A DIY tutorial on building a realistic oversized faux fireplace using a thrifted mantel When we moved into our cookie-cutter, builder-grade house seven months ago, we immediately wanted a fireplace. We arrived a week before Christmas with nowhere to hang stockings, so a mantel quickly became a priority. A professionally installed fireplace would have cost … Read more

By far, the question I’m asked most often is whether we like our IKEA Farlov sofa. I get it — a couch that looks like a designer piece, has a removable slipcover that survives kids and pets, and costs around $700 sounds almost too good to be true. This is an honest, first-hand review after … Read more

Faux Bone Inlay Nesting Tables Makeover: A Thrift Store DIY Last November I hit the jackpot at a local thrift shop — the kind of haul that comes from holiday purges when people are clearing space for guests and decorations. If you like thrifting, remember this tip: the best finds often appear right before or … Read more

A tiny powder room transformed into a bright, fresh California Casual space with budget-friendly finds and simple DIY shiplap. I’m so excited to share this little powder room makeover we completed for a friend. It started as a dated, gold-toned space and now feels airy, calm, and distinctly California Casual—done on a modest budget and … Read more

How to score deep discounts with warehouse deals and liquidation sales with online “scratch and dent” shopping. There’s something about having guests scheduled that suddenly makes every home project more urgent. Tasks you’ve been putting off—painting touch-ups, swapping light bulbs, fluffing pillows—move to the top of the list. The bonus: you actually get to enjoy … Read more

How to clean outdoor cushions and patio furniture quickly in 5 simple steps using just one common pantry ingredient. When spring arrives, the weather tempts you outside—but those grimy cushions and stained patio pieces can keep you from enjoying the season. Thankfully, you don’t need expensive cleaners or complicated routines to bring outdoor fabrics back … Read more

Today’s update combines three projects into one room refresh—so yes, it’s a 3-in-1 reveal, and we’re celebrating the results. What began as a dark, generic builder-grade foyer is now a bright, welcoming modern farmhouse entry that finally feels like us. When we moved into our cookie-cutter house in 2013, the foyer never quite felt finished. … Read more

A step-by-step tutorial: How to hang an unpasted mural inside picture frame molding for a whimsical, classic look As part of our “Mission: Big Girl Room,” we added a delicate chinoiserie wallpaper mural that instantly brightened the space. The result exceeded my expectations — and so far, Regan loves her new bedroom. Before Regan was … Read more

Did you see the Martha Stewart documentary recently? It reminded me of something I already knew deep down and that has stayed with me all week: a beautiful home won’t bring contentment if it costs you everything else. Chasing perfection and collecting more things won’t replace time, rest, or meaningful moments with family. You can … Read more

Yay! I’m back! I loved handing the blog over to Heather, Erica, Karen, and Erin last week while I took a short break, but it feels great to be back in the DIY saddle and share what I’ve been working on behind the scenes. If you received jewelry for Valentine’s Day (or treated yourself to … Read more