This week we discuss when it makes sense to undo a personal change you made to your house that might turn off potential buyers—and when you should leave it be. We also dig into how store return policies are evolving. The ability to return decor that doesn’t meet expectations is a big comfort for online … Read more

When we removed the old cabinets on Wednesday, we discovered a small time capsule. Stuck beneath fifty-year-old cabinetry were several faded papers and coupons — not glamorous, but fascinating glimpses of everyday life decades ago. Here’s a list of what turned up: Coupon for 5¢ off two bars of Princess Dial soap (described as “the … Read more

Can you believe we’ve been blogging for five years? It feels surreal. It seems like yesterday we put up a simple page with a bold blue background so friends and family could follow our first kitchen makeover in our very first home. For our fifth anniversary we imagined a parade of homeowners waving hammers and … Read more

On Sunday we took Clara on a little weekend adventure. One of our stops was a butterfly exhibit filled with live butterflies fluttering about: Thanks to a handout we picked up at the exhibit, I was able to create a new framed piece for our built-ins as soon as we got home: Before anyone worries: … Read more

Here’s the washer and dryer update you’ve all been asking for. Yesterday our front-loading set arrived — they turned out to be floor models because Lowe’s accidentally sold the units we had originally purchased — but they arrived in near-perfect condition. The dryer is flawless, and the washer has only a tiny scratch on the … Read more

Spring has arrived, evident in our blooming azaleas and, admittedly, my recurring seasonal allergies. With the sunny season in full swing, I decided to give a couple of side tables in our sunroom a quick, cheerful refresh. Here’s one of the tables before the update: And here’s the brighter, more spring-like after. The sea fan … Read more

Late last week we finally began installing our hardwood floors at the new house. We’re doing the work ourselves, and while progress is steady it’s also time-consuming — not ideal when you’re short on time. We’re scheduled to move in this weekend and hope to finish four bedrooms and a long hallway before then. Once … Read more

We had an “a-ha” moment while on spring break that triggered a massive, whole-house purge — including a mountain of toys — and it produced a surprisingly positive reaction from our kids. This week we explain what inspired the change and how it’s reshaping our approach to possessions and family life. We also share how … Read more

Never heard of Ocean Springs, Mississippi? Neither had we until it started appearing on lists like Southern Living’s 15 Most Adorable Small Towns and USA Today’s 10 Best Coastal Small Towns, where it ranked at the top. A few months ago our family decided to visit, and it did not disappoint. We almost stopped here … Read more

When we first learned about Ansel and Peter’s newly opened design studio, Marvin Lang, we had to visit and photograph their modern masterpiece. The pair transformed a late 19th-century garage into a vibrant studio while preserving and celebrating as many original rustic and industrial details as possible. Beyond the custom double doors is a welcoming … Read more