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Tag: Design & Renovation

  • 6 “Smart” Kitchen Upgrades You’ll Regret Not Splurging on, According to Realtors

    6 “Smart” Kitchen Upgrades You’ll Regret Not Splurging on, According to Realtors

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Unlike in other parts of the home, when it comes to smart tech in the kitchen, there can be a fine line between utility and gimmick. Several designers and real estate pros were quick to point out their least-favorite smart “upgrades” in the kitchen for everyday use, and as Laura Chappetto, principal designer at Element Design Network, sums up, “Much like anywhere else in life, some tech can bring ease and convenience … but too much can be overwhelming and remain unused.”

    So what’s the sweet spot? What appliances can you add to your kitchen that will actually enhance your aesthetic, simplify your life, and possibly increase your home value? I talked to design experts, Realtors (and real home cooks!) for the best kitchen upgrades you’ll regret not splurging on.

    “Hands down, smart lighting is the most popular and accessible smart upgrade,” says Angelique Kreller, an interior designer with Australian brand Yabby. Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers, adds that there’s great bang for your buck on this investment, since “it’s relatively inexpensive and the kitchen experience can be greatly enhanced by this. Dimming, color adjustments, scheduling, and other capabilities are available with smart lighting, which can consist of switches, fixtures, and light bulbs that can be operated via voice commands or applications,” he says. 

    Ariel Baverman, a top Realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty, says she puts smart bulbs in regular fixtures so she can turn on all or some of the lights in a room without even getting up. “Also, I can turn them on and off remotely or by command, meaning if my hands are full carrying things at night, I don’t have to put them down and won’t be stumbling around in the dark.”

    While technically not a kitchen or cooking appliance, the washer and dryer can often be found in the kitchen due to the convenience of sharing a water line. If this is the case, having smart laundry appliances can add a lot of appeal and usefulness to its nook in the kitchen. 

    “The big draw on those is a remote start and being able to see if the cycle is complete,” Baverman says. “App connectivity lets you know where it is in the cycle. And if you go to work all day and don’t want your clothes to sit there wet, you can load it up in the morning and start it remotely to sync with the time you get home, then put it in the dryer immediately. Or, if you’re one of those people who just forgets that you put a load in the wash, the app will remind you!” Goodbye, mildewy rewashes!

    Built into your range or wall, smart ovens are conventionally sized ovens that allow you to control and monitor their functions through an app. Chappetto says they’re even the “most-loved smart appliance in our clients’ homes.” Sell My House Fast Owner and Founder Daniel Cabrera adds that the preprogrammed settings common to them “facilitate better results for home cooks — it’s an investment you’ll never regret, especially when the situation requires precision and convenience.” 

    Kreller confirms that preprogrammed settings can be particularly valuable for home cooks, taking the guesswork out of cooking by adjusting the temperature and time based on the dish. “It’s nice to be able to put your dish in the oven and trust it will be hot and perfectly cooked when dinnertime rolls around,” she says. Jania adds that it’s especially nice to be able to control and keep an eye on your cooking while running errands or being elsewhere. 

    Additionally, Baverman adds a spiritual note to the value of smart oven functionality. “Some people also like having a Sabbath feature on their wall ovens or ranges because depending on how observant you are, these settings can help you have hot food during Shabbat and other holidays where turning on and off a ‘fire’ or power is prohibited.”

    4. Countertop Smart Ovens

    If you don’t want to splurge on a high-end built-in smart oven, no worries. They come in countertop sizes, and Braverman says she “loves” hers. “They often have an air-fryer setting, and if you’re cooking for just one to two people, it’s the perfect size for my Le Creuset stoneware baking dishes for cooking or reheating.” She’s used the programs for chicken, fish, steaks, burgers, cookies, and mini pizzas, yet is impressed that “there are still dozens of settings I haven’t even yet explored on it, even though I’ve had it for years!”

    5. Digital Pressure Cookers

    “Anything with a timer to delay start is really great, especially for people who can prep the meal ahead of time like an in-appliance mise en place,” Baverman says. And best of all, they’re useful investments you can take with you into any home.  

    For instance, slow cookers do all the work of making dinner for you while you’re out during the day. You can program micro computerized rice cookers to start cooking or steaming your meal to be ready at a specific time, and digital pressure cookers cover nearly any kind of cooking. “There’s nothing better than setting things up in a cooking appliance so that it starts later in the day, and I can come home to a freshly cooked meal,” she says. 

    Some of us can’t go without our morning joe, and programmable coffee makers have been around for quite some time. Kreller enjoys the freedom of being able to have fresh-brewed coffee “before you even step into the kitchen,” and advanced technology has made it possible to go far beyond your old-school drip. For instance, different models like the KitchenAid KF8 fully automated espresso machine or the Spinn coffee maker can make espresso, Americanos, cappuccinos, cold brew, and a medley of other barista-level concoctions using centrifugal brewing tech via one tap, or even directly from an app.

    Making Your Kitchen “Smarter”

    Other than lighting swaps, some of the brightest “smart” choices you can make for your kitchen are ones you can take with you, making them a doubly beneficial investment. For big buys, smart ovens might be the only major built-in kitchen appliance worth splurging on, unless your washer and dryer are also located in the kitchen and you plan on leaving them behind, according to the pros. Either way, the most important thing to keep in mind is how often you plan to use the features these appliances offer to justify the upgrade.

    Do you have a favorite “smart” kitchen upgrade you swear by? Let us know in the comments below!

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    Su-Jit Lin

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  • This Forgotten Detail Instantly Dated My Newly Redone Kitchen Cabinets (But the Fix Was Easy!)

    This Forgotten Detail Instantly Dated My Newly Redone Kitchen Cabinets (But the Fix Was Easy!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Painting cabinets and swapping out the knobs and pulls are always the easiest first steps when it comes to a no-demo kitchen reno. And fortunately, it’s a (relatively!) affordable and approachable way to dramatically change the look of your kitchen. With only swapping wall paint and one fixture, my 1950s kitchen got a whole new look by trading a black-and-white paint job on the cabinets for a dark green. But as soon as I was done, I realized I’d made a mistake. 

    These were the original cabinets, and I had failed to notice one little detail: The hinges were a shiny finish and style that screamed out-of-date. Now, if I were beholden to all things original all the time, I’d want to keep them as is. But in an effort to bring the kitchen into 2024, with just some fun nods to the era (hello, vintage pink wall oven!), my plan was to add some contemporary hardware to the cabinets. Realizing anything I liked would clash with the vintage chrome hinges stopped the plan in its tracks. 

    And I stayed frozen — until talking with a cabinet refinishing specialist. I wasn’t sure if it would be a huge lift to replace the hinges, as I was sure I wanted something hidden, or something that better matched the rest of the kitchen. Brandon Butler owns Louisville Cabinet Rehab here in my city, and he was kind enough to talk me through how to replace those old, dated hinges (which is easier than it sounds!). 

    He said what we most likely have here is chrome. Thanks to an electroplating process that made it easy to mass produce hardware, that was incredibly popular in the 1950s, and although it may not be quite as simple as popping off a knob or a drawer pull, it’s a simple enough project to DIY, Butler said. (Although preferably, it would have been done at the same time as painting the cabinets, but I digress.) 

    How to Replace Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

    If you’re an avid DIYer, you should have no problem making the swap. He recommends using a drill to carefully loosen the screws on each hinge, then remove the screws and hinges. Be sure to keep your cabinet doors in order, or even stick a piece of tape on each one along with the opening it goes to, identified with numbers so you’ll know which one goes to which when you’re done.

    It’s easy to find replacement hardware hinges; a quick search turned up a slew of options like these at Lowe’s, or these on Amazon, and for anyone with a heftier budget, these beauties at Rejuvenation. Just be sure you’re getting the same style, i.e. surface-mounted (although if yours are hidden, this may not even be an issue!). And remember to check that the size will more or less match up with the ones you’re replacing. 

    What’s even better news? The holes don’t actually have to line up — which would really narrow down your hinge options — according to Butler. His tip if they don’t: Get some thin, double-stick tape, place it over the hole you’re going to use to mount the new hinges, drill through it, and put your screw in. You might have to tap out new holes for the others, he says, but the plate will cover the old ones. 

    And that’s it! I wish I’d done it when the cabinets were being painted, but I feel confident enough now to pick out some hardware, then find hinges that will match and make the swap. Before long, without too much of a time or money commitment, we’ll have beautiful, original cabinets that don’t scream 1957.

    Buy: Berta Full Overlay Frameless Soft Closing European Hinges, Set of 6, $12.88

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    Dana McMahan

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  • Jennifer Garner’s Double-Stacked Kitchen Cabinets Are Ingenious

    Jennifer Garner’s Double-Stacked Kitchen Cabinets Are Ingenious

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    They solve a classic kitchen storage issue.
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    Olivia Harvey

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  • Before & After: “Lackluster” White Kitchen Cabinets Get a Gorgeous Pink Makeover

    Before & After: “Lackluster” White Kitchen Cabinets Get a Gorgeous Pink Makeover

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    There are countless shades of pink.
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    Cullen Ormond

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  • The 5 Easiest Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive, According to Designers

    The 5 Easiest Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive, According to Designers

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    They’re so simple!
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    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson

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  • I Can’t Stop Thinking About Painting My Kitchen Ceiling After Seeing This Dramatic Transformation

    I Can’t Stop Thinking About Painting My Kitchen Ceiling After Seeing This Dramatic Transformation

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    It’s such a fun way to add drama to a room.
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    Cullen Ormond

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  • The $25 Makeover That Completely Transformed My Dated Oak Kitchen Cabinets

    The $25 Makeover That Completely Transformed My Dated Oak Kitchen Cabinets

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    Rachel OteroSocial Media Director at AT Media

    With 10 years of experience in social and content creation, and a lifetime passion for storied vintage and architectural charm, I spend my time at AT Media running the social media department. I joined the Apartment Therapy team in 2019 to manage their social media, expanding to The Kitchn soon after, and Cubby and Dorm Therapy social in the years to follow. Previously, I served as the social media editor at InStyle Magazine.

    When I’m not on social media, you can find me at my local antique market hunting for new treasures to bring home. I’m passionate in my belief that every piece in your home should ignite a conversation, whether that’s a memory, its history, or why it’s so special to you. It’s the personalized touches that really turn a space into a home.

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    Rachel Otero

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  • See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s “Jarring” Living Room (Instantly!)

    See How a Stager Used Paint to Transform a 1950s “Jarring” Living Room (Instantly!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    No matter how many room makeovers and professionally staged spaces we see — and we’ve seen a lot — we never fail to be impressed by the power of a simple coat of paint to breathe new life into a home. “Paint is the most transformative tool,” agrees professional home stager Daniel Coffman of Staged Spaces in Monrovia, California. “I always say, ‘new paint … new house!’” And that was certainly the case with this three bedroom, two bathroom home that Coffman and his partner Jacen Crehan took from dingy and dated to fresh and welcoming.

    Realtor Jack Harriman of John Hart Real Estate brought the project — a 1957 Southern California Rambler Ranch in Arcadia, California that he was selling for a family member — to Coffman and Crehan for their makeover expertise because the home was in need of a significant amount of help. “This place needed work! The owner had smoked in the house for over 20 years and had left the walls thick with smoke stains,” says Coffman. Adding to the challenge was the fact that the sellers had only a limited budget to improve the space. That’s where paint — the least expensive yet most impactful decorating tool — came in. 

    The living room, which Coffman envisioned as an updated hang-out space for relaxing at the end of the day, got a new, warm gray color scheme on the walls and fireplace. The walls were painted with Benjamin Moore’s “Coventry Gray”, while the trim was freshened up with Benjamin Moore’s “Chantilly Lace”, a classic white. The biggest paint transformation was the fireplace. “The fireplaces in these homes are quite large and always take up space in a dark, ominous way. And the contrast of the original red brick and the yellowish wall color was jarring!” says Coffman. “A smoother connection from wall color to fireplace — which was painted Benjamin Moore’s “Temptation” in a matte finish — left it looking like a connected piece of the room and a welcome focal point.” Completing the new color story, the floors were refinished with a darker stain. “Even after sanding, lighter was not an option with the amount of wear,” says Coffman. 

    With the painting finished, the staging team layered in furniture and decor to show potential buyers how the living room — the first space anyone visiting the house sees — could be arranged. “Since this house was built in the 1950s, we wanted to keep the furnishing mid-Mod inspired,” says Coffman. In addition, dated vertical blinds and too-short drapes were taken down and replaced with longer dark blue drapes that echo the color in a pair of chairs positioned opposite the sofa. The design relied on mostly solid fabrics with some pattern just on the sofa throw pillows. A neutral, textured rug added warmth and the space to the left of the fireplace became a stylish moment with a console, mirror, lamp, and vases.

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    Kristen Finello

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  • I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

    I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Decorating a room can be a daunting task, whether you’re starting from scratch or you just want to spruce up a space that’s already in progress. That’s why I love a good shortcut or design rule to follow, which is not to say that I never go rogue when pulling a room together. For me, it’s more about having just a little bit of design help  — think a principle or a place to start from that makes the process just a little bit easier.

    So when I set out to design the small sunroom in my newish house, which I use as a home office, I was a bit stumped. It’s not a large area, but it’s completely open to the living room, and its three other walls are essentially covered in windows. I’d need a desk in there, but what other furniture could or should fit? Questions like this ran through my mind, and I wasn’t sure where to begin. So I decided to take it back to basics: I’d use the “60/40” rule to lay out and furnish the space, and honestly, it provided such a helpful benchmark, I’d 10/10 use it again!

    Chances are you’ve heard of the “60/40 rule” by one of its other names: the golden ratio, the golden number, or the golden mean. It’s technically a mathematical sequence (~1:1.618) that occurs in nature, from proportions in humans and plants to the spirals of seashells. The ratio is said to be visually pleasing to the eye, so it’s also pursued in architecture, art, and other crafts. Turns out it’s also something that can be used for interiors, too, especially when it comes to layout. And if you’re wondering how 1:1.618 became “60/40,” well, again, even designers love a shortcut. Plus, 60/40 is much easier to visualize and remember.

    So how did I put this rule into practice? The “60/40 rule” here comes down to furniture and floor space. Instead of overstuffing a room with pieces or going way too minimal, you should aim for about 60% of the room to be filled with furniture and 40% of it to be clear to give your eye a visual break from stuff. This breakdown actually helped me hone in on the right desk. I had set up the one I used in my last apartment, which was modern and fairly minimal, as it had occupied a small nook in my bedroom (see above). And it just felt, well, a little too small in the tiny sunroom, even when paired with a more substantial desk chair. The rug was a bit too small as well.

    I searched for a desk that’d be a bit bigger and offer more storage, since I knew I couldn’t really bring much else into the space, like a file cabinet for example, and still have it look balanced from the 60/40 perspective. Ultimately, I found an amazing vintage desk that was larger and just has more presence, paired it with a more delicate chair, and I’m much happier with the result. To hit the 60/40 ratio, I added in a few plants in stands and on a pedestal, as well as a side table, and I’ve called it a day in terms of furniture (though I would like a built in-bench at some point for strategic storage). And I brought in a rug that just fits a bit better in the room, too. The irregular lines of the faux hide I had in there just didn’t fill the space enough.

    What’s amazing is you can use this breakdown for other surfaces, too. Not sure how big to go with your gallery wall? The “60/40 rule” can help you out. For an arrangement that looks full but not overly so, pick pieces that, when considered altogether, won’t cover more than 60% of a given wall.  

    The ratio can help with the breakdown of items on tabletops and shelves, too. It can be, again, as simple as not filling more than 60% of a tabletop with items so you have what feels like appropriate breathing room. Or you can think of the 60/40 rule as a way to balance out the individual items in a tableau. In this scenario, you’d want to reserve 60% of a coffee table’s top, say, for an anchor piece like a decorative tray, and then 40% of it for a couple of smaller decorative accessories, like a small stack of books and a candle. Of course, these pieces don’t have to fill the entire 60% and 40% of the surface, respectively; it’s more about proportions here — the idea that your larger pieces should command up to two-thirds of a surface and then the smaller ones are reserved for that remaining one-third. 

    So the next time you’re struggling with a decorating project — and laying out a room or surface in particular — remember the 60/40 rule. It’s a great place to start if you want to create a sense of balance in a room.

    This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: I Tried the “60/40 Rule” to Lay Out a Room, and I’d Absolutely Use It Again

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    Danielle Blundell

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  • The Kitchen Hardware That Makes Your Home Look Instantly Dated (and What to Do Instead!)

    The Kitchen Hardware That Makes Your Home Look Instantly Dated (and What to Do Instead!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    The kitchen isn’t just a place for cooking and eating — it’s the central hub of the home and a great place to show off your personality. However, outdated hardware can easily tarnish the aesthetic, both metaphorically and literally. From worn-out cabinet handles to old-fashioned faucet designs, these seemingly minor details can make a big impact, turning a once-trendy kitchen into a very dated space.

    To be sure your kitchen is up to date (and stays that way), I talked to top interior designers to learn about which kitchen hardware will stay on trend for years to come — and, just as importantly, which ones make your space look instantly dated.

    Outdated Kitchen Hardware

    I hate to break it to you, but crystal knobs are out. According to Joyce Elizabeth Huston, cofounder and lead designer at Decorilla, “not only do they look dated, but they look out of style and cheap at the same time.” While these kinds of knobs were once loved for their glamorous appeal, they’ve fallen out of favor. Most have intricate designs that often clash with the sleek, minimalist style that characterizes contemporary kitchens. 

    2. Highly Decorative Cabinet Handles

    As the saying goes, less is more, and highly decorative cabinet handles can be too much for the space. Their elaborate patterns and ornate detailing don’t complement kitchens like they used to. “Handles that have intricate designs can look beautiful, but they will also make your kitchen feel and look less contemporary,” explains TileCloud interior designer Courtney Cole.

    Plus, practicality plays a role in why they aren’t as popular; the complex designs can make them hard to clean, letting dust and grime accumulate in the crevices. As Huston says, “They definitely were used in the 1800s, but not anymore.”

    “If you want your hardware to be modern, then ceramic knobs are out,” Huston says. Their colorful and unique patterns, while adding a touch of rustic or vintage charm, now seem out of place in modern kitchens, which more often highlight clean lines and minimalist design. “[Ceramic knobs] are pretty common in older homes, but because they were so popular decades ago, they’ll make your home feel a bit stuck in the past,” Cole adds. What’s more, ceramic knobs can be fragile and prone to chipping or cracking, making them less durable than other hardware.

    4. Overly Industrial-Themed Hardware

    Overly industrial-themed hardware was once a top choice when it came to adding a rugged, edgy flare to kitchens, but it has started to feel dated in recent years. “While it became popular during the ‘farmhouse’ era, the pieces will instantly date your space,” says Will Zhang, director of design and product innovation at Emtek. “With the kitchen being a place we spend so much of our time, it’s better to avoid anything too trend-focused and instead opt for timeless pieces.”

    These overly industrial hardware pieces often feature heavy, bulky designs with raw finishes like exposed screws, dark metals, and rough textures, which can make a space feel more like a factory than a home kitchen. While industrial elements can add character, when overdone, they can overwhelm the space and make it feel less warm and welcoming.

    Timeless Kitchen Hardware

    Don’t worry, I also asked the experts what you should opt for instead of the dated features above. “If you want your kitchen to look more contemporary and modern, you should look for products that are more streamlined and polished in the way they look,” Cole says.

    “When it comes to kitchen hardware, the simpler the knob or the pull the better,” Huston explains. “This Kela Matte Black Metal Cabinet is a great option because it has a sleek, simple, contemporary design. Black is my favorite because it’s sophisticated yet very versatile.” Additionally, one of the best things about simple knobs is that they’re minimalistic, making them timeless even if other parts of your kitchen change. “This Center to Center Bar Pull is another classic yet modern option that is great for the more traditional person but also has a very sleek aesthetic,” she adds.

    2. Brushed Nickel Hardware

    Without a doubt, brushed nickel hardware has a classic appeal. “Hardware in a brushed nickel colorway will make your kitchen look timeless and elegant, but without the dated feeling that sometimes comes with timelessness,” Cole says. Plus, brushed nickel can seamlessly hide fingerprints and smudges.

    “Another modern option is to go for chrome hardware,” Cole says. “The shine of chrome makes a kitchen look more clean, and because it reflects light, will make the space look more open and warm. This is one of my favorites in the kitchen, particularly if you want an über-modern aesthetic.” What’s more, the polished surface of chrome hardware creates a clean, contemporary look that complements a variety of kitchen styles, from minimalist to industrial. 

    The Final Verdict on Kitchen Hardware

    ​​“When making selections, it’s important to ask yourself if this is a decision you will still agree with in five-plus years,” Zhang says. “Additionally, I always recommend considering if the hardware works outside of the kitchen by taking into account the home’s theme and architecture. Finding continuity between your kitchen hardware and the home’s overall aesthetic typically leads to decisions that work better and last longer.” With all of these considerations in mind, now you’ll know exactly what to pick when you opt for kitchen hardware.

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    Lauren Harano

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  • Before & After: This “Grimy” Balcony Makeover Transforms into the Most Gorgeous Summer Oasis

    Before & After: This “Grimy” Balcony Makeover Transforms into the Most Gorgeous Summer Oasis

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    “Wiping away literal years of city dust and grime was an immediate improvement,” the renter says.
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    Sarah Everett

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  • We Gave Two Interior Designers $50 to Shop at HomeGoods— Here’s Everything They’d Buy

    We Gave Two Interior Designers $50 to Shop at HomeGoods— Here’s Everything They’d Buy

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    It’s a well-established fact that HomeGoods is a go-to spot to get unmatched deals on everything from home decor to kitchen tools and furniture. But don’t let the rock-bottom prices fool you — while HomeGoods may not be the first store that comes to mind for high-end interior design, that isn’t necessarily the case among professional interior designers.

    “$50 at HomeGoods can go a long way in transforming your space,” says Ayten Nadeau, founder and interior designer at i-Ten Designs. Keeping Nadeau’s declaration in mind, we put her and fellow interior designer and design consultant Amanda Foster up to the task of deciding what they’d buy at HomeGoods within a $50 budget. 

    “By carefully selecting these items, you’ll create a stylish, cohesive look that feels like a million bucks — all without breaking the bank,” Nadeau says. Check out their picks below — keep in mind that inventory and pricing differ at each store, so your basket might look a little bit different!

    A trip to HomeGoods should always include a visit to the candle section, which is where some of the best deals can be found. “Imagine walking through your front door to the warm, inviting scent of a high-quality soy candle,” Nadeau says. “These beauties come in stunning containers and usually cost less than $8 each. Talk about instant ambience!” Aroma and lighting are some of the most frequently neglected aspects of home decor, and a few carefully selected candles can make a big impact on the look and feel of your space.

    Everybody loves houseplants, but if you are looking for a more low maintenance way to liven up your space, faux greenery from HomeGoods is your friend. “Add a dash of nature to those shadowy nooks and crannies,” Nadeau suggests. “Faux plants in chic vases are perfect for brightening up darker kitchen corners, bookshelves, or bathrooms. They cost $9 or less for small ones.”

    Foster’s next pick? “A geometric wall mirror that’ll not only reflect your fabulous self but also add a touch of modern flair to your space.” Even a small mirror can add depth and dimension to a room and make it seem larger than it is, which is a powerful trick for cozy homes.

    “Imagine the angles, the shapes, and the way it catches the light — this mirror is a true work of art that’ll elevate any room to new heights of coolness,” Foster says.

    Decanters abound at HomeGoods, and they are an easy and affordable way to make any room feel more sophisticated and cohesive.

    “Elevate your everyday essentials with stylish glass soap dispensers,” Nadeau says. “Whether it’s for your kitchen or bathroom, glass dispensers can make even the humblest soap feel luxurious. Say goodbye to tacky packaging!”

    For just $10 or less, this quick swap is one that professional interior designers consider a nonnegotiable.

    Just because HomeGoods is budget-friendly doesn’t mean the quality isn’t on par with luxury retailers, so don’t underestimate the essentials.

    “I have a confession: I stock up on hand towels here for myself and my clients. You simply can’t beat the prices,” Nadeau shares. “Investing in a couple of high-quality hand towels for about $8 to $10 each can make any powder room feel like a five-star hotel.”

    This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: We Gave Two Designers $50 — Here’s What They’d Buy at HomeGoods

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    Nina Derwin

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  • The Brilliant Trick for Making Dated Kitchen Countertops Look Brand New

    The Brilliant Trick for Making Dated Kitchen Countertops Look Brand New

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    You can make old kitchen countertops look new without modifying them a single bit.
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    Kelly Dawson

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  • Padma Lakshmi’s Bold Kitchen Cabinet Color Will Leave You Stunned (We Found the Closest Match!)

    Padma Lakshmi’s Bold Kitchen Cabinet Color Will Leave You Stunned (We Found the Closest Match!)

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    Olivia Harvey

    Olivia Harvey is a freelance writer and award-winning scriptwriter from outside Boston, Massachusetts. She’s a big fan of scented candles, getting dressed up, and the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley. You can make sure she’s doing okay via Instagram and/or Twitter.

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    Olivia Harvey

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  • This Brilliant $10 Paper Towel Holder Frees Up So Much Counter Space (No Drilling Required!)

    This Brilliant $10 Paper Towel Holder Frees Up So Much Counter Space (No Drilling Required!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Every couple of years or so, there’s a hot new kitchen accessory on everyone’s radar. From air fryers to SMEG toasters, your countertops just can’t catch a break. But, even amid the sea of electric appliances and cooking gadgets, there’s always one constant: paper towels. Whether you spilled some OJ or some cooking oil splashed onto the burner, you need a roll within reach at all times. But this cleaning essential can be an obstruction in itself, especially if you have a small kitchen with limited counter space. If you find that your pots and pans all have a home, larger utensils aren’t in the way, and the dish rack isn’t taking up more room than it needs to, and yet you still have a lack of space, this next find is likely for you. It’ll help keep paper towels handy while also reducing some of the clutter in your cooking station. Adding to its utility, the bar on which your paper towels rest also swivels, according to some reviewers. It’ll be easier for you to grab a lot of paper towels when an unexpected mess occurs.

    This stainless-steel paper towel holder from Amazon mounts directly onto the wall or underneath cabinets. You can slide your paper towel roll on and get it off your counters — for good. You technically can drill it in, but the holder comes with adhesive tape on its base. You just have to peel off the film, stick the holder onto your surface, and wait 24 hours before using it. This feature makes the holder great for rented apartments, as it won’t damage any walls. Plus, once it’s in, it’s there to stay. “NASA needs to study the adhesive they give you to mount this thing because it’s crazy strong,” one reviewer writes. “I haven’t had to use the screws.”

    Plus, it’s easy on the eyes. “If you are a fan of farmhouse or industrial-style decor, this is an excellent addition to any kitchen!” one reviewer writes. You’re not just limited to the silver color; it also comes in black, gray, gold, and rose gold finishes. The stainless steel also won’t rust or sustain any water damage.

    Essentially, customers appear to agree that this product works exactly as advertised and is super easy to install. And how could we not mention that it’s only $10 right now?! For clutter-free counters, it’s a small price to pay. Your paper towels will no longer have to battle for real estate with the cutting boards and spice rack.

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    Nikol Slatinska

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  • How I Created a Champagne-Level Dining Room on a Seltzer Budget

    How I Created a Champagne-Level Dining Room on a Seltzer Budget

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    Some DIY tricks helped me pull it off.
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    Heather Bien

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  • Before and After: A Dark and Dated Kitchen Gets a Fresh New Look for $2500

    Before and After: A Dark and Dated Kitchen Gets a Fresh New Look for $2500

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    “I’m most proud that we did this all ourselves and saved so much money!” says homeowner Astin Hancock.
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    Sarah Everett

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  • A “Super Plain” Dining Room Gets the Boldest Retro Wallpaper Makeover

    A “Super Plain” Dining Room Gets the Boldest Retro Wallpaper Makeover

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    Furniture and artwork complete the dining room. 

    The table and bench are from Logan Industrial, the hutch is a Herman Miller piece, and the subtly mismatched chairs suit the vibe perfectly. Nate loves to entertain his friends and host dinner parties. He says that the dining table is usually ready for six people, but he has two leaves for the table to expand up to 10. It’s a tight squeeze at 10 people, but he’s made it work before!

    Tying everything together is the large-scale painting on the wall, which was painted by Nate’s great-aunt, the late artist Shirley Gorelick. “I love her work so much and am so happy I have a space to honor her in my home,” Nate says.

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    Emma Kershaw

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  • See How a Home Stager Transformed This Wood-Paneled Living Room in California

    See How a Home Stager Transformed This Wood-Paneled Living Room in California

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Despite Chip and Joanna Gaines’ love for shiplap walls, wood paneling isn’t everyone’s favorite interior design choice. That was the first thing that struck Mia Carella, the founder of Color by Design Home Staging, when she entered the living room of a 1,430-square-foot house in Pittsburg, California, that she was hired to stage. 

    Even though the paneling only covered one wall, the room had a high ceiling, so it dominated the space and instantly dated it. “The wood paneling was a huge eye sore and would be a big negative for any buyers,” says Carella, who serves the San Francisco Bay area.

    And that wasn’t the only problem with the three-bed, two-bath home. “It was overflowing with clothes and toys — every surface was cluttered,” she recalls. “It was also extremely dark and had old dirty carpeting.”

    Her plan was to clear out the clutter, brighten the room, and modernize it for today’s homebuyer. “I wanted potential buyers to be able to picture themselves in the space easily,” Carella says. “I wanted it to be inviting and comfortable.”

    The first step was removing all the clutter and bringing in professional cleaners to give the home a deep clean. The old carpeting, which made the living room feel “small and dirty,” she says, was replaced with engineered hardwood in a light oak hue, and the walls were painted a crisp white — including that wall of wood paneling.

    With this blank canvas, Carella sought to establish a bright and clean aesthetic with modern lines. She wanted ample seating, so she placed a light gray sofa on the paneled wall, facing two bright green accent chairs. Their curves — in addition to those of the round marble-topped coffee table — help offset all the straight lines in the room, she notes. A light gray area rug anchors the seating arrangement and adds texture, while neutral throw pillows on the sofa and a blanket on one chair provide softness.

    To “give the eye somewhere to fall upon walking in the room,” Carella hung two large pieces of abstract artwork above the sofa. Their green, black, and gray hues are echoed throughout the living room. Black accents were also repeated in the side tables and the round mirror above the fireplace, which created “rhythm and balance,” she notes. The fireplace, flanked by windows, ties into the color scheme with its gray surround and serves as another focal point in the room.

    Next, Carella turned to strategic lighting, which she says is key to staging any space. “Lighting makes the rooms feel brighter, larger, and more welcoming, especially in photos, so I always try to add as much light as possible,” she says. For this room, that meant a pair of lamps on the side tables and four recessed lights on the ceiling. The artificial and natural light bounce off the bright white walls and ceiling, making the space seem larger.

    As the final touch, Carella says she always incorporates greenery into her design. “Bringing plants into any space makes the space instantly come to life and provides a sense of peace and tranquility,” she says. A small plant rests on the side table, two grassy plants adorn the mantle (in addition to a pair of black candle holders), and a larger plant sits in a modern white planter on legs to the right of the fireplace.

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    Chelsea Greenwood

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  • This TikToker Made Her Oak Kitchen Look Fresh — Without Refinishing the Cabinets

    This TikToker Made Her Oak Kitchen Look Fresh — Without Refinishing the Cabinets

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    “Great example of how oak works if done right.”
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    Olivia Harvey

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