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Healthy Black Bean Couscous Summer Side Salad

Every summer, this Healthy Black Bean Couscous Salad makes its way onto my table—especially around the Fourth of July. It’s hearty enough to eat as a main dish but shines as a flavorful summer side. It’s light, fresh, packed with protein and fiber, and it only gets better after a night in the fridge (aka […]

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I’m Allison.
Design obsessed and self-taught DIYer, I'm so excited to share my journey with you, and be a source of inspiration as well as a resource.
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click-for-renter-friendly-diy-upgrades

Here’s a little-known fact about me: for the past seven years, I’ve been a landlord. So while I spend most of my time inspiring women to take on DIY projects in their own homes, I also have a unique perspective from the other side of the lease. And I’m here to tell you—yes, there are […]

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Summer is officially here in Nashville, and after my never ending bathroom renovation and trim work, it felt like time to turn my attention outside. Specifically, to my pool patio—aka the place I spend every free second once the weather warms up. This little corner of my backyard has been a workhorse over the years, […]

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oversized-stately-copper-lanterns

Let’s talk curb appeal. Or more specifically—copper curb appeal. I recently installed these oversized copper lanterns on the exterior of my 90s brick colonial, and I cannot stop staring at them. Truly, every time I pull into the driveway, I feel like my house has leveled up in the most timeless, charming way. If you’re […]

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click-for-primary-bathroom-renovation-week-8

The bathroom renovation hummed along this week and and I’m getting one step closer to finishing the custom wainscoting. This week it was all about the crown molding, as well as deciding on some of the remaining box sizes. I also dabbled in a little bit of electrical, which I’m quite proud of. Lets dive […]

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click-for-primary-bathroom-renovation-weeks-6-7

I think there are two types of people when it comes to design: those that have a design in their head and those that need to sketch everything out in advance. I’m of the former type, not the latter. In fact the main reason I create mood boards is to showcase my vision to all […]

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click-to-read-primary-bathroom-one-room-challenge-week-5

This week was a huge turning point for the primary bathroom renovation because I finally started to see some real changes. I gave you a little sneak peek in last week’s post, but a pallet (594 lbs!) of custom trim arrived and I could not wait to get it on my walls. As eager as […]

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Technically, from a calendar perspective, this is the bathroom renovation halfway point. But from an actual implementation standpoint maybe not so much. However, progress is progress, so I’m happy to share what I accomplished over this past week, as well as what I learned. I taught myself a crash course in how to skim coat […]

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click-for-week-3-progress-of-my-primary-bathroom-renovation

The primary bathroom renovation is officially underway! There’s a phase in every renovation where things look really ugly and you make a substantial mess of your space. You might even wonder what you were thinking in the first place. This was that moment for me, but I was truly so excited to finally get started […]

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click-for-the-primary-bathroom-design-plans

It’s week two of the Spring One Room Challenge and I can say without a doubt, this is my favorite week other than the reveal week! Why? Because it’s design week! I’m so excited to share the primary bathroom design plans with you today. Someone commented last week that the primary bathroom has “great bones.” […]

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click to see how I'm updating my primary bathroom

This week kicked off the 2025 Spring One Room Challenge and I’m so excited to be participating again! If you were here last year, you might remember I decided to renovate my kitchen for my first ever One Room Challenge. While it seemed like a lofty endeavor, especially before the holidays, I couldn’t be happier […]

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click-for-spring-home-refresh-ideas

As the seasons change, there’s nothing quite like the fresh start that spring brings. It’s the perfect time for a spring home refresh by decluttering, deep cleaning, organizing, and updating your decor. If you’re ready to embrace a lighter, brighter space, here’s how I’m preparing my home for the season—along with some easy ways you […]

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click-for-home-organizing-ideas

This may come as no surprise to you, but I’m one of those people that finds complete joy in organizing and tidying up my spaces. I feel like when my home is clutter free, my mind is clutter free too. Can you relate? These cold winter months are my favorite time of year to declutter, […]

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click-for-common-myths-about-color-drenching-and-how-to-do-it-right

Color drenching has been making waves in the interior design world, and for good reason. This bold, immersive technique—where walls, ceilings, trim, and even furniture are painted in the same hue—creates a cohesive, dramatic, and deeply atmospheric look. But despite its growing popularity, many people hesitate to try it, often due to common misconceptions.   Let’s […]

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click-for-aesthetic-cleaning-tools

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, but let’s be honest—sometimes it feels more like a chore than a fresh start. One way to make the process more enjoyable? Invest in cleaning supplies that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. If your cleaning tools look good, you’ll be more likely to reach for them, […]

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all-about-my-new-motorized-shades-in-the-bedroom

Have you ever seen the movie The Holiday? It’s that one where Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz switch houses over the holidays, trying to escape from the reality of their love lives falling apart. There’s this one moment in the movie where Kate Winslet enters Cameron Diaz’s bedroom for the first time, and she notices […]

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click-for-six-pretty-toilets-including-which-one-i-chose

Who says toilets can’t be pretty? The truth is, I’ve always hated the toilets in my home. I think there’s something about knowing they were here long before me, and no matter how much I cleaned, I couldn’t shake that. However, I’m not one to go ripping toilets out just to rip toilets out. So […]

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2025-project-list-house-exterior-makeover-phase-1

This has been spinning in my head for months, but I’ve finally taken the time to put pen to paper, and think about my 2025 project list. I also went back and reviewed my 2024 project list, did an assessment of dreaming vs reality, and publicly checked myself with my 2024 project recap. There’s nothing […]

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you feel like it snuck up on you, don’t worry. I’m rounding up some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for just about anyone in your life, and at all price points. Check out the below and add to cart! Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas: For Her (including some […]

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click-for-healthy-ingredient-white-velvet-soup-recipe

Ever since I finished the kitchen renovation, I’ve been loving getting back into cooking. With it being soup season, as well as the time of year some of us are trying to clean up our diets, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my clean ingredient White Velvet Soup.   This five-ingredient vegan […]

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learn-more-about-my-budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation

I’ve been dreaming of having the ability to write this post for what feels like years…so I’m SO excited to reveal my One Room Challenge Budget Friendly Kitchen Renovation with you today! I shared a video walk through shortly before Christmas, but I wanted to reset the space with fresh styling before snapping more photos. […]

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click-for-my-2024-project-recap

I remember sitting down last year to plan out my 2024 project list, and thinking to myself “this is unrealistic, but I’m going to write it down anyhow.” There were some big ticket items on that list, including a few I couldn’t manage without hiring out. Then by the time summer rolled around and I […]

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christmas-decor-around-the-house-2024

Merry Christmas! I was a little late getting all my holiday décor out this year, or maybe it just felt that way because Thanksgiving was so late. But even so, with the kitchen renovation, it felt like I didn’t get to savor my Christmas décor as much as I got to last year, so I’m […]

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tap-to-learn-more-about-installing-soft-close-drawer-slides

While there’s still a long list of things to do in the budget friendly kitchen renovation, I’m one step closer to having the core of my kitchen back. After painting the counter tops to look like faux carrara marble (still can’t get over this transformation by the way! – this is the kit I used), […]

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transforming-my-granite-counters-to-a-faux-carrara-marble-finish

Recently I teased on socials that this kitchen is a vicious cycle of painting, sanding, cleaning and sawing. It was a joke but it’s really quite accurate! So naturally I’m back into a painting phase for week 6 of the budget friendly kitchen renovation: transforming the countertops. Yes that’s right, I’m aiming to DIY my […]

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click for budget friendly kitchen renovation wood paneling installation

The budget friendly kitchen renovation is humming right along and this week it was all about the backsplash. Well, technically last week was too (did you see the removal process?), but this week we’re making it pretty! The transformation is about to ramp up as we enter Week 5 of the One Room Challenge, but […]

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budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation-removing-tile-glass-backsplash

This is my first ever kitchen renovation and I think it’s fair to say that this week might have been the breaking point. While I had a little extra pep in my step last week from the new paint that went on the cabinet boxes, the wave of excitement came crashing down this week as […]

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click-for-budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation

We are two full weeks into the 2024 Fall One Room Challenge and this is the week where I finally felt I could see my vision taking shape. That’s the power of paint after all – it’s transformative! (did you see my exterior reveal? Say less.) But before we could get into the fun part, […]

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click-for-budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation-week-2-progress

It’s the end of week one of the fall 2024 One Room Challenge and I feel like I’ve already lived 5 months in 5 days. All kidding aside, I knew when I picked the kitchen for my renovation project, that it would be no easy task. These first few days getting started have reminded me […]

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budget-friendly-kitchen-renovation

Are you ready for the grand finale of 2024? We’re going out with a bang, and we’re doing it in good company as I join the 2024 Fall One Room Challenge. If you’re not already familiar, the One Room Challenge takes place twice a year and is a way for designers to collaborate and foster […]

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my-favorite-faux-fall-stems

Autumn has been my favorite season basically since I was a young adult. There’s something about the crisp morning air, the way apples taste better and the delicious smelling candles that come with the season. And as a decorator, it brings an entire treasure trove of décor along with it. One of my favorite ways […]

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moody-exterior-makeover-dark-grey-black-trim-red-brick-house

We all have that thing that bugs us, right? For me, the original exterior trim color on my brick house was that thing, and I’ve been wanting to update it for years. When I was drafting my 2024 project list, I put an exterior makeover on that list. But if I’m being honest, it felt […]

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click-to-learn-how-to-measure-and-install-custom-draperies

Recently I installed custom draperies in the dining room, and I have to say, the room feels all grown up now. I’ve always planned on removing the venetian blinds that came with the house, but with this room facing the road, having no privacy was not an option. I also just wasn’t in a rush. […]

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click-to-read-how-the-2024-project-list-is-going

I am SO excited for today’s post, because today we’re talking all about the plans for the next project – and it’s a big one! If you’re subscribed to the monthly newsletter, you were the first to find out that the exterior of the house will be getting a facelift this month! While I had […]

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click-for-moody-primary-bedroom-design

I haven’t been this excited to share photos with you in a while. Are you ready to see my moody color drenched bedroom? I’ve been itching to transform my bedroom into a moody retreat and after a rollercoaster of decision paralysis (you can read all about that here), I settled on a design that felt so […]

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click-for-healthy-corn-tomato-avocado-salad-recipe

There’s nothing better than tomato season! August means ripe tomatoes and corn on the cob, so the timing is perfect to rotate this healthy summer side salad into your weekly menu. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy and crowd-pleasing side to add to your summer menu, look no further than this healthy corn, tomato, […]

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Not too long ago, a type of paint called “chalk paint” was all the rage. I don’t know if it was the look of the finish that attracted people, or the ease of application, but everywhere you turned, something was being refinished with chalk paint. As with most things, what comes around goes around and […]

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click-to-read-how-the-2024-project-list-is-going

Can you believe we’re nearing the end of July?! Me either! This year has truly flown by and I know (as always) it’s going to speed up as we get closer to the holidays. As I’ve had my head down and deep into projects, I thought it would be a great time for a 2024 […]

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how-to-build-a-charcuterie-board

Have you ever had your heart set on building a charcuterie board only to be overwhelmed once you arrived at the supermarket? We’ve all been there. Today I’m going to break it down into snackable pieces for you and we’ll create a charcuterie board that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the […]

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click-to-learn-how-to-design-custom-trim

A couple months ago when I installed picture frame molding in the dining room, I had a sneaking suspicion that it was going to be addicting. I just didn’t know how addicting! All of a sudden, I wanted it in every room in the house. However, I’m a firm believer that there can be too […]

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click-to-learn-how-to-clean-copper

Copper! It’s the metal that adds warmth, character, and a touch of timeless elegance to our homes. From gleaming pots and pans to stunning hammered sinks, copper elevates everyday objects into design statements. Recently I found a beautiful copper wine cooler at an estate sale, but it definitely needed a little TLC. Being my first […]

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click-for-the-primary-bedroom-design

I’ve been itching to tackle my next big project for what feels like forever. While yes we’ve made some progress with the 2024 project list (hello back entry flip and dining room molding) there are some big spaces that have been calling my name. If you follow along in my monthly newsletter, you’re up to […]

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click to learn what to bring to an estate sale

Thinking about hitting a local estate sale? I absolutely recommend it! Estate sales are a fantastic way to find upscale pieces at bargain prices, and they offer a thrilling sense of adventure. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular on the circuit, knowing what to bring to an estate sale can make or […]

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click-for-no-bake-healthy-snack-dessert-recipe

Summer is right around the corner and for many of us that means vacations, busy schedules and longer days. One of my favorite grab-and-go snacks to have on hand are these no bake energy ball bites. With only 5 ingredients and no oven time, they’re a breeze to put together and make for a healthy […]

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click-to-learn-how-to-find-estate-sales

Late last year I found myself going to a handful of estate sales, all in the hopes of finding some Shiny Brite vintage ornaments for my Christmas tree. While I was able to find a handful of ornaments, I also found something else: the power of estate sales. You see, estate sales can help you […]

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click-to-learn-how-to-use-google-lens

Have you ever bumped into an object and instantly craved to know its history, find similar styles, or even translate that fancy French label on the back? Well, fret no more! Google Lens is here to be your visual search companion, a digital magnifying glass that unlocks a world of information right through your phone’s […]

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click-for-diy-picture-frame-molding

Although we’re in the month of April, I feel like it’s Christmas because I’m THAT excited to share the reveal of the DIY picture frame molding in the dining room. This is a project that is on the 2024 project list but has also been on my mind since I moved into this house. I […]

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click-to-learn-more-about-rub-n-buff-brass-options

Have you ever used Rub N Buff? If you’re not familiar, it’s a metallic paint used for arts, crafts and restoration. It can be used on anything from picture frames to furniture, and can help breathe new life into an old piece or customize something that’s not quite to your liking. The Rub N Buff […]

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click-for-the ultimate-guide-to-buying-vintage-furniture-secondhand

As of recently, I’ve been growing more and more obsessed with incorporating vintage finds into my designs. Not only does it add a layer of unique character, but it’s also way more sustainable than buying brand new. While looking for antique trinkets is one thing, hunting for hidden gems such as vintage furniture secondhand is […]

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click-for-painting-hacks

Planning a DIY project or a remodel? When it comes to interior painting these expert painting hacks, tips & tricks will help save you time, money, paint faster & get better results. Bookmark this page and thank me later! Expert Painting Hack #1: Baseboards If your baseboards don’t have quarter round, you should have a […]

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