You’ve asked about everything from how our concrete countertops have held up to whether our grout stain in the foyer is still looking good—and how our reduced blogging schedule is working out for us. We haven’t always been great at posting updates (blogging for us tends to be “on to the next thing”), so here’s a comprehensive update. This is the third roundup in the series (see our first and second updates for earlier topics).
Our Ardex concrete countertops: The concrete counters we made using Ardex have mostly exceeded our expectations. The sealer we chose has added durability, and after roughly two and a half months of daily use we haven’t found any noticeable scratches, divots, or marks. That may be due in part to our simple cooking habits and the fact that we keep two large wooden cutting boards on the counters for hot pots and slicing. If you plan to stain concrete darker, note that dark stains can reveal scratches more easily; we kept our counters natural, which seems to hide minor wear.
When it comes to staining, most spills sit on the sealed surface and wipe away cleanly, similar to water beading on finished wood. We did notice a few small splatters—likely citrus—that soaked in and left subtle darker spots that don’t wipe off. These are minor and suit the industrial look of the concrete. I also once set piping-hot tea on the surface and saw a very faint haze ring that’s only visible up close at the right angle, so we try to use the cutting boards under hot pans. Overall performance has been strong.
The foyer grout stain: The grout stain we applied in early January is still holding up well. Even with frequent mopping, muddy shoes and paws, and heavy foot traffic, the grout looks the same as the day it was finished. We’ve also heard from readers who used the same product years ago in showers and reported excellent long-term results.
Appliance paint on our refrigerator: The bisque-to-white paint job on our fridge is holding up nicely. The finish still looks great despite daily use and a lot of magnets. Magnets haven’t scratched or peeled the paint, although we did find a scraped area along the right side of the door after brushing a large item—probably lumber—against it. Everyday contact, including heavy use of the handles and magnetic play from our daughter, hasn’t harmed the finish. Just avoid scraping heavy objects along the edges.
Our new washer and dryer: We love our new set. With a newborn and all the laundry that comes with family life, they’ve been indispensable. The washer gets clothes very clean and the strong spin cycle leaves items only damp going into the dryer, reducing drying time and making line-drying more practical. The top-loader design also saves bending, which is a real benefit when you often carry a baby.
Pantry re-organization: Our food-storage overhaul has been a big improvement. It’s not as neatly staged as the initial reveal, but it’s far better than the old dark shelves and lack of system. Tucking the microwave inside the pantry, adding a door organizer, and installing hanging bread baskets were the biggest wins. We gained narrow, accessible storage that prevents items from disappearing to the back of the shelf.
The game closet: Our toy closet has turned into a lifesaver. With a newborn in the house, I don’t always have time to re-shelve toys perfectly, so the mess mostly stays behind the door. Our daughter sticks to the one-thing-out-at-a-time rule, which helps keep the rest of the house tidy. The closet is currently chaotic but contained—and that’s a huge win.
Fiddle leaf figs: A few readers asked about our fiddle leaf figs. They were on sale at Home Depot, the red pot and wheeled plant caddy came from Lowe’s. I water them once a week—about a deep 20 ounces—and they do well in indirect light. One plant has been happy in an office corner; another declined after we moved it to the dining room, so I relocated it to a kitchen corner. Sometimes a move makes a big difference for these plants.
Our organic mattress: The organic mattress we built to be firm is five years old and still comfortable. Some people report body-shaped dents over time, but ours remains supportive and un-pitted, which suits our preference for a firmer sleep surface.
Target hooks: Many readers asked how we used the small decorative hooks beyond a picture hanger. I installed a set inside a closet to organize necklaces that were previously tangled in a drawer. Now I actually wear jewelry more often, and the hooks make daily routines easier.
White upper and stained lower kitchen cabinets: Our painted upper cabinets and stained base cabinets have held up well in the six months since installation. The white paint is manageable to keep clean with periodic wipe-downs, and the stained lowers hide spills and smudges effectively. Nothing has chipped or bubbled so far. If you paint cabinets, careful prep—sanding, deglossing, primer, and good paint—makes a big difference.
Homemade terrarium: Unfortunately, our DIY terrarium didn’t survive. Even with proper light and activated charcoal, this one failed. We’ll chalk that one up to a learning experience.
Expedit changing table: The changing table has been very practical. We keep diapers in a large basket with wipes on top, and we often use the upstairs table because it’s more comfortable than changing on the ottoman downstairs. We haven’t fully switched to cloth diapers yet but plan to store cloth and disposable diapers together and use a wet bag for soiled cloths.
Upstairs hardwoods with Elastilon underlayment: The hardwood floors and Elastilon underlayment have performed well in most areas. They haven’t softened, scratched, or dented noticeably despite daily wear from a dog and a preschooler. The floating floors have stayed tight with no visible gaps through seasonal changes. One exception: a guest room spot feels slightly bouncy, likely because the subfloor there wasn’t perfectly level. It’s not obvious to visitors, but it lacks the rock-solid feel of the rest of the floors. Overall we recommend Elastilon, but be cautious about uneven subfloors.
Our scaled-back blogging schedule: Slowing down has been a very positive change. Fewer posts have led to lower traffic and less income, as expected, but the trade-off has been valuable time at home. I’ve been more present as a parent over the last two months, and I’m grateful to have been there for those moments instead of chasing one more project or post.
Have you tried something recently that you ended up loving—or regretting? Share your experiences and recommendations. We love hearing both the gushes and the warnings.
P.S. If you’re curious about a few of our earlier missteps, check our previous posts about mistakes and design changes for context. Sometimes the best choice is only clear after a few tries.
*This post contains affiliate links to products we have purchased and enjoyed*