How to Paint a Refrigerator Using Appliance Paint

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So yes — our refrigerator is white now. It’s not a new appliance; it’s the same almond-colored fridge we’ve had for years, refreshed with appliance epoxy so it would coordinate better with our white cabinets. After dozens of readers praised appliance paint in a previous post, we decided to test it ourselves. I was skeptical … Read more

How to Install a Stair Runner: Step-by-Step Instructions

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Installing a stair runner yourself may sound intimidating, but it’s straightforward — we’ve done it multiple times and even demonstrated it on live TV. Follow this step-by-step guide, including our simple trick to ensure your rug is the perfect size for your stairs. Adding a runner to your stairs is more than a style choice … Read more

Remove Tile, Mortar, and Metal Mesh from Bathroom Walls

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When we say we’re “tackling a room,” it’s usually a figure of speech, but this time it was nearly literal: a big bathroom demolition weekend. Before we could bring in the new finishes, we had to take everything old out. Once we removed the small items — baskets, shower curtain, mirror, rug — and told … Read more

Episode 59: Home Renovation Rollercoaster That Made Sherry Cry

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The last few weeks of work on our beach house have been intense and anything but smooth. This week we’re sharing the story of three setbacks that happened almost back-to-back: a missed deadline, a mysteriously absent water line to the house, and an unexpected medical scare. Renovations are rarely straightforward, and we’ll be honest about … Read more

Stencil Pillows and Curtain Panels: Step-by-Step Tutorial

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When Dana sent us her simple, budget-friendly stencil project, we had to share it. Below is her note in her own words: I just wanted to pass along a quick and inexpensive project that you inspired! A while back you featured the knot stencil from Sunny’s Goodtime Paints in a mood board and I immediately … Read more

Home Design Magazines We Love

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Recently we’ve had dozens of requests to share our favorite remaining shelter magazines. After the steady loss of beloved glossies such as Domino, Cottage Living, Country Home, InStyle Home and O at Home, many readers have asked which publications we still rely on for fresh ideas and inspiration. Below is a curated list of the … Read more

How to Grout White Subway Tile Like a Pro

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After my tile-laying extravaganza, the remaining tasks—grouting and sealing—seemed small by comparison. I had taken the entire week between Christmas and New Year’s off and planned several days to finish them, yet I found myself dreading the grouting. My dad called it “the pits,” and friends admitted it was the hardest part of tiling for … Read more

Family Weekend in New Orleans: Kid-Friendly Things to Do

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After sharing our guides for Charleston with kids and Palm Springs with kids, we received a lot of requests for more family travel ideas. So here’s a recap of our three-night trip to New Orleans. It was our first visit to the Big Easy, and we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly the city is—there’s … Read more

200 Male Dog Names and Practical Naming Tips

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Back in 2006 we named our first dog Hamburger — aka Burger — when he was a tiny puppy. That moment sparked a long-running obsession with creative pet names. Over the years I’ve worked as a product namer, offered to name babies and pets for friends, and compiled lists of favorites like 200 Girl Dog … Read more

Romantic Keepsakes: How to Display Chopsticks and Mementos

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We enjoy sharing small household traditions because they’re an easy, inexpensive way to celebrate special dates and give your home a more personal, meaningful feel. Simple projects can turn everyday memories into visible keepsakes. For example, we once created vacation jars to hold little souvenirs and ticket stubs, a tidy way to display the highlights … Read more