How to Find the Best HVAC Contractor
When selecting a contractor for your heating needs, it's crucial to thoroughly vet your options to ensure you make an informed choice. A well-informed contractor can be invaluable, as their knowledge and experience can lead to better service and, ultimately, a more...
Gift Wrapping with Kraft Paper
I somehow discovered kraft paper at Home Depot when we repainted our first house. I was inspired to use it as gift wrap and was pleasantly surprised that I liked the way it looked with some fancy red ribbon I purchased through my nieces' school gift wrap sale. Years...
Your Budget: How to Save Money on Furniture
I recently learned from a friend that one of my favorite furniture consignment shops is going out of business, so I was inspired to write a guide to purchasing furniture on a budget. Furniture is dear to my heart. When we were first married we could not...
The Anatomy of Trim Work
Trim work is essential to construction and it hides certain aspects of the house while creating a cohesive look. There are four major types of trim: Baseboards, Crown Moulding, Door Casings, and Window Casings. Window Casings and Door Casings often match or are of a...
Laundry Room Organization
There were two aspects of our house that drew us to it: the first was that the original owners were the builders and they carefully customized it, taking great pride in its design and construction. The second was that the house was full of unexpected 45-degree...
The Design Process: The Inventory Phase
A few weeks ago, we covered the design process in four phases. The four phases of design include the Inventory Phase, the Inspiration Phase, the Design Phase, and the Construction Phase. Design involves going back and forth between these phases, but you must start...
Introduction to Architectural Drawing
Architectural drawing plays a vital role in architectural design and it is important to have an understanding of the various types of architectural drawing regardless of whether you hire a design professional or design everything yourself. Architectural drawings...
The Two Important Life Rules
When Matt and I first got married, we had no money to our names and over $100,000 in student loan debt. Our monthly payments were so high that we lived in a 10 x 14 efficiency on my parents’ property while we were trying to make our payments. We...
Introduction to Design: The Design Process in 4 Phases
There are times when winging a project works out well in the end, but most projects benefit from a bit of planning up front. One of the most important steps in any project is the design and planning. According to droppedceiling.co.uk the design in its most basic form...
Three Table Themes for Thanksgiving
If you are hosting the Thanksgiving feast this year, you may find the idea of preparing the food and decorating the table overwhelming. We are hosting my family this year and I needed to save time and money on decor. I found that with our Four Entertaining Staples...
Four Entertaining Staples
One way to save money is to invest in multipurpose items that you will use for years to come while spending far less on items that will not last past a few seasons. When it comes to entertaining, there are four staples that can be used in countless ways - dressed up...
The Anatomy of an Interior Wall
One of the most intimidating aspects of our renovation was the initial demolition. We modified our floor plan in only small ways, but we still had to tear out all of the drywall in our kitchen and modify a few of the studs. If you have limited experience...
Introduction to Design: An Overview
Holistic Design is integral to creating a space that has a cohesive feel. Your dwelling will look more cohesive and feel more comfortable if you consider the overall design aspects before you start construction or before you order all new furniture. When considering...
Welcome to the Graceful Dwelling
Welcome to The Graceful Dwelling! My husband, Matt, and I have lived through two fairly major renovations and we want to pass on our newfound knowledge so others can learn from our accomplishments and our mistakes. This blog will take you through the three major...