We did it — we found a stainless steel range hood on Craigslist. It’s an industrial-strength JennAir model (worth around $350 new), and we snagged it for just $60. Craigslist strikes again. The listing stated $65, but a quick “how about sixty—we have cash?” sealed the deal. When we inspected it, the hood looked like … Read more

We were amazed when we saw this stunning kitchen transformation. Here’s a note from Gord about the project: I wanted to share an update on our recently completed kitchen renovation. We moved windows and doors, tore down walls, closed off the odd railing between the kitchen and family room, and completely reconfigured the layout. We … Read more

Favorite project ever! I probably say that a lot, but this one might take the top spot for a while — especially among small, easy projects. (Our sunroom renovation and Teddy’s built-ins could have challenged it if this had been a heavy-duty upgrade, but this was delightfully simple.) Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Clara’s … Read more

I’m not sure everyone has noticed, but we have a very small TV. Some of you definitely have—you’ve joked about how overdue we are for a bigger set. As the resident man of the house, I have to admit I agree. Our little 26-inch TV made sense in our old house, where the den was … Read more

This redesign was inspired by two very special homeowners: my parents, Tom and Kathy. They bought their Northern Virginia house as new construction 30 years ago. Over three decades they raised four children who eventually left the nest, leaving the couple with several spare bedrooms and decisions about life after retirement. One plan they’re considering … Read more

HEADS UP! Since our baby boy is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, we’re spending one last special day with Clara today. Because of that, we’re posting this week’s giveaway a little early and plan to check in later this week (possibly Thursday) to introduce our little man. Now, about the giveaway. We’re sending three winners, from … Read more

You heard it here first: “purloined” is the new “snagged.” Actually, I’m just being silly. John didn’t even know what the word meant when he walked by and read the title. “What the… purloined? …are you sure that’s a word?” he asked. Exactly the reaction I was going for. Not. Yes, I’m bringing back “not” … Read more

The other night Sherry and I invented a little challenge: we’d each craft something using ordinary household items, but with a twist — the other person picked the three required objects. It wasn’t meant to be a serious competition, but we did set a few ground rules: You can use anything available, but the three … Read more

As always, I hunted through the Black Friday sales (seriously — do they start earlier every year?) and rounded up the best home decor, furniture, and tech deals I could find. John already snagged a few tech items—he’s been waiting for these discounts. Our kitchen stools are under $96, our daughter’s bedroom rug is $350 … Read more

Last year we DIYed a calendar for our kitchen with a favorite quote for each month—an inside-joke kind of touch. You can view that project here. Last time we moved slowly and didn’t finish until February, so this year we wanted to complete the project before our big move distracted us—just one week to go. … Read more