We put the bonus room on the list because we discovered we spend a lot of our free time as a family in there. Shortly after moving in, Chris and I made a list of 7 renovation projects we’re finishing this year. Check out all of the before and afters below! Before For now, I have to say–this room is everything I hoped it would be and then some. I still want to do a big gallery wall coming up the stairs, but I think that’s something that will happen over time. But I think things that don't require a lot of power tools are probably the best DIY to get your feet wet with first.I’ve been envisioning hanging out in a fully-finished bonus room over the holidays, and it’s official–the bonus room is complete! Well, for now. Everyone should try painting a room at least once in their life, and then move on to adding some simple trim. That's such an easy DIY and going to make a drastic difference for a little amount of money.Įven painting a room is a form of DIY. The easiest projects to DIY are changing the hardware on a dresser, vanity, or even your kitchen cabinets. What are DIY projects good for beginners or that anyone can do? We were on a strict budget, we had this “make it work mentality.” Especially at the very beginning, every project that Chris and I tried- we were eager to learn how to do it. You have to be excited about what you're going to do. Yes, but it does require an element of patience and passion. But honestly, it was the biggest bang for our buck. I bet if it was silver, you know, I might have been able to see a little bit more wear and tear on that. And so the contrast wasn’t as if I went from silver to black. over a year and the paint is still looking really good. Last year wrote on your blog about how you spray painted your faucets with Rust-Oleum paint. It's just that I can't bring it into my home. I hate to say it, but mid-century modern has never been my either. That's something that probably doesn't resonate with me. And but if there was one that I would say that I'm not loving- I've never been a huge boho fan. And I just stick with one lane that I feel most represents me. I have this problem where I have so much love and appreciation for so many different design trends. What are your least favorite home design trends right now?

And so maybe we'll be here for the next fifteen years. And so that might be my max of how long I can live here. I grew up in Pittsburgh and I lived in Pittsburgh for eighteen years. If not now, then when? We were kind of ready for a new chapter of our lives. Our oldest daughter is about to start middle school. There are definitely things that we miss. And so Facebook marketplace has been off the hook. Tons of furniture is made in North Carolina. We have been loving the new pace of things, having access to a lot of great restaurants, and furniture. It's incredibly foreign and it feels a little bit scary at times. Speaking of moving, how has your move been and what is it like to start over in a different part of the country? We just moved here, but from what I've heard, it's amazing in the fall, and so we're already thinking about how we can make our outdoor areas an extension of our indoor areas. cozy fall weather in North Carolina it's kind of hot to hang outside in the summer. With fall weather upon us, I'm definitely thinking about outside spaces, and how I can make them an extension of our inside spaces. What are some design trends you love right now?

But in the end, home is a love story and our blog is a story about how we fall in love with our homes and how we help other people do the same. There have definitely been times where I wish it was a little more telling of what we were about. What's their names? It's Chris and Julia.Īnd so that has worked for us. However, every single person knows my name. It works in that sense.ĭo I wish at times that there was a home element worked in? Yes. I'm coming up with all of these ideas and designs that I want to do to my house and Chris loves me so much that we do it together. I feel like over the past twelve years, the answer has definitely changed. Speaking of things you love, I want to know how you feel about the name “Chris Loves Julia?” In retrospect, would you have chosen the same name?

Lighting doesn't only affect the inside of your home. I've always loved their lighting collection. What are your favorite things to buy from Lowe’s?

Gomi chris loves julia