Melanie from Washington recently wrote this to me: “Hey Kate, I read that when you remodeled your house a few years ago, that you designed and built your kitchen. We’re in the beginning stages of gutting our very dated kitchen and we’re starting over from scratch! We’re so excited!! My question for you is, were…
Greetings! Announcing the winner of last week’s MirrorMate giveaway: #779 Martha of The Simple Things blog, congratulations Martha !! Now on to the giveaway for this week! Are you struggling with decorating a particular room in your home? Need a little help deciding where to place your furniture, what size area rug you should buy,…
Board and batten is all the rage in DIY land, and for very good reason. It’s a fantastic way to add architectural interest to your home and a project any homeowner can tackle. Board and batten adds clean lines, breaks up bare walls, and complements many styles of modern homes, and these days it’s de…
Ever wondered what to do with those bare walls in your home? That unused square footage along empty hallways or entryways ? Do you add storage, or do you use that space as display for your art and photographs? Well why not have both! This wall space presented that very design dilemma: how to take…
Hi, it’s me! Late to the soiree again (Nester’s Home Goals party), but for good reason! I spent all yesterday behind one of these: I’m still an amateur in front of a camera, but so grateful for the patient and encouraging crew. It was nerve-wracking, thrilling, and educational all at the same time. …
Thanks everyone! Both Mia and I love the quick fix on yesterday’s budget bathroom makeover. Be sure to check out all the links over there too, over 100 bathroom remodels from around the blogosphere, so inspiring! I’m so ready to tackle my own hallway bath thanks to all of your ideas! A few questions came…
You know those oak vanities picked out by builders and installed in bathrooms across America over the last two decades? I am not a fan, and I imagine you are not either. Unfortunately, I happen to have one of those very same bathrooms in my own home awaiting a remodel. Patience icky bathroom, patience, you’re…
New Year’s Eve always brings to mind streamers, sparkles and bubbly. This year, we’ve decided to dress comfortably, stay indoors, and entertain friends. Even though we’re keeping it casual, I set this pretty table in silver, pink, and gold for the festive occasion. Time to bring on the bubbly! . This fun branch centerpiece…
It’s roundup time right? My good friend Rhoda is hosting a fab party, and how perfect is a ‘Top Projects’ post this time of year? Here are my favorite projects from 2010, the ones that gave me the most satisfaction, taught me something new, scared the bajeezus out of me, or simply made my world…
I had big plans yesterday, big plans to get a lot done. I kinda sort of got a few things done. Presents from Santa for the kids? Thank you Toys ‘R Us. Party ware? Check. Outdoor canopy rented for overflow because there’s a storm a comin’ and I just counted 80 on the RSVP list…
Hello hello! What are you up to these days? Around these parts there’s some last second decorating going on, getting ready for our holiday gathering on Saturday. I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to sparkle at Christmastime. Call me a Pollyanna, but I’m also fond of draping sparkly beads where light…
You know that holiday tune “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” ? Well whenever I hear it, I often substitute these words. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, With the relatives yelling And everyone selling you plastic reindeer! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” In my family, we make…
“Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays . . .” Are you humming all of those tunes these days? We are! We’re also getting the house ready to welcome (gulp, 70 to 80) guests for our annual Christmas party next weekend. Thankfully, all the inside decorating is done! Nester is hosting her…
Last year, I wrote up an article ‘Tools for a Cool Yule’ with a list of the the tools I consider important for my own DIY projects. Now that this year is coming to a close, and some of you may be thinking of adding a few tools to your holiday list, here’s a revised…