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

First, we’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of kindness and support you showed our family yesterday. Your encouraging words and shared stories mean a lot. Now let’s shift to something lighter: a long-overdue photo tour of our yard, inspired by Katie B’s outdoor tour. You’ve already seen a few glimpses: our carport/driveway, the “alley,” and … Read more

All aboard! (Can I get a choo choo?) As promised in our Instagram and Facebook preview, here’s the story of how we built a train board for Clara. Why a train board? Clara is completely obsessed with the large fixed track display at Barnes & Noble — a mounted track on a pedestal that draws … Read more

When Alexis sent photos of her stunning kitchen makeover, we were thrilled. Here’s the note she shared with us: I love your blog and read it daily. My husband and I bought our house a year ago and are slowly redoing every room. You’re a huge inspiration. I wanted to share our kitchen before and … Read more

Inspiration is everywhere. While John and I were waiting for a friend at the spa (yes, we were that casual—hanging out in the lobby without getting a massage), I couldn’t resist photographing some beautiful packaging and its striking color combinations. I admit I took pictures of soap and candle displays, but it was all in … Read more