This post chronicles a quick and inexpensive stool makeover I recently completed for a magazine feature. The stool arrived unexpectedly in the mail, and while it wasn’t ours to begin with, I decided to give it a fresh look. Below is a step-by-step account of how the small transformation came together. The original piece was … Read more

It may seem counterintuitive — don’t most people want to add a deck? — but our deck just isn’t pulling its weight anymore. In this episode we explain why we think removing it is the best move, and what we plan to put in its place. We also sit down with Manhattan Nest’s Daniel Kanter … Read more

This weekend we spent a few hours sorting through what we already owned and making quick runs to Target and Michael’s for a handful of affordable Halloween accents. With a silver candy bowl, a faux crow, two votive holders, a plate, one red candle, two white faux pumpkins and a few black feathers, we transformed … Read more

I’m writing this post to share great Labor Day deals—while admittedly adding half of them to my own cart. Whether this guide is for you or for me (let’s call it both), here are the best finds I’ve come across so far. Target currently has many items up to 30% off and an extra 15% … Read more

Surprise! This was the scene at our house yesterday: Here’s what happened. A few weeks ago we tested the soil around our home’s underground oil tank to be upfront with any future buyers and to make sure everything was in good condition. The tests revealed a small leak. We were stunned. After years of trying … Read more

Sure, it’s fun to imagine downsizing to a much smaller space, but this week we talk with a family of four (and a giant dog) who actually did it: they left a large builder-grade house and moved into a 1,200-square-foot cottage bungalow with two bedrooms and a single full bathroom. Designer Shavonda Gardner shares candid … Read more

We’re sharing behind-the-scenes details from our recent photo shoot with the BHG team for Do It Yourself magazine and Kitchen + Bath Makeovers. The stars of the feature were our newly transformed nursery and our recently renovated bathroom. The day was a blur of prepping, propping, shooting, eating, quiet high-fives (mostly between John and me), … Read more

A few weeks ago we loaded the car and drove over rivers and through the woods to visit my 89-year-old grandmother in Huntington, WV. The weekend was mostly about eating and holding the newest family member—my cousin Erin’s two-month-old son, Finn—but we also squeezed in a few little outings that were too fun not to … Read more

They look like Brangelina—so stunning it feels almost unfair. The cabinet installation made major progress today. Our installer has finished everything except a reversed corner cabinet that needed to be reordered; he’ll also install the baseboard once that cabinet arrives. He mounted the microwave, hung all the cabinet doors, installed the brushed-nickel hardware, and added … Read more

Even though it’s been a full year since you were finally completed, we still appreciate you just as much as we did on day one — yes, even after those four challenging months of living on fast food. A few thank-yous are in order. Thank you for being the centerpiece of our home. You’re beautiful … Read more