India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Feb 6, 2012, 6:32 am
The doors are (almost) done!!! After stripping, sanding, and staining for what seemed like an eternity, I finally got the doors kind of done. For now, I've only worked on the front. I got so tired that I didn't do the inside of the door. I think I'm goingÂ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Feb 2, 2012, 5:41 am
You may have noticed that I usually forget to post the 28Day giveaways until the afternoon of the giveaway. My bad! So to give you more time to actually enter our contests, I'll be posting the giveaways at the beginning of the month. Yea!! With all the craziness of moving in to ou...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jan 25, 2012, 1:37 pm
This weekend we built our new work/paint/sanding room. When I say "we," I mean Sam and Jesus from Property Comfort Interiors built the room while Jerome and I painted. Sam is our landlord's nephew and has been a huge help as we've taken on various projects around the apartment. Thank God they had a...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jan 17, 2012, 12:40 pm
We started phase one of our studio remodel this weekend...painting the floors! The original floors were just bare plywood subfloor, not something I wanted to keep. We considered a lot of options like laminate or wood floors but in the end painting was cheaper. It was also easier than our original id...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jan 16, 2012, 10:16 am
Look what we've got in the store...new laptop and tablet/iPad sleeves from Latvian designer Miza! The snugly, 100% wool sleeves will keep your electronics cozy and protected from scratches while looking awesome. Bonus: they're reversible! You're welcome. >> SHOP Miza >> SHOP MIZA
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jan 10, 2012, 3:36 pm
After two years of running the Apartment 528 store from our apartment, we finally got a studio!!! Right now the room is pretty raw and open but we're in the process of getting moved in and drawing out plans to get the place looking awesome. Over the next couple of months you'll see plenty of DIY pos...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Dec 12, 2011, 1:09 pm
We're kicking off the end of the holiday shopping season with great deals on handmade and vintage for all the people in your life! Everyday we'll feature a new deal with both new and clearance products. See something you like? Grab it quick before someone else does! (More products available in the ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Dec 8, 2011, 2:32 pm
I LOVE the holidays! The smells, the gatherings, the FOOD. But my favorite part (aside from the birth of Jesus of course!) is the tree! There's nothing better than drinking hot chocolate, listening to Nat King Cole on the hi-fi, and decorating the tree with all sorts of colorful ornaments, bot...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Nov 28, 2011, 12:26 pm
**UPDATE 11/29 - The contest is now closed. Congrats to Cindy for winning! Come back in January for our next giveaway!** It's 28Day!!!  Enter today to win a set of poison bottle tea towels from Branch Handmade! Today we're making it super easy to win. To enter: Browse the Apartment 528 store and...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Nov 21, 2011, 6:17 pm
This past weekend we had a party with some of the folks from my husband's job. I've been collecting pins of appetizers and party food on Pinterest for months (follow me on Pinterest!) so I was positive we'd have the best spread around.  But of course I procrastinated and didn't plan out the menu or...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Nov 16, 2011, 5:24 pm
So apparently I forgot to tell you all that we have new handmade in the shop from our newest designer, TechnoMud! Myles, the guy behind TM, creates super sleek and sexy phone and tablet docks.  Made of ceramic, each dock has a space in the back for holding mail, office supplies, small notebooks, a...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Oct 28, 2011, 10:43 am
It's time for our monthly 28Day Giveaway!!  This month one lucky winner will get a set of 2 vintage pedestal mugs AND a set of "DRINK" coasters by Diffraction Fiber, just in time for winter!  Plus two runners up will get a $5 gift certificate to the Apartment 528 Store! Go to the Apt528 sh...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Oct 21, 2011, 3:31 pm
Happy Friday! Today we're taking a peek at the studio of Cordinated creators Juli and Dan.  I love the bright colors and the bookcase filled with yarn.  I don't knit or sew but it definitely makes me want to learn! By the way, we're offering FREE SHIPPING all weekend!  Enter "FREESHP"...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Oct 12, 2011, 11:55 am
***WARNING***  Reading this Q+A will cause you to feel lazy and unaccomplished, giving you a desire to finish all the projects on your list.  Proceed with caution! Monday, we introduced you to Cordinated, the newest company to be added to our stable of amazing designers. Their yarn-wrapped cords ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Oct 10, 2011, 2:43 pm
Today we're welcoming our newest designer, Cordinated! We've been stalking Cordinated for over a year now.  We fell in love with their brightly wrapped cords and knew we just HAD to have them for Apartment 528.  Now our dream has finally come true! Cordinated was started by Juli and Dan, two musi...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Oct 4, 2011, 2:37 pm
Had to share this...one of our awesome customers bought our vintage orange chairs a few months ago and recently sent in a picture of them in their new home.  They look so happy!  We love to see our stuff go to amazing people.  If you have pictures of your Apartment 528 goodies in your home, offic...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Sep 28, 2011, 4:11 pm
Enjoy the 28th with $5.28 off your Apartment 528 order of $28 or more, today only!! Enter "Happy28" at checkout!  Don't forget to checkout out new products below. Vintage Rainbow Appetizer Tray Branch Handmade Bicycle Tea Towels Vintage Tiffany Typewriter Table (makes a great nightstand or side ta...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Sep 17, 2011, 11:21 am
Sorry for the radio silence this past week.  We've been getting ready for the Vintage Bazaar!  If you're in the Chicago area on Sunday, stop by the Bazaar at the Congress Theater and shop dozens of awesome vintage dealers selling everything from clothing to nightstands all in one great location. Â...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Sep 9, 2011, 12:00 pm
Back in July, my husband and I took on our biggest DIY yet...a kitchen island with a concrete countertop. Concrete is a great material in the kitchen but can be scary for some.  Having concrete made and installed by a professional is more expensive than granite.  Not only is it cheaper to do it yo...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Sep 6, 2011, 5:19 pm
This week we're celebrating TWO anniversaries!  The Apt528 store turned 2 on Sunday and the blog turns 4 on Thursday!!  To celebrate, here's a brief history of Apartment 528. Four years ago, on September 8th, 2007, this blog started under its original name, "A Day in the Life of Desig...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Sep 1, 2011, 3:04 pm
Don't hate me!  I know last week I was supposed to finish up The Big Move posts, but I got caught up!  First off, I had to get our apartment ready for our newest press...a House Call in Time Out Chicago!  We're so happy to be featured.  Unfortunately, we're still working on the two bedrooms so t...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 26, 2011, 6:50 am
Sandi of AdaLou Vintage LOVE her outfit!Today kicks off our 28Day Giveaway with the always awesome AdaLou Vintage!! I've been an admirer of AdaLou for awhile now.  Not only do they have a great collection of mod housewares, but Sandi, the owner and curator of AdaLou, also keeps the she...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 23, 2011, 7:36 pm
So yesterday you used all those awesome apartment hunting tools to find some apartments you like, now it's time to get into the nitty gritty.  I know I said we'd talk about moving out tips but I left out something super important.  Negotiation. There are people out there who don't care about...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 22, 2011, 1:23 pm
It's about that time again where everyone's moving around.  Typically, I'd do this post a little earlier but you know what they say, better late than never!  Whether you're thinking about moving, already in the process, or trying to get settled, we'll have tips and tricks for you all week to make ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 15, 2011, 3:00 pm
We spent the weekend painting.  First we painted our kitchen an awesome turquoise blue and then we started painting our dining room rug.  If you're considering painting a rug, let me tell you right now that it's hard work!  With all the projects we have going on, I didn't get a chance to post las...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 9, 2011, 3:10 pm
The most popular posts on this blog are about the Moddi Murphy Bed and the awesome wooden contraption built by a Brooklyn couple that houses a bed, loft and couch.  Apparently we all have a longing for our beds to be useful for more than just sleeping! Which is why I'm here today with another Ikea...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 5, 2011, 3:14 am
The Weekender's back! With all the moving, painting, and (un)packing we've gone through this past year, I haven't had must energy or creativity left for the DIY projects I love.  Now that we're a little more settled with no plans of moving any time soon, I've decided to make a commitment to do at l...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Aug 3, 2011, 3:33 pm
One year and 2 days ago, my husband and I packed all of our belongings into a Uhaul trailer and drove from Boston to our new home in Chicago!  I still remember whipping through the fog-covered hills of Pennsylvania, terrified that any minute our trailer would come unhitched or a deer would appear o...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 28, 2011, 10:17 am
UPDATE 7/29/11 - Congrats to Velvetangerine for winning this month's giveaway! Thanks to all who entered...we'll see you again next month! It's time for our monthly giveaway!  This month, one awesome person will win a $28 gift certificate to the Apartment 528 store! To enter, browse through theÂ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 22, 2011, 2:20 pm
A friend recently asked me for ideas on affordable sofas for her new apartment.  With bed bugs all over the news nowadays, people are a lot more cautious about buying used couches.  Buy buying new usually means spending major mulah.  Not anymore!  I submit to you my favorite couches under $1000....
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 14, 2011, 3:20 pm
We're currently trying to figure out what color to pain the master bedroom.  There are so many awesome colors out there that I can't narrow it down.  Here are some of my favorite color ideas from my Paint by Numbers Pinterest board.  What are your favorite boudoir colors? Blue and purple.  Thi...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 11, 2011, 1:16 pm
Last week you voted for which Branch Handmade designs would make it into the Apartment 528 Store.  Thanks to everyone for voting and congrats to DeeDee for winning!  DeeDee, email us by end of day to claim your $10 in store credit. After tallying your votes, the bicycle pillowcase was our ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 8, 2011, 10:44 am
This week we officially introduced you to Branch Handmade as our Designer of the Month, let you decide which of their new products makes it into the store (VOTE NOW!!!), and picked their brains in our Q&A.  Now it's time to dive a little deeper with a look into the gorgeous California home of Branc...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 6, 2011, 12:05 pm
You've been snatching up tea towels from Branch Handmade like crazy.  Now it's time to peek into the lives of the creatives behind the brand, Ashley and Todd, our designers of the month!  Don't forget to VOTE in this month's You Decide where you choose which new Branch Handmade products will make ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 5, 2011, 1:57 pm
As part of our Designer of the Month series, we're asking you to decide which Branch Handmade items will make it into the Apartment 528 Store.  The best part?  One lucky voter will win $10 in Apt528 store credit to spend on anything they want!! To vote, look at the options below and leave a ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jul 5, 2011, 12:33 pm
This month we're celebrating a fan favorite, Branch Handmade, as our designer of the month! The brainchild of Ashley and Todd, Branch Handmade started in 2008 with screen-printed pillowcases and has expanded to include housewares and apparel embellished with original images and illustrations ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 30, 2011, 3:52 pm
I've been totally obsessed with maps lately.  I think it started after our wedding when my mom gave us an old framed chess board with a map of Boston as the background.  We had the chess board for years growing up in the midwest, never knowing that one day I would wind up living there as an adult....
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 27, 2011, 4:11 pm
I'm all about wall decor.  As a renter, it can be hard finding a way to spice up boring neutral walls without violating your lease.  Though I paint all of our apartments and think art is great for adding pizzazz, I'm also a huge admirer of wall decals...they instantly change a room and come down ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 22, 2011, 2:43 pm
This weekend, stop by and shop our handmade and vintage goodies at the Randolph Street Market Saturday and Sunday.  The market is full of vintage dealers, indie designers, and yummy food like pizza crepes...I had one and they're awesome!  Fresh Home included the Randolph market on it's list of the...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 15, 2011, 12:05 pm
Last month we visited Boston for the first time since our move to Chicago.  We were only there for a few short days but we managed to pack in the christening of Jerome's godson, a bridal shower, hanging out with friends and family, and Jerome's birthday celebration.  Phew!  Though we weren't ther...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 9, 2011, 5:27 pm
Have you heard the word about Pinterest?  It's a social sharing site where you can create inspiration boards by pinning all your favorite photos from around the web to your own custom albums.  You can create boards (albums) for whatever you want...food, fashion, decor, travel, or whatever.  It's ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 6, 2011, 6:39 am
Did you see what popped up in the Apartment 528 Store this weekend?  Furniture!!  That's right...the furniture many of you got a sneak peek of at the Vintage Bazaar is now going to be available online.  It will take us awhile to get everything uploaded but as soon as it is, I'll let you know. Ant...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 3, 2011, 4:06 am
Katherine from Back Garage (and Vintage Bazaar co-genius) is having a garage sale this weekend!  If you've seen her online shop, you know she'll have a bunch of awesome treasures in store.  We both live in Humboldt Park which means you better get there before me if you want the good stuff.  The ...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - Jun 1, 2011, 1:47 pm
My computer was broken all last week until it magically fixed itself yesterday.  Since I wasn't able to spread the word about the 28 Day Giveaway like I normally do, I'm now extending it to this week as well! For you newbies, Apartment 528 is dedicated to my mom, who's birthday is 5/28.  She...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 24, 2011, 9:41 am
Guess what Saturday is.  5/28!!!  We're so excited that we're giving away awesome gifts for the next FIVE DAYS!! Here's how it works.  From now until Saturday, you can enter to win an awesome item from the Apartment 528 Store.  Every day at 5:28pm we'll choose a winner at random to win th...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 20, 2011, 3:38 am
I've been searching long and hard for a good thrift store since we moved to Chicago.  Yes, people have recommended stores like The Ark and Village Thrift, but none of them matches the low prices that I'm used to back in Boston or Ohio.  I want REAL thrift store deals!  Unfortunately, it's been ha...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 16, 2011, 7:42 pm
We had a blast at the Vintage Bazaar this past Saturday.  We met lots of awesome, interesting people and got to scope out the hip and fashionable of Chicago.  Thanks to Felix of Avoision for including us in his Bazaar roundup and for the video of our laserdiscs...as someone commented, laserdiscs a...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 10, 2011, 2:55 pm
You voted for which Valerydesignwrks pillow cover you wanted to see in the Apt528 Store and now the votes are in.  The winner is: The Pit Pat Pillow Cover, available in brown, black, and white.  The pillow will be up in the store later this week.  In the meantime, shop other Valerydesignwrks prod...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 3, 2011, 2:56 pm
ValeryYesterday, we showed you Valerydesignwrks, the new indie Canadian brand currently available in the Apt528 Store.  We invited you to vote on which VDW pillow makes it into the store! Today we're introducing you to Valéry Goulet, the uber talented illustrator/designer behind the pillows, plate...
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India H. posted an article on Apartment 528 - May 2, 2011, 1:30 pm
Today, the Apartment 528 Store is happy to welcome our first Handmade Designer of the Month, Valerydesignwrks! Pit Pat Plate Valerydesignwrks was founded by Valéry Goulet, an illustrator and designer with a passion for green living.  That's right, not only are their plates, wall decals, and pillo...
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