Nature can be one of the best places to find color inspiration, and fall is is a great time to look for it. Rich reds, golden yellows, and deep greens are everywhere. Valspar Paint is ready to help you turn those inspirations into reality with five palettes for fall.A bright orange, used sparingly, brings just enough pop to enliven this mostly-neutral living room. The long, horizontal stripe on the wall keeps it looking clean.
When we were kids, there were few places as exciting as the library. We spent hours wandering the stacks and discovering stories that stuck with us into adulthood. And the library at Philadelphia’s Henry H. Houston School has been providing that magical experience since the 1920s!The K-8 school has long been an inclusive and diverse place for students and their families, with a vibrant academic and social community.
We’re willing to bet you won’t find more smiling faces anywhere in Houston than BenCheri’ Educational Center. Since 2014, this community hub has offered local youth tutoring, mentoring, and after-school programming. From elementary school to high school, ABCs to financial literacy, BenCheri’ supports students with the knowledge they need to succeed. But the organization offers so much more than education.
Of all the perks our dream kitchen would have, what we’d put at the top of the list might surprise you: a beautiful, well-designed sink. Why? Because the sink is the heart of your kitchen’s workflow: From prep to cooking to clean-up, if your kitchen sink doesn’t function well, you’ll be frustrated every time you use it. The antidote to all that frustration is BLANCO, maker of ergonomic, durable, and totally gorgeous sinks, faucets, and accessories.
With its cozy loft vibe and big windows full of SoCal sunshine, JQ International is already a lively meeting spot for Jewish LGBTQ+ folks in Los Angeles. “J Club” — as it’s affectionately known — is the place to be for Pride events, youth group meetings, and casual drop-in hangs. It’s also an important hub for educational, mental health, and community-focused events: a safe space where queer Jewish people can feel comfortable and supported.
Nature is inspiring a lot of interior design right now, and the reason is simple: The colors of the natural world offer respite from work, life, and whatever’s on your mind. They can turn your home into a serene haven from everyday stress. So to highlight the warm, grounding power of these hues, we created a color palette layered with desert shades of mauve, bronze, and clay. Meet Earthy Pleasures.
When you think about improving your kitchen, it makes sense to start with the spot where you spend the most time — and we bet that’s not where you think. We’re talking about a gold mine of amazing upgrade potential that’s hiding in plain sight: your sink. A whopping 60 percent of our time in the kitchen is spent at the sink. (Just ask whoever in your house is on dishes duty tonight.
Name: Hilton CarterLocation: Baltimore, MDSize: 3,200 square feetType of home: American ColonialYears lived in: 1, ownedAs Apartment Therapy’s Plant Therapist, Hilton Carter is the first person we turn to when our snake plants are looking sad or our pothos needs propagating. His deep knowledge about all things green, his fresh sense of style, and his warm, you-can-do-this attitude have helped many a plant-filled home flourish. Including his own.
Name: Kate ArendsLocation: St. Paul, MinnesotaSize: 5,500 square feetType of home: Colonial ramblerYears lived in: 2, ownedWhether she’s transforming her kitchen, styling effortlessly chic outfits, or fielding questions about relationships and parenting, Kate Arends lives up to the name of her popular design and lifestyle company: Wit & Delight. Like your friend who always thrifts the coolest finds, Kate adds her relaxed and irreverent style to everything she touches.
Relaxing in nature is one of the most serene activities you can do — except maybe for relaxing in a home inspired by the calming power of the great outdoors. Sound soothing? We think so too. That’s why we designed a paint palette of rich greens and organic accent colors. Together, these hues create a soft, grounded look that feels like a quiet walk through the forest. Meet Verdant Vanitas.
Subtlety is nice, but this year we’re more into style that shouts a bit. For those who don’t shy away from color, we created a paint palette that will add a little shine and sparkle to your home. Full of lush jewel tones and vibrant pastels, it’s like a treasure chest of baubles — a.k.a. the perfect accessory. Meet the color palette we’ve named Crown Jewels.
Lush and organic decor, full of natural materials and rounded shapes, is having a moment. We’re bringing the trend into high-def with a paint palette that plays off its most captivating colors: verdant greens, sunset pinks and oranges, and soft neutrals. Together, they’re a combination of energetic and calm that makes any day — and any room — feel breezy and inviting. Meet the color palette we’re calling Mint Julep.
When you’re a renter, it can be challenging to make your home a true expression of yourself. But Cyn Moreno has a knack for adding personality to any home. She created a bright and utterly distinct apartment by focusing on DIYs that add individuality to her Los Angeles rental — without putting her security deposit at risk. And she teaches others how to do the same. “If you’re an apartment dweller, you have so many limitations on what you can do,” Cyn says.
Our design styles are always evolving, but perhaps most of all in our mid-twenties. That’s when we start to look around at the random furniture, family hand-me-downs, and sidewalk scores we’ve gathered since our first apartments and say to ourselves: “Huh?”Samantha was ready to swap her assortment of furniture for new pieces that felt more cohesive and sophisticated.
We don’t believe in rules when it comes to design, but we do believe in some tried-and-true principles that have never let us down. And if you feel like your space needs a little extra something to feel complete, they just might help you get there.That was the case for the cozy Chicago apartment that Samantha shares with her roommate. The home had so many great elements — exposed brick! natural light!
A delicious home-cooked meal is one of life’s greatest joys. And though Samantha and her roommate had a modern and bright kitchen in their Chicago apartment, one important ingredient was missing: a place to eat.With a small open-concept kitchen and living area, they usually ate meals on the sofa. And they didn’t do much entertaining, since there wasn’t a good spot for friends to gather. So Samantha set out to make their kitchen and dining area more functional.
We’ve all been there: that moment in your twenties when you feel like an adult, but your home feels like a mishmash of everything you’ve thrifted, inherited from your parents, and rescued from the sidewalk. It’s not quite a dorm room, but it’s not not.That’s how Samantha and her roommate felt about their Chicago apartment. “Our furniture style could best be described as ‘nonexistent,'” she says.
As a native New Yorker, I was raised on some of the best tap water in the United States. I didn’t start using a water filter until I moved to Boston in my early 20s, at which point I realized I’d become a bit of a water snob. Even after moving back to New York I kept up the habit with a faucet filter, just to make sure my tap water tastes the way I like. But after five years, my old filter was in need of replacement, so I wanted to see what other (better?
Studio apartments aren’t big on space, but that doesn’t mean they’re short on possibility. When Peggy and Anthony found their alcove studio in Queens, NYC, they knew they had enough room for exactly what they wanted: a cozy, stylish space where they could work from home, entertain friends, and unwind together.The trick was to design their new home in a way that created distinct mini “rooms” (walls not required).
When you live in a studio apartment, making your bedroom feel restful is especially important — and can be especially challenging. For Peggy and Anthony, who just moved into an alcove studio apartment in New York City, the goal was to make the “bedroom” feel as separate from the living space as possible.The couple turned to The Home Depot’s online collection of furniture and decor for assistance.
When Peggy and Anthony moved in together, they knew they needed to get creative to make their alcove studio work as both a home and a co-working space. That’s right: They both work from home, and home is one big room. In a studio apartment. In New York City.To help them make the most of their space — while giving each other space — Peggy and Anthony made some smart design moves.
All of our homes do double and triple duty these days, but Peggy and Anthony’s apartment is really working overtime: The newly cohabitating couple share an alcove studio in Queens, NYC with an open living space and bedroom nook — and they each work from home.With such cozy quarters, Peggy and Anthony had to be intentional about arranging their space to support independent work days, chill couple time, and dinner parties with friends.
You can’t avoid every stressor that comes with moving. But you can have a plan to mitigate the struggle of packing your life into cardboard boxes — one that will help you enjoy your new space sooner and make it feel like it’s truly yours.To help make your next move easier, we asked three recently relocated, moving-savvy Apartment Therapy staffers for their best advice. The one through-line? Prioritize making your new bedroom as restful as possible.
When I moved into a new place last year, I set out to make it as “me” as possible. I was living alone for the first time in a long time, and I wanted to decorate intentionally — especially in the bedroom, which I wanted to feel extra supportive and grounding.I knew of a few accent items — a shaggy area rug and soft linen sheets — I could use to start building up my new, cozy, organic aesthetic.
Three years ago, when Danielle Guerrero and her husband bought their first house — a new construction with basic, builder-grade furnishings — she was a DIY novice. That didn’t last long: Danielle started tackling projects like adding shiplap and installing new flooring, and she hasn’t stopped. Along the way, she amassed a collection of power tools, a lot of know-how, and a community of folks eager to discover their own DIY skills.
Here’s a riddle: What makes your home bigger overnight? Spring!Once the weather warms up, all that outdoor space is just another room to hang out in. And this year, we’re redecorating. It’s time to turn that yard, patio, rooftop, or patch of grass into a vacation-worthy spot for sunny days and warm nights — whether you want to host friends, play games, or lounge with a good book.We’re setting the whole scene with the latest seasonal finds from Walmart.
We’re not scientists, but we’re pretty sure that food tastes better outside. A warm evening, a freshly prepared meal, a chilled bottle of wine, a table full of family and friends soaking up the last rays of sun — sounds extra delicious, no? That’s the magic of dining al fresco. And when spring arrives, it’s time to seize every opportunity for it. Put down the paper plates: We found great deals for setting the table for a season of memorable everyday feasts.
When those first beams of springtime sunlight pour through the windows, our homes start to sparkle with possibility. (And a little dust. But mostly possibility.) Suddenly, we’re energized to jump into all the projects and DIYs that we’ve been daydreaming about. After the snowy days of winter, it’s finally time to change things up, get outside, and make this the best, brightest, most fun-in-the-sun spring yet.
Here at Apartment Therapy University, we can’t help you pass Organic Chemistry or tell you how to find the student union, but we can help you design the coolest collegiate space around. Whether you’re living the dorm life or moving into your first off-campus apartment, having a comfortable, stylish home base will inspire you all semester long.
College is a rite of passage into adulthood: Managing your own schedule, keeping up with your coursework, and creating your own home — even if it’s a dorm room. Whether you’re a freshman or grad student, living on campus or off, the start of a new school year is the perfect time to upgrade your living space into a stylish hub for studying and socializing.You don’t need a degree in design to make it happen: Bed Bath & Beyond® can help.
Back-to-school shopping isn’t only about freshly sharpened pencils and color-coded folders (though we’re always ready to talk organizational systems). It’s also a great opportunity to make sure your space is set up to be chic, comfortable, and conducive to a new year of hitting the books.
There’s nothing more exciting than a new home — and nothing more stressful than moving into one. But don’t get your packing tape in a twist: While we can’t make all those boxes disappear (sorry), we can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and underprepared on your first day in your new place. And that goes double for first-time movers.
College is one of the best times of your life — and one of the busiest. From group projects and cram sessions to 10-page papers and pop quizzes, you need a home base that feels calm and cozy when the school day is (finally) done.Whether you’re living in the dorms or an apartment off-campus, you can create a relaxing respite from all that scholastic hustle.
Keeping your outdoor space set up for entertaining comes with so many benefits. Tired after a long workday? Retire to your private oasis. Favorite restaurant closed? Invite friends over for al fresco noshing. Inspired to host a dinner party? Your table is ready.That said, it’s OK if your patio/balcony/backyard isn’t quite hosting-ready yet.
We will never not be excited about choosing paint colors. It’s literal magic! Whatever mood you’re looking for — calm, creative, serene, sophisticated — a coat of paint can create it instantly. Paint has the power to transform and transport us to places that inspire us to be our best selves. And we want to give your block a paint makeover.We teamed up with Benjamin Moore to give away paint makeovers to four worthy community spaces in a neighborhood like yours.
If you’re lucky enough to have a private outdoor space at home, you’re probably already thinking about all the ways you can make the most of it this summer: a haven for plants, an alfresco dining area, or your own tropical-inspired at-home getaway. Whatever your vision, chances are you’re hoping to share that space with friends and loved ones.If you’re planning to entertain, you’re going to need some supplies.
It’s that wonderful time of year when we get to utter those three magic words: Summer is here. And whether you have an apartment in the city or a cottage in the country, you’re probably hoping to make a few seasonal upgrades and changes. Maybe you want to turn your backyard into an outdoor dining area that reminds you of your favorite restaurant. Struck by wanderlust? Now is the time to transform your bedroom into a hotel-inspired abode.
For their entire seven years together, Abby and Vic had always wanted a dog. “Most couples dream of having kids, but we dreamt of having a house full of golden retrievers,” she says. It never seemed like the right time to take the plunge. When the couple relocated from California to Dallas, away from family and friends, life suddenly felt a lot quieter. And then they met Ollie.“Ollie was such a quiet and shy puppy. We looked down, and he was staring up at us.
Professionally decorated homes have that extra something-something that many of us would love to add to our homes. But even figuring out what that is can seem like a task for an expert. Is it the custom built trim? Those extra lights? Or maybe just making the right color choices? Whatever it is, it would sure be nice to have.
Living alone for the first time is a special milestone: an opportunity to find out not just what you like, but also what you can accomplish. For Emily Sanchez, a San Diego business owner and content creator, moving into her first solo home has been a journey of growth and independence. She’s learned a lot about herself — and she’s learned a lot of skills, too.Decorating a small space on a budget means that Emily is constantly using her creativity in new ways.
Maybe you find yourself reimagining your decor or giving home styling advice to friends. Perhaps you just enjoy seeking out the beauty in your surroundings. Whatever your passion is, making time and space to explore those interests can enrich your personal and professional life — especially if you’ve ever dreamed of making your passion your occupation.To help you take your next step, we asked three professional interior designers for their advice on navigating a creative field.
Our outdoor spaces feel like little sanctuaries to decompress and catch up with loved ones. Whether you’re working with a lush backyard, quaint patio, or communal rooftop, every sized space is precious. And the key to realizing your exterior’s potential? Finding the outdoor furniture that’s just right for your space.Start by looking to experts who build stylish pieces for inside and outside the home.
With extreme summer temps on the way — and with them the potential for blackouts — we’re thinking about how to be ready for power outages. There are the classic supplies, like bottled water, flashlights, candles. But if you’ve ever had to toss a full fridge of spoiled food (or run out of juice on your phone with no way to recharge), then you’ll know why we’re also investing in something a little more serious: a power station.
Your space is an expression of your own personal style, no matter what you put in it. Maybe you pride yourself on snagging the best pre-loved furniture or decor at thrift stores. Or maybe you’re a pro at incorporating pieces you’ve inherited from loved ones and collected on your travels into your space. Either way: All these one-of-a-kind touches are a powerful way to make your home truly yours.
If you’re making a list of the things that have changed in the past two-ish years, it’s accurate enough to just write “EVERYTHING” in all caps. If you want to write two words, you could add “our workspaces” too. The definition of “going to the office” has shifted, and a lot of people are still alternating between a commute that stretches through several stoplights and one that involves walking down the hall.
A new coat of paint is one of the most stunning and, usually, longest-lasting ways to revamp a room. So to make sure your wonderful paint job stands the test of time, stains, and sun exposure — and to make sure that paint color you spent hours picking out looks picture-perfect on your walls — take a tip from the pros. Remember your primer!Even first-time painters can achieve professional-looking results when they apply a coat of primer before beginning to paint.
The one thing that can bring personal style and timeless elegance to every home? Tile. From small backsplashes and trim, to floors and walls, any amount of tile goes a long way to helping your space express your design tastes. Ready for your upgrade?Enter for a chance to win $1,000 worth of tile from Bedrosians® Stone & Tile — the experts in high quality, luxe tiling since 1948 — PLUS a one-hour consultation with one of their styling pros.
Having a work-from-home space that merely works isn’t enough. We need them to also look and feel great to be in — and not just to show off on video calls. Spending eight (or more) hours in a space that expresses your personal style is one of the perks of working from home, plus it tends to be more energizing than sitting in a cookie-cutter workstation under fluorescent lighting.
When I’m in a hurry, I really don’t like feeling like I have to compromise on bigger-picture goals, like supporting sustainability, just to keep my day — and my kids’ days — moving forward. If I’m packing snacks or gathering stuff for a family outing, I don’t want to use a bunch of plastic bags I know will get thrown out. Yes, I’ve tried washing and reusing zip top bags, but they always get damaged (and the hand-washing gets old).
Most houses don’t start out as your dream home — and we think that’s part of the fun. Take the home that Ashley Quintero and her family recently bought in Fort Worth, Texas: Beautiful but outdated, the 1950s house has a long list of projects to tackle and features to upgrade. Luckily, that’s where Ashley shines.Ashley is a self-taught — and seriously skilled — woodworker and DIY maven.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Nothing transforms a space like a fresh coat of paint. It’s an affordable, weekend-able DIY with as many possibilities as there are colors. And whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy it for years to come (or whenever you decide to change things up again).But while painting is a manageable project, there are common pitfalls that can keep your hard work from looking its best.
When Ashley Quintero and her family moved into a lovely-but-dated midcentury home in Fort Worth, Texas, there were projects to tackle everywhere she looked. Luckily, Ashley has the skills: The healthcare worker-turned-DIYer is known for her amazing and approachable woodworking projects, which she breaks down to her followers on TikTok and Instagram.But not every upgrade requires busting out the table saw — especially when your whole house is a work in progress.
Part of the fun of interior design is that your home’s style is constantly evolving. That also means that occasionally a piece you love doesn’t really work anymore. We like to think of those moments as opportunities for more creativity.There are few design bloggers more creative than Amanda Walker, who can turn old televisions into art and awkward corners into cozy reading nooks.
Our tastes change as we settle into our spaces, and that’s a good thing! Style is something that evolves as we gain more life experience. Sometimes these changes lead to big dramatic before-and-after affairs, but more often it’s little fixes along the way that allow our space to grow with us. DIYer and interior decor creator Zenia Olivares has figured out how to make a space feel different with little more than a single trip to a home improvement store.
One of the best things about moving into your first apartment is having a home that really feels like yours: a well-curated ode to all the style and personality that only you possess. But much like Rome or a fine wheel of Parmesan, your dream home can’t be built in a day. You’ll feel much more at home when you take your time, reflecting on what you want your space to be and then bringing in only the decor that speaks to you.
Happy Place is a brand-new editorial series dedicated to helping you live your happiest, healthiest life at home. Every week for 4 months, we’re sharing quick, doable, and not-at-all-preachy tips that wellness pros, home decor experts, and Apartment Therapy editors actually use (really!). Sign up now to get 16 weeks of actionable advice in your inbox. This issue of Happy Place is presented in partnership with Yogi Tea.
Happy Place is a brand-new editorial series dedicated to helping you live your happiest, healthiest life at home. Every week for 4 months, we’re sharing quick, doable, and not-at-all-preachy tips that wellness pros, home decor experts, and Apartment Therapy editors actually use (really!). Sign up now to get 16 weeks of actionable advice in your inbox.This issue of Happy Place is presented in partnership with Yogi Tea.
Happy Place is a brand-new editorial series dedicated to helping you live your happiest, healthiest life at home. Every week for 4 months, we’re sharing quick, doable, and not-at-all-preachy tips that wellness pros, home decor experts, and Apartment Therapy editors actually use (really!). Sign up now to get 16 weeks of actionable advice in your inbox. This issue of Happy Place is presented in partnership with Yogi Tea. Calm is a moving target.
Already brainstorming resolutions for the New Year? While hitting the gym and meal prepping are always great additions to the list, we’ve got a totally achievable, no-cost suggestion: improving your financial wellness.You’ve clicked on this article, which means you’ve already taken the first step (yay you!) towards improving your money matters.
Happy Place is a brand-new editorial series dedicated to helping you live your happiest, healthiest life at home. Every week for 4 months, we’re sharing quick, doable, and not-at-all-preachy tips that wellness pros, home decor experts, and Apartment Therapy editors actually use (really!). Sign up now to get 16 weeks of actionable advice in your inbox. This issue of Happy Place is presented in partnership with Yogi Tea.
We often want our bedding to do different things at the same time: Look cool and collected when it’s made for the day, then be irresistibly snuggly when it’s time to sleep. What’s the best way to add that comfy factor without creating clutter? Our vote goes to warm minimalism: a design style that takes the serenity of a well curated, pared-down space and chooses textures and colors that keep the space accessible and welcoming.
In an ideal world, your home would come with dedicated spaces for both work and leisure. Of course, homes weren’t designed with WFH in mind, and people often end up eating, sleeping, and watching TV nearby or right at their home office area. To be able to focus on work when you need to and focus on yourself when you want to, you’ll want to think creatively and strategically.One of the most impressive areas to look for double-duty equipment is in gaming furniture and accessories.
What’s one thing traditional offices do a better job at than most WFH setups? Connecting. Whether that’s feeling connected with the people you work with or just having a reliable internet connection, we’ll admit that the office does have its benefits. However, you can still find smart upgrades to stay better connected without leaving the house.
You may be one of the many (many) people who have been going back to an office to work IRL, at least for a few days each week. Making your “work from hybrid” schedule support all your work styles and needs can be a challenge, but taking a second look at your space is a great place to find solutions. A few adjustments at home or at the office can really help you use both spaces more efficiently and effectively.
Splitting time between your home office and your office office isn’t something everyone succeeds at right away — there is definitely some adjusting to do. Getting into a different headspace (and wardrobe) when you’re seeing co-workers in person is one thing, but making sure you have everything you need to work in both spaces can quickly make hybrid working a burden.
Cheer is definitely one of the first words that come to mind when we look at Ashley Wilson‘s interiors. With her creative DIYs and palette of rainbow pastels, this home decor blogger fills every room with energy and joy. So naturally, we couldn’t wait to see what she could do for the holidays.We asked Ashley to work her magic with some super cute finds from one of our favorite decor destinations: The Home Depot.
Home lighting definitely functions as a utility — we need it to work, cook, clean, and do a million other things — but it also affects how we feel. So we always appreciate lights that meet both our practical and personal needs.LIFX achieves these goals in an incredibly clever way with their smart light bulbs.
Everything in your home has the potential to complement your tastes and support how you want to use your space. Even things that may seem standard — like say, your lighting — are totally customizable to your needs. Remember: Your home doesn’t tell you how to live, you do!The trick to having perfect lighting is recognizing that different moments call for different lights — then, shopping accordingly.
One of the best things about winter is its combination of peak coziness (blankets, sweaters, hot chocolate) and peak festiveness (tinsel, twinkle lights, all the candles). Those layers of nostalgia are part of what makes decorating for the holidays so much fun: Our homes become the warm, cheerful lives of the party. We challenged three style experts to take their seasonal looks to the next level with gorgeous decor from Garnet Hill, and the results literally could not be cozier.
Whether you tend to sleep hot or cold, finding the right bedding means the difference between a great night’s sleep or an uncomfortable wake-up call at 3 a.m. Linen and cotton are both great choices for breathability and coziness, but the most practical, affordable, and sustainable option is something you’ve probably never heard of.
Sijo, the direct-to-consumer brand offering chic, sustainable, and surprisingly affordable bedding, has spent a lot of time thinking about about sleep. Their cozy duvet inserts, sheet bundles, pillows, and more are designed to give you better ZZZ’s without taking so much from the environment — largely thanks to their versatile and renewable ingredient: eucalyptus.
Styling a room is a lot like styling an outfit: Start with a neutral foundation, then layer on moods, colors, and textures for a look that’s part trendy, part timeless. No one exemplifies this approach better than designer (and very snappy dresser!) David Quarles IV.
