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Make a Home That Reflects Your Story

This blog started with a focus on home projects, refurbishing secondhand furniture, and decorating with antiques.  In these archives, you’ll find thousands of tutorials, makeovers, and inspirational posts to help you transform your own home to make it uniquely yours.  We’re currently working on our biggest home renovation project to date – a 1970 brick rancher.

Inspiration Starts Here

Furniture Makeovers

Browse Antiques & Finds

Follow along as Marian renovates her Maryland home—one thoughtful project at a time.

A 1970s House with a Story to Tell

From the very first coat of paint to custom cabinetry, Marian has been slowly transforming her 1970s split-level into a home filled with charm, character, and creative vision. Explore room-by-room updates, clever DIYs, and the stories woven into each renovation project. It’s a work in progress—and that’s part of the beauty.

Walk through marian's homes

Marian’s Home Tour

This is a typical four-square suburban home built-in 2004. It is well-built and has a wonderful layout, but was a sea of beige and builder-grade finishes! See how this home has been customized to suit Marian’s blend of European and American antiques in a fresh palette of blue, green, and white.

pursuing the delightfully creative life

Recent Blog Posts

Make space for what matters

Organizing with Purpose

From tidying up studio shelves to finding charming storage for everyday essentials, these organizing tips are all about blending function with beauty. Discover ideas that help you simplify, stay inspired, and create a home that works for the way you live and dream.

Handmade touches that bring warmth, character, and comfort to every space.

Simple Sewing for the Home

Whether you’re stitching up a set of custom curtains, making a pillow from a vintage grain sack, or finally tackling that slipcover, these sewing tutorials will guide you through each step with ease. You don’t have to be an expert — just willing to try and enjoy the process of making your home uniquely yours.

home resources

Decorating Books

Recent Garden Blog Posts

tutorials

Simple Upgrades, Big Impact

Home Projects You Can Tackle

Whether it’s updating trim, swapping out hardware, or adding a bit of character to a forgotten corner, these approachable projects are meant to help you love your home a little more—without the overwhelm.

Give Old Pieces New Life

Furniture Makeovers & Painting Tips

Learn how to bring out the beauty in thrifted or well-loved furniture with step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and the painting techniques Marian has used for over a decade.

A Stitch of Transformation

Upholstery Basics & Slipcover How-Tos

From DIY slipcovers to reupholstering chairs, these tutorials walk you through the process with practical tips and encouragement—even if you’re just learning how to thread a needle.

Create a Home That Reflects You

Thoughtful Decorating Ideas for Everyday Living

From styling shelves to choosing the right rug, Marian shares timeless tips and creative ideas that make your home feel both beautiful and personal. Whether you’re refreshing a room or just moving a few things around, these posts are full of inspiration to help you decorate with confidence and joy.
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