Last week we shared our DIY flower mobiles but intentionally didn’t show the entire wall because it looked a little unbalanced. To refresh your memory, here’s how that wall looked before the mobile project: it was, in a word, dull. We always planned to hang a mobile above the changing pad, which would leave the … Read more

Before we left our second house for the final time, we took this picture of Clara in the room where she woke up on each of her first three birthdays. This contrasts strongly with the photo we took on the day we moved in back in 2010. How quickly they grow up.

I’ve been obsessed with round mirrors lately. With so many rectangles and squares in a typical room — windows, doors, beams, beds, cribs, fireplaces — adding a curved shape feels like a refreshing contrast that softens all those right angles. We picked this one up at Hobby Lobby during a sale — 50% off all … Read more

*** This giveaway is no longer accepting entries – scroll down to see who won!*** We all dream of windows that open onto spectacular scenery, but the reality is often less glamorous: a view of a neighbor’s fence, harsh glare, or an awkward glimpse into someone’s apartment. That’s when quality window coverings make all the … Read more

When a crafty reader sent in her budget-friendly rug makeover, we were excited to share it. This ten-dollar transformation is a perfect example of how simple materials and a little creativity can produce a high-impact result. Here’s the note she sent: I’m a loyal reader of your blog and love your aesthetic. I wanted to … Read more

We’re often asked “to DIY or not to DIY?” so we decided to walk through our thought process using our new French doors that lead to the deck as an example. They turned out great, so we thought they’d make a helpful case study for how we decide when to hire a pro and when … Read more

When Jamie and Carmen sent in their delightful table-and-chair makeover, we were excited to share their bright, fresh redo. Here’s the note they sent: Hello Sherry and John! My mom and I always find inspiration on your blog (I purchased the Target chair after seeing it in your living room and have used your paint … Read more

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! We’re celebrating with Burger, Clara, each other, and a photography crew in our house for the third week running. There’s a twist today: we’re all trying not to be sick. Poor Clara was ill on Saturday into Sunday, and now it looks like John and I might have picked up the … Read more

Every year people ask for theme ideas from my family’s annual Christmas gift exchange. We first mentioned this tradition on a podcast episode in 2016, and nearly a decade later we’ve updated and collected the full list here for easy reference. If your household is stuck or overwhelmed with holiday shopping, a theme can simplify … Read more

From the beginning—well before we knew we were expecting a baby girl—I pictured the nursery with pear-green walls and a soft aqua ceiling. Saying “green walls with a blue ceiling” can sometimes trigger images of chaotic design, so my husband needed to see the colors before he was convinced. Quick tip: most people respond best … Read more