Very exciting stuff is happening in the “backyard” right now as we entered phase two of landscape construction (that we put off for a couple of years to save and learn). The main goals of this phase were outlined in …
Looking For Alternatives to Amazon and Target? Here Are Some That Might Better Align With Your Values
There’s been a ton of chatter in the first few months of 2025 regarding companies either leaning into or pulling away from their diversity, equity and inclusion programs—or DEI—that have been in place at the very least since 2020, but …
Not Ugly AFFORDABLE Ceiling Lights To Replace Your Boob Lights
Hi! It’s me Jess—your resident light fixture obsessed friend. Today I am here to chat to you about your boobs. BOOB LIGHTS! We allll know the ones. Landlords and flippers love them because they are cheap (especially when you need …
Emily Reviews Her First Professionally Shot Apartment From 2010 (Lots Of Feelings!)
Fifteen years ago (when I was 30) this whole thing began – both DesignStar and the blog launched in early 2010. Y’all, we barely had smartphones, the OG Facebook had just reached the non-college population, and Pinterest was just an …
The Link Up: Em’s New Everyday Necklace, Mal’s Affordable DIY Art Ideas, And Easiest Self Tanner Maybe Ever
Happy Sunday Everyone. Emily came to LA this week for a fun shoot that we can’t wait to show you! We also got to have a little team time, though we missed our wonderful Caitlin, who is on the East …
Really Great (And Mostly Affordable) Spring Basics
We are ready up here for spring (had a few mid 60s sunny days in February which is always such a tease). I’m mostly just fantasizing about spring break (sun! warmth! very little wifi!). So as I went shopping I …
8 Not Ugly Dog Beds (And The Affordable One I Love Having In My Home)
I had to shop for new dog beds recently because ours were DISGUSTING, likely because we don’t wipe our dog’s feet and we have construction outside (and they were vintage patchwork denim and the pups had been abusing them for …
Arlyn’s Dining Room-Turned-Playroom Update: See Where She Landed After A TON Of Reader Advice
I am absolutely blown away by the response and the engagement in my last post about possibly taking my dining room and turning it into a dedicated play space in order to bring some peace to my living room. There …
How To Style Your Bed The Easy Way (+ 21 Curated Pillow Combos)
Remember that throw pillow scene in Along Came Polly?? That bed had ELEVEN throw pillows on it. And look, that was the style for a time but I might have taken a knife to them too. I’m pretty sure my …
How We Really Kept The Charm & Character Of The Farmhouse (HINT: It’s Salvaged Pieces)
If you are into drinking games, I dare you to try to count how many times I say “character” or “charm” in this post – maybe just water in those shot glasses?? Someone recently asked what pieces are original to …