Every year the holidays sneak up on me a little more. Instead of enjoying them, I end up running around last minute doing a bunch of tiny things that would have been so easy to do months ago. Like right now. So this year I wrote a holiday home prep checklist and I’m doing a […]

This DIY laundry room makeover has been on my renovation list for three years. Every year I found a reason to push the laundry room back, mostly because I didn’t feel ready to tackle it. This year I finally took my own advice and started before I felt ready, because this room is the ugliest […]

I used to think a real clean meant a cabinet full of stuff. A spray for glass, a different one for wood, another for stainless, something else for the toilet, until half my under-sink storage was bottles I’d used once and forgotten about. Then I found five cleaning products that work in every room of […]

It’s the second week of September, and fall is everywhere except outside my window. Pumpkin spice is back on every menu, Halloween is already taking over the store aisles, and my social media feed is full of leaves falling in slow motion. Meanwhile, Tennessee has been near triple digits for the last two weeks. My […]

There is a version of home improvement that does not require tearing anything out. No demo day or dust, just the quiet, cumulative impact of getting the details right. I have always believed that the highest-touch moments in a home, the things you see and physically interact with every single day, deserve more design attention […]

People ask me about this more than almost anything else I post: how do you actually design picture frame molding before you cut a single piece of wood? Not how do you install it, how do you design it. Where do the boxes go, how many do you need, what happens when a window is […]

A few weeks ago, I got a bee in my bonnet about clearing out my house. It was starting to feel like too much, almost claustrophobic, and I couldn’t focus on the things I actually needed to focus on. So I leaned into it. Back in 2016, at my previous house, I did something similar […]

Recently I took a quick vacation to Nantucket and when I arrived home and reflected on the photos I took there was one common theme. Hydrangeas were everywhere on that island. Massive, overflowing clusters in white and pink and blue, tumbling over fences and along every stone pathway, framing the front of practically every house […]

If you’ve been wondering whether painting your kitchen cabinets with a paint sprayer is actually worth it, the answer is yes, and I say that as someone who had never touched a sprayer before this project. Learning how to paint kitchen cabinets with a paint sprayer was one of the steeper learning curves of my […]

If you read my laundry room design plans post, you know this renovation has been two years in the making. Today I’m giving you the first real progress update: what’s been built, what I learned the hard way, and a proper introduction to the at home dry cleaning machine I designed the entire back wall […]

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I have a deep love for hunting down vintage pieces and one of my most prized finds is my Lenox Spice Garden set. I searched for months before finally tracking one down at a somewhat reasonable price on Facebook Marketplace, and it felt like Christmas […]

If you’ve been around for a minute, you already know this is a long time coming. I’ve been talking about renovating my laundry room for at least two years, and for a while, I was almost afraid to say it out loud in case I jinxed it. But it’s happening. Today I’m pulling back the […]

If you’re looking for wallpapering tips for beginners, I want to give you the honest version. Not the one that makes it look effortless in a 30-second clip, and not the overly technical tutorial that assumes you already know what you’re doing. I learned most of these wallpapering lessons the hard way, and my powder […]

When I bought this house, the exterior was one of those things I kept telling myself I’d get to eventually. The landscaping was overgrown. The trim was a tired yellowish cream that didn’t do the brick any favors. The garage door looked like it belonged on a different decade’s house. There was a lot to […]

If you’ve been Googling Retique It Liquid Wood FAQ before committing to a project, you’ve landed in the right place. I’ve used this product twice — once to take my dining table from black to a warm pecan finish, and again to transform my bathroom vanity from black to walnut. Here are honest answers to every question […]

If you’ve been putting off a garage or basement project because you’re not sure how to drill into concrete block to hang things, I completely get it. I avoided doing this in my own garage for years because it felt intimidating. I had a corner where everything just piled up: shovels, rakes, brooms leaning against […]

It started with one tiny hole in a sweater I loved and I really tried to convince myself it was nothing. Maybe I snagged it. Maybe it had always been there. I genuinely did not want to deal with it. Then I found another one. That’s when I realized I needed to figure out how […]

If your home still feels heavy, dark, or stuck in winter, you’re not alone. Every year around this time, I start craving a shift, but not a full redesign. The good news? You don’t need one. Learning how to refresh your home for spring is less about buying all new decor and more about making […]

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering about the paint colors in my home, you’re not alone. I get these questions constantly in my messages and comments. What is the green paint color in your bedroom? What color are your kitchen cabinets? Is the tv room blue or black? Instead of answering one by one, I’m […]

There is a very specific feeling that happens when you spot something at an estate sale, a thrift shop or on Facebook Marketplace. Your heart skips a little. You try to stay calm. You casually check the price. You mentally measure the wall at home. And then you either walk away proud of your restraint… […]

If you’ve ever looked around your space and thought, I’ll love this more when it’s finished, this post is for you. These 10 ways to start loving your home right now are not about renovating, replacing everything, or chasing a new trend. They’re about shifting how you interact with the home you already have so […]

Reflecting on 2025, I couldn’t help but get giddy with excitement about what’s coming next. Last year didn’t go exactly according to plan but I have zero regrets. What I learned is the balance of projects felt manageable, attainable, and most importantly, fun. That’s why my DIY home renovation project plans for 2026 are following […]

How to design wainscoting is one of those questions that feels deceptively simple until you actually start researching it. Height, spacing, trim sizes, doors, windows, outlets. Suddenly it feels like one wrong decision could throw the entire room off. When I designed the wainscoting in my primary bathroom, I realized that most of the overwhelm […]

Every time I share my home office, the same questions appear almost instantly. Where is your wallpaper from? Is it custom? Is it wildly expensive? Here’s the honest answer: landscape wallpaper murals for every budget absolutely exist and you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a magical space. Whether you’re decorating a rental, […]

If you’re searching for how to update your bathroom vanity on a budget, this step-by-step DIY tutorial will show you exactly how I transformed a black bathroom vanity into a warm walnut wood finish without sanding, stripping, or replacing the vanity. This budget-friendly method uses liquid wood and gel stain to create a realistic wood […]

Every New Year feels like a blank page. I love dreaming about what’s ahead: personal goals, home projects, new skills I want to learn. But just as much, I treasure the quiet ritual of looking back. Celebrating the small wins. Reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised me along the way. This 2025 […]

Some rooms are beautiful, and then there are rooms that move you. The Vintage Moody Traditional Home Office is of the latter. It’s one of the most personal spaces I’ve ever designed, and not because it’s perfect, but because it supports the work that feeds my soul. It’s where I design, think, create, and build […]

Every year, I add just a little more Christmas decor to my collection, and somehow that always means decorating at least one additional room. Over time, Christmas has slowly expanded throughout my home, and sharing this year’s Christmas decor around the house feels especially exciting. Rather than having one overall Christmas theme, I like to […]

The home office renovation is officially humming along, and I’m thrilled with how the transformation is taking shape. The first half of this project focused on dialing in the architectural design, installing custom trim work, and prepping the room for a full spray-painted finish. In this back half of the project we’ll start to see […]

When it comes to picking a paint color for the home office, the decision carries more weight than you might think. This room isn’t just another space — it’s where ideas grow, projects come to life, and creativity needs the right environment to flourish. After weeks of designing and installing chair-rail and box trim, and […]

A funny thing about my 1989 brick colonial house: it has the traditional crown molding you’d expect to see in a home like this — but only in some rooms. It’s always puzzled me, and lately, it’s started to bug me. The entire upstairs has zero crown molding, while the downstairs rooms — the cozy […]

We’re a few weeks into my home office renovation, and with all of the box molding, chair rail, and crown molding installed, it’s officially time to think about color. Which means one thing: wallpaper. While I still need to wood fill and caulk all of the trim, I’m finalizing the design plan and today I’m […]

After tackling three different types of wall molding projects in my home—each a little more advanced than the last— I’m excited to take on my home office. This is now my fourth time installing picture frame molding, and like all the others, I know it’s going to completely transform the space. However, I remember the […]

There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a tired space with your own two hands—especially when the “before” includes dying pine trees and a garden bed filled with dirty rocks and weeds. Earlier this summer, I had my front yard professionally landscaped, but the back pool area? Due to budget that’s been my DIY special. I […]

If you’ve been following along, you know I just wrapped up my primary bathroom renovation for the spring One Room Challenge. That project took me four months longer than expected—so I swore I wouldn’t sign up for the fall round. But old habits die hard. And here we are: I’m officially announcing that my next […]

Fall is my favorite time of year to lean into moodier tones, layered textures, and cozy moments at home. Instead of going overboard with pumpkins, I love to take a thoughtful approach — small swaps and seasonal layers that create warmth without clutter. This year, I styled my spaces with moody fall home decor that […]

I didn’t plan to renovate my primary bathroom in 2025, but sometimes the best projects aren’t on the list. For my second One Room Challenge, I kept coming back to this space. My bedroom had just been transformed into a warm, layered retreat, but every time I stepped into the bathroom, it felt disjointed, sterile, […]

When I started renovating my kitchen, one of the biggest pain points was the dark, speckled granite countertops. They felt dated, busy, and totally out of sync with the lighter, warmer aesthetic I wanted for my home. Real marble counters have always been on my dream list—but with my square footage I was looking at […]

For the past few years, I’ve been slowly tackling the exterior design of my 1990s brick colonial home here in Nashville. While I’m a DIY enthusiast at heart, I’ll be the first to admit that landscaping is not my strong suit. This summer, I decided it was time for a major refresh—and for once, I […]

The past couple weeks were big for the DIY primary bathroom renovation—equal parts progress and problem-solving. Here’s where things stand, what’s finished, and what’s coming next. The Vanity: From Black to Walnut Beauty Remember when the countertop installers dripped something down the front of the black vanity drawers? Total mess. But it turned out to […]

I know there’s great anticipation for the primary bathroom reveal, but I wouldn’t be a real DIYer if I wasn’t starting another project before finishing the current one, right? All jokes aside, the landscaping has been high on my to-do list for a long time now, so I’m excited to share the plans (or rough […]

Styling bookshelves is one of those home design tasks that looks simple… until you’re staring at a long, empty shelf and thinking, Now what? If you’ve ever felt stumped by the blank slate of built-ins—especially those longer shelves that seem to stretch on forever—you’re not alone. But with the right strategy, any bookshelf (big or […]

A much overdue update on an overdue project: the primary bathroom renovation. I’ll be the first to admit that my setback with the countertop company took the momentum out of this project, and if I’m being honest, I needed to step away from it for a little bit because it was making me quite sad. […]

When I decided to makeover my primary bedroom last summer, I knew I wanted to go green—but not just any green. I was looking for that perfect moody, soft-but-rich, earthy green that felt calm and cozy without turning too cold. I swatched no less than 12 different greens and finally narrowed it down to five […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.” […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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), […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Today I’m thrilled to share what is quite possibly my most favorite space in my house: my walk-in closet! Or as I like to refer to it: my dressing room. This is what Carrie Bradshaw’s dreams are made of. A closet reminiscent of Cher’s closet on Clueless (minus the computer but maybe I’ll work on […]

For an interior designer, the thrill of discovering a unique antique piece adds layers of history and character to any space. But navigating the world of antiques can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. I should know: I’ve had some fantastic wins (specifically with my dining chairs) and I’ve also walked out empty handed. Today, we’ll […]

Wallpaper is a powerful design tool, capable of injecting personality and drama into any space. After wallpapering four different spaces in my house (the dining room, back entry, powder room and toilet room) I have one main takeaway to share. Meticulous wall preparation is crucial. When done correctly, it will make your installation a breeze […]

When I bought this house in 2018, it came with 11 ceiling fans. ELEVEN! No offense against ceiling fans, but that really seemed like such a wasted opportunity to me. You see, I view light fixtures as artwork. They are the true jewelry of a room and in most instances, the only thing adorning your […]

On a recent trip to my favorite local antique store, I found myself reflecting on the moment when I stumbled across my current kitchen chairs. It was truly love at first sight: they had vintage flair and I knew they’d strike the perfect balance with my new round fluted table. But there was one problem: […]

Happy Valentine’s Day! Who doesn’t love an excuse for a sweet treat?! Whether you’re celebrating as a couple, with your best gal pals or are declaring it a party of 1, these mini molten red velvet cakes are the perfect way to be a little festive. Single servings, easy to make and beyond impressive to […]

For me, the journey of transforming my house truly started with a paint brush. While I’ve been painting for decades at this point, it wasn’t until recently that I decided to paint the trim between the cozy room and back entry two different contrasting colors. With that decision, came learning how to get razor-sharp crisp […]

If you were following along with my 2024 project list, you’ll remember seeing the back entry on the short list. This is a tinier space, but I definitely underestimated its significance last year when I was updating the cozy tv room. A true bridge between the dark moody den and the bright white kitchen, this […]

Last year I color drenched the cozy tv room a dark moody blue grey, and it’s been one of my favorite spaces to date. I remember when I first shared the concept of color-drenched rooms with some family and friends, I made heads turn (and not in a good way!). People thought I had officially […]

Lately we’ve been covering a lot of ground in our painting series, and have covered a wide range of topics. From the best painting supplies, to how to choose the right type of paint, and how to paint walls, ceilings and trim. Before we go any further, I thought we should quickly touch on the […]

One of the best designs a primary bathroom can have is a separate toilet room and I’m lucky enough to have inherited one. While I immediately went to work renovating the primary bathroom within the first month of closing on the house, I’ll admit that the toilet room was an afterthought. Now with a few […]

I’ll be the first one to admit it: styling the perfect bookshelf is a lot harder than it looks. Flip through any magazine or take a scroll through Instagram, and the shelfies will look almost effortlessly designed. I can promise you that is not the case whatsoever and each shelf you aspire to create was […]

The first project I’m checking off the 2024 project list is the back entry! While this is a small area of the house, it’s the main entry point coming up from the garage and gets a lot of foot traffic. Sometimes it’s also the first impression of the house! While this space was not originally […]

Cold nights call for warm soups, and this homemade healthy chili recipe is one of my favorite soups to make. It’s a one pot meal with clean ingredients and provides ample leftovers. Grab your favorite pot and get ready to have some cozy soup nights. Healthy Chili Recipe Ingredients: Sources: Serving Bowls Cooking Instructions Brown […]

Today we’re taking a jaunt down memory lane, as I share the one of the first things I decided to do after buying this house: a primary bathroom renovation. There’s nothing quite like biting off more than you can chew, and I can say I confidently achieved that by renovating the primary bathroom with little […]

It’s funny how cyclical life can be sometimes. Every year, I get so excited about the holidays for many reasons, but deep down I think I’m welcoming a break from renovating and DIY-ing. I’ve always made myself stop house projects to enjoy the holidays with family, savor the holiday décor and get out of the […]

If you’re like me, Christmas decorations are magical during the weeks leading up to Christmas, but something happens shortly after December 25th. I feel like I need everything packed up in order to have a fresh start for the New Year. This year I really upgraded my Christmas décor, and that means it’s time to […]

As we turn the page to 2024, I’m sharing my predictions for the top home decor trends and interior design styles we should expect to see more and more of. These themes will spill into all facets of home, from decorating inspiration to kitchen and bathroom designs. Based on what I’ve observed coming out of […]

These homemade cinnamon rolls are soft, fluffy and are topped with a gooey cream cheese icing. They rival a Cinnabon and for good reason: I spent months tweaking and perfecting the recipe. Through some trial and error, I’m happy to share the final recipe with you today, as well as some tips and tricks that […]

As we inch closer and closer to Christmas Day, I’m soaking up every moment of enjoying the Christmas decorations around my house. The house has seen some big updates this year, most notably the hardwood floors and staircase, so I felt it was only fitting to spring for some new Christmas décor this season. Follow […]

There are two types of people in this world: those who are excited to buy gifts for others and those who don’t know where to start. I fall into the former category myself, which is why it’s so fun for me to put together holiday gift guides. Whether you need one more item to finish […]

Last week, I shared I upgraded my holiday garland this year and I took you along for the ride on how I styled my staircase with the Norfolk pine real touch garland. We’re going to keep the garland theme and move onto the fireplace mantles. That’s right, fireplace mantles as in more than one! Since […]

What’s better than decorating your mantel for Christmas? Decorating two mantels! Yes that’s right, I am lucky enough to have two working fireplaces in this house, which was one of things that hooked me from the beginning. Last week, I shared my symmetrical draped look in the cozy tv den. To keep things interesting, I […]

Let’s be honest, choosing the perfect Christmas tree can be overwhelming and sometimes you can be paralyzed by all the decisions that go into it. I should know, I just went through it this year! But I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be difficult. Today I’m sharing all of the things I […]

If you’ve been following along, it will come to no surprise to you that I’ve decided to reward myself with some new holiday garland this year. After enduring the messiest renovation with new hardwood floors and a new staircase to boot, I’m ready to show it all off. I decided to splurge on Afloral’s Norfolk […]

Happy Thanksgiving! As I’ve gotten older, Thanksgiving has inched its way to the top of the list as my favorite holiday. I love having the opportunity to spend quality time with my family and being able genuinely enjoy the long weekend. It feels slow, intentional, and warm. This year has been difficult in many ways. […]

Today I’m sharing something I wish I would have done years ago: protecting my leather sofa. My beautiful camel colored leather couch from West Elm was delivered the week I closed on my house and unfortunately there was so much chaos that I never got around to properly protecting it. Had I done so, I […]

While I’m no stranger to hosting Thanksgiving, this will be my first time hosting both sides of the family which I’m very excited about. I love to cook, and especially love the excuse to make recipes I don’t get to make every day. Plus there’s just something special about those Thanksgiving staples like my mom’s […]

With all the updates to the house this year, especially the floors and staircase, I decided this would be the year I would splurge on some new holiday garland. Ever since last year, I have been eyeing the Norfolk Pine garland and I finally decided to “add to cart” this holiday. I’ll admit, it was […]

Alright, so I’m taking the excitement I had to share the dining room progress report with you and I’m going to multiply that by ten for the dining room reveal!!! Are you ready for it? I am. I was beyond excited about how transformative the Cole & Son’s wallpaper was for this space, and we […]

The dining room flip has been one of my most exciting projects to date in this house, however I truly reached a sticking point when it came time to make decisions about the furniture. If you remember, I got a bit tripped up with the design plans for the dining room because of this black […]

I am beyond excited to share a dining room progress report with you today, as it’s turning out even better than I had ever dreamed! Last week I shared how my initial vision for the dining room did not pan out as I originally planned, but I trusted the process and kept designing until I […]

Today, I’ve got a fantastic project that will instantly elevate the look of your space: painting interior trim. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY pro or just starting your home improvement journey, this step-by-step interior trim painting guide will help you achieve a polished and professional finish. Let’s dive in! Why Paint Your Interior Trim? Before […]

When I bought my first house in 2011, I truly wish it would have come with a checklist of things I needed to do each year, and during each season. As with most things, I learned by doing (and failing!). Sometimes this was frustrating, and other times this was expensive. In an effort to help […]

Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, the dining room is about to have the makeover she deserves. This room has been a slow progression, and honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. While I’ve already finalized much of the design for this space, I want to bring you behind the scenes and share […]

This one’s for my DIY enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that often gets overlooked in the world of home renovation and design: ceiling painting. Sure, we all love a beautifully painted wall, but what about the fifth wall—the ceiling? Trust me, it’s a game-changer when done right. So, grab your paintbrushes and let’s […]

Tom Petty once said the waiting is the hardest part. Well Tom, you were right. If you remember, I shared I’d be doing my hardwood flooring installation in phases. Due to the kitchen leak, we knocked out the downstairs first, then scheduled the upstairs second. With how I live in the house, I really use […]

Are you ready to paint?! Follow along below as I guide you through how to paint a wall like a professional. Speaking of professionals, I’ll share the cost savings you can anticipate by choosing to DIY this project. Get excited – we’re about to transform your space! Getting Set Up After you’ve decided on your […]

As the temperatures in Nashville begin to cool down, and the days become shorter, I’ve gradually started adding fall décor touches from the inside out. It is truly my favorite season of the year – the color palette, the smells, the crisp air, the food, sweater weather and all around general coziness. And something I’ve […]

Reveal days are my favorite days! I’m so excited about how the powder room redesign turned out and I’m even more excited to share the full room reveal with you today. How we got here If you remember, I realized the pedestal sink wasn’t properly secured to the powder room wall, and after calling my […]

If you’ve been following along, you’ll recall that I opted to complete my new hardwood flooring installation in phases. In phase one I knocked out the downstairs flooring first, which is where the water leak happened (it was kinda urgent). Now that we have that out of the way, we can focus on the staircase […]

A couple weeks ago I shared my vision for the Powder Room Makeover, including three moodboards – all featuring different wallpaper designs. In addition to the moodboards, I ordered samples of each which helped narrow down the decision between Moodboard #2 and Moodboard #3. In the end, I decided to move forward with Woodchip & […]

Paint is one of the most instantaneous and easiest ways to transform a space, but sometimes all the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Today, I’m going to break it all down for you and arm you with everything you need before heading into the paint store. We’ll go over the basics which include an […]

There’s nothing quite like a gorgeous autumn flower arrangement. The colors are rich but not overpowering, and they blend into the background while still making a statement. If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a stunning image of one of these autumn arrangements in a catalogue or on social media, and you’ve thought to yourself […]

I’ve been daydreaming about a moody dramatic tv room, and it’s official – I think this iteration of the TV Room is “the one”! There are still a few tiny details I need to finish such as putting a medallion above the gold leaf chandelier, changing out the electrical sockets to be black and eventually […]

Recently, I noticed that the pedestal sink in the powder room was wobbly, and after further investigation I realized it wasn’t connected to the wall! After calling the plumber we came to the unfortunate truth that the sink wasn’t connected to any studs in the wall, but was simply drilled into drywall. The plumber had […]

In the five years I’ve lived in this house, I can confidently say that the new hardwood floors are the biggest transformation to date. I’m so excited to share the final reveal with you today! The first morning I padded across the new floors in my bare feet, I giggled because it was the first […]

The initial refresh I did in the TV Room (aka the Cozy Room) was exactly what it needed to make the space feel updated on a limited budget. However the more time I spent in it, the more it didn’t quite feel right. My main sentiment was that it still felt too bright for a […]

If you’ve been following along, you’re up to speed on how a small leak has changed my entire house (seemingly overnight). After I had a minute to process what was happening and just how much damage it caused, I decided to lean into the situation and look at it as a blessing. In truth I’ve […]

Yes, I bought a house with popcorn ceilings and yes I scraped every square inch of them off, all by myself. 3,222 square feet to be exact. When I bought this house, there was no question that these ceilings were going to get fixed, but it was something I planned to hire out for. I […]

When I first toured this house, I was so amazed that there were TWO living rooms! Not to mention they were both double the size of my previous and only living room. Before my offer was finalized, I was planning what existing furniture would go where and since “living room” meant two spaces in this […]