How to Rehang Cabinets and Remove Granite Countertops Safely

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When we last left off, our kitchen was in the middle of a major shuffle — appliances and cabinets were being moved around as we prepared for a big update. Before the new appliances arrived, the first order of business was removing the cabinet that housed the old wall oven. The wall oven had seen … Read more

Styling Your Home with Ceramic Garden Stools

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Another white ceramic piece has found a home at Casa Petersik. We admit we’re creatures of habit, but this one isn’t shaped like an animal—it’s a sweet little ceramic garden stool that feels both fun and timeless: Some people might call these stools trendy or say they’ve had their moment, but we don’t let trends … Read more

How to Install a Pendant Light in a Closet

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Looks like I’ve once again been roped into one of Sherry’s plans — this time her “Dude, Get On That Already” challenge — where she’s determined to actually do something with items we’ve been hoarding in our spare room. It’s basically a use-it-or-donate-it mission. This week’s subject: a light fixture we rescued from a thrift … Read more

Classic Marble Bathroom Remodel Guide: Timeless Tile & Design Tips

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Just as we mentioned last week, Reader Redesigns are back — and we’re starting strong with Michelle’s stunning bathroom renovation. She and her husband David gutted a dated yellow bathroom, reconfigured the layout, and rebuilt the space in a calm palette of grays and crisp whites. Here’s the note she sent us: Hi Sherry & … Read more

100 Classic Girls’ Names That Stand the Test of Time

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We have a soft spot for traditional baby names—those classic, time-honored choices that feel enduring and full of character. Both of our children were named after grandparents, one from J’s side and one from mine, and it always feels meaningful to carry family names forward. Recently I heard some of these names dismissed as “old … Read more

Dining Room with Board and Batten and Deep Blue Walls

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The boldest color we’ve used on any wall is Martha Stewart’s Plumage—an accent we covered the walls with in our guest room. We loved it from the moment we painted, so when Jackie sent photos of her dining room makeover featuring Plumage and vibrant teal and lime accents, we were excited to share it. Here’s … Read more

Choosing the Perfect Color for Metal Stools: A Buyer’s Guide

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Me + a picture of our kitchen + Photoshop = this post. Back in December, when we bought our kitchen stools (from a school supply store for $32 each), we mentioned we were considering a few ways to tweak them down the line—painting, upholstering, or staining the seats—but we wanted to live with them for … Read more

Fresh Home Makeover: Stylish Ideas for Modern Living

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Greetings from Panera — since our home still doesn’t have internet, we stop here for hot chocolate and free WiFi to put together a quick update. You’ve probably been waiting for interior photos of our new house now that it’s officially ours, so here they are. I moved quickly while friends and family waited outside … Read more

2016 Home Video Tour: Inside Every Room and Design Highlights

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Now that our kitchen remodel is finished, we thought it was the perfect time for a long-overdue video house tour. Our last tour was nearly three years ago and showed very little progress since it was filmed just seven months after we moved in. With the first floor now almost unrecognizable from that earlier footage, … Read more

How to Choose the Right Furniture Scale for Any Room

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Nope, this isn’t a weight-loss post. The “scale” I’m talking about is a too-small, well-used bookshelf we shoved into the guest room a few months ago (just days before my mom arrived). It was tiny and had been doing duty until we made some recent changes. We also forgot to mention a small switch that … Read more