The Handmade Home

Today at 12:08 pm, you take your seventeenth trip around the sun. From the moment you arrived as the youngest, it’s as if you knew our world was chaotic with three under four… You were a literal bundle of easy joy. You’ve always been the sweet, quiet, happy one. Our family would be so incomplete without you.

Once upon a time, I carried you on my hip. You’re now 6 feet tall, so when I hug you, my head only reaches your chest. Summers always feel bittersweet for our family with all the celebrations and changes, but I’m in awe of you and all that you’re becoming… you’re still so very happy and kind. You’re growing, and you’ve kept the very best parts. We’re honored to be witnesses to your beautiful life. Happy Birthday, Malone! You are so very loved.

When you were nine, we wrote this post, and today, you’re seventeen.
https://www.thehandmadehome.net/halfway-there-to-malone-at-9/

#17

I started thinking about some of the smallest things with a big impact that people can do to change their spaces. At this point in our careers, we’re used to showing you the big projects. We do a lot of major changes around here, from entirely new builds and total gut outs, but we also take on the smaller ones, which are often just as satisfying. Sometimes, it’s really fun to get back to the basics when it comes to projects that are worth it. One of those prime examples is painting cabinets. We’ve experienced situations with clients where the shape or layout of a kitchen is already working, and it doesn’t make sense to rip out perfectly good cabinets for a great change. Today, we’re sharing 4 painted kitchens that prove not every renovation is a total gut-out.

More on our site today!
https://www.thehandmadehome.net/3-painted-kitchens-that-prove-not-every-renovation-is-a-total-gut-out/

When this sweet family contacted us about a small formal dining room they rarely used in their home, we were excited to put our heads together and come up with a great solution. They were looking for more intention in their use of this space, and when we realized they are a family of avid readers, it was game over for this room. Because we dreamed up something we think they’ll love for years to come…

Anyone else obsessed with this Kichler Lighting situation?! Us too 🤩

More on our site today!
https://www.thehandmadehome.net/cozy-library/

Pssst: We love working with amazing clients to create a home that works hard for them! Bonus when it feels like a real escape. Did you know that we take on clients both locally and nationally? From new builds to changes in paint color… Contact us for whatever you need. And if you need a real estate agent, we have you covered there too! 😉

Life has felt like a whirlwind from January until now. A blur of life, moving, and relocation has really thrown me for a loop in the what-even-is-time, existential-crisis category. Now I’m prepping two for college, so everything is feeling a little crazy on top of regular work, but I’m grateful for this season of life. It was really fun to share a recent summer tour of sorts with you, and Kristin popped into my inbox with a great question: “You’ve made a nice home out of your rental. I know for someone who loves color, this must have been hard with beige walls. What are some of your favorite tips for making your kids feel at home? We’re about to do the same with a life change and relocation. I’d love to hear some of your best advice.”

More on our site today!
https://www.thehandmadehome.net/5-tips-for-kids-spaces-in-a-rental/

It’s just around the corner… The Fourth of July. Everyone needs easy 4th of July party ideas! There will be s’mores, sparklers, cobbler, fireworks, watermelon, and celebrating all around. We love celebrating in fun little ways. We’re big holidaisical revelers around here. Here are a few of our fave throwbacks: Easy 4th of July party ideas! All on our site today.

https://www.thehandmadehome.net/4th-july-party-ideas

It’s prime week! And I know parents + guardians, and college students everywhere are scoping out those deals. I’m sending my second kiddo in the fall, and while each child is different, and so is every living situation, we took the time to round up some of our very favorite essentials—tried-and-true, recommended by parents everywhere. Whether they’re living in a dorm room or their first apartment, here they are: College Essentials They’ll Actually Use!

https://www.thehandmadehome.net/college-essentials-theyll-actually-use/