Throwing a Memorable First Birthday Party for Our Daughter

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We celebrated Clara’s first birthday like it was 1999. The party was a blast and—thanks to your collective anti-rain vibes—the weather even cleared up. Everyone’s virtually invited, so here’s a look at how the living room and the rest of the house were decked out. I made a fabric flag banner for Clara minutes before … Read more

Refinish a Wooden Table: Step-by-Step Guide for Smooth Results

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Who wants to refinish a table? If that’s you, great — we refinished two dining tables using elbow grease, no chemical strippers, and plenty of sanding. It’s a reminder that you can revive thrifted or handed-down furniture with a little time and the right approach. Why Refinish a Table? We needed two dining tables for … Read more

Create a Fun Arts & Crafts Room for Kids: Design Ideas and Tips

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Some of you might remember that back in January Sherry mentioned picking up these wood chairs from Target for “a side project we’re working on that we’ll share after we complete the bathroom.” The bathroom took longer than expected (you can see the finished product & full budget breakdown here), and along the way this … Read more

DIY Garden Trellis: Step-by-Step Guide to Build Your Own

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Behold our DIY wire trellis—something I’ve wanted to build for years, and I’m thrilled with the result. With just basic tools, wire, hooks and a climbing plant, you can create a clean, modern trellis that transforms a plain wall. A little planning goes a long way, so here’s a clear guide to help you make … Read more

Transform Your Guest Room for $300: Stylish Budget Makeover

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Shannon’s recent guest room update feels relatable—especially to Sherry—because she completed a budget-friendly makeover while eight and a half months pregnant. She transformed an awkward, slanted attic-style room over the garage into a warm, welcoming space for visitors without a major renovation. Here’s how she did it: I wanted the room to feel cozy and … Read more

Living in R. Home: A Complete Guide to Our House and Neighborhood

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We were excited to be featured in the latest issue of R. Home magazine, the popular home & garden sister publication of our hometown’s Richmond Magazine. The July/August issue arrived after several weeks of anticipation. The magazine contacted us in April to request an interview and a professional photoshoot, so we’ve been looking forward to … Read more

Showhaus Giveaway: Get a Free Showroom Piece Delivered to Your Home

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As John mentioned in yesterday’s post, we partnered with Arhaus to offer one lucky reader the complete Wyatt Outdoor Collection, valued at $4,500. The set includes the matching sofa, ottoman, and swivel chair used to style the front porch of our showhouse. Each piece is hand-painted to mimic weathered wicker, built on a sturdy yet … Read more

Inside the World’s Most Expensive Toilet: Luxury Bathroom Tours

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Yup, it’s a rare Sunday post — we have an exciting bathroom update to share. We’ve previously praised affordable American Standard toilets, but we’re eating those words. Why? Because we just came across a toilet that blew us away. Think Jake Gyllenhaal-level charisma: sleek, high-end, and hard to beat. Feast your eyes on this showstopper: … Read more

9 Festive Holiday Decorating Ideas to Try This Season

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Here are a few simple, budget-friendly ways we added seasonal charm to our home without spending much. My little concrete greyhound — a surprise Valentine’s gift from John — got a festive touch: a recycled ribbon from last year looks perfectly chic tied around his neck and adds instant holiday sparkle. Our glass-base lamps are … Read more

Macklemore Thrift Shop Challenge: Vintage Finds & Style Tips

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The day has finally come — it’s thrift-shopping time! We created this “Challenge” last Friday as an excuse to hit the thrift stores together (virtually) and show off our finds. There was also a playful scavenger-hunt twist. Like our Pinterest Challenges, anyone who wants to share their thrifted treasures can add a link at the … Read more