Many readers have asked for tips to make installing IKEA kitchen cabinets smoother. After installing three kitchens in just over a year and a half, we learned a lot that can save time, reduce frustration, and produce a better result. Below are 20 essential tools and practical tips that make a big difference during an … Read more

A few dozen people recently dug up this old photo of our former dining room (which is now the third bedroom) from our archives and wanted to know what was on the walls. We’re here to settle the curiosity. Did the post title give it away? Yes — it was chalk. Let’s take a closer … Read more

We’re sharing the full recap of the basement makeover that turned a damp, bug-filled storage space into a clean, functional room for organized storage. To start, here’s a reminder of the original gloomy, jail-cell-like basement we began with: It was unpleasant. Although the exterior drainage and grading were in place, water still wicked through the … Read more

Did Christmas arrive early? Not quite — but our annual gift guides are back (just a little ahead of schedule). Below you’ll find our three favorite categories gathered into one post: Gift Ideas for Grown-Ups Gift Ideas for Kids Gift Ideas Under $12.99 Nothing here was sponsored or received as a freebie to be included. … Read more

Two weeks ago, when John shared a post about times we made bad painting decisions, many readers asked for a follow-up showing color comparisons. They wanted side-by-side swatches to help identify gray or brown undertones and to see how muddier versions of colors read in larger areas. “I have a hard time picking colors because … Read more

If you saw our before-and-after post about the beach duplex demo, you know we’ve got big plans for the duplex’s floor plan. We want to make the most of the existing footprint — and add a little extra — so each side can sleep more guests, offer more bathrooms, and generally feel more open and … Read more

Our desire to paint the exterior of our brick house white has been growing, but we still have some reservations. In this post we explore the pros and cons we’ve been debating for years, share a few new insights we recently learned, and ask for your opinion—what would you do if this were your house? … Read more

Q: Dear John (no it’s not a Dear John letter) and Sherry. I’m begging you (on bare knees in front of laptop now) to write a post that teaches the following: HOW… HOW, I beg you, do you find the motivation and… ENERGY to take on such things after work?! Or even a whole weekend … Read more

Earlier this month we shared the front porch makeover of the duplex, and today we’re back to reveal the transformation of the backside. You’ll now see the beloved diamond doors in all their glory, along with the small metal awnings we added, new back steps, and completed outdoor shower stalls (hidden beneath an extended metal … Read more

One of the things we love about the home and DIY community is that great money-saving stories surface at every budget level. Whether people salvage materials, hunt for bargains, negotiate with contractors, or simply tackle projects themselves, there are inspiring examples of creativity and thrift. With that in mind, we’ll periodically share practical budget-saving tips … Read more