Living room with blue velvet sofa, cream armchair, abstract art, tulips, and decorative pillows on a fluffy rug.
Our Best Decorating Ideas: How To Layer for Added Comfort & Style
As the days and nights get chillier, it’s time to talk about layers. Taken literally, this means those extra blankets and throws you pile on to stay warm. But it also means all the decorative elements you add to a room to create interest, texture, and depth. Whether layers increase your physical comfort, please the eye, or hide parts of a room that make you cringe, there are tons of reasons to go multi-dimensional.
Mar 11, 2020
Paint Color Portfolio: Mustard Living Rooms
Mustard can be a hard color to pin down — yellowy, orangey, golden, ochre-esque, olive-adjacent — but like pornography, I know it when I see it. Here are a few gorgeous mustard living rooms and paints perfect for autumn and beyond. INSPIRATION ROOMS: 1. Post from Paris: Steven and Garth’s Pied-à-Terre 2. House to Home 3. Valerie’s “From Craigslist with Love” Room 4. Martell Home Builders PAINT COLORS TO GET THIS LOOK: 1. Behr Brown Mustard #360D-7 2.
Mar 11, 2020
30 Ways to Add Color to Your Kid’s Room Without Painting the Walls
Renters rejoice! We know that you can sometimes feel left out of the color loop because you can’t bust out that paint brush and splash color all over your walls. But fear not – here are 30 fabulous ways to add color to your kids’ rooms (or most any room of the house) without painting the walls: ROW ONE 1. Hang some colorful curtains 2. Paint the bed 3. Use removable wall decals 4. Add colorful seating 5. Add colorful storage baskets ROW TWO 6. Create a colorful book display 7.
Mar 11, 2020
Fresh Kids Room Color Combo: Green & Orange
I’m a big fan of less common color schemes, and I love bold color in nurseries and kids bedrooms. In honor of color month here at Apartment Therapy, I rounded up some fantastic spaces featuring a relatively underused color scheme: orange and green. 1. This “Small Space Nursery Triumph” is tiny, but the mix of patterns lends it lots of personality and the soothing sage green and carrot orange are balanced by the neutral greys and whites. 2.
Mar 11, 2020
Colorful Accents: Framed Scarves
I have a bit of an obsession with scarves. I can’t go into a shop without beelining toward the pretty folded squares or colorful looped displays. They’re a year-round wardrobe staple. Though the season for long knitted types will be here before we know it, I’m looking toward the silky square versions for inspiring wall hangings. I’m off to Brimfield for the final antique show of 2013.
Mar 11, 2020
Day 18: Lock in Your Furniture Layout
Day 18: Monday, August 26 Assignment: Work on your furniture placement only – no accessories, artwork or decor yet! Congratulations to everyone on making it to the last leg of the Style Cure, with an extra round of applause for everyone who tackled the big paint job this past weekend.
Mar 11, 2020
Color Direction: Neons + Neutrals
The design world has embraced a neon trend in both fashion and interiors. Whether or not it’s here to stay, we’re always inspired by a bold mix that works. A hint of highlighter yellow or a touch of hot pink can’t help but put a smile on your face.If you’re drawn to neutrals but looking to add some color, these homes provide some great inspiration for successfully integrating neon into your space.TOP ROW:1.
Mar 11, 2020
Modern Nursery Classic: The Eames Rocker
The iconic Eames rocker is a well-loved addition to many nurseries that we have featured here. Most nursery rockers and gliders tend towards enormity, but this little workhorse is a stylish small space wonder that’s great for nursing, reading, or just hanging out.Designed in 1948, the Eames’ borrowed techniques for molding plastic from World War II research to create a plastic chair with a more organic, body-contoured form.
Mar 11, 2020
Bachelor Pads of Apartment Therapy
The bachelor pads featured here on Apartment Therapy are not your run of the mill man caves. This diverse group of men has a lot to offer in the realm of design. While each home is quite different from the next, they are all inspiring, modern spaces, packed full of personality.From product designer, to food scientist, to set builder, each of these men has developed a thoughtful sense of design derived from their unique experiences.
Mar 11, 2020
Planning Ahead: Converting Twin Beds to Bunks
Our recent roundup of twin beds elicited many comments from readers convinced that twins don’t make much sense because kids might outgrow them. But what about shared rooms and space constraints? My twins share a room and are perilously close to climbing out of their cribs, so we are looking at big kid beds. For our home and needs, it makes sense to buy twin beds that can be converted to bunk beds in a few years. In the course of shopping around we have learned a few things.
Mar 11, 2020
Coffee Table Roundup: Round, Square & Beyond
My search for the perfect coffee table is endless. Not because of a lack of variety, just the opposite. There are tables in so many sizes, shapes and materials that, as often happens to me while decorating, I’m paralyzed by choice.There are so many beautiful options that each new, amazing find just reinforces my idea that committing to one table will, through the evil influence of Murphy’s Law, lead me down a path to an even more perfect choice.Then there are the rules.
Mar 11, 2020
Stella’s Room or Daddy’s Office? Both!
Name: Stella (6)Location: Alamo Square neighborhood, San FranciscoRoom Size: 10′ x 16′ (160 s.f.), not including closet We have featured shared rooms before but they usually focus on how two or three siblings occupy one space. An example which we do not see as much is a shared space between a parent and a child. This is exactly what Tiffanie did in her San Francisco apartment, where every square foot counts.
Mar 11, 2020
Making the Switch To Glass Food Storage Containers
Back in March, I took the No New Plastic for a Month Challenge, and it inspired me to replace all of my plastic food storage containers with glass, and I haven’t looked back. Below the jump, you’ll find out how I transformed my refrigerator.First, I did some research to find the everyday glass food storage containers I now needed. I opted for Duralex Lys Square Bowls because they are stackable, made of tempered glass, and square in shape.
Mar 11, 2020
7 Ideas for Making a Forward Facing Book Display
Just as your local library displays book covers on tables and sprinkled throughout shelves, parents have adopted this display method to entice their young children to pick up a book and, when they do, to make it easier for them to find specific books visually. Here are seven different ideas for creating such a display in your home:Start with SPICE RACKS: Don’t you love it when the simplest solution is also the cheapest?
Mar 11, 2020
The 25 Best Small Space Living Tips and Inspiration
We love small spaces. We love them for their lower energy and heating bills and because they force us to edit, organize, and reduce our accumulation of stuff. But most of all, we love them because there seems to be no end to what you can do with them given some creative planning! Here are 25 of the top small space living posts we wrote this year.
Mar 11, 2020
8 Cool & Compact Futuristic Showers
Sorry if we’re sci-fi geeking a bit, but this Folding Shower shown above looks straight from The Fifth Element, specifically the scene where Korben Dallas (B. Willis) has to push Leeloo (an unforgettable Milla Jovovich) into a hideaway shower. Designed specifically for small space dwellers, this French designed shower is seeking a manufacturer, so it’s not yet on the market, but we think would be perfect for people who decide to convert their spare closets into a bathroom.
Mar 11, 2020
This Living Room Color “Trend” is as Classic as Ever
Choosing a color to paint your living room walls is a pretty big decision, especially since most people spend lots of time relaxing on the couch or entertaining with loved ones in the space. You might want a paint color that is both unique and eye-catching but that you’ll love even if you change your mind about your furniture or decor choices a few years down the road, which is why you’ll probably be surprised by the top living room color trend of 2020.
Mar 11, 2020
These 10 Festive Displays Will Make You Want to Decorate for St. Patrick’s Day
After seeing these rooms, we're officially St. Patrick's Day people.
Mar 11, 2020
Love Living Coral? Here Are the Color Matches from 7 Paint Brands
2019 sure is looking bright—at least when it comes to colors. If you count yourself among the fans of Pantone’s just-revealed Color of the Year, Living Coral, there are myriad ways to bring it into your home. The most straightforward of which would be paint, so we rounded up some matches from 7 paint brands so you can grab a gallon and (literally) get rolling on that new wall.
Mar 11, 2020
This Is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019
It’s the beginning of the holiday season (Happy Hanukkah!), and for design lovers, today there’s a special reason to celebrate. Today, Pantone announces its Color of the Year 2019. It’s the 20th anniversary of the announcement, and last year, the global color authority went with Ultra Violet, a grape-like purple that reminded people of Monica’s apartment on “Friends” and others thought might have a deeper societal meaning.
Mar 11, 2020
8 Bold Paint Colors You Have to Try in Your Small Bedroom
It’s no secret that we at Apartment Therapy love color, even (er, make that especially) in small spaces. While the rest of the internet might still be spewing the “paint it white to make it seem larger” line, we know that a bold shade can bring energy and a sense of expansion to a modest room. Have a small bedroom and want some paint ideas beyond white and gray? We’ve got you—and your walls—covered.
Mar 11, 2020
Subtle & Stylish (AKA Actually Livable) Nautical Spaces
If you’re searching for a motif to make your bedroom, bathroom or any other room peaceful and vibrant, turn your eyes to the seas. Nautical decor is a long-standing favorite for a reason: Shiplap, navy blue and rope details are easy to work into any room, and they are likely to conjure up visions of lazy days by the beach. It’s easy to go over the top with nautical decor, though.
Mar 11, 2020
Ideas for Using that Awkward Space Above the Fridge
The space above a refrigerator is often overlooked and underused. It’s not particularly accessible for oft-used items, but it’s a shame to have the space go to waste, especially in a small kitchen. I looked at a selection of real homes to see how people were using this space. Some of these examples involve clever built-ins, but many will work for renters, too. Simple shelves were installed on the wall above the fridge to hold a few cookbooks and some barware.
Mar 11, 2020
Living in a Small Space: Three Things that Make a Big Difference
Do you live in a small space? Do people sometimes confuse your bedroom for a closet? Can you reach your kitchen sink from your couch? If you’re looking for ways to make your space more livable without spending a ton, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three classic ways to make living little work for you: 1. Lighting Small is one thing, but small and dark is quite another. Almost nothing has the power to transform the a room like good lighting.
Mar 11, 2020
5 Double-Duty Room Combos that Always Work
Maybe you’re making room for a new baby’s nursery or that cave of collectibles you’ve always wanted. Or maybe you just like living small. No matter what your motivation is for maximizing your space, the best way to do it is by combining two functions into one room. Here are five classic double-duty room combos we see all the time, proving that when it comes to a thoughtful layout, you can kill two birds with one stone. 1.
Mar 11, 2020
8 Tips for Mixing Styles at Home (Without Looking Like a Crazy Person)
Homes that layer in different styles are dynamic and interesting. But too much mixing and your eye doesn’t know where to land, and winds up confused and unhappy. The most successful rooms seek some common ground, where everything finds a way to get along. Here are ten ways to mix aesthetics, without getting a raised eyebrow: COLOR: Using a consistent color helps your decor hang well together and look more cohesive.
Mar 11, 2020
Lex, Lynn and Lucy’s Downtown Modern Family Home
Name: Lex, Lynn and LucyLocation: Financial District — Manhattan, New YorkSize: About 800 square feet including terraceYears lived in: 4.5 years — ownWhen Lex and Lynn moved into their one bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan, the view of the New York skyline took center stage. Their style was minimalistic — graphic black and white were favored over color for a look of grown up chic. But enter their daughter Lucy, and everything shifted.
Mar 10, 2020
8 Ways to Squeeze a Desk Into a Tiny Living Room
Style
Without it looking like an eyesore.
Mar 10, 2020
The Greenroom for Broadway’s “Girl from the North Country” Has a Bob Dylan-Meets-Ace Hotel Vibe
There's a lamp that looks like an Edison bulb and a vintage fan had a baby.
Mar 10, 2020
12 Packing Shortcuts That Will Save You Time and Money
Style
Get a move on it.
Mar 9, 2020
I Threw Out These 16 Things When I Moved Back into My Childhood Bedroom
Parting with your stuffed animals is tough but fair.
Mar 9, 2020
This $5 IKEA Item Solves the Most Stressful Part of Plant Parenthood
It takes the guesswork out of watering.
Mar 6, 2020
Martha Stewart’s New TV Show Is Basically ‘Survivor’ Meets ‘Great British Bake Off’
The contestants will compete for a $25,000 kitchen.
Mar 7, 2020
These 7 Rooms are Leaning into Grandmillennial Style, and You Can, Too
This look is more nana than newlywed.
Mar 6, 2020
All are Welcome at this Harry Potter-Themed Bar—Even Muggles
Whether you received your Hogwarts acceptance letter or not, all are welcome in this magical establishment.
Mar 6, 2020
Cabana Stripes Are Back and Better Than Ever
Style
Beaches are not required.
Mar 5, 2020
5 Sneaky Little Secrets of Successful Small Spaces
Because it's all about getting creative.
Mar 4, 2020
The Best & Worst Rooms from the Original Trading Spaces
The good, the bad and the (very) ugly.
Mar 4, 2020
Finally! Your “Me” Home: Decorating for Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type
Who knew that four letters could bring so much clarity to your life? It’s like the Myers-Briggs personality test looks deep into your soul to see the most genuine parts of you–the way you make decisions, the way you look at the world. And once you get in tune with those aspects of yourself, you gain a whole new perspective on everything in life, including how you decorate your own home.
Mar 4, 2020
7 Stylish Rental Transformation Tips, Straight from our AT House Tours
Style
Consider your security deposit safe.
Mar 4, 2020
8 Cool Alternatives to Your Living Room Coffee Table
Shake things up!
Mar 4, 2020
Pantone Just Released 315 New Colors—and the Blues Just Keep on Coming
The color experts just dropped 315 new hues—no big deal.
Mar 3, 2020
Paul McCartney’s Childhood Home Needs A New Custodian, So Brush Up On Your Beatles Trivia
If you think you know all there is to know about The Beatles, then your dream job is now available.
Mar 2, 2020
How the Flower Petal Chair Went from Viral Rendering to Real-Life Piece of Furniture
Feel like a queen bee in this floral throne.
Mar 2, 2020
Ella Grace’s Sweet Little Space
Name: Ella Grace Location: Westlake Village, CA Room Size: 120 square feet Ella Grace’s room is a very special haven for a very special little girl. Creamy walls and neutral rugs are a soothing platform for the myriad of soft pastel fabrics and accessories. Gently old-fashioned but enlivened with on-trend touches, this room glows with handmade goodness. How would you describe the look and feel of this room? My goal was to create a playful room without it being overwhelming.
Mar 2, 2020
This Artist Adorns Tree Scars with Embroidery
So beautiful.
Feb 28, 2020
I Managed to Squeeze an Entryway Into My Small Apartment—for Less than $100
Where there's a will, there's a way.
Feb 28, 2020
You’re Going to See these Bathroom Design Trends Everywhere By the End of 2020
If you're designing a bathroom this year, you'll probably pick one of these six trends.
Feb 28, 2020
15 Toys You Can Make with Cardboard
I don’t know about you, but my daughter and I start to go a little stir crazy at this time of year. We try to get out as much as possible, but sometimes with these short, cold days we can’t be out for long. I’ve been keeping my eye out for inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to have a little fun indoors. Here are some fun and budget-friendly cardboard creations that are sure to keep your little ones entertained during those final weeks of Winter: Row One: 1.
Feb 28, 2020
10 Classic Bathrooms
Hex tile, clawfoot tubs, porcelain pedestal sinks. These are few of the elements that make up our idea of a “classic” bathroom—the kind you might find in a pre-war apartment or a New England farmhouse.The nice thing about a classic bathroom is that it’s not going to go out of style anytime soon. Materials like subway tile and marble counters are long-lasting and tend to survive the cycle of trends.
Feb 27, 2020
This Company Wants to Replace Your Garbage Disposal with a Smart Composter
Composting at home is about to get a lot easier (and a lot less stinkier).
Feb 27, 2020
12 Country-Cool Kitchen Ideas You Can Re-Create No Matter Where You Live
There's nothing like a city kitchen with country charm, right?
Feb 27, 2020
Anthropologie is Having a Sale on Entertaining Essentials
Score 20% off for a limited time.
Feb 26, 2020
The Small Space Rules Designers Wish You Would Break
Breaking the rules isn't just fun when it comes to design, it can actually pay off in the final product.
Feb 26, 2020
6 Family Photo Display Alternatives That Are as Clever as They Are Stylish
Make the most of your memories.
Feb 26, 2020
8 Interior Designers on the One Decor Piece that Got Away
If only there was a way to turn back the clock.
Feb 25, 2020
We Tried a Dozen Bags of Medium-Roast Coffee Beans—And Found One Clear Winner
We actually liked them all. But we did like one the most!
Feb 25, 2020
Here’s Where to Find Anthro-Style Home Decor for Way Less
Go boho without breaking the budget.
Feb 24, 2020
9 Black Design Professionals Share Their Thoughts on Diversity in Design
The resounding refrain: Lack of visibility should not be connoted with nonexistence.
Feb 24, 2020
These Attic Bedrooms Are So Instagram-Worthy, You Might Just Want to Move Up
The oft-overlooked space could be a stunning place to rest your head.
Feb 21, 2020
How to Start an Art Collection, According to an Industry Expert
Splurging not necessary!
Feb 21, 2020
You Can Light This Candle With Your Phone, and It’s Officially the Future
Your phone can now create fire by activating a Bluetooth-enabled scented candle.
Feb 22, 2020
10 Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week Three
The 10th Annual Small Cool contest has entered the free-for-all voting stage – every single one of our 189 entries are live and accepting thumbs up votes. Here’s a look at 10 fun-to-see homes from the past week to get you started but be sure to check out all the wonderful homes on our “All Entries” page to help send ALL of your favorites on to the next round!
Feb 21, 2020
10 Must-See Small Cool Spaces: Week Three
Here we are, rounding the corner just before the home stretch. We’ve shared over 130 small cool homes with you so far and still have a few more days of new entries to come. Here are 10 entries that caught the eye of voters this past week; check them (and ALL of the competitors who are looking for votes) out and enjoy the supersized dose of small space inspiration and ideas.
Feb 21, 2020
It’s a Wrap: Here Are Your Favorite Small, Cool Homes of 2016!
Twelve years after our very first Small Cool contest and readers are still impressing us with sumptuous style, creative solutions and sage wisdom for living life to the fullest in a small home. Every year we are wowed with the display of small coolness and we are excited to host all this small space inspiration. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest by sharing your home with our community, by commenting and voting for your favorites. And now, to congratulate our winners!
Feb 21, 2020
12 Must-See Small Cool Homes: Week One
We’ve seen 25 homes so far in our 11th Annual (!) Small Cool contest and it’s already a memorable year. These homes all have square footage under 1000 square feet but miles of style to spare. Today, we’ve got a look back at some standouts from Week One, along with a link to ALL the entries so far. Dive in, peek inside these stylish small, cool homes and give all your favorites a vote to help them move on to the next round. (And if you haven’t entered yet, do that too!).
Feb 21, 2020
This Retro Pattern is Making a Big Comeback—Here’s How to Use it in a More Modern Way
If your style leans more grandmillennial than mid-century modern, you'll probably be happy to know that toile, the textile and wall covering pattern know for its depiction of pastoral life, is also enjoying a comeback 2020.
Feb 21, 2020
This Old School Design Trick Will Make Your Living Room So Much Brighter
Through the looking glass we go.
Feb 21, 2020
25 Easy No-Fail Bathroom Design Ideas to Try This Year
From swing-arm sconces to statement mirrors, these foolproof ideas will make decorating your bathroom a breeze.
Feb 20, 2020