Man in camo jacket and cap standing in a modern office with a hanging shirt, potted plant, and desk.
Lorenzo Diggins + The Essential Man Showroom
Name: Lorenzo Diggins Jr/The Essential Man Location: The Unique Space | Downtown Los Angeles (Arts District) Size: 180 square feet Years lived in: A little over a month — Rented Last week I took a visit to the new Unique Space in downtown LA, where I met Lorenzo Diggins, creator of The Essential Man and got a tour of his new workspace.
Dec 19, 2019
Evelyn Lee’s Sustainable Starter Apartment
Name: Evelyn LeeLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYSize: 1,185 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedMeet Evelyn and her cat, Sam. Evelyn’s Williamsburg apartment was her first project directly out of Parsons’ Interior Design program (yes, she’s LEED accredited); and where she was able, she used sustainable materials to create a relaxing haven she calls home.
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy and Robert’s House of Festive Flair
Name: Nancy and Robert SalzLocation: Berkeley, CaliforniaYears lived in: 25 Nancy Salz says her home is devoid of architectural interest. But over the past 25 years, she and her husband Robert have embellished their three-bedroom family lair with lovingly crafted DIY projects and intriguing collections, making it one of the most colorful and creative homes in Berkeley, California. The first floor flows easily from room to room showcasing vibrant surprises around every corner.
Dec 19, 2019
BJ & Megan’s Traveling Farmhouse Homestead
Name: Megan & BJLocation: Chatham County, NCSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: Renting for over 2 years Traveling homestead? you ask. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Well, in the case of BJ and Megan’s 1917 farmhouse, that’s exactly what it is. After contentedly nestling itself into the soil of Burlington, NC for the better part of a century, the owner had it relocated 30 miles away to save it from demolition in 2002.
Dec 19, 2019
Holly and Ryan’s Vintage Minimal
Name: Holly, Ryan and their son AugustLocation: Portland, OregonSize: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: 5 Holly is one of Portland’s most celebrated fashion designers. After photographing the sweet shop she co-owns, I had a hunch that the qualities I found in her clothing line—romance, inspiration from past eras and subtle palette—would be echoed in her home. I hunched right! Join me for a tour of a mellow, beautiful home. Holly and Ryan have a great touch in their home.
Dec 19, 2019
Penelope and Nathan’s Full–Hearted Eclectic
Name: Penelope, Nathan and Bell MillerLocation: Portland, OregonYears lived in: 2 Penelope and Nathan turned a broken down house in North East Portland into a handmade palace full of personality and joy — the perfect spot to raise their 20 month old daughter, Bell, and even have leftover room for guests and grandparents. When Penelope needed a bit of peace and contemplation, they built an outdoor lounge room completely from reclaimed, tossed–aside materials.
Dec 19, 2019
“Found, Free & Flea” Author Tereasa Surratt’s Rustic Camp
Image: Bob Coscarelli for CS Interiors magazineName: Tereasa Surratt and David HernandezLocation: Wandawega Lake Resort, Elkhorn, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 Author Tereasa Surratt (A Very Modest Cottage) and her husband David Hernandez know about reusing and recycling with style. In Tereasa’s new book, Found, Free & Flea: Creating Collections from Vintage Treasures, she shares her style advice, using the couple’s idyllic lakeside getaway as a setting.
Dec 19, 2019
Canvas & Ochre Founder Andrew Corrie’s Island Home
Name: Andrew CorrieLocation: Shelter Island, New YorkSize: 2,400 sq. ft.Years lived in: 6 Andrew’s Shelter Island home has just weathered two storms – first, Hurricane Irene, and second, the constant motion of three children under the age of four. Yet between the casually simple style and the sweeping water views, the home feels tranquil, “part beach shack, part Scandinavian cottage.
Dec 19, 2019
Lyndsay and Fitzhugh’s Summer Cottage in the City
Name: Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh KarolLocation: Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 4 years, owned Lyndsay and Fitzhugh have always loved designing interiors. When the artistic couple graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, they tackled their first joint project: their own home. Flooded with light and studded with rich woods and soft stone, the airy apartment feels like a summer cottage in the city.
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy & David’s Restored Ranch
Name: David Florimbi and Nancy SimonLocation: Santa BarbaraYears lived in: 6 Nancy and David moved into a single story ranch style home in the hills of Santa Barbara, California six years ago. They preserved the bones, but opened up many of the rooms and gave the whole thing a coat of fresh white paint. The open floor plan, combined with large windows and a vibrant color palette, give this home an air of exotic getaway.
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California Cottage
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Dec 19, 2019
Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis’ Brooklyn Alcove
Name: Kimberly Lewis of Kimberly Lewis HomeLocation: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NYYears lived in: 1 Kimberly’s line of wallpapers are absolutely stunning—their colors, repeats and scale are so fresh and inspiring—so when she agreed to a green tour, I was thrilled!
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten & Kyle’s Restored Bungalow
Name: Kirsten and Kyle NiemanLocation: NE Portland, Oregon Years lived in: almost 4Kristen is a home decor maven with an eye for upcycling and reclaiming cast away items from Craigslist, garage sales and friends. Her home is relaxed and beautiful with a predominate palette of grayish tones, whites, neutrals and pops of yellow. Join us for tea and a tour of this 1925 Portland, Oregon bungalow.Kristen’s interest in decor and styling is apparent in every room of her home.
Dec 19, 2019
Joan & Jim’s Lovely, Artful Home
Name: Joan and Jim TannerLocation: Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: ampleYears lived in: 45 Joan and Jim live in one of the most artful, layered homes I’ve ever come across. It is at once cozy, enchanting, exuberant, chic and family-centered. Their space is truly a reflection of what full, vibrant lives Joan and Jim have led as an artist and a doctor. Join me in the hills of Santa Barbara for a unique glimpse into a remarkable home.
Dec 19, 2019
Johnelle’s Mignonne Maison
Name: Johnelle Mancha (Founder of Mignonne Décor)Location: Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 980 sq/ftYears lived in: 5 months, rented Stepping into artist and designer Johnelle Mancha’s Oakland cottage is like entering one of the great salons of 1920s Paris. Welcoming rooms, outfitted in exquisite vintage decor whisper of European aristocracy, Middle Eastern adventures, and the joys of classic American recreation.
Dec 19, 2019
Anil and Shannon’s 655-Square-Foot Two-Bedroom Loft
Name: Anil & ShannonLocation: New York CitySize: 655 square feetYears lived in: 5 years, owned How do you hide two bedrooms in a 655-square foot studio loft? With one Murphy bed in the living room and a second revealed by a sliding kitchen wall, which skims the floor on ceiling tracks. Moving a kitchen wall sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. As seen in the photo above, just clear off the counter, scoot over the rolling kitchen table, and give it a tug.
Dec 19, 2019
Toni and Rick’s Serenity in Stone
Name: Toni and Rick SturtzLocation: Neillsville, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 years, owned Toni and Rick Sturtz live in a cozy stone farmhouse nestled between a restored prairie and miles of towering fir and birch trees. They see themselves as stewards of the farmstead—caretakers of their 120-year-old home and the natural resources that surround it. As they carefully adapt their home to modern living, they make changes with sustainability in mind.
Dec 19, 2019
Alison & Jeff’s Eclectic Williamsburg Railroad
Name: Alison Feldmann of TeenAngster and Jeff Bergstrom, as well as cats Bug and DagmarLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New YorkYears lived in: 1 year Perched on the top floor of a Williamsburg walkup, Alison and Jeff’s eclectic railroad was filled with warm afternoon light the day I visited. Streaming in with unobstructed access, it lit surfaces and highlighted textures, softening the space this couple has made their own.
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew and Emma’s Eco Environment
Name: Matthew and Emma McGregor-MentoLocation: New York, NYSize: 650 sq/ftYears lived in: 6 months When Matthew and Emma bought their 6th floor apartment in the East Village, they knew they wanted it to be filled with natural living things and to convey the sense that “nature was taking the apartment back, like a small plant growing from a crack in the sidewalk.
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Tiny 400-Square-Foot Cozy Apartment
Name: Lauren Yarmuth Location: New York CitySize: 400 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5, owned Lauren’s 400-square-foot apartment was classic New York real estate: a sliver of space in an old brick building, with little light and even less charm. But in just three weeks, she gave it a clean and natural makeover, putting every inch of space to use with clever storage solutions. When she bought it, Lauren explained, the building “was a dump.
Dec 19, 2019
Robin’s Gorgeously Green Artist Barn
Name: Robin Luciano BeatyLocation: Byfield, MassachusettsSize: 800 square feetYears worked in: 1½ years It was love at first site when I parked my car across the street from Robin’s art studio in Byfield. Her barn — set on an angle 50 feet from the road — is loosely landscaped with natural rock and wild flowers. A vintage blue Vespa sits out front adding to the warm, countryside feel.
Dec 19, 2019
Jennifer’s Vintage Glam Loft
Name: Jennifer White Location: McGregor, IowaSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 13, rented Jennifer White’s friends refer to her colorful, antique-filled loft as “the flamenco palace.” We’re pretty sure the “flamenco” has to do with the prodigious amounts of ball fringe, and the “palace” with the richness of retro-ocity in every corner.
Dec 19, 2019
Beth & Bill’s Soulful Straw Bale Retreat
Name: Beth Knox and Bill Hutchins Location: Takoma Park, Maryland (just over the District line) Size: 2,100 square feet — 4 bedrooms + basement apartment Years lived in: 4 years, owned Other occupants: Tenants in basement, 20-something children from time to time, a variety of guests (extended stay), currently a Congolese pastor seeking asylum.
Dec 19, 2019
Chris & Hannah’s Spectacular Reclaimed Loft
Name: Chris & Hannah GarrisonLocation: Woonsocket, Rhode IslandSize: 1,900 square feetYears lived in: 9 months The entrance to Chris and Hannah Garrison’s loft is inauspiciously located between a wiener shop and a karate studio in downtown Woonsocket, Rhode Island — a former mill town about 20 minutes north of Providence that has seen its ups and downs. But inside and up the stairs is a breathtaking space, restored using reclaimed materials, many of which came from local sources.
Dec 19, 2019
Advice for Creating a Home That Reflects Your Personality
Take a real long, careful look around your home. Does it look like “you”? Does it reflect your personality? If it doesn’t — if friends are often surprised when they visit your home — you might consider some of the advice from this week’s gorgeous house tours. “I always tell people to make sure their room has personality and reflects themselves. I’ve seen many homes where you get no sense of the people who live there.
Dec 19, 2019
How to Safely Clean and Store Your Menstrual Cup for the Other 20-Something Days of the Month
To boil or not to boil, that is the question.
Dec 17, 2019
How Bobby Berk Spends His Perfect Night In at Home (When He’s Not Working on One)
The interior designer painted a picture that brought us right onto his couch with his favorite TV shows to watch.
Dec 16, 2019
7 Things The Best Overnight Guests Always Do, Every Time They Stay Over
Being mindful goes a long way in avoiding friction and keeping generous hosts happy.
Dec 8, 2019
100 Frugal Habits to Live By, If You’re Trying to Save Money
If you take on a few small changes today, you'll rack up a snowball of savings that will set you up for life.
Dec 6, 2019
Fire Safety Tip: Don’t Leave Your Dishwasher Unattended
Have you ever left the house with a load of dishes soaping up in the dishwasher? Yeah, us too. We never though much of it until we read this news story today: A local Fire and Rescue Investigator is blaming a dishwasher as the cause of a majorly destructive house fire in Oregon.The Oregon homeowner whose kitchen was destroyed in the fire told investigators that he left the house with the dishwasher running.
Dec 2, 2019
Using Your Phone as an Alarm? Here’s Why You Should Stop
For the last few years, I’ve been using my smartphone as an alarm. It seemed innocuous enough, until I came upon an alarm clock that I found quite cool and decided to try using it instead of my mobile. The results were surprising. Here are five reasons I’m ditching my smartphone in the bedroom: 1. When your phone goes to bed with you, you spend your last few minutes before sleep staring at a glowing screen. This is bad for falling asleep.
Nov 25, 2019
Listen to the Most Relaxing Song Ever
Looking for something to help you relax before bed that doesn’t involve popping a pill? You might want to load up your iPod with a song by Manchester band Marconi Union.
Nov 25, 2019
31 Things a Great Host Will Think About Before Having Overnight Guests
While not every one of these think-ahead items applies to every home or every overnight guest scenario, these are some of the kinds of things a great host thinks about long before the doorbell rings.
Nov 24, 2019
How Taraji P. Henson Spends Her Perfect Night In at Home
Get ready for deep-fried oyster mushrooms, gold eye masks, and lots of television.
Nov 22, 2019
Yes, Venus Williams’ Perfect Night In Includes Serena and Olympia
Find out what the tennis player does when she isn't crushing it on the court.
Nov 21, 2019
How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer
A while back Abby and I got some tips from Danny Seo on how to be smarter about how we did laundry. He had some great simple (green) tips that we implemented right away. He also was one of the first to point out the importance of maintaining the machines so that your clothes get clean, the machines stay efficient and you get the most out of your investment.
Nov 21, 2019
How to Be a Good Friend When Your Friend is Moving
Being there for someone when they move is one of those instances when love and care creates a lasting memory and an imprint of compassion on a friend's heart.
Nov 13, 2019
An Architectural Photographer's Tips on Taking Better Photos of Your Home
Whether you’re capturing images for your Instagram grid or you’re an aspiring photographer, taking photos of your home is a rewarding way to express and share your personal aesthetic.
Nov 4, 2019
This Small Space Emergency Kit Fits in a Shoebox and Only Costs $108
Pack these 11 tools and you'll be ready for anything—even if you’re living in a studio apartment that barely has enough room for a twin bed.
Oct 29, 2019
11 Phone Numbers Everyone in the US Should Have Saved In Their Phone
Risk Month
Five minutes is all it takes to make sure you're better equipped to deal with a dilemma.
Oct 27, 2019
8 Pantry and Fridge Staples I’ll Only Buy from Trader Joe’s
These eight products are the core of my Trader Joe's shopping list, and heaven help me if the company discontinues them.
Oct 26, 2019
How Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez Spends Her Perfect Night In at Home
The athlete likes to spend her downtime like any other 19-year-old: eating takeout and binge-watching tv shows with her friends, with a few surprises thrown in.
Oct 23, 2019
How Sisters Grace and Rebecca Atwood Spend Their Perfect Nights In at Home
We asked each Atwood sister to find out how similar (or different) they really are.
Oct 21, 2019
Letting Your Cat Sleep in Your Bed May Be Good for Your Health
Apparently there’s scientific justification for keeping your cat close.
Oct 5, 2019
31 Risks Everyone Needs to Try This Month
Taking risks exposes you to dozens of positive outcomes you never would have experienced before, but it also boosts your confidence, and helps you let go of the fear of failing.
Oct 2, 2019
I Tried Mindful Breathing for a Week And it Changed How I Feel About My Anxiety
Hoping for better sleep and, as a result, more productive and intentional mornings, I gave the 2:1 ("two-to-one") breathing exercise a try—every night in bed, for an entire week.
Sep 27, 2019
Here’s What Keke Palmer Eats, Drinks and Cleans—Yes, Cleans—on Her Nights In (and She’s Not Sorry for Any of It)
When we asked Keke Palmer to paint the perfect night in, she knew exactly what she would be doing—hanging with Aaliyah and Whitney Houston, among many other things.
Sep 29, 2019
12 Surprisingly Stylish Ways to Baby-Proof Your Home
Having a baby is already hard work. Finding baby-proofing items that won’t ruin the aesthetic of your home shouldn’t have to be.
Sep 27, 2019
53 Positive, Productive Things You Can Do While You’re Watching TV
If you're worried about spending too much sedentary time on the sofa while you're catching up on your latest obsession, here are some ways to integrate some small life improvements to your TV time.
Sep 27, 2019
Why It’s OK That I’m Re-Starting My Budget in September
Starting fresh allows me to take stock of exactly where I am right now and to move forward with purpose.
Sep 19, 2019
How a Life-Changing Accident Forced Me To Confront Tiny Houses’ Accessibility Problem
After an accident on the job left me in a paralyzed, with two amputated legs and in a wheelchair, I was forced to reexamine the tiny house I'd been calling a home.
Sep 18, 2019
10 Mindless Home Habits that Are Costing You Money
Here are a few of the most common little things that add up over time.
Sep 18, 2019
This Candle Company Just Taught Us a Shopping Trick You’ll Wish You’d Known for Years
Be ready and don't get duped by the massive selection of scented candles that are everywhere this time of year.
Sep 13, 2019
Niksen Is the Dutch Concept of Doing Nothing and It’s the Mental Break We All Need
Niksen hails from Holland and is the concept of doing nothing. It’s that simple, and that’s exactly why it’s about to be so popular.
Sep 12, 2019
How ‘The Brady Bunch's’ Marcia and Greg Spend Their Perfect Nights In
Don't be surprised when you see some similar responses: they are TV Brady siblings, after all.
Sep 10, 2019
The Student’s Guide to (Mentally and Mindfully) Surviving Winter Break
The first few days of winter break are a welcome vacation from final exams, but beyond that? It's not always all it's cracked up to be—here's how to get through the bad parts.
Sep 5, 2019
We Belong Here: Transforming Your Home Into a Place of Healing
I've exert a lot of time and effort to transform my home into a beautiful space where I feel validated, supported and loved, even when I’m alone in my studio apartment.
Sep 4, 2019
10 Simple Sleep Tricks to Try The Next Time You Have Trouble Falling Asleep
The Apartment Therapy staff shares their best techniques for nights when the Land of Nod seems like a foreign country.
Aug 31, 2019
5 Simple, Proven To-Do List Hacks that Keep Me Happier and More Productive
To me, my list is an anchor. It keeps me grateful, motivated, focused, and organized.
Aug 20, 2019
This Fridge Organization Hack Has Me Cooking More, Wasting Less, and Feeling Better About My Kitchen
As an added bonus, I no longer have to deal with weeks-old kale I find in the bottom of a fridge drawer or smelly cheese in the deepest, darkest part of the fridge.
Aug 19, 2019
11 Products (From $13!) That Will Solve All Your Short People Problems
After all, standing on your tippy toes will only get you so far when you’ve got short legs and a tall apartment.
Aug 13, 2019
This Entomologist Has a Travel Warning: Always Put Your Suitcase in the Hotel Bathroom
The reason behind it is simpler than you might think, but it might make your skin crawl.
Aug 11, 2019
Hey, Just Always Close Your Toilet Lid, OK?
This isn't about seat up vs. seat down. This is about the lid, the more important thing.
Aug 8, 2019
Why Grief Should Have a Place in Our Homes
After my father passed, my mom gave me a large canvas with the photo of us printed on it. Thinking it would hurt to look at it every day, I placed it out of sight along with a box I’d neatly packed with many of his belongings.
Aug 4, 2019
8 Products You Should Try (Under $20!) If You’re Always Losing Things
Losing things isn’t just inconvenient—it can get expensive!
Aug 4, 2019
Sara and Rogan’s Delightful Dorm Oasis
Name: Sara Jade Pesek and Rogan KershLocation: Manhattan, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5 years In New York University’s Goddard Hall, on Washington Square Park, most doors open on the chaotic lairs of 200 college freshmen. But door #702, dotted with notes and nametags, reveals an unexpected oasis, the tranquil home of “dorm parents” Sara and Rogan.
Jul 31, 2019
9 of the Best, Most Life-Changing TED Talks—According to Reddit
From how to use a paper towel properly to the the power of asking for what you want.
Jul 29, 2019
How Danielle Brooks from ‘Orange Is the New Black’ Spends Her Perfect Night In
If you watch Netflix's “Orange is the New Black,” you're most likely familiar with Tasha “Tastee” Jefferson—a.k.a. one of the most beloved characters on the hit TV show—played by Danielle Brooks. The final season of OISTB is airing this week, so what better way to prep for your night in of TV-binging than seeing how one of the stars would?
Jul 26, 2019
It’s Finally Here: The Perfect Passive-Aggressive Gift for Your Weed-Smoking Neighbor
Because a wet towel under the door can only do so much.
Jul 26, 2019
10 Dorm Room Design Tips That’ll Help Reduce Stress
College can be stressful, but your dorm should be your haven!
Jul 24, 2019
Macy’s Pulled Those Body-Shaming “Mom Jeans” Plates After Twitter Rallied Against Them
Forget hot plates—Macy’s recently found itself in hot water. On Monday, the department store became embroiled in a social media firestorm after CBS correspondent Alie Ward tweeted a photo of a set of plates she spotted in their New York store.
Jul 23, 2019