Since we downsized to our 1,400-square-foot home three and a half years ago (our previous house was over twice that size at 3,150 square feet), we’ve learned that smart storage is essential. Thoughtful storage solutions certainly make small-home living more sustainable and enjoyable, but there are also specific layout choices in our house that help … Read more
By the time we unpacked our shower curtain last week, it had been 48 hours since either of us had showered. Those two days were filled with lifting heavy boxes and hauling furniture, so finally hanging the shower curtain felt like a small victory. What wasn’t a victory was the result we first got: We … Read more
I don’t think anyone could stomach that original mustard of a bedroom after seeing Reader Redesign from Annastazia. First, here’s her note: Hi John and Sherry — I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I’m so envious of both your talent and your ranch home. Stairs and second levels are overrated if you … Read more
We’re still at the beach, but here’s something to excite every DIY enthusiast. TEKTON Tools is offering a “Complete Toolbox Makeover” — a massive collection of their most popular tools valued at over $1,000. The prize package includes 46 different tools and sets, from a sleek fiberglass hammer and a versatile 10-in-1 pocket tool to … Read more
*** This giveaway is now closed – see who won below!*** We loved reading all of your suggested rap names — and we especially enjoyed the number of people who typed “C.LO” instead of “L.CO.” It really does roll off the tongue. Our randomly selected winner is Rebecca (or “Rebizzle,” as her high school nickname … Read more
Occasion: A lazy Saturday morning and an itch for thrifting. Location: Around Richmond, hitting six favorite thrift stores with my husband and our toddler (Burger stayed home to nap). We love a good secondhand hunt, so we set out for some window shopping and treasure seeking. Our first stop was Love of Jesus on Midlothian, … Read more
Experts recommend sealing grout thoroughly after any new tile installation. Even if you sealed grout when your floor, shower surround, or backsplash was new — whether you did it yourself or had it done professionally — you should reapply sealer periodically, typically every six months to a year. It’s not strictly mandatory, but regular resealing … Read more
It surprised us to realize it’s been nearly two years since our last video house tour. We were even more surprised to see how much the house has changed in that time. In our heads we hadn’t done much in Richmond while focusing on the beach house and duplex renovations, but re-watching those 2016 videos … Read more
It’s yard tour time again! Every year we take video and photo tours of our home so we can look back and see how it changes over time. We’ve shared indoor tours before and started an outdoor tour tradition last year, complete with a video of John bush-whacking through the yard. This year we wanted … Read more
Again? Already?! If you’d told me ten months ago that I’d be doing deck work again less than a year later, I would’ve given you a look that said “I’d punch you if I were the punching type.” It’s not that I didn’t enjoy building the deck the first time around — I did — … Read more