25 Holiday Gift Exchange Theme Ideas
Every year, people ask us for theme ideas from my family’s annual Christmas gift exchange. We first mentioned this tradition ...
Home Renovation
Kitchen Island Ideas | 8 Trending Designs For 2026 Remodels
Kitchen islands carry more weight in many remodel plans, serving as the daily spot for cooking prep, quick meals, and casual ...
Grand Designs House of the Year 2025 opens with six epic homes
Grand Designs House of the Year returns with a powerful opening episode that celebrates homes carved from the natural landsca...
Santa Fe’s Standout Bakery and Cafe
On a recent stay in Santa Fe, my brother texted something about a friend’s daughter’s bakery. We only had two days, so I igno...
Healthy Homes Standards Frequently Asked Questions
Private rental properties must have ceiling and underfloor insulation that meets the 2008 Building Code or has a minimum R-va...
New Winter Dreambook: If I Lived in a Cottage by the Sea
I am so excited to share that my newest digital Dreambook is now available: the winter edition of the seasonal Dreambook seri...
Designing for Real Life: How to Make High-Traffic Spaces Last
Designing for real life means more than picking materials that “look” durable. It’s about understanding how your household ac...
Brian’s Gift Guide “For Him” (So Many Really Good Ideas)
You know that scene in The Simpsons where we finally get a glimpse inside Homer’s closet to find it’s just a hundred sets of ...
Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guides
21. Suminagashi Craft Kit ($34+)
This Japanese Marbling Craft Kit is something both of our kids would love… and that John ...
Your Guide to Budget Your Project
Dreaming of transforming your Boston home but worried about breaking the bank? You’re not alone. Boston home renovations can ...