Spaces And Places

A little bit of real estate, design, and travel. A whole lot of what makes spaces and places home.

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The Best of Paris: Our Recommendations

International, Paris, Places, Planning Travel

Our trip to Paris celebrating our daughter was full of unforgettable moments. From amazing food to discovering hidden gems around the city, it was an experience we won’t forget. We had an absolute blast in a baking class, dined with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, and found some local spots that became instant favorites. As for shopping and sightseeing, Paris didn’t disappoint. Want to know more? Click here to find out where we ate, shopped, and explored!

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Design Series: The Light and Bright Kitchen at Greenwood

Design, Remodel, Spaces

Everything in the Greenwood house kitchen was original to its 1960s build—right down to the appliances, floors, and cabinets. While the layout was surprisingly open for its time, the space lacked natural light and modern functionality. We’re reimagining this kitchen from the ground up, opening walls to create better flow, adding light, and incorporating custom design touches that blend classic charm with contemporary style. From custom shaker cabinets to a stunning granite island, this bright kitchen renovation is setting the tone for the entire open-concept living space.

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Design Series: Bathroom Renovations at Greenwood House

Design, Remodel, Spaces

Updating a never-remodeled 1960s home means the bathrooms are a top priority—and we’re in the thick of it now! In the existing master, we’re reworking the layout to create a more functional space, complete with a freestanding soaker tub and statement shower tile. The hallway bath is getting a much-needed refresh, including a new drop-in tub and a better-sized vanity. Meanwhile, we’re transforming a sunken bonus room into a master suite with a powder room. With brass accents, bold tile choices, and custom white oak vanities, each space is coming together beautifully!

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eiffel tower

Trip Reveal: London and Paris with Paige

International, London, Paris, Places

Next month, we’re heading off on a special adventure with our middle child—London and Paris await! This trip is a mix of sightseeing, nostalgia, and celebration, with highlights like afternoon tea at The Ritz, a day in Oxford, shopping in Paris, and even a baking class. The grand finale? A magical 11th birthday in Paris, complete with a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a special milestone—ear piercing! From iconic landmarks to unforgettable meals, we can’t wait to make memories together. Let the countdown begin!

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person pointing a location on the map

7 Steps for Planning a Trip for Kids

Places, Planning Travel

Planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip for your child is both exciting and a bit daunting—especially when the destination is completely their choice! Inspired by Bob Goff’s tradition, we’ve committed to taking each of our kids on an adventure of their dreams to mark their transition into adolescence. Our oldest chose the Bahamas, and now it’s our middle child’s turn.

Where will we go? That’s still a surprise. But in this post, we’ll walk through the steps we took to plan this trip—from budgeting and timing to researching and booking. Stay tuned for the big reveal!

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bonus room or bedroom raised floor

Design Series: Turning a Rec Room into a Master Suite

Remodel, Spaces

The transformation of the Greenwood house rec room into a stunning master suite is one of our favorite renovations yet. Raising the floors, reworking walls, and adding a master bath turned this space from a sunken afterthought into a bright, functional retreat. With features like a modern double vanity, a spacious walk-in shower, and a separate toilet room for added convenience, this suite is designed for both comfort and style. Would you prefer it as a bedroom or a bonus room? Let us know your thoughts!

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Honeymooning in Hawaii: Turtle Bay and Oahu

Hawaii, Places

Hawaii was the dream honeymoon destination, and our adventure started on Oahu’s North Shore at Turtle Bay Resort—where we kicked back with oceanfront views, infinity pool drinks, and a sunrise beach photoshoot. We also took to the skies on the Magnum P.I. helicopter tour soaring over Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, and Jurassic Valley. Come on this recap journey with us!

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The House That Love Rebuilt

Design, Remodel, Spaces

Brent and Ashley Collins transformed their historic home over three years, blending modern elegance with cherished memories. Key features include striking wooden beams, original elements like a fireplace and hardwood floors, and thoughtful spaces for family life. The design honors the past while creating a warm, functional environment tailored to their needs.

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Demo Day: Dumpsters, Crow Bars, Sledge Hammers, and Tetanus Shots

Remodel, Spaces

To successfully execute a demo day, ensure you have dumpsters for debris, basic tools like crow bars and sledge hammers, and keep your tetanus shot current to avoid accidents. Consider whether to DIY or hire professionals, as this choice will significantly impact your labor budget. Choose wisely to save money.

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budget

How to Budget for a Kitchen Renovation

Remodel, Spaces

So, budgeting for a kitchen renovation? Expect to shell out around 25% more than you thought! Prioritize what matters most—like appliances and cabinets—and don’t hesitate to cut back where you can. Our final cost breakdown had appliances at 33% and cabinets at 26%. We scored some great deals by shopping around, especially for stone. DIYing labor saved us cash too, avoiding that 10-15% general contractor fee. Just a heads up, it took about three and a half months from demo to finish, so plan your time too! In the end, totally worth it!

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