apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

"In what kind of house will the captain of a space ship live during his stopovers on earth?" ... begins this article from a 1952 issue of Popular Mechanics. Here we are offered a glimpse of a home designed by science fiction writer, Robert A. Heinlein. It was his vision of what future homes would be like. So, how did he do?

This time of year we are seeing lots of pop-up shops as designers are looking to temporarily make their wares available to the public. We are particularly taken with this one that just popped up in Melbourne, Australia.

Last week we revisited Jane Schouten's Wall Collection Christmas Tree. Many of you were curious where she got the chair that was prominently featured in the photograph. Ask and you shall receive! Here is her tutorial on her chair re-upholstry project.

Although we find Christmas tree alternatives intriguing here on AT, there is nothing quite as satisfying as a fresh Christmas tree to cheer up your home. If you have the yard space and inclination, you can select a living tree and lessen your environmental impact of this holiday season. Here are some trees that will thrive out West.

Hooray for well designed freebies! Here is a lovely calendar by Yasmine Surovec that you can print out to get yourself organized for the upcoming decade.

I tend to start decking the halls right after Thanksgiving to maximize my home's holiday cheer. Last year we showed you this amazing Christmas tree alternative by Dutch artist, Jane Schouten of All the Luck in the World. We love this approach to utilizing a collection to make a meaningful Christmas Tree. Here are some ideas to create your own wall tree with objects you might have around your home.

At one time or another, many of us have had to live in a cramped apartment. These photographs of people living in Hong Kong's oldest public housing estate put any idea I had of "small spaces" in perspective. Each flat is a scant 100 square feet. These portraits give us access to a sub-culture in China that would normally go undocumented.

A couple weeks ago we learned how to make Concrete Lightbulb Wall Hooks. Now that we have no fear of breaking into a defunct bulb, here are some great wintertime indoor greenery projects!

It's officially "the Holidays", the only time of year I put my fancy table runner to use. It isn't really all that fancy, but it boosts my tables self esteem quite a bit! Etsy has lots to offer in handmade and vintage table runners, here are some of my favorites.

These eye catching wallpaper installations by Kicki Nyborg consists of two components: wallpaper and 3 dimensional forms that are mounted over the wallpaper. The forms bring the wallpaper to life and create small shelves or lamps. Time to put the fun back in functional!

Last week David Stark made a guest appearance on Apartment Therapy to show off his holiday collection at West Elm. I noticed this simple DIY that he put together for twine snowmen over at Design Sponge. He has some cool tricks up his sleeve to make this project pop as an easy holiday centerpiece.

Name: Aaron Piland, Ayumi Kajikawa Piland (APAK), Ocho & Peanut
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 950 square feet
Years lived in: 3

Tucked away on the outskirts of Portland you’ll find the cozy home of the artistic duo known as APAK. You might have seen their work here recently on Apartment Therapy. Their 1930s home is warm, inviting, and reflective of the art that this couple creates together.

The season for indoor gardening is upon us, and with it another take on the hanging planter. The nostalgic shape of the Polaroid Flower Vase is immediately recognizable and draws your focus to the picture perfect plant.

I'm a sucker for classic party decorations as noted in last week's Flickr Finds... add the element of sparkle and I'm completely sold! These new decorations might be just the thing your impending New Years Eve party has been searching for.