Beautiful Design for Everyday
Build a simple DIY vertical garden for decorative succulents or modify it for vegetables, herbs, or flowers. It’s the perfect addition to any outdoor space. Last year for my birthday, I asked for a patio makeover. And as part of that, Peter built me an awesome vertical garden. He even installed irrigation tubes! I wrote about the patio makeover last… Read More
This easy kintsugi how-to is a perfect first wabi sabi project. These beautiful coasters are made with tiles and gold leaf paint. Kintsugi, or wabi sabi, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery or ceramics with gold. It creates beautifully unique and imperfect pieces. I’ve tried five or six different kintsugi projects now. I’ve found that vases, cups, and… Read More
These tea party decorating ideas are perfect for a Mother’s Day afternoon tea, birthday party, or any special celebration! A pretty table setting, some tea, and favorite treats are all you need! My favorite Mother’s Day tradition is a tea party! My mom and sister and I get to sit and drink tea with all our little loves. Everyone gets… Read More
Give wood crates a modern makeover with this simple painting tutorial. The crates are perfect for storing toys, books, games, and more! I’ve had these old storage crates- which I painstakingly painted in ugly colors ten years ago, for well, ten years. It’s time for a makeover! But I’ve been avoiding it because they’re covered in a shiny enamel, and… Read More
This Ikea home office makeover on a budget features the Kallax bookshelf as a room divider, a Linnmon table desk hack, a comfy chair, pegboards, and more! Ikea Home Office Ideas… As my design business and blog have grown, I’ve realized that I need a larger dedicated workspace, as well as some storage for files and camera equipment, backdrops, art… Read More
I can’t wait to show you our small laundry room makeover! It is revolutionizing our laundry process… and making so much less clutter in the hallway. Now if the laundry would just fold and put itself away we’d be all set! This was before… a really basic setup with the washer and dryer side-by-side, and a single wire shelf above… Read More
Hosting a brunch or holiday dinner? Make these super-simple place card holders using fresh herbs or plants from your yard! They’ll give each place setting that extra something special! How to make simple place card holders… These are so versatile… you could use them for just about any occasion! And cheap too- I think the cards I bought cost around… Read More
This outdoor living room on a budget is a romantic spot for drinks by the fire. Cozy patio furniture and curtains complete the outdoor living space. I finally got around to taking photos of my all-time favorite space: my outdoor living room, and I can’t wait to share them with you! A few years ago we stayed at a resort… Read More
We are slowly but surely conquering our backyard. Last summer we added an awesome sunken fire pit area, and this summer I’m working on dressing it all up a bit. One of the things that bothered me was these large bare sections of fence. We’ve done a lot of projects lately, so I decided not to push my luck this… Read More
We’re still a couple of months from Summer here in Seattle, but as soon as I see the first glimmer of sun and the temp goes above 60, we want to eat outside- even if we have to wear our coats. So today I’m rounding up some stylish and affordable outdoor picnic tables for you. Picnic tables are awesome because… Read More
Install easy, removable string light poles over your patio or backyard fire pit to create beautiful ambiance! They’re quick, inexpensive, and very simple! I asked for a patio makeover for my birthday this year, and one of the top things on my wishlist was string lights. The problem? Nothing to hang them from. Here’s a tutorial for the quick and… Read More
This simple and budget-friendly dining patio makeover transforms a small ugly concrete slab patio into a beautiful outdoor dining room. So we’ve got this very basic builder-grade patio and steps behind our basic builder-grade house. There’s nothing particularly wrong with them, but the patio could use some livening up. To make matters worse, I bought a grey outdoor dining set… Read More
These affordable and stylish outdoor rugs will refresh your patio, deck or porch! Bring color and pattern to your outdoor living space! An outdoor rug is a great way to pull together and define a seating area. It’s also great for covering an ugly deck or patio! I love how outdoor rugs have transformed my own patios, and I know… Read More
Come see our renovated playhouse! This is such a fun backyard hideaway for the kids to play pretend. It’s even got a table and a reading nook! Several years ago some neighbors gave us their old Rainbow playhouse/swing set play structure. The Remodel We’ve moved the thing at least three times, and our current yard didn’t have a great flat… Read More
Learn simple outdoor lighting techniques to create beautiful ambiance in your outdoor living spaces! Everything from string lights, torches, to chandeliers. Lighting is a high-impact way to create ambiance in your outdoor living spaces. And of course, it’s nice to be able to see where you’re walking too! Here are some ideas to give your space the gorgeous glow you’re… Read More
Considering a backyard gazebo or pergola? We bought and installed a Yardistry Gazebo from Costco three years ago. Read about our experience before you buy! Three years ago we did a major backyard overhaul. One of the top items on my wish list was some kind of covered outdoor living room with comfy seating. I wanted to lay on the… Read More
If you can draw lines and dots, you can make these inexpensive and fun modern indoor planters! All you need is pots and paint pens! Anyone who’s spent time on my blog recently knows that I’m a big fan of indoor plants. I don’t care if they’re real or fake, I want them in my house! But it’s not cheap… Read More
This easy DIY painted play rug is perfect for Li’l Woodzeez, Calico Critters, Little People, and more! It’s the perfect mat for hours of imaginative play! Lately, my girls are obsessed with Lil’ Woodzeez. Do you remember Calico Critters from when you were a kid? Basically, Woodzeez are very similar. Some of the animal families come with a little booklet,… Read More
Modern houseplants are a must-have! Learn to style indoor plants like a pro with these 6 simple tips on pots, placement, and plant choice. I cannot tell you how excited I am that indoor plants are making a huge style comeback! I love love love them, so of course I’m working on turning my house into an indoor jungle. I’m… Read More
Make stylish modern indoor planters using cheap pots from the dollar store and Ikea! These unique pots will be perfect for your houseplants. 021 We’re in the middle of a rare snowpocalypse here in Seattle this week. And last week too. It’s been really fun and pretty, but all good things must come to an end, and I’m going to… Read More
I specialize in designing casual everyday spaces for real families. I can help you do it yourself, or I can design it for you. Read More…
