Shelterpop

Is Your Furniture Keeping You From Getting Pregnant?

Chelsea Foster — 2010-01-29T11:31:00 00:00

Your furniture and electronics may be bad for your health. Photo: Flickr, DennisSylvesterHurd

A New Study From the University of California at Berkeley Links Common Household Chemicals To Decreased Fertility

According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, harmful chemicals found in electronics, furniture, carpets, plastics and upholstery fabrics may be why you're having trouble getting pregnant. According to the study, 97% of us have detectable levels of PBDEs (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in our bloodstream. This fact is particularly troubling for women trying to conceive since those with high levels of the chemical may be 50% less likely to get pregnant.

Many of these chemicals, which act as flame-retardants for household products, have been banned since 2004, but that doesn't account for items you've bought before then. Many people keep furniture and electronics years after purchasing them, meaning some of your favorite home goods may be bad for your health.

Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency agreed to phase out DecaBDE, a harmful chemical found in the plastic backings of our TV's since it can potentially degrade brain function and even cause cancer. As the production of these PBDEs has been halted, newer flame retardants are being introduced onto the market, something that has many researchers worried. A whole new generation of chemicals will need to be tested for toxicity and safety.

To learn more about the study, read this easy-to-digest article in the L.A. Times.

MORE NEWS YOU WANT TO KNOW
10 Ways to Gain an Hour Each Day -- wowOwow
A Sad Year for Ladies in TV -- The Frisky
Trend Alert: What's Hot for Home in 2010 -- CasaSugar

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A Humidifier With an Elegant, Eco Twist

Chelsea Foster — 2010-01-29T10:32:00 00:00

Filed under: Green Design, Design, etc, News & Trends

This modern, simple design certainly isn't high tech. It works by way of natural diffusion and evaporation of water into the air. Photo: Shin Okada

Made from Japanese cypress, this stylish humidifier will help you breathe easy through the winter months.

There are a few reasons why humidifiers are essential in winter -- Not only are they important for your health, good for your skin and help to keep static electricity low, humidifiers can also protect your furniture. When humidity levels are low, germs fester and fabrics can deteriorate. (For proper humidity levels, see this helpful Apartment Therapy Re-Nest article.)

But as too many of us know, traditional humidifiers -- the kind we've all seen at Grandma's house -- are pretty darn ugly.

I spotted the Mast humidifier by Shin Okada on TreeHugger, and here's why it's totally cool: no outlet is required.

Made from thin slices of rot-resistant Hinoki, or Japanese Cypress, the humidifier absorbs water from the base and silently evaporates into the air, spreading a lemony scent throughout the home. According to the designer, the water will evaporate from this humidifier 6 times faster than from an open pan of water. Inspired by the mast of a ship, the result is a humidifier that could be mistaken for a work of art -- and doesn't rack up any extra expenses on your electricity bill.

It's not available in the U.S. yet, but it looks like you may be able to buy it here. The Mast will put you back 6,300 yen, or according to Google Currency Converter, about $69.87.

And don't miss Jaime's story on another natural way to purify the air in your home!

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Boost Your Front Door Appeal

Chelsea Foster — 2010-01-27T13:08:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Get your front door looking as beautiful as this with a few finishing touches! Photo: The Little Green

Instead of curb appeal, let's focus on door appeal -- The front door, that is.

Your front door is the first impression you make to anyone passing by or stopping in for a visit. There's nothing worse than a neglected front door with chipping paint and squeaky hinges.

So we got in touch with Kristan Cunningham, the former host of HGTV's "Design on a Dime" who often dishes design on the Rachael Ray Show, for advice. She offered 5 quick and easy tips to spruce up what may be your home's most important feature.

"Your door is the extra finishing touch that shows you've really put time into your home," says Kristan. "It's the one statement people see every day and it prepares them for the style inside of your home."

1. Make One Statement -- Not 20
"The worst thing you can do is try to make 20 statements in one space," says Kristan. "If you do, they'll all get lost."

In other words, keep it simple. Less is more. How to do it? Choose one preferred look, like a beautiful flower pot - and then choose a few pieces that really work with it. "Pick one thing and go for it entirely - not ivy in one section and a flower pot in another and a misplaced decoration in another. Try to play up the shape of the outside railing and stick with natural elements," she says. If you live in an apartment building, focus on a nice welcome mat and add a handsome doorknocker.

2. Be Practical
Small, polished touches are eye-catching, says Kristan, like a dark charcoal or chocolate runner. You can even paint one leading up to your front door. "Lay down some black tape the width of your door on each side, and paint inside the lines. This looks great with, say, a peacock blue colored door, and it gives the outside a more polished, decorated feel."

And don't forget the risers. They also give you an opportunity to make a statement. "Paint them a slightly different color than the tread (where we step), and it brings out an architectural detail in the contrast," she says.

3. Mix it Up!
Sometimes we all just need a change, right? From wreaths to door mats to a new door entirely, it's surprising how frequent little updates can keep us feeling refreshed about our homes. Add a glossy oil based finish to your existing door, which will make it pop, and add new hardware. Or try installing a new door style entirely. It may make a bigger difference than painting the house.

Another way to keep your door feeling fresh: Add something new every 3 to 6 months, like a seasonal wreath, hand stenciled house numbers or a mounted Craftsman-style mailbox.

4. Finishing Touches that Wow
Kristan says it's the little things that count. Start with a handsome color combination. "Oil rubbed bronze hardware like door knockers and back plates look great against Robin's Egg Blue doors, and I love the look of a dark charcoal door with taupe trim."

5. Don't Forget the Inside
"Doors and windows are breathing points in a room - so it's kind of nice to have these spaces as a sort of break from the rest of the home," says Kristan. Still, she notes that the back of your door should be the same color as the front, as it is one piece and should maintain one identity. "You don't want it to look too confusing."

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Fantastic Mr. Fox Recreates the Home of Roald Dahl

Chelsea Foster — 2009-12-09T12:35:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebs, Books, Etc., Famous Homes, Cool Homes

Photo: Fox Searchlight Pictures

An entire world was created and painstakingly devised for the film Fantastic Mr. Fox that gives us an intimate glimpse into Roald Dahl's beloved story -- a story that in many ways reflects Dahl's own life. Dahl's home and workspace was the inspiration for the interior of Mr. Foxes' home, from its lampshades to the arm chairs. Much of what you see in this film is a miniature version of the spaces where Dahl worked or landscapes where he often took afternoon walks. For example, Mr. Fox plots his adventures in the same exact workspace that Dahl used in his home.

After meeting with director Wes Anderson, Felicity Dahl (Roald Dahl's wife) knew that he was the man for the grand, sensitive task of bringing these characters to life in a quirky, sweet and authentic way. He asked her if he could come live on the Dahl estate so he could immerse himself in Dahl's world. The experience inspired him to copy the Dahl's home and grounds for the film. Anderson directed his crew to take a picture of each piece of furniture in Gipsy House, the name of the Dahl estate, and then the crew recreated each object into a tinier version for the film set -- a small salute to Dahl who saw a lot of himself in the beloved, mischievous fox.

Taking on the challenging task of a stop motion movie (requiring about 24 still pictures for every movement of a character on the screen) Anderson has created a tribute to Dahl that one could only guess would have greatly pleased him.

The copycat decor certainly pleased us.

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Decorate Your Toilet with Wow Toilet -- Really!

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-30T15:07:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Shopping, Your Home, Bathroom

Even your toilet bowl can be festive for your friend's birthday party -- but I still can't decide: Is this totally weird or fun? Photo: Victor Guiza

WOW Toilet is giving us a reason to makeover an unexpected part of our homes -- the toilet. I know, weird! But don't flush this idea down the pooper just yet. You might actually like this oddball invention. I certainly had a chuckle.

WOW Toilet manufactures transparent toilet tanks with side inserts for you to slip in a variety of poster art. Priced at $89.95, it's not cheap. But you can purchase posters to decorate for any holiday or event, and you can even custom design inserts from your own photo collection (shop the decor options on WOW Toilet's website). Think: Inserts featuring Army seals, scenes from an aquarium, your last vacation or even your boss's face. (Kidding!)

It's not the simplest toilet tank to install. You have to actually replace your current tank with this one, which is kind of a pain. It's much more of a commitment than it seems when you watch WOW Toilet's video ad on its website.

But I must admit that seeing my cat on the toilet tank every morning would probably -- no definitely -- make me laugh. Maybe I'll wish my mother "Happy Birthday" with one of these this year. It certainly would be a birthday she'd never forget.

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Haunted Beauty: Great Design, Scary Details

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-30T11:13:00 00:00

Filed under: Luxury Living, Famous Homes, Design, etc, House Tours, Cool Homes

The Jamesport Manor Inn is the perfect place for a fall dinner. Photo: The Jamesport Manor Inn

It's easy to spot the Jamesport Manor Inn in Jamesport, New York. A beautifully restored Mansard-roof Second Empire style home, it sits grandly amidst farm fields and quaint country homes on Long Island's North Fork, about two hours east of Manhattan. But the Jamesport Manor Inn, home to an upscale restaurant (which has some of the best food I've ever had), has a creepy past.

Restaurateur Matt Kar bought the property in 2004. After nearly completing a magnificent restoration, including a slate roof identical to the original roof, beautiful parquet floors and careful attention to original structural details, they had to start all over again. On the early morning of October 20, 2005 -- right before they were set to open -- it mysteriously burned to the ground. They never found a reason, other than a bag of rags that may have spontaneously combusted.

Matt was determined to rebuild and restore the home, and today, it's an architectural landmark worth visiting. When you walk in, you'll be seduced by the beautiful wood floors, cozy fireplaces and wide, heavy staircase that leads upstairs to a gallery displaying local artists. "Before the fire," says Matt, "there was most definitely a presence here. When I first walked into the building, you could feel it -- something was here, something was going on."

A presence? Yes, that's right. Locals believe this historic spot is haunted.

The Jamesport Manor Inn has a storied past. It has had several owners and was supposedly even a brothel at one time, but this spooky story begins with the Dimon family. A family of merchants and shipbuilders, it's estimated that the family built the Manor in the 1870s, where they raised three children, including a daughter named Margaret. When Margaret was 10, she was climbing the massive Oak trees outside when she fell, broke her neck and died. It is said that she has remained ever since -- She's been seen running in the yard and haunting the staff with her antics.

The Jamesport Manor burns down within a year of Matt Kar purchasing it. Eerie. Photo: The Jamesport Manor Inn

"The first few weeks that we were open, someone came in and had this candle that they said would bring the Manor's ghost back," Matt told me. "I told them that I didn't believe in ghosts. Later on in the conversation, I repeated that I didn't believe, and as I said it, he took the candle out. Literally the moment the candle hit the table, lightning struck the telephone pole across the street and all the lights in here started to flicker. After that, it was kind of hard not to believe, even for me."

Still, Matt doesn't feel the ghostly presence like some of his coworkers have. The book keeper, who sometimes works alone there, says she feels and hears strange noises. And people who live nearby will occasionally drop by to say that they've seen a woman standing in the window. A few years back, I waitressed there and I was once told that roses still grow from the spot where Margaret fell and died, no matter what you do to get rid of them. My trips to the basement often included darting quickly for what I needed and running back upstairs in fear of running into the rumored ghost.

Is Margaret's mother Rosalie the woman in the window? Apparently, she died there, spending "her last 40 years in sadness and seclusion," according to the restaurant's website. If you're ever in town, drop by for brunch and let us know if you felt the "presence."

This is the window that various unrelated people have claimed to see a woman standing in. Creepy! But you can tell: This house has got great bones. Photo: The Jamesport Manor Inn

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DNA 11 Portraits: Science as Art

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-29T13:31:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Wish We Could..., Design, etc, News & Trends

This color combination called "firesky" beautifully contrasts the various genetic markers in this portrait. Love it! Photo: DNA 11

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these personalized DNA portraits from DNA 11 put an entirely new spin on artistic interpretation.

Nazim Ahmed and Adrian Salamunovic formed DNA 11, their multimillion-dollar company, on a serendipitous whim of creativity. Originally, it wasn't a business venture. Nazim, a geneticist, and Adrian, a designer, are best friends and couldn't be in more opposite professions. One day while standing in Nazim's apartment, Adrian glanced down at a brochure from Nazim's lab and noticed an image that piqued his interest. "It looked like a Mark Rothko painting to me," says Adrian.

He was looking at a picture of gel electrophoresis, a process that separates DNA into its individual genetic markers. Each line you see is actually an individual gene. Since each of us is made up of numerous genes -- or "lines" in the image above, if you will -- our genetic makeup can add up to one really cool work of art -- a portrait of the very genes that make each of us who we are. (Each DNA 11 portrait features several genetic markers, not your entire human genome.)

Called "YinYang" this portrait, most likely for a couple, depicts both partners' DNA side by side. Not only is it super stylish, but the idea is kind of romantic! Photo: DNA 11

After discovering this, Adrian asked his friend if he could make one for himself to hang in his loft. Before they knew it, all their friends wanted one too. "I was the first customer," Adrian says. "It's what I like to call geek chic."

Started in 2005 in an apartment, DNA 11 grew quickly and now has welcomed customers like Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore and the entire cast of "CSI." The MOMA store even features their product now. But it wasn't easy to get off the ground. When I asked him if they had difficultly finding a lab to agree to the process -- labs are for science, not art, right? -- he laughed. "I can't tell you how many people slammed the door in our face," he says. "Finally, one lab saw our vision and understood us."

The process of ordering your own DNA painting is simple: You swab your cheek, and send the sample directly to the lab. When it arrives, the lab, unaware of your identity, is given a serial number and once a picture of your genetic material is snapped, the image is sent to DNA 11. The company applies the color scheme you choose, sizes it on canvas, and ships it off.

"No two images will ever look the same" Adrian says, "and people send in all different kinds of DNA samples. They get their pets done, or get an image for everyone in the family. Married couples get them and hang them over their bed. It's not narcissistic, like hanging your picture over the fireplace. It's deeper than that. It represents who they are, where they come from, their families."

Called the "genepak," this optional book explains what genes are displayed on your print. Photo: DNA 11

Starting at $199, there are loads of options to consider, such as the style, color, size and frame. You can even get your signature put on the lower right corner. And now they offer a free "genepak" that identifies the specific genes on your print. It specifically isolates 4 genes that they call the "love gene" (called NGF2, apparently it causes you to get those butterflies in your stomach), the "sport gene" (expressed in all of your muscle cells), the "hair gene" (determines hair color) and the "brain gene" (involved in brain development).

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Tossed and Found: 5 Castoffs Are Reinvented (With Surprising Results!)

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-21T13:08:00 00:00

Filed under: DIY: Done in a Day, Solutions, Books, Etc., Fun Stuff, Crafts & Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends

This is so cute! When you're creative, even a pickle jar has potential! Photo: Wary Meyers

Next time you see some old furniture or "junk" gathering dust, stop a minute and consider: What could it be?

From yard sales to dumpsters, husband and wife design team, Linda and John Meyers, are often collecting castaway items and transforming them into something beautiful. Just check out the pickle jar terrarium (right).

Since they helped so many of their New York City friends redesign their homes on a tight budget, they were forced to be resourceful and spot treasures in unexpected items. They've had such success that they decided to write a book. I chatted with the pair about Tossed and Found: Unconventional Design From Castoffs and asked them to share the stories behind some of their coolest creations. Here are my five favorites.

1. The Pickle Jar Terrarium
Linda and John grabbed a pickle jar from the fridge and some plant life from their back yard to make this fun DIY terrarium. Here's how to make it yourself. First, take a piece of packing tape, and with the sticky side facing out, place it on the underside of the lid that you screw on your jar (basically it'll look like a cup and the lid is the bottom of the cup). Then start adding the ingredients into your makeshift holder: place a layer of pebbles at the very bottom, add a layer of charcoal on top of that (to keep things fresh, which is very important in a closed environment). Then add whatever you want to grow from seeds along with some potting soil, or like the Meyers did, a little piece of the woods outside. Then water them (it'll be the one and only time you do, so make sure the soil's damp but not too wet). All you need to do now is close the jar, put it in some sunlight, and you have a charming little terrarium all for yourself. I love this idea.

*TIP: Make sure to thoroughly wash out whatever jar you choose, and line the bottom with a circular piece of tape (facing out) to help keep everything in place.

This Mantle is made out of scrap wood found on the street or from a dumpster! Who would ever have thought? Photo: Wary Meyers

2. The Scrap Wood Mantle
The Meyers have already made four fireplace mantels like the one above, and each time they've used only wood from the street, construction sites, wharfs and dumpsters! "There's always a feeling that you're not doing your environmental best when you buy a new 2x4 instead of plucking them from a dumpster," says Linda. "I think wood is the most valuable material that gets tossed before it's time, since there are so many projects it could be used for." Indeed!

*TIP: When looking for wood, always make sure to check for smells or odd stains. If it's suspect, don't take it. You don't know what you're bringing into your home.

"Le French Dresser" is a beautiful redone piece that retains its style even though it's been given an updated look. And those words are all hand cut! Photo: Wary Meyers

3. Le French Dresser
John and Linda were in Old Orchard Beach, Maine searching for furniture and decor for their friend's Brooklyn apartment when they spotted this 1920s dresser. The dresser was $10 and may have been thrown in the dumpster sitting in the sellers driveway, if the Meyers hadn't purchased it. Keep an eye out for what John and Linda call "good bones," or furniture that has a sturdy structure and is well made.

Linda fancies this project because "it retains the dresser's integrity while being changed into something very modern and stylish." The typography on the drawers was hand-cut. I chuckled at the play on words: "Les pulls" means "sweater" in French, but you also "pull" a drawer open.

*TIP: Try to avoid taking pieces from the side of the road or anywhere else where you can't ask about the object, say Linda and John. Stick to yard sales, or a place where you can examine it.

'The Blue Willow Chair' was found at a yard sale for five bucks! Look what a little reupholstering can do! Photo: Wary Meyers

4. The Blue Willow Chair
The Meyers found this chair (with its mod silhouette) while perusing another yard sale, and although the fabric looks great now, it was pretty ugly when they found it. Still, the chair was five bucks. So they bought it. "We like to reference old designs that have fallen out of style, like this chair," says Linda. Sometimes you need to give an ugly piece a chance -- just adding an updated fabric can completely change an older structure to a wonderfully modern addition to your home!

*TIP: Stay away from any upholstered items that are damp or smell like mildew. Some things are meant to be tossed and never found again!

Before you toss your old jeans, remember they could be keeping you warm at night -- as a quirky, fun quilt. Photo: Wary Meyers

5. The Boro Jean Quilt
This inventive quilt was made mostly from Linda and John's old jeans, with some yard sale and thrift store jeans thrown in for variety. They sewed "Home Sweet Home" into this quilt on some of the patches, backed it with a pretty floral fabric and stuffed it with cotton. Now they use it as a throw blanket for winter. "Boro," according to their book, is a Japanese word that means "rugs" or "tattered clothes." Often Boro refers to a type of Japanese indigo or denim reused by poor Japanese peasants and fisherman who can't afford new clothes. In other words, use what you have, rather than buying what you don't need.

To learn more about Linda and John's book, visit Wary Meyers.

Linda and John Meyers new book. Photo: Wary Meyers

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Smile: These Weird Rugs Will Make Your Day

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-19T13:55:00 00:00

Filed under: Decorating, Design, etc, News & Trends

There are products out there for everybody, no matter how weird or unbelievable they may sound. Rugs are no exception -- they're often forgotten and taken for granted beneath our feet. But here are a few that would make anyone stop in their tracks

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Wacky Rugs

This Tord Boontje creation, called the "Little Field of Flowers" and made from wool felt cut outs of leaves, could give any room more texture. Design Within Reach

Wacky Rugs

The Find A Face Rug is playful and fun. Taken together, this grouping of inanimate objects take on a life of their own - or at least they look like they'd like to try.

Wacky Rugs

Here's a better view. It's silly, but genius. Look at the mop face in the upper left hand corner. Can you guess which objects are being featured in each square?

Wacky Rugs

You can bring the outside in with this satellite image on cropped velvet. Now if only the "Be My Neighbor Rug Kit" could be tailored to your own 'hood. Google Earth meets home decor.

Wacky Rugs

My favorite! Who wouldn't want to relax up against those cozy wedged corners? Nanimarquina's "Flying Carpet" may not be practical, but it certainly looks comfortable.

Wacky Rugs

This rug is made to look like a John Deere tractor has mowed right over it leaving nothing but the imprints of its wheels behind. Hence, the name: "John Deere" by Permafrost"

Wacky Rugs

One of the strangest of the bunch - that's a 100 percent wool, flattened fox carcass "bloodied" and sewn right in. Yuck! "Road Kill Carpet" by OOOMS"

Wacky Rugs

Ewww. Why would anyone want this in their house?

Wacky Rugs

Hungry? Well, you're out of luck. This egg rug, which made the blog rounds a couple of years ago, is all fabric. (But we had to include it!) With two yolk pillows, the "Sunny Side Up Rug" by Valentina Audrito makes for a bizarre addition to any space.

Wacky Rugs

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Chores Made Easy: Organize Your Junk Drawer

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-15T11:03:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Storage & Cleaning, Storage & Organization

Doesn't this look all too familiar? Photo: Alex Fischer, Flickr

Whenever I get home, I usually walk through the door with unwanted remnants of my day stuffed into my jacket pockets. Along with my car keys, I tend to unload this odd conglomeration of coins, lipsticks and store receipts onto the first unfortunate surface I see, which then often gets swept into a junk drawer. (If you dug through my junk drawer right now, you'd probably find something close to the following: Chinese food sauce packets, my checkbook, toothpicks, etc.)

I consulted with professional organizer Monica Ricci of Catalyst Organizing Solutions to help me get a grip, and boy did she have some good ideas. For one, Monica traded the term "junk drawer" for "utility drawer" and "helper drawer," which makes them so much more appealing! Here are a few tips to break your bad habits and have "a place for everything, and everything in it's place" (a saying I hold very close to my heart).

Decide: Do I need this?
Most of the time we get lazy and don't feel like thoroughly sifting through the mess. But if you don't see any purpose for it now, you probably won't tomorrow! Throw away old pens, coupons and anything else you keep around because "you might need it someday." You won't! Monica encourages you to ask yourself, "What are the odd that I will ever need this again?" and "If I really do need this, is there a better place to store it?"

Get a coin jar for all that lose change.
Coinstar takes a share of your cash, but it's most likely money you otherwise never even knew you had. Put a change jar in a place that everyone knows about, and have the whole household contribute. This seems simple, but not enough people do this and stick to it! I can't tell you some of the places I've found pennies in my own house -- they are everywhere. Turn that useless change into a rainy day fund for a movie ticket or dinner out. Believe me, you'll be surprised how quickly it adds up when it's kept in one place!

Ah, the sight of a tidy drawer warms my little heart! Photo: Bliss Tree

Organize the clutter.
Categorize and combine like items (these small and large drawer dividers are ideal) by their function. Think about what you misplace most often (scissors, matches, measuring tape, tools), and make sure those items have their own designated place in your drawer divider. What makes the cut is really up to you, but the key is keeping like items together so they are easily found when you need them. Then you won't be frantically rummaging around wondering: "Where on earth did I put those birthday candles?"

Keep up the good work!
Once you're organized, don't slack off! Remember that you're busy, and as tempting as it is to cheat and throw those toothpicks and business cards into the drawer "just this one time," you're only making your life harder. The drawers are "a tool to delay decision making," says Monica. "The bad thing is that when you stash things away in that manner you always have to sort it and make those decisions later anyway." So true! Whether we take the time now or later, at least if you do it straight away, it's done and you don't have a mounting chore on your hands.

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Kim Kardashian's L.A. Condo is On the Market

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-05T18:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Celebs, Famous Homes, House Tours, News & Trends

Kim Kardashian, who first started making headlines in 2007 when a sex tape of her and an ex-boyfriend surfaced, has put her $1.09 million condo up for sale. Paris Hilton's former gal pal, Kim is best known today as the star of the hit reality show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," which follows the Kardashian/Jenner family. (How many times do we have to see Kim fight with her sisters?)

Our favorite celebrity real estate blogger, Real Estalker, has lots to say on Kim -- and her "boo-tay" -- but we'll focus on the 1,750 square-foot, 3 bedroom condo. According to the listing description, the flat's "uber-chic design" is a can't miss. So far we're most excited about its location since it's steps away from the trendy shopping boutiques on West Hollywood's Robertson Boulevard, where Kim is often shot by paparazzi.

I was disappointed that there was no stripper pole in the bedroom, which I remember seeing her show off on an episode of MTV's Cribs. Still, it's clearly a celebrity's home, just check out the sexy, narcissistic portrait of herself she hung up in the bathroom.

No word on where she's looking to buy next, but I wonder if she's shopping around for a bigger place for her and rumored boyfriend, NFL player Reggie Bush? Check out her apartment below.

Inside Kim Kardashians Condo

Kim Kardashian oozes sex appeal, but is her condo as attractive? You decide.

Kevin Mazur, WireImage

Kim's cozy-looking living room does have charm -- and I bet she's watched many episodes of "Keeping up with the Kardashians" on that very couch.

Zip Realty

Another view into the living room. Besides the animal print throw pillows, I'm surprised at how traditional the design of this room feels.

Zip Realty

Can't a million bucks buy something that looks less like a typical suburban bathroom? Still, I'd guess that the master bath definitely saw an exorbitant amount of self primping and grooming.

Zip Realty

Who doesn't hang a sexy picture of themselves over their toilet? Sigh. Celebrities just can't get enough of themselves, even in the bathroom!

Zip Realty

This sprawling kitchen may have seen the likes of Paris Hilton or Brody Jenner for a midnight snack.

Zip Realty

Just in case Kim can't get enough of herself, she can check herself out in the mirrored armoire and mirrored tiles on the wall behind the bed.

Zip Realty

The design in the bedrooms is chic and serene. No hints of her risque past, like the in-bedroom stripper pole she showed off on MTV's Cribs.

Zip Realty

A tray ceiling in the dining room is a nice touch; the chandelier is exquisite.

Zip Realty

A shot of the condo's exterior.

Zip Realty

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He's Just Not That Into Your Apartment

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-05T13:55:00 00:00

Filed under: Solutions, Your Home, Projects

Is your apartment hurting your love life? Photo: Jules Frazier Photography, Getty Images

I laugh whenever I remember the Friends episode starring Rebecca Romijn. She was a gorgeous, laid back love interest for Ross -- until she brought Ross home to her filthy apartment. As beautiful as she was, Ross just couldn't get past her bad habits. And although most of us aren't that messy, it got me thinking: If you're inviting your date to your house for the first time, what are the dos and don'ts for creating the right atmosphere (beyond flowers and candles)? Is it possible that he's just not that into you because of your apartment?

Absolutely. The New York Times wrote about what men often do wrong when decorating for a big date, so I went searching for some answers for us ladies. Sisters Laura Carlin and Alison Forbes from The Art of Everyday Living had lots to say.

1. Put away those pictures of you and your ex-boyfriends, or even you and your best guy friends.
"Too many pictures of friends and family hints that you may have no additional space in your life for a relationship," says Alison. Also, try to keep pictures of your friends and family (particularly your parents, for obvious reasons) out of your bed room. Another common mistake is using your bedroom as a home office -- it implies you don't think having a romantic space is a priority. This doesn't exactly set an intimate mood.

2. Hide any signs that you are overly organized or anal retentive.
Sally may have alphabetized her movies on index cards in "When Harry Met Sally," but Harry found out about this much, much later. Excessive amounts of pillows, figurines -- anything that goes to an extreme usually means you might not be so balanced yourself. There is a pretty obvious line between liking something and being obsessed with it. "When you are too fixated on everything being perfect, it might make your partner feel like you have an ideal they can never live up to," says Laura. If nothing about your apartment is relaxing, it seems unlikely that you know how to relax yourself.

3. Clean out the clutter.
"Clearing out space in your apartment makes space for another person," says Alison, "whether you meet that person now or the in future, and it is a very telling sign that you are ready to make someone else a major part of your life." Take a look around your place and think about how it reflects who you are. Broken, unfinished objects may say that you don't expect the best or strive to complete what you start.

4. Decorate for two -- and be cheery.
Alison and Laura find that many women have a bed with one nightstand, a dining room table set for one and art on the walls depicting sad or serious women. Replace those lonely vibes with happy and hopeful ones. Open your shades and let light pour in, paint your rooms in warm colors (such as chocolate browns, skin tones and creamy olives). "A bowl of fresh fruit like peaches or some nuts gives the apartment life and texture," says Laura. Soft blankets and pillows are homey and make your environment comfortable. All of these touches will show your date that you're a warm and happy person. In other words, someone they want to spend time around.

5. Be clean, organized and get rid of piles.
This is obvious, but let's be more specific -- No piles of dirty dishes in the sink, papers strewn about or a bathroom with wet towels, feminine hygiene products or makeup everywhere. And for those of you who chronically put your messes into piles, stop fooling yourself: an organized mess is still a mess. If your home truly reflects who you are, then an apartment filled with junk will make you seem like a mess yourself.

6. Get rid of any evidence that you might read self help books about dating and attracting men.
This is a biggie! He'll feel like he was somehow lured into your life, subliminally or otherwise, by one of your sneaky dating tips. Instead, pile some of your favorite books around the house that reflect some of your favorite things.

7. Decorate with items that appeal to the senses.
Candles aren't the only thing to set a mood. Avoid fluorescent lighting -- it's cold, piercing and Laura and Alison said it is known to release stress hormones. Go with warmer, gentler lighting that accents the creamy tones on your walls. Most importantly, make sure your place smells good. Kitty litter, the fish you cooked the night before, or a musty, mildewy odor are all deal breakers. Light some incense, get a lavender scented candle or bake some freshly made cookies (that smell could seduce any guy!).

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Dinnerware Made From Leaves

Chelsea Foster — 2009-10-02T10:40:00 00:00

Filed under: Green Design, Shopping, Parties & Entertaining, Design, etc, News & Trends

Snack on salad on plates made from...fallen leaves! Photo: VerTerra

Not only is this dinnerware easy on the eyes, but it's made from nothing more than fallen leaves and water.

Yup, you heard me right. When I first spotted these VerTerra dishes on Treehugger, I actually thought they were made from wood. But not one tree is cut down to make these uber-green dishes. They're nontoxic, biodegradable and manufactured by a company who prides themselves on their fair wages and safe working environments.

Still, one question came to mind: Can they hold liquids without disintegrating? Manufactured with nothing more than steam, heat and high pressure, it seemed unlikely. But VerTerra claims these mighty little plates can hold water and soup, and can withstand the microwave and even the oven (up to 350 degrees). Although the dinnerware is porous and likely unwashable, VerTerra says that many customers leave comments on their site saying that they do reuse them.

Eat guilt-free on these plates. Photo: VerTerra

The downside? Well, the cost. Being disposable, they aren't cheap (although this sample pack is only $25 bucks!). A set of 10" plates (96 plates are included) is $97. If you are interested in throwing an environmentally friendly party, VerTerra also has a nifty party calculator to help you estimate the damage.

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WWII Bunkers Turned Condos

Chelsea Foster — 2009-09-28T08:00:00 00:00

Filed under: Wish We Could..., Design, etc, House Tours, Architecture, News & Trends

If these walls could talk...Check out this super cool bunker turned condominium. Photo: Treehugger

When architect Rainer Mielke rode his bike past one of the many WWII cement bunkers in Bremen, Germany, he saw promise.

They were uninhabited and ugly reminders of the war, and no one had touched them in years. He decided it might be a good idea to renovate them into flats. That was 15 years ago. Since then, according to Treehugger, Mielke and his professional partner Klaus Freudenberg have done just that. And because these apartments are packaged as "affordable," you don't have to be super rich to live somewhere this cool. (But you do have to live in Germany. Sigh.)

The cement exterior is fairly plain -- While the ivy climbing up the walls adds charm, I wonder what the outside looks like in winter? (Dreary? I mean, it is a stone box!) Still, it's the inside that has us drooling. With sprawling floor to ceiling windows and glass doors, the apartment is swimming in sunlight and cheerful vibes. I'm dying to sip an espresso and read a book while lounging on the crisp, modern interiors myself!

You'd never know that this used to be a dark and dingy bunker. Photo: Treehugger.com

Thanks to the former bunker's thick cement walls, the space is well insulated, which means less heat escapes in the winter and the building stays much cooler in the summers. Environmentally friendly and chic? We think yes!

Mielke has since said that he wants to take some of the bunkers (about 2,000 still stand in Germany) and get even more creative with the renovations, making them into office spaces or music studios for bands to rehearse in. With Mielke's youthful and bright style, I say that his designs could get anyone's creative juices flowing.

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