It’s easier than you might think to fix sliding closet doors and give them a professional paint job, for an entirely new look and function. When we moved into this house, I didn’t love the sliding closet doors in the bedrooms. Until I realized I could use this valuable real estate to help me get organized! Closet doors are a necessary evil. They may be better than having to look at the messy innards of your closets, but usually not by much. When I turned my closet doors in my office into giant chalkboards, I started seeing them not as a curse, but as a blessing to my creativity and… Keep Reading
Cleft Rock Palette and Lessons from a Nature Hike
This Cleft Rock Palette makes unlikely friends of orange, blue and green, balanced with a neutral tan. It all started from a small hike, and grew into some big thoughts. Recently we’ve been doing a lot of walking and hiking in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. If you’re not from around here, the Sandia Mountains are part of the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains. Which means they’re very rocky. My kids love to climb on top of all the boulders, and the dog likes to think he can keep up with them. (We usually end up carrying him most of the way home.) The last time we were… Keep Reading
How to Hang Mirrors on Tile: 3 Ways + a Bonus
How to hang mirrors on a tile backsplash and drill through tile safely. Here are the best ways to hang heavy objects like mirrors or shelves on a tile wall, including a bonus renter-friendly option.
How to Install Cabinet Hardware without Losing Your Mind
How to install cabinet hardware the right way so you don’t mess up the lovely finish on your new cabinets. You’re standing in front of your brand new or freshly painted cabinets. You know you want gorgeous drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to complete the look, but there’s only one thing standing in the way… Installation. If you’re going to get those fabulous pulls onto your cabinets, you’re going to need to drill holes in them. But they’re so pristine, so beautiful, so unblemished. Just the thought of putting holes in that unmarred surface gives you second thoughts and you start wondering if you really need hardware at all. But… Keep Reading
Cozy Craftsman Hiding in a Boarded up Bungalow
A tiny craftsman revival bungalow is about to get a full makeover to bring her into the 21st century, while preserving her mid century modern flare. This boxy little nondescript house would never have caught my eye, but once we set foot inside the front door, we immediately saw its potential. It’s a 2 bedroom, 1 bath charmer that’s been dressed down over the years to function as a rental for university students. Most of the innate character has been stripped out or covered up, but it just needs a few thoughtful tweaks to make it shine again. From Clunky Rental to Craftsman Cutie Taking a home that’s devolved over… Keep Reading
Complete Master Bathroom Bliss with Patterned Tile
The reveal of my modern master bathroom makeover, in all its patterned tile and brass fixture glory. Remodeling projects never go as planned and this bathroom remodel was no exception. But it’s finally finished and I’m sharing the reveal today, along with before and after pics! Recently, I gave my master bedroom an update, which I’ve been loving. But, as with most remodeling projects, once I was happy with the bedroom, I realized how unhappy I was with the adjoining bathroom. Master Bath Before My 1979 original bathroom started out as dated, dark, and dingy, but with good bones. When we bought the house, I knew it would be a… Keep Reading
10 Gorgeous Alternatives To Get The Look of Concrete Tile
Want the look of concrete tiles on your floor or backsplash without the installation and maintenance headaches? These porcelain and ceramic patterned tiles will give you the concrete tile alternatives you’re looking for, typically for a fraction of the cost! Ah, the sweet sounds of tiles smashing and shattering in my bathroom. It’s music to my ears. I always love Demo Day, but today is special because I’m not doing the hard work of demolition. Since we’re “weekend warriors” our larger DIY projects like this one generally take weeks to complete. But with friends coming in a couple of weeks to visit, we need all our bathrooms in working order…. Keep Reading
Seafoam Palette and Thinking Beachy Thoughts
This seafoam palette of light blues and deep greens has put me in the mood for a trip to the beach. Those who believe that vacation is a state of mind have clearly never been to an actual beach. Because I’m thinking hard about sunny beaches right now, but I’m still stuck in the state of New Mexico with snow falling outside my window. Perhaps if I closed my eyes and thought reeeeally hard about the beach, when I open my eyes I’ll be sitting on the deck of my beach house in Tampa. (Never mind that I don’t own a beach house in Tampa.) Let me try it… Nope…. Keep Reading
Control your Remodel Budget with this Simple Worksheet
Control your remodel budget or it will control you! Take back your power over your money with my free downloadable bathroom remodel budgeting worksheet. Why You Need a Remodel Budget Sticker shock. It comes with most large purchases, and takes some of the fun out of your new toy, car, or well, bathroom. If you’re planning a large purchase it’s wise to have a budget in mind before you talk to a salesperson because their job is to increase your budget. And if you don’t have one to start with, the sky’s the limit. If your purchase involves several smaller parts, such as a remodeling project that stretches out for… Keep Reading
A New Year and a New Bathroom Remodel
Happy New Year! January is the perfect time for new beginnings, and this year I’m starting a new bathroom remodel that I’ve been wanting to tackle for years. When we moved into our house four years ago, we loved the layout and how the space worked for our family. We didn’t so much love the 1981 style that infused every room of the house. Bathroom as Time Capsule Nowhere was this late-seventies/early-eighties style more troublesome than in our master bathroom. Back in its day, this thing was decked out. The green cultured marble countertops, and beigey-brown matching toilet and jetted bathtub just screamed custom 70’s master retreat. This place was… Keep Reading