Brownstone row houses with ornate facades, large windows, and stone steps lined with greenery.
Barack Obama Used To Live In This Park Slope Brownstone For Sale
The president was here. The Brooklyn brownstone that, thirty or so years ago, was home to 44 is now on the market for $4.295 million. In the mid ’80s, post-Columbia (and pre-Michelle) Barack Obama lived at 640 2nd Street in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. At the time, the property was split into multiple apartments—Obama and his then-girlfriend lived on the top floor.
Apr 28, 2017
These New Multifunctional Furniture Collections Are Coming to IKEA in April
IKEA is already one of our go-to retailers for smart small space solutions, and the new collections they have in store for us are only going to enforce that. There are several products debuting in stores and online next month especially for multipurpose spaces that we’re excited about. Here’s your first look: First up is the EKEBOL sofa. It combines wooden shelves underneath and behind the cushions within a metal frame to add storage to a piece that often doesn’t have any.
Mar 22, 2017
City vs. Suburbs: A New Study Breaks Down Exactly How Much More It Costs For Families To Live An Urban Life
From million-dollar condos to $8 beers, the bright lights of the big city don’t come cheap. In fact, living in New York City costs a family with young children $71,237 more per year than life in the surrounding suburbs. That’s according to a joint study by Zillow and Care.com that compared the costs of housing, property taxes, and childcare in major cities to their outlying suburbs.
Mar 16, 2017
The Fairy Tale Story of Ms. Chesterfield, My Newest Sofa
I am so excited to announce the official debut of Ms. Chesterfield, a modern, feminine version of the chunky old Chesterfield. It’s also the newest piece in a continued collaboration between Apartment Therapy and Interior Define. I got to see it in Chicago two weeks ago, and it is truly beautiful.
Mar 2, 2017
Oh Joy’s Rainbow-Hued Furniture Collection for Target is Here (And We Want Everything)
If you’re someone who’s just as into statement sofas as statement pillows, then you’re really going to love Joy Cho’s latest collection for Target. And it’s a first: Joy’s love of color and pattern explodes into a new category—furniture! The new Oh Joy!
Mar 1, 2017
Sneak Peek: Our Newest Collaboration with Interior Define!
Here’s a sneak peek of the one, the only Ms. Chesterfield. I’ve been sitting on another secret for WAY too long. I’m thrilled that I can FINALLY share our newest collaboration with Interior Define with all of you. Ready for 2017, here’s my interpretation of the iconic Chesterfield sofa: a sleeker, sexier and more modern version, and she’s called Ms. Chesterfield.
Feb 24, 2017
Sofa Drama: How West Elm’s Peggy Went from Popular to Discontinued to Refund-Worthy in Under a Week
West Elm’s Peggy sofa has been the source of much controversy this week. Here’s how the affordable mid-century style option went from popular pick to discontinued in just about six days. It all started when Anna Hezel’s piece, Why Does This One Couch From West Elm Suck So Much?, was published on The Awl last Thursday. In it, she details how she and her partner bought the Peggy after moving in together.
Feb 23, 2017
Is Nokia Making a ‘Smart’ Move Bringing the Dumb Phone Back?
Do you miss the days when phones were for calling people, batteries lasted more than four hours, and the only distraction available was playing Snake? Good news, luddites, because Nokia is bringing back their beloved 3310, the dumb phone to end all dumb phones. “Serial leaker” Evan Blass announced on Twitter that Nokia would be debuting the resurrected 3310 later this month at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, along with a few Android-based smartphones.
Feb 19, 2017
Check Out These Winning Architect-Designed Little Free Libraries
Anything that spreads the love of reading is wonderful in our book. We’ve been enamored with Little Free Libraries since they started popping up in neighborhoods around the world nearly a decade ago. Recently, Chronicle Books held a design competition to see if architects could come up with the perfect Little Free Library. Here are the results: The first Little Free Library came to be in 2009.
Feb 17, 2017
Students Design a Temporary Shelter to Combat LA’s Homelessness
There’s a homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, with an estimated 50,000 people sleeping on the streets every night—a figure that’s jumped 35% in the last year alone. Architecture students at the University of Southern California have worked with city officials and nonprofits to come up with Homes for Hope, a single-occupancy pod that can be built quickly and cheaply, and can help provide safe spaces for homeless people while more permanent solutions are in the works.
Feb 12, 2017
A 200-Word Essay Could Win You a Gorgeous Catskills Cabin
If conveying your innermost thoughts via the written word isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse, allow us to kindly encourage you to knock the dust off those essay-writing skills you acquired back in the day. Because the only thing that stands between you and some cushy lakeside digs are a mere 200 words. According to Curbed, the owners of this gorgeous Catskills cabin are holding an essay-writing contest with plans to give the Bethel, NY home to whoever comes up with the most convincing words.
Feb 11, 2017
Pinterest Just Announced a New Feature That Turns Your Camera Into a Search Tool
Big news from Pinterest today. The social network and image sharing platform debuted a suite of visual discovery tools today, one of which turns your camera into a search tool. “Humans are visual creatures. We use our eyes to decide if something looks good, or if it matches our style,” the company says in its announcement blog post. “Pinterest is built for open-minded discovery. Just like when you’re out window-shopping.
Feb 8, 2017
IKEA’s New Black Kitchen Cabinets Are Literally Garbage
IKEA’s new cabinets are literally garbage. Kungsbacka, the Swedish furniture retailer’s latest line of kitchen cabinets, is made from reclaimed industrial wood and recycled plastic bottles. IKEA collaborated with Swedish design studio Form Us With Love to create a sleek collection of anthracite cabinets with a matte finish (you know we love a black kitchen!). Each 15.75-by-31.5-inch cabinet uses 25 plastic bottles.
Feb 6, 2017
Survey Reveals That People Want Bigger Homes—Except in this One Country
For many people, bigger is still better—especially when it comes to their homes. Sure, that motorized monstrosity known as the Hummer is no longer in production, and McMansions have fallen out of favor in recent years as tiny homes tickle our imaginations. But according to a new survey, in much of America, size still matters—and big isn’t big enough.
Feb 1, 2017
8 Little Tricks to Change How You Dust
Jan 20, 2017
In Vino Veritas: The 9 Most Wine-Obsessed Moments of 2016
After much contemplation, we are still having trouble thinking of a moment in which wine wasn’t winning, and this year has been no exception. The much talked about beverage is arguably the cool kid of boozy drinks. As if they’d been stored in a cellar until optimal maturation, the multitude of wine-inspired ideas that continually gushed forth in 2016 prove that nearly everyone and everything wants to be associated with wine.
Dec 24, 2016
Join the January Cure for Your Best Year Yet
There is nothing like the start of a new year to get your home (and life!) in good shape – and Apartment Therapy wants to make it as painless as possible. If you are ready to make 2017 your best year yet, I have a plan. Sign up for the free group project we call the January Cure and I’ll send you do-able, one-manageable-step-at-a-time assignments throughout the rest of the month, designed to help you create a cleaner, more organized and peaceful home.
Dec 19, 2016
This Is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2017
It’s December, and the holiday season is officially here. But for color lovers, today is a holiday in and of itself: the day Pantone announces their Color of the Year for 2017. In 2016, they surprised us all and gave us two hues: Serenity and Rose Quartz. Is there a new pair this year? Or are we back to one color to rule them all?
Dec 8, 2016
40 Crafts for a Festive Thanksgiving Feast
Nov 18, 2016
The Best Peel & Stick Decorative Tile Decals
Nov 11, 2016
We’re Hiring: Join Our Team of Global House Tour Contributors
Love Apartment Therapy House Tours? Want to join our team and share stylish spaces from your part of the world? Well, now is your time! We’re putting out a special call for Tour Contributors. If you’ve got strong photography skills, an excellent eye for style and are inspired by wonderfully designed homes and the people who live in them, read on. We’re looking for people to photograph and write House Tours of homes of all sizes and styles.
Nov 2, 2016
Halloween Decor Done the Chic, Grown-Up Way
Oct 27, 2016
Watch this Coffee Table Convert to a Dining Table in One Move
Convertible tables have been a small space staple for decades, but what they offer in functionality, they often lack in style. Paris-based Boulon Blanc wants to change that with their new transformable table. While traditional convertible tables use an X-shaped mechanism that’s reminiscent of an ironing board, Boulon Blanc has a patented rotating hinge instead. The result is an organic-inspired, transformative shape whether it’s used as a coffee table or a dining table.
Oct 20, 2016
Teddy Ruxpin Got a Makeover & Is Still Creepy AF
Anyone who grew up in the ’80s remembers Teddy Ruxpin. The talking bear with the cassette tape in his back hit the market in 1985, scared us all with his uncanny valley face and low battery voice, and faded into oblivion for awhile. Until now. In case you need a refresher: MommyandGracieShow got a look at the new Teddy at the Dallas Toy Fair and he’s ripe to terrify a whole new generation. Produced by Wicked Cool Toys, the biggest visual difference is in the eyes.
Oct 3, 2016
A Swinging ’70s-Inspired Home in Maine
Project by: Tyler Karu of Landing Design Location: Portland, Maine Tyler was able to create a 70s-inspired space that hits all the design high notes of the decade without veering into parody or camp. With some smartly shopped pieces and warm colors, this home is as eye-catching as it is welcoming. From Tyler: When my clients brought me on board, immediately after purchasing the property, they informed me that their inspiration was “seventies conversation pit.” I was elated.
Aug 30, 2016
9 Clever Backyard Hacks to Tackle This Summer
Jul 25, 2016
7 DIY Sea Salt Cleaners & Scrubs
Jun 29, 2016
Real Life Design: 3 Renters Who Made Lemonade Out of “Lemon” Rental Kitchens & Baths
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” The phrase has a contented history, but the expression boils down to this: lemons are harsh and sour – kind of like the dated rental kitchen you can’t stand to cook in – and lemonade is sweet – like these 3 real rooms that made the best of a bad situation.
Jun 21, 2016
Why So Serious? Playful Design Trends We’re Spotting: Neon, 80s Influences, Toys & More
It’s halfway through 2016 and I’ve already spotted stand-out design trends in beautiful homes. But I’m not just referring to common colors, patterns and materials. This year, I’m spotting elements that infuse playfulness into interiors. Add some playfulness into your rooms today with these fresh and fun decor trends. Neon isn’t a new idea for interiors, but the ways that I’ve been spotting them in interiors recently is fresh.
May 31, 2016
3 Smart Tips for Being a Great Host
May 26, 2016
12 Fun Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
Being strapped for cash doesn’t mean that you have to stay at home, glum and bored. There are plenty of options for having fun, provided that you’re willing to put a bit of ingenuity and vim into the process.
May 18, 2016
11 Modern Gold (and Copper!) Flatware Sets
Gold has made a comeback in a big way; you can find beautiful, modern gold flatware in a huge variety of styles and price ranges. For those inclined to be adventurous, there are copper and rose gold options, too. We’ve rounded up some of the best. From Apartment Therapy → The Best Modern Gold (and Copper!
May 17, 2016
8 Ways to Use IKEA’s $10 KNUFF Magazine Files Around the House
IKEA’s KNUFF magazine files are so affordable and unassuming that you might miss them if you aren’t looking for them, but they can be used for a whole host of things around the house.
May 4, 2016
A Peek Inside Paisley Park, Prince’s Minnesota Recording Studio
Quite unassuming from the outside, you’d hardly guess this building was the creative refuge of The Purple One. But at Paisley Park in suburban Minnesota, Prince recorded nearly 30 albums. Take a look inside: 55,000 square feet on nine acres, Paisley Park was completed in 1988 and houses four recording studios, a video editing suite, and a 12,500 square foot soundstage.
Apr 28, 2016
An IKEA Hack of Epic Heights: A Sky-High Stacked Bookcase from KALLAX Shelves
There’s one particular feature of Girolamo & Alex’s San Francisco house tour that demands your attention and piques your curiosity: The black bookcase that stretches all the way from the floor to the loft’s enviably tall ceiling. Look a little closer, and you’ll see that this grand bookcase is actually three $149 KALLAX shelving units stacked together (if they look familiar, the KALLAX is IKEA’s latest model to replace the popular EXPEDIT shelves).
Apr 26, 2016
Takeaway Tips for a Sure-Fire (& Stylish) Craft Area
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the tornado of craft supplies that has taken over a room (or perhaps your whole home), you might need to employ smarter storage tools to keep your supplies in check. This craft room features several clever ideas that could be used in your home—no matter if you have an entire room or just a small area.
Apr 20, 2016
10 Smart Tips to Help You Drink More Water
Staying well-hydrated gives you energy, promotes healthy weight, and helps clear your complexion. So why is it so hard to stay on track?
Apr 14, 2016
Space Saving Smart Furniture Switcheroos
In a small home, every inch counts. If you’re looking for ways to find more space in your home, peruse this list of furniture switcheroo suggestions. They are smart and suitable substitutes for bulkier furniture, and making these switches could give you more space. A small wooden shelf, a repurposed desk drawer or a cube shelf (like above) can drastically reduce the space a nightstand might take up without eliminating a handy bedside surface.
Mar 18, 2016
Molly & Daniel: The Freelance Life in LA
Molly and Daniel are true blue partners in crime. They live together in a 1920’s-era Los Feliz apartment, work together as business partners, and support each other’s freelance work goals. They’re also great storytellers, fun to be around, and, as far as cute couples go, they’re like Olympic ice skating team cute. Here’s life with Molly and Daniel… The story of Molly and Daniel starts off with a simple twist of fate.
Mar 16, 2016
A Trio of Simple “I Wish I’d Thought of That” Color Ideas
We’re all kids at heart. So why can’t we decorate like children? Not to say we should start pinning up posters of teen idols or buying superhero sheets, but we should be able to channel the kind of reckless abandon of a child with a crayon and a coloring book. There are no rules, only color. This bold Chicago apartment seems to have it down, with three rule-breaking color details that are just rebellious enough to work for anyone, in any space.
Mar 14, 2016
This Might Be the Easiest Way to Hide TV Cords, Ever
It’s hard out here for a renter. Something that’s really simple for homeowners–like running your TV cords down behind the wall–is physically impossible for renters, lest we think it’s worth sacrificing our security deposits. Good news: All hope is not lost if you’re stuck with cords that droop and dangle across your beautiful vignettes. The solution? A stack of books.
Mar 3, 2016
What Do the Contents of Your Trash Say About Your Personality?
From Apartment Therapy → What Does Your Trash (or Recycling) Say About You?
Mar 2, 2016
How Much Did This Room Cost? Sarah’s Stylish Dining Room
Sarah of Salt House somehow manages to live and work and host cooking classes, workshops, and other food-centered events in her modestly-sized apartment—and do it all with enviable style. Want to make her fabulous and flexible dining room your own? Here’s (approximately!) how much it would cost… Extendable dining table: Z Gallerie via Salt House $1,500 Chairs: Overstock.com via Salt House $143 x 10 = $1,430 Custom neon sign: Lite Brite Neon $?
Jan 28, 2016
How Much Did This Room Cost? Cate’s Living Room
Design writer Cate St. Hill lives in a London flat that boasts a beautiful aesthetic she describes as “a light and relaxed style that’s one part Scandi and one part French, with a blend of old and new.” Let’s explore how much (approximately!) it would cost to recreate her lovely living room in our very own homes. Stool: Alvar Aalto Stool 60 from artek $285.00 Vintage armchair: eBay $? Linen curtains: IKEA Aina $59.99 Light: Eileen Gray Tube Light from Aram $588.
Jan 25, 2016