apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

There are two things we love here at AT: the affordable design of IKEA and the personal empowerment of DIY. Due to the low cost and decent construction, IKEA pieces are perfect for custom experimentation yet we usually we see these changes occur outside the store...until now! Jump down to read about IKEA's (successful) attempt at hacking itself...

We might still have pets on the brain, after last month's animal focus, but we love this combo of kitten and skull. Jump down to see where else to find this fun print...

Last week, our post on Yankee Candles stirred up some love but also a lot of no-likey. Thanks to your critique, dedicated AT readers, we were able to compile a roundup of your preferred candles and scents. Jump down to see if your favorite made the list!

We just found this cute and simple way to recycle unwanted china into bird feeders. We love the idea of tons of these little cups hanging all throughout our trees. Jump down to see what other tabletop items are getting the feeder make-over...

Knock, knock ... Who's there? If you have an outdoor pet and you're tired of the scratches on the door or the barking and whining that precede reentry, you may want to think about getting a doggie doorbell. Just look at that face...!

Cynthia recently wrote in with a doozy: In the 9/08 issue of Coastal Living magazine, on page 92 there is a rug I want desperately. The editor can't help me and I'm trying to determine what type of rug it is or who the manufacturer is. It's not listed in the "where to buy" section - it's a privately owned rug that was purchased a few years ago (per the editor). Can you help me?

When Joanna Pace-Brackett and David Brackett bought their dream cabin in Indiana, they knew it needed lots of work but they loved its historical charm. What they didn't realize is that every contractor consulted would insist it needed to be completely torn down.

Jump down to see how they defied demolition - BEFORE photos included! - and restored the quaint home...

All used items come with a story to tell. We only need to lean in and listen.

Psst...yeah, you. Psst, hey...come'mere...

We find it impossible, whenever we walk into a Bed Bath & Beyond, to avoid the massive wall of Yankee Candles. We can waste many a minute in front of this display: uncap, inhale, repeat.

Although we're always curious about new scents, there's one candle that has owned our nose since first whiff...

Here on AT, we're fond of seeing how people reuse wine crates. Whiner and Diner, a small company in Connecticut, has a whole business of turning wine crates into helpful accessories for doggie (or cat)...

Mobiles are usually hung up for baby, to entertain and stimulate, but who says adults can't also share in the joy? We love how these modern mobiles work within a grown-up space. Jump down for more shapes and colors.

Usually, it's all about hiding the AC monster but these outdoor units are meant for showing off. Whether you're looking to add a splash of color to your landscape or just really really like college football, jump down to see more options.

The styling says Mid-Century but the sleekness says Brand New. Urban Outfitters is making a big splash into the pool of "vintage" design with this new chair. Jump down for the details and the price tag...

After spending a full rainy weekend at Chicago's Renegade Craft Fair, we're appreciating handmade more than ever. Jump down to see why this vase makes the grade...