Lights, camera, and a grand recap! March was an exceptionally bustling month for us, brimming with transformative home improvement projects and delightful discoveries. From the satisfying thud of the nail gun echoing through our halls as we tackled crown molding and a fireplace refacing, to the vibrant splash of new paint colors, including an exciting refresh in our kitchen, every week brought a new adventure. We even indulged in a few “geeky” tech upgrades that have made daily life a little more magical. As we reflect on all the milestones we checked off our list, we feel a renewed sense of motivation to make April equally productive and inspiring. For those who love a good throwback, you can dive into superlative recaps from the past two years and beyond right here, neatly organized into 26 handy posts instead of an overwhelming 870! And just to pique your interest, we’ve got a little clue embedded within this recap about something exciting coming your way next week.
Join us as we journey through March’s highlights, celebrating the small victories and significant transformations that make a house truly feel like a home. Each project, big or small, added another layer to our ongoing story of DIY dedication and design evolution.
Most Anticipated: Our Latest Giveaway Revelation
Kicking off the month with a burst of excitement, our Monday giveaway was easily the most colorful event, stirring up anticipation and bright spirits. We love surprising our readers with opportunities to win fantastic items that can add a pop of joy and vibrancy to their own homes. This particular giveaway, hinted at with a tantalizing sneak peek, promised something truly special. The buzz and engagement it generated were a testament to the power of shared excitement and the allure of bringing a little extra color into everyday life. Stay tuned for future opportunities to participate in our vibrant giveaways!
Scariest Achievement: Conquering Crown Molding Across Four Rooms
Without a doubt, the most daunting project we undertook this month was embarking on the installation of crown molding in not one, but four separate rooms. The memory of our first attempt at crown molding, during our kitchen renovation years ago, still sends shivers down our spines. Back then, armed with little more than brute force and a prayer (and no nail gun!), the results were, shall we say, less than perfect. However, thanks to the acquisition of two essential new tools – a precise miter saw and a powerful nail gun – this intimidating task became significantly more manageable and even enjoyable. This newfound ease and our improved skills gave us the confidence to meticulously document the entire process, allowing me to finally write a comprehensive tutorial. We’re thrilled to share our tips and tricks, empowering others to conquer this challenging yet incredibly rewarding home upgrade. The finished crown molding has elevated the aesthetic of each room, adding a classic, polished touch that makes a world of difference.
Most Colorful Selection: Our 2013 Benjamin Moore Paint Picks
Continuing our colorful journey, another highlight was sharing our curated selection of 2013 Benjamin Moore paint picks. This wasn’t just a list of colors; it was a deep dive into the mood and potential of each shade, complete with imaginative ways we dream of incorporating them into future projects. Paint has an incredible power to transform a space, and exploring these hues allowed us to share our vision for creating distinct atmospheres. We’re particularly fond of one specific pairing that we presented and still harbor the hope of bringing it to life in one of our rooms someday. It’s truly inspiring to see how a thoughtful selection of paint can entirely redefine a home’s aesthetic and feel.
Most Overdue Upgrade: Finally Illuminating Our Living Room
There are some home projects that linger on the “to-do” list for far too long, and for us, that was the situation with the three non-functional ceiling fixture boxes in our living room. For what felt like an eternity, these capped boxes served as a constant reminder of unfinished business. This month, we finally took the plunge and hired a skilled electrician to bring light into our lives, quite literally. They expertly converted two of these dormant points into sleek, modern can lights, providing much-needed ambient illumination. The third box was strategically relocated, allowing us to hang a beautiful pendant light directly over our dining table, creating a perfect focal point and enhancing the dining experience. The relief and satisfaction of finally having proper, well-placed lighting in this central living area is immense. It’s amazing how much a well-lit space can improve both functionality and mood.
Most Mixed Up Design: Clara’s Big Girl Room Decor
Our creative energies flowed freely this month as we continued to refine Clara’s big girl room. The playful and eclectic mix of decor in her space became a wonderful source of inspiration, particularly when it came to addressing a common reader question about effectively mixing prints and patterns. Clara’s room perfectly exemplifies how diverse patterns, when thoughtfully combined, can create a cohesive and charming aesthetic rather than a chaotic one. We explored how different textures, scales, and color families can be harmonized to achieve a dynamic yet balanced look. This project not only brought more personality to Clara’s room but also provided valuable insights into pattern mixing that we were excited to share with our community.
Most Hilarious Reaction: The Doorbell Photo that Struck a Chord
Laughter is indeed the best medicine, and this month delivered a particularly hilarious moment. After we published a post about replacing the outdated doorbell and other hallway “eyesores” in our home, one of our readers sent us a photo via Twitter that had us in stitches for days. Our original post featured a picture of our dog, Burger, barking his head off, and this observant reader immediately clued into our sense of humor. Their tweet perfectly captured the spirit of our renovation quirks and the unique charm of living with a vocal canine. It’s always wonderful when our content resonates so deeply with our audience, creating these shared moments of joy and amusement.
Least Gray Paint With The Name Gray In It: Our Kitchen’s Blue Transformation
Sometimes, a paint color defies its name, and that was certainly the case this month as we finally bid farewell to the notoriously difficult-to-photograph “grellow” shade in our kitchen. We embraced change wholeheartedly, opting for Benjamin Moore’s Colorado Gray. Despite its name, this hue presented itself as a beautiful, soothing blue, instantly transforming the heart of our home. The shift from a problematic yellow-gray to this fresh, tranquil blue has had a remarkable impact, making the kitchen feel brighter, cleaner, and much more inviting. This project underscored the importance of testing paint samples in different lighting conditions, as names can often be deceiving. We are absolutely delighted with the serene atmosphere this “gray” paint has created.
Most Likely To Include Superlatives, But Doesn’t: Our 2012 Family Yearbook
This month also marked the exciting arrival of our family yearbook, a cherished compilation designed to commemorate all our adventures and milestones from the previous year. While this post itself doesn’t feature superlatives, the yearbook is a tribute to countless “most memorable” moments. We meticulously documented everything, from significant life events to everyday joys, including a heartfelt list of highlights on the very first page and a vibrant gallery of Instagram photos adorning the back. Creating this physical testament to our shared experiences ensures that the memories of 2012 are beautifully preserved and easily revisited. We were incredibly glad to finally welcome this new addition to our growing stack of family yearbooks, each one a precious time capsule.
Most Arrow-Happy: Devising Our Fireplace Makeover Plan
My artistic side, or perhaps just my enthusiasm for clear communication, took center stage as I became the “most arrow-happy” person this month. This descriptor comes courtesy of a detailed graphic we developed to articulate our ambitious plan for the fireplace refacing project. Utilizing a plethora of arrows, labels, and diagrams, I aimed to break down each step of the renovation, making a complex vision understandable. If looking at this graphic makes your brain spin just a little, rest assured, you’re not alone – it took a fair bit of creative energy to put together! However, having such a clear visual roadmap was invaluable for keeping the project on track and ensuring everyone understood the intricate details of our fireplace’s transformation.
Coolest Local Discovery: Gelati Celesti Ice Cream Store Tour
This month, we took a delightful detour from home projects to bring you a tour of the “coolest” local spot: Gelati Celesti, a charming ice cream store that served up not just delicious treats but also a generous helping of inspiring decor. We loved showcasing its unique interior design elements, from whimsical milk bottle lights that created a warm, inviting glow, to the clever use of mixed materials throughout the space. The subtle brilliance of penny tile added a touch of unexpected charm, proving that even commercial spaces can be a treasure trove of design ideas. This “store crash” was a reminder that inspiration can be found everywhere, even in the most delicious places, offering fresh perspectives for our own home design endeavors.
Prettiest Project: Laying Marble Subway Tile on the Fireplace Hearth
Without exaggeration, one of the “prettiest” transformations this month involved the meticulous laying of marble subway tile along the hearth of our fireplace. We decided on a sophisticated herringbone pattern, which instantly elevated the entire focal point of our living room. The subtle veining and natural sheen of the marble bring an undeniable touch of luxury and timeless elegance. This project wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a testament to patience and precision, resulting in a finish that truly feels like a work of art. The marble hearth now stands as one of my absolute favorite features in our home, a genuine statement piece that adds character and warmth. And that’s real talk – the beauty of this tile is simply breathtaking.
Most Familiar House Crash: Exploring My Sister Emily’s Home
Our “house crashing” series usually involves visiting homes we’ve never seen before, making this month’s feature the “most familiar” yet. We had the unique pleasure of sharing a house crash of my sister Emily’s beautiful home, right here in Richmond. It was a wonderfully fun, albeit slightly surreal, experience to photograph a space that has hosted countless family gatherings, holidays, and cherished memories. This intimate look into a loved one’s home allowed us to appreciate the personal touches and design choices that make her space so inviting and uniquely hers. It offered a different perspective on our usual house tours, highlighting the deep connections and stories embedded within a familiar setting, and we were thrilled to share it with our readers.
Laziest Yet Most Ingenious Upgrade: Remote Control Bedside Lamps
Confession time: I might have earned the title of “laziest” this month, but I’d passionately argue it’s a clear sign of ingenuity! My brilliant solution involved installing a remote control system that allows me to effortlessly click off both of our bedside lamps at night. No more fumbling in the dark, no more having to get out of bed once comfortably nestled. When it comes to the sanctuary of your own bed, surely a little laziness (or strategic comfort optimization) is not just allowed but encouraged? This small but mighty tech upgrade has genuinely enhanced our nightly routine, proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions can bring the greatest joy and convenience, especially after a long day of home renovations.
Biggest Nerds: Our Book Tour Infographic Extravaganza
Who meticulously tracks the number of hours spent on a plane, or precisely how many cupcakes were received during a cross-country journey? The answer, of course, falls squarely on the shoulders of the “biggest nerds” – us! This month, we proudly compiled an infographic-tastic retrospective of our book tour, detailing all the quirky and fascinating statistics we managed to accumulate. From travel mileage to fan interactions, no detail was too small to be recorded and visualized. This project was a labor of love, a fun way to look back at an incredible experience through a quantitative lens. If you’re wondering who could possibly be dedicated enough to track such seemingly random data, just take a look at the image below – you’ll spot the culprits right away. It’s a fun, lighthearted dive into the behind-the-scenes world of a book tour, revealing just how much goes into such an adventure.
Best Photobomb: A Surprise Appearance During Fireplace Framing
While “best” might be a slight overstatement, I’m confidently claiming the title for “best photobomb” this month! During the intense process of framing out our fireplace, I managed to subtly (or perhaps not so subtly) sneak my face into one of the progress photos. Given that I was practically the only viable candidate for such an honor this month, I’m taking it! It’s a fun little Easter egg in what was otherwise a focused and demanding renovation project. Next time, Burger, you need to step up your photobombing game; I’m setting the bar high! It’s these small, spontaneous moments of humor that often make the intensity of DIY projects even more enjoyable.
Most Magical Tech & Restoration: Hidden Cable Box and Restored Cabinet
This month brought a double dose of “magical” transformations! First, we introduced a clever gadget – technically an IR extender sensor – that allows us to use our TV remote even though we’ve successfully hidden the cable box out of sight in a ventilated drawer. This small device eliminates unsightly clutter, creating a streamlined, modern media area without sacrificing functionality. Pure magic! Equally magical was the incredible power of Restore-a-Finish. We used this miraculous product to breathe new life back into an old media cabinet, which had accumulated decades of grime and wear. The transformation was astounding, taking it from dull and neglected to rich and vibrant, showcasing its original beauty. These two projects demonstrate how thoughtful solutions and restoration can truly revitalize a space.
Least Pregnant & Most Impactful: Sherry’s Candid Pregnancy Post
While everyone in our household could technically claim the “least pregnant” category, we’re unequivocally giving this superlative to Sherry for her incredibly brave and impactful post. Her candid declaration that she’s not pregnant, coupled with a thoughtful and gentle explanation about why asking any woman if they’re expecting can be a sensitive and often dicey topic, truly resonated with our readers. The response was overwhelming, garnering almost 1,500 comments and solidifying its place as our 4th most popular blog post ever. It stands as a powerful testament to the importance of open dialogue and empathy. This post’s profound impact places it behind only monumentally popular entries like sharing our book tour dates, telling Clara’s birth story, and announcing Clara’s arrival. It even narrowly surpassed Sherry’s humorous revelation of her Eminem-lovin’ past, a true feat! The discussion it sparked was a highlight of the month, fostering a supportive and understanding community.
Most Neglected to Slightly Updated: Our Guest Room Refresh
Our guest room has long held the title of “most neglected,” having received minimal attention since its initial setup back in 2010. However, this month, it finally received a small but significant update! We performed a quick mirror swap, replacing a smaller, darker piece with a larger, brighter mirror above the headboard. This simple change instantly brightened the area, making the room feel more open and welcoming. This small project also provided the perfect opportunity to address a frequently asked reader question: “When do you splurge?” We discussed how strategic investments in key pieces can make a substantial impact, even in a room that sees less daily use. It’s a reminder that even minor adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements in a neglected space.
Most Transformed: The Complete Fireplace Makeover Revelation
The undisputed “most transformed” project of the month has to be our fireplace, now that we’ve applied the final finishing touches to our ambitious refacing project. The journey from its original, dated appearance to its current elegant state has been nothing short of astounding. We are genuinely still amazed by the profound ripple effect this single project has had on our entire living area. It somehow managed to make the adjoining kitchen feel significantly fresher and more cohesive, proving that a well-executed focal point can elevate the design of surrounding spaces. The fireplace now stands as a stunning testament to what thoughtful design and diligent DIY effort can achieve, becoming a true centerpiece of our home.
Most Inspirational & Creative: Temporary Tattoos on Wood Art
Rounding out our month of achievements was a project that was truly “most inspirational,” showcasing an incredibly clever and accessible way to create meaningful art. We were thrilled to share some wise words from Silver Tree Art, which Sherry incorporated into her first experimental foray into using temporary tattoos on wood for easy, personalized decor. This ingenious method offers a fantastic way to add bespoke artistic touches to any room without requiring advanced artistic skills. This particular project was one of three delightful updates featured in our “smorgasbord” post, which also included adding a practical timer to Clara’s play kitchen, framing some cherished metal art, and revealing the perfect home for one of our book projects. It’s always rewarding to discover and share creative solutions that make decorating both fun and fulfilling.
What a whirlwind March has been! From major renovations like the crown molding and fireplace refacing to smaller, impactful updates and heartwarming family moments, we’ve packed a lot into these thirty-one days. Each project, big or small, contributes to the ongoing story of our home, making it more functional, beautiful, and truly ours. We hope our experiences have offered you some inspiration, tips, or at the very least, an entertaining read.
How was your March? If you had to summarize it in just one word, what would it be? Was it “relaxing,” a “whirlwind,” exceptionally “productive,” or perhaps “Easter-y”? For us, reflecting on all the hammering, painting, and crafting, our definitive word would have to be: “nail-gun-riddled.” Here’s to making April just as exciting and fulfilling!
Psst- Don’t forget to head over to Young House Life for our latest roundup of Clara Conversations. Predictably, they’re our favorites yet – that girl just has a truly delightful way with words that always brings a smile to our faces.