Simple Ways to Automate Everyday Life (Without Rewiring Your Whole House) When we bought our 1960s house, “smart home” felt out of reach—something for new builds with hidden wiring and pricey systems, not for a place with creaky floors and quirky electricals. Over time we discovered that small, targeted upgrades can make an older home … Read more
A shopping guide: 10 affordable white slipcovered sofas, and why they’re a great choice for families with kids and pets A while back I posted my starry-eyed playroom makeover plans and decided I could sew the world’s most fabulous sofa slipcover myself. That plan lasted about two seconds. It turns out I can’t sew myself … Read more
A brutally honest, unbiased review of the York Pottery Barn Sofa and what you should know before you buy one. We’ve lived with our two Pottery Barn sofas for three years. Below is a clear, practical review based on everyday use—how they hold up with kids and pets, what we love, and what we would … Read more
Practical tips and resources for creating elegant, budget-friendly Halloween decor using secondhand vintage pieces and antique-style finds. I’m not a fan of the typical plastic Halloween decorations sold in stores. I prefer a quieter, more refined look—pieces that suggest mystery and age rather than a full-on horror set. One small area of our home that … Read more
Comparing all of the metallic Rub n Buff colors to find the best gold, silver, and copper shades for craft and home projects. Few craft supplies are as useful and convincing as Rub n Buff. Alongside a hot glue gun, it’s one of those go-to materials I reach for whenever I want a realistic metallic … Read more
How to paint ceramic and use spray paint for an ombre effect + a thrifted vase gets an Anthropologie-inspired makeover. If I had a dollar for every time I said, “I found this random thing at the thrift store,” I’d have enough for a serious thrift-shopping spree. I picked up a vase last week that, … Read more
A 5-day free course to simplify decorating and designing, help you find your personal style, and show how to transform your home on a budget. We finally did something big that we’ve been meaning to do for years: we created a completely free, practical email course designed to make decorating and DIY feel simple, doable, … Read more
A thorough checklist to get your outdoor spring cleaning projects on track, plus the products we use to make backyard cleanup easier. This post is sponsored by Lowe’s. Spring is finally here, and with it comes the annual backyard refresh that lets us enjoy warm-weather months outdoors. If outdoor cleanup is on your to-do list, … Read more
Navy blue paint is a timeless classic. Like a perfect pair of blue jeans, navy pairs well with almost any color and suits a wide range of interior styles. Yet choosing the right navy can be challenging. When you want a bold touch that still reads calm and refined, dark blue is a safe choice. … Read more
This post contains affiliate links to help fund more DIY adventures. A few weeks ago I shared ideas for updating our breakfast area and asked for opinions while I hovered over the first brush stroke on our kitchen chairs. Even after all that input, I found myself standing in the kitchen more times than I … Read more