How to Upcycle a Sunburst Mirror into a Stunning Light Fixture

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How to combine a basic flush mount light and a sunburst mirror to make a custom designer dupe DIY light fixture We turned an ordinary sunburst mirror into an eye-catching ceiling light for our playroom — a simple, budget-friendly way to get a designer look without the designer price. By pairing a basic flush mount … Read more

8 Side Yard Play Area Ideas and Trampoline Decor Tips

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In all the years we’ve lived in this house, I’ve rarely shared the side yard play area. After Robert and I moved a trampoline into the corner of our fence for the kids a year and a half ago, the space slowly fell into semi-disarray. The trampoline, worn pad, and mud underfoot made the area … Read more

Transform an IKEA Dresser with Burl Wood Contact Paper

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Create a high-end burl wood look on a plain dresser with this easy IKEA dresser hack using burl wood contact paper—for about $30. Last week we began a room makeover in a shared bedroom for three pre-teen girls at our neighbors’ house. The design direction is beachy and vintage with a refined, slightly rustic vibe. … Read more

6 DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas That Cost Almost Nothing

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Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee! We spent the weekend visiting my husband’s family for an early Christmas, so my usual holiday spirit is running on high. I’m even blogging from the road, with our toddler singing her own version of Jingle Bells from the backseat. Since I already shared a full Holiday Home Tour of our … Read more

Jute Rug Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

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A totally honest review with the pros and cons for what to know before buying jute rugs along with where to buy them on a budget. Affiliate links may be used in posts for convenience. For full disclosure, see my website. My husband jokes about my rug obsession. He teases that when we move someday … Read more

How to Set an Elegant Dinner Table for Any Occasion

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This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. A quick guide to creating a simple, elegant dinner table setting for any occasion or holiday, with tips to make inexpensive table decor look upscale. We aren’t a set-the-table-every-day kind of family—most days look a lot more like cereal on the couch than a … Read more

How to Refinish a Footed Grasscloth Buffet

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How we transformed a bulky thrifted piece of furniture into a chic modern-glam buffet with brass spray paint, new hardware, and removable grasscloth wallpaper It always starts the same way: a classic thrifted furniture makeover, the Cinderella story of DIY. I’m a total sucker for an underdog piece—solid bones, nothing fancy, but full of potential. … Read more

How to Make Cutting Boards from Scrap Wood

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How to make your own cutting boards using scrap wood you already have in your stash to repurpose in your kitchen or give away as homemade gifts. We love putting leftovers to good use—whether it’s paint, project offcuts, or last night’s dinner. One resource that always seems to accumulate at our house is scrap wood. … Read more

Add Dust Corners to Your Stairs for Cleaner, Safer Steps

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. (full disclosure) We’ve been slowly—sometimes at a snail’s pace—bringing character back to our home. Over time I’ve learned that the smallest details often make a house feel like it has history. Those little hardware touches, the finishes that hint at age, and the unexpected accents are … Read more

DIY Oversized Magnetic Wall Art and Memo Board

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Turn a magnetic memo board into oversized, vintage-style wall art for an office or entryway with this simple DIY tutorial. I’m not sure whether disguising a memo board as framed art is entirely new, but it’s certainly a beautiful and practical idea. While planning the conference room design at The Cottage, I wanted large-scale wall … Read more