We set a goal to enjoy our deck by Labor Day and barely made it with a few days to spare. As you can probably tell, I’m thrilled. Don’t ask me what this pose is called — John pointed the camera at me and this happened. It’s a full-on Kids Incorporated moment. We could have … Read more

Apologies for the late post — we had some technical issues. We’re excited to share more about the cottage we mentioned on Friday. A lot of you asked for details and extra photos, so here’s a proper tour. The cabin is about 45 minutes west of Richmond in Columbia, Virginia, on the Rassawek property, which … Read more

Yes, a rare Sunday post — but we couldn’t resist sharing an exciting bathroom update. We’ve praised budget American Standard toilets in the past, but today we’re eating those words: we’ve found the most impressive toilet we’ve ever seen. Think of it as the Jake Gyllenhaal of toilets — seriously stunning. Take a look at … Read more

We’re thrilled to reveal that the entire front half of the duplex is finished — which means the open living and dining areas on both sides are complete and ready to be shown. We couldn’t be happier with how these spaces came together. When you enter the left side and turn toward the living area, … Read more

Here’s a simple, affordable fan makeover anyone can do. We updated a plain white ceiling fan in the den by replacing its dated glass bulb cover with a lamp shade. The only requirement for the shade is a metal interior loop that fits around the bulb—without that loop there’s no way to hang the shade … Read more

A quick garage refresh is simple and inexpensive, especially when your doors are wood or metal and respond well to exterior paint. Our double garage has one large metal door (painted to resemble two separate doors), so two coats of black semi-gloss exterior latex transformed it in no time. The paint itself cost roughly $20. … Read more

Kids heading back to school means teachers and staff are returning too, so we were excited to brighten the welcome for one local public school’s teachers’ lounge after the school reached out for help with a volunteer makeover. In June, after someone saw our prior room makeover, the principal and PTA asked if we’d help … Read more

***This giveaway is now closed – see who won below!*** And our randomly selected winner is… Alyson (who says they use their sofa for “cuddling with our dog while watching tv or reading. My day doesn’t feel complete without cuddle time!”) Congrats! Relax and enjoy—one lucky reader won a new sofa this week, generously provided … Read more

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are not only low-maintenance houseplants, they’re also among the simplest plants to propagate. Propagating pothos is an enjoyable, inexpensive way to turn a single plant into many, while keeping the parent plant healthy and full. With basic household tools you can produce numerous new plants for yourself or to give away—no special … Read more

We had a little mini-makeover to share. John stayed home sick today (feeling flu-ish), and while he napped on the couch I quietly swapped a never-used reading chair for our old kitchen table that had been living in the basement. The result: a tidy card-writing and present-wrapping station in the third bedroom so we have … Read more