We’d been thinking about adding a bookcase to the office/guest room/playroom for a while — they’re great for storage, display, and adding architectural height. After measuring the wall to the left of the off-center window, we headed to Ikea with a scrap of paper in my purse. A few hours later we were back assembling … Read more

I’ve always loved fabric, and when I realized I’d never tried making a roman shade— even a fixed, purely decorative one—I decided it was time. Here’s how I created a faux roman shade that looks finished without functioning hardware. The kitchen window felt bare and begged for fabric. Because it opens into a sunroom and … Read more

We first brought home a pair of white faux wood blinds when we were decorating the nursery — a dark room seemed like the best way to encourage serious naps. For years we’d wanted the same look in our own bedroom. The small window above the bed was never covered, and although it doesn’t get … Read more

We finally made the switch from disposable Swiffer duster pads to reusable microfiber cloths. After a few months of wanting to change but finishing the pads we already owned, we waited until the last one was used and the empty box went into recycling. Once the box was empty, we replaced the disposable pads with … Read more

We’ve now been in our house for six months, and in that time we never properly introduced you to Bart. That’s on us. Bart—aka Black Bart, the woodstove insert—is hard to miss in our kitchen. The previous owners clearly used him a lot, and warned us he tended to make the house smoky and leave … Read more

We believe a fresh coat of paint can dramatically change a room, and this bedroom makeover proves it. The designer behind this transformation has written two books on painting and shares her tips throughout this piece. Here’s Sunny’s account of the project: I’m thrilled to reveal this bedroom makeover. I was asked to update the … Read more

We’re fans of blue porch ceilings — a common and charming feature, especially across the South. We’ve painted the porch ceiling a soft blue in nearly every home we’ve owned. This tradition, often called “haint blue,” carries cultural meaning and practical benefits. Below we explore its origins, why people love it, and suggest popular haint … Read more

After hundreds of messages from readers around the world—from Australia to South Africa—we gathered some of the most delightful and inventive ways people decorate their homes for holidays. From vibrant Diwali rangolis in India to elaborate Nativity scenes in Colombia, listeners shared a wide range of meaningful traditions and surprising gift-bringers (Santa isn’t the only … Read more

You Down With O-R-G? Yeah You Know Me. Yes, that’s a Naughty By Nature nod. O-R-G is shorthand for organizing — something our house desperately needed. To be honest, our home hasn’t been this chaotic since we moved in 16 months ago. I’m not talking about a little dust along the baseboards or streaks on … Read more

I’m not a runner anymore, but I can make one. I ran track and cross country in middle and high school — once I ran a 5:09 mile (thanks to a downhill stretch and weighing about 80 pounds). That was a one-time miracle; my usual miles were closer to 6:20–7:10. Those days are gone now … Read more