The guest bathroom turned out so much cuter with just a few simple changes. That small space proves that even rooms that feel stuck can look fresh with inexpensive updates: new paint, a window treatment, some art, and a few mixed-and-matched accessories. Instead of removing the vintage yellow tile and the scrabble-board floor, we embraced … Read more

That’s right—I even used the word dastardly. We should have been working on our office cabinets, but that’s a much bigger job (one weekend, maybe two). Instead I finally tackled the rocker that’s been giving me the stink eye since November, even before we moved. Quick recap: I scored it on Craigslist for $25 because … Read more

Updated 2018, Originally Posted 2009 We get a lot of questions about edging, cutting in, and trim painting, so we wanted to share our go-to tool: a short-handled, 2-inch angled brush made by Wooster. With this brush and a little practice you can paint clean, straight lines without relying on painter’s tape. Best Cutting-In Brush … Read more

Ever wondered if you could install your own kitchen backsplash? It’s easier and more affordable than many expect. Here’s how we added a classic white subway tile backsplash in my aunt’s kitchen using budget-friendly tile sheets. The project took two half-days to complete and cost roughly $200. Why Add a Kitchen Backsplash? When we renovated … Read more

We can officially call this one finished. Sherry ceremonially stuck an oversized faux clam shell on top, but the important part is the fireplace makeover is done. To recap: we planned the refacing, added marble subway tile, and built out a tailored surround. Reminder: fireplace code varies by location and by whether a fireplace is … Read more

Other than this older post about creating a wrapping paper station in our third bedroom, we haven’t talked much about organizing the countless supplies that accumulate in a craft room. The approach below is written with craft rooms in mind, but the method works for any organizing project in your home—from a linen closet to … Read more

Thank you so much for the amazing response to our little announcement this morning — we truly appreciate you all. We won’t make 2,013 resolutions, but here are five goals we’re announcing for the year. Every year we share our resolutions publicly to help keep ourselves accountable (you can see past years if you’re curious). … Read more

Want a full tour of our newly renovated kitchen in 4,390 words or less? Pull up a chair and grab a sparkling water—here’s the story, with plenty of after photos and the reasoning behind our material choices. First, a few before-and-after shots. This was the view from the living room before, when the kitchen was … Read more

This week we’re responding to an article arguing that open floor plans are outdated. We’ve removed walls and widened doorways in each of our three homes to create better flow and a more open feel, but there are valid reasons why an open plan isn’t always the best choice. Below we outline the pros and … Read more

John and I were both staring at a stack of Martha Stewart paint swatches when the same idea hit us: why not use them to freshen up the postcard wall in our office? That wall is one of our favorite features because it’s so easy to change—art and accents can be swapped out whenever we … Read more