In case all of that turkey and stuffing made you forget, here’s a reminder of what our kitchen looked like after the upper cabinets came down: With the clock ticking on our new countertops (in about two weeks we should finally be sink-less and counter-less no more), we needed to prep the walls for the … Read more

Nope, this isn’t a weight loss post. The “scale” I’m talking about is a too-small, had-it-so-we-used-it bookshelf that we shoved into the guest room a few months back (just days before my mom arrived). It’s teeny tiny and definitely not ideal, but it worked in a pinch. Shortly after we acquired a new (well, very … Read more

***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries*** For those who follow us on social media, you might have seen us mention a recent trip we took to plan this giveaway. We were invited to visit LaDifférence, a spectacular showroom of modern and contemporary home furnishings, and had the chance to select an item to give … Read more

Someone turned three this week, and we’re still grinning about it. To mark the occasion, we continued a little family tradition: letting Clara help design a custom “fabric” for her birthday photos. This year she painted directly onto two yards of white cotton, making a colorful backdrop that’s entirely her own. The result was messy, … Read more

We love looking back at the empty photos of our first house because, as bittersweet as they are, they’re a joyful reminder of how a house becomes a home. The structure is just walls and floors until the people, pets (and yes, the chihuahuas) fill it with life and memories. We took the same approach … Read more

Continuing our cleaning conversation, here’s a practical guide to homemade cleaners that are effective, affordable, and kinder to your family and the planet. When we started trying greener cleaning methods, an expert shared a collection of favorite DIY formulas made from simple, natural ingredients. Below are the essentials and the best recipes to keep your … Read more

Karin is a pet photographer in Minneapolis who, when she isn’t capturing charming portraits of dogs, has created an impressive and thoughtfully designed kitchen. Readers often request non-white kitchen tours, and this one stands out because it is entirely wood. Below is Karin’s letter, which I’ve edited for clarity and paired with some of her … Read more

I mentioned before that I was relieved to be finished with a previous project, but I’m even more relieved that this one is done. Standing on a stepladder, leaning back and reaching up to paint three sides of five beams plus crown molding and quarter round in a huge 25 x 15′ room is not … Read more

Who smells smoke? Don’t panic — that’s just Clara’s dragon party rolling into town (or at least into the internet). Note: your computer can’t actually transmit smoke, so if you smell anything, please check it out. This year’s celebration was more low-key than the last two—her first birthday party and last year’s worm party—and even … Read more

Tiffany made our Labor Day weekend by sending beautiful after photos of her family room makeover, inspired by the globe-trotting moodboard we created for her a few months ago. Before we reveal the full transformation, here’s a quick look at the room before the redesign: Tiffany reached out wanting a cohesive family room that felt … Read more