May 5, 2023

Alger Renovation Project Complete

I was asked to help with a ground floor remodel project that has recently wrapped up after several months. Here’s how things started… The wishlist included: ground floor laundry, pantry, mudroom area, losing the unnecessary double dining room and opening the kitchen onto the dining area. Here’s where we landed. We moved the kitchen into the former breakfast room, opened a doorway into the dining room, divided the former kitchen into a laundry room and nice sized walk in pantry,...

February 13, 2021

E-Design Project Updates

The pandemic has meant spending more time at home for all of us. It has been a good opportunity to really spend time thinking about what works or doesn’t work in our homes. I started an etsy shop several years ago so I could help people nationwide – Here are some ideas for reasons to use e-design Room layouts that are not working or living up to their potential You have a hodge podge of accumulated furniture and need help...

February 20, 2020

Master Bedroom Reveal – Before & After

Well my friends, I did it! I finally finished my master bedroom redo. It was stalled at about 90% for a while, but the last few to-do items are checked off and I’m so happy to be done. As a reminder of where we started, here is a blank canvas before pic. The new wall color is Benjamin Moore Simply White, which is our trim color throughout the house. It has warm undertones and looks a bit creamy next to...

February 14, 2020

Valentine’s Day Dessert Board

Over the past few years I have been looking for ways to make the holidays special for my kids. This year, I chose a night the week of Valentine’s Day to do a family dinner and fancy dessert board. I get to have a date night with my hubby tonight, so it’s nice to spread out the fun. Instead of making a big cake or elaborate dessert, I made a dessert board with chocolate covered strawberries, a couple kinds of...

July 2, 2019

A Kitchen and Living Room Redo

I recently completed an e-design client and wanted to share. The existing furniture wasn’t taking advantage of the space and the fireplace was feeling outdated and like not enough of a focal point. The kitchen cabinets are in good condition, but also feel outdated and the finish is turning orange-y. All of the flooring is just builder grade and bland. This is where the floor plan ended up. A sectional definitely allows for a lot more seating in the living...

June 27, 2019

A Lakeside Basement Redo

Basements can be such a great extra space in a home. This room started out with some good bones in place – it’s a walkout with a sliding door to the backyard on a lake. It also has an adjacent wet bar room with a window counter to the backyard, making it great for entertaining. The biggest issue was how to place furniture in the narrow, L-shaped room. First, I drew up two possible floor plans for the main living...

June 25, 2019

How to Make a Silhouette Portrait with Photoshop

I remember sitting and having my silhouette cut out by hand as a little girl, and have always wanted to have them made for my kids. There are many sources where you can order them online, but then I realized how easily I could make them myself! They might sound intimidating, but I made these from start to finish in one afternoon on a whim. Photoshop makes the process super easy. First, you will want to take side profile pictures...

June 21, 2019

Family Command Center and Summer Checklist

Well, we are a couple weeks into summer vacation, and I’ve quickly realized I need to be more organized in order to make the most of our time. With three kids 5 and under, including a sweet baby who just wants to be held all day, it’s easy to get distracted! I created a simple clipboard system that is helping me keep my sanity, which I’m happy to share. I currently have 6 clipboards, with the following categories. Family Calendar...

June 19, 2019

Master Bedroom – Finally

Finally is the word of the day. I finally got this blog back online after a long maternity leave and some technical issues. And I’m finally working on finishing my own master bedroom. We have been in our house for three years this month and I had yet to do a single thing to our master bedroom. I currently spend as little awake time as possible in this room because being there just reminds me of unfinished business. Let’s look...