Stairway makeover

‘Good things come to those who wait’.
I whispered this to myself quietly each time I passed my stairway and cringed at its unsightly state. I knew I probably shouldn’t have been quite so bothered with something as trivial as the cosmetics of my stairs, but because my stairway sits directly in front of my front door, the stairway is my entry and gives the first impression of my home. I disliked that my home’s first impression was one that was a bit beat up and disheveled.

Let me take you back to the beginning of my stairway journey. Back in 2014 when I first purchased my home, I was doggedly determined to do something about the stairway’s outdated state. Back then, along with the rest of the home, this area was original to the home, and had remained untouched from updates since 1984. Plush, beige carpet covered the stairs, combined with an orange tinted, walnut stained spindles which were especially unbecoming.

Upon moving into our home, and because we did not have a budget for any type of renovation, I realized if I were going to update the space in any way, I was going to need to Do It My Self.

At the time I didn’t have any really experience with DIY’s or home renovation, but I took it upon myself to do a temporary update to my stairs in a way that cost the least amount of money. I ripped out the plush beige carpet, covered the warped pine stairs with a coat of paint and stain, replaced the handrail with a makeshift design using cheap lumber purchased from the lumber store, and called it a day. Although it was meant to be temporary, this update lasted our home 10 years.

I always intended to replace the stairs and railings properly, but as the years went, different home projects were prioritized over the stairs. Because the stairs were deemed ‘Good enough’ I told myself not to stress over them too much. Still, the area ate at me, and I dreamt and saved for the day I would be able to properly replace them with the stairs and railings of my dreams, giving my entry the same pizzaz and style I was working to transform the rest of my home into.

I am so happy to say that 10 years after my first dip into renovating my home, and what was my very first DIY, today is that day!
Let me reveal to you my long awaited dream stairway. Gone are the warped pine steps. Gone are the bulky railings built from 2x4 lumber. In their place are beautiful white oak stairs and treads, a delicately curved handrail with newel posts to match, and for a touch of modern, round metal spindles to complete the look.

I ordered Crown Heritage stair parts and sourced all of my supplies from Finished Inspirations, a one stop shop for all things stair parts. Their expert sales reps help guide me through the process of choosing which stair parts would work well in my home, and walked me step by step through the process of design and purchasing.

Crown Heritage stair parts are available in most places where building materials are sold.
I worked with Drew and his team at Sheer Renovations, who took their time installing the stairs and railings to perfection I couldn’t have done it without them.

My home is decidedly feminine, and I wanted my stairway to blend with that same aesthetic. The curves of the newel post and handrail reflect this look, while the steel rods balance their elegance, modernizing the railings and grounded the design. For the stairs and treads, I went with a white oak that matched my flooring. I left the risers unpainted as this gives the impression of a wider step.

It may have taken some time for me to finally have the stairway of my dreams, but all of the waiting and dreaming were worth it. It is wonderful to have a welcoming entry that is a reflection of the rest of my home. I am so glad I didn’t settle for ‘Good Enough’ and pushed ahead until I was finally able to create the stairway of my dreams. It was well worth the wait.

If you have a stairway makeover in your future, I’ve listed everything I’ve used below as inspiration. Make sure to browse Crown Heritage’s website to explore their full range of stair parts. When you are ready to buy, visit a major building materials retailer to shop your selections!

SOURCES:

Wood Stair Parts

Iron Stair Parts

Retro Fit Treads

Stair Components and Railing

Bonus Room Update

Product design for my bonus room makeover.

Sofa Coffee Table End Table Rug

A Basement Bar with Speakeasy vibes

Basement bar reveal

Created in Partnership with the Home Depot

I’ve been working around the clock the past few months to create this speakeasy inspired basement bar. This bar and half kitchen are part of an entire basement project I’ve been working on for a friend this past year, and it’s been exciting to see all of the tireless hours of planning pan out.  It’s also the first time I’ve taken on an entire home remodel that includes new construction, so the process has been quite the learning curve to say the least.

I had no idea how many setbacks and challenges I would encounter during this project. My novice beginner optimism concluded we would be finished in a matter of weeks, but as it turns out when dealing with multiple contractors, the delays piled one upon the other, and weeks turned into months as the completion of this project stretched on and on.  On the bright side, this makes the reveal that much sweeter as this project has been such a labor of love! Yesterday after the kitchen was fully put together, I laid out a charcuterie board and invited my design partner Courtney, who has helped me every step of the way, along with her family to come celebrate the completion of such a massive project.

But let’s get in and talk about the design of this space. My client wanted an old world vintage Speakeasy-inspired basement kitchen and bar where he could effortlessly host friends and family. The bar area sits adjacent to the media room which hosts multiple movie nights and teenage hangouts throughout the week so the design and functionality needed to tie into that adjoining space as well.

My goal for this space was to create a kitchen and bar that gave off a cool glamorous vintage vibe, but also felt accessible and not too uptight so to match the everyday family life of my client. I accomplished this by choosing structural elements in timeless materials such as marble and stone, and cabinetry in a classic shaker style in a warm wood tone, then adding in elements that were practical and family friendly for every day use.

To outfit the bar I sat down with my computer and made a beeline to homedepot.com/decor Many people don’t realize the vast scope of products that The Home Depot carries, so they are often surprised when I share with them the products I find at The Home Depot, especially online. I love utilizing The Home Depot’s website when creating a space because they are truly a one stop shopping experience. In one afternoon I am able to source everything for my space, from furniture to lighting, to kitchenware and art, and have it delivered straight to my door in a matter of days. Everything I used to furnish and decorate this kitchen I found at The Home Depot.

I found these navy vegan barstools which are perfect for the space which needed a stool with a narrow base that could fit easily on the narrow tiled space under the bar. The stools are a full swivel which is perfect for anyone sitting at the bar to be able to turn around and see what is playing on the big screen directly behind them.

I found these beautiful vintage inspired pendant lights at The Home Depot. I loved how the white pops against the dark of the wall, and that the profile is slim enough not to obstruct the TV behind the bar not too much.

I’m a sucker for fluted stemware so when I found some on The Home Depot’s website I bought both the coupe and the champagne glasses for the basement bar. I was able to source all of the barware for the bar from The Home Depot, as well as sleek black dinnerware, stemware, and even a set of bone-inlayed bottle openers which I thought were beautiful and reminiscent of the homeowner’s trips to Kenya, a country very dear to his heart.

No kitchen bar is complete without its tools, so I also added in a mixer set, wine opener, cutting boards, and a sturdy knife set for the basement.

Once the basics were covered, I peppered in small details such as serving boards and floral vases  to create more character to the space while also allowing for easy and stylish hosting in a flash.   

The homeowner is a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan so it was fun to surprise him with a nod to his Cowboys with these coasters I found online at The Home Depot (I’m telling you guys, The Home Depot has everything!).

I think everyone’s favorite part of this kitchen though, is the vintage inspired popcorn machine I surprised the family with. It perfectly to adds more old school style to the space in the basement, and it legit makes the best popcorn! This popcorn maker is used on the regular.

I am so pleased with how this basement kitchen bar  turned out! It is glamorous while also feeling accessible and fun, and perfectly fits the bill as a moody speakeasy inspired kitchen design.  I’ve linked all of the items I used for this space below, so you can check them out and get inspired to create your own dream space.

Dishes                Serving Ware           Decanter           Whiskey Glasses          Coupe Glasses

Mango Platter    Bar Set           Champagne Glasses   Charcoal Glasses         Beer Glasses

Vador Glasses   Bar Stool             Popcorn Machine    White Pendant         Bottle Opener

Woodland Wine Glass                  Mirrored Trey

A Kitchen Makeover With The Home Depot

In Paid Partnership with The Home Depot

If there is one area of the home that should feel inviting and welcoming, it’s the kitchen. The kitchen is often a buzz of activity. It’s the place for kids to pull up a stool and complete homework, chatting about their day to the parent prepping dinner, or the place to gather for a late night snack, sharing intimate parts of the day in hushed tones. It’s the source of nourishment for the family and a place to host friends and neighbors. This is why I feel it is so important to take special care when designing a kitchen. My goal when designing a kitchen is always to create a homey and relaxed feel, with design that inspires and draws you into the space.

A friend recently asked for help in giving their kitchen a makeover and I happily took on the challenge. The kitchen itself was already beautiful and didn’t need much to make it shine except for updating a few small pieces which felt dated, and filling it with decor that helped the room feel lived in and welcoming.

I sourced everything I needed for this kitchen refresh at The Home Depot.
The Home Depot has quickly become my go to spot when sourcing lighting, furniture, kitchenware, and even decor. I was able to find everything I needed online with their one- stop shopping experience, and the items were shipped to my door at lighting speed. This is a welcome relief instead of ordering from multiple stores with multiple shipping solutions and dates.

My main focus was to fill the open shelving with useful kitchen items and add a few decorative pieces to make the area shine. I also wanted to update the kitchen island in order to bring some style into the space.
There is not a lot of cabinet storage in the kitchen, so I knew whichever pieces I chose to fill the shelves needed to be practical yet aesthetically pleasing as they would be on display.

I choose a selection of tableware from Stylewell and Home Decorators Collection, two of The Home Depot’s exclusive brands which offer incredible quality at an affordable price point.

I selected dinnerware in a warm taupe and metallic edging, giving it a sophisticated look while also being practical as it is completely dishwasher and microwave safe
I choose bowls with etched details, and a selection earth toned mugs that give the design of the shelves a warm feel.

Filling a large area of open shelving can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few tips; Display items of the same look or category in groups of three, then stagger these groups across your design. This will give visual balance to your design. It’s also always a good idea to incorporate living plants or fresh flowers to liven up the space. In this case, the terracotta planters also serve as part of the design element, bringing even more texture and style to the space. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and remember that design is always a process. If you style in one way but then decide the next day that you’d rather see it a different way, no big deal. It’s ok to switch things up over time.

For the bar area, I replaced the dated pendant lights with two oversized vintage inspired globe pendants, then replaced the current barstools with elevated plush velvet stools in a rich rust tone, offset by brushed bronze legs. These simple changes immediately updated the room and took it from feeling a little drab to exuding a time tested elegance full of character and warmth.

Lastly, I added some useful small appliances to help make this family of five’s day to day life a little easier. It was important for me that these elements fit the style aesthetic of the kitchen as well, so I kept design in mind when selecting each item.

I added a white KitchenAide mixer which blends effortlessly in the kitchen when on display and not in use.
For cookware, I went with Caraway Home’s non-stick pots and pans. I love this line for its quality and thoughtful design and also its range of colors. I ordered a set in Navy to match the kitchen cabinets.

Of course I had to bring in an AirFryer as well because AirFryer’s are making all of our lives easier right now. I chose one that was large enough to cook an entire chicken in if desired, but also the right size to slip under the kitchen cabinets discreetly when not in use.

I had so much fun giving this kitchen a facelift. The updates weren’t enormous, yet the impact feels massive. The room was pretty already, but just by switching out a few key items it really all came to life.

Items I used in this makeover

Counter Stools Pendant Light Vase Planter Mugs

Dinnerware Cocktail Glasses Bowls Tumblers Flatware

Chef’s Board Air Fryer Kitchenaid Mixer Cutting Board

Cookware

A Bedroom Makeover Just in Time for the Holidays

In paid partnership with the home depot

I’ve been feeling the nudge to update my daughter’s bedroom for awhile now. The current space wasn’t working for my almost High School graduate and the needs of a brand new young adult.  For starters, it held two twin sized beds which just wasn’t cutting it anymore for her adult sized self. No longer being in the season of sleepers meant that replacing the other twin bed with a desk for her mounting school responsibilities would make so much more sense for her space.

Beyond the function of her room, I felt the design could use a little grown up flare as well. I had recently made over my bathroom, decor, and all, utilizing products from the Home Depot, with great success, so I decided to do the same for my daughter's bedroom makeover. I hopped on the Home Depot website and had quite literally the one stop shopping experience. From quality furniture, bedding, decor items, and everything in between, the Home Depot had it all. I even ordered a selection of  Holiday themed decor to get us in the holiday spirit.

Most important to me in this makeover was to replace my daughter's somewhat lightweight twin bed frame with a sturdy Queen size bed. I found this elegant Ashdale Patina Queen bed in ivory, perfectly fitted for my daughter. I love its understated curves and the soft grey upholstery that ties so fittingly in with the wall behind it. I ordered the Linenspa 10 inch mattress from the Home Depot to complete it. I also found a gorgeous carved bedside table with drawers to replace the vintage wicker table she currently was using. This offered some much needed storage in her room.

The Home Depot carries the softest Holiday flannel bedding, and I couldn’t help myself but order some for the bedroom. I went with a mix-matched selection so I could layer different colors and patterns in coordinating colors.

The next priority was to add a workspace to her room. By removing one of the twin beds I had a bit of extra space to add a desk. With the limited space, I knew I needed a compact desk I could tuck into the corner of the room without obstructing the flow of the bedroom. This small Stylewell desk In light grey was the perfect size for the corner and blended in easily with the rest of the room decor. I found the sweetest swivel office chair in a teal blue which is insanely comfortable. It makes the perfect addition to the room.

One exciting fact I recently discovered is that the Home Depot carries a number of copycat items from popular home decor brands but at a fraction of the cost. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I found this mirror, a knock-off of one I have loved for ages but whose original price was very much outside my budget. Of course I had to order it, and think it makes the most perfect statement piece in my daughter's bedroom.

The ceiling light in my daughter's bedroom was a rickety fan/light combo original to our 1980’s house. The Home Depot has an amazing selection of lighting, and I ordered an affordable Sputnik chandelier to replace the old fan lighting.

Lastly I sprinkled the room with a little Holiday cheer. The prelit Christmas trees add sparkle and shine to her bedroom. A wreath hung on the wall and greenery sprinkled throughout anticipate the upcoming Holiday season. The North Pole pillow and the flannel plaid throw blanket add some festivities to the bed.

I even found the softest Holiday flannel  Pajama’s and couldn’t resist ordering some for kid sister. We are all feeling ready for the Holidays over here thanks to the Home Depot.

Don’t forget to check out the Home Depot next time you are shopping for all things home. They have more selection than you probably realize, with both excellent quality and price points!

I’ve linked all the products I used in the room below.

Queen Bed Desk Office Chair Wall Mirror Duvet Cover

Mattress Flat Sheet Fitted Sheet Grey Flannel Pillowcase

Holiday Throw     North Pole Pillow Wreath Greenery Prelit Christmas Tree

Red Flannel Pillowcase Sputnik Light Bedside Table

Renter friendly bathroom makeover

In paid partnership with The Home Depot

It’s Summertime, which means a flurry of activity in the Bond home. During the Summer, much of my time is spent carting kids to their various activities, planning events to keep everyone occupied, or being the designated neighborhood kid host home with a front door ever swinging on its hinges.

I did find the time to sneak in a few projects as I juggled the business of parenting four kids over Summer Break as a single Mom. One of these was a project I’ve been excited to get into for months, my personal bathroom.

This bathroom is the final room in my home to be renovated. I had completed a couple of smaller projects in the space earlier this year. First was to pull out the plastic shower surround and tile a walk-in shower in its place. Next I DIY’d a temporary update to my current bathroom vanity by installing a new sink top to my current unit, creating new cane doors, and finishing it by painting the cabinets in a deep navy blue. Eventually, I’ll tear this vanity out and replace it with a double vanity instead. For now, the situation is working for me.

On one side, the bathroom looked ok. The tile was outdated but other than that everything was livable. The same could not be said when looking at the other angle of the room though, with an old outdated bathtub, unsightly wall shelves holding a massive amount of clutter, and stark white walls with no decor to spruce them up.

When The Home Depot reached out and asked if I’d be interested in creating a bathroom makeover using their line of home decor they carry, I jumped at the chance! I was excited to see how many beautiful pieces The Home Decor carries!  In the past, I’ve typically shopped with them when looking for building supplies. I now know they carry so much more than that! From plush textiles to stylish home styling pieces, The Home Depot had absolutely everything I needed to put this room together!

This room will need a full remodel at some point, but for now, putting in a little DIY effort and investing in some luxurious items to make me feel pampered has completely transformed the ambiance in the room. My bathroom went from being a dingy catch-all space to a relaxing oasis with only a week's worth of work and some carefully chosen decor items.

The first order of business was to add some character to the galley-shaped room. I did this by installing a board and batten wall. This vintage style wall treatment is great because it is a simple and affordable install, able to be put up in just a couple of days. I also wanted to add some bold colors and patterns to distract from the 1980’s garden tub that I hasn’t been updated yet.

I choose a patterned wallpaper, installed above the board and batten wall trim, in a soft peach. Peach happens to be one of the most complimentary colors on most skin types, so it’s always an excellent choice for a bathroom.

Next it was time to add some attention grabbing pattern to the room. I went with a bold checkered floor using peel and stick floor tile as a temporary solution to cover my outdated tile that will eventually need to be replaced. The cool thing about this peel and stick option is that I was able to install it directly on top of my old tile. The process was easy and fast, not to mention the tile itself was ridiculously affordable. The impact on the space was huge, and gave nearly instant gratification. I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I’ll be using peel and stick tile. I’m already brainstorming other areas of my home where I might be able to utilize this convenient product.

Once my floors and walls were completed, it was time for the fun part! It was time to add all the pretty decor and lush pieces that bring a space to life.

As soon as I saw this oversized Picasso art piece, I knew I wanted it to be the center piece of my design. It includes bold colors that coordinate with the floors and walls, but also with some dissonance colors, adding even more the the visual interest.

Once my center piece of art was in place, I added another art piece in similar colors to add the color theme through out the room. I love the way the placement of this art piece reflects off the mirror on the opposite wall, drawing the colors to even more areas of the room

I continued to decorated my space with a collection of pieces from The Home Depot in my color scheme of peach, rust, white, and blue. An oversized vase holds a few sprigs of branches nodding to the soon coming Fall season. A smaller peach vase adds not only color but texture as well, creating more visual interest.

I added a few marble bathroom accessories such as a tray and soap dispenser for more texture depth. And displayed the shelves across from the vanity are a collection of items that continue the color and design scheme of the room while offering extra storage as well.

What is a bathroom makeover without soft textiles to bring the comfort of a spa to your design?

Luxurious towels hang by the bath on a ladder for easy reach. A pair of textured rugs layer on the floor, creating a soft space for my feet after a long day.

A pair of plush bathrobes hang from sleek gold hooks on the wall, utilizing form and function by becoming part of the room decor as well as being useful.

Two lanterns near the tub are ready to be used to create a warm glow in the evenings.

A wooden stool table sits close by to hold any bath necessities one might need, and brings more warm wood tones to the room.

A pair of cane shelves hang opposite the vanity, mimicking the cane on the vanity doors and adding extra storage.

One of my favorite additions is the oversized mirror with interior jewelry organization hanging on my door. This unique pieces offers a full length mirror view in the bathroom, and as a bonus slides open to reveal hidden storage with space for every type of jewelry, plus extra shelves for storage.

As with all my designs, I sprinkled plants around the room to liven the space up even further.

In the shower I added another wooden stool, and for a little whimsy, a fun carved wooden mushroom.

I’m still amazed at what a significant impact this small makeover had on my bathroom. It just goes to show how just a bit of effort and intentionality can create a  gorgeous room without having the price tag of a traditional bathroom makeover. You don’t have to let a small budget keep you from creating a room you love! My bathroom is a case in point for that truth!

I also love how all of the updates I made in this room are entirely reversible, making them perfect for a rental home as well.

ITEMS USED IN THIS PROJECT

Wallpaper Peel and Stick Tile Ladder Shelf Towels Bath Stool Tray

Lanterns Faux Tree       Coral Planter     Bath Robes     Picasso Art Abstract Art                          

Wall Shelves Gold Bathroom Accessory Set Marble Bathroom Set Tall Vase Coral Vases

Pink Abstract Mat White Floor Mat Vanity Mirror       Jewelry Storage Mirror

Faux Plant Gold Abstract Decor Coral Decor Mushroom Decor Shower Stool

White Planter Faux Tree

Journals

I’ll never forget that evening in the Fall of 2019. It was midnight and everyone else was finally asleep as I slipped outside to walk and pray.

Our family was in trouble, and as much as I tried, I could see no possible way forward.

I don’t know if you’ve ever been here, but I was at the absolute end of myself.

As I walked I cried in literal desperation. I had no requests because I had no solution, only the most honest and desperate plea for ‘HELP’ I’ve ever known.

During that walk I sensed God responding. He asked me “Are you willing to walk out into the dark with Me?”

When I felt that invitation I was actually offended and turned around and began to walk home. I was angry that God would ask more from me. I had already surrendered and given so much.

But part way home I stopped and realized I had nowhere else to turn. Not really. I had tried everything else.

Stepping back into the darkness I told Him “Yes”. Whatever it looked like, I would go where He was asking me. “Step past the light and look up” I sensed Him say. I walked out past the street lights and looked up into the black sky sparkling with the brilliant light of a thousand stars. “It’s dangerous out here in the dark, but there is so much beauty to be found too.” He said.

The next morning at church I was confronted by someone who dared to ask me what was really going on in my marriage. The ‘Yes’ I had given just the night before gave me the courage to be honest for the first time about what was happening.

That interaction led me down a path I never would have imagined. Honestly, if I had known then that saying yes would ultimately lead to the end of my marriage 2 years later, I would never have had the courage to give it.

At the time I didn’t realize I was blinded by unhealthy co-dependencies that were keeping our family in a dangerous situation.

The past few years have been laced with small surrenders after small surrenders as God has gently led me down this painful path. At times this path required me to hand over everything I held dear into the hands of God, but those hands were gentle every time. And while my story hasn’t come full circle, I’m experienced redemption of my soul. My confusion is being transformed into purpose, my need for control replaced with the freedom to traverse even the most dangerous places because of the confidence in Who holds my hand.

The other night as I was putting Isla to bed, she whispered to me “Mom I don’t understand how, but it’s like every part of my life is full of joy.” I lay silently in the dark, tears falling down my face. Our family has lost a lot. But we’ve gained too. With lives defined by joy, peace, love, confidence, and abundance. An impossibility except through the work of God

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but God’s Word is good and He can be trusted. Lean into Him, and He will make your paths straight!

My Divorce and Spiritual Transformation.

January of 2020 dawned on my lowest and most desperate season. All I held dear; my family, my marriage, my faith, had been gradually unraveling. With thread by painful thread slowly pulling out of place, I entered the year with only a frayed, uncertain remnant of a foundation. Holding it out in both hands, I knew it wasn’t much to look at. Certainly not enough to hold a lifetime together.

In a way, the intensity of the soon to come pandemic of February 2020, with its pressure cooking environment, was a severe mercy. It allowed a painful journey to be brought to swift and clear finality.

During the heart of the pandemic, in June of 2020, I lost my 18 year marriage, while becoming a single parent. Those days are hard to think about without tears. Hard to talk about as well. But looking back what I remember above all else was the paradox of holding in one hand a full measure of brokenness, while in the other hand a gentle grace that sustained me daily. During that season I met Father, Son, and Spirit in such distinct ways. Their nearness was constant and didn’t run out. Each day I had the measure of strength for what I needed.

In 2021 I began the work of untangling all that had happened over the last few years.

During those years the foundation of my faith had been severely assaulted from more than one source. More than a few close friends had recently dismantled their faith, many of them leaving it behind all together. Their arguments and reasonings left my dizzy to a point I barely knew left from right or up from down. When asked to describe how I was feeling, my one word answer was always “confused”.

Even though I had experienced such presence and grace throughout my separation and divorce, I wasn’t able to make the spiritual connection from my heart to my head. Whenever I thought about faith, or picked up a Bible, a million accusations and doubts towards God circled in my mind. I needed answers so I could make sense of direction and move forward with my life.

It was during that season I began repeating a singular prayer every morning. My prayer was simply this: “What is the Gospel, and why is it good news?”

Every morning I’d ask it.

“What is the Gospel, and why is it good news?” In light of my divorce, what is the Gospel? In light of this brokenness, what is the good news? In light of our culture wars, in light of racism, in light of COVID, in light of sex, what is the Gospel and why is that Gospel good news?

Soon I was brave enough to pick up my Bible again, but this time taking it in with an insatiable appetite while daily asking God’s Spirit to help me understand where I was confused. I dove into biblical scholars and studied what didn’t make sense until I found answers that satisfied.

During that season I began to feel as if I was walking in divine appointment. Sources started coming from the most unlikely of places. Phone calls from a distant friend across the miles with a word at the very moment I was praying for answers. Randomly bumping into people while running errands who happened to speak a needed truth over me. I was reaching out for God and He was reaching back out to me. It was wild and beautiful.

I began reading anything I could get my hands on that might help me understand what had happened in not only my marriage but in other areas where I saw the same scenario playing out.

I began reading a wide range of ideas from Marxism, Luciferianism, New Age philosophy, Christian authors old and new, ancient demonology, many many dissertations on cultural issues and SO. MUCH. HISTORY. Nothing was off limits as I ingested whatever might help me connect the dots to the patterns I was seeing around me.

All of these circumstances and all of this information culminated on a very average Tuesday morning in the Fall of 2021.

It was on that morning I decided I was done searching. I was done being the skeptic peering over the fence at faith. I didn’t have 100% of my questions answered, but I had seen enough to know where I wanted to rest my faith. As I sat in that familiar prayer space in my bed, I prayed these words: “I’m done being halfway in! I’m fully in! All of me and all my faith. You have it. You and Your Word and Your kingdom is where I place my stake!!”

What happened next is hard to explain and caught me off guard. It was as if suddenly the eyes of my spirit opened and I saw past the physical into the depth of God’s goodness and glory. I saw myself too, in contrast, with my pride, my self-centeredness, and small minded living. I can only describe that moment as the sweetest repentance I didn’t know was possible. With tears streaming down my face, the smallness of my life was being swallowed into His overwhelming glory and goodness! Tears and head down in my pillow all I could say was “Of course I choose you! Of course I choose you! Why would I ever choose anything else?”

Much has shifted for me since that moment. Some of it was instant and some of it has been slowly growing over time. My perspective, my values, my pursuits, they’re conforming more to the eternal. I am so grateful, and am so satisfied!

This is not a new story in history, but now it’s my story. The one where God chooses our deepest pain to infuse His glory so squarely in the center of it that when His light shines through, it’s hard to distinguish our brokenness from His brilliance.

While I would have never chosen this journey for myself, God is in the process of restoring my heart and giving me a priceless gift in the process.

I’ve been very quiet about what has happend in my life over the last couple years, especially here on my personal social media. It’s painful and awkward to talk about my divorce and I know it leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

But over the last couple weeks I’ve felt a continuing nudge to share this story. It makes me think that there’s someone who needs to read it. And not just read it, but have someone to talk to.

If that’s you, consider this your open invitation to reach out. If you need someone to talk to, please dm or text.

I won’t have all the answers, but I have so much confidence that God is pulling you in and He wants to meet you.

And I’d love to pray with you.

With so much love,

-Jodi

A MODERN BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET

This blog post was created in partnership with Peerless Faucets

This master bathroom of mine has been an eye sore since the day we moved into our home 8 years ago. For years I’ve dreamt of completely reconfiguring it’s awkward layout design, a remodel that would extend into the adjoining closet space to create the master bath of my dreams. The reality is that a project that scale would be an investment of about $30,000, an amount that isn’t currently in this single Mom’s budget.

I was facing a dilemma though, because the state of this 1980’s bathroom wasn’t one that I wanted to simply live with while I waited to break ground on the official remodel. 

Because of that, I decided to do what I like to call an ‘In the meantime makeover’, where I focus on small cost but high impact projects in order to create a more livable environment while I wait. 

The first upgrade was to rip out the yellowing builder grade inset shower surround that was original to the house. In it’s place I created a tiled in shower. To save on cost, I used inexpensive 3x6 subway tile, installing them in a grid pattern to create a modern yet affordable look.

I replaced my old shower head with the Precept Shower Kit by Peerless in matte black. I’ve used Peerless faucets before and love their sleek modern look and functional durability. I chose the Precept design for it’s versatility in enhancing a variety of styles - In other words, a shower kit that would continue to work even if I chose to later go a different direction with the style of this bathroom’s remodel!

Updating my existing vanity was a bit more of a process. Vanity units typically take up a large chunk of a remodels budgets, and I knew that when I did my final remodel I would install a double sink vanity as opposed to this single sink. I didn’t want to spend the cash on a whole new vanity that I would eventually rip out, so I decided to give my current vanity a makeover!

I took off the old laminate vanity top and replaced it with a cultured marble top that I was able to source second hand.

I painted the base of the vanity a dark navy blue and built new doors featuring DIY cane centers, updating them with new cabinet knobs and finger pulls.  I had a little trouble getting my DIY doors to hang straight, which made them naturally swing open instead of close. To fix this I installed cabinet magnets to the inside of the doors and they work like a charm keeping my doors closed.

I replaced the frameless wall mirror with an oversized round version, and updated the vanity scone with a rubbed bronze version.

There’s one more project I’m considering for my ‘In the meantime makeover.’ I will eventually need to replace the tile floor in this bathroom, but I’m considering trying out the painted tile technique to give my temporary floor tile a little love while I wait! What do you think? Worth the effort?

Stay tuned as I continue to take these projects over the finish line! 

All the best, 

Jodi

Master Bedroom Tour →

Bathroom Mini Makeover

MINI Bathroom MAKEVOER

This master bathroom of mine has been an eye sore since the day we moved into our home 8 years ago. For years I’ve dreamt of completely reconfiguring it’s awkward layout design, a remodel that would extend into the adjoining closet space to create the master bath of my dreams. The reality is that a project that scale would be an investment of about $30,000, an amount that isn’t currently in this single Mom’s budget.

I was facing a dilemma though, because the state of this 1980’s bathroom wasn’t one that I wanted to simply live with while I waited to break ground on the official remodel. 

Because of that, I decided to do what I like to call an ‘In the meantime makeover’, where I focus on small cost but high impact projects in order to create a more livable environment while I wait. 

The first upgrade was to rip out the yellowing builder grade inset shower surround that was original to the house. In it’s place I created a tiled in shower. To save on cost, I used inexpensive 3x6 subway tile from Home Depot, installing them in a grid pattern to create a modern yet affordable look.

I replaced my old shower head with the Precept kit by Peerless in matte black. I’ve used Peerless faucets before and love their sleek modern look and functional durability. I chose the Precept design for it’s versatility in enhancing a variety of styles - In other words, a shower kit that would continue to work even if I chose to later go a different direction with the style of this bathroom’s remodel!

Updating my existing vanity was a bit more of a process. Vanity units typically take up a large chunk of a remodels budgets, and I knew that when I did my final remodel I would install a double sink vanity as opposed to this single sink. I didn’t want to spend the cash on a whole new vanity that I would eventually rip out, so I decided to give my current vanity a makeover!

I took off the old laminate vanity top and replaced it with a cultured marble top that I was able to source on Facebook Marketplace for $50. I replaced the outdated faucet for a sleek bronze version from Amazon.

Pro tip, I shop open box on Amazon all the time. The faucet I used here is listed for $87 but currently has an open box faucet selling for $33. Savings like that add up in the long run when you are in the middle of a remodel project!

I painted the base of the vanity Winter Way by Behr paint, a dark navy blue, and then built new doors featuring DIY cane centers. Both the knobs and the cabinet finger pulls are from Amazon. I had a little trouble getting my DIY doors to hang straight, which made them naturally swing open instead of close. To fix this I installed cabinet magnets to the inside of the doors and they work like a charm keeping my doors closed.

I replaced the frameless wall mirror with THIS oversized version from Ikea, and updated the vanity scone with THIS brushed bronze option from The Home Depot. 

There’s one more project I”m considering for my ‘In the meantime makeover.’ I will eventually need to replace the tile floor in this bathroom, but I”m considering trying out the painted tile technique to give my temporary floor tile a little love while I wait! What do you think? Worth the effort?

Stay tuned as I continue to take these projects over the finish line! 

All the best, 

Jodi

Master Bedroom Tour

It’s been a crazy year! In the middle of it all, I knew I wanted to create a room that was soft place for me to land. Inspired by French apartment chic. I used modern lines and soft colors to create a relaxing retreat for myself. One that soothes, yet also inspires!

One of the statement pieces in my room is my half moon bed frame in blush velvet. This bed is from the Mr. Kate line and you can find in on Amazon HERE . One of my favorite features is that the sides of the bed pull out as individual drawers creating some needed extra storage!

Another statement piece is the Paige 9 light chandelier by Mitzi. I almost ordered the light in aged brass, but switched to old bronze at the last minute! I’m so glad I did! The black absolutely pops agains the white surrounding and is a nod to the black accent wall behind it.

My dresser is a vintage makeover project (you can watch the transformation here ). The robe and marble book end are from Target. The planter is H&M, and the tall pink vase is from At Home.

My dresser is an Ikea Karlstad. I created my own custom drawer pulls to give it a modern look. You can find that DIY here.

The standing mirror in the corner is from Ikea. It’s been discontinued and replaced with this version.

The chair in the corner is from World Market, you can find their updated variation here. The wall sconces are plug in and are from Mitzi. You can find them here.

Visiting Greensboro, High Point area with kids

Last month the kids and I had the chance to explore the beautiful rolling hills and southern hospitality of Greensboro and High Point, North Carolina! Both cities have a rich design history (did you know denim was created in Greensboro?) and you’ll find traces of that history and a nod to design all through out both cities!

In recent years these two cities have invested enormously in their communities! Their intentionality has put both cities on the map for being a top living destination for young families and working professionals!! In fact the Greensboro - High Point area was voted one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. (WalletHub2019) and voted the #1 best City for a small business (ZenBusiness 2020). We personally loved the all of the activities and public spaces created for families to play and enjoy time with each other and the outdoors! 

We arrived in Greensboro just in time for lunch and stopped at the Porterhouse Grill to fuel up for the day! Their famous burgers were enormous and they had the most creative burger menu I’ve ever seen! Our favorite was the Napoleon Dynamite which included -you guessed it, tator tots as one of it’s toppings! With full stomachs we began our tour of Greenboro!

We began the tour at Labeuar Park, a multifunctional outdoor area with the most epic playground at it’s center! There was so much here to explore, as the park also included interactive fountains, game tables open to the public, an amphitheater. The City Park is surrounded by the Greensboro Cultural Center featuring multiple exhibits from local artists, the Greensboro Public Library, and the Greensboro Children’s Museum!

The younger kids loved exploring all there was to see at the Children’s Museum and  especially loved the gigantic outdoor climbing exhibit which was fun for big kids as well! 

We spent the entire afternoon exploring the City Center, yet didn’t even feel like we scratched the surface of all there was to see! We had to wrap our city center tour up short, because we had tickets for the Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball game, so decided that we’d just have to visit again to continue our exploration! 

At the Greensboro Grasshopper game, we spent the evening enjoying an all American baseball game! For dinner we filled up with classic ballpark food while we enjoyed the excitement of the game! It was so nice to be out enjoying a sporting event again after spending an entire year without doing so!

After a long fun packed day, but we were tired and ready to crash!  We checked into the Proximity Hotel, a AAA diamond luxury hotel, and the soft bedding and beautiful spacious bathrooms were a welcome relief after a long day of fun! 

There were so many reasons to love this gorgeous hotel, but what makes it truly special is Proximity’s Environmental consciousness and responsibility!  The hotel is Employee owned, and has also been awarded one of the Greenest hotels in the country!

After an amazing night’s sleep we walked downstairs to grab breakfast at Print Works Bistro, a modern French restaurant adjoined to the Proximity hotel! I ordered the Quiche Lorraine which was amazing, and the kids haven’t stop raving about the house made cinnamon rolls with warm caramel sauce! 

A quick 20 minute drive led us to Kersey Valley Attractions, an adventure park in Archdale, NC offering laser tag, ax throwing, and one of the largest closed-course ziplines in the country! The kids and I tried our best to beat one of their escape rooms, but sadly ran out of time before we were able to escape! It was a fun family challenge though, and everyone from the oldest to youngest had a great time! 

After our adventure we headed to High Point, NC, to explore the city for the rest of the day! Our first stop was Blue Rock Pizza and tap, a popular lunch spot known for their over the top pizzas and rock and roll memorabilia! 

With full stomachs we headed into the city! High Point, NC is home to the world famous High Point Market, the largest furnishing industry market in the world! Because of that, the home furnishing shopping in the city is unparalleled! As a designer, spending an afternoon exploring these shops was an absolutely dream! Some of my favorite discoveries were the beautiful goods from Red Egg’s flagship store, and the eclectic collection of home goods from coHAB space.

I also was able to take a tour of the newly opened Congdon Yards, a public workspace right in the center of town! Designed to perfection and open to the public, this enormous workspace is the perfect set up for a client meeting in one of their varied meeting environments, or simple grab a coffee and your laptop and get some work done out of the house! Congdon Yards is also home to the Generator, an innovative furniture workshop which offers state of the art manufacturing to large and small furniture makers! I left Congdon Yards inspired by the innovation behind the vision of this workspace! 

After shopping, we grabbed burgers and the most epic milk shakes from Small Batch before heading next door to Distractions Art where we spent a relaxing evening creating our own works of art! We each painted our own mug to bring home and remind us of our time in High Point!

The next morning we headed to the Greensboro Farmers Market and were lucky enough to catch their Blueberry Pancake Celebration with chefs Alex and Tim Amoroso who prepared light and fluffy pancakes topped with local blueberries! We enjoyed them picnic style, and enjoyed live music as we ate!

Our last stop was Scent Workshop in Greensboro, where we were taught the art of fragrance making! Each of us created our own signature scent based upon our own personal story! We used our scents to create a candle that represents the emotions and inspiration that we put into our fragrance! This activity was a huge hit for all of us, and we can’t wait to visit again someday! 

Our visit to the Greensboro-Highpoint area is one that we will remember forever! The heart and soul of the city truly shined, and the community intentionality made us feel so at home! We can’t wait to visit again!

My Moroccan Inspired Outdoor Oasis Booth for Behr Paint at the Haven Conference

Disclosure: this post was made in partnership with Behr Paint

Last week I attended the Haven Conference for the very first time! The Haven Conference is an annual Home Decor and DIY-centered event for bloggers, influencers, and home decor enthusiasts! Haven takes place each July in Atlanta and it’s just up the road from me. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to attend, but it definitely won’t be the last time! It was a wealth of knowledge and gave me the opportunity to create lasting connections with brands and other incredible people in my industry! 

Not only was I able to attend the conference this year, but I also had the incredible honor of being asked to design and create a booth space for Behr Paint! Behr Paint is an exclusive paint brand at The Home Depot and I’ve used their products so many times throughout the years! I was so excited to be able to represent a company that I know and love so well! 

The theme for the booth was Moroccan Outdoor Oasis, and my mind immediately went to an old-world courtyard with inviting lounge seating, surrounded by lush greenery. My assignment was to transform some of the pieces I incorporated, using BEHR® Spray Paint from their selection of 20 different colors! All of their spray paints are weather and corrosion resistant, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects, they can also be used on a wide variety of surfaces including metal, wood, plastic, cast stone, and wicker. Plus, each of these colors are matched to Behr colors you can purchase as regular paint.

To create the ambiance that I wanted for the booth, I first built a surround that included an 8-foot back wall with adjoining planter boxes built in on either side. This gave the booth a cozy enclosed space that I was going for. To create the old-world feel, I came up with a DIY version of Roman Plaster by mixing a small amount of Behr enamel paint in Vintage Coral MQ4-32 into joint compound. I then used a metal drywall knife to apply the texture to the wall and the planter boxes in criss cross patterns. This created a rich texture as the compound dried, forming a varying color scheme across the surface as well.

I layered the entire area of the floor in an oversized coral rug. The color scheme of the coral floor and the peach surrounding walls made the entire booth glow! 

Next came the fun part of filling the booth with comfortable outdoor furniture and decor! Two lounge chairs flanked the rusted fire chimney on the back wall with string lights draped above. I added in more texture and color with throw pillows and a vintage blanket and brought more glow up into the space using lanterns with flickering candles.

For the spray-painted pieces I went with the colors Resort Sunrise M180-2, a very light peach, White, and Venom P340-7, an electric light green for a pop of color in the mostly peach colored space! 

This table originally had black metal legs and a dark wooden top. A couple coats of the BEHR Spray Paint in Venom transformed it into a bold accent piece with loads of personality! 

I customized these plain outdoor lanterns, but taping the bottom of the lantern, and then spray painting their metals tops in the color Resort Sunrise. 

I added more of the vibrant green color to my booth by spray painting this metal candle stick in the color Venom, and added even more color by taping off half of this candle on an angle and then spray painting it in Resort Sunrise! 

I used a gloss finish paint for all of my projects in this booth, but BEHR Spray Paint also comes in a flat finish for a couple of their colors. The ergonomic shape of the can with it’s special comfort tip design made spraying an easy process without over tiring my hand! You can find all of the BEHR Spray Paint colors online at The Home Depot! 

To finish off my booth design, I filled the surrounding planter boxes with a variety of plants,  enclosing the booth space even more, and giving it that lush oasis feel I was going for!

Creating the Behr booth for the Haven Conference was such an honor, and so much fun! I’m so grateful for the Behr team for giving me this unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!