A Beauty Blogger’s Simply Serene LA Apartment
Name: Andreea Cristina, husband Bryan Gaul, and two cats and one dog Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 850 square feet Years Lived In: 6 months, renting As a beauty blogger with over a million Instagram followers, Andreea Cristina of Simply Andreea rarely stays in one place for very long. Having both sponsorships that take her around the world and a professional soccer player for a husband means a lot of traveling and not a lot of time spent at home.
Aug 20, 2018
A Tiny Brooklyn Studio Has a Pink Tub and Quirky Treasures
Name: Emily Kellerman Location: Ditmas Park — Brooklyn, NY Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting This was the big solo no roommates move. I found a dream apartment in Ditmas Park Brooklyn. I was sold on the pink bathtub, moldings and unique entryways. It has been an absolute treasure to surround myself with everything I love and create a nest all of my own.
Aug 20, 2018
A Small Phoenix Home Has the Cutest, Sun-Filled Kitchen Corner Art Studio
Name: LaurieAnne Gonzalez, husband Taylor, and dog Hazel Location: Arcadia Neighborhood — Phoenix, Arizona Size: 952 square feet Years lived in: 4 years, owned My husband and I rented our little 1950s 952-square-foot ranch home for a year before buying and renovating it to become our own. Before we renovated, the house was very dark and closed off with a lot of wasted space.
Aug 19, 2018
5 Moving Essentials to Buy at the Dollar Store
Over Fourth of July Weekend, I was running errands with my mom while visiting in suburban Chicago, Illinois. We headed to the Dollar Tree (also known as her and my grandma’s “favorite store”) because she wanted to pick up some plates she had been longing after. Bless my mother for practicing the “only buy if you think about it after you leave the store” trick even at Dollar Tree.
Aug 19, 2018
There’s a Reason You Spend More Than You Mean to At Target
You know that feeling you get when you walk inside of Target? You are just going on a Target run to get toilet paper and milk. Yet, 45 minutes later you’re at the check out with items from the $1 section, a new shower curtain, rug, and a pair of workout pants from Champion. You never mean to spend $300 at Target… it just happens! Well, the feeling you get when you’re shopping there has a name – it is the “Target Effect.
Aug 19, 2018
6 Celebrities Who Rent, Just Like You
They may not be cobbling together rent money on the 31st of every month, but there are many celebs out there who rent just like us. Of course, it’s usually for reasons other than not being able to afford to buy a home. Celebrities are attracted to renting because of the financial flexibility, as well as their transient lifestyles that takes them from movie sets across the globe.
Aug 19, 2018
This Modern-Style Cottage Reflects a Laid-Back California Vibe
This modern-inspired California house draws inspiration from an effortlessly laid-back style.
Aug 19, 2018
6 Bar Cart Styling Solutions That Always Work
You’re probably aware that bar carts are the de rigueur piece of furniture right now, but if you’ve been wondering how to actually style them, we’ve got your answers right here. Styles can range from minimalist to overly bedecked with all manner of fanciful liqueurs and glassware, so let our guide below show you the plentiful options available. Take a page from Sabrina Tan of Gypsy Tan and outfit your bar cart with decidedly unexpected pieces.
Aug 18, 2018
How Green Space Can Help Your Mental Health, According to Science
Have you been collecting succulents or other small plants recently? If you don’t have a garden of your own, chances are you’ve got a plethora of plants adorning your apartment. There is actually a reason you might love to have green little plants around your place. Green space is good for your mental health. According to a recent study, symptoms of depression can be reduced when people in urban areas have access to green space.
Aug 18, 2018
This $13 Buy Will Save You Big Money in the Future
Moving can be intense. When you’re trying to haul all your stuff out, the damage you’re potentially making on your rental floors is probably not as on top of your mind as convenience. But there is one inexpensive product that has done double duty by making my move easier and getting me my security deposit back on more than one occasion: furniture sliders.
Aug 18, 2018
10 Inspiring Tiny Home Interiors We Spotted on Instagram
Once an alternative living solution, tiny homes are now firmly in the mainstream. Their minimalist and functional designs have become inspiration for apartment dwellers and owners of larger homes alike. You know the look—bright white walls, creative storage solutions, multipurpose furniture, and as much natural light as possible. It’s an undeniably effective way to style a small space, but it’s starting to feel a little bit cookie cutter.
Aug 18, 2018
5 Things Your Real Estate Agent Is Probably Keeping from You
Buying a home—especially for the first time—can be an overwhelming and confusing ordeal, and your real estate agent is your guide through that complicated process. So it’s only natural that you look to them for guidance and trust their advice and expertise on matters big and small.
Aug 18, 2018
Before and After: This Kitchen Wound Up Costing $20,000
This kitchen was pretty cute and had a ton of storage, but it was sadly cut off from the rest of the home. Enter an interior designer–architect/contractor power couple armed with a clear vision and $20,000. Look how incredibly open and airy this room is now! The light from the window can now flow into the next room, the dining room is now conveniently integrated into the kitchen, and it all looks lovely.
Aug 18, 2018
A Spacious Philadelphia Rental Is the Epitome of Simple and Sweet
Name: Heather Vander Zwaag Location: Rittenhouse Square — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: 10 months, renting I moved to Philadelphia after spending almost a decade in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and four years in New York.
Aug 18, 2018
This Sunny, Plant-Filled Loft Will Make You Green With Envy
Name: Amanda Moss and two cats, Pony and Minji Location: Hochelaga neighborhood — Montreal, Quebec Size: 1,372 square feet Years lived in: 13 years, owned This sunny space is both my home and the studio for my eponymous clothing brand. The high ceilings and large windows of this corner unit make working from home an absolute dream. Over the years I’ve filled it with plants and mid-century modern treasures. The space is shared with two sweet cat sisters named Pony and Minji.
Aug 17, 2018
Here’s What Living A Short Walk from Target Is Really Like
For me, Target became a non-negotiable nearby amenity while I was growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. I loved grabbing a coffee from Starbucks, thumbing through video games, and thinking about purchasing Threshold floor lamps for an apartment far away. Now, as an adult with disposable income living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it’s all about the routine runs of charcoal face masks, $15 joggers, Spindrift seltzers, and on-trend serving ware for hosting.
Aug 16, 2018
A 410-Square-Foot Buenos Aires Home Is Full of Renter-Friendly Ideas
Name: Celeste and Felix Location: Monte Grande — Buenos Aires, Argentina Size: 410 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, renting Celeste and her boyfriend Felix’s story actually starts in chilly Canada, where he was living when they met. She tried moving there, but the cold weather and the distance from her friends and family made things hard for Celeste, so the couple decided to move to Buenos Aires to see how that worked for them.
Aug 16, 2018
One Arizona Town Is Building Tiny Houses for Its Teachers
As the war wages on to figure out how to compensate our teachers properly for the priceless work they provide by educating future generations of Americans, some school districts are tackling one aspect—providing affordable teacher housing. And they’re doing it with tiny houses.
Aug 16, 2018
This Old Farmhouse in Denmark Is as Dreamy as You’d Hope
Name: Mette Skov, boyfriend and our two girls ( 4 and 6) Location: Denmark Size: 2100 square feet Years lived in: 8 years, owned We bought our home in 2009 and completely renovated it—only the outer walls were left. Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Scandinavian MCM What is your favorite room and why? Our living room. This is where we spend the majority of our time together.
Aug 16, 2018
Why I Chose to Move 2 Minutes Away From My Ex
When my ex, Sarah, moved into her new home on a beautiful tree-lined street in the middle of one of Toronto’s most charming and historical neighborhoods, I began a months-long search for a place nearby. Even though we didn’t have any children together, it was an absolute priority for the both of us that I move within walking distance.
Aug 15, 2018
How I’m Making a 45 Percent Increase in Rent Work For Me
My husband and I can’t buy a home in L.A. because we’re spending too much money on avocado toast. Just kidding—fancy brunch isn’t the problem. The problem is that houses, even “starter” homes in decent neighborhoods, are too expensive. If we wanted to purchase a home in Highland Park, it would likely cost around $737,700 (the median home value for that neighborhood, according to Zillow). That would mean forking up close to $150,000 as a downpayment.
Aug 15, 2018
Before and After: This New Home Office Only Cost $100
When it came time to renovate the orange-hued room in her 1920s Michigan home, Patti Mapes had a vision. She wanted an office that was inspiring, conducive to productivity, and, most importantly, that didn’t look like what she calls, “the inside of a cantaloupe.” Over the course of a year, this teacher transformed her spare room into a bright and organized office space with a hint of playfulness to get her through grading mountains of student essays.
Aug 15, 2018
Partner
This Stylish Photographer’s Home Looks and Feels So Cool
Here's how she keeps it all breezy.
Aug 15, 2018
See Why This Austin Home Has 20 Coffee Mugs on a Wall
Name: Amit Anandwala, my dog Queen Daisy Location: East Austin — Austin, Texas Size: 1,875 square feet Years lived in: 3 years, owned This three-story house is teeming with colorful artwork throughout. I have been collecting rugs, art, pillow cushions, and decor for years on my many international trips that have taken me to places on all seven continents. I have been most influenced by Moroccan, Turkish, and Mexican textiles; and Southern African, Korean, and Argentinean artwork.
Aug 15, 2018
Drew Barrymore Sells in Hollywood, House Hunts in New York
After years of living in the Hollywood Hills, actress Drew Barrymore has sold her Los Angeles estate to a mystery buyer represented by Swedish firm Hillcrest AB, the LA Times reports. The 8,000 square foot home features 18 rooms, four bedrooms, a separate guesthouse, a pool, and four fireplaces. The property was sold off-market (therefore no listing photos) for $16.5 million—just over $11 million more than she paid for it in 2002.
Aug 14, 2018
Is It Ever Okay to Ask If You Can Tour Your Childhood Home?
Every now and then, I Google the address of my childhood home just to see if it’s on the market. I don’t want to buy it, make no mistake. It’s more that I’m forever curious to see if any interior photos have been posted so I can take a virtual walk around the place I spent 21 years of my life. But that’s as far as I’ll take it. In fact, I’ve never thought of driving up to the house and asking the current owners if I could do a little nostalgia tour.
Aug 14, 2018
The Salary You Need to Live Alone in Every Major U.S. City
If you’re wondering what it takes to be able to afford to live alone in one of the top 20 populated cities in the United States, check out this list.
Aug 14, 2018
Inside Two ‘Grimm’ Stars’ Spanish Modern Los Angeles Home
Name: Bitsie Tulloch and David Giuntoli Location: Hollywood Hills — Los Angeles, California Size: 3,600 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned Actors Bitsie and David have spent the bulk of the past few years filming the television show Grimm and living most of the year in woodsy, sometimes-foggy Portland, Oregon. With Grimm finished, the pair are happy to have a new sunny Hollywood Hills home to spend time in.
Aug 14, 2018
A Small Guest Suite Is a Modern Take on Victorian
Name: Kelly Jackson, my husband Drew, my two kids (Lucy, 2, and Dylan, 5), and our low rider dog Walter, who also has a beard! Location: Grant Park Neighborhood — Atlanta, Georgia Size: 800 square feet Years lived in: 1 year, owned Our house is located in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a really beautiful community that is surrounded by craftsman and Victorian style homes. Our home was built in 1890 by the Buchanan family.
Aug 14, 2018
A Modern Montreal Home Has the Best Black and White Tile Backsplash
Name: Maca Atencio, husband Esteban, and kids Nico and Oli Location: Montreal, Quebec Size: 1,120 square feet Years lived in: 11 months, owned Living in Montreal can be fun, artsy, and beautiful, and that’s completely on display in lifestyle blogger Maca Atencio’s home. She and her husband Esteban had waited a couple of years to buy the perfect house for their little family, and this one had every single detail they wanted!
Aug 13, 2018
This Modern Boho Loft Used to Be a 1920s Department Store
A swimsuit designer and a photographer lend their style to this gorgeous Los Angeles loft apartment. 312 West 5th Street, Apt 418 Located in Los Angeles, California $724,500 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Back in the 1920s, this building was the Fifth Street Store. Fast forward to the 2020s, and it could be your dream apartment. For the past few years, the airy loft-like apartment has been the home of actress and swimwear designer Sarah Godshaw and her husband, photographer Patrick John Horne.
Aug 13, 2018
A Fashionable Feng Shui Expert’s Hong Kong Home Is Elementally Cool
Name: Thierry Chow and Peter Yuill Location: Hong Kong Size: 1,600 square feet Years Lived In: Rent for 2 good years Forget all the outdated notions of what you think feng shui is about—that isn’t what expert Thierry Chow practices. Under her company, TRE, this modern master blends ancient feng shui concepts in all aspects of design (including fashion) with the contemporary world.
Aug 13, 2018
Before and After: A Smart 15-Hour, $1.5K Budget Bathroom Makeover
This 50-year-old bathroom had two major things going for it, and they were both tile. All of the other features were perfectly fine, but, after a refresh, the entire room lives up to the high standards of the fantastic original tiles. Reader Kristine Buffa submitted this project and described exactly what was going on before the makeover: The before bathroom was outdated and dark, but the character of the original tile and tub had survived.
Aug 13, 2018
8 Stain Removers to Stock Up on Before You Need Them
Not only can a good stain remover save your garments, carpet, and upholstery from unsightly spills and stains, they also work to keep your stuff looking fresh and new for longer. That’s why it’s important to always have a handful of solid stain removers on hand, so you can rescue your goods from blemishes before it’s too late. So to help make your life, or at least laundry day, go more smoothly, we rounded up the top-rated stain removers on the market.
Aug 13, 2018
2 Cats, 2 Dogs, and 200,000 Bees Call This Farmhouse Home
Name: Sarah B. Gilliam, husband, kids, pets Location: Santa Fe, Tennessee Size: 2,100 square feet (Includes basement) Years lived in: 2 years, owned We found our bit of land in 2015 after looking for almost our entire marriage. We knew we wanted to simplify our lives as well as downsize our lives. We built a small home on about 12 acres in rural, middle Tennessee, and moved in the spring of 2016. Our goal as a family is to one day live a subsistence lifestyle.
Aug 13, 2018
A College Student’s Small Home Is a ’60s-Inspired Hang Out
Most of Trevor's furniture pieces are from thrift stores and consignment shops.
Aug 12, 2018
Target’s New Glitter Inflatable Chair Will Take You Straight Back to the ‘90s
Inflatable chairs did not die in the ’90s. Unless you count that one time your cat popped your chair with its nails. In 2018, inflatable chairs are back and even better than before. Sure, you might not be 10 anymore, but no one is ever too old for an inflatable chair. Picture, this, is it 1999, you’re watching Space Jam for the 30th time on VHS tape while you listen to your Spice Girls and *NSYNC CDs. All of your best friends are at your house for a sleepover for the weekend.
Aug 12, 2018
The 7 Things You Absolutely Must Do When Moving Into a Co-Op
Before you pack one box in anticipation of your move to a co-op, you want to be sure you know everything about the building itself, whether it’s quirky rules, upcoming construction, or ongoing squabbles. This will go a long way to easing your move-in process. This will give you a sense of the issues facing co-op owners in the building and give you a heads-up about potential problems upon move in—and how they’ve been handled.
Aug 12, 2018
3 Brilliant Organizing Hacks for Working Out in Your Small Space
Some of us only get our exercise in when it involves paying a gym membership fee and actually trekking to a space that’s dedicated to nothing but exercise. For others, that exact thing—having to drive to the gym—is a huge hurdle and working out from home is the only way it’ll happen. But what about the workout stuff? Here are a few small-space hacks that will keep your exercise gear in-sight and in-mind but definitely not in the way.
Aug 12, 2018
The $20 Buy That Makes Our Favorite Trend Way Less Scary
One of the trade-offs of living in a big city is small living quarters in exchange for easy access to culture and nightlife. I live in an itty-bitty studio apartment on the Lower East Side in Manhattan. Space is at a premium, and to make the best use of my square footage, I own quite a bit of Lucite (or acrylic) furniture and home accessories. The see-through material looks chic and doesn’t take up a lot of visual room.
Aug 12, 2018
6 Times IKEA Hacks Squeezed in the Perfect Amount of Storage
Most homes have random, awkward areas that aren’t serving much purpose—either they’re a weird shape or size, or just too small for most furniture. Enter IKEA hacks: The cheap way to bend furniture to your will and make it work for your particular home. Here are six times clever people not only filled a space, but filled it with useful storage made from IKEA products. Sherry and John of Young House Love used a MALM dresser at the top of their stairwell.
Aug 12, 2018
The Dark Side of Renovations That Nobody Talks About
If you’ve ever done a home renovation you know what comes along with it. Gut-shredding, teeth-grinding, hair-pulling, night-terrors stress. It is an absolute wonder why any of us would ever do it again. But, maybe as is the case with other painful things like tattoos, or (I hear) childbirth, we seem to forget in our headlong rush to start that next project just how bad it can be.
Aug 12, 2018
A “Southern Hipster” Home’s Great for Hosting an Adopted Roller Derby Family
Name: Marie Provence, my two cats Howard and Alan Location: Atlanta, Georgia Size: 891 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, owned My home is a two-bed, one-bath, renovated ranch-style home in the Jefferson Park neighborhood outside of Atlanta, Georgia. My two cats Howard and Alan are my fluffy housemates. I enjoy my house because it is perfect for entertaining with two French doors that open to a large patio in the back, and kitchen/dining/living room areas that flow seamlessly into one another.
Aug 11, 2018
Don’t Panic, But You Can Actually Get Lice On a Plane
We hate to ruin any holiday travel plans you might have, but the next time you sit in an airplane seat, you might want to think twice before leaning your head back. First, it was reported that bed bugs can be transported on their human hosts to airplanes. Now, it only makes sense that lice can be transported too. Who knew these infestations of bugs enjoyed traveling so much? A few weeks ago, it was reported that a case of bed bugs had been found on an Air India flight.
Aug 11, 2018
What Does a “Second Mortgage” Really Mean?
You’ll often hear the term “second mortgage” come up when watching a movie or TV show when a character isn’t in a great financial standing. “They had to take out a second mortgage on their house,” a gossipy character will whisper, describing how their frenemy has fallen on bad times. But second mortgages get a bad rap—though risky, they’re often a great tool to solve financial problems or even wisely get ahead.
Aug 11, 2018
IKEA’s New August Launches Are Surprisingly Luxe
It’s been a big month for IKEA. First, the beloved Swedish furniture company debuted their 2019 catalog in stores on August 1, and now, they’ve released a slew of new products (some of which make an appearance in said catalog) that look surprisingly high-end. Of course, IKEA’s always been on top of the trends, but for a budget retailer some of these products really took me by surprise with their luxe touches and expensive appearance.
Aug 11, 2018
Your Friend Just Bought a House! Here’s Why You Feel So Bad
If your friend just bought a house, it’s hard not to feel a pang of jealousy over the fact that she either won the lottery, received a sizable inheritance, or was gifted cash for a down payment. And then there’s that fabulous backsplash and gorgeous front yard she keeps talking about. But no matter how she amassed the pile of cash, your friend’s foray into homeownership can test a friendship, especially if you’re finding it hard to make rent.
Aug 10, 2018
Before & After: Look What $1K Can Do to a Vintage Pink Tiled Bathroom
This immaculate 1950s pink tile bathroom was completely untouched. Other than a few paint updates over the decades, it had never seen a full renovation. As the only bathroom in a 1,600-square-foot family home, the homeowners lived with the dated look for about four years before they decided to make change. Here’s a slightly larger of a shot, so you can see the space from head to toe: They asked designer Teri Moore of T.
Aug 10, 2018