The project I’ve wanted to complete for years is finally finished. Our federal colonial house deserved a fireplace that matched its architecture, so we gave the simple mantel a traditional molding makeover—just in time for the holidays. The original mantel was perfectly serviceable, but after eight years it needed a fresh coat of paint. We … Read more

A complete kitchen tour with before-and-after organization ideas, practical tips, and simple strategies to make your kitchen more functional and clutter-free. I love a good before-and-after—and this post includes twelve of them. If you’ve been following my recent decluttering efforts, you know I’ve been tackling a whole-house organization overhaul, and the kitchen was high on … Read more

How to host an unforgettable bonfire party: practical tips for food, drinks, seating, lighting, safety, and games to create a cozy, memorable night with friends and family. There’s something special about gathering around a fire on a cool evening. Whether you call it a bonfire or a campfire, these gatherings are relaxed, low-prep, and perfect … Read more

I can never leave things alone—if something can be improved, I’ll find a way. That’s the short version of this post. If you remember, I recently updated some white plastic mirrors with Rub ’n Buff and couldn’t stop there. That makeover sparked the urge to Rub ’n Buff everything in sight, and the new light … Read more

8 straightforward steps to remove the guesswork from building affordable board and batten wainscoting — a quick way to add character and lasting detail to plain walls. Remember the children’s book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie — the one where one small favor leads to a long chain of requests? The DIY version … Read more

A curated list of the 9 best blue-gray paint colors designers recommend, with ideas for the best rooms to use them. After a busy day, few things restore calm like a thoughtfully designed, soothing space. Blue-gray paint is one of the simplest ways to create that peaceful, restorative atmosphere at home. Finding the right blue-gray, … Read more

Hi friends! Have you ever seen a designer light fixture and thought, “I could recreate that for a fraction of the cost”? While hunting for dining room inspiration I had one of those moments and ended up making a rope-wrapped chandelier that captures the look of a high-end Restoration Hardware French Empire Rope Chandelier (a … Read more

An orange wood thrifted dresser gets a French blue makeover using Fusion Mineral Paint in Champness and Homestead House Wax in Espresso. Before I dive back into more updates on the guest bedroom makeover, I have to stop and say a huge thank you to everyone who sent encouragement on Facebook and Instagram after we … Read more

10 vintage style light switch covers for all budgets to swap with your new plastic wall plates to give your home character and charm. I recently read a comment on a post about antique mural wallpaper that made me smile: “Looks great! Now you just need to change that old light switch cover!” In a … Read more

A few days ago, the tricky subject of recliners came up in the Bless’er House Budget Decorating Group. (If you want some awesome home ideas, personal decorating help in your house, and a place where you can ask free design questions, you can join the group here.) Why Finding a Pretty Recliner Is So Hard … Read more