Tara’s Budget Rental Remodel: Severing Ties With a 1970s Style Kitchen
Tara Bellucci, our News & Culture Editor, just moved into a new apartment in Boston’s South End this fall. The space definitely needed updating but, since Tara’s renting, a full on, rip-it-all-out reno just isn’t in the cards. She got permission from her landlord to make a few changes — simple inexpensive updates to make it more livable and inviting. And yes, a whole lot less ugly.
May 3, 2019
Shopping For Salvaged Materials: Crucial Questions To Ask Before You Buy
There’s no doubt that using vintage and salvaged materials is a bigger hassle than buying new materials. So why bother? If your decor leans toward a vintage look, it’s often the only choice to get the style you want. Plus, salvaged materials are usually less expensive than new, and often better quality. The practice also keeps items out of the landfill, and saves on the production and transportation of new materials, so it’s far better for the environment.
May 3, 2019
How Do I Make My Dated Apartment Sleek & Stylish for Only $12,000?
New co-op owner Kate Moskowitz recently acquired a New York rarity: an apartment with stairs. Her triplex space has great bones but needs an update to become the simple and contemporary space she wants. Kate has $12,000 to bring the space — particularly the kitchen — up to grade. In this series, expert Alex Bandon answers your specific renovation questions.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Dark Half-Bath Brightens Up
This dark half-bath off the kitchen of Sarah & Keith’s home needed a major refresh. It had a good layout in place, but the brown walls made it feel much smaller than its actual size. Sarah and Keith kept the existing configuration and plumbing, and focused on new fixtures and and fresh design plan to give it a brand new look. By brightening up the walls, and sticking with a classic color palette, the bathroom now feels much more spacious.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A ’90s Colonial Kitchen Gets a Contemporary Spin
Sarah and Keith knew it was about time to leave their cramped ’90s kitchen behind. While functional, the space was outdated and closed off. They wanted a space that flowed seamlessly with the rest of the vibrant, contemporary house. They opened up the floor plan, and chose design elements like a neutral wall color and tile, white cabinets and light marble countertops.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Modern Update for an Apartment Kitchen
Sophia’s 400-square-foot apartment on New York’s Upper West Side was the perfect size for one person. After her husband Leon moved in, the apartment seemed a bit cozy, but they made it work. Then came baby. Three people (and all that baby stuff) in 400 square feet was just too much, so they started looking for a place to buy. They looked, and looked, and looked, but none of the two-bedrooms in their price range were even remotely livable.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Gleaming 1950s General Electric “Wonder Kitchen”
In the 50s, General Electric made the fabulous Wonder Kitchen—an entire wall unit with all the appliances built right in. The units came in amazing colors: Canary Yellow, Turquoise Green, Petal Pink, Cadet Blue and Woodbine Brown, all under one stainless steel counter surface. Letitia acquired one of these units, along with other matching cabinets, which were salvaged from another kitchen, and she renovated her dark and gloomy kitchen around this gleaming, wondrous wall unit.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Dingy, Boring Basement Gets a Colorful, Playful Makeover
Sarah and Keith had just begun a transformation on the basement space in their house prior to this “before” photo being taken. While previously a functional space, they wanted a basement the whole family could really enjoy together. They wanted a space that was as inspiring to be in as it was lovely to look at. IKEA shelving and some new chalkboard walls were the first step, but something was going to have to be done with the dingy wall-to-wall carpeting.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Dark, Uninspiring Basement Turned Streamlined Shared Office Space
This “office” space that was shared by Sarah and Keith in their dark, uninspiring basement in their New England Craftsman Colonial didn’t seem to have a clear design or purpose — or you know, much style. But they lightened, brightened and turned this space around! When they removed the carpet and added new hardwoods, a neutral area rug and drapes, the space felt more open and each side had a clear purpose.
May 3, 2019
A Fresh Paint Color We Love For The Kitchen (So, NO, It’s Not White, Blue or Black)
I love both blue and black kitchens and all their loveliness and drama, but after seeing 50 million of them over the past couple of years, I start itching for something new to make my eyes happy. So it’s refreshing to see another shade emerge lately as contender for the role of hottest kitchen color. We’re calling it “bruised” green —anything from olive to army to deep forest.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: Adding DIY Character to a California Craftsman
On a peaceful, sidewalk-free street, lined with trees and near a lake, is Matt and Amanda’s 1947 bungalow in the San Rafael hills of Pasadena. It’s not hard to see what attracted the couple to this house, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t need a lot of work. The house had a lot of potential (and light), but not a lot of personality. Matt and Amanda wanted to create a rich, unique Craftsman feel.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Bare Den Takes On An English Pub Vibe
With low ceilings, white walls and track lighting, Matt and Amanda’s post-war den in their California Craftsman didn’t exactly inspire the soul. As two people working in a hectic and creative field (they’re both actors), they wanted to add loads of personality to their small den, while also creating a retreat. In short, they wanted to banish the boring. Their plan? Transform the blank canvas above into a room with English pub vibes.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Dark, Dated Galley Kitchen Gets a Modern Makeover
When Matt and Amanda first looked at this house, they were able to instantly imagine fixing up all of the rooms — except for the kitchen. It was a dark, dated galley kitchen with a wall smack dab in the middle. Matt writes: “We went back to look at it one last time and I just sat there trying to visualize what the solution could be. When I realized it could be done, I did my best to explain the mess in my head to Amanda and we went for it!
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Vintage Bathroom Gets Classic Italian Restaurant Vibes
Matt and Amanda knew they wanted to strip this entire bathroom down and create something new that was light and airy — that felt good to be in. As Matt writes: “The two rooms of the house that we had done by contractors were the kitchen and the bathroom. I was too afraid to deal with that much tile and plumbing. We had them gut everything. …We wanted a classic subway or old Italian restaurant vibe in here for some reason.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An Odd, Unused Spot Turned DIY Floating Bedroom
At first glance, this space above the bathroom in Brett’s apartment looked like an unfortunate eye sore. But Brett saw this area as more than wasted space. He had a vision, and very specific goals for the small space. And his DIY solution is both attractive and functional. Using 1/2 inch PVC piping from Home Depot and some standard wooden slats, Brett transformed this otherwise useless space into his bedroom!
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An 1860s Home in New Orleans Gets a Major Kitchen Upgrade
When Tim Sheehan bought an 1860s Greek Revival home that had been abandoned for six years, the kitchen was crammed into a small room at the end of a hallway. The house was used as a rectory for 80 years, so a full kitchen wasn’t necessary when the home was first constructed. So Tim gutted the back hallway, knocked down a wall that once enclosed the tiny, impractical kitchen and removed sheet rock and a drop ceiling to reveal wood walls painted white.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An 1860s New Orleans Double Parlor Is Brought Back to Life
When Tim purchased his house in 2010, it had been abandoned since 2004, a year before Hurricane Katrina. The windows were left open and the walls were covered with mold. The property was what Tim describes as “marginally livable,” and didn’t even meet the requirements for financing. He would have to pay out of pocket to get a hot water heater installed, the electricity turned on, and have the mold re-mediated in order to secure a mortgage.
May 3, 2019
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Rubber Flooring
Chances are good that you’ve seen rubber flooring in a school, or a commercial building, or at your gym, but we’re here to make the case for why you should consider it as a choice for your home, too. We’ve rounded up plenty of inspiring photos of rubber floors in the home, along with seven things you might not have known about this incredibly durable, hardwearing material. 5. It doesn’t have to have that bumpy texture.
May 3, 2019
Let’s Settle This: Where’s the Best Place for the Microwave?
What’s the perfect place for microwaves in the kitchen? They are must-have appliances for many, but they sure do have large, ugly footprints. So, do you prioritize saving space over aesthetics? Put them where you can easily reach? Or, is there that one sweet spot that let’s you have it all? Installing the microwave above your cooktop is a classic space saver, freeing up your countertops to use as workspace — especially when microwave and hood-fan combos do double duty.
May 3, 2019
Smart Design Ideas to Steal for Small Laundry Rooms
Sure, the laundry room of your dreams might have multiple machines and hundreds of square feet, but if you’re like most folks, the laundry room of your current reality is a much humbler affair. (And if you’re a New Yorker, you’re probably pretty stoked to have a laundry machine at all.) But that doesn’t mean your diminutive laundry room can’t be both useful and beautiful.
May 3, 2019
This Beautiful Trend Has Everything to Do With Doing Nothing
For years, well-intentioned renovators have been painting over wood trim of all kinds. White trim was good, or ever colored trim or even black. But wood trim, of the kind found in so many beautiful old houses, was deemed heavy, old-fashioned. Well, I’m happy to report that the pendulum seems to be swinging back in the other direction. So before you paint over that woodwork, take a look at these beautiful examples of wood trim done right.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Modern Touches for a Brooklyn Bathroom
When Chris and Amber renovated their Brooklyn apartment, transforming their kitchen and adding an extra bedroom for their son, they hadn’t originally planned on redoing their bathroom, too. Then halfway through the remodeling process, they realized that they never, ever wanted to do another remodel — and that if they were going to re-do the bathroom, it was now or never. The original bathroom was, in Chris’ words, “tired and shabby.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Brooklyn Apartment Goes From One Bedroom to Two
Chris and Amber had a problem common to a lot of New York City homeowners: a family that kept growing, and an apartment that stubbornly remained the same size. After the birth of their first son they decided to look for a two-bedroom apartment, but were unable to find anything acceptable in their price range. When the impending arrival of a second baby really raised the stakes, they decided that maybe the solution was to renovate the apartment they already had.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Smart “Tide Me Over” Budget Kitchen Upgrade for My Mom
First of all, shout out to Tanya’s mom for choosing kitchen elements way back in the ’80s that wouldn’t look totally insane to our modern eyes. As smart as her choices were, time waits for no man and since the kitchen was showing its age, Tanya figured she would jump in and help her mom update her space.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A DIY Spa-Style Bathroom
April’s guest bathroom wasn’t making a great impression, so she started again from down-to-the-studs scratch. With some seriously impressive DIY skills the final product is a serene and welcoming space. From April: Our hall bath is the bathroom in the house that all of our guests use, whether they be overnight or just dinner guests. The room needed a major upgrade. We completely gutted the space to start with – down to the studs and slab.
May 3, 2019
The Most Beautiful Terracotta Tiles: Our 24 Favorite Styles
Lately we’ve been seeing a trend towards more textured, storied finishes in the home, things that look like they’ve been there for years, whether made from reclaimed materials or new materials made to look old. Terracotta tile, with its beautiful texture and intriguing color variation, fits the bill perfectly. And it comes in all kind of finishes and shapes — not just earth tones and squares or hexagons. Here are 24 of our favorite terracotta tiles. 1.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Big Beautiful Changes in a Brooklyn Apartment
After fifteen years of living in their one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, Deniz and Ramon had plenty of ideas for upgrades they could make to the place. So when they finally embarked on their long dreamed-of renovation, the result was some very dramatic changes indeed. Previously, the apartment, while quite spacious at 1,000 square feet, was broken up into small, choppy spaces. The kitchen, separated from the living and dining areas, had no natural light at all.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Kitchen Reno That Didn’t Break the Bank
You may remember Nisha and Tim Stevens’ house in South East London. Having spent most of their budget buying the house, Nisha and Tim had to be creative when it came to decorating. Luckily the couple is pretty handy and they saved a lot of money by renovating most of their old kitchen themselves. Nisha’s Advice: Paint an ugly kitchen worktop with an oil based blackboard paint. Ours was a not-very-nice wood-look laminate which we sanded back and then painted.
May 3, 2019
Design Deep Dive: 65 Kitchen Island Ideas for Planning & Pinning
Kitchens are the heart of the home, and islands provide kitchens with their heart: a place to gather, additional seating, more counter space, extra storage, and so much more. This collection of islands range from the ubiquitous IKEA STENSORP to DIY pipe and scrapwood versions to luxurious custom models with marble tops and wine fridges — but they all are essential to the function and life of their kitchens. Explore ideas to find an island that speaks to you: Do you have a kitchen island?
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Classic Update for a Very Brown Bathroom
Homebuying in New York is one of those things that doesn’t always turn out like you planned. Jamie and Chad had their hearts set on buying a brownstone in Brooklyn, but when it turned out that everyone else had their hearts set on this as well, they wound up with an apartment in Ridgewood, Queens with plenty of space, its own backyard, and a bathroom that was well, interesting.
May 3, 2019
An Uplifting Makeover for the Holidays
Apartment Therapy just wrapped up a makeover of a non-profit café called First Slice in Chicago, giving it its first facelift since opening in 2009. We are so happy that that we were able to give a little design boost to such a hardworking organization – they run the café to help support their outreach programs which feed 600 homeless and hungry Chicagoans each week.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Modern Update for a Galley Kitchen
This galley kitchen in a Brooklyn one-bedroom wasn’t quite the nightmare that some of our ‘before’ kitchens present — but as soon as they closed on the apartment, homeowners Hari and Kaity knew they wanted to do something about the kitchen’s dark, cramped layout. Under (and over!) cabinet lighting didn’t quite make up for a lack of natural light, and the layout of the appliances meant that what countertop space there was was strangely segmented.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Historic Home is Thoughtfully Remodeled
Amanda and Chris Covo spent eight months renovating their 1920s bungalow, also known as the Sallie Johnson House. Johnson was a freed slave and her home is now a historic landmark in East Austin, Texas. (You can listen to Sallie’s narrative here.) When the couple first saw this house, it was completely run down.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Small, Budget-Friendly Changes Transform a Boring Living Room
Every New Yorker dreams of living in a beautiful pre-war building with beautiful pre-war details, but sometimes the reality is less exciting. Hari and Kaity loved a lot of things about their one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, but the living room was a bit, well, dull. So they set about making a few changes — small, budget-friendly upgrades that nevertheless made a big difference.
May 3, 2019
Unexpected & Utterly Gorgeous Tile & Grout Combos
Coloring inside the lines has never felt so bold.
May 3, 2019
Goodbye Bland Bedroom: Quick Character-Building Projects
If the cold weather has you spending a little extra time in your bedroom, and all that time in the bedroom has you looking at your space with a more critical eye, we’ve got a few ideas. Some rooms just start out beautiful, with lovely hardwood floors and high ceilings and intricate moldings. But if you’re like most people, your bedroom probably falls a bit short of an Italian Palazzo, or even an Anthropologie catalog shoot.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Craftsman Reinvigorated by a Thoughtful Remodel
Interior designer and stylist Brett and her husband Brandon bought a 1900s Craftsman house in Oakland, California in March of last year, but they couldn’t move in right away. The architectural charm was immediately obvious, but it also needed a lot of work. A renovation was definitely in the cards.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: This Co-op Renovation is a Book Lover’s Dream
For almost ten years, John lived in his Hell’s Kitchen co-op while it slowly crumbled around him. The apartment, built in 1923, was definitely showing signs of its age: plaster was falling off the walls, moldings were caked with years of paint, and the kitchen cabinets, which had been replaced sometime in the 90s, were starting to fall apart. Faced with all this, and with the prospect of his partner, Katherine, moving in with him soon, John decided it was time for some big changes.
May 3, 2019
A Secret Bookcase Door That Is Not Just Cool—It Solves a Tricky Problem
Our inner child loves a secret door—bookcase or otherwise. While they might come off as just for fun, one homeowner showed that, in his case, it was a practical solution to a tricky renovation. Imgur user pannerg bought a 1950s house last year, and he decided to change the layout from two small bedrooms and a detached bathroom to a larger master bedroom with an en suite bath. Because of the stairs to the basement and the lack of space for a traditional swing door (or even a pocket door!
May 3, 2019
Apron Front Farmhouse Sinks: Best, Budget-Friendly Picks For Your Kitchen
If you love the look of an apron front (or farmhouse) sink, look no further than this handy guide, where we’ve rounded up 22 different sinks, in all kinds of different materials and price points. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find a sink that will be a complete showstopper in your kitchen. Before you shop, here’s something you should know about apron front sinks right off the bat: they’re not cheap.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Small Changes Made a Big Difference in This Little Kitchen
If you’ve ever found yourself a bit dismayed by a remodel where the homeowners took a perfectly serviceable kitchen and subjected it a complete gut renovation, then this project is for you. Instead of starting from scratch, Lindsay and Matt made just a few small changes to their Brooklyn kitchen, creating a fresh, modern space with a minimum of hassle (and a minimal budget).
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Budget-Friendly Mini-Makeover for a Boring Bathroom
Lindsay and Matt, the Brooklyn homeowners who brought a light touch to the renovation of their less than exciting kitchen, took the same approach toward their apartment’s somewhat generic bathroom. It had been recently renovated, and they were on a pretty serious budget, so a complete overhaul wasn’t in the cards. Instead, they made a few small changes that made this little bathroom much more fresh — and much more functional.
May 3, 2019
Terrazzo: The Forgotten Flooring Material is Back, and Better than Ever
The wheel of design is always turning, and at no time is this more delightful than when something you remember from your childhood as being particularly dowdy is suddenly the height of chic. My mother’s sandals and culottes are suddenly for sale at Urban Outfitters, and similarly, the floors of my parents’ house are the hottest new thing in design. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to terrazzo.
May 3, 2019
This Versatile Vintage Classic is Back & in Bathrooms Everywhere
Mosaic tile floors are having a renaissance. Of course, as many of you will point out, they never really left — lots of bathrooms, including the one in my New York studio, have floors like this that have been there for years. So these floors are not so much a trend as a classic that’s getting a (well deserved) moment in the spotlight. The bona fides of this particular kind of floor are many: they’re classic, they’re beautiful, they work with almost any style of bathroom.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Shoebox-Sized Studio Gets a Space-Maximizing Makeover
Clashing patterns, chipping paint, and mismatched furniture is far from unusual in Beijing’s rental market. But Becky Lane’s apartment in an older neighborhood near the city’s fashionable Sanlitun district was another ordeal entirely. Despite this apartment being at the higher end of her budget and in a state that would make most expats go running for the nearest renovated home, Becky said yes to renting.
May 3, 2019
A Beige Rental Bathroom Gets a Major Boost on a Budget
My friend Joseph has a beige bathroom and asked me to come over and help him do something — anything — to make it better and I jumped at the chance. Because one less beige bathroom in the world is no bad thing. He’s a renter, so it couldn’t cost a lot, and everything needed to be 100% temporary. (You know those pesky security deposits and how they don’t get returned when you make permanent changes.
May 3, 2019
A 100% Reversible Rental Bathroom Makeover For Under $500
Joseph's bathroom had some decent bones, but needed a light and renter-friendly makeover. See what we did...
May 3, 2019
Spotted in the Kitchen: A Fascinating & Fresh Take on Herringbone Tile
Like many of you, I am obsessed with visual apps like Instagram and Pinterest, and happily scroll through hundreds of images in a sitting. When I see something interesting or new, I regularly take a screen grab and make a mental note to share it with you readers. My brain sieve is what it is, so my intentions are often better than my follow through. This isn’t one of those times. This kitchen is so great and freshly inspirational, and it’s hot off the digital presses.
May 3, 2019
Shopping by Style: Great Dishwasher Picks For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
The dishwasher just may be the unsung hero of kitchen appliances. It sits there hidden under the counter, but does so much dirty work while you get on with your day, sit and enjoy company, or relax after dinner. Sure it’s a luxury, but once you have one, you can’t imagine life without it — right? Here’s a small guide to get you started on your dishwasher search. What you’re looking for depends on your lifestyle, routine and decor style.
May 3, 2019
Shopping by Style: Great Range Picks For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
The range is the real workhorse of the kitchen. I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than walking into a kitchen with all the burners and oven full of delicious dishes stewing and simmering, just waiting to be devoured. Kitchen ranges have come a long way and there are more choices than ever when it comes to form and function. Here’s a guide to get you started when picking what range is right for your kitchen.
May 3, 2019
Shop by Style: Great Range Hoods For Modern, Vintage & Industrial Kitchens
Range hoods may not be the most glamorous kitchen appliance to shop for, but they’re definitely a must-have to avoid lingering odors and keep your kitchen air as fresh as possible. Here’s a shopping guide to get you started when looking for a range hood. Like all the other appliances in your kitchen, there are a few factors to consider when buying a range hood.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: An Incredible DIY, Use-What-You-Can Garage to Guest Room Remodel
If you have an old basement or other unused space in your home, you might dream about remodeling that space into something beautiful and useful. For Suzanne and Peter, that dreaming started the moment they bought their San Francisco home three years ago. The dark and dank basement room that came with the house no longer exists and has been replaced with a bright, open and welcoming space.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Watch Kristen Bell Give Her Sister’s Basement a Total Makeover
If there’s anything we love more than a great before and after, it’s a great before and after with Kristen Bell. The Good Place star surprised her sister and her family with a totally new basement for their Detroit home. In an episode of MyHouzz, the home renovation platform’s web series, the Frozen and Veronica Mars actor set out to do something huge for her big sister: totally renovate her basement.
May 3, 2019
This Modern Renovation is the Perfect Antidote to Stark All-White Kitchens
If you love the modern look but are starting to tire of all-white kitchens, then this kitchen, from blogger Molly at Almost Makes Perfect, will be a breath of fresh air. It mixes together white and wood cabinets for a look that’s fresh yet timeless — and there are plenty of other ideas worth stealing, too. Mismatched upper and lower cabinets are gaining a lot of traction lately, and in this kitchen, it’s the perfect choice.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An Almost Unrecognizable Modern Transformation of a Beige Suburban House
Dream of living in an open, airy, minimal home but find yourself in a beige-hued, standard suburban house? After you pick your jaw up off the floor upon viewing these before and afters of a renovated Cleveland home, you’ll likely be inspired and motivated to try your hand at modernizing your own space!
May 3, 2019
The World’s Most Unconventional (and Beautiful) Doors
What’s a door? If you ever gave any thought at all to this question, you would probably say something like: a door is a tall, thin, rectangular piece of wood, or metal, that has hinges and a knob. But probably you’ve never given much thought to the essence of a door at all, because doors are one of those things that are so essential to and prevalent in everyday life that we hardly think about them at all.
May 3, 2019
The World’s Most Beautiful Built-In Bookcases
Bookcases are always beautiful, because they’re full of books. But this post is devoted to bookshelves that are especially beautiful, and the shelves that are so pretty and unique that they almost steal the show from the volumes themselves. Here are nine gorgeous built-in bookcases to inspire your next renovation — or just inspire a little dreaming.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: From an Awfully Awkward Floorplan to a Seriously Sophisticated Space
Eric and Joel’s new apartment in Prospect Heights had a lot going for it: generously sized rooms, lots of light, proximity to dog parks. What it didn’t have going for it: an incredibly awkward floorplan where a closed-off kitchen adjoined a mostly useless ‘dining foyer’ — an orphaned bit of space that was too wide to be called a hallway and too narrow for anything else.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Musty, Dated Bathroom Turns Around
If you’re one of those people who hates words like ‘moist’, Joel’s description of his former bathroom is going to make you shudder. Besides the dark, dated tile and fixtures, the bathroom “always smelled damp and musty because the floor and walls were finished with absorbent limestone tiles.” Ew. To add a little extra space to the bathroom, Joel and his partner Eric chose to incorporate part of an adjacent hallway.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A 100-Year-Old House Gets Rejuvenated
Meg and Joe are both graphic designers. They bought this house in Detroit about a year ago. Though their budget was small, they were able to refresh the whole house thanks to fresh paint. And they made the home their own by adding in personal objects with history, as well as art made by themselves or friends. The couple says the entire house is still a work in progress, but that’s what they like about it: They’re making the house their own home. “Be patient and take your time.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A 5 Day, 2K Rental Kitchen Makeover (With All the Budget Details!)
Name: Ana and Patrick Kamin Type of Project: Kitchen Update Location: San Francisco, California When we moved to San Francisco and started looking for apartments, 85% of the kitchens we saw were not acceptable by my terms. On the one side, you have the ones that are newly updated, but the landlord chose the countertop and cabinets straight from the ’70s. Or you have the kitchens that are totally rundown — and the renovation will cost a fortune.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Tiny Kitchen Gets a Fresh Look (& More Storage!)
The ‘before’ kitchen in this Upper West Side two-bedroom wasn’t in terrible condition, but it was plagued by a few issues common to small kitchens — teeny tiny appliances, and a serious lack of cabinet and counter space. The dark finishes and awkward, chopped-up blocks of cabinets made the small space seem even smaller.
May 3, 2019
A Vintage Design Detail That’ll Never Go Out of Style
Guaranteed gorgeous forever.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Small Suburban Bathroom Goes from Taupe to Timeless
After living in New York for 11 years, Diana Marsh was ready to move back to her home state of Michigan and design a beautiful nest. As the proprietor of the downtown Ann Arbor store Thistle and Bess, Diana stocks up and offers one-of-a-kind treasures for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle. And not surprisingly, she was looking to create a luxurious lifestyle in the 1890s house she bought.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: A Brooklyn Brownstone’s Living Room Opens Up
Nicole and Dan’s house tour of their Park Slope brownstone had me green with envy. A large space, it was lovingly renovated and beautifully decorated. The way in which they designed the home — to maximize light, to embrace color and pattern — is impressive enough. But wait until you see what the living room and entryway looked like before they renovated.
May 3, 2019
Peel-and-Stick Tiles: A Cautionary Tale (Or, I Tried Peel-and-Stick Tiles and They Almost Drove Me Insane)
There’s a certain home blogger, who shall remain nameless, who has moved a bunch of times over the past few years — meaning the makeovers just kept coming. In one of her kitchens, she artfully laid faux marble adhesive tiles over an ugly linoleum floor. They weren’t exactly dead ringers for Kim K. solid calacatta marble or anything, but they made a big difference. “The best thing about it,” she wrote, “is that you just peel off the back and stick it down.
May 3, 2019
Clever Ways to Use those Small, Awkward Spaces in Your Kitchen
Fitting standard sized cabinets into a kitchen can be tricky, since most kitchen sizes are not standardized at all. So what do you do with the little bits of space that are left?
May 3, 2019
Before & After: A Kitchen “Held Together with Tape” Gets an Overdue DIY Remodel
Every square inch of this kitchen was ripped out and lovingly put back together — this time in a much more functional and stylish way — by the homeowners themselves. As designer Michelle Gage writes on her blog: “The floors were dirty and sticky. The appliances appeared to be original to the house. The counter tops were held together with tape.” It took two years to save enough money to finally tackle this outdated kitchen’s remodel.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: An Itty-Bitty Bathroom Goes From Sad to Rad
A small bathroom is bad enough to live with. But when your small bathroom is windowless and boring? Well that’s just sad. Designer Mary Lee wasn’t going to stand for a tiny, depressing bathroom. So she worked her DIY remodel magic on this part of her Seattle studio apartment, and the result is inspiring! I just loved Mary’s advice for decorating that she shared in her house tour: “More isn’t always better when it comes to stuff and space.
May 3, 2019
Before and After: From a Gutted Airstream To a Perfect Tiny Home
Brandon and Gabi aren’t just living a dream life — traveling around and enjoying the beauty of our country — they’re doing it while living in this dreamy Airstream trailer. As we showed in their house tour, tons of thought went into the DIY details of their tiny mobile home, from storage to lighting and more. And while the end result is certainly beautiful, it took A LOT of work to get it there.
May 3, 2019
Before & After: Savvy Solutions for a Seriously Small Bathroom
As bathrooms go, the bathroom in Lauren’s Brooklyn Heights studio wasn’t in the worst shape. Aesthetically, it wasn’t much to write home about (and the odd, alien sink seemed ready for takeoff), but we’ve seen much worse. The real problem in this small space was storage. As in, there wasn’t any.
May 3, 2019