DIY Porch Swing   Would you believe me if I told you that was a waterproof crib mattress and some throw pillows supported by 2×4’s? It’s really such an easy straightforward project with an amazing, relaxing, enjoyable outcome. Check out the video below to watch the video and  the link to see the full tutorial on the House One channel on This Old House!     View the full project on House One   MORE BUILDING PLANS




DIY Oversized Canvas Wall Art   Oversized wall art can make a room feel so expensive, but it comes at a price tag to match. Here’s my DIY solution that could work as a paint-project or to display a graphic piece of fabric—can you believe mine was actually a shower curtain?!! Check out the video below and click the link so see the full tutorial on the House One channel on This Old House!     View the full project on House… Read more »




Our Backyard Reno Episode 2     A few weeks ago our backyard renovation segments started airing on TV on Ask This Old House. In case you missed it, here’s the SECOND segment now available to watch on thisoldhouse.com and YouTube. In this episode we cover how the shipping container pool was fabricated here in the USA by Trek Pools, and then crane it over my house for the install!   View the full project on This Old House   MORE… Read more »




Our Backyard Reno Episode 1     A few weeks ago our backyard renovation segments started airing on TV on Ask This Old House. In case you missed it, here’s the first segment now available to watch on thisoldhouse.com and YouTube.     View the full project on This Old House   MORE BUILDING PLANS




Our Backyard Reno on TV!!     Last year we completed a backyard renovation that included the installation of a new pool made from a shipping container. (Isn’t the design rendering above created by Yardzen stunning?)  It was a wild summer of never-ending rain, mud and construction that was all captured for my work at This Old House as segments for one of their television shows Ask This Old House.   It was the opportunity of a lifetime to have a TV crew here following our project… Read more »




Storage Room turned Home Gym     After years of working out with my toddlers attached to my ankles, I finally decided to purchase some real exercise equipment and create a dedicated home gym. Unfortunately, the only space available was an unfinished storage room in our basement. But with a little imagination and some choices that had my husband scratching his head (like when I installed the flooring on the wall), we finally have room—with a door—to workout.  Over on House One I’m sharing all the details including how framed in… Read more »




How to Tile a Fireplace Surround and Hearth I’ve never tiled before, so naturally I dove right into the deep end by choosing a herringbone mosaic surround and subway tile hearth for my fireplace makeover. Over on House One I’m sharing the demo process, the tile install, and the built-in cabinets I made for each side of the fireplace for a complete transformation of the entire wall. Click the link below the video to check out the full tutorial!     View the full… Read more »




How to Build Easy Custom Built-in Shelving This is one of those before and after projects I just had to see to believe…and it’s in my own house! Over on House One I’m sharing our fireplace-wall makeover. If you’ve been with me throughout this month, you know I retiled the fireplace, modernized our existing mantle, and built these DIY built-ins from scratch! Click the link below the video to check out the full tutorial!     View the full project on House… Read more »




How to Use Kreg’s Pocket Hole Jig 720 PRO   Note: This post is sponsored by Kreg, but all opinions are 100% my own. A pocket hole jig was one of the first tools I purchased when I started building my own furniture projects. Of course, at the time, it was just a mini I grabbed at the home center, but it was enough to open my eyes to the versatility and strength pocket hole joinery could add to my builds…. Read more »




DIY Scrap Wood Holder   Am I the only one who can’t seem to toss offcuts and scrap wood? Hopefully not. Having said that, the pile next to my miter saw is pretty intense, so this week on House One I’m building an organizer using just one sheet of plywood so I can get organized. Check out the video below and click the link so see the full tutorial on the House One channel on This Old House!     View… Read more »