TV Lift Cabinet: The Genius Hack For a Hidden Pop Up TV!

Today we're walking you through how and why we made our hidden TV lift cabinet (and sharing JUST HOW LITTLE MONEY we made it for compared to the $3k-5k ones you can buy ;) ), as well as answering these popular questions: "How do you make a hidden TV?" "How much does a pop up TV cabinet cost?" "How do you make a TV lift?" "Do TV lift cabinets work?" "Why hide your TV?" "How…

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How to Make a Fake Tree: 3 Faux-Real Simple Steps to a DIY Artificial Tree!

Want to know how to make a fake tree? We're sharing exact, simple steps (with photos!) showing how to make a large, life-size DIY artificial tree! I needed a specifically-shaped GINORMOUS PLANT in a corner of my living room, so you know what had to happen. I first had to drag my children with me to 178 different nurseries in search of the perfect one.🤣 While we found some "live" options that fit with what…

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Welcome to The Beach Casita: Our Kickoff Plan!

Over a decade ago, we bought this house and many of you watched us transform it room by room (and outdoor space by outdoor space)! Now, after a three year break from that house (one year at a beach rental and two years living & working around the globe), we're back in a brand-new area further north with an old(er) house needing our unique new treatments. ;) Right now for a working title, I'm calling…

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In Fun News for 2025: We Bought a New (Well, Old-ish) House!

If you enjoyed seeing what we did in our last house, then you'll L-U-V this time around! After selling our "Big House" (an hour outside of Los Angeles) three years ago, we rented a house at a Southern California beach for a year. That beach rental was old and ugly and you won't find pictures of that here on the blog because it was just a rental. We quickly determined we were never going to…

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The 12+ Simplest Plaster Fireplace Surround Ideas to Ease Your Eyes!

Looking for the best plaster fireplace surround ideas? Whether you want Venetian plaster over brick or to design yours from scratch, think of me as your own personal designer on this one—I've saved you time and compiled the 12 best ones in this post! (Plus other fireplace tips at the end!) Today I'm sharing a peek at a new client project! (Namely, the best plaster fireplace ideas for your enjoyment. :) ) (Things are so…

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The Fireplace Room: How We Got Here!

Question: Why do we call it "The Fireplace Room"? (Why not just call it a "family room" or "living room"?) Answer: our Big California House actually has four (4...yep, F-O-U-R) living rooms! Therefore it became necessary to specify THIS one. ;) 👇 Awkward, Narrow or Long Living Room Layout Ideas: 15 Clever Designs (With TV, Fireplace or Without)! Lest the amateur think all someone did was paint the walls and fireplace white, let us shatter…

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How We (Accidentally) Circumnavigated the Globe Over 2 Years As a Family!

After selling our Big California House and then moving to the beach (a 1-year beach house rental...we did not buy in the area...just moved for fun!) ...we called an audible when Matt's primary job went 100% remote and decided to seize the window of opportunity! (We loved living at the beach but there was a series of events that led us to decide to delay another house purchase. I wrote about those in more detail…

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21+ Hottie Fireplace Wall Ideas You Can (Actually) Get Excited About!

Looking for show-stopping fireplace wall ideas with a TV (or without)? Maybe you have blank walls, a window...or you're wondering to use paint or stone? I'm a Design Architect who's going to help you solve this for yourself once and for all today! Tired of seeing the same-old, same-old so called fireplace wall ideas? Then you're in the perfect place! Because I'm with you! :) Maybe you're not interested in having a TV anywhere near…

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Kitchen Island Height: 3 Genius Reasons to AVOID the Standard Tall Dimensions!

If you're looking for kitchen island height dimensions, adding an island or wondering what the standard average height is, I encourage you to first STOP and THINK!😊 Step #1: Don't assume the standard kitchen island height is for you! Why? See our related post on our 3 reasons to avoid this Kitchen Counter Height! Matt and I design strategically-laid-out kitchens for clients all over the world! We'll answer this below, plus popular questions like "How…

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The Only 7 Office Guest Room Ideas You (Actually) Need to Know About!

Looking for smart home office guest room ideas? Or maybe you're wondering how on earth you can maximize your room that serves as a guest room office? As a professional in room layout & flow, I've collected the 7 categories you can choose from here today! (PS: See what we chose HERE!) We had limited (some might call it zero) space for a guest bed, let alone an entire guest bedroom. Sure, we had what…

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