How to Level and Dry-Fit Outdoor Tile for a Flawless Install

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Since our last update on the sunroom, Sherry and I have crossed off four more tasks: installing two ceiling fans, deep-cleaning the concrete floor, leveling low spots with self-leveling compound, and cutting and dry-fitting tile to plan the final pattern. We were hoping to share a fan-installation tutorial, but we’re too excited about the tiling … Read more

Grace Bonney on Design, Blogging, and Female Entrepreneurs

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Here are the show notes for Episode #18 of Young House Love Has A Podcast. This week Design*Sponge founder Grace Bonney joins us to share what 12 years of design blogging taught her about personal style, the evolution of the internet, and why work-life balance is often a myth. We also take listeners behind the … Read more

Open-Concept Linen Closet: Removing the Door for a Brighter Hallway

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A few months ago we spotted a photo on bhg.com showing open shelves with baskets and immediately started thinking about removing the door from our bathroom linen closet. A few stylish baskets would transform our cramped closet into tidy, functional open shelving—because we love open living. Then, after visiting Lesley & Jeff’s home and seeing … Read more

Whole-House Paint Color Schemes: How to Choose a Cohesive Palette

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As I write, the walls in the second bedroom are drying after what I hope is the final painting project to unify our home’s color palette. A few months ago we noticed how warm, neutral tones used in many model homes inspired us to scale back the rainbow of colors we’d collected. We’d also read … Read more

Flexible Fashion Freebie: Stylish Finds Under $50

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Here’s your chance to win a new paint sprayer plus $200 toward your next project. The Wagner FLEXiO 890 combines a powerful base with built-in storage, making it quieter and lighter than many traditional airless sprayers. An 11.5 ft hose connects to the handle, where you’ll find controls to adjust both spray strength and pattern. … Read more

Spray Painting Hardware: Step-by-Step Guide for Smooth Results

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How do you like those handles? (Handles, apples — same thing, right Matt Damon? What, you don’t think Matt Damon reads this blog? Of course he doesn’t.) I’m back with a hardware makeover play-by-play and plenty of photos we didn’t fit into our door-painting post earlier this week. So buckle up — this one has … Read more

A Whirlwind Weekend Guide: Make the Most of 48 Hours

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We finally have to tell you about our whirlwind weekend. In just over 48 hours we crossed four states, visited family at four stops and even hit two IKEAs nearly 400 miles apart. It was hectic, but packed with moments worth sharing — and several posts that will be coming soon once we’ve recovered enough … Read more

How to Find a Great Deal on a Washer and Dryer

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We’ve been talking for a while about upgrading to an energy-efficient, front-loading washer and dryer when a great deal showed up — and it happened sooner than expected. We discovered our new pair yesterday. While walking through Lowe’s on Saturday, we saw a sign advertising 10% off all appliances. It wasn’t a huge discount, but … Read more

How to Design a Tiled Kitchen Wall with Open Shelves

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We’ve mentioned the idea of a backsplash that runs from counter to ceiling combined with open shelving and a range hood a few times, so here’s the full explanation: we plan to create a striking accent wall of tile that stretches from the countertop to the ceiling, with open shelves and a range hood incorporated. … Read more