Amazing Home Tour | High End Look on a Budget

A few weeks back we took you on a before and after home tour of my parents dated 90's home renovation. Clearly they have transformed the look and feel of their home with a re-imagined floor plan and new finishes, all while working with a modest budget. Our home on the other hand is a new build. While we had the privilege of choosing all the finishes in our home prior to construction, we also planned for upgrades down the road. To keep building costs down, we opted to go with several builders grade finishes. Over the past 5 years we've…

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Easy Fall Decorating Ideas on a Dime

Fall Decorating Ideas on a Dime Earlier this week my Mom showcased simple and affordable ideas for fall decorating around her home. Ideas included were how she likes to incorporate cozy fabrics, warm colors, candles and natural elements. Not to mention a key component ... when is it okay to start decorating for fall? Switching out home decor with each season change not only adds variety year round, but also helps you be more present during each season. Today I'd like to welcome you into my home for fall decorating ideas you can create on a dime. Many elements were found…

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Fireplace Mantel Surround | How To Install Brick Veneer

Would you agree that having a fireplace in a room helps make it feel cozy? A fireplace mantel and surround complete the look and add architectural interest to any space. Continue reading to see how we finished our fireplace surround by installing brick veneer.We'll share our DO's and DON'TS to help you save time and money.If you've been following along with our fireplace series, we're glad to have you back again! This post will wrap up our series. If you missed any of the previous steps you can click the links below.How To Install A Fireplace InsertHow To Build A Faux…

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Fireplace Mantle Surround | A Beginners Guide

We LOVE a fireplace in the living room. It adds such beautiful architectural details to any space. If you are following along from the previous weeks, welcome. We are coming to the finish line, adding in all the details with molding and trim. This simple DIY tutorial will show you how easy it is to build a fireplace surround and mantel. We will show you our step by step process, so you can be a doer as well. 😉The title of "doer" makes me chuckle. When we moved into our home 5 years ago, one of our neighbors came over to…

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How to Install a Fireplace Insert

We believe most people would agree that a fireplace makes a house feel like a home. We love the character and architectural detail that a fireplace adds to a room. While installing a fireplace may seem like a project you do not want to tackle, yet there are many elements that a DIYer can do on their own and save money! And you know we love to save money! This week we will share part 1 of our 4 part series of how to install a fireplace insert. Each Saturday for the next 3 weeks we will share the process of…

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How to Build DIY Fireplace Mantle and Surround

Are you looking for ideas to DIY a Fireplace Mantle and Surround. Whether your style is shaker, craftsman or farmhouse, clearly you will find this easy step by step guide will help you create a beautiful fireplace for your living room or family room. Without a doubt, we LOVE fireplaces. Not only do we love the way a fireplace anchors a room, but it also adds charm, character and architectural detail.There is nothing better than cozying up with a blanket by the fireplace on a chilly winter's day. Just ask my youngest grandson, Mr. A about that!It can be 90 degrees…

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How to Make a Custom Built-In Bookcase Around the Fireplace

I love built-ins! To me they add such a great architectural detail to a room. This is the 4th built-in bookcases that my hubby, Steve has built. I think he does great work!Hold on a minute . . . are you new here? If so welcome, we love new friends! Be sure to say hi in our comment section and please take a minute and sign up for our weekly newsletter and never miss any new ideas. The first time I really had to convince him that he could do it, I purchased this book "Ultimate Guide to Cabinets, Shelves, and…

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Tour My Comfortable & Cozy Living Room

Welcome to my cozy and comfortable living room! I'm excited to share this room, it has been completely transformed. Not only was it dated with loads of white tile and pale pink walls, but this area where the fireplace and two chairs are was once the formal dining room. It was walled off from the rest of the house and even though this house was spacious, it didn't feel that way. We just needed to rearrange the spaces so the flow would be better. Standing near the built-ins looking at the other end of the room you can see how this…

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