We’re Stuck — How to Move Forward When Life Feels Stalled

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Figuratively and literally — and we need your help. Last week our bathtub drain started acting up. Having grown up with three sisters, I’m used to occasional hair clogs in the shower, so at first it didn’t seem like a big deal. Then, after one post–basement-painting shower, the drain went from slow to completely stopped: … Read more

How to Install Exterior Trim, Caulk Joints, and Paint It

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First, thank you all for the overwhelming well-wishes after our announcement yesterday. It was wonderful to share the news with you. While we tried to keep up with the 3,000+ comments, our afternoon post got delayed, so here’s the follow-up. Sherry is compiling questions from yesterday’s comments for Friday’s Q&A, and I’m sharing progress on … Read more

How to Install Stone Veneer Over a Fireplace for a Custom Look

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When Erin and her husband Ben sent their before-and-after photos, we were excited to share the results. Here’s the note they included: I read your blog every day and love your style, your thriftiness, and your wit! My husband and I have lived in a 1925 Arts & Crafts bungalow for almost two years, and … Read more

Sharing Love and Art: Creative Ways to Express Affection

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This week would have been my Aunt Kay’s birthday, which made it a bit difficult for me since she passed away last year (she lived with me while I was growing up and was like a second mom). She was a bright, joyful person who loved to paint and draw—it was even her college minor—so … Read more

Why Our Kitchen Cabinets Are Singing Like Mariah Carey

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They can be notoriously difficult to work with. Day two of cabinet installation brought a mix of progress and setbacks, much like the first day. On the bright side, almost all the cabinets were installed, including my favorite addition: a built-in space for the refrigerator. It makes our existing fridge look surprisingly custom, and the … Read more

House Hunting Journey: Tips and Stories from Real Buyers

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On May 25, 2006 Sherry and I officially became homeowners. It’s hard to believe three years have passed since we moved into our modest house. Between renovations, redecorating, and even a backyard wedding, the last few years have been full of change — yet it still feels like yesterday that we crossed the threshold for … Read more

Episode 110: How We Flooded the Bathroom—and What Happened Next

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What began as a simple sink replacement in the beach house’s en-suite bathroom turned into a bigger mess than expected: a hole in the wall and an unexpected spray of water right in our faces. The problem stemmed from something we’d never encountered before — an odd plumbing issue that took some detective work to … Read more

Beauty Queens, Bouncers, Crafters, and Stick Dog Fans

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Hooray — our publisher has locked in more tour dates that many of you requested, and even added a few extra stops. We’ll share those at the end of this post. First, here’s our biweekly recap of the last events of 2012 before the tour resumes in January. After our whirlwind week away in mid-November, … Read more

When Two Design Styles Clash: How to Blend Them Seamlessly at Home

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Welcome to the show notes for Episode #11 of Young House Love Has A Podcast. Quick question: what happens when you and your partner have different design aesthetics? In this episode we talk about what works in our home, how couples can compromise on decorating, and practical ways to blend styles without sacrificing personality. We … Read more

YHL in DIY: Creative Projects and Home Decorating Ideas

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It’s finally here: the first of three before & after features in BHG’s Do It Yourself Magazine has arrived on newsstands. You might remember we mentioned the two-day photo shoot last October and later shared the lessons we learned from watching professional stylists transform each room in our home. Now we’re excited to share the … Read more