You're doing a little DIY - making a fake platform bed, painting your bedroom, re-staining a thrift store find - when you decide to take a snack break. You head to the sink and start washing your hands, all the while thinking of that delicious sandwich you're about to devour. But, wait. The wood stain won't come off your hands. Now you're left with sticky fingers! Not fun.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
GoJo!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Apartment Wanted: Work Work Work
Moving this summer? Don't forget to look for an apartment with a workspace. Whether you're a student or your employer offers work-from-home days, you'll love having a home office to hide-away in when it's time to buckle down.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Make Your Own Grand Entrance
I've been holding on to this post since November. I didn't see how a website that sold front doors would be relevant to you renters. Of course, I'd never even looked past the homepage. I finally decided to browse around the Crestview Doors website last night to see what they offer. Good thing I did! Whether you're a renter or an owner, Crestview has something for you'll love.
Crestview specializes in mid-century style doors and wall panels. Instead of buying the whole door, you buy a DIY Doorlite Kit. There's a video on their website that shows just how easy it is to create you own modern entryway. First layout the window lights on your door in the position you'd like them in and trace the outline. Next, use a jigsaw to cut out the shapes, then insert the window frame, caulk, fill, stain/paint and you're done!
If you're a renter and plan on living in your place for at least a couple of years, consider purchasing an extra door so your landlord doesn't kill you. You can easily put the original door back when it's time to move out. Doorlite kits start at $79 so it's affordable enough for everyone. I checked HomeDepot.com and was able to find a basic entry door for $116 which means you'll be able to completely transform the look of your house for under $200. Now that's what I call a deal!
If you're not sure what your house will look like with a certain window, check out Crestview's Door-o-vision to get a sneak peak. You can upload a pic of the front of your house or use one of Crestview's pictures. Then you can have fun playing around with all the different door options. While you're there, take a look at their wall panels (good for adding a hint of mod) and browse their Flickr gallery for pics customers sent in of their finished projects. The picture below is my absolute favorite!

Friday, June 26, 2009
Wall Panel Addiction
I FREAKING LOVE these wall panels from B+N Industries' Reclaimed Wood Iconic Panel line. Words do not even begin to express how much I desperately want to own them. This isn't the first time I've fallen in love with B+N products; last year I wrote about their laminate Iconic wall panel series...as you can see, I have a panel obsession!
{image via B+N Industries}
You have to create an account on the B+N website before they'll even let you look at the prices which means they're way out of my price range so I'm not going to waste my time looking. It would only lead to heart break :(
If you're like me and don't see riches in your future, try a little DIY to create wall panels on your own. All you need are a few slabs of wood, some sanding, wood stain, stencils (optional) and a carving/engraving tool. I highly recommend a Dremel for this type of project. Dremels have many interchangable accessories, including several different engravers.
And while we're talking about DIY, don't forget to check out the Apt528 3rd Ward Contest for your chance to win a 10% discount on classes at 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, NY.Tuesday, June 23, 2009
DIY on the Cheap
This apartment is proof that you CAN have an awesome, unique space no matter what your budget. Using a Sharpie and a TON of talent, this guy turned his basement rec room into a muraled masterpiece. The detail he put into the mural is amazing. Talk about DIY!
I'm not brave enough to do an entire room like this (the mural above goes around the ENTIRE basement) but it's definitely a cool idea for an accent wall. Add splashes of color here or there to make it really pop. Just remember to paint everything back when it's time to move out!
For more pics, check out Dornob Design.
Apt528 Reminder: The Apt528 3rd Ward Contest ends Sunday...enter NOW for your chance to win 10% off a class of your choice!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Apartment 528 3rd Ward Contest
- Post a comment below telling me which 3rd Ward class you'd like to take. Each comment counts as ONE entry.
- Post a tweet about this contest on Twitter (@Apartment528) linking back to this blog entry. Put the link to your twitter post in a comment below so I can find it. Each twitter link counts as TWO entries.
- Link back to this contest on your blog. Put the link to your blog post in a comment below. Each blog link counts as TWO entries.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
In the Globe Again!
Apartment 528 had the opportunity to participate in another great Boston Globe feature, this time in the Sunday Boston Globe Magazine - we're moving up in the world!
The article was on 100 Design Ideas Under $100. Many super talented designers and artists (and little old me!) contributed to the piece which was jam-packed with GREAT ideas for every room of the house. My favorite is from David Clancy, an artist who turned an old dresser into a display case for his Pez collection. He even used Pez dispensers as handles to the glass fronts. I like it already!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Apartment Wanted: Master Bedrooms
Just because you're a renter doesn't mean you can't have a master bedroom. Believe me, I have one and it's the best thing ever. No more sharing a bathroom with guests or trying to cram all your clothes into a tiny closet. Here are a few master bedrooms you could be enjoying...
Rental Luxury (Charlotte, NC)
Lake House Relaxation (Goffstown, NH)
Living Large (Austin, TX)Saturday, June 13, 2009
Spice up your office
It's summer which means a lot of work time spent daydreaming about the beach. Get your mind back in the game with funky office accessories from Think Geek.
This puzzle calendar ($9.99) will make you feel like a kid again! Use the included blocks to design your calender. They even have special icon blocks to mark events like vacations, flights, and birthdays.
Throw out your ugly Rolodex and grab this business card filing cabinet ($12.99). This mini file cabinet can store up to 800 business cards and comes complete with lettered tabs to help you stay organized.
Who said crayons can't be professional? These Crayola executive pens ($14.99) have the weight and functionality of a pricey executive pen without the boring executive look. They even come in a wooden display box!
If you hate filing as much as me, you'll probably love Think Geek's file folders with attitude ($7.99). My advice, use them in your home office so your boss doesn't catch on to what you're REALLY thinking!
This is by far my favorite. Thanks to Dornob Design for tipping me off! Get rid of your cat calendar immediately (I suggest burning it!) and start using calendar tape ($9.99). It's great for adding a funky flair to your apartment. Grab a bulletin board, cover it with calendar tape, and use it to keep track of your schedule and tack up reminders. There are so many ways to use this tape: on notebooks, on walls (not if you're a renter!), or on a desk. To make the calendar reusable, frame it behind glass and use a dry erase marker to fill in spots, then erase at the end of the month.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Lovin' Sweet Love Vintage



Oh, and did I mention the funky sifter, the 1980's cassette player (for listening to New Kids on the Block), or the vintage guest soaps?










