Home Renovation Before and After Transformations

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We fell in love the moment we saw Brooke’s stunning second-floor conversion. Read her note and see the before-and-after photos below: I’m a longtime reader and wanted to share the transformation of the second floor of our house. When we bought it, the house was divided into two apartments: the first floor and the second … Read more

How to Plant and Grow Blue Hydrangeas Successfully

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It looked lovely when we finished it last year, especially if you ignored the fact that the landscaping behind it still needed work. Lately, though, it had slid into a much messier state: That was a lot of overgrowth and dead material to deal with. The patio itself still looked great (and stayed weed-free thanks … Read more

Single vs Double Sink: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

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As our arms recover from the kitchen priming and painting marathon we shared earlier this morning, we figured we’d take it down a notch with a post about sinks. Think of it as a slow jam after an energetic dance number. One interesting part of owning our second home is comparing it to our first … Read more

More Houses, More Problems? How Moving Affects Your Stress

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Now that the clocks have fallen back for Daylight Saving Time (and if you have kids, they were up extra early—congrats?), here are the show notes for Episode #23 of Young House Love Has A Podcast. This episode was recorded from a hotel room in Baltimore. We answer three listener calls about home updates (from … Read more

How to Paint Subtle Wall Stripes and Stencil a Bathroom Floor

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When our reader Roeshel shared her bathroom makeover, we fell in love immediately. Here’s her note: I’m excited to submit my bathroom makeover for a reader redesign. The total project cost was just $512, and I’m thrilled with the result. I already had the ceiling paint, primer, and trim and door paint from previous projects, … Read more

Pregnancy After a Traumatic Birth: Healing, Hope, and What to Expect

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Some readers have asked for an update on how I’m feeling and how this pregnancy is progressing, so I thought a quick Young House Life check-in would be nice. The short answer: I’m so excited about this little bun. John is thrilled, and Clara proudly tells anyone who will listen that she’s going to be … Read more

Fab Finds at Ikea: Creative Freebie Ideas for Stylish Upgrades

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***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries – see who won below!*** Random.org has selected two winners who will each receive a $100 IKEA gift card. They are Jennifer (who teaches and is also adopting a child from Ethiopia) and Ashley (who shared that she could use some improvements for herself). Congratulations to both! The … Read more

Gift the Joy of Painting: Creative Art Experience Ideas

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Sherry, Clara, Burger and I spent the past weekend on the road helping a few recently relocated family members in Northern Virginia with some much-needed home projects. Apparently moving season runs in the family — everyone seems to be settling into new places lately. First stop was my sister Carrie’s new rental apartment. We somehow … Read more

Penny Tile Kitchen Remodel with Stylish Open Shelving

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Ok, we’re calling it: the kitchen is officially done! Well, mostly. There are a few finishing touches left, including: adding decorative molding to the back of the peninsula installing a message center or chalkboard on the side of the pantry adding the last floor transitions/reducers (and finishing that rectangle of fireplace tile) replacing the broken … Read more

Maximize Utility Closet Storage: Smart Tips and Organized Ideas

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Today we’re not talking about the stock market — we’re talking storage. As the title says, we transformed a previously VERY packed utility closet in our new kitchen into a much more useful space. It used to house only a bulky water heater and our HVAC system, leaving most of the under-stair area inaccessible. Now … Read more