I spray painted chairs. Upholstered chairs. Yes, it sounds strange, and I’ll be the first to admit it wasn’t the most conventional choice. But when you’re a determined homeowner with eight mismatched chairs and a limited budget, unconventional solutions start to look appealing. Last March we picked up a set of chairs from Craigslist that … Read more

Join Us for a Closet Clear-Out: Tackle Your Clutter This Weekend We’re bringing back a long-dormant two-post tradition: inviting readers to take on a home project alongside us. Last time we cleaned out our garages, and this round we’re focused on closets. Whether you call it nesting, an early spring cleaning urge, or simply a … Read more

Remember when we cut four Ikea curtain panels we loved in half to make eight for our living room? That was a happy accident—those panels were discontinued, so we doubled them to get the height and fullness we wanted. If you want the original backstory, there’s a link in the old post, but here’s the … Read more

Q: Hey guys! What’s your opinion on mixing metal finishes in a room? Thanks! – Shelly A: Go for it. A room that’s perfectly matchy-matchy can feel flat; mixing metal finishes—when done intentionally—adds depth, interest, and a layered, curated look. The key is to be deliberate so the combination reads as thoughtful, not haphazard. Here’s … Read more

We originally planned this to be the final chapter of our basement makeover, but since we completed two separate DIY projects—a custom screen to hide our unattractive water heater and a window-frosting solution for full privacy while still letting light in—we decided to split the content into two posts. This one covers the simple, inexpensive … Read more

This is a heartwarming DIY story about turning an extra pillowcase, some fabric paint, and a simple metal grate into a one-of-a-kind home accessory. If you enjoy easy, budget-friendly craft projects, this stencil-and-stamp technique offers a fun way to refresh pillows, runners, or napkins with minimal supplies. I always seem to accumulate extra pillowcases. We … Read more

Since I shared that post about Clara’s clothes, I’ve had a surprising number of requests to explain how I save money on my own wardrobe, what my go-to pieces are, and how I avoid blowing through my “momdrobe.” I’m no fashionista — that thought makes me laugh — but I do enjoy finding good deals. … Read more

This week we’re sharing a small but powerful kitchen change that made daily routines far more efficient — we’re honestly a little surprised we didn’t do it sooner. We also have an update on the recent appliance delivery snafu, plus three practical tips for book lovers who want their books to actually live on their … Read more

Budget Kitchen Remodel: How Jessica Transformed Her Kitchen for Under $10,000 Jessica completed an impressive full kitchen renovation for under $10,000. She and her husband gutted the space and replaced appliances, cabinets, countertops, flooring, and finishes — all in roughly six weeks. That scope of work on a tight budget is rare, and the results … Read more

Join Us for a Kitchen Cabinet Makeover: Simple Steps to Better Pantry Organization We’re back with another two-post feature inviting you to tackle a home project alongside us. Previously we cleaned out our garage and reorganized unruly closets. This time we’re focusing on one of the most common trouble spots in a kitchen: the cabinets. … Read more