We added a wall in what some folks would think is a wonky way. But, it’s come together so much more perfectly than I could have hoped! Here’s the evolution of a transformation that’s re-shaped the flow of our house.
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including blackout curtains, personalized jewelry, upcycled quilts, a throwback video, my next anticipated Margot milestone, the return of a favorite TV show, the contract I’m due to complete, keeping cool, and my next big renovation plans.
Read MoreLife after birthing a baby is wild! The new little human is a lot to handle, and on top of it, my body was all out of sorts. There have been a few items and resources that I can’t imagine living without during these first few months after birth, so I’ve rounded them up here.
Read MoreCandlesticks that are the perfect fit, free trees for San Diegans, a “game” of finances, capturing baby growth memories, a brand new mid-mod home, a historic home I hope to visit, the product that everyone is using wrong, what we’re watching, swag for the vaxxed, Halloween decor inspiration, and a hack for your next DIY.
Read MoreIt’s been nearly three months since Margot was born! Over two whole months since this little nugget came into our lives. Here’s her birth story.
Read MoreBaby will be here any time in the next few weeks, so I have the common itch to nest. But the nesting bug is combined with my own type-a, list-loving, clean freak, anxious personality, and a messy mid-renovation house. So, I’ve devised a list of things I’d like to have done by the time baby gets here.
Read MoreInspiration from the web including the house that has me wanting to move out of the country, ten tips for kitchen design, an upgrade to my ironing routine, my new hobby, nursery paper, car seat safety, the sweater set that’s still on sale, color combinations I adore, weekend sales, designing homes with dark woodwork, my May playlist, and what we’re watching.
Read MoreNursery inspiration, a kitchen update, collecting vs decorating, a lot has changed in a year, what not to donate, a washing machine PSA, what I’m baking this weekend, and support for Palestine.
Read MoreI announced that we’re having a baby three months ago, so you’d think that as a home blogger I’d be sharing all about the design process. But I haven’t been, have I? I’m here to give you the scoop and also ask your thoughts on the matter. I’m covering the layout and the initial design concept.
Read MoreMixing blues, having the blues, a mystery order, restoring tombstones, the beauty of fixing things, fighting the climate crisis with white paint, tile paintings, a lampshade trick, strangers connecting over a couch, the mop I can’t recommend enough, a bird PSA, fresh art to buy, a sweater set for baby, my monthly playlist, and more!
Read MoreThe plants finally filled in, the veggie beds are in the wrong spot, and I've learned that the yard you design and the yard your kids actually use are two very different things.
Hi. It's been a while. I've missed this. I took a longer break than I planned. Life has gotten full. I've been developing film and knitting at soccer practice, attempting to garden with the girls and fussing around with furniture layouts. I’ve also been scheduling summer camps, refilling the watercolors multiple times a day, and trying to keep the toys tidied. Around the house, I’m adding color wherever it fits and making some changes to the overall function and feel.
My friend Martha had a vision for this garage conversion: to turn her unfinished catch-all garage into a beautiful, hard-working space that could function as a living room, media room, playroom, laundry room, home office, and storage zone. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely convinced all of that could fit. But somehow(?!), it absolutely does and it turned out even better than I imagined.
Margot is getting an upgraded room to make space for baby sister in the nursery.
What I’ve been up to - from gardening, to film photography, and the books and shows we’re enjoying. Plus a house tour that requires a closer look, grass seed to always have on hand, cedar shake excitement, historic window screens, and the privilege I’m reminded of daily.
Hammocks, cookbooks, gardening, sewing, and the other things I’ve been up to on my impromptu break, and more.
Where I’ve been, shooting on film, my dream house, retro costume inspiration, energy rebates, a magic cake, textiles I don’t need but want, a lampshade DIY, my best defense against mosquitos, a new podcast, what’s killing home remodelers, best decision-making advice, overheard parenting, Little Women on acid home tour, best marble etch remover, and more.
Ashley’s restoring her historic home at a snail’s pace in California. She shares home improvement DIYs, tips for sustainable living, and renovation stories - all while aiming to add more color and present real, lived-in, family friendly spaces.
I'm Ashley, a deeply systematic homebody restoring my 1915 Craftsman bungalow in California, slowly and on purpose. I don't make a single decision without first opening 100 tabs. Renovation, DIY, color, and what it actually looks like to live in an old house with two young kids.
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Welcome to a new series: Report Card. I'm going through (nearly) everything in a space and telling you how it's actually held up. The backyard's first up, and spoiler, I did not ace this one.