Laura’s lamp makeover really brightened things up. It’s impressive what a fresh coat of spray paint can achieve. Here’s the note she sent: I wanted to share this quick DIY I finished last Friday after getting out of work early. I found a lamp at the Salvation Army in Alexandria, VA, and stopped at Home … Read more

You may remember that in April, when Sherry was still expecting, we had some visitors drop by Clara’s nursery—one of them carrying a large camera. The photos from that double-duty shoot for Do It Yourself magazine and Kitchen + Bath Makeovers have finally been released. The images that ran in Do It Yourself are out … Read more

Lately I’ve been noticing glass-front cabinets with a fresh twist: the backs of the cabinets get a little extra attention. Sometimes they’re papered with pattern, sometimes lined with beadboard, occasionally upholstered, and often simply painted. After living with our own glass-front cabinet for a while, we decided to try the look ourselves. In about two … Read more

Anyone who knows me is usually surprised to learn that I now have—and sleep next to—an actual cat. I can hardly believe it myself. I’ve had a lifelong cat allergy that I’d describe as fairly severe; once, while pregnant, it almost sent me to the emergency room. Yet today we have an indoor cat and, … Read more

John and I have realized that our Florida road trip has given us an unexpected new perspective on houses. We’ve been loving the new place—nearly two months after moving I still find myself going up the stairs and whispering, “duuuuude, we have a second floor”—and with every wall we de-wallpaper and paint we feel more … Read more

#FAIL I wish that hashtag referred to a cheeky internet meme, but this time it describes our deck footing inspection. We scheduled the inspector to check the six holes we dug for footings, assuming he’d only verify the locations, widths, and depths. Simple, right? We even went a bit further and attached some ledger boards … Read more

This being our second time through the baby phase, we feel a bit wiser and more prepared. We can keep the things that worked well with Clara and make small improvements where newborn items or routines need tweaking. Every child is different, so some things that worked before may not this time — we’re ready … Read more

When Sherry made mood boards of gifts for kids and women, readers asked for a guys’ gift version. I’m not one to refuse a request, so after some effort I pulled together a dozen picks that would make solid additions to a holiday wish list. They won’t suit every man, but they’re items I’d happily … Read more

The other day I started thinking about how people store their jewelry. I bought a ceramic egg crate from The Container Store about five years ago, and it has been my jewelry box ever since. It’s great for my modest collection — I’m mostly an earring person and usually keep no more than a dozen … Read more

A little bit of us is always envious of a proper entryway in a home, since both of ours open straight into a room. With plans to add board and batten in our hallway someday, we especially love Jenna Sue’s lovely foyer makeover. Here’s her note: We’re in the middle of countless projects at our … Read more