Renovation Blog
Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood: All You Need to Know
I know there are many purists out there who would likely tell you that you should go with solid hardwood. While I love solid hardwood for flooring, I am an engineered hardwood kind of gal for a number of...
How to Stain White Oak Stair Treads in Just a Few Steps
Okay, my friends, it is time to talk about stair treads. If you, too, have been convinced that you absolutely must use white oak in your home renovation and you want your stairs to match your flooring, this...
How to Clean Flat Paint Walls Easily
There’s nothing like a sparkling clean house to brighten your day. If your walls are smudged, stained, or dingy, they can make the whole room look a little grimy. Cleaning walls is easy and makes a big...
Outdoor Lighting For Trees: How to Make Your Yard Enchanting
“I think that I shall never see / A poem as lovely as a tree…” (“Trees” by Joyce Kilmer) There’s something wonderful about trees in your yard. They add depth and beauty to your space that can’t be created in...
Romabio Masonry Flat is a Sure Win for Exterior Brick
Let's talk about Romabio Masontry Flat for your brick home, shall we? There’s just something about a brick house. Sturdy, classic, and timeless, brick houses appreciate in value more than other types of...
Sheetrock, Plaster: What is the Difference?
Anytime you’re doing some remodeling or renovation on your home, you’re going to be faced with a lot of decisions, from flooring to paint color to fixtures and more. One choice that you may not think of...
Wainscoting in a Bedroom: The What, Why and How
Design by Oak Design Project Sometimes we focus all our DIY, decorating, and renovating attention on the most visible areas of our homes and neglect one of the most important: the master bedroom. Your bedroom...
Brazilian Cherry Wood Floors: Pros and Cons
Design by MO Design Brazilian cherry wood, also known as Brazilian cherry, or Jatoba is a gorgeous exotic hardwood that has been used for flooring for many years. If you’re considering installing Brazilian...
LVT vs LVP: What Is the Difference?
In this post, we will share everything you need to know about LVT vs LVP to help you decide! While natural flooring materials are beautiful, sometimes they just aren't in the budget or they don't make sense...
Lacquered Walls: Pros, Cons and How to Create Them
Design by Leah O'Connell Design Are you looking for a way to add character and a unique vibe to your space? Lacquered walls might be just the thing. You’ve seen them on Instagram or Pinterest or in home decor...
Is MDF Waterproof? We Have Your Answer!
If your home has a lot of medium-density fiberboard, you may wonder how best to care for it. Or maybe you are starting some awesome DIYs that use medium-density fiberboard and you are wondering how to know...
Montauk Black Slate Tile: The Pros and Cons
If you are considering using slate tile in your home, you’ve probably run across Montauk black slate tile. This slate, originating in Brazil, is absolutely gorgeous with its dark shades of deep gray and...
Gray Paint Colors That Go With Dark Wood Trim
Does your house have wood interior trim? Lucky you! For a while, wood trim was considered dated, but it is making a comeback. In this post, we will share some gorgeous gray paint colors that go with dark wood...
How to Use Interior Door Colors to Make a Statement
Design by Pistachio Terrace Are you looking for a way to add a little personality, color, or interest to the interior of your home? Painting your interior doors is a great option, and there are tons of...
Can You Put Shiplap Over Drywall? Yes, You Can!
If you’ve ever watched Fixer Upper, chances are you know what shiplap is. Brought into the public eye by Chip and Joanna Gaines, shiplap has become popular over the past several years. But it’s not just for...
The Best Caulk for Showers and Much More!
Shower caulk may not be the most exciting topic to explore when you’re renovating your home or even doing basic maintenance on your home, but it’s an important one. Caulk is used to seal the seams around your...
Types of Pavers: Which of These Are Right for You?
When you are ready to improve the curb appeal of your home or upgrade your outdoor living space, pavers are an excellent option. What are pavers used for, you ask? Pavers are hardscaping materials that are...
Types of Interior Doors: A Complete Guide
When it’s time to install or replace interior doors in your home, you may be surprised and overwhelmed at all the available options. Choosing the perfect doors for your home gives you that last piece of the...
White Marble Flooring Pros and Cons
If you are considering installing white marble flooring in your home, I am so glad you are here! While there is no shortage of different types of marble flooring, this post is all about white marble. I am a...
Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood? Yes, You Can!
Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners. It has many of the benefits of solid hardwood but without the cost. If your home has engineered hardwood floors, you likely love them. What do...
Replacing Subfloor: A Step-By-Step Guide
You are pulling up the flooring in the house you’re renovating, and you discover an unwelcome surprise: a damaged subfloor. Suddenly your flooring project becomes more complicated. What can you do to fix the...
How to Install a Toilet by Yourself: Step by Step
While toilets may not be the most pleasant of topics, they are a necessary one! When renovating your bathroom, you are most likely going to want to replace the old toilet with a new one, and you may not want...
Interior House Trim: From Crown Molding to Baseboards
You know the end is in sight when you are renovating your home, and you start thinking about trim or molding. It’s not the last thing you’ll install, but it does come into play near the end of your project....
What is Cultured Marble and Is It a Good Choice?
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, the time will come when you have to choose what material to use for your countertops. Bathroom counters are important: visually, they set the tone for the look and feel of...
Stained Cabinets: Everything You Need to Know
Is your kitchen in need of a facelift? If you’re in the middle of renovating your kitchen, if you moved into a house with a kitchen you don’t love, or if you just need a new look, stained cabinets is a great...
Pros and Cons of Ipe Decks
When you’re building a new deck, you have a lot of choices for your decking material. One of the most popular decking materials is ipe decking. This South American hardwood is increasingly popular, and I...
Kitchens with Wood Floors: The Pros and Cons
Your kitchen needs to be a space you love, and it needs to be functional. Are kitchens with wood floors a good idea? That is the question we hope to help answer in this post. If your home is anything like...
How to Choose the Perfect Tile for Your Laundry Room
For many homeowners, the laundry room is not the first room they consider when discussing renovation. However, there is value in creating a space you love if you spend time in it! One of the easiest ways to...
How to Install Mosaic Tile Like an Expert
Choosing tile alone can be daunting and challenging, so congratulations if you have reached the installation phase! Now that you have your beautiful tile, it is time to install it! In this post, I will tell...
What Is Honed Marble and Why I Love to Use It!
What is honed marble, you ask? Allow me to answer that question for you! In this post, I will tell you what honed marble is, where to use it, how to maintain it, and why I can't get enough of it! What is...
Living Room Transformation Before and After Photos
Are you considering renovating the living room in your home? I say do it! In this post, I will share our living room transformation and tell you the fundamental changes that had a huge impact. My goal is to...
How to Grout Floor Tile Using Ultracolor Plus FA
Great news, friends! The hard part of the tile installation process is behind you! It is now time to grout that gorgeous tile! In this post, I will share how to grout floor tile in just five steps using...
How to Easily Apply Sealer on Tile as a Grout Release
Don't get too grout-happy just yet! Before you grout that gorgeous new tile, I highly recommend you apply a grout release or sealer first! In this post, I will tell you what tools you need and how to apply...
How to Remove Thinset from Tile Using Acidic Cleaner
If you are trying to figure out how to eliminate the excess mortar that has dried on your beautiful new tile, you have come to the right place! In this post, I will tell you how to remove thinset from tile...
Your Guide to the Right Trowel Size for 6×24 Tile
Are you ready to transform your space with your new favorite 6" x 24" tile? If so, you are in the right place! As with any home renovation project, the key to success is using the proper tools for the job....
Schluter Ditra Installation Over Plywood in 5 Simple Steps
Do you have a floor tile project in the future? If so, I highly recommend installing Schluter DITRA first! In this post, I will explain what DITRA is and why you should use it, provide a list of required...
The Carpet vs Hardwood Debate: Know the Key Differences!
Are you trying to decide whether to install carpet or hardwood flooring in your home? I would love to help make that decision easier for you! In this post, I will break down all the key differences in the...
How to Fix a Dent in the Wall as Well as Holes!
Do you have a dent in the wall and aren't quite sure what to do about it? Do not panic! In this post, I will tell you how to fix a dent in the wall and how to fix holes - large and small! How to Fix a Dent or...
25 Fireplace Makeover Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind
If you are looking for fireplace makeover ideas, look no further! I have collected 25 of the most amazing fireplace design ideas to inspire you. After reading this post, you should have at least one...
Room Painting Process: A Guide for Beginners
You do not have to hire professional painters for your painting project to get professional results! Consider this your ultimate guide to the room painting process. If you are ready to get to work, that...
Matte or Flat Paint: A Guide to Help You Decide
Are you trying to decide between matte or flat paint? After reading this guide to paint finishes, you may decide that satin is the most suitable option! Choosing the right paint finish or paint sheen for...
What is Primer Paint and Why and How to Apply It!
Are you planning for your next big painting project? If so, this is precisely where you need to be! A crucial step to any successful interior wall painting project is applying primer. In this post, I will...
Tile Ready Shower Pan Installation: Your How-To Guide
Are you planning to install a new tile shower as a part of your renovation? If so, I highly encourage you to consider using a pre-sloped prefab tile-ready shower pan instead of installing a traditional mortar...
Penny Tile Shower Floor Pros and Cons
If you are considering installing penny tile in your shower or on your bathroom floor, I am so glad you are here! In this post, I will share all the pros and cons of a penny tile floor. This post is all about...
Your Guide to Engineered Wood Flooring vs Laminate
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. If you,...
Our Primary Bathroom Mood Board: Marble + Brass
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. If you are...
How We Installed an Under-Deck Drainage System
Would you like to have usable space under your second-story deck? Believe it or not, it is possible with under-deck drainage systems! In this post, I will describe how to create dry space under your deck by...
7 Great Reasons to Choose Quartzite Kitchen Countertops
If you are choosing countertops for your kitchen, you are likely in the home stretch of decision-making madness! Don't give up now! Choosing countertops for your kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting...
How to Install Zellige Tile Like a True Professional!
If you are reading this, I assume that you also could not resist the temptation to use the loved-by-many zellige tile in your kitchen. Well, why would you?! It is stunning! In this blog post, I will tell you...
Inspiring Remodeled Kitchen Before and After Photos
Do you have a kitchen that needs to be remodeled and have no idea where to start? We certainly have been there! I hope that sharing our remodeled kitchen before and after photos and the story behind them will...