Home Decor

Sorting Closet with Sticky Notes

Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {The Vision}

Check out Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {Before} for the first part of this story… The First Problem First, there was the problem of where and how to sort laundry without leaving it out in the open and constantly underfoot. The Second Problem Next, was the related problem of what to do…

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Sorting Closet, Before

Laundry Room Makeover, Part 2: The Sorting Closet {Before}

The Sorting Closet Remember the sorting hat from the Harry Potter books?   Well, we have a sorting closet.   Unfortunately, our sorting closet does not actually perform the sorting for us (like the magic sorting hat).   However, it does simplify the process, not to mention the fact that all sorting can be hidden…

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Door Shelf

Decorating with Junk: Old Doors and a Giant Map of Texas

The results of a few recent “Decorating with Junk” projects…   Shelf of Love Remember this awkward corner of our master bedroom? Well, it’s still not finished. But this display shelf–made from an old door from my dad’s barn, plus wooden brackets and shelves we had on hand–turned out fantastically!

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Kitchen Island--After, In Kitchen

Kitchen Island Re-do

This project has been on our list for some time now, and I’m so thrilled it’s finally finished! I’ve always loved this piece: it’s got a great story–plus a family connection–and it’s just the right size, shape and “look” to serve as our kitchen “island.” [Warning: Many photos to follow…]

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Home sign in my dining room

Home is Where the Junk is

This was a fun, easy project that sort of evolved over time. It all began ten years ago, when I married a Native Texan.  You know all those stereotypes of people from Texas? They’re true. At least they are in the case of my Native Texan, who brought to our blessed union enough Texas memorabilia to…

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Jute Rug, Before

How to Fix a Jute Rug {If I can do it, you can too}

I love this jute rug.  It’s from Pottery Barn, but I bought it in like-new condition on craigslist from a very nice lady with a very clean house.  The price was just right and the rug was just perfect for the sitting area in our playroom, which sort of functions like a family room. Well.…

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Laundry Room Makeover

Laundry Room Makeover, Part 1: Barn Pendant with Jute-Wrapped Cord

My {Frugal} Laundry Room Makeover, Part One As I mentioned in This Old House, we live in an old house.  Currently, although the home has quite a few quirks, we’ve decided to make do without any major structural changes while we ponder the pros and cons of spending money on renovations or building a new…

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Do You Like My Hat

This Old House: Should We Renovate, Build or Be Content?

Here’s the deal: We live in an old house.  We love our old house; in fact, we bought it on purpose. The good news: It’s in really great shape considering it was built in 1955. The bad news: It has a few quirks.  Like no bathtub.  And faux marble kitchen counters (think: laminate).  And a chopped-up layout.…

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God's Grace in a Red Hutch

The Red Hutch: God’s Grace and Backdoor Clutter

[Note: this post got a little long, 🙂 so if you’d like to skip right to all the pictures and organization part, simply scroll down to the end.] We moved into our current house in Northern Virginia after a cross-country move (from Texas) and in the midst of a difficult, high-risk pregnancy.  Older Brother had…

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10 Simple Ways to Weave Holiday Traditions Into Everyday Life

Here at the Yankee Homestead, we love getting into the spirit for holidays and seasonal celebrations.   We don’t do anything too elaborate, certainly nothing that would land on anyone’s Pinterest board. 🙂 Children love to celebrate, and I find that holidays make a great jumping off point for learning about all sorts of things–culture, history,…

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