Claire Nicholas

Victorian Chic Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

May 08, 2024

If you’re drawn to silver and gold accents, detailed fleur-de-lis–laden wallpaper and fabrics, and densely decorated rooms (as opposed to sparse minimalistic looks), chances are you’ll be a fan of the Victorian chic trend.

Picking a New Couch? Here are Pros and Cons of Common Sofa Upholstery Fabrics

Claire Nicholas

Apr 30, 2024

Buying a couch is a big investment, so it’s important to do thorough research on what will work best for you before you click “add to cart.” In this guide, we go over five common sofa upholstery fabrics as well as their pros and cons.

6 Expert Budgeting Tips to Help You Afford a Rent Increase

Claire Nicholas

Apr 22, 2024

According to Maggie Tucker, founder and host of Inside Out Money podcast (and an early retiree at just 41 years old), there are money moves you can make to be able to afford the extra housing costs without increasing your take-home pay. Here’s her advice.

3 Furniture Flips to Try in Your Apartment This Spring

Claire Nicholas

Apr 16, 2024

You may not be looking to re-furnish your space with a table or couch, but taking on a budget-friendly DIY project can bring your space to a new level. Here are some DIY furniture makeover projects to carry you and your apartment from spring clean to summer fresh.

The Dos and Don’ts of Roommate Conflict, According to a Psychotherapist

Claire Nicholas

Apr 02, 2024

Emotions like frustration and anger can run hot and cloud our judgment, so examining roommate problems through a psychological lens can be helpful. When your buttons are pushed, here’s what to do, and what not to do, according to Becca Jacobs, LCSW, psychotherapist at The NYC Therapy Center. 

3 Common Apartment Insects and How to Get Rid of Them

Claire Nicholas

Mar 29, 2024

Although some insect-related incidents can require the help of professional pest control services, there are measures you can take even before you spot one and before they become a real problem. In this guide, we go through three common pest problems, how to keep bugs out of your apartment, and how to get rid of them if they’re already there. 

An Expert’s Guide to Urban Gardening

Claire Nicholas

Mar 21, 2024

Whatever your garden space looks like, we’re here to tell you that you can get outside and garden this year, whether it’s directly in the ground or not. And Andrew Johnson, owner of The Good Food Farm in Ashby, MA, is here to help you make it happen with his gardening tips and DIY projects. 

Midcentury Modern Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Claire Nicholas

Mar 15, 2024

Midcentury modern design has an impressively long (and ongoing) history. What started as a trend in the 1940s remains one of the most popular interior design trends even now. We dive into the origins and aesthetics of midcentury design, and provide tips for getting a midcentury look in your apartment.

Apartment Tour: This Renter Completely Transformed Her 450-Square Foot Back Bay Studio

Claire Nicholas

Mar 07, 2024

When 28-year-old Claire O'Brien moved into her Back Bay studio, it needed a little love. The 450 square foot apartment had old finishes and was filled with the previous tenant's left behind belongings. However, she saw potential. In this apartment tour, she talks us through how she transformed her space.

What Dog Should You Get Based on Your Apartment?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 28, 2024

Did you know that a Great Dane may be a better choice for your small apartment than a Jack Russell Terrier? In this article, we talked to an expert to find out how to pick the right dog breed for any living space.

Making Your Apartment More Eco-Friendly: A Room-by-Room Guide

Claire Nicholas

Feb 22, 2024

A few small changes you make in your apartment can have big environmental impacts. Read on for our room-by-room guide to sustainable living at home.

Tips for Moving In with Your Significant Other

Claire Nicholas

Feb 16, 2024

As much as it’s an exciting step forward in a relationship, moving in with your significant other for the first time is a milestone that comes with some uncharted territory. That’s why we spoke to relationship expert Ricki Romm, LCSW, who specializes in both individual and couples therapy, to get her advice on moving in together.

How Clean Is Your Apartment Bathtub?

Claire Nicholas

Feb 12, 2024

We spoke to two renters and an epidemiologist to get to the bottom of the controversial question: How clean is your apartment bathtub, really?

How to Create the Perfect Home Gym in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Feb 02, 2024

The premium on fitness centers in the U.S. is often not so friendly, so why not consider making use of the space that you already have? Read on for our guide on how to set up a home gym in your apartment — whether you are repurposing one corner in your living room or a full extra bedroom.

The Do's and Don'ts of Storing Wine in Your Apartment

Claire Nicholas

Jan 25, 2024

We asked a sommelier to guide us through the common mistakes people make when storing wine in their apartments — and how to avoid them.

What is Hygge?: Tips on How to Hygge Your Apartment for the Winter

Claire Nicholas

Jan 17, 2024

Hygge is many things: a lifestyle, the way you interact and connect with your space, a coziness that meets the eye, and a comfort that meets the soul. And although it’s employable year-round, hygge can be especially comforting during the winter months. We offer tips on how to hygge your apartment from an expert.

What is Maximalism? A History and Renter-Friendly Design Tips

Claire Nicholas

Jan 11, 2024

Maximalist decor is that larger-than-life interior design style that makes aesthetic sense despite toeing the line of chaos. And after centuries of ebb and flow in American households — plus a cultural shift brought on by the pandemic — it’s back in style. We explore why, and give you tips for achieving a maximalist look in your apartment.

Our Favorite Holiday Apartment Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Dec 08, 2023

Decorating is the best way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you're looking to create a cozy and classic Christmas scene in your apartment or a maximalist "Pinkmas" display. We spoke with two content creators who go all out on their holiday decor to learn more about how they accomplish their apartment transformations.

Our Favorite Halloween Decor Transformations

Claire Nicholas

Oct 05, 2023

Halloween decorating doesn't have to be scary — and it doesn't need to involve plastic pumpkins and monsters, either. We spoke with two interior decorators to learn more about their Halloween decor transformations, and get tips to help you with yours.