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

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

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

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

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

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

We’re working on a few projects this morning, but in the meantime we thought we’d share a quick, make-the-most-of-what-you-have idea. Several people have asked where the armless loveseat in our living room came from. It isn’t a single piece of furniture but two of our old, inexpensive Dolce chairs pushed together, with two Ikea faux … Read more

As if the blue and mauve trim inside the house weren’t enough, the exterior trim needed attention too. When we bought this house we knew there were four major issues to address: the roof and furnace, several damaged trees, and significant rot in the siding and trim that required replacement and a full repaint. We … Read more

Even though spring is still a few months away, Sara’s before-and-after photos brought a burst of sunshine. Here’s the letter she sent in: I’ve been following your blog for years, and I have a big Reader Redesign to share. My fiancé and I bought our house last summer and have been fixing it up gradually. … Read more

Anyone living in a smaller home knows how transformative smart storage can be when it’s done well — and how frustrating it is when it isn’t. No matter your square footage, easy access and sensible placement are the goals. After downsizing from a 3,150 sq. ft. house to a 1,400 sq. ft. home, we had … Read more