Join Apartment Therapy’s January Cure!
From Apartment Therapy → Join Apartment Therapy’s 2014 January Cure!
Jan 8, 2014
Sonja Rasula + The Unique Space
Name: Sonja Rasula, Founder of UNIQUE USA Location: The Unique Space // 1275 E 6th Street, LA CA 90021 //Los Angeles Arts District Size: 18,000 square feet Years lived in: I’ve been renovating the space for the past four months, and we just opened in December! Welcome to the Los Angeles Art District’s newest neighbor, The Unique Space! It’s 18,000 square feet of raw warehouse space, completely renovated and redesigned by the incomparable Sonja Rasula.
Dec 20, 2013
9 Cheap, Chic Classics from IKEA
Dec 20, 2013
What’s Your Big Kitchen Design Mistake?
From Apartment Therapy → What’s Your Biggest Kitchen Design Mistake?
Dec 13, 2013
West Elm Comes to London
The news in London this Fall has been all about the launch of J.Crew, but for those who prefer to shop for their home rather than their closet, another exciting shop has come across the pond! West Elm just launched a brand new store on Tottenham Court Road, the main drag for super sized furniture stores. The highly anticipated hip branch of the Williams-Sonoma group opened last Thursday.
Dec 11, 2013
How to Sew a Table Runner
Dec 6, 2013
5 Party Games to Break the Ice
Nov 27, 2013
Matt Leyes’ Men’s Grooming Parlor
Name: Matt Leyes, owner and esthetician for The Men’s Grooming Parlor Location: Andersonville; Chicago, Illinois Years lived in: 5 years Matt knew there were men out there who wanted professional grooming services, but didn’t want to end up in a pink robe sitting next to five women in a typical salon waiting room.
Nov 13, 2013
Greg & Rob’s Sky Suite
Name: Robert Onderdonk & Gregory Roth Location: Toronto, Canada Size: 1270 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, owned This sky high condo is as custom-made as they come. While gutting a brand-new home may seem like a surprising choice to some, Greg and Rob were so dissatisfied with their builder-quality basics that they knew it had to be done as soon as they moved in.
Oct 24, 2013
Adam’s DIY Ode To Ornamentalism in Philadelphia
Name: Adam Wallacavage Location: South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 3000 square feet Years Lived In: 13; Owned Stepping inside Adam’s home is akin to stepping inside a set designer’s brain. Everywhere you look, it’s a creative smorgasbord for the eyes. But what makes this place even more spectacular is the fact that Adam’s home is composed of his own creations, most of which he crafted with his own two hands.
Sep 27, 2013
Drew & Ceara’s Hollywood Hills Home
Name: Drew Fuller, actor, and Ceara McAuliffe, of Middle Sister General Vintage Location: Hollywood Hills; Los Angeles, California Size: 950 square feet Years lived in: 1 1/2 years Drew grew up at the beach in Orange Country and Ceara was raised in Venice, so they wanted their Hollywood Hills home design to have a connection to the coastal lifestyle.
Sep 16, 2013
Chris + Kenny’s Ojai Rancho Inn
Name: Chris Sewell + Kenny Osehan // Ojai Rancho Inn Location: Ojai, California Size: 18 Rooms + Swimming Pool and Sauna Years lived in: New ownership as of June 12th, 2012 The last time I visited Chris and Kenny was when I photographed their old apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara for their first House Tour. At the time they were running the Presidio Motel on State Street, as well as the Agave Inn.
Aug 19, 2013
15 Ideas to Make Your Life Saner
Jul 16, 2013
The Virtual Barber Shop Makes Your Ears Tingle While Testing Headphones
Those who’ve grown up going to a barbershop will recognize many of the sensations connected to getting a haircut: the scarf-like comfort of the tissue and silk cape wrapped around the neck, the smell of the mysterious blue liquid where combs reside perfuming the air, and of course, the ghostly head and neck tickling sensation of scissors and clippers dancing around the head.
Jul 1, 2013
Space Solutions for Small Kitchens
I’m so inspired by the myriad ways in which this year’s crew of Small Cool entrants made the most of their small cooking spaces. Read on for ideas for making a small kitchen work for you.
Jun 3, 2013
Veggie Gardening for the Black-Thumbed
When I tried to grow a vegetable garden in the past it was a total disaster. Now I have a picturesque bounty of gorgeous vegetables. Here are ten things I learned.
Apr 10, 2013
Rental Damage by Kids
The top type of damage to rental apartments? Torn off kitchen doors and towel racks.
Mar 12, 2013
Sam & Anne’s Cozy Modern Blend
Name: Sam, Anne, new baby Tesla and Pup Indiana Location: South Austin, Texas Size: 2200 square feet Years lived in: Owned 8 months Sam and Anne never intended to make this house in South Austin their home. They had been living in a gorgeous modern home we featured on Apartment Therapy last year, and purchased this 1927 bungalow with the intention of flipping it.
Feb 28, 2013
A Simple Way to Get Rid of Fruit Flies
The “paper cone of death” fruit fly trap is one way to kill those annoying little pests. Having trouble wrestling the paper cone? Here’s an alternate solution that’s just as effective!
Jan 15, 2013
Craig’s Tiki Hut
Name: Craig ShimalaLocation: River West, Chicago, IllinoisSize: 990 square feetYears lived in: 3 years; Owned Most people tend to shy away from labeling themselves as hoarders, but Craig has made the fact that he “doesn’t throw anything out” a central part of his aesthetic. Showcasing an impressive collection of vintage nautical-themed knick-knacks, Craig’s cozy Chicago apartment manages to embrace the collector within, while managing to remain uncluttered without.
Aug 28, 2012
Cleaning Baseboards With Fabric Softner
Even though my house might not reflect it sometimes, I actually greatly enjoy cleaning. That said, I loathe cleaning baseboards. That is, until I learned this quick tip to use a fabric softener sheet.
Feb 21, 2012
Are You Ready for Open Shelving?
Open shelving projects a simple attitude that we’d love to have in our kitchen, but how do you know if you’re ready to take the plunge? We’ve got four ways to tell if you’re ready for open kitchen shelving this year.• Are You Ready for Open Shelving?
Jan 20, 2012
A Spanish Style Meets Mid C Home
Designer:Kate Strickland of West Haddon HallLocation: Los Angeles, California Kate sent us images and info on a recent project: This Spanish style house with dramatic vaulted ceilings celebrates a delicious mix of styles in the interior, designed by Los Angeles-based firm West Haddon Hall. Filled with original Mid-Century Modern pieces in wood and neutral tones, it is enlivened with vibrant Moroccan rugs and Turkish pillows.
Jan 4, 2012
How Your Home’s Insulation Affects Your Wireless Signal
There’s a long list of things we love to blame for poor wireless signals—the weather, antenna placement, AT&T—and insulation is rarely one of them. It should be, though, because the insulation in your walls at home and at the office could be the real reason you’re dropping calls.Some construction materials are well-known to mess around with wireless signal strength.
Sep 15, 2011
Zoe & Trey’s Refined Eclectic Georgetown Digs
Name: Zoe Feldman and Trey Location: Georgetown — Washington, DCSize: 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 2 half baths. Approx: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: almost 2 years — owned Seeing what tricks designers use in their own homes is always a treat, but getting to peek into the home of an interior designer as unique as Zoe Feldman is a total thrill, especially since she was so open about sharing tips and resources.
Jul 21, 2011
Sam & Dominic’s Sunny Phinney Ridge Home
Name: Sam Spencer and Dominic WilliamsonLocation: Phinney Ridge — Seattle, WashingtonSize: 2000 sq feetYears lived in: 8.5 years Sam, Dominic and their two little girls live on a sunny hill in the neighborhood of Phinney Ridge in Seattle. The house stands out on the street as a sweet, contemporary haven with subtle storybook details. Their bright, red, front door and modern, silver house numbers are just a preview of the chic decor inside.
Jul 8, 2011
The Las Vegas Home of MadeByGirl’s Jen Ramos
Name: Jen Ramos Location: Henderson, Nevada Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 8 months At the end of last year, Jen started the process of remodeling her kitchen. She posted a few inspirational photos and a photo of her kitchen on her design blog, Made By Girl. I was so excited to see the transformation that I kept checking in and waiting to see the final result of her new kitchen. Jen gave me a peek at the rest of her house and I couldn’t resist a full house tour.
Jun 17, 2011
Best Outdoor Fire Pits & Fireplaces: 10 Sources
If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, an outdoor fireplace is a great investment for entertaining. Think s’mores, hot dog roasts, or even just cool nights spent gathered around the fire. Fire pits generally come in three main types: wood burning (the most popular and usually the least expensive), gas/propane (a less smokey option that’s pricier), and gel or ethanol (which creates a smokeless, odorless flame).
Jun 6, 2011
Ten Things You Need to Know about Apartment Therapy
It’s ICFF week here in New York, and design is in the air. I’ve had the honor of hosting a number of events already, including two Design Evenings in which I interviewed Danny Seo and Todd Bracher. I was fascinated to discover that their paths, not unlike mine, were far from the straight and sensible paths that most parents wish for.
May 17, 2011
10 Planters & Container Gardens for Beginners
If you’re a novice gardener and you’re not yet sure of your cultivation skills, a kit can be a good way to get started. Look for all-in-one container gardens that come with planters, soil, and instructions, or shop around and ask your local garden supply store for recommendations. Here are 10 unique planters and kits we like.
May 16, 2011
High & Low: Popsicle Molds, Ice Cream Makers & More
Looking forward to a season of ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes, and more? Check out our guide to the best high and low options for specialty tools. It covers popsicle molds, ice cream machines, blenders, juicers, and cream whippers — everything you need for a sweet, cool summer.
May 9, 2011
Save Money By Running Appliances/Recharge At Night
Utility companies generally charge higher rates during peak hours, during the day when the load is highest with everyone awake and using their stuff. During off-peak hours at night the rates are quite a bit lower. Here are some tips to take advantages of the lower evening rates to save money on your utility bills!
Apr 29, 2011
How to Shop for an Outdoor Grill
We’re a month away from Memorial Day, the official start of BBQ season, and some of us might be thinking about buying a new grill. Beyond the well-worn charcoal versus gas debate, there are other considerations to take into account when shopping for an outdoor cooker — here’s a brief guide to help you find the best grill for you.
Apr 25, 2011
Top Ten Barstools: High & Low
A good barstool is hard to find — often made for commercial use, barstools can lack the smaller scale and warm materials of home furniture. Here are 10 that range from inexpensive industrial metal models to painted wood to upholstered seating, at price points between $100 and $1,000.
Apr 11, 2011
Before & After: Fresh Starts at the 2011 DC Design House
How do you revive a dark and dated room without completely eliminating its original character? I gleaned quite a few ideas from the 2011 DC Design House where some of my favorite DC designers brought fresh sophistication to their spaces by simplifying and lightening — perfect inspiration for spring!• 1-3: The Pool Room: Erin Paige Pitts Erin was charged with the task of making the rather gloomy pool room into a functional and inspiring retreat.
Apr 8, 2011
7 Ways to Clean Your Home with Baking Soda
If you are a natural cleaning products aficionado, then you are probably familiar with the benefits of baking soda as a disinfectant: it’s environmentally friendly, effective, inexpensive and healthier then the chemical-laden products on the market. But we were amazed at just how many things baking soda can do in your home.
Mar 21, 2011
Uptown Glamour at Manhattan House by Celerie Kemble
Name: Celerie KembleLocation: Upper East Side — New York, New YorkSize: 1,861-square-feet — 2-bedroom condo The recent renovation of the Manhattan House buffs an already treasured architectural gem. Giving Celerie Kemble the opportunity to design and create an extravagant two-bedroom residence brings to life the ultimate urban living experience.
Mar 2, 2011
Before & After: A Quick and Easy Kitchen Update
Last spring, when my husband and I bought our first house, we hadn’t painted a full wall between the two of us. That changed within about two days of us getting our keys. We soon learned that the greenest (and most budget-friendly) trick in the book is to work with what you’ve got—so click through to see how our kitchen has progressed from dark and dated to light and lovely on a dime.
Feb 22, 2011
How to Shop for Kitchen Cabinets on the Cheap
Cabinetry usually adds up to about half of kitchen renovation expenses, so if you have a small budget, you’ve got to find ways to cut costs. Shop sales, check second-hand and salvage stores, try a demolition auction, or find ways to get a custom look from big box sources.
Feb 14, 2011
How To Make Your Own Indoor Compost Bin
There are a lot of options out there for apartment dwellers who want to compost, and like most things it’s not as simple as one style fits all. It’s about finding what works best for you. Try something! And if it doesn’t work for you… try something else! This is an easy indoor compost option for people who need something cheap, customizable and space friendly.
Feb 11, 2011
Gavin’s Winning Woodsy Nursery
Child’s name: Gavin (7 weeks)Location: Phoenixville, PA Room size: SMALL. I really don’t know the size. But it’s our smallest bedroom in the house. When Amanda entered (and won!) the Small Kids, Big Color contest, we all followed her into the woods and agreed that it was indeed awesome. The contest’s five photo limit left many of you, not to mention us, craving more of this memorable space.
Feb 1, 2011
Liv, Jeff and the Friendly Yeti Sharing a Home
Name: Liv and Jeff McMillan Location: Long Beach, California Size: 1644 Square Feet Years lived in: 8 Months Liv and Jeff are as fun and carefree as their artistic and handmade home. While Jeff finishes his painting in his studio, Liv is in her crafts room writing for her blog and hanging out with Friendly Yeti. Early this summer there will be a new little addition to the family and it isn’t a baby yeti.
Jan 7, 2011
Roman, Milo & Luca’s Bedroom of Nooks
Names: Roman, Milo, LucaAges: 9, 5 and 2Location: Bel Air, CARoom size: 11′ x 12′ (roughly) With a two-bedroom house and three young boys to accomodate, Irwin Miller had to get creative. His innovative use of all the nooks, recesses and alcoves results in a comfortable, efficient room that gives all three brothers their own place as well as an inspiring shared space.
Dec 16, 2010
How to Replace Your Oven Light
Our baking escapades are amateur, at best. We usually leave the oven light on the entire time we’re baking (Yes, it’s OK to do that!) to check and make sure everything is rising and browning like it should. Needless to say, we’re absolutely lost when that little bulb burns out.
Nov 30, 2010
John’s New York City Interior with a California Garden
Name: John Saint-DenisLocation: Hancock Park – Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1500 Square FeetYears lived in: 5 years John wanted to reduce his carbon footprint by moving in a multi-unit building. He found his current fourplex and decided to purchase the property with a few friends, who would each keep one of the units. It had the potential for John’s ideal blending of styles, a classic Upper East Side Manhattan layout with a California garden, but needed a complete overhaul.
Nov 18, 2010
Best Online Sources for Coffee Connoisseurs
The web has made it a lot easier for small businesses to reach bigger potential audiences — just look at the world of small-batch artisan coffee. While Starbucks might seem like they have a store on every block, people who want something different definitely have options.
Nov 15, 2010
Anthony & Gregory’s 1912 Contemporary Craftsman
Name: Anthony Franco, Clothing Designer and Wardrobe Stylist and Gregory Metcalf, Wardrobe Stylist and Pillow DesignerLocation: Silver Lake — Los Angeles, CaliforniaSize: 1,782 square feet — 4 bedrooms & 3 bathroomsYears lived in: 5 years My friend told me about Anthony and Gregory’s home and I welcomed the opportunity to check out a 1912 restored Craftsman home in Silver Lake.
Oct 26, 2010
How to Shop for an Induction Cooktop
Recently, Consumer Reports started reviewing induction cooktops alongside electric and gas ranges, while IKEA released their first US model. Welcome to America, induction cooking. Historically, the biggest barriers to buying an induction cooktop were price and accessibility, but as this style of cooking gains momentum, more affordable cooktops are appearing.
Oct 25, 2010
Lisa & Dan’s Curated Family Farmhouse
Name: Lisa & Dan and their 2 childrenLocation: Bedford, New HampshireSize: 6,200 square feet (including a small in-law apartment not pictured)Years lived in: 10 — owned Lisa and Dan moved into this outstanding farmhouse 10 years ago after living in a modern home made mostly of glass. It is clear from the first few steps inside that there is no shortage of modern amenities here — but when Lisa re-designed and re-structured this home, she did so with a reverence for the past.
Oct 19, 2010
Tech Mythbusters: Can a Cell Detect Microwave Leaks?
Ah, the internet. Where else would we find answers to all of our random questions? Our latest internet research: Whether or not your cell phone can help you identify leaks in your microwave. The legend says that if you place your phone in a microwave and close the door, it will only be able to receive an incoming call if there’s a leak. But is that true?
Oct 8, 2010
Forget Kindling: Start Fires With Orange Peels
With the first day of Fall officially under our belts, there are some parts of the country that have seen rather low nighttime temperatures. We’re always ready to bid Summer farewell and welcome Fall (and all that goes with it) with open arms. Time to light the first fire in the fireplace? If so, turn to citrus peels instead of kindling!
Sep 28, 2010
Best Celebrity Chef Cookware
Celebrity chef cookware is semi-taboo territory for food writers (the cheese factor can be hard to ignore), but celebs can make good products. Bad HSN lines aside (I love Jamie Oliver, but his HSN collection is some of the junkiest stuff I’ve seen in a long time), some celebrity-endorsed products are worth checking out when you’re shopping for kitchen equipment.
Sep 27, 2010
Compact Kitchen Appliances: 12 Smart Sources
While the average American home size may be shrinking, the trend towards big family-style kitchens seems to stay strong. It’s not always easy to find compact appliances, so in case you find yourself renovating a small kitchen and starved for helpful resources, here’s a good starter list.
Sep 20, 2010
Is This Normal? Standing Water Left in the Dishwasher
One of our tips for “How to Know When to Replace Your Dishwasher” was to check that your dishwasher is draining properly by looking out for water leftover after it runs a cycle. But the truth is, not all standing water is a bad sign.
Sep 9, 2010
Alison & Joe’s Suburban Mid-Century Thrift
Name: Alison and JoeLocation: Plainfield, IllinoisSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: 3 months Alison and Joe have only lived in their house for about three months but you wouldn’t know by looking at it. The way their suburban home is so completely and tastefully decorated it looks like they’ve lived in their house for three years.
Aug 30, 2010
Help! My Microwave Turntable Won’t Spin
Repairs are expensive. New microwaves are cheap. But you don’t have to spend a dime on either. If your microwave turntable stopped spinning, here’s an easy way to try and fix it.And all you need is some warm, soapy water and your own two hands.
Aug 30, 2010
10 Oven Tips that Cut Costs and Keep You Cool
It’s hot. Really hot down here in the south. But as we’re still recovering from the blow of last month’s power bill, we know better than to turn that AC down even just a notch. Instead, we’re keeping cool by using our oven more efficiently when we cook, saving money and bringing down the temp in our home at the same time. Check out what you can do to cut costs and keep cool.
Aug 23, 2010
DIY Training Chopsticks
Last night we had a special dinner with all four grandparents. Everyone was using chopsticks and of course the kids wanted to use them as well so we quickly made two pairs of training chopsticks.
Aug 19, 2010
In Search of the Perfect Market Bag: 12 Sources
When you make a lot of trips to the farmers market, it helps to have a good market bag — one that holds the right amount of produce, lasts, and is comfortable to carry. Depending on your needs, here are 12 sources for classic styles, compact models, and bags designed with special features.
Aug 9, 2010
Jennifer’s Maison Une
Welcome to Kate from the Pacific Northwest; a blogger trying out for a place on the Apartment Therapy editorial team as a House Tour Contributor. Enjoy her work!Name: JenniferLocation: Rio Dell, CaliforniaSize: 1850 square feetYears lived in: 28 Fondly referred to as Masion Un (which means House One in French), this home seems almost hidden among the lush, overgrown plants, orchard, pond and alluring views all vying for attention over the five acre sprawl.
Jul 20, 2010
14 Home Hacks for Your Dishwasher
By now you know that your hair dryer and your microwave can do way more around the house than frizz your locks and zap your coffee. But did you know your dishwasher has some multi-tasking skills of its own? Check out our list of 14 home hacks for your dishwasher.
Jul 9, 2010
Revisiting Beth’s Teeny Tiny Peek-a-boo View
Name: Beth of Small Cool 2010 fameLocation: Sausalito, CaliforniaSize: 365 square feetYears lived in: 3 years There is no doubt that everyone remembers Beth’s Teeny Tiny Peek-a-boo from this year’s Small Cool Contest. As winner of the Teeny Tiny division, we were all impressed by how much Beth was able to do in such a small footprint. Still, five images were not enough and left us all wanting to see more.
Jun 10, 2010
Krista & Zak’s Philadelphia Art Hotel
Name: Krista Peel and Zak Starer of Philadelphia Art HotelLocation: East Kenzington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 1,700 square feet — 3 story brick rowhouse Years lived in: 9 months If there’s one thing we know right off the bat — Krista and Zak are not afraid of color! In fact, they embrace it and use it in every square inch of their home.
Jun 3, 2010
Violet’s Small, Sloped, Splendid Space
Name: Violet KathleneAge: 2 Weeks, 2 DaysLocation: Central PennsylvaniaRoom size: 12′ x 7′ How to create a cohesive, beautiful nursery in a small room with sloped ceilings? Planning. Violet’s mom, Lauren, gathered inspiration, made a plan and recruited family to pull off some terrific DIY projects. The result is this fresh, dreamy space filled with light and soft touches. It melds modern and classic pieces into a contemporary space that feels timeless at the same time.
May 28, 2010