Islands are a common feature in many contemporary kitchens, but this week we discuss why they aren’t ideal for everyone — including a downside we discovered in our own kitchen. We also share lessons from tiling a beach house backsplash: preparation, patience, and accepting a little imperfection. John offers a new technique for choosing paint … Read more

Remember when we scored our parsons-style chairs on Craigslist for about $25 each? We always pictured them in a cheerful apple green. After a failed attempt at painting, we accepted that slipcovers or reupholstering were the realistic options. After weighing the pros and cons, we decided slipcovers made the most sense—mainly because we like the … Read more

As we mentioned yesterday, it’s Blogiversary Week — four years already. We’ve shared a “day in the life” before, and this year we recorded a full day from both of our perspectives so you can see what each of us (and even Clara and Burger) are up to at any given time. Similarities: no day … Read more

When we moved to Richmond five years ago, we quickly learned that the phrase “Oh, that’s Richmond for ya” fits almost any small-world coincidence. Despite being a real city, Richmond often feels like a small town where everyone is connected through one or two degrees of separation. So when you discover the girl at your … Read more

We recently received an email from a reader that has stayed with us ever since. Melanie’s experience is heartbreaking but also full of practical lessons. We’re sharing her story in the hope it helps others who may face a similar emergency and to remind those who haven’t had to prepare for such an event what … Read more

As we mentioned in last week’s rug post, our search for a new master bedroom dresser came to an unexpected, happy ending. We’d been trying to replace the old Ikea Malm dresser we’d had for over five years — the one we bought on a moving day from NYC to Richmond — which was headed … Read more

By now you’re probably gathered with family, nibbling gingerbread and opening presents, but we wanted to share the holiday card we created for our nearest and dearest — and since you’re on our virtual mailing list, consider this one for you, too. We wish you a joyful, cozy holiday spent with the people you love. … Read more

Fall is in the air, and this cozy, texture-rich dining room mood board captures everything we love about the season: warm tones, layered materials, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Color palette and walls: The scheme relies on spicy, autumnal colors—deep chocolate browns, chic clementine oranges, soft olive greens, and a range of tans … Read more

After our big kitchen renovation we ended up with a sleek, polished space—but it still felt bare and lacked warmth and personality. We weren’t sure where to begin, so we slowly collected a few affordable items that added character and charm. Here are simple, budget-friendly ways to elevate your kitchen with pretty, functional additions that … Read more

***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries – see who won below!*** According to random.org, our two giveaway winners are… Amy I (who enjoyed a weekend away and a few days at home for a pretend spring break) and DebbieRN (who said she’d go to Sanibel Island). Wouldn’t it be great if grown-ups had their … Read more