DIY Patterned Coin Bank Tutorial: Build a Stylish Piggy Bank

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A while back, during the summer, I picked up a set of three plastic house-shaped terrariums from Ikea for about $10. The little slots at the tops looked like coin slots, and I immediately envisioned turning one into a house-shaped coin bank. I like to call it a piggy bank even though it isn’t pig-shaped. … Read more

Vase Guide: 16 Modern Vases for Every Budget

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I’m completely obsessed with finding the perfect modern vases (and planters too).

Images of different modern vases, in neutral colors and different sizes.

How else am I going to enjoy flowers and plants without attractive vessels to display them in? Lately I’m focused on vases because I’ve hit my limit on planters and plants both inside and outside the house.

Below is a curated selection of stylish modern vases for every budget. I genuinely want nearly every one of them—someone stop me! The collection includes pieces starting around $15, and many are under $50.

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Quick Half-Halo Braid Tutorial: Style It in 10 Minutes

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You’ve probably seen a full halo braid, but here’s a fresh variation: the half halo braid. This quick hair tutorial shows how to create the look in under ten minutes. The half-up, half-down hairstyle has made a strong comeback recently—think everything from the classic half pony to the popular “hun” (half-up, half-down bun). It’s a … Read more

6 Creative Bandana Styles for Summer You Can Try Now

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How to tie a bandana — six simple styles. Inspiration for styling a square bandana. While deep-cleaning the studio yesterday, I found several square bandanas tucked into the couch, folded up in the upstairs built-ins, and tossed in the supply closet. That’s just at the studio — I have no idea how many more are … Read more

12 Mini-Trips in a Year: Exploring NYC’s Lower East Side

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Nearly two weeks ago, as New York braced for an anticipated blizzard, I managed to catch the last plane that wasn’t canceled and flew into the city for an event. The storm turned out to be less severe than predicted—enough snow to make the sidewalks pretty, but not the chaos everyone feared—so the trip worked … Read more

Build a Minimal Modern Desk with Storage for Under $100

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A minimalist desk you can build yourself!

This is a DIY desk project. For do-it-yourself work, wood is one of my favorite materials to use. It’s versatile, relatively forgiving, and gives a clean, warm result.

I’m not a master woodworker, but I’m comfortable with a handful of straightforward power tools and small projects. I’ve built desks before—anyone remember my DIY standing desk?—so I wanted to share this minimal modern desk with built-in storage that you can make from scratch for under $100, using only a few tools and supplies.

You can definitely do this. The build is renter-friendly, budget-friendly, and can be completed in an afternoon. Follow this tutorial to make a streamlined desk with practical storage that blends into modern interiors.

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Wednesday Addams Halloween Costume Ideas

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Are you a Wednesday Addams fan? Today I’m sharing an easy Wednesday Addams costume with an updated twist on her signature braids.

Woman is braided pigtails, wearing a black and white dress that looks like Wednesday Addams.

Wednesday Addams has always been a favorite character for many of us who grew up watching The Addams Family. Her simple, iconic look is easy to recreate and makes a perfect Halloween costume for any age.

For this version I modernized Wednesday’s braids with fishtail pigtails and paired them with a simple black-and-white outfit. The result is a cute, recognizable costume that’s quick to assemble—ideal for last-minute plans.

Anyone can wear this costume: toddlers, kids, teens and adults. It keeps the classic mood but feels fresh and less likely to be duplicated at every party.

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Holiday Flower Power: Winter Style Guide and Atlanta Wreath Workshop

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A Holiday Style Guide + Wreath Workshop

Last weekend we hosted a cozy wreath workshop with Malorie of Petal + Fold, and it was such a joyful afternoon. Keeping the group intentionally small allowed us to stay relaxed, give everyone space to work, and enjoy the process of making large, beautiful wreaths without feeling crowded.

To match the laid-back atmosphere, decorations were minimal yet thoughtful. I designed a new winter style guide that became the visual focus of the workshop alongside the flower table. That simple focal point helped set the tone without overwhelming the space.

These garden roses!

There were a few DIY touches sprinkled throughout the event—little handmade accents that made the day feel personal. But the true highlights were the flowers. We sourced everything from Flower Muse, one of my favorite suppliers for fresh blooms and greenery, and Malorie arranged the gorgeous centerpieces. The florals made the room feel festive and warm.

Below you’ll find photos from the workshop and the DIY ideas we used. For more wreath inspiration, see the asymmetrical wreath tutorial I shared earlier in the week.

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From Farmhouse Drab to Modern Chic: Transforming an Awkward Landing for Under $450

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If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my staircase before, but the small space opposite the stairs was one area I rarely shared because it always felt awkward—until now.

I finally found the motivation to finish that overlooked spot. The transformation is dramatic and I’m so happy with how it turned out.

Best of all, every change I made is renter-friendly. From masking a major eyesore with a removable solution to swapping the light fixture and using peel-and-stick wallpaper, the makeover works for a leased home.

Scroll for the full breakdown and the before photos—you’ll definitely want to see them.

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DIY Metal Planter Makeover: Transform Yours in Under an Hour

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A DIY Metal Planter Makeover in Under an Hour

I can’t go a week lately without talking about planters—whether to buy or DIY. I couldn’t resist one more spring planter project, especially because this one is just as simple as the popular hanging planter hack many of you loved. Even better: it gives something old a fresh, modern look.

I partnered with Rust‑Oleum to revive some rusty metal planters using Rust‑Oleum Stops Rust Protective Enamel spray paint. These planters needed a quick reboot, and this product not only updates the finish but also provides a durable, corrosion‑resistant coating that helps prevent future rust. I’ll walk through the quick process and show the before and after.

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