Woman cooking in a narrow kitchen with white cabinets, checkered floor, and hanging copper pots.
I Spent $30 on a Fan for My Kitchen, and It’s Made a Huge Difference
A while ago, I wrote a post about how to ventilate a kitchen when you don’t have a range hood or vent. A number of Kitchn readers recommended installing a reversible window fan which, when put on the exhaust setting, can effectively draw smells, steam, and smoke out of your kitchen. I don’t have a hood in my rental kitchen, and for a long time I just ran the ceiling fans in other rooms when I cooked something particularly smelly or smoky. It worked okay, but wasn’t ideal.
Jul 23, 2018
4 Ways to Hack Our Favorite $3 IKEA Organizing Staple
The magic of IKEA pieces is not only in their well-thought-out, small-space-maximizing design, but in the numerous ways each versatile piece can be repurposed and hacked. Here are four ways to transform one of our very favorite IKEA staples, the VARIERA bag dispenser, into more than meets the eye.
Jul 23, 2018
On Governors Island, Come for the Retreat but Stay for the Design
New York City is not exactly known for its camping, I mean, it’s called the concrete jungle for a reason, right? But as a Midwestern transplant living in this hectic city I find myself craving some quality outdoor time on a regular basis. Typically, when that urge hits I grab a train to visit my brother upstate in the Hudson Valley, but he’s currently in Alaska fishing for a few months, and a trip back to Ohio requires advance planning. So what’s a grass-deprived girl to do?
Jul 21, 2018
This Subreddit Has The Most Cringeworthy DIY Fails Ever
Just because you can improvise something, doesn’t mean that you should. Case in point: this Subreddit thread with quite possibly the most cringe-worthy DIY fails ever—seriously, Pinterest ain’t got nothing on these hacks gone horribly wrong.
Jul 18, 2018
A 425-Square-Foot Astoria Apartment Is a Couple’s Oasis
Name: Grace Flynn and her boyfriend, Tyler Tronson Location: Astoria, New York Size: 425 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, renting Grace’s studio is located in Astoria where longtime residents hang flower pots on their patios and wine bars host signs that kindly ask for smokers to stand by the tree, out of consideration for their neighbors.
Jul 16, 2018
20 Surprising Things You Can Clean in the Dishwasher
Before you spend another minute wiping, dusting, or disinfecting something you don't have to, look for these things that can get clean in the dishwasher.
Jul 16, 2018
8 Money-Saving, Life-Changing Things Hidden on the Amazon Website
If you're willing to spend some time digging, you can find some pretty special deals.
Jul 8, 2018
This Miracle Stain Remover is My Best $7 Secret
No matter what I spill, or what I spill it on, I have a single stain remover I can trust to be my front line against anything.
Jun 18, 2018
5 Red Flags You Should Watch Out for When Picking a Roommate
In many ways, living with a roommate is a rite of passage that teaches us about compromise, companionship, and responsibility. But, for many, it can also be a nightmare: From unpaid bills to illicit behaviors, a number of bad things can pop up when you live with a complete stranger, or even a friend, without doing your due diligence. However, avoiding these circumstances can be as easy as having a brief, honest conversation.
Jun 15, 2018
Fancy Pool Floats For Your Dog Exist & It’s Peak Instagram
Attention all doggie mums and dads: FUNBOY and BARK have teamed up to create the ultimate summertime accessory for you and your furry companion. The luxury floatie brand has introduced a dog-sized version of their most popular floats—the retro pink convertible and the yacht—available on barkshop.com and funboy.com. HEY YOU, DOG PERSON! Wanna win a Pimp My Float Bundle and a whole bunch of BarkShop toys to cruise around with? Just mosey on over to the link in bio to enter!
Jun 13, 2018
An Utterly Glamorous and Theatrical 500-Square-Foot Studio In Queens
Name: Brett L. Leemkuil Location: Sunnyside, NY Size: 530 square feet Years lived in: 5 years, renting “One would assume, by all appearances, that I’m a maximalist,” writes interior designer Brett Leemkuil. His 500-square-foot Queens rental apartment features a floor-to-ceiling red living room, a curtained-off leopard-print bed closet, and hand-painted emerald green malachite wall finishes in the entryway… among much more. Maximalist seems like a very accurate descriptor.
Jun 4, 2018
This Cult-Favorite Soap Cleans More Than Just Floors
With four children and three pets, I’m on a perpetual quest for a cleaning product that gets my floors squeaky clean. On a whim, I decided to try Murphy’s Oil soap on our tile floors since it’s one of those old-time standbys everyone seems to have at least heard of. When I saw that my mop water was dirtier than it’s ever been, I became a Murphy’s Oil Soap convert. Turns out, however, that floors aren’t all it’s good for.
May 24, 2018
Before and After: An $80 Closet Makeover That’s Organized and Stylish
This guest room closet was due for an update—it was originally dark brown—but its owner didn’t want to drop a ton of cash on it. After spending a few weeks and $76.69, this closet is now practical and super cute. The makeover by Jessica and Brett of The Mountain and Moon is darling. The new shelves add a ton of valuable storage, the accordion rack is as pretty as it is helpful, and that dotted wall is eye-catching!
May 24, 2018
Party of Two: The Best 2-Player Board Games for Couples to Play at Home Together
This might be the homebody in me talking, but I happen to think date night at home is better than date night out in nearly every way. The drinks are cheaper. The clothes are comfier. And, if you have the right game, it can be a really fun night for you and your love to get competitive and cuddly all at once. Based on recommendations from Amazon, Board Game Geek, Reddit’s /r/boardgames and my own experience, here are some of the best two-player games for couples to play on their own.
May 24, 2018
8 Innocent Mistakes That Could Make Your Allergies Worse
Springtime relief from winter weather is often, sadly, overshadowed by the suffering that comes from seasonal allergies. But you may not be as helpless against them as you think. Here are some sneaky little mistakes you might be making that, once remedied, could help give you some much-needed relief so you can actually enjoy the flowers and warm air and bird songs. Typically, air filters should be changed every three months. However, if you have pets, you’ll need to change them more often.
May 21, 2018
24 Dust Magnets You Probably Haven’t Cleaned in Forever
Dust is gross. A mixture of dead skin cells, pollen, dust mites, dust mite feces, pet dander, textile fibers, burnt particles of cosmic rocks, decomposing insects, and more—dust is no doubt dirty. But it harbors a more sinister component, a fact that has motivated me, for one, to finally become a little less lax and more fatalistic about how much of it I allow to stick around in my home.
May 21, 2018
7 Big IKEA Home Hacks That Make Huge Wall Statements
Some IKEA hacks are small. A little paint here, some new hardware there—they get the job done. And then there are the IKEA hacks that are so big and so dramatic, they make the room. If you have a wall to fill, or a problem to solve, check out some of these genius solutions. This movable art display wall from Sinnen Rausch has so much going for it, starting with that dusty rose paint job.
May 20, 2018
3 Game-Changing Dishwasher Hacks
Here’s how to make your dishwasher work harder.
May 20, 2018
Why Everyone Should Start a Bullet Journal
If you were one of the folks—like me—hoping bullet journals would be a flash-in-the-pan lifestyle trend, I have to report that we’re wrong. Bullet journals are here to stay. Why did I write off bullet journals for so long? (Pun absolutely intended.) Well to me, they seemed like they existed as a sort of vanity project—an Instagram-worthy journal where perfect people can showcase the elements of their perfect life in perfect handwriting.
May 20, 2018
A Brief But Fascinating History of the Refrigerator
Once my friend Chad came to see me. Upon entering the house, the first thing he did was go to the refrigerator, open the door, and stick his head inside to check out the contents. “I want to see how you live,” he said. This may not be the accepted protocol for visiting a friend in their home, but I think Chad was on to something. What’s in our refrigerators says a lot about us. If we are what we eat, then the refrigerator has become a huge part of who we are.
May 19, 2018
7 Design Tricks You Can Do With Mirrors
If you're not completely happy with your home's current look, try implementing these brilliant mirror tricks and you'll be in for a real treat.
May 18, 2018
8 Bedrooms That Master the Open Closet Storage Trend
While house hunting, you sometimes fall in love with a place so quickly you don’t notice what’s not there. When I realized my first apartment had no closet, I made do with a cheap, pop-up wardrobe that looked liked I never really, truly settled in. I wish I had seen some better ideas first (searches for open closets are up 126% on Pinterest) because so many clever people have fully embraced the open storage trend.
May 17, 2018
Want Cleaner Dishes? You Should Start With Dirtier Plates
Pre-washing dishes is one of those divisive things about life at home. If you’re secretly (or not so secretly) a pre-rinser, it’s because you think it’s the only right way to do it, and that not pre-rinsing is gross/dirty/lazy/doesn’t work/what-have-you. I know because I’m one of them. I grew up with a dishwasher that really didn’t get dishes clean on its own, so pre-washing became my practice.
May 15, 2018
These 6 Perfect Hanging Plants Are Also Pretty Easy to Care For
There's ALWAYS room for another one of these.
May 14, 2018
This Micro-Cactus Trend Is Your New Living Room Decor Inspiration
Tiny things are cute, right? Puppies, kittens, even babies. When something is little, we all can’t help but coo at it. Just look at how people react to micro pigs! We all squeal. Well, this doesn’t just apply to animals and tiny humans. Apparently, even decor can get the micro treatment and look even better. Nothing stinks more than trying to decorate your space, but you don’t really have any space to decorate.
May 13, 2018
5 Professional Organizers Share Their #1 Tip for Messy People
Getting your sh*t together isn’t easy. Staying organized is especially hard when you’re a self-proclaimed “messy” person. Luckily, we know some amazing professional organizers to call upon for help. We hit up five of our favorite pro-organizers for the number one piece of advice they’d give “messy people” looking to get their homes—and lives—in order and here’s what they had to share.
May 13, 2018
How to Arrange One Cheap Costco Bouquet, 3 Different Ways
Get the most floral bang for your warehouse store buck (while you grocery shop).
May 10, 2018
This Simple Project Takes Storage to A Whole New Level
When it comes to storage, there are things we want conveniently within reach, and easy to grab at a moment’s notice. And then there are things we have to keep out of necessity, but only use occasionally (and sometimes, face it, never at all). Hanging some storage up near the ceiling is a great way to make the most of your square footage. These floor-freeing solutions that give us very high hopes.
May 9, 2018
This is The Smartest Thing I Ever Bought for My Fridge
When it comes to grocery shopping and my food budget, the worst thing that can happen isn’t running out of food (although that’s pretty close) — it’s discovering that half of the precious produce I bought just two or three days ago has already gone bad. It’s no fun finding mushy apples or a wilted head of lettuce that I so carefully wrapped and stored in the crisper.
May 9, 2018
How to Double Your Closet Space for Under $20
When we found out we’d be adding another girl to our family, it didn’t take long before we began to consider future bedroom layout arrangements. My older daughter’s closet, though pretty well-purged, is full on one half with clothes hanging on a rod, and on the other half with built-in shelving. How could we make room for a new little one’s clothes? Then I remembered a genius storage solution I’d seen in a friend’s closet: a hanging closet rod.
May 7, 2018
Small Space Storage Tips—From People Who Live in Tiny Homes
In any home, large or small, storage tends to be one of the top gripes. There’s a good chance that your basement — if you even have a basement — is filled with needless items that you’ve collected over the years. You’ve probably lived through the experience of donating several coats in your closet, so you can, um… make room for new coats. And let’s not even discuss that clutter that currently resides under your bed.
May 6, 2018
This is What Homes Look Like in the Happiest Country in the World
Life is better in Finland. Proof? A recent report from the United Nations finds that the Nordic nation’s inhabitants are the world’s happiest, as Finland ranks highest in top indicators of well-being, like income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity. (Norway, Denmark and Iceland take the next three spots, so clearly we should be taking these Nordic countries out for coffee and politely asking them to tell us everything).
Apr 29, 2018
Before and After: A Brand New Look for A Plain IKEA VITTSJÖ
IKEA’s VITTSJO shelving line boasts clean, modern lines, and an attractively reasonably price, but one DIYer found it to be lacking a bit of flair. The shelf unit is now chic and unique—and hopefully a little bit more kitten-proof! Tonya Sutfin of Happy Go Home Vittsjo created this makeover, and the results are so great!
Apr 26, 2018
Are Millennials as Handy as They Think They Are?
Blame it on HGTV or Pinterest, but millennials seem to think they’re pretty handy — even when they’re not. Nearly seven in 10 millennials (69%) consider themselves handy around the house, according to a new survey by Porch — including 79% of millennial men. By comparison, only 61% of baby boomers and 62% of Gen Xers said the same. And to some extent, millennials are walking the walk: Home Depot said that DIY-minded young homeowners are helping to boost sales.
Apr 23, 2018
Why Can’t You Recycle Glass Anymore?
Back in the day (maybe sometime in the ’90s, depending on where you lived) you used to have to separate all your recycling. Paper in one bin, glass and plastic in another. Then single-stream recycling, as it’s called, came along and helped even reluctant residents jump on the recycling bandwagon. So today, without a thought, we can toss all our recyclables into a single bin.
Apr 17, 2018
7 IKEA Staples I Still Have (and Love!) 10 Years Later
Some are long retired, but some are still there on the shelves for you to take them home right now. Make sure you're ready for the commitment!
Apr 12, 2018
Only Have One Minute to Spring Clean the Bathroom? One Hour? Try These Tricks
This year, we’re on a mission to help you tackle spring cleaning on your time. Each weekday until April 13, we’ll guide you through a plan to clean and organize different areas of your home, but you’ll have the flexibility to choose exactly what to work on and how long you have to dedicate to the job. Nobody really likes cleaning, do they? I’m a home editor and I don’t even like cleaning. I enjoy having a clean home, of course.
Apr 12, 2018
This Modular Furniture Is Made From Giant LEGO-Like Blocks
The brightly hued building blocks from our childhood famously known as LEGOs have inspired many a design, from bridges to storage options and even accessories for real-life homes. So it’s not at all shocking to see that this collection of modular plastic blocks from Everblock is perfectly suitable for a grownup’s decorative aesthetic. Now, whether you choose to transform these blocks into a stunning bookshelf, a table or even a customized room divider is totally up to you.
Apr 11, 2018
5 Crazy Clever Features Hiding on Your Tape Measure
Learning how to take advantage of them will make you a pro at wielding this hard-working tool around your home.
Apr 6, 2018
The IKEA Storage Piece We Spot Over and Over Again (It’s Under $100!)
The folks at IKEA seem to have a knack for making pieces that are incredibly simple and also fit into all different kinds of interiors. They’re like the little black dresses of design. Case in point: the IKEA PS cabinet, which looks like a school locker and a credenza had a baby and somehow, despite its somewhat industrial appearance, is just the right thing for all kinds of spaces. And the best thing? It costs less than $100.
Apr 5, 2018
Don’t Make This Common Small-Space Furniture Mistake
When furnishing a small space, it would seem to make sense to pick pieces that are small. After all, you don’t want to overwhelm the room with bulky, oversize furniture. But there’s one big exception: the sofa. In most living rooms, the sofa is the biggest piece of furniture, and the biggest design statement, and a larger sofa (that still fits comfortably in the room, of course) can help to visually expand the boundaries of the space.
Apr 4, 2018
We Made Over a Rental Bedroom With $200
Redecorating can be a bit overwhelming. You might get stuck deciding on what style is right for you or even just anxious about how much it’ll all cost. Eventually it can get stressful to the point where it just feels easier to avoid altogether and live with what you’ve got. Which got me chatting recently with a few fellow editors about what a good “budget” price point would be for a quick room refresh.
Apr 3, 2018
Questions We All Have: Why Are Candles So Expensive?
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day at work or gearing up for a romantic night in, very few things can set the mood like lighting some candles. “It’s an easy and cost-effective way to transform your environment into something special,” says David Seth Moltz, co-founder of fragrance and candle company D.S. & Durga. In 2015, the U.S. retail sales of candles—not including accessories like hurricanes, matchboxes, and wick trimmers—were an estimated $3.
Mar 30, 2018
Dusting Isn’t Futile, You’re Just Not Doing It Right—Here are Some Dos and Don’ts
Dust, as we somewhat euphemistically know it, is a pretty disturbing amalgamation of pet dander, dirt, soot, hair, pollen, dust mite feces, and other tiny particles that get in our breathing zones and relentlessly coat every surface in our homes. Probably because dust is so pervasive, dusting is one of our most dreaded—and, therefore, often most neglected—chores. Here are some dos and don’ts that should take some sting out of the task.
Mar 29, 2018
9 Big Mistakes People Make When Painting Furniture
Don't let these happen on your watch.
Mar 28, 2018
Why This Genius Comforter Is a Relationship Saver
I can’t imagine I’m alone in this predicament: I tend to flip-flop between being a hot and cold sleeper, as does my S.O., except, we never seem to be on the same page at the same time. We are not sleeping temperature compatible, people, and wow is it a nuisance. When my toes are frozen solid and I can’t seem to cocoon myself enough in my comforter to achieve P.S.T.
Mar 27, 2018
12 Epic High-End IKEA Hacks That Totally Had Us Fooled
These pieces only look expensive.
Mar 26, 2018
What Ever Happened to Colored Toilet Paper?
The days of coordinating your TP to your bathroom are over. Here's why.
Mar 24, 2018
Declutter With Confidence Using This Professional Stylist’s Closet Cleanout Checklist
What’s the easiest target when decluttering fever hits you? The closet, of course. It’s probably overflowing with clothes you haven’t worn since college or things you’re not sure why you even bought in the first place. And sure, there are plenty of cliches out there about when to get rid of clothes.
Mar 19, 2018
The Best Vases
It may not feel like it on the East Coast yet, but spring is definitely on its way. And that means spring cleaning won’t be far behind. One little shortcut that doesn’t actually involve a bit of scrubbing or organizing: adding in a plant or two can make any space feel a tiny bit better and brighter. Plus, having fresh colorful flowers around always makes me feel like the weather is friendlier than it actually is.
Mar 17, 2018
7 Things You Need to Declutter Before You Spring Clean
It's smart — before you dig in on your spring clean — to minimize the stuff that needs to be cleaned and cleaned around.
Mar 13, 2018
Smart Organizing Secrets to Steal From People Who Live Without Closets
“I have so much closet space I don’t even know what to do with it,” said nobody ever. I mean, even president Obama has a closet-space shortage, so for those of us wishing for just one more little nook to stuff our things in—we’re not alone.
Mar 12, 2018
9 Simple Sponge Hacks Everyone Should Know
For such an unassuming object, kitchen sponges are kind of rock stars. In addition to being responsible for getting our dishes and utensils clean, these thirsty squares can be repurposed in ways we haven’t even thought of yet. But, rest assured, the ways we do know of prove pretty darn ingenious.
Mar 11, 2018
The Weird Hardware Store Find You Need in Your Kitchen
Until you know how to harness its power, you won't appreciate this mysterious concoction for all it can really do.
Mar 7, 2018
8 Unexpected & Creative Ways to Store All Your Shoes
Do you have too many pairs of shoes? It was a trick question! Of course you don’t! You just have to get a little more creative with how you store them. Part of this creative process is deciding whether you want to hide or display your footwear. For example, I have some amazing pairs of shoes that I love showing off, but then there are the dirty sneakers, the old Teva sandals, and the “too-loved” everyday flats that don’t need to be celebrated.
Feb 25, 2018
How I Finally Broke my Ziplock Bag Habit
We all have our home vices, don’t we? Taryn, our Lifestyle Editor, for instance, went on a “Green Clean” journey to reduce her dependance on paper towels last year — a move that made me take a good hard look at my own wasteful practices in and around my home. I’m pretty good about remembering to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store (and when I forget, I always try to return the plastic bags to the recycling bin at my local Publix on the next trip).
Feb 24, 2018
Before and After: Another Gorgeous Use For a Cheap Placemat
What a lovely placemat! It would be great for protecting a table or beautifying a table or . . . that’s pretty much it. A throw pillow, you say? Well, now I’ve heard everything! This is so pretty! I’m now convinced that placemats (which I generally have no use for) are made to be pillows. They’re generally nice and sturdy, as well as being just the right size.
Feb 24, 2018
9 Hacks We Discovered Hiding Deep in IKEA’s Website
IKEA might love it when customers hack their products, but I particularly love it when IKEA hacks themselves. I recently dove deep down into their website, and pulled out some of my very favorite decorating and storage projects hiding in there—all of which take their items up a notch or ten. Here’s a way to add a little interest and style to an otherwise functional yet basic IVAR storage system.
Feb 22, 2018
Here’s How You Should Really Be Cleaning a Cutting Board
Although there’s a lot of room for variation when it comes to how you clean around the house, you can’t escape this one truth: You’re either getting something clean, or you’re not. This distinction is especially important in the kitchen, where cleanliness is not only a matter of taste, but of health and safety, too. That’s why you need to know what techniques will get your cutting boards clean for real.
Feb 20, 2018
30 Ways to Remake the IKEA MOPPE Mini Storage Chest
The MOPPE is one of IKEA’s most popular products, and it’s not hard to see why: it offers six storage compartments for $16.99, it’s made of attractive minimal birch plywood, it’s eminently stainable and paintable, and its drawers can be reversed to hide the opening notches. As one featured DIYer put it, it’s a perfect craft victim. Here are 30 ways to make the MOPPE — freshly available after a much-lamented hiatus — your own.
Feb 18, 2018
The Weird True Story of the Rise and Fall of the Waterbed
If you’ve ever slept on a waterbed, you know that it is a singular experience. My cousins had one growing up, and I thought it was the most fascinating thing — I had never dreamed that sleep could feel (or, let’s be honest, sound) like that.
Feb 11, 2018
IKEA’s New Credit Card Is Now Available
If you fly a lot, it makes sense to get a credit card with airline rewards. Now, if moderately priced Swedish furnishings are your thing, IKEA just released a card for you. The retailer announced back in January their plans to launch a branded credit card in the United States that will also provide additional financing options for “major home projects,” as initially reported by trade publication Chain Store Age.
Jan 10, 2018
8 Unexpected (& Cheap!) Things You Haven’t Thought to Frame as Art
Tired of doing the same-old, same-old? Here are some super personal out-of-the-box ideas.
Jan 6, 2018
These IKEA Hacks Will Dominate 2018: A Top 10 Countdown
Here's our top 10 countdown of predictions....
Jan 3, 2018
Marie Kondo Organizing Things Is The Most Zen Thing You’ll See Today
(Image credit: Kitchn Video) From Kitchn → Watch Marie Kondo Organize Things in the Kitchen null
Dec 7, 2017
7 Reasons You Should Hang On To Those Paper Grocery Bags
Here are some fun ways to reuse them.
Nov 22, 2017
Junk Drawer No More: How To Tame a Tangle of Cooking Tools
It’s natural to focus your attention on the parts of your home that other people see, but we’d like to advocate today that you turn your focus to a small spot that easily becomes messy, cluttered and frustrating — your kitchen utensil drawer. Go open yours right now; what do you see? A streamlined monument to organization and efficiency? No? Ok, it’s time to straighten it up. It will look better and, more importantly, work better for you.
Sep 7, 2017
Reviewed: The Most Comfortable Sofas at Joybird
You asked us to test out Joybird's online-only sofas, so we hiked on over to LA and put 17 models through the ringer. Here's what we thought.
Aug 29, 2017
Before & After: How I Transformed My Kitchen Junk Drawer Without Buying a Single Organizer
(Image credit: Cambria Bold) From Kitchn → Before & After: How I Transformed My Junk Drawer Without Buying a Single Organizer null
Aug 3, 2017
Easily Bring Your Rusty Cast Iron Skillets Back To Life
(Image credit: Kitchn Video) From Kitchn → How To Restore a Rusty Cast Iron Skillet null
Jul 30, 2017
Are You Making These Common Furniture Layout Mistakes?
Furniture buying is hard; even harder still might be where to put it all and how to arrange a room. You might be inclined to just throw everything up against the wall, or set up your stuff the way your parents did in your childhood home. And though it might not seem like rocket science, the littlest tweaks in flow and placement can really make a colossal difference in the way a room feels and how you live in it.
Jul 16, 2017
10 Drawer Hacks That Will Change the Way You Organize Your Entire Wardrobe
Rethinking the way you use your drawers—along with a little help from some clever products and DIYs like these—can make your dresser totally manageable.
Jun 16, 2017