds)Decorating
Here are 10 secondhand staples you run into at thrift stores all the time, and 10 corresponding DIY projects to modernize them. Most are simple projects that are both do-able and transformative. Keep them in mind the next time you are wandering around a flea market, or in your favorite Goodwill. Mismatched Plates: These DIY tiered stands are inexpensive to make, and a great way to use old dishes.
Dabney Frake
Jan 16, 2020
Try This DIY Project!: Turn an Old Box Spring Mattress into Stand Alone Bed FrameHome Projects
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
Before & After: An Exterior Renovation in SeattleHome Projects
My favorite Before & Afters are when talented people buy tired old houses and breathe new life into them. This 100-year-old house in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle shows that a thoughtful approach to design can be modern and sustainable while still fitting in with the surrounding neighborhood.Todd Smith, of Syndicate Smith, along with his wife Julie bought their 1911 fixer-upper in 2004 and have recently completed an extensive exterior renovation.
Lauren Zerbey
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: Stevie’s Back PatioPlants & Yard
Let me introduce you to Stevie who lives in Vancouver. Since 2004 Stevie has been transforming the back garden into something wonderful and taking readers of Garden Therapy along for the ride.Some basic background info about the garden transformation from Stevie:“While there is a wonderful mountain view from the deck, we decided to build a low, enclosed patio to gain privacy from the neighbours and some outdoor living space.
Rochelle Greayer
Dec 19, 2019
Kelly and Erik’s Urban FarmPlants & Yard
Name: Kelly Coyne and Erik KnutzenLocation: Los Angeles, CA (Echo Park/Silver Lake area)Years lived in: 13 Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen didn’t set out to become back –and front!– yard farmers. But once this Los Angeles couple discovered the pleasures of making things by hand and living close to the natural world, one thing led to another and today their ever-evolving urban homestead (if we dare call it that) is a true inspiration in the heart of the city.
Emily Han
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make SoapHome Projects
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 Handmade Scrap Fabric TwineLife
Do you have an over abundance of fabric scraps that you are holding on to, “just in case”? Cintia from My Poppet was doing just that, and then she came up with the clever idea of turning her scraps into pretty twine. You can find the simple tutorial below. Scrap fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide) Something to wind your twine on to Scissors For more pictures and the full tutorial, head over to My Poppet.
Kate Legere
Dec 19, 2019
Christopher & Merete’s Truly Tiny Home on the RangeTours
Name: Christopher Smith & Merete Mueller Location: Hartsel, Colorado Size: 127 square feet Years lived in: 3 months; Own Christopher and Merete own a tiny house on some of the most beautiful land in Colorado. One hundred miles southwest of Denver, fifteen minutes down a gravel road just outside Hartsel, sits a 127 square foot home. It’s cozy, efficient and costs hardly anything to power, but most importantly: it’s theirs.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
Evelyn Lee’s Sustainable Starter ApartmentLife
Name: Evelyn LeeLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYSize: 1,185 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedMeet Evelyn and her cat, Sam. Evelyn’s Williamsburg apartment was her first project directly out of Parsons’ Interior Design program (yes, she’s LEED accredited); and where she was able, she used sustainable materials to create a relaxing haven she calls home.
Beth Bates
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy and Robert’s House of Festive FlairLife
Name: Nancy and Robert SalzLocation: Berkeley, CaliforniaYears lived in: 25 Nancy Salz says her home is devoid of architectural interest. But over the past 25 years, she and her husband Robert have embellished their three-bedroom family lair with lovingly crafted DIY projects and intriguing collections, making it one of the most colorful and creative homes in Berkeley, California. The first floor flows easily from room to room showcasing vibrant surprises around every corner.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
BJ & Megan’s Traveling Farmhouse HomesteadLife
Name: Megan & BJLocation: Chatham County, NCSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: Renting for over 2 years Traveling homestead? you ask. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Well, in the case of BJ and Megan’s 1917 farmhouse, that’s exactly what it is. After contentedly nestling itself into the soil of Burlington, NC for the better part of a century, the owner had it relocated 30 miles away to save it from demolition in 2002.
Katie Gard
Dec 19, 2019
Holly and Ryan’s Vintage MinimalLife
Name: Holly, Ryan and their son AugustLocation: Portland, OregonSize: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: 5 Holly is one of Portland’s most celebrated fashion designers. After photographing the sweet shop she co-owns, I had a hunch that the qualities I found in her clothing line—romance, inspiration from past eras and subtle palette—would be echoed in her home. I hunched right! Join me for a tour of a mellow, beautiful home. Holly and Ryan have a great touch in their home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Penelope and Nathan’s Full–Hearted EclecticLife
Name: Penelope, Nathan and Bell MillerLocation: Portland, OregonYears lived in: 2 Penelope and Nathan turned a broken down house in North East Portland into a handmade palace full of personality and joy — the perfect spot to raise their 20 month old daughter, Bell, and even have leftover room for guests and grandparents. When Penelope needed a bit of peace and contemplation, they built an outdoor lounge room completely from reclaimed, tossed–aside materials.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
“Found, Free & Flea” Author Tereasa Surratt’s Rustic CampLife
Image: Bob Coscarelli for CS Interiors magazineName: Tereasa Surratt and David HernandezLocation: Wandawega Lake Resort, Elkhorn, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 Author Tereasa Surratt (A Very Modest Cottage) and her husband David Hernandez know about reusing and recycling with style. In Tereasa’s new book, Found, Free & Flea: Creating Collections from Vintage Treasures, she shares her style advice, using the couple’s idyllic lakeside getaway as a setting.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Canvas & Ochre Founder Andrew Corrie’s Island HomeLife
Name: Andrew CorrieLocation: Shelter Island, New YorkSize: 2,400 sq. ft.Years lived in: 6 Andrew’s Shelter Island home has just weathered two storms – first, Hurricane Irene, and second, the constant motion of three children under the age of four. Yet between the casually simple style and the sweeping water views, the home feels tranquil, “part beach shack, part Scandinavian cottage.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Lyndsay and Fitzhugh’s Summer Cottage in the CityLife
Name: Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh KarolLocation: Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 4 years, owned Lyndsay and Fitzhugh have always loved designing interiors. When the artistic couple graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, they tackled their first joint project: their own home. Flooded with light and studded with rich woods and soft stone, the airy apartment feels like a summer cottage in the city.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy & David’s Restored RanchLife
Name: David Florimbi and Nancy SimonLocation: Santa BarbaraYears lived in: 6 Nancy and David moved into a single story ranch style home in the hills of Santa Barbara, California six years ago. They preserved the bones, but opened up many of the rooms and gave the whole thing a coat of fresh white paint. The open floor plan, combined with large windows and a vibrant color palette, give this home an air of exotic getaway.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California CottageLife
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis’ Brooklyn AlcoveLife
Name: Kimberly Lewis of Kimberly Lewis HomeLocation: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NYYears lived in: 1 Kimberly’s line of wallpapers are absolutely stunning—their colors, repeats and scale are so fresh and inspiring—so when she agreed to a green tour, I was thrilled!
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten & Kyle’s Restored BungalowLife
Name: Kirsten and Kyle NiemanLocation: NE Portland, Oregon Years lived in: almost 4Kristen is a home decor maven with an eye for upcycling and reclaiming cast away items from Craigslist, garage sales and friends. Her home is relaxed and beautiful with a predominate palette of grayish tones, whites, neutrals and pops of yellow. Join us for tea and a tour of this 1925 Portland, Oregon bungalow.Kristen’s interest in decor and styling is apparent in every room of her home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Julie’s Unbelievable Airstream Trailer, Shed and Art Studio
Name: Julie Montgomery and son, Henry Location: Carpinteria, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 3 Julie and her young son, Henry, were offered the chance to live at the base of a tropical fruit farm in Southern California, about a mile from the Pacific ocean. Included in the deal was a small studio within the packing facility to create her large–scale abstract paintings. Too good to be true, right? The only catch?
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Joan & Jim’s Lovely, Artful Home
Name: Joan and Jim TannerLocation: Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: ampleYears lived in: 45 Joan and Jim live in one of the most artful, layered homes I’ve ever come across. It is at once cozy, enchanting, exuberant, chic and family-centered. Their space is truly a reflection of what full, vibrant lives Joan and Jim have led as an artist and a doctor. Join me in the hills of Santa Barbara for a unique glimpse into a remarkable home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Johnelle’s Mignonne Maison
Name: Johnelle Mancha (Founder of Mignonne Décor)Location: Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 980 sq/ftYears lived in: 5 months, rented Stepping into artist and designer Johnelle Mancha’s Oakland cottage is like entering one of the great salons of 1920s Paris. Welcoming rooms, outfitted in exquisite vintage decor whisper of European aristocracy, Middle Eastern adventures, and the joys of classic American recreation.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Anil and Shannon’s 655-Square-Foot Two-Bedroom Loft
Name: Anil & ShannonLocation: New York CitySize: 655 square feetYears lived in: 5 years, owned How do you hide two bedrooms in a 655-square foot studio loft? With one Murphy bed in the living room and a second revealed by a sliding kitchen wall, which skims the floor on ceiling tracks. Moving a kitchen wall sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. As seen in the photo above, just clear off the counter, scoot over the rolling kitchen table, and give it a tug.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Toni and Rick’s Serenity in Stone
Name: Toni and Rick SturtzLocation: Neillsville, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 years, owned Toni and Rick Sturtz live in a cozy stone farmhouse nestled between a restored prairie and miles of towering fir and birch trees. They see themselves as stewards of the farmstead—caretakers of their 120-year-old home and the natural resources that surround it. As they carefully adapt their home to modern living, they make changes with sustainability in mind.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Alison & Jeff’s Eclectic Williamsburg Railroad
Name: Alison Feldmann of TeenAngster and Jeff Bergstrom, as well as cats Bug and DagmarLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New YorkYears lived in: 1 year Perched on the top floor of a Williamsburg walkup, Alison and Jeff’s eclectic railroad was filled with warm afternoon light the day I visited. Streaming in with unobstructed access, it lit surfaces and highlighted textures, softening the space this couple has made their own.
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew and Emma’s Eco Environment
Name: Matthew and Emma McGregor-MentoLocation: New York, NYSize: 650 sq/ftYears lived in: 6 months When Matthew and Emma bought their 6th floor apartment in the East Village, they knew they wanted it to be filled with natural living things and to convey the sense that “nature was taking the apartment back, like a small plant growing from a crack in the sidewalk.
Cambria Bold
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Tiny 400-Square-Foot Cozy Apartment
Name: Lauren Yarmuth Location: New York CitySize: 400 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5, owned Lauren’s 400-square-foot apartment was classic New York real estate: a sliver of space in an old brick building, with little light and even less charm. But in just three weeks, she gave it a clean and natural makeover, putting every inch of space to use with clever storage solutions. When she bought it, Lauren explained, the building “was a dump.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Jennifer’s Vintage Glam Loft
Name: Jennifer White Location: McGregor, IowaSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 13, rented Jennifer White’s friends refer to her colorful, antique-filled loft as “the flamenco palace.” We’re pretty sure the “flamenco” has to do with the prodigious amounts of ball fringe, and the “palace” with the richness of retro-ocity in every corner.
Therese Maring
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 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
Alternative Non-Stuff Gift Ideas For ‘No Gifts Please’ People
Last year after Christmas I tried to take two Dutch ovens with me on the plane in my carry-on suitcase. One had been a gift, and the other was a purchase, and I thought that putting them in my carry-on would be the safest way to transport them back to New York. This seemed like a good plan until I tried to go through security……where I discovered that Dutch ovens are considered potential weapons. “You could throw them at another passenger,” the TSA agent told me.
Cambria Bold
Nov 22, 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
Sara and Rogan’s Delightful Dorm Oasis
Name: Sara Jade Pesek and Rogan KershLocation: Manhattan, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5 years In New York University’s Goddard Hall, on Washington Square Park, most doors open on the chaotic lairs of 200 college freshmen. But door #702, dotted with notes and nametags, reveals an unexpected oasis, the tranquil home of “dorm parents” Sara and Rogan.
Liz Vidyarthi
Jul 31, 2019
13 Super Secret Stair Storage Ideas
Underneath the stairs lies a great abyss known as unused space in most homes. Check out this list of 13 inspirational ideas to kick-start how to use your stairs, steps, and angles to your best small space advantage!In no particular order, here are our favorite 13 ways to efficiently use your staircase space: Stair Drawers: When you think about it, directly underneath your steps are layers of unused space. So why not add functionality to those common rectangles by transforming them into drawers?
Tiffany Finley
Jul 1, 2019
The Secrets Behind Great Small Spaces
Everyone has a bit of a different take on small space living: it’s all about purging your stuff. No, it’s all about organizing your stuff. Wait, it’s all about storing your stuff! But one thing is for sure: you know an amazing small space when you see it. Small spaces are king on Re-Nest. Yes, we love them for their lower energy and heating bills, and yes, we love them because they force us to edit, organize, and reduce our accumulation of stuff.
Cambria Bold
Jul 1, 2019
Use That Booze: 10 Ways to Clean With Vodka
Whether you’ve resolved to lay off the libations in January (Anyone out there giving Drynuary a try this year?), have just a few drops left in a bottle, or are stuck with bottom-shelf booze after a big bash, we’ve got some great alternatives to pouring the party down the drain—clean with it!
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Fireplace
No matter how clean a room may be, a dirty fireplace can make it look messy and unkempt. Tidying up can take time and effort, but the end results are rewarding, and will help keep your fireplace in great working order. More than likely you’re only dealing with some soot here and ther—and if that’s the case, your cleaning adventure won’t take all that long. But if you’ve inherited a neglected fireplace like mine, prepare to put in some time and serious elbow grease!
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
Scrub A Dub Dub: How To Make a Natural Cleaning Paste For The Tub
Over the years I’ve been guilty of occasionally buying whatever bath cleaner is on sale at the store -could be all-natural, could not. The moment I try to settle into a nice, relaxing bath I immediately start thinking about what chemicals I’m being subjected to and majorly regret my decision.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean A Wool Blanket With Snow
Wool blankets are one of the most coveted finds at flea markets these days. They are practical, durable, and fashionable. And we’ve found a great way to clean them that costs only your time —and maybe your comfort if you don’t have a big warm winter coat. People have been cleaning with snow for ages.
Ashley Poskin
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.
Ashley Poskin
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.
Ashley Poskin
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.
Ashley Poskin
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.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019