Hit the Road: 5 Keys to Road Trip Success

Photo courtesy mLu.fotos 

Summer is the season to get out of the apartment and enjoy the outdoors. Why not hit the road and explore new territory? Adventure, the wind in your hair, random roadside monuments...what’s not to love? So gas up the tank, pack for all contingencies and follow these tips from Apartment Therapy for road trip success!

1. Take a few minutes to plan ahead. Check for roadwork, freeway closures (happening almost every weekend in LA now) and try to schedule things so you can avoid rush hour in any urban areas. Should something come up once you are already on the road, apps like Waze can help you find your way around them.

2. Snack healthy and hydrate. While it can be tempting to subsist only on fast food and coffee, when your energy starts to flag, you will only feel worse. Staying well hydrated and sticking to your normal diet will help you power through without an energy crash.

3. Explore a little along the way. While I'm not suggesting you tack hours onto your drive, doing a little planning ahead of time can help you figure out a few interesting points to stop along the way. When you pull over to stretch your legs, it never hurts to be taking in a view or enjoying a local landmark.

4. Multi-task. I try to make the best use of my rest stops so I don't pull over more frequently than I need to. Filling up on gas, walking the dogs, picking up water and snacks, checking in messages, and washing the windows means I can get back on the road and avoid unnecessary stops.

5. Music makes all the difference. When you're traveling alone, it's vital. Putting together a playlist in advance can help get you through radio dead zones. Podcasts are a great way to mix things up.

What is one item you must have when you go on a road trip? Share your road trip stories and pictures with us!

Using Craigslist to Decorate

When it comes to redecorating on a budget, you can find some really reasonably priced pieces to adorn your new space or to spruce up your existing one. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can find pieces to refurbish into something that fits your current décor. Here are some pointers via Apartment Therapy on how to shop with Craigslist.

Know what you want. If you have a specific need then have your parameters clearly defined. One day I decided that a Scandinavian secretary desk would solve all of our entryway problems, but it couldn't be wider than the narrow strip of wall separating my tiny foyer and living room. It took 10 months to find one that fit the bill in terms of size, price, function, and aesthetics.

Figure out your search terms. Searching Craigslist is a skill unto itself. Depending on what you want, your terms may be general or extremely specific. Searching for a particular brand or designer is pretty straightforward (although some sellers will use certain designer's names as tags for items of a similar era or style), but once you get into the realm of unbranded vintage it's an entirely different process. If you have time to kill then broad search terms like "vintage" or "mid-century" could yield great finds, but count on sifting through ads where those terms are synonyms for old and ugly. If you're looking to coordinate with other items in your home then you may want to search by pattern, fabric, or wood. Try common misspellings.

Photo courtesy Upcycle That.

Oftentimes you know what you want but aren't sure what to call it. Stretch your imagination. I needed more chairs for outdoor dining but didn't know what ours were called (Emu Rio), so I would search "white metal chairs," "white patio chairs," "white deck chairs," "white grid chairs," and countless permutations. Eventually I turned up a great deal on a set of four.

It isn't a deal if you spend way more on the back end of the transaction. Those chairs with great bones may be dirt cheap, but ancillary costs can add up quickly. Figure it all out in advance or you'll find yourself reposting the item or putting it out on the curb. Will it fit in your car? Measure and measure again, or face renting a cargo van or truck. Do you plan on getting something reupholstered or refinished? That can get expensive, so it's worth getting a quick estimate before purchasing the item in question.

Know market value and your budget. I'm in the market for a grill, so before I even ventured onto Craigslist I looked at what they cost new. Between Memorial Day and Father's Day, the market is saturated with secondhand grills from sellers who have upgraded, so a quick survey of Craigslist makes it easy to discern typical prices, inflated ones, and screaming deals (like the one I saw last night that sold within three hours of posting). Having a solid sense of my price range and what I want can save me from wasting time on posts that are way off-base.

Figure out your search schedule, parameters, and tools. I tend to obsess about things, so instead of setting up a feed or compulsively searching on my phone all day, I'm a first thing in the morning/late in the evening searcher. If it's something worth a longer drive, I might search nearby cities or use an aggregator (I like adhunt'r and will limit my search by region). If it's not worth a longer trip then I'll winnow down my search by location.

Write a good inquiry. Ask the right questions for the object in question. For kids' gear I always ask if the seller is the first owner, along with the year of manufacture (a quick search can rule out safety recalls). If I'm emailing someone about a grill I'll ask if they are including the cover and propane tank. For upholstered items I will always ask about smoking and pets, as both are non-starters for me. I might ask for more photographs or specifics on condition. I'll also provide my email address and cell number, so that the seller can contact me by email, phone, or text, whichever is most convenient for them.

Let the seller know that you are motivated, nobody wants to waste time with a tire kicker. Complete sentences, please and thank you, and an indication of good faith seem to go a long way; something along the lines of "if this is a good fit for my needs I can pick up at your earliest convenience, cash in hand." If you think their asking price is fair then there's no need to negotiate. Otherwise, start with an initial offer below your target price to leave room for negotiations.

Inspect before handing over the cash. Look everything over, make sure that the item is as described and in the stated condition. If not, be prepared to renegotiate or walk.

Find your Craigslist zen. There will be the perfect fit that sells out from underneath you, the unresponsive seller, the intransigent price inflator, the one who only wants to communicate by carrier pigeon. If it isn't worth it to you, the seller sounds sketchy, or your spidey sense is going off then be prepared to walk. It isn't yours until it's yours, so don't waste time grieving the one that got away.

Have you ever used something you bought on Craigslist to up-cycle and decorate your apartment? What are some of your best Craigslist finds? Post them in the comments below!

5 Things to Know About Living Alone

Photo courtesy Mitya Ku

For many people, living alone is best for all involved. If you're not home a lot or just like to have your space and things arranged your way, living alone is probably ideal. As with any living situation though, living alone comes with its pros and cons. Here are some common issues faced by those who live alone and some solutions on how to cope, courtesy of Apartment Therapy. 

1. ECONOMIES OF SCALE
Problem: Generally, the more you buy at one time, the cheaper it becomes. While a family of six cruises through a pot of chili, that much food can get wasted in a household of one. It's also more expensive to buy smaller quantities of toilet paper and other household supplies.

Solution: The Kitchn has some great tips for cooking on your own. For everything else, consider teaming up with a friend, family member, or neighbor to split that 24-pack of toilet paper. You’ll save money and space in the process.

2. HEAVY OBJECTS
Problem: You get an itch to decorate first thing on Saturday morning and find yourself stymied by your grandmother’s huge, six ton armoire.

Solution: Don’t hurt yourself by trying to lift things yourself. First, break the piece down in any way to make it manageable: empty contents, remove drawers or legs. If it's still too big or heavy, round up a friend or next-door neighbor to help you out on the fly. Otherwise, save up all your little odd jobs and hire someone one Saturday afternoon to knock out everything out on your to-do list that requires help.

3. LONELINESS AND BOREDOM
Problem: Even if you have tons of friends, a boyfriend/girlfriend, sometimes being home alone at night is a downer. Everyone likes someone to turn to to express outrage over Ann Coulter’s most recent comment, or to rub it in when you get that night's Final Jeopardy question correct.

Solution: Create structured ways to leave the house and regularly interact with others— especially if you also work at home — at the times you feel most alone. Sign up for yoga classes, or join a book club. Host regular dinner parties, or even low-key television watching sessions with another person who shares your love of Mad Men. Lastly, think about adopting a furry friend. (Because everyone talks to their pets, no matter what we tell others.)

4. FEAR FOR SAFETY OR WELL-BEING
Problem: Maybe you are scared of axe murderers at night. Or, you worry about falling down the stairs and having no one find you for days. These are very rare yet valid concerns that shouldn't be deal breakers.

Solution: Yes, there’s always LifeAlert. And the pet (dog) you adopted to thwart loneliness will also help deter any meanies. Otherwise, set up a check-in system with a friend/neighbor and agree to touch base with each other regularly via text or phone. Ideally, this person will live alone as well, so the benefits go both ways. If one party is suspiciously quiet, either expect a welcome knock on your door, or head on over to check out your buddy.

5. DELIVERIES AND REPAIRS
Problem: You're only one person, and can only be so many places at one time. If you expect a package during the day, or need something repaired, there are only so many times you can take off work to be there in the flesh. There's no one right answer for this problem: the solution depends on your unique situation and needs.

Solution: For mail, check out this post on How to Manage Home Deliveries. For repairs, arrange to work from home one afternoon (again, if this is feasible). Renters can often ask landlords to greet the person on site. If you know and completely trust your repairman or contractor, install a key safe outdoors, then change the combination once the work is done. If all else fails, and you have to take the time, try scheduling appointments first thing in the morning, or as the last slot in the day.

Do you live alone? What to you do to combat these common problems? Share your advice below!

Must-Have Pooch Possessions

Photos (L-R) courtesy Michael Coghlan and Janet Farthing

Dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend” for plenty of good reasons: they’re adorable, they’re always there when we need them and they’re good snugglers. They’re a part of the family and, as such, they deserve their own special spaces and things in your home. House Beautiful breaks down some of the must-have pooch paraphernalia.

Colleen Safford of Walk & Train is responsible for the good behavior of the dogs residing in many of New York's best-appointed homes, from ELLE DECOR's own Karen Elizabeth Marx (and pup Willie Nelson) to designer Kelly Behun (and her Kimchi.) Here, her essential elements for creating a home that's as dog-friendly as it is stylish.

1. Something more fun to chew than the sofa. Great-looking dog toys don't just mean a happy pup; they mean a (relatively) untouched sofa and rug.

2. Dog Art. Chances are you already have a great portrait of your beloved pet—why not give it pride of place on the mantle or as part of your gallery wall?

3. Dog-proof trash in every room. Try one with butterfly doors and spare yourself the horror of coming home to trash everywhere.

4. Pet-friendly upholstery. You might think white is the craziest choice you could make, but durable white slipcovers are easy to wash and can hold up well through multiple washes (and there will be multiple washes.)

5. A "messy dog" station. It should be well-stocked and well-placed—a wash basin with a basket filled with super absorbent towels, wipes, clean-up bags, dry shampoo, and anything else you need to keep you pup looking his best.

6. A faux fur throw. It has design cred, protects your furniture, and makes for a perfect place for your pup to drift off to sleep. Bonus: Dog hair will blend in so no need to be militant about washing.

7. An accessory that lets guests know dog lovers live here...even at times when the dog's in the other room.

8. The perfect spot for the dog bowl. Safford is seeing some of her clients build custom bowl-holders into the kitchen island—no matter what, it's important that the water bowl is in an area where it will not be kicked over.  

9. A prime napping spot...preferably in the sunniest place in the room. If dogs could talk yours would say "Thank you I love you!!"

10. A scented candle you love. Because no matter how much you love your dog, chances are this will smell better.

Photos (L-R) courtesy Wicker Paradise, Ornello_Pics, Christoffer Morch

What are your prized pooch-related possessions? Share them with us, along with pictures of your dog!

10 Apps to Get Your Design On

Photo courtesy Kārlis Dambrāns

It seems like there are apps for everything nowadays, including interior design. Some of these apps are useful tools to use as you are decorating, while others assist with the planning and layout processes. As with any apps, the fancier they are, the more they cost, but there are a few free ones included in this list from Style at Home.

1 Homestyler Interior Design

Macworld Magazine selected this app as one of Apple's best products in 2013. Upload a photo of your room and change paint colours, hang light fixtures and arrange furniture with the touch of a finger. iTunes, free.

2 Remodelista

Remodelista bills itself as a "sourcebook for considered living." We would agree: it's much more of a glorious source of inspiration than a tool kit. The Remodelista app offers daily inspiration, DIYs and product round-ups that are perfect for perusing over your morning coffee. iTunes, $2.99.

3 Polyvore

While technically Polyvore is a fashion app used to design magazine-style pages of clothes and accessories, it's actually become something of a must-have for decorators who use it to make decor mood boards. Best of all, it's free and easy to use. iTunes, free.

4 Houzz Interior Design Ideas

The website Houzz has quickly become an encyclopedia of decor images, and it's also available as an app. It's worth downloading because it's free, highly rated by users and it's quite addictive. iTunes, free.

5 Interior Design for iPad

This isn't merely a decorating app. Interior Design for iPad is a heavy lifter for interior designers (and novices) that creates professional quality floorplans and elevations. Once you've designed a room, you can even do a virtual walk-through. Time Magazine named it one of the Top 50 must-have iPad apps. iTunes, $9.99.

6 iHandy Level Free

Are you hanging a few photos, and you're not quite sure if they're level? Use this attractive virtual level on your iPhone, complete with a retro-style faux woodgrain effect. It's not a carpenter's level, obviously, but it's ideal for little jobs around the house. iTunes, free.

7 Home Design DIY Interior Room Layout Space Planning & Decorating Tool - Mark On Call for iPhone

Widely regarded as one of the most intuitive floorplan apps in the iTunes store, "Mark on Call" is the affordable, go-to app if you're moving and want to know if your furniture will fit in the new space, or if you just want to move your furniture around virtually without the back strain. iTunes, $2.99.

8 Magpie by Conran

The Conran here is none other than esteemed British designer, writer and retailer Sir Terence Conran. His Magpie app is a stylish scrapbook tool, a place to organize photos, and even take videos and audio clips. One of the notable features is the ability to make pretty moodboards and turn them into PDFs. iTunes, free.

9 Colour Capture

Take a picture of anything at all, like a lemon-hued wall or a midnight blue handbag, and Benjamin Moore's Colour Capture app will tell you which of its 3,300 paint colours it matches. It's particularly great for the times when you love a paint colour but no one can recall the name of it. iTunes, free.

10 Photo Measures

This is a must-have app if you're renovating a space like a kitchen or bathroom. It superimposes measurements over a photo, which is quite convenient when you're appliance or fixture shopping. It's also a useful tool for communicating with your contractor or decorator. iTunes, $6.99.

Do You Use These Cleaning Items Correctly?

If you watched the show Friends, you probably remember what a clean freak Monica Gellar is. She knows which stains club soda would remove, she has 11 categories of towels and owns car cleaning products even though she does not own a car. However, the vast majority of us are not that cleaning savvy; we’re lucky if we even find the time or motivation to clean. Here are some cleaning products that you probably own and use, but may not be using correctly. Article courtesy of House Beautiful.

Photo courtesy Brittney Bush Bollay

1.Vinegar: Using vinegar on hardwood floors, natural tiles, and granite countertops can damage the finish causing them to appear dull.

2.Soap/detergent:  Using soaps and detergents can be harsh and damage rugs and leather—it can also leave behind residue.

3.Bleach: The chlorine in bleach is aggressive, perfect for cleaning the bathroom but extremely damaging to stainless steel appliances and cookware. Beware—mixing bleach with other bathroom cleaners can create a toxic gas!

4.Ammonia: A common go-to for its stain fighting power, ammonia can be quite damaging and should never be used to clean upholstery—it can leave upholstered furniture discolored.

5.Steel Wool: Because of its strength, steel wool is great for getting off dried-on gunk and grime, but it's equally as damaging when used on surfaces softer than it, like stainless steel appliances and cast iron cookware.

6.Hot Water: Cleaning metals like brass and silver with hot water can remove the tarnish but can cause the surface to discolor again quickly. It leaves nothing to protect the raw metal. To keep this from happening a polish should be used.

7.Straw Broom: A household staple, this type of broom could be causing more damage than good. A straw broom should never be used when sweeping tile—the straw will cause tiny scratches. Instead, use a dust mop or vacuum.

This article originally appeared on Elle Decor.  

There's No Place Like Home

Photo courtesy Laura D'Alessandro

Picture this: You get home from a long day at work, smell something delicious cooking and kick off your shoes to settle in for a relaxing evening. If you have recently moved into an apartment, but have yet to create that warm, cozy, feels-like-home atmosphere, we (with a little help from House Beautiful) are here to help. Disclaimer: This article may make you want to curl up with a good book and be unproductive for a bit.

1. The people – and other creatures – you share it with

Your kids are in the backyard playing fetch with the dog and your husband’s tinkering with something in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the cat’s napping on your keyboard, again. Everyone going about their business gives your home the unmistakable buzz of life. And that’s just as it should be.

2. All the noise

A house full of creatures, furry and human, doesn’t come without its fair share of racket. Your kid's practicing the same three chords over and over (and over) and the TV’s blaring from the other room. Pots clanging, dogs barking, doors banging, kids shouting, and even the occasional arguing. The sounds of togetherness aren’t always soothing, but your house can feel empty without them.

3. ... And lack thereof

Then sometimes, there’s peaceful, blissful silence. Everyone’s asleep or absorbed in his or her own activities. Even better, you’re home alone. Come in and shut the door against the din of your bustling town. Now take a deep sigh. Ahh. That’s better.

4. The rituals you create

From standing Saturday movie nights complete with popcorn to your annual Independence Day bash, the traditions you keep with family and friends create fond memories — and get everyone looking forward to making more.

5. The smells of good food cooking

For many folks, a house isn’t a home until it’s been cooked in. From the wafting aroma of slow-cooking stew to the mouthwatering smells of baking cookies, every meal you stir up in your home is nourishment for both body and soul.

6. The dings, scratches, and flaws

No, you’ll never be able to get the wine stains out of your linen table cloth, nor will you ever get around to buffing those rings out of the coffee table. And that’s okay, because a perfect house is just staged, after all. It’s an empty showroom where no one actually lives. You work hard. You play hard. Be proud of all the evidence.

7. The endless to-do list

Speaking of imperfections, your house always seems to be one or two projects away from being complete. Once you get that light fixture changed out and that bathroom renovated, you’ll finally be able to relax, right? Keep dreaming. As long as you’re interested in making your mark on something, those project ideas will keep coming. And that’s a good thing.

8. And the constant mess

No, you probably won’t be able to walk across the living room floor without stepping on a Lego or little plastic dinosaur. And, yes, your kids are guaranteed to muddy your newly mopped floors within moments. Getting the house in order is a Sisyphean task, but, hey, we all need dreams.

9. Comfy corners

It may be that reading chair you’ve moved into every place you’ve lived since college, or your memory foam mattress with the plush covers you splurged on. No matter how clean and modern your style, every home needs at least one or two cozy spaces where you can just lounge and let loose.

10. The collections you've built

This is the rug you picked up in Peru, and hanging there on the wall is the painting you bought on your honeymoon. Whether it’s your old record collection or the vintage plates you've found at flea markets, all the stuff that proudly adorns your home tells the story of who you are and where you’ve been.

11. And the family heirlooms

That story can stretch far into the past, too. Whether it’s your grandmother’s quilt draped over the foot of your bed, your parents’ wedding china, or your great aunt’s Chippendale dresser now standing in your bedroom, these objects root your home in the past while you make new stories in the present.

12. Never having to wear real clothes

The moment you walk through your door, you make like Mr. Rogers and change into comfier attire. There’s no place for shapewear, pointy shoes, and constricting waistlines in your home. Yoga pants, forever!

13. Above all, it's about the memories you make

This is where you were standing when you found out you were pregnant with your first child. Here are the marks on the wall measuring your children’s growth. And it was at this dinner table that you celebrated your last big promotion. Every cocktail party, Christmas Eve, or simple Sunday afternoon leaves its impression, making your house a repository for every experience of a life well lived.