The first rule of the thrift club is simple: when you spot a pair of something, grab them both. There are exceptions—I’ve walked away from a pair of neon monkey lamps and still regret it—but when the finds are right, they’re worth rescuing. These two vintage mirrors weren’t an exact match, but their sizes and … Read more

The “magic formula” for mixing and matching throw pillows like an interior decorator + the best resources for buying them. It’s been a while since I shared a post in the Simplified Decorating series. Every so often I like to take a single decorating topic and break it down so the process feels simple and … Read more

How to Fake Ironstone from Thrift Store Finds If you love the classic, clean look of ironstone but don’t want to pay vintage prices, here’s an easy and budget-friendly trick: spray paint. It’s quick, simple, and gives thrifted ceramic pitchers and other pieces the timeless white finish that looks right at home in farmhouse, cottage, … Read more

How a small, oddly laid out breakfast nook entryway got a makeover to maximize storage, function, traffic flow, and modern style. Third time was the charm for our breakfast nook. This tiny, awkwardly configured space had been a challenge since we moved in: lots of foot traffic, limited square footage, and the need to serve … Read more

Our 2021 Holiday Housewalk home tour with classic Christmas décor ideas you can recreate for a timeless, nostalgic holiday. Rug | Garland | Ribbon | Frames | Mirror | Lamp | Light Fixture Holiday Housewalk is here, and our home is filled with classic Christmas touches that bring out warm, nostalgic feelings. Over the years … Read more

A colorful rec room makeover with generous storage, dedicated craft and homework zones, play areas, and entertainment for toddlers through teens. We did it — the Carney family rec room makeover is complete! This space quickly became one of our favorite projects. It’s playful without being juvenile, full of durable finishes, and designed to serve … Read more

I finally fixed the foyer cabinet. I don’t know why I hadn’t considered this makeover sooner, but once I applied the gel stain, it was obvious the piece was meant to be this deep, rich color all along. That bright, orange-toned finish it had before simply didn’t suit the cabinet’s carved details or the rest … Read more

Modern + Traditional + Farmhouse: Summer Living Room Ideas for a Light, Airy, Budget-Friendly Space One small change often sparks another. A new rug in our living room set me off on a little seasonal refresh—nothing full-scale, just a few swaps that made the whole space feel fresher and more relaxed for summer. I didn’t … Read more

If you’ve been following along with me on Instagram stories, you probably already know we’ve been painting—quite a lot—since planning the paint scheme for this new house. Choosing paint colors can feel like a fresh start: you imagine new possibilities, test different personalities for your rooms, and then settle on a version that feels like … Read more

I’m a sentimental person—there, I admitted it. If you’ve read this blog before, you probably already know that about me. I tear up at heartwarming commercials, keep concert ticket stubs for far longer than practical, and decorate my home with heirlooms like old suitcases and my grandparents’ sewing machine. Those pieces mean more to me … Read more