apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Ever since we saw this wood slice walkway, we can't seem to get the trend out of our head. It seems we're not alone, as a reader recently submitted this wall seen at an office in Whistler...

What a perfect example of the benefits of working with what you've got. This home garden provides the owners with privacy without sacrificing the beautiful sprawling oak tree in the center...

Ever wish you could turn even just a smidgen of the wide expanse of concrete in front of your house into some green space? Local architect Jane Martin did, but instead of just wishing, she made it happen - and you can too...

Living in a small apartment may require utilizing every inch of space available to live comfortably, including the walls and ceilings. That's why hanging planters are perfect for those of us with a tiny place and little to no outdoor area to speak of - a few won't take up much valuable space but they're bound to add a nice touch to your home. Here are a few of our favorites...

We must admit that if we walked by this dresser on the street, we'd probably keep on walkin'. But not Lokate, who could see the piece's potential despite its sad state: a sunken middle drawer, only three wheels on the legs, and that ghastly paint job. Check out her impressive "after" below the jump...

Incorporating a little bit of Mother Earth into your home is the easiest way to give your space more warmth and a natural feel. While most people stick with potted plants and flowers, branches are also a great and extremely versatile way to bring the outdoors inside...

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco

This massive three-story home in the Corona Heights neighborhood of the city has been featured in several media outlets recently. What makes it so special? Turns out it is green on top, blue on the inside, and has feathered friends all over...

Would you believe there's a Zen Buddhist monk creating furniture and prefabricated houses right at the foot of the Bay Bridge? Paul Driscoe combined his study of Buddhist temple design and construction with his interest in sustainable building techniques for some pretty interesting results...

Even if your budget for home-related expenses has shrunk, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can't spruce things up a bit for the new season. The SF Chronicle shares some useful ideas and resources for updating your home on a budget.

Lately, every window of every flower shop we pass seems to have a stunning display of blooming orchids. Despite our fear of killing the notoriously finicky plants, their beauty finally won us over and we brought one home. We found that perhaps their difficult reputation isn't so warranted after all...

Every home should have at least a few pieces with real soul - an inherited gem, a thrift store find... or an item lovingly hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, like those of Paradise Hill Design...

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco

Even though we've been all about adding color this year, we still sometimes find ourselves drawn to the simplest of palettes. Take for instance the black, white and neutral living room here. Thing is, we think it's the bright green plants that are actually doing it for us...

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco

What's not to love about San Francisco-based home design company Branch? Their selection of unique, well-designed products always please, and everything they carry is made from sustainable resources. A few of our favorite furniture pieces are after the jump...

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco

We saw so many fabulous things at Bazaar Bizarre this weekend that we're having trouble keeping them all straight, but we absolutely couldn't forget these plywood art panels featuring silk-screened trees. So simple, so beautiful, and with every purchase 50 trees are planted in Honduras.

posted originally from: AT:San Francisco