16 little ways to say "I love you" at home {issue 19}

Plus, an $8 laundry hack we love.

Feb 11, 2021 No. 19 Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! We're looking forward to a kid-friendly feast of dumplings and other celebratory foods on Friday night — and we'll roll right into chocolate and heart-shaped pizza on Sunday.      16 Little Ways Families Say "I Love You" Through Their Homes If you've ever read The Five Love Languages book (or taken the ubiquitous online quizzes to suss out which love language is yours), you may recall that they are: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch, and receiving gifts. But I'd wager that there's also a secret sixth love language: Home decor choices.   Sure, I'm a decorating writer, but I firmly believe nothing says "I love you" quite like allowing your spouse to hang an eyesore of a painting in the living room — or not saying a word when they rearrange the space ad nauseum. Case in point: when I got pregnant with our son, my husband and I chatted endlessly about how we wouldn't be "those people" that let toys take over our previously streamlined living room. Well, proof of how much we love our bebe is now strewn over seemingly every inch of floor space. Where pristine carpet and surfaces once reigned, a jumble of books and toys now dot every surface. It gets cleaned up once a day only to explode again the next morning — and we wouldn't have it any other way.   Of course, there are plenty of less-messy ways to express your love to your littles and partner through your decor. I reached out to interior designers and tastemakers alike to find out how they say "I love you" to their family through their home's design, from a subtly Star Wars-themed bedroom to an L.A. Lakers trash can. read more > cubby ❤️ We crave color these gray days, so Racheal Jackson of Banyan Bridges is a daily visit. Watching her paint murals is a pure jolt of joy!     eat     I'm Teaching My Daughter About Her Heritage Through Our Modern Chinese New Year Celebration To teach my daughter, first I had to learn (and relearn) from my mother. read more >     The Easy Yet Luxurious Family Dinner I Make Every Year for Valentine's Day Steak for you, and fries for them. Everyone feels the love. read more > play     The Best Way to Get Crayon Off the Walls Is in Your Fridge Did craft time get extra-enthusiastic? This little hack is magic for removing crayon on the walls. read more >     This $19 Toy Takes Up Wayyyy Less Space Than a Trampoline These bouncers work out the wiggles, all the way down the hall, but fold up small for storage. read more > live     A Great $8 Hack for Easier Kid Laundry This smart tip means no more lost socks (and gets even the littlest kids to help out too). read more >     This 750-Square-Foot Rental Is Packed with Organizing Ideas This family of five employs many clever, creative ideas for living in a small space with a 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and 7-month-old. read more > cubby finds: hearts Neon Pink Heart Throw Pillow Sweetheart Cotton Percale Duvet Cover Hearts Tamsin Kids Chair Blush Ceramic Heart Cutout Lamp ask maxwell I love Valentine's Day because it is all about love and romance for my husband and I, but what can I do with my children? - Luciel Dear Luciel,   I am glad that you find Valentine's Day loving and romantic! So many get overwhelmed by the commercial messaging that it can damped the spirits, but I'm with YOU! It's an odd "Hallmark" holiday and one that you really can make anything you want, so why not make it great?   Children LOVE their parents. We're attuned to giving Valentines to our parents, particularly our mothers: Why not give one back to them? read more > Maxwell Ryan is a father and was an elementary school teacher in NYC before founding Apartment Therapy. He'd love to answer your question: askmaxwell@cubbyathome.com ( trust us ) Hot dog "flowers" Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences  View this email in your browser  Apartment Therapy is full of ideas for creating a warm, beautiful, healthy home. If we've inspired you, we may receive a share of purchases made through this email. Apartment Therapy Media 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10013 ABOUT | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE