We’ve all noticed it: renovations on TV and online keep getting bigger and more dramatic. Where did the budget decorating shows and “use-what-you-have” makeovers go? Once a blog post could be simply “I ordered some new art.” Now it’s often an exhaustive before-and-after kitchen gut job. Our own projects have escalated over the years too, … Read more

I did it — I finally finished Clara’s closet stamping project (the one I started here)! And yes, as the title reveals, I made a potato stamp. It was actually really fun and nearly free. The entire project cost me just $0.99 for one tube of FolkArt metallic paint in Champagne, plus two potatoes I … Read more

If your current tool collection is sparse, get ready — Ryobi is rolling out a big drop of power tools this week, totaling over $600 in value. The lineup includes a 10″ sliding compound miter saw, a cordless brad nailer, and a Ryobi ONE+ Ultimate Combo Kit that contains six tools (including three additional saws) … Read more

Spray paint. Again. Who’s surprised? I’m nothing if not predictable when it comes to fixing things with spray paint. I’d been meaning to ORB (that’s oil-rubbed-bronze) the legs of an old chair in our living room for a while. In person the legs were a clashy, orange-red tone that didn’t coordinate with the rest of … Read more

Who’s ready for the big bathroom reveal? As mentioned in Monday’s post, most room makeovers follow three main stages—planning and prep, larger upgrades, and finishing touches. Some stages take weeks, others can be done in a furious few days. This bathroom blitz leaned into speed without sacrificing charm. Prep and planning: brainstorming color palettes, shopping, … Read more

Here it is — our 2012 family Christmas card, shared with all the merrymakers out there. This card riffs on the classic tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa, with a healthy dose of reality: food left unattended in our house rarely stays that way. By some miracle we captured this shot without any … Read more

…in his bedroom. Well, most of it. Below is Emma’s funny and heartfelt account of the makeover they created for their son’s room: We moved into this three-storey 1876 house three years ago — clarification: it isn’t actually made of brownstone nor is it in New York City — we’re in Ontario, Canada. Over the … Read more

They can be notoriously difficult to work with, but progress is visible. Yesterday was cabinet installation day two, and much like Monday, the day had its share of ups and downs. Starting with the positives: almost all the cabinets were installed, including my favorite addition—the built-in refrigerator. It instantly gives the kitchen a custom, high-end … Read more

Usually this scene makes me anxious — I’m heading to work on a Wednesday and see my neighbors’ empty blue trash cans lined up at the curb while ours sits forgotten in the garage, half full. I then spend the next week berating myself every time I squeeze another bag into the overflowing bin. But … Read more

Yesterday began like any other morning: John left for work, I published the daily post and started tackling a design problem, and Burger chased a few insects on the back patio. Then John called to tell me that we had just been featured on CNN. WHAAAAAT?! It turned out CNN had loved our bench makeover. … Read more