It’s been a year since we renovated our backyard and it exceeds my expectations for what was possible in the space. I’m overdue for a walkthrough of the process from beginning to end, but here I am!
Read MoreSweet pea sweetness, a movie to mark your calendar for, colorful table linens, remodel regrets, uncommon kitchens, jumbo ric rac, barefoot shoes, a great sourdough recipe, miracle gel, nostalgic photos, and chromophobia.
Read MoreWe really like the range we selected during our kitchen remodel, but despite my over-thinking and intense research for a range, I have a regret.
Read MoreLots of gardening thoughts this week including a composting hack, a yard remodel regret, a crop harvest plan, and other things like lead safety, Alison’s kitchen makeover, a new book from everyone’s favorite old home account, supporting family visitation, the new item I hung to attract creatures, an assignment for high schoolers that I want to try, a TP recommendation, fix-it clinics, and more!
Read MoreOur century-old house has been in need of a fresh paint job and the task of dealing with the layers of lead-based paint was admittedly intimidating. There are a few key steps to keep lead out of our waterways, soil, air, and homes when working outside. I’m here to share exactly what to do (and not do!) when prepping a house for a quality paint job while taking the greatest cautions with lead.
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including a hosue painting update, a few newborn essentials we’re still using to this day, a sobering quilt, conversation cards, the most useful old house housewarming gift, how to help the birds, a step back in time, a 2024 gift to myself, the most lovely nursery, a new weird allergy, a favorite TV show is back, the next book on my list, empty homes for $25k, and a new kind of playlist.
Read MoreA faux finish I approve of, helping injured wildlife, pants for spring, a gardening request, an apartment tour, sharing is caring, SPF powder, a living playhouse update, upgrading a tool, and the podcast I’m loving.
Read MoreDanish baby sleeping, the next big project, a tip for movie viewing, a home style quiz, funny podcasts, a flower-filled home, a witch house, community care, a holiday to celebrate, how to help the planet, the thing I can’t stop buying, San Diego housing, a reminder for makeovers, the best couch, I’m now an athlete, and my monthly playlist.
Read MoreIt’s good to be home, a tender photo series, colorful towels, a house of stripes, loud quitting, a beautifully wintery word, an inset door upcycling DIY, experimenting in the backyard, a kitchen trend I can get behind, 1990s home inspo, the tool that changed our evenings, more café curtains?, a new season of an old show, and my monthly playlist.
Read MoreThree movie recommendations, a renovation goal I’ve set, a craftsman home I can’t stop staring at, reasons not to paint brick, tips for car activities, women and the ocean, custom framing tip, a brand new bedding collection, the parenting book I just finished, keeping a gun at home is irresponsible, hair donation for cleaning oil spills, a tip for videographers, helping the birds, and giving yourself permission to be creative.
Read MoreIt’s done! I worked with friends to help them revamp their tired and cramped kitchen with the help of a fresh layout, smart cabinetry, and modern finishes. I can’t wait for you to see these before and afters!
Read MoreThere’s always that one thing that transforms a kitchen - tearing down a wall, adding a skylight, incorporating an island - but in this kitchen, it’s cabinets. The power of new cabinetry in a fresh layout is a game changer for a kitchen with limited space!
Read MoreMy 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.
If you like florals and color, this bathroom is for you. If you don’t, well, maybe scroll through and you’ll be converted? Or not? Either way, here’s the reveal of a bathroom addition that’s finally here - after a whole three years of construction.
My baby is two! Time’s flying… we wish we could slow down these years… I can’t believe she’s two… and all those other cliché things to say. We celebrated her second trip around the sun in our backyard with a small gathering of friends.
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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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.