Spaces And Places

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

We travel the world, and tell you how it looks!

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The Dirty Truth About House Flipping

Flipping houses isn’t all fresh paint and Instagram-worthy reveals—it’s also dumpsters, dust, and drywall in your hair. In our latest blog, we’re sharing the real story behind renovation: the dirty jobs, the necessary gear (hello, PPE!), and the surprises that come with tearing into old walls. If you’re thinking about taking on a fixer-upper, don’t miss these behind-the-scenes lessons from our own messy, memorable flips. Spoiler: You’re going to want gloves.

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Exterior Makeover: Boosting Curb Appeal at Greenwood House

Our 1960s Greenwood gem just got a major exterior glow-up! From a new roof to fresh landscaping and a bold paint refresh, we tackled high-ROI projects that instantly boosted curb appeal—and home value. If you’re considering exterior upgrades, check out what worked for us (and what might work for you). We’re sharing colors, contractors, and curb appeal tips in our latest blog. Plus, see how one helpful father-in-law made all the difference!

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One Family, Fifty States–Our New England Road Trip Itinerary

Our family’s mission to visit all 50 states continues—and this time, we’re heading to New England! From New York City energy to Maine’s peaceful coastlines, we’ve packed this trip with Ivy League campuses, legendary pizza, scenic drives, and seaside charm. Follow along as we explore seven states in twelve days, creating memories (and probably eating way too much ice cream) with our kids along the way. Want to see where we’re staying, what we’re doing, and what we’re eating? Come join the adventure!

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Built for Connection: Phil Waldrep Ministries

Step inside the new Phil Waldrep Ministries headquarters and discover how intentional design transforms ministry into community. From warm wood tones to thoughtful seating nooks, every element invites connection and collaboration. Explore Phil’s library, unwind in cozy lounge spaces or gather in adaptable meeting rooms — each designed to reflect hospitality and purpose. In our latest blog post we uncover the materials, finishes and design decisions that breathe life into this welcoming space. Ready to be inspired? Dive into the story behind the design and see how every detail serves the mission.

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Greenwood House Update: From Vintage Bones to Modern Beauty

It’s been a journey, but the transformation of Greenwood House is well underway! From tearing down walls to let in more light, to installing custom cabinetry and bold bathroom tile, every inch of this 1960s home is getting a thoughtful upgrade. We’ve added a new roof, fresh paint, and curb appeal to match the stunning interior progress. Catch up on all the latest renovations—from the light and bright kitchen to the newly created primary suite—and see how this vintage gem is becoming a modern-day dream.

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We Drove the Road to Hana and You Should Too

Planning a honeymoon or vacation in Maui? You’ll probably hear this from everyone: “You *have* to drive the Road to Hana.” We weren’t so sure—until we did it. With over 600 curves, stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and views that took our breath away, the drive turned into one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip. In this post, we share what surprised us, what we wish we’d known, and why the Road to Hana really *is* worth it—if you do it your way.

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How to Remove Wallpaper and Prep for Paint

A 1960s gem is bound to have some wallpaper and wood paneling. Wood paneling can be changed to a painted look with a simple coat of primer and paint, but wallpaper? We’ve discovered that removing wallpaper and prepping walls to be painted can be a real challenge. Maybe we can save you some headache! Read our How To tips.

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The Best of London and Oxford: Our Recommendations

We crossed the pond for an unforgettable trip to London and Oxford—and thanks to Mary Ila’s college summer abroad and some amazing local tips from our friends, we hit the ground running with the best spots to eat, stay, and explore. From classic fish and chips at Mayfair Chippy to a dreamy afternoon tea at The Ritz, and strolls through Oxford’s charming colleges, we’re sharing our favorite finds and must-do experiences. Planning a trip soon? Start with our guide!

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The Best of Paris: Our Recommendations

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

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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