You know that movie moment when the awkward girl takes off her glasses, adds a little makeup and suddenly looks transformed? Our deck already ditched its old finish, so it was time for the equivalent of a little makeup — a fresh coat of stain. We weren’t after anything dramatic, just a richer, deeper tone … Read more

Every home has a few awkward design issues, and ours is no different. In honor of our blogiversary week, we promised a behind-the-scenes look, so here’s a candid tour of the quirks we inherited and the simple fixes that made them feel intentional instead of disastrous. House Quirk #1: The window above our bed isn’t … Read more

Ready for more free stuff? Do I even need to ask? This week’s giveaway is sponsored by Shades of Light, a specialty lighting and home decor shop known for its curated selection featured in publications like Cottage Living and Coastal Living. If you live in Richmond, you may have seen their Broad Street location near … Read more

It’s hard to believe this is our second year decorating this house for the holidays — where did the time go? You may have seen a glimpse in our new kitchen door post, but today I’m sharing the full tour. Year Two in this house feels more restrained than last year, but still festive and … Read more

Q: Hello Youngsters. As I read about all the projects you tackle around your house, I find myself wondering whether you have a gigantic toolbox, or if in fact there are just a small handful of tools that you use on a regular basis. Do you have a few essentials you’d recommend to any DIYer? … Read more

When Audrey sent us her sweet nursery makeover, we were excited to share it. Here’s her note: I enjoy reading your blog and wanted to share a before-and-after that has gotten great feedback on my blog. My sister is due in a few months with a baby boy and is on modified bed rest, so … Read more

When Melissa and Ian moved into their new home in Canada they inherited a red bathroom that was, frankly, hard on the eyes. It wasn’t quite a scene out of The Shining, but it needed a complete overhaul. They took on the project themselves and shared the results with us. Here’s their story: Hi John … Read more

“Life should be lived beautifully every single day” is the guiding principle behind the founder of Waiting on Martha, the online boutique offering one lucky reader a $300 shopping credit this week. Curated by Mandy, the shop features an eclectic mix of home decor, entertaining essentials, jewelry, and children’s items—blend of timeless pieces, fun finds, … Read more

The deed is done! Rockport Gray now covers the bedroom and it totally changed the room’s vibe. We love how the thicker crown molding and the trim around the doors and windows pop now that the paint is deeper and more subdued. It’s almost a sleepy shade—cozy and grown-up at the same time. The richer … Read more

Today we’re sharing two recent “treat yourself” moments at our house that didn’t go as planned and what they taught us about when to splurge and when to let things go. One story even involves a bathroom feature we’ve dreamed about for years but are now struggling to justify in everyday use—even though it sounds … Read more