Your Home Story: Recent Episodes
Ashley of Bigger than the Three of Us and Suzannah of Create/Enjoy blogs
Learn about Creating an Intentional Home with topics on diy projects, room design, hiring the right contractors, clutter control, buying with more intention, adding vintage to your home and more! Ashley of Bigger than the Three of Us shares more about the belief that you don’t have to be an interior designer to create a home you love, and you don’t have to be a contractor to do the work yourself. See show notes at: biggerthanththreeofus.com/podcast
From why she declutters to how much she stores of each item, tune in to learn tips for decluttering and making your house work for you.
Hear the story of how I got started with my home decor blog, Bigger Than The Three Of Us.
Learn about pattern mixing from Carmel from Our Fifth House today. Leave with actionable tips for adding color and pattern to your space.
I loved getting to chat with Carmel from Our Fifth House all about creativity in the home. We talked in-depth on how she thinks about pattern and color within her home but also talked about creativity within the home in general. You'll definitely want to tune in to this one!
From how and why she shops secondhand to where she starts on adding color and pattern to her spaces, you are going to be inspired and leave the show with actionable tips to start feeling braver with patterns in your own home.
Get all the links on my blog!
Let's review past home purchases for the good, the bad and the really bad (sawhorses, I'm looking at you!). I always find is so interesting to hear what people truly love or hate within their home when it comes to items they have purchased.
Dzinly is a new home improvement platform that focuses on virtual exterior design which helps customers visualize what changes they would like on their current exterior.
Hear my thoughts and get before/after photos on my blog!
More about how I've learned to curate my home style through purchasing thoughtfully and how I'm challenging myself to stick to 20 or less home decor items for the year.
More details and photos on the blog
What's hot in 2022 in the home? What home trends were popular but are now going out?
Get more details and links.
Would you stack 630+ books to make a Christmas Book Tree? See all the photos and more details on the blog!
Chelsea from Stylemutt Home is on the show sharing about the childhood memories and traditions of the holidays and how that has translated to her family today. Plus, take a peek at her holiday home decor style!
See all the photos and links on the blog.
After reading through a lot of design books, I'm sharing which one's you should add to your wish list. See all the books on the blog.
What do you do when you are given a family heirloom? How do you work that special piece in with your home style? Should you always keep the heirloom even if you feel like it's not a fit for you?
See more on the blog with photos and links!
The queen of thrifting, Shelby Goodman, is chatting with me today. From thrifting pointers to how she keeps her heart in check as she's creating an intentional life... you don't want to miss this one.
See all the photos of Shelby's projects, links to her blog and socials and more!
From decorating with Halloween art prints to using other simple decor such as paper bats, spider webs and more... tune in to turn your Halloween decor up a notch.
See photos and inspiration on the blog!
Get your jewelry organized with these jewelry organizer ideas, plus implement some of these ideas for other accessory storage (like those hair ties, bobby pins, etc.)!
https://biggerthanthethreeofus.com/jewelry-organizer-ideas/
What is a neighborhood library and why should you install one? Sharing about my favorite purchase of 2021, the joy it has brought to me, the install process, cost and more!
Get direct links to what I chatted about and see all the pictures on the blog!
Sharing about smart home devices that we own (the good and bad) and whether we'd recommend them or not.
Full review: www.biggerthanthethreeofus.com/podcast
Should you rekey your door lock or just have them changed?
Full show notes: https://biggerthanthethreeofus.com/podcast/
Find me on Instagram: @biggerthanthethreeofus @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join the Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
After 3 ½ years of podcasting, we are coming off our first break. We’ve got updates to what we’ve been working on, what we’ve been doing for personal things and what’s in store for the podcast going forward.
Things we chatted about today:
- Faux Front Porch Plants
- FB Marketplace Orange Chairs
- Cabinet Cost Comparison
- One Room Challenge Historic Home Office Makeover
- Madeline Moves workout program that Ashley is doing
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Learn how to make “little by little” changes throughout the home from Leigh by The Little by Little Home. This is another installment of our Intentional Living series and this time, we are chatting about $100 makeovers, easy decor hacks, and making cleaner switches for the home.
Specifically we chatted about:
- Book Club Discussions
- $100 Basement Stairwell Reveal
- Talks about “functional beauty” in the home
- Copper Dust Pan (Affiliate Link)
- Erin from the $100 Makeover Challenge
- Ashley’s $87 Minimal Modern Bathroom Nook Makeover
- $100 Challenge Hallway and Linen Closet Makeover
- Easy Decor Hacks that Leigh loves: Spray Painting or using gel stain on Vintage Frames (check out her kitchen)
- Clean Switch Highlight on Instagram
- Two easy switches: dishwasher detergent and dish soap
- Homemade Laundry Detergent
- Non-Coconut Oil Homemade Toothpaste
- Castile Soap (Affiliate link)
Find Leigh on her blog, The Little By Little Home and over on Instagram.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Deep cleaning, bug treatment, leaves, and more… we’re covering interior and exterior home maintenance tasks that you could DIY or hire out! Which ones are worth the money to save your time?!
Some products and blog posts we talked about (includes affiliate links):
- Ashley’s DIY Gutter guard installation and pricing for professional gutter guard installation.
- Suzannah’s experience hiring out extensive landscaping clean-up is on our Instagram highlights
- The window cleaning supplies Ashley ordered and used
- The under $10 ant treatment Suzannah uses
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
From a clutter-filled uninspiring office to a modern traditional serene office makeover, tune in to hear how Suzannah transformed her office space in just under 8 weeks. A blue-green-gray paint and lots of museum art prints really helped brighten up the space but that’s not all. Hear about her adventure with recovering a chair, building a fireplace screen, and more.
See all the pictures and more details : Historic home office renovation reveal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We thought it would be fun to share about some of our recent home purchases. Most of our purchases we’ve really loved but there’s a few in there that we might regret. From drying racks to kantha quilts, tune in to hear how we are making our homes work better for us.
Recent Home Purchases (Affiliate links below)
- Laundry Room Wooden Wall Mounted Clothes Drying Rack
- Label Maker https://amzn.to/2Qk5V7f
- Wall Sconce from Etsy
- Blackout Roman shade https://amzn.to/3ePqwtq
- Little wood-look ceramic garden stool for the flagstone patio (linked similar)
- Hammock https://amzn.to/3omL5Rd
- Fake Snake Plant
- Kantha quilts https://amzn.to/3hslbdy and https://bit.ly/3hsljd2
- Linen Sheets in Ashley’s bedroom
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We’re interviewing an expert on tips for improving safety around the house and reducing tip-over accidents from furniture and electronics. It takes a few dollars and a few minutes to make things so much safer and we’re excited to spread awareness about this super important issue.
Resources mentioned:
- COVID-19 ‘Stay-at-Home,’ Coupled with Super Bowl LV Viewing, Can Mean Danger for Kids from Falling Furniture and TVs: CPSC.gov
- AnchorIt.gov
- Even When You’re Watching PSA video
- Get Involved--information about becoming an Anchor It! collaborator
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley’s been working on a massive project at her dad’s rustic vacation cabin: doubling the size with an addition, renovating the whole thing, and even adding a bathroom. The framing, electrical, and roof are already done by the pros and now it’s time for Luke and her to do a bunch of DIY work and finish it out!
Posts mentioned:
- The floor plan, design, and plans for this cabin renovation and addition
- The one-room cabin renovation they did at this cabin a few years ago
- Houzz discussions on flooring for non-climate controlled cabins
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Do you have dated exterior lighting that you’d love to replace one day? Or, are you dreaming up your new build and are just getting started with lighting choices? Tune in today to hear about your options for choosing exterior lights including what Dark Sky rated lighting means, what the lighting industry hides (damp versus wet rated lighting), what exterior lights Ashley just installed at her house and more!
Affiliate links below: Resources mentioned:
- Damp versus Wet Location Lighting
- International Dark Sky Lighting Association
- Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor
- Front porch makeover
- Exterior Lights that Ashley bought
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Honestly, neither of us loves yard work or outdoor projects, but we do them! And we’ve found a few tools that make things easier. Sharing some basics and some upgrades, plus a few unique hacks! Tune in to hear how we use each of these and when we think they’re worth buying.
The tools:
- Pick
- Rototiller
- Torch
- Leaf blower
- Sledgehammer
- Hedge trimmer
- Tree trimmer
- Folding camping/outdoor knife
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It can be overwhelming to think about all the money that we want to spend on our houses to get it “finished.” But there are some improvements that don’t take any money at all, some of them not even that much time!, and make a big difference. (This is a lot more than your basic ideas of moving art around!!) Deep cleaning, decor/style, and home improvement--there are tons of ways to change and better your home without spending anything. Actual real high-impact DIY projects you can do with materials you already have!
Free projects we talked about:
- Ashley’s laundry room shelves
- Stems Suzannah cut from a large shrub outside
- Ashley’s post on trimming back boxwoods and removing shutters
- When Suzannah removed a fireplace screen (before/after)
- Suzannah’s post about for painting a fireplace screen
- Angela from Restoring Home’s fireplace makeover
- Ashley’s update to modernize stair railing
- Ashley’s update to ornate woodwork
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We follow designers with a range of decor styles, and have noticed there are a few rules that apply across all of them. Not just design school basics, but principles that will help you shop for your home over time. We’re breaking them down and sharing how to use them in your home!
Design rules that are true for any style:
- Where to hang art
- How to choose paint colors
- A large rug makes a space look larger
- How to mix wood tones
- Overhead lighting
- Vintage, heirloom, and/or antique pieces
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Have you checked into solar panels for your house? If not, are you curious to hear what they cost, what’s involved and what they do for your energy bill?
Ashley and her husband Luke are chatting about what they’ve learned when it comes to adding solar because it’s something they are seriously considering adding to their house.
Helpful links to check out:
- Project Sunroof by Google
- Powerwall by Tesla
- Federal Tax Credit for Solar
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Rock landscaping can drastically change the look of a yard. Today, there’s a big breakdown of the rock creek and flagstone patio install that Ashley just put in at her house.
We chatted about:
- Flagstone patio and dry creek inspiration images
- Replacing mulch with rock
- Landscape architect episode
- Full before/after reveal of Ashley’s Flagstone Patio and Dry Rock Creek
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Getting dressed is something we have to do every day, and having clothes we like is only part of that. How we store our clothing makes a huge difference on how easy or stressful that start to our day is. We’re interviewing an expert in personal style and wardrobe strategy, Jennifer Mackey-Mary, about function and design for great closets, no matter how much space you have to work with.
Jennifer’s giving our listeners 20% off any of her courses or guides you can grab from her website with code YOURHOMESTORY! Jennifer’s recommendations of easy, free design tools that can help you maximize your closet space:
- EasyClosets
- The Container Store
- Closet Maid-- Closet Maid has a free option, or a $5 option where they design it for you and send you a parts/product list.
You can find Jennifer:
- Web: Everyday Style | Capsule Wardrobe Guides, Virtual Styling
- Facebook: Everyday Style
- Instagram: @everydaystylewithjen
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It’s a casual catch-up chat today, talking about Ashley’s extra hair supplies (and where to store them), Suzannah’s projects with unique fabrics, and what’s coming up over the next month on the podcast.
Links to some of the things we talked about:
- Curly Girl Method
- Tension pole shower storage (affiliate)
- Suzannah’s recent closet makeover
- Cotton block print for Lucy’s Roman shade (affiliate)
- Lucy’s room
- Fabric covered-Roman shade tutorial
- The wreaths Ashley ordered (affiliate)
- A peek at Ashley’s basement
- The Everyday Style Podcast
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
If you’ve been curious about what is involved in purchasing custom wood furniture pieces, then this episode is for you. From lead times to cost breakdowns and what you should be asking before you purchase… tune in for all the details!
Resources mentioned: (Affiliate links below)
- Matboard shop on Etsy
- Mat Cutting Tutorial
- Room and Board Vanity in Ashley’s Bathroom
- Room and Board Bathroom Vanities
- Wren and Cooper
- Hedge House Furniture
- Astoria Shuffleboard
- Exotic Wood Stores
- Questions to ask for when buying custom furniture
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
There are so many popular organization and decluttering tips these days, and we’ve talked about a lot of them in the past! This week we’re sharing our top fave that we actually do at home as part of our normal routines. We share about dressers/clothes, kitchen storage, cleaning, and more!
Resources mentioned:
- Episode 112: Kitchen Organization
- Episode 119: Bathroom Organization
- Episode 134: Paper Organization
- Episode 140: How to Organize & Store DIY & Household Supplies
- Episode 127: Healthy Home Expert Interview
- Marie Kondo teaches how to fold clothes
- @themoderneditpdx consultants
- Bamboo drawer dividers (affiliate link)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
With a 2021 work-from-home update, today’s episode is a deep dive into office design and function. We cover the utilitarian essentials (and how to make them more attractive), some design features you can add that are also practical, and facts of office space life like the table-vs-desk debate for work surfaces.
We talked about so many ideas and solutions (contains affiliate links):
- Suzannah’s upstairs office
- Suzannah’s dining room desk and picture light
- Suzannah’s townhouse home tour and office/sewing room
- Ashley’s current sunroom/office
- The HP printer that charges you based on prints/usage if you use HP Instant Ink
- Ashley’s office board on Pinterest
- Suzannah’s office board on Pinterest
- The Nesting With Grace “Magic Light Trick” you can use to add sconces above a desk or to add interest and light
- Inspiration image of a hanging light over a workspace
- Suzannah’s affordable and cute office chair round-up
- Butcher paper roll holder and clip set for to-do list
- Inspiration image of an oversized design board
- Some cute acrylic wall-mounted calendars: 1, 2, 3
- The clear plastic pegboard system Suzannah used in her sewing room
- The Grid-It product you can use to corral and hide cords mounted to a desk
Plus shared four office inspirations we love:
- Ashley from the Gold Hive - Hand Painted mural, pendant light, table (without drawers)
- Lindsey from Hello Hydrangea - A weaver so her office displays lots of her yarns, looms, etc.
- Yellow Brick Home - Small office setup with table and storage and then seating area on the other side.
- Jones Design Co - Office/studio with desk and table setup
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Nancy from the IG account @thehillsidehouse is our guest on the show today. She’s chatting about adding warmth and coziness in home, how she wants her house to feel welcoming, the basis of where her designs start and her love of DIY projects.
Find Nancy on IG at @thehillsidehouse. Some of our favorite views of her home include this view of her kitchen table that we chatted about on the show today, her bedroom with the millwork that she added, and the beautiful headboard that she made for her daughter.
Some of the top takeaways from the show today are:
- The extra steps that you take when you do DIY projects give you the professional look that you want.
- To create an authentic home to tell your story… takes time. Don’t feel rushed. Enjoy it.
Links to some of the projects we chatted about:
- Bedroom Bed Making
- Nancy @thehillsidehouse on Pinterest
- Garden Gate DIY
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
As a DIYer it’s important to use the right glue for the job. From yellow wood glue to rubber cement, tune in to hear about specific capabilities and what types of DIY projects you should be using these eleven glue types for.
Glue types in this episode:
- White Craft Glue
- Yellow Wood Glue
- Super Glue
- Hot Glue
- Glue Dots
- Spray Adhesives
- Fabric Adhesives
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane
- Glue Sticks
- Rubber Cement
Projects and other resources:
- Types of Glue - Glue Tips (adhesives.org)
- Rubber Cement and Contact Cement : 5 Steps - Instructables
- Lamp Shade DIY using Craft Adhesive and Tacky Glue
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Last summer Suzannah and Jason did their first large vegetable garden and it was a huge success! Jason’s sharing how he started our garden from scratch, what he did to prepare the soil, his tips for seeds and starts, and what we learned and will do differently this year.
Resources mentioned:
- Territorial Seed Company, our favorite source for starts and seeds
- Episode 151, indoor gardening with @thefakefarmgirl
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Digital art downloads are inexpensive and can be a great way to get art on your walls. Learn more about them in today’s show including where to find them (we have a list of a bunch!), how to print them and how to make them look more like intentional art pieces instead of just printed pieces plopped in a frame.
Ashley talked about:
- Art Print Shops
-
- Juniper Print Shop
- Heirloom on Etsy
- BFF Print Shop
- Blue Jay Art
- Unsplash
- Smithsonian
- The MET
- Free Art:
- Shop Vintage Supply
- Hearts and Color
- Chaos and Wonder
- More Digital Art Downloads
- Places to print digital art: Mpix and Nations Photo Lab
- So Much Better With Age did a great printable art round-up
- Ashley’s roundup on digital Christmas art prints
- Suzannah’s post: Unique, vintage-inspired bathroom art updates and affordable custom framing
- Suzannah’s post: Get the Look: Vintage Oil Paintings with Custom Framing. Free downloads!
- Cabin in Wilderness | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu))
- Art from Museum Quality Art in Suzannah’s bathroom
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This is a fun one! Bathrooms used by kids and toddlers have to be high on function but can also be great places to try out some of your edgier design ideas and get creative! We talk about some of the most important functional elements we’ve found for our kids, some fun favorite bath toys, and more!
Resources/links:
- Designing a Perfect Kid’s Bathroom
- Creating a Kid Friendly Bath
- Greyson’s favorite bath toy/fountain (affiliate link)
- Frog scoop bath toy storage (affiliate link)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
When should you use spray paint? How do you get the aged look of brass with Rub n Buff? Can you paint metal? Should you paint metal? We are talking about all things spray paint, gold leaf, and Rub n Buff today and sharing about successes, failures, and tips for using them in the future.
Resources we mentioned:
- Shuffleboard that Ashley ordered
- Suzannah’s project of spray painting her fireplace screen
- The embarrassing very old project Suzannah doesn’t recommend - painting shoes
- The gold alligator that Ashley painted
- Spray painted light fixture in Suzannah’s breakfast nook
- Nightstand makeover with gold knobs
- Good FAQ on Krylon’s site
- Quest for the Best Gold Spray Paint - Chris Loves Julia
- Gold Leaf versus Rub n Buff
- Rub N Buff Gold Test + DIY Tutorial (jennasuedesign.com)
- @robyn.rebecca
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Some projects were knocked off the list in 2020 at Ashley’s house such as having a new roof installed, adding crown on the walls in the bedroom, and starting on the basement. Some projects didn’t get accomplished though, yet we left 2020 with more information on those large scaled projects and are sharing the details with you today.
As we look to 2021, Luke and Ashley chat about what they hope to accomplish and what it will look like to DIY a bit less and enjoy their home a bit more.
Posts mentioned:
- 20 in 2020 Recap
- Egress Windows
- Drywall Installation Cost
- DIY Rug Art
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
There’s a lot to do inside and out when you own a fixer upper. Jason and Suzannah are 2.5 years into renovating their historic home and are sharing their (huge) achievements in 2020 plus goals for 2021. Jason has done a lot of the manual labor while watching their little kids and finishing physical therapy school, and Suzannah has been designing and planning while working and having a baby, but they still are checking things off the list for getting their home to where they want it. They also talk about garden plans, curb appeal improvements, finish work on the interior, and whole-room updates they’re planning for 2021.
Posts mentioned:
- Suzannah’s 2020 project recap blog post with lots of photos
- Suzannah’s 2021 house goals blog post with before photos
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It’s our annual episode on decor trends we expect to see in the coming year. Things are a little different this year--2020 has made a big impact on interior design. For 2021, we’re seeing trends based on 1) nostalgia/looking for comfort and 2) function! It’s so interesting which trends from the past are coming back this year, and how much working from home has affected the market for home products and how we use our homes.
Sources mentioned:
- What Is Cottagecore? Cottagecore Aesthetic & Trend Explained
- Veranda article on 2021 interior design trends
- Veranda article on antimicrobial surfaces
- Good Housekeeping article on 2021 home decor trends
- Etsy's Year in Review and First Look at 2021 Trends
- Better Homes & Gardens: 2021 Interior Design Trends
- My Domaine article: 2021 Home Office Trends
- One of the sort-of floral/paisley fabrics Ashley’s been shopping for
- Indian block print cotton Roman shade DIY Suzannah just did
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This episode is an interview with Kira from Zestful Design on what it means to mindfully declutter and organize. We chat about what over-owning is, how to decide if you really need multiple items of one kind, what to do about family heirlooms and more. From systematic reduction to Marie Kondo and how to build decision making skills, you’ll leave the episode today feeling more empowered to start organizing and decluttering at home.
Links to some of the things we covered:
- Zestful Designs
- You Can Do Anything For 15 Minutes
- Old guitar as a shelf
- An old piano doubling as a liquor bar
- Upcycled globes as lights
- Ways to repurpose things
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Today we have DIY design blogger Bre Bertolini on the show sharing about her design process, how she makes it work sharing a home with her husband, two little ones, and father-in-law (including her #1 tip for designing in a shared home), how she budgets for room makeovers/home projects, her go-to online sources for home decor, and more!
Tips and resources we learned from Bre:
- Bre's Photoshop mood board tutorial
- Bre’s 5 go-to online sources for home decor: H&M Home, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, CB2, and World Market
- Bre’s great room and dining room One Room Challenge reveal
- Bre’s master bathroom ORC reveal
- Bre’s laundry room ORC reveal
Check out Bre’s blog, BrePurposed and follow her on Instagram @brepurposed. You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Answering your questions! We’ve compiled questions about how to hide media cords, what to do with paper clutter, how to live with pets and not have pet stuff all around, how to paint over wallpaper, and even what plant resources we use. As you tune in today, get ready to learn a few tricks!
We’re sharing easy design tips, solutions to common living room problems, best forever pieces to invest in, and more economical DIYs that can add function and intention.
We specifically chatted about:
- Ep 142: How to Make Big Furniture Purchases
- Media unit/fireplace placement ideas:
- DIY Stone Fireplace (sharing built-in to the left of fireplace)
- Nancy at The Hillside House has a fireplace that she recently put in in a walkway behind the couch. Her television is on the wall that faces the couch. So, it’s unusual yet it works well!
- A deep dive on toy storage can be found in Ep 132!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
What’s the difference between character and personality in a home? Does your house have either? Do you want to add some? We answer all these questions and more this week and talk about how to create a high quality home that feels like the family that lives there.
Resources mentioned:
- Nancy @thehillsidehouse has added beautiful character to her home including wall treatment or molding in almost every room
- Apartment Therapy article: 7 Ways to Add Character to a House
- Jason's grandpa's pencil drawings
- Quirky Bathroom With Boob Art
- Sailor Art, Antlers and Fish
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Should you save or splurge on household and decor purchases? There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong answer but we are talking through some of the mindsets you might have when spending less or splurging.
In the beginning of the show today, Ashley chatted about a new project that she’s going to start soon.
- Her inspiration for the front yard patio
- Rock stream inspiration
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Suzannah just completed yet another bathroom renovation One Room Challenge, this time her upstairs half bath. It turned out dramatic and elegant but was super budget-friendly and one of their easiest renos! We talk about design questions like when to keep original elements, when to paint trim the same color as the walls, and how to shop at sources that will keep you on-budget.
Resources mentioned:
- The Portland Airbnb house Suzannah helped decorate
- Vintage rug source for the Airbnb: @nomadicvintagepdx
- Suzannah’s upstairs bathroom reno One Room Challenge reveal. That post includes the full budget breakdown and links to the tutorials she mentioned.
- ChrisLovesJulia’s dark basement makeover
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We all want that organized drop zone, that beautiful mudroom, or a built-in bench with coat hangers for all our family members, but sometimes, that’s just not an option. Today, we are chatting about how to create a drop zone for fall and winter gear that’s actually attainable for most. Whether you implement a new system for your gloves and hats (which we will give you a few options for) or learn how to corral what you have in a new way, you’ll walk away from this episode ready to tackle the space you have with a fresh set of eyes!
Inspirations that we talked about:
- We love this DIY cubby built-in. It’s a very custom, but doable DIY for most and uses the GARAGE!
- Suzannah’s Instagram post about shoes in the house
- Using the garage as a mudroom again, this wire system could be put up and utilized in just one weekend!
- If you don’t have a space to create closed storage for your drop zone, consider storing all your necessities in plain site! We love this moody entryway filled with a bench and hooks - the perfect starting point for a great drop zone!
- Baskets can be great go-to’s for hiding those pieces that you don’t necessarily want to display. Check out this more minimal drop zone that is still full of storage!
- IKEA’s shoe storage cabinets are great for shoes but think outside of the box with them as well! We love how Charlotte used an Ikea shoe cabinet for mittens and hats!
- If you have at traditional coat closet in your entryway, don’t forget about the vertical door space for storage. Hats and mittens can be stored on the door, not only is a great way to store them but you can let them dry out there too!
- Amazon has lots of affordable over the door storage options.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We are all about making our homes festive for the holidays without going overboard! We’ve put together a list of 5 beautiful items you may already own or can use outside of Christmas as well. We also share a few all-time fave Christmas decor tips, plus elements we avoid.
Links we mentioned (contains affiliate links)
- Ashley’s front porch for Christmas
- Suzannah’s Christmas decor last year: kitchen and living/dining
- Wilt Pruf to keep cedar garlands fresh
- Mittens and greenery
- Vintage-look bells you can buy online: rustic or classic
- Mini live evergreen branch/vase
- Live greenery branch vase and terrariums
- Episode 147, Interview with Myquillin Smith, The Nester, about her new book Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round
- Episode 97, exterior Christmas decor ideas
- Episode 47, modern Christmas decorating ideas
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley’s been doing small DIY projects at her house and Suzannah’s been tackling a bigger renovation. Hear about the vintage rug art, baseboard install, and scrap wood shelf at Ashley’s and the bathroom renovation and bedroom switcheroo at Suzannah’s.
We chatted about:
- Ashley’s DIY Rug Art
- Suzannah’s half bath renovation posts
- Angled ceiling wallpaper by Chris Loves Julia
- Ashley’s Laundry Room Free Shelf Project
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
The “Cozy Minimalist” Myquillin Smith is back! This time she’s sharing TONS of tips for getting your home ready for the seasons and hosting year-round, from her new book Welcome Home. Plus she shares what hospitality is really about and the essential kitchen and decor items you should own that won’t add to clutter and holiday boxes in the basement. So much inspiration for non-overwhelming holiday and seasonal decor in this episode!!
Links to Myquillin and her books (contains affiliate links):
- Myquillin on Instagram @thenester
- Myquillin’s blog The Nester
- Welcome Home book
- Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff
- The Nesting Place book
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Keeping up with your physical and mental health while renovating is hard! If you don’t think about strategies for self-care, keeping scope creep in check, budgeting basics and more… you will be exhausted and burnt out. We are diving into some strategies that have worked for us and sharing where we’ve failed so that you can make better decisions!
- Some of our favorite design podcasts on Ep 120
- The Homeowners Show
- Dear Alice Podcast
- Ep 104: Budgeting for Home Improvement Projects
- Kyla’s (House of Hipsters) Budget Download
- Chris Loves Julia’s recent budgeting blog post
- The 100% DIY bathroom reno that almost killed Suzannah
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week we’re talking about some online stores that you need to know about. We can easily box ourselves into shopping at the same places, but if you want unique decor or are just tired of seeing the same thing over and over again, hopefully today, we will be sharing a few places to shop that are new to you!
We chatted about: (contains affiliate links)
- Enneagram for homes
- Jayson Home
- City Home
- Burke Decor
- Big interior designers who have shops: Lauren Liess and House Seven Designs
- Ashley’s #20in2020
- Food 52
- Lemon Tree Interiors
- Ferm Living
- The Prairie Shoppe
- Live Auctioneers
- Chairish
- EBTH and 1stDibs
- UShip
- TJMaxx online
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley’s been working on meaningful, personal updates to her living room for the past almost 2 years! It’s finally feeling basically done and she’s reflecting on the trials and errors and what’s made it really work for their family.
Resources and links:
- Wood Flooring Install
- Neutral Paint in the Living Room
- The Makerista
- House of Brinson
- Hacking the Chandelier to make it work.
- The corner cabinet that gave Ashley fits.
- Suzannah’s corner built-ins.
- All About the Korhogo Cloth
- Paintable outlet covers (affiliate link) (great for dark walls)
- How to Make an Oversized Canvas
- Forest Green Living Room as it looks now.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We are chatting all things demo in today’s show. From gutting bathrooms and kitchens as a whole to the nitty gritty like how to remove carpet and drywall… you may be grossed out at times but will definitely leave the show feeling empowered to start tearing out flooring, walls, etc., of a space that you hate!
In the show today, we chatted about:
- Ashley’s original simple Rustic Modern Cabin Reveal
- How to Remove Wood Flooring
- How to empty a toilet before removing it
- Suzannah’s bathroom subfloor damage and the same bathroom finished!
- Budget and sources: $391 complete powder room makeover!
- Master bathroom reno progress!!
- Reveal, budget, and sources: $1,482 master bathroom reno
- Robin & Wren • Design + Reno (@robyn.rebecca) • Instagram photos and videos (check out the popcorn ceiling highlight!)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We got a great question from a member of our Facebook group: how to pull the trigger on the purchase of a big ticket furniture item? We talk about how to pick something you’ll love for years and can work with multiple trends, how to spot high quality, which pieces to spend on versus save, and more.
Resources mentioned:
- @rignellranch pro painting tips Story highlights
- Investment Furniture: The Best Pieces that Hold Value
- Furniture Buying 101
- Episode 65 about Suzannah’s dining room reveal, and her dining table research
- Suzannah's recent blog post on her fave big ticket home items
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Cassie Bustamante is on the show today talking about how she pushes herself to be creative with a limited budget, how important it is for her to step away from home inspirations so that she can reset her own head space, how she makes no spend months work, and some projects that she shared that really show how you can be more creative when you have to be!
During the show today, she talked about:
- Ashley Guest Bedroom Refresh
- Cassie Bustamante’s Blog and Instagram
- Kate’s Budget Friendly Kitchen Update
- Budget-Friendly Bathroom Update
- Simple Tablescape with Little Oranges
- Spray Painted Front Door Basket
- Frog Tape Paint Challenge in the Basement
- Kitchen Reveal
- Present over Perfect
- Hands Free Momma
- Oprah’s Master Class + Super Soul
- Gratitude Journal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We got a great question from a member of our Facebook group recently: “What are the ways you organize and store house supplies? Paint, paint supplies, tools, light bulbs, etc.” We share how we do it plus best practices/tips, and cover all these types of supplies and more!
Resources mentioned (includes affiliate links):
- Lots of great information on how to paint by @rignellranch!
- Healthy Home Expert interview with tips on indoor air quality (regarding what you store in your garage)
- Paint Organization ideas
- Vacuum seal bags for storing linens, etc.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week we’re sharing what works well for both buying and selling secondhand home items direct from sellers (online or in-person). You can get some amazing pieces and deals!, but it takes work to find them. Plus, selling your used furniture, rugs, etc. can be a great way to get some extra cash to cover new purchases! We talk about using Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and buy/sell groups, garage sales, and more.
Head to our personal blogs and the podcast IG account this week to see some of our favorite FB/CL/used finds. And, check out Suzannah’s tips for shopping at estate sales here.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
If you’ve never tackled a large renovation before and are curious to hear what all goes into one, this is the episode for you. Luke and Ashley are chatting about their ongoing basement renovation sharing the truth about what they think they should have done, what taking things slowly has done for them and where they are at in the process of the renovation.
They covered:
- Basement Bathroom Renovation Plans
- Check out Ashley’s Basement Pinterest board for more direction to where they are headed with the space.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week we have an interview with a full-time real estate agent, landlord to three duplex properties, and DIY home renovator of a Victorian home for the past 8 years! Renee and her husband bought a 1900 home out of foreclosure when they were in their mid-20’s and started learning home design and reno skills completely on their own. They’ve since redone plenty of kitchens and bathrooms, added two bathrooms to their house (with contractors), and removed a 3-story chimney!, navigated financing for multiple properties at once, and thoroughly adopted the home renovator lifestyle.
(If you’re in the Portland area and want to talk to Renee on your house hunt, email her at renee.espinosa@redfin.com.)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Last week we talked about trends in the first half of the 20th century and today we’re covering 1950-present. You’ll recognize the sound of a lot of these! We’re also talking about how to decorate for your time without going overboard on trends.
Resources mentioned:
- The 1961 bathroom reno Suzannah worked on
- Machines for Living In: How Technology Shaped a Century of Interior Design from 99 Percent Invisible
- Home trends for the decade you were born
- What the average American house looked like
- Trends by the Decade
- Designing through the decades
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week we’re talking about home design trends over the years, which ones have stuck and which have totally faded, and how long trends last (part 1, first half of the 20th century). Which ones are you influenced by??
Some of the inspirations we chatted about:
- Machines for Living In: How Technology Shaped a Century of Interior Design from 99 Percent Invisible
- 1912 book 120 Interiors in Colours Designed by Modern Artists
- Ashley @thegoldhive has a craftsman home
- Home trends for the decade you were born.
- What the average American house looked like.
- Trends by the Decade
- Designing through the decades
- Linoleum patterns
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Even in 2020 when so much is digital, paper clutter can be a huge pain and challenge! We’re running through the common categories of paper stuff that builds up and sharing solutions.
Helpful links & resources we talked about:
- Suzannah’s exterior update blog posts
- Top paper organization tips
- 13 Best Receipt Scanners for Effortless Organization
- How to Organize Receipts
- How to Make a Family Command Center
- Command center inspiration
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Rebekah Hildebrand is our guest on the show today. She’s chatting about finding joy in secondhand treasures, learning how to dive into DIY and being okay with failing so that you can later succeed, embracing slow progress, no-spend months, and so much more.
Find Rebekah on IG at @savoring_home. Some of our favorite views of her home include this view of her kitchen and her take on what is/isn’t working, a color-blocked bedroom that we adore, and a coffee table scene that just draws us in.
During the show today, she talked about:
- The More of Less by Joshua Becker
- Cozy Minimalist Home
- Essentialism
- A Year of Less
- Young House Love’s episode with Cait Flanders
- Amazing woodworking tutorials by @carpentrybymar
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Whether you have a large dedicated playroom or just a few corners in other rooms in your house, you probably have faced common issues with organization, messes, funny-looking toys, and where kids are in relation to the rest of the family when playing. Ashley and Suzannah have different experiences with kids from baby to big kid, underused playrooms and popular play corners, and are breaking it down with tips for common problems, design ideas to make the spaces look more like your style, and more.
Resources mentioned:
- Ep 92 on Kitchen Organization
- The playroom at Ashley’s house
- The DIY recovered storage ottomans Suzannah stores some toys in
- Melissa & Doug sound puzzles both our toddlers LOVE(d) (affiliate link)
- Toy storage behind the couch
- Suzannah’s latest playroom design
- Cute playrooms with real, actual (plastic) toys: inspo #1, inspo #2
- More styled but still realistic playroom
- Ep 106 Kids’ Stuff Organization
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
What kind of home repairs should you try to do yourself? When is it time to call a professional? Hear our thoughts as we explore drywall issues, wood dings, leaky faucets and more!
Resources mentioned:
- When to Hire a Pro
- 10 Home Repairs You Should Hire A Professional For
- Making It Lovely tweet
- Carpendaughter Bathroom Makeover
- Budget Bath Makeover by Daly Digs
- Spray foam for big holes
- Repairing trim and doors
- Dryer vent replacement
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We all struggle with contentment and the need/want to do more, make more, and buy more. How to combat that in the home decor world? Tune in as we give practical tips for how to be content even while being inundated with beautiful spaces, amazing renovations and more.
Suzannah mentioned inspiration from Molly Galbraith of Girls Gone Strong, who believes you can love your body exactly as it is right now, while wanting it to look or perform differently. (Check out her free 7-day Love Your Body Challenge!)
Get practical tips from Suzannah for 12 ways to love your home (almost) exactly how it is and how to redecorate with pieces you already own.
Ashley refreshed her old bedroom and shared a how-to change your decor without spending money.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
From bland to guest-ready in just 8 weeks! Have you wondered how much money and time it really takes to make a guest room look nice? Suzannah is sharing it all in this episode.
In today’s show, we chatted about:
- Decorating with Heirlooms
- Spy the original sewing chair look in Ashley’s Vintage Dining Room Reveal
- How to do an ORC
- All Suzannah’s ORC posts
- See the Mid-Century Modern Guest Bedroom Reveal!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We have been taking it up a notch in our outdoor spaces lately and are sharing our top 5 tips for creating a beautiful, functional patio or other outdoor eating, lounge, or play area.
Resources mentioned: (contains affiliate links)
- Suzannah’s gazebo makeover
- Ashley’s patio
- Episode 31 on exterior home maintenance
- Waterproof mountable indoor/outdoor speakers
- Pair of bluetooth rock speakers
- Julia from @cuckoo4design hid her pool pump under a faux rock
- Affordable freestanding wood-burning fire pit.
- DIY fire pit with propane routed to it
- Affordable propane fire pit table
- Incredible (but complicated) $1,300 DIY outdoor fireplace
- Affordable shade sail
- Pergola
- Room for Tuesday backyard reveal - she covered hers with a sturdy shade fabric for shade/rain using sail clips.
- The beige striped outdoor rug Suzannah loves in her gazebo
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Indoor air and water quality can have a huge impact on our health! But we don’t think about them most of the time, except maybe when buying a new home, or during a pandemic. We had an expert on the podcast this week and learned so much!! Including some great FREE things you can do to improve indoor air quality, plus some interesting things to think about regarding solid vs. engineered wood flooring and bulk size personal care products.
Links to check out:
- Caroline Blazovsky on Instagram
- Caroline’s site, the Healthy Home Expert
- Examinair.com, where you can order test kits
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
A collection of similar items grouped together can make a beautiful statement, sometimes even more than one large piece! But you can end up with a cluttered or incomplete look. We’re sharing some important tips and our favorite ways to decorate with collections this week!
Links we mentioned:
- Painted picture mats by Allie from @theadoredadobe
- Suzannah’s grid gallery wall of pencil drawings (in the finished room here)
- A peek at the vintage bells in Ashley’s house.
- The wood bowl collection that Ashley hung up in her bedroom.
- The antler wall in Ashley’s entryway.
- Good article from Veranda: 12 Tips for decorating with collections
- Collection of mirrors at the stair landing by Audrey from @blackhouseonthecorner
- Vintage portrait gallery
- Mounting a collection on a wall: grouping of cool mounted plants
- Kelly Elko - Finial collection and trophy collection
- Wall shelving created for a vintage camera collection
- Cary Ray’s pottery all on one shelf and Carol Estes’s pottery collection storage as a feature
- Elsie from A Beautiful Mess rainbow glassware collection
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Have you wanted to have your exterior painted but weren’t sure of the process or cost? Suzannah has now gone through this process with two different homes and is sharing what she’s experienced. From cost to timing to lessons learned, you will not want to miss this episode on house painting! Here’s Suzannah’s blog post on all the details of her recent exterior painting job.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Exterior improvements like a new fence and garage door can make such a difference!! But they’re not always DIY-able which can mean hiring out and spending a lot of money. Suzannah’s had lots of exterior work done this spring and is sharing all the details about these three projects. Tune in to hear timing, cost, and more, plus that fascinating question: which side of the fence should face your yard?
Posts we talked about:
- Ashley’s post: All The Details on Cost for Replacing Gutters
- Suzannah’s blog post about her new gutters
- Suzannah’s blog post on her new fence
- Suzannah’s blog post on her garage door replacement and reinforcement
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Today’s show is a perfect example of how lots of elbow grease and a small budget can truly result in a great before/after. If you’ve been intimidated by projects that we’ve talked about in the past, then this $300 Laundry Room Makeover should set you at ease. Ashley helped direct her sister, who is a beginner DIYer, in this project. From painting to installing peel and stick wallpaper and even to building a base for a washer and dryer, this is the perfect episode for a beginner DIYer.
We chatted specifically about:
- Blackout Liner (affiliate link)
- Peel and Stick Tile
- How to Install Peel and Stick Backsplash
- Butcher Block Countertop Hack DIY
- Butcher Block Tutorial
- How to Build a Laundry Machine Base
- Tutorial for building a washer and dryer base
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
As fun as it is to follow decor trends and see them popping up at affordable price points, there’s something really special about putting in the time and thought to create a home that reflects you and your family. In today’s episode, we walk you through different ideas to help you create a home that truly is one of a kind.
Links we mentioned:
- A sneak peek at the vintage chairs Ashley is planning on having recovered
- Favorites for unique home tours and fresh inspiration: Architectural Digest, Country Living home tours, Martha Stewart, Rue Magazine, Domino
- Ep 29 on Shopping Vintage Online
- Ep 24 on Buying and selling on Facebook, Craigslist, and more.
- Ep 79 on: You have a cookie cutter house... where to start and what to do if you want something different?
- Suzannah’s post on estate sales.
- Ashley post with favorite sources for vintage rugs
- Ashley’s post about how to search for vintage rugs online
- Suzannah’s post on 3 ways to shop for vintage rugs on a budget
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
As we continue with the theme of “less is more” this year, we are taking a look at how we’ve improved life in our kitchen, laundry rooms, etc. Small tweaks regarding home products have made us so much happier. In this episode we are sharing those simple products that we are loving and why we are loving them with you today.
Some of our favorite products right now are:
- Label Maker
- Amber glass bottles
- All-purpose cleaner recipe
- Silicone suction lids
- Mesh laundry bags
- Reusable Cheese Bags
- Tea storage box
- This is Home: The Art of Simple Living
- More of Suzannah’s kitchen favorites in her recent blog post on kitchen hacks and essentials
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Back when we did episode 72 about our favorite design books, we knew we’d love designer and blogger Lauren Liess’s new book Down to Earth and her now-classic Habitat. We talk about our fave parts of both this week, plus share our top few design/decor/home improvement-related podcast episodes from other podcasts.
Links we talked about:
- Habitat by Lauren Liess
- Down to Earth by Lauren Liess
- The Daily Edit Podcast: Timeless style with Tara Dennis
- The Daily Edit Podcast: Choosing Art with Pip Brett
- A Well-Designed Business, Ep 456: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments
- Dear Alice: What’s Below Your Feet: Flooring
- Build Your House Yourself University
- A Beautiful Mess Podcast : Three Things That Make Our Homes Happier
- A Beautiful Mess Podcast: Self Help Books That Changed Our Lives
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Feeling stressed with the amount of “stuff” you have in your bathroom drawers? We are helping ease some of those feelings of overwhelm today as we chat through what you should or could store in the bathroom. Plus, hear tips on how to decrease the bathroom clutter and even ideas for helping larger families minimize what each person has/uses.
- Lamp transformations happening on Instagram: @carpendaughter, @jaci.daily, @hartman_haus, and lots of other have used spray paint, mud, plaster, and more
- Suzannah’s recent bathroom transformation
- Recycle your used glasses at Lions Clubs
- Bathroom with vintage hutch for storage
- IKEA towel rack
- Tiered fruit stand for bathroom counter storage
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley is planning a HUGE basement renovation - every square inch, plus some (adding really large egress windows, exposing the exterior foundation wall, and more) and it’s taken her a while to get bids in order and define the scope of work. She’s sharing what she’s learned this week, and things you’ll want to keep in mind if you ever do a project like this!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Putting thought and effort into frames and mats can really elevate the art in your house. From linen mats to no mats, grid style frames to thrifted frames, tune in to figure out how to mix and match frames to create unique style and groupings at your house.
We specifically chatted about:
- Suzannah’s dining room featuring the six pencil drawings in matching frames
- Juniper Print Shop
- Framebridge visual tool
- Art to Frames
- Nancy at Hillside House - IG Art Tour
- Ashley’s Vintage Dining Room with original art framed with glass and clips
- Ashley’s grid style gallery wall in her master bedroom
- DIY Mat Cutting Tutorial
- Travel Gallery in Ashley’s hallway
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Roof replacement sounds expensive, slow, and scary. Suzannah just went through the process on her historic home’s 3-layered roof with lots of pitch changes and valleys, and it was a little complicated, but she’s breaking it down to demystify the roof replacing process! From getting bids to choosing colors to living with a roof under construction, and more!
Here’s the shingle company, colors, and gallery Suzannah chose from (she went with Driftwood)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Curious about seed starting or indoor gardening in general? On today’s show, we have Tracey from @thefakefarmgirl explaining exactly how to get good germination, what type of light works for seed starting and what plants are the easiest to grow.
Specifically, we chatted about:
- All types of seed starting supplies including: trays with covers, lights, and growing mat.
- The key to knowing when to transplant is knowing your growing zone.
- Rosemary and Lavender are easier herbs to grow indoors.
- If you want a good laugh, check out the “Matter Baby” highlight in Tracey’s IG.
- Get a walk-through of exactly what Tracey does and a look at her setup in her “Seed” stories on IG.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
What does buying less with more intention look like? Could you buy only 20 home items in 2020? Today, Ashley is sharing about her journey with home decor and specifically what she’s focused on in 2020, which is buying under 20 items in 2020.
Links we chatted about:
- Ashley and Suzannah are the guests on The Welcome Home Podcast. Go check it out!
- Paige inspired Ashley to start the #20in2020 journey.
- Ashley’s first purchase of the year was a set of original art pieces that she hung in her vintage dining room.
- Stay up-to-date with each purchase that Ashley makes in 2020 by following her IG highlight #20in2020.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
If you hate the way something looks, there are usually cheap, easy cosmetic updates like paint and adhesive tile you can apply on top. We’ve all been swayed by the “$100 challenge” bathroom update that looks great in photos, but… when is it better to save up, learn some new skills, and do a bigger project?
Resources mentioned:
- Dear Alice Podcast
- Nicole Bach @makingitlovely thread on Twitter that inspired this episode
- Making It Lovely blog
- Ashley’s experience with short term design decisions:
- Modernizing stair railings
- Patio umbrella
- Gold aligator
- Suzannah’s spray paint projects (including her popular breakfast nook light fixture and painting her brass fireplace screen)
- Suzannah’s post on replacing door knobs and hinges
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
There’s always room for improvement when it comes to kitchen organization. Today, we are talking about ways to store and maintain food/pantry items so that your kitchen is more functional! Whether you have a tiny pantry like Ashley and Suzannah both do currently or a walk-in pantry, you are going to leave this episode with useful ideas for upgrades you can make to your space.
On the show today, we chatted about:
- Episode 92 Organization in the Kitchen
- Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist
- Small built-in pantry inspiration
- Ashley’s pull out cabinet shelves that she loves
- Inspiration for storing dry goods on open shelves
- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/54113633007615389/
- Reusable produce bags Suzannah likes
- Kristyn (@blackard_modernfarmhouse) that Suzannah recommends for pantry tips (see Kristyn’s story highlights!)
- Wire pull out idea for a walk-in pantry
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley went BOLD with a recent design choice: she painted all the walls of her bedroom true black and added black crown molding. It took some getting used to but now she’s so glad she made the leap! Tune in to hear how she decided to do this big change, dealing with a room that’s actually too big, Ashley and Luke’s first experience installing crown molding, and more.
Resources mentioned:
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC) info
- Ashley’s black bedroom reveal
- Ashley’s pre-black paint bedroom reveal
- Ashley’s dark green living room
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It might sound daunting, but this project is comparable to installing a door knob or curtain rods! Suzannah is sharing all about how they updated the stair posts at her house. If you thought replacing stair balusters would be a hard project, then you definitely need to tune in.
We chatted about:
- Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
- Ashley loves the author Kristin Hannah
- Suzannah’s tutorial on Replacing Stair Balusters
- The balusters and level/base kits that Suzannah got for her stairs.
- Ashley’s stair railing at her house.
- An orbital sander is one of Suzannah’s go to tools!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We recently tried (and encouraged our listeners to try) a month of no-spend home improvement projects--that is, going beyond moving plants around and making meaningful changes in your home without cost being a barrier. This week we recap the progress we made in our houses, and what anyone can learn from a no-spend month.
Resources mentioned:
- Article on benefits of a no-spend challenge from Making Sense of Cents
- How To Prepare for a No-Spend Month
- Ashley’s first No-Spend January project video progress
- Update on No-Spend project progress
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
What makes renovating with your spouse easier--and what makes it harder? Tune in to hear some tips for renovating together and specifically, how Ashley and Luke work together on DIYs in their home.
On the show, we talked about:
- The Modern Black Powder Bathroom
- The light in the living room.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Learn how to integrate the design between your kitchen, dining, and living room, whether in an open floor plan or not. Key in on what makes design sing for you and how to repeat those elements in each of your spaces. Curious to hear how to work with one-of-a-kind pieces? We have you covered with that too!
On the show today, we chatted about:
- Ashley shared that she loved the Dempsey chair from Rejuvenation but didn’t end up buying it before they stopped selling it.
- The cat brush Suzannah swears by (for brushing and removing cat hair from velvet furniture).
- Suzannah’s recent renovations and how she’s really nailing that cohesive feel to her floor plan.
- Ashley chatted about her home and the accents that she likes to have in each of her spaces (black, medium wood tones and plants!).
- Kyla at House of Hipsters embraces quirky items so well in her home.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Kids’ stuff is not always high style, and kids can be messy. But they live in our homes, too, and we want to make them feel happy and welcome too! We’re answering your questions on handling toys, artwork, big plastic things, kids’ messes, and more.
Resources/posts we talked about:
- Functional office paper storage that Ashley has.
- Greyson’s bedroom reveal
- The attractive Lego storage Ashley did in Greyson’s room
- Suzannah’s blog posts on baby stuff
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
You guys have loved the trend episodes over the past two years, so we thought we check back in on those trends and then forecast what will be HOT for 2020! We hope you are ready to see some new trends this year, because we hear that warmer colors, boucle and plaster details will be coming on strong. Tune in to hear more about these as well as the debate on subway tile, Biophillic design, and more!
- ELLE Decor 2020 design trends
- Original House Beautiful article about grandmillenial style and Emma Bazilian’s Instagram
- Boucle dining chair and Boucle Statement Chair
- Ashley from Arrows and Bow Dining Room Paint Color
- House Beautiful UK article on 2020 trends in the living room
- Gwen from The Makerista and specifically, her recent laundry room makeover
- Erin Kestenbaum
- Ashley’s bathroom
- Velvet headboard DIY
- Curved plaster range hood in Jenny Komenda’s kitchen
- MyDomaine: trends going out in 2020
- Apartment Therapy 2020 trends
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Budgeting is not the most exciting part of a renovation project, but it’s often critical for success and confidence that you can take on a new big reno! It can be super overwhelming so we’re talking you through the exact tools Suzannah and Ashley use, including giving away a detailed template for Suzannah’s spreadsheet method for budgeting for a project.
Resources mentioned:
- Ep 59 How we budget + how to organize a budget
- Midcentury modern One Room Challenge bathroom makeover and the budget breakdown
- The spreadsheet template!
- Suzannah’s last house guest bathroom, master bathroom, and kitchen reno with budgets
- Picasa, the simple free collage program Suzannah uses
- Copycat Chic
- 10 good apps that help you manage money
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
If you love the look of gallery walls but are scared to try to put one up, we are here to help! We are breaking down the confusion on frame sizing, how to pick art, how to decide on photographs, whether your gallery wall should be symmetrical or 3D, and much more! Join in as we give handy tips for installing your gallery wall and whether or not your gallery wall should be the focus of a space or just add to the space.
*Affiliate link below. In our chat, Ashley mentioned a great modern bookcase that she scored at the Goodwill and then shared about her large gallery wall that she used to have in her living room. Still want to know more about determining frame sizing for your wall? Use this handy gallery wall how-to to help you plan your next gallery wall!
Find loads of inspiration on gallery walls on this gallery wall board on Pinterest.
- Ashley’s new travel gallery wall in her master bedroom.
- See Suzannah’s 2013 dining room gallery wall here
- See Suzannah’s 2017 dining room with multiple art pieces here
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Where to be consistent with colors, materials, and styles throughout a home, and when to avoid being matchy-matchy? We couldn’t find many resources about this so we dug into it! We talk about the time and place for consistency versus unique elements, and which pieces you can be consistent with and why. It’s not just paint color and lighting; you can show off your style and make it clear that each room in a house is yours in many ways!
Some examples we talked about:
- Ashley’s entryway with door hardware upgrade
- The super affordable black door hardware Suzannah got for her whole house: passage knob, privacy knob, hinges
- Suzannah’s bamboo blinds (with white curtains)
- Ashley’s kitchen sconces with two colors of metal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week’s episode is an interview with Suzannah’s partner in DIY renovating, her husband Jason. Lots of insight for aspiring DIYers/home renovators in this one, including: How Jason learned his DIY skills and got comfortable working on new projects, Jason’s tips for newbies for scheduling projects and how to deal with unknowns, how to get yourself psyched up before starting a project AND how to stay motivated during the toughest parts, and what makes DIY projects satisfying.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Ashley and Suzannah take a look back at the previous 99 episodes on the show today. From fan favorites to personal favorites, hear their thoughts on past shows and where the podcast is going next year.
Ashley shared that her personal favorite episodes were: Ep 72 on Design Books and Ep 62, the Landscape design interview with Gardening by Design.
Suzannah shared that she loved Episode 53 which was all about having friends over while renovating, Episode 70 which was the interview that we did with Nicole Wear about real estate and staging, and Episode 79, about how to make a cookie cutter house more personal.
Make sure to check out our post on Instagram this week to enter the giveaway with Sleek Socket!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
How to create a kid’s room that is functional, cool in their eyes, and a space you enjoy being around? Ashley has done several great DIYs in her son’s room in the past, but he’s getting older and it was time for a space designed for his current needs. His room got some big upgrades including lighting, flooring, and decor, and turned out beautiful and kid-approved!
Links/resources:
- Greyson's bedroom reveal
- Hue Bulb system
- Ashley’s new oak floors
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Once you’ve narrowed down your style (check out episode 3 for more on that!)… NOW WHAT? On organizing your ideas to keep your style consistent--tools in Instagram, Pinterest, and more. (Find Suzannah on Pinterest here and Ashley here.) And listen in for a great tip on pinning directly from Instagram!
Other tools we cover: design books and mood boards. Books (disclosure: contains affiliate links):
- Design*Sponge at Home
- In the Company of Women
- domino: Your Guide to a Stylish Home (2016 domino book)
- Old Home Love (this one is unique & gorgeous)
- Styled by Emily Henderson
- Simply Styling by Kristen Grove of Simply Grove
- Maker Spaces
And see Suzannah’s master bathroom mood boards post here.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Whether you are a seasoned exterior decorator or a newbie in trying to figure out what to do on the exterior of your home for Christmas, you are going to be inspired to just START decorating after tuning into this episode. From mailbox swags to baskets on the front doors, we share plenty of ideas you’ll want and implement.
We specifically chatted about:
- Free Christmas Storage Labels to help you get organized
- Suzannah’s Color Crush on Camel
- Style This Life shares some beautiful outfit combinations with camel.
- Ashley’s 2017 Christmas Front Porch
- Ashley’s 2018 Simple Christmas (Winter) Front Porch
- Fox Family Den used a blow-up for Halloween
- Adding the smallest touch of greenery to your mailbox is super cute.
- Decorate your mailbox with a Christmas mailbox swag.
- Ashley’s newest view of her front porch
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Suzannah and her husband recently did a completely DIY full bathroom renovation during the 6-week One Room Challenge. Tile, shower, vanity, fixtures, paint… they put a ton of work into transforming this bathroom, while keeping their home’s classic feel. Suzannah shares the behind-the-scenes story of the long design process, favorite luxurious updates, budget, and even what went wrong in this informative episode.
Resources and posts we talked about:
- Vietnam Veterans of America donations pickup (PickUpPlease.org)
- Habitat For Humanity near you
- Suzannah’s bathroom makeover reveal + budget (includes all products/sources we talked about today)
- Suzannah’s spring 2019 One Room Challenge for her friends
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It can feel like there are so many barriers to DIY projects and home renovating in general, but we believe that not all barriers need to block you from doing what you want to your home. Ashley and Suzannah are sharing their thoughts (and skills--they differ in what they are good at) about DIY projects that are good to start with, how project costs grow, learning and having access to the right tools, and more. You are going to leave this episode with at least one of your barriers knocked down!
In this show, we chatted about:
- Ep 18: Design, Make, & Live: Guest Bedrooms
- An article on when you need a permit for a home project.
- How @savoring_home finds 30 minutes a day to give love to her house even with busy toddlers.
- @makingprettyspaces and @angelarosehome are two amazing women DIYers who inspire us with their power tools and workshops
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
“Cozy” means way more than warm and snuggled up in a blanket. It can mean being present in the moment, being grateful for your home, feeling content and relaxed... but also bringing pieces into your home to accommodate that lifestyle. You’ll feel warm and fuzzy (and inspired!) after the positive vibes from this episode!
Resources and images we talked about:
- Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World
-
Links to a bunch of “cozy” images Ashley saved:
- Stacks of books on the floor by @petraalexandra
- An artist with a tiny corner of bliss
- A simple branch adding so much character to a dining space
- Garden harvest
- Fairy lights
- Hue bulb - varying light temperatures
- @nestingwithgrace
- @thehillsidehouse
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We figured it was about time to update you on what we are both up to (personal and home decor), all things ORC, and even what we are excited to talk about on the podcast over the next few months. If you love gabbing with your BFF, then this episode is for you.
In the show today, we talked about:
- Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living by Lauren Liess
- Goodreads
- Audible
- Ashley’s IG Book Club
- Episode 31: Exterior Home Maintenance
- Suzannah’s ORC Updates
- Episode 85, where Ashley interviewed Greyson about his room
- Pokemon Poster (affiliate link)
- Episode 47: Modern Christmas Decor
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Organizing your kitchen cabinets is a small-scale DIY that can make a huge difference. Today we talk through common issues for kitchen organizing, including listener questions like hard-to-reach upper cabinets, corner cabinets, deep pantry shelves, and more.
Resources and examples:
- Suzannah’s blog posts about her One Room Challenge bathroom makeover
- The Rev-A-Shelf pull-outs Ashley bought
- The Modern Edit organizing service and inspo
- The plain black lunch bag Suzannah bought
- White plastic bins in many sizes
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Sometimes the smallest rooms can make the biggest impact--but small doesn’t always mean easy for a DIY renovation! Tune in to hear all about Ashley’s powder bath renovation including what it ended up costing!
You can find links to what we talked about below.
- Ashley’s post on the Stylemaker Event
- Small Powder Bath Renovation Plan
- Sarah Sherman Samuel Bathroom Inspiration
- Wall Mount Faucet Cost
- Quirky art by Wink Wink Studio
- Powder Bathroom Full Reveal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It happens to the best of us… overwhelm and burnout with DIY and/or design projects around our homes. It can be so hard when you want to do more to your house than you really can--physically, mentally, logistically, financially, for your health…! We’ve both been there and we have a completely honest conversation about what we’ve struggled with AND what has worked for us! There are solutions!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We talk a lot about “Your Home Story” and what the story of your spaces are. Today, Ashley is sharing all about her eat-in kitchen’s story, from where it started (spoiler, it had blue wallpaper), to the more eclectic updates that she did a few years ago and now, to the space that she really feels is the perfect addition to her home.
You can find links to what we talked about below.
- Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World
- One Room Challenge reveal of the Eat-In Kitchen (2015)
- Breakfast room updates
- Modern Eat-in Kitchen Today
- Restore a Finish
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
If you’ve ever wondered what a modern mansion is like inside, or what you’d choose for your home if money was no object… listen up! Ashley and Suzannah both visited multi-home tours of show homes in their areas and chat about elements they liked, trends they both saw at the respective tours, regional differences, and what we can learn by visiting these elaborate, massive homes!
Links and favorites:
- Ashley’s Highland Cow Painting MOVE to 89 or 90
- Re-loving the decor book Habitat by Lauren Liess
- Parade of Homes that Ashley went to
- Street of Dreams that Suzannah went to
- Suzannah’s blog posts from previous Street of Dreams events: 2015, 2016, and 2017
- Walk-in pantry with hidden door in cabinets
- The angled sliding door treatment Suzannah saw
- Some of Suzannah’s photos from the show this year: here and here
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Functional updates make both of us so happy. On the show today, Suzannah and Ashley are both sharing recent functional updates they have made at each of their houses. Suzannah brightened up her back entry by doing lots of grunt work and is so much better than where it started. Ashley took her over-filled coat closet and purged, painted and built a bench to help transform the space into something that they use and love. Tune in today to be inspired to tackle a mini functional update of your own.
Blog posts and photos that we talked about today:
- Suzannah’s kitchen reno
- Suzannah’s scary basement stairwell makeover
- DIY Mudroom Projects
- The Start of the Coat Closet - Circa 2018
- Ashley's coat closet makeover reveal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This high-energy, fun episode will get you inspired for updating your family’s bonus spaces! A “bonus room” is a multi-purpose space that can be used as a family room, sewing or hobby room, game room, home cinema, office, or den. They can be super functional or catch-all, to the point of not matching the rest of your home’s style. But we have tips! Hear about our bonus room experience, what’s worked well (and what has us feeling embarrassed!). (You can see Suzannah’s in her townhouse tour here.) We talk about bigger projects for adding character and function, plus simple decor updates you may not have thought of.
Rooms and links we covered:
- Critical simple elements to think about like lighting and what kind of storage you need for the activities you do in the bonus room.
- One of our favorite bonus rooms on Instagram, with these great before/afters!
- Inspiring bonus room added over a garage, with kids’ spaces integrated
- This beautiful daylight basement bonus room with hanging chair
- A cute home gym space
- DIY home gym organizer
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
What does a kid really think about his/her room? Do they know what they want in a space JUST FOR THEM? Today’s episode is unique in that Ashley is interviewing her son, Greyson, all about his room. She’s getting ready to embark on transforming his space but wanted to get a bit of direction from him to hear what he would really enjoy having.
Hear about where the space started (it was dark pink with wallpaper) to all the DIYs they’ve done so far, plus the functional upgrades they are going to do soon.
Links to what they talked about:
- The DIY magnetic map wall
- The DIY closet loft
- The lego storage that they are liking.
- How to print cheap poster prints.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Sometimes, we only have short windows of time and we want to actually accomplish something home-related in that window. The show today, is all about 2-hour house projects that you can do. We are here to inspire you to tackle a new project, start-to-finish!
We specifically talked about:
- Bluetooth waterproof speaker that Ashley’s loving (and it’s under $40!).
- Portable bluetooth speaker that Suzannah and Jason have been using while working on projects
- 2-hour or less projects:
- Styling a vignette whether that be on a dresser, nightstand or media cabinet.
- Change out dresser hardware. Examples: dresser/changing table, vanity (added holes)
- Give a poster frame a wood look
- DIY wall art on a canvas.. Examples: abstract ikat-ey painting, windowpane ribbon art
- Ashley loves these cork pads for plants (affiliate link).
- Split plants or change their vessels.
- Great pillows, Suzannah made one that said HOME BODY with the Silhouette transfer machine years ago.
- Curtain hemming. Suzannah shared her IKEA tutorial here.
- Sewing for the Home
- DIY Bamboo Shade Hack
-
Light Fixture Upgrades
- Even can lights or fluorescents can be replaced with a few extra pieces of equipment.
- Spray paint a light fixture. Check out this (formerly brass) pendant in Suzannah’s breakfast nook here.
- Hang a gallery wall.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
This week we are hearing the inside scoop and getting tips from Suzannah’s 100% DIY “modern traditional” kitchen reno! Hear about the biggest projects and design decisions, plus... why she chose white cabinets despite being a little bored of them these days!, would she do anything different in hindsight? This project was almost “down to the studs”--hear why she kept and covered some elements. Hear her favorite finishes! And finally, you WILL be surprised what this beautiful kitchen reno cost!
Links to posts and images we talked about:
- Listen back to episode 67, where Suzannah shared the design challenges and plans
- Suzannah’s slate-look sheet vinyl installation tutorial (flooring by Armstrong Flooring)
- Suzannah’s post and video about building her own cabinets (which are from Walcraft Cabinetry--see her comparison post here)
- Suzannah’s post on her marble-look quartz countertops and money-saving tips
- How Suzannah chose her sink and faucet (both from Elkay)
- Suzannah’s post on how to choose cabinet hardware and the ones she loves from Sumner Street Hardware
- Suzannah’s DIY thicker wood open shelf tutorial--plus how they kind of look floating and worked above a tile backsplash
- How Suzannah saved almost $4k on nicer, traditional-look handle appliances (hint: scratch-and-dent sources like Sears Outlet)
- The full BUDGET breakdown of Suzannah’s kitchen reno
- Suzannah’s DIY range hood cover tutorial for her Zephyr vent hood
- @Philip_or_flop’s helpful crown molding Instagram story highlights
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Today, we are sharing all about how to design, makeover and use and love your front porch.
We open the show with Ashley sharing how she’s been purging this year. It may be embarrassing for her but it’s working so yay for that! Suzannah talks about the kitchen utensils that she’s updating. She’s being a bit pickier with what is going in her drawers and it’s inspiring Ashley to purge a bit more in her cupboards.
Suzannah shares her front porch setup and some wishes for the future (specifically with curb appeal). Ashley shares that she loves the updates that she’s done in her space, but after the talk, comes to the realization that she doesn’t actually take advantage of her space the way she would like to.
We talk “function” of the front porch first. We believe that you should address: doors, weatherstripping, lighting, doorbell and doormat to upgrade to how your front porch functions.
Specifically we referenced:
- What it costs to replace double front doors
- How to install a doorbell button
- Ashley’s Modern Front Porch Makeover
- Beautiful Before/After Skinny Front Porch Makeover
- Single Door on the Front Porch with a Larger Concrete Stoop/Porch
- Inspiration Front Porch that Spans the Whole Front of the House
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Open shelving is all the rage! And for good reason! Ashley and Suzannah have both done open shelves in their kitchens and Suzannah is planning some more in her current kitchen reno. Kitchen open shelves need to be deep (about 10”) and sturdy, but can be made of wood, metal, or glass and can be floating or mounted with basic or beautiful brackets. There are several kinds you can DIY!, and some to consider ordering or getting custom. We share technical info on lots of options.
Links we chatted about:
- Ashley’s sturdy tote bag that she’s using for groceries and loves.
- Magnolia’s technical guide for open shelving.
- Ashley’s open shelving guide.
- Pre-fab metal shelving unit
- Restaurant style floating look shelf
- Suzannah’s tutorial for how to install open shelves (over tile, even)
- Beautiful custom made metal shelves
Have you tried any of these treatments? Tag #shareyourhomestories on Instagram and we’ll share our favorites!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
Remember to #shareyourhomestories for a chance to be featured!
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We talk a lot about “Your Home Story” and what the story of your spaces are. Today, Ashley is sharing all about her foyer’s story, from where it started (spoiler, it was pretty darn formal), to the more eclectic updates that she did a few years ago and now, to the space that she really feels is the perfect addition to her home.
- Foyer Reveal
- Get a good look at that purple spray painted chandelier and where her space was 6 years ago.
- The iron railing DIY project underwent such a huge change.
- The entryway never felt “right” for the ORC reveal, but it was MUCH closer to what she had envisioned. It’s key to remember that progress is good!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Both Ashley and Suzannah have lived in brand-new builder basic, cookie-cutter homes (and Suzannah has also lived in a dated, dingy one). We are passionate about taking these homes beyond decor and helping you make them feel unique and fitting to your personal style! You’ll hear tons of ideas in this episode, ranging from easy DIYs to projects to plan ahead for.
Resources & inspirations mentioned:
- What is a cookie cutter house?
- Suzannah’s painted doors and trim
- Adding trim to make plain doors look paneled
- Suzannah’s latest spray painted light fixture
- How to spray paint a brass fireplace screen
- Blesser House shares some great ways to add charm to a cookie cutter home.
- Picture frame molding idea.
- Suzannah’s faux wood beam installation
- Amazing before/after of fireplace area/built-ins
- How to add interest to the exterior of your cookie cutter home.
- Houzz article on how to customize a cookie-cutter house.
- Blesser House has some really great before and after’s
- Apartment Therapy post on exterior updates to make your house less cookie cutter.
- The Lettered Cottage’s tips for adding character.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Can you tackle a complete powder bathroom as a new DIYer? What are the challenges that you might encounter? How do you get the tools to actually complete the job? Today, we are chatting with two novice DIYers about their recently completed Mid-Century Modern Inspired Bathroom makeover. Hear their tips for staying on track, actually doing the work and what they plan on doing next time to make their project go even smoother.
We chatted about:
- The One Room Challenge bathroom makeover reveal (all the glorious photos).
- Suzannah’s tutorial for laying big hexagon tile.
YouTube videos that our first-timers loved:
- Candadian DIY channel that they loved, including lots of drywall/painting videos they used
- Schluter Ditra installation
- Ikea Godmorgon vanity installation
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Happy 4th of July holiday! We share what we’re up to this week, then revisit a favorite episode of ours from the archives, episode 3. It’s a big one--how and why to define your home style!
Some questions we tackle and resources we cover:
- Why pick a style?
- Why not just collect and decorate with all the stuff you like?
- Are style quizzes worth the time? (Some we recommend: My Domaine home style, HGTV home style, My Domaine Spirit Pattern. Also, Home Edit Guides to home styles.)
- How much is dictated by the house vs. by your style coming into it?
- Some Instagram accounts that work with their home age/style: Grit and Polish, Emily Netz, Francois et Moi, Ashley @ The Gold Hive.
- Once you know your favorites, how to narrow down which ones will work in your home, and defining style by designer instead of just general aesthetic (examples: Amber Interiors, Studio McGee).
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. Join the community in our Facebook group here!
Family heirlooms, from furniture to small decor items… how to use them in your home and decor? Sometimes these pieces are so special and beautiful to us but other times it’s hard to fit them into your style. We share our personal experiences with heirlooms and antiques, really fun unique ideas for what to do with them, art ideas, plus our favorite tips from our Facebook group on when to keep vs. when to get rid of. (You guys are so wise!)
Resources mentioned:
- Our Facebook group conversation on heirlooms
- DIY unique treasures in shadow boxes
- Wall Street Journal article on working inherited furniture into your decor
- Antique vs. vintage vs. retro
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Sometimes, you just don’t have time for month-long renovation projects but you still want to improve your house. On the show today, we are walking you through five projects that can be completed from start to finish in just two days, perfect for a weekend! Also, make sure to check out our post this week on Instagram to enter the giveaway that we have going on! It’ll give you the tools that you need to make one of these weekend projects a reality!
Specifically, we chatted about:
- Our giveaway partner, Arrow Fastener products.
- A color blocked hallway that really inspires.
- If you are keen to try your hand at hand stenciling, then this hand stenciled hallway could serve as your inspiration.
- Removing the scalloped woodwork above the sink to modernize it.
- How to Convert a Can Light to a Pendant Light
- Suzannah’s upholstery project
- Video tutorial on reupholstering
- How to Tighten Wobbly Chairs
- Vintage Rug Upholstered Bench
- How to Install a Door Knob
- Refresh doors and trim
- Updating switch plates for a small but mighty impact.
- How to Install a Doorbell Button
- Love this painted front porch inspiration!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We often do a “deep dive” into design and function of a specific room or space--this week it’s garages, so we’re focusing on how to make your garage work for your home and family. (This room/space is heavier on the function than form, but still can be nicer and more inspiring than a cluttered eyesore!)
Ideas and resources we talked about:
- DIY above-garage-door shelving
- Painting garage tutorial
- Before/After garage door makeover
- Ashley’s garage Pinterest board with lots more garage organization and DIY ideas
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It’s time for a check-in on how we (and you) are doing with interior and exterior maintenance. We chat about peeling paint on Ashley’s windowsills to deck updates that Suzannah wants to make for the exterior side of things. Then, we take it indoors and celebrate a few wins … Suzannah actually vacuumed her refrigerator coils and Ashley washed her curtains. It’s the little things that we are celebrating today!
Resources mentioned:
- Exterior Printable Checklist
- Interior Printable Checklist
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We love to put down the Internet and flip through a book sometimes! It can be so fun to get ideas from a real, comprehensive design book. Not just instructional manuals, the pretty photograph kind too. We’re sharing our favorites (as well as some potentially controversial opinions about some popular ones!)!
The books we talked about (affiliate links):
- Design Sponge at Home
- In the Company of Women
- Styled - Emily Henderson
- Young House Love
- Lovable Livable Home
- Domino: The Book of Decorating
- Homebody
- Living with Pattern: Color, Texture, and Print at Home
- Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating
- Surf Shack
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
Could you completely gut, renovate and style a bathroom taking it from a dated 1960’s space to eyesore to a gorgeous mid-century inspired dream room in just 6 weeks? Suzannah is chatting all about her recent project that includes flooring mishaps, hardware decisions, and styling tips on today’s episode!
Links to what we chatted about:
- The Modern Bathroom Reveal for the One Room Challenge.
- All the before pictures of the bathroom including the rubber baseboards, colored tub, and interesting vintage sink!
- Suzannah’s pretty bathroom Pinterest board where she gained insight for styling.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
We often get questions about real estate, and we do our best to answer, but wanted to bring in a pro! Nicole Wear is a stager and stylist who works with her husband, a seasoned residential real estate broker. Nicole talked to us about how the real estate staging process works, what DIYers can do to keep and improve their home values, styling vs. being comfortable in your own home, and more!
We had so much fun talking to Nicole and we love how confident Nicole is! She really shares her years of experience and knows how to stage and style a home to sell! Some knowledge she shared:
- The unique piece of art that drew Ashley to Nicole’s Instagram
- Working with her real estate agent husband day in and day out
- How/when/why real estate firms offer staging and styling services
- How to figure out the task list of what to do to your home before it’s ready to be listed
- Answering: Should you paint before resale? What colors?
- Perfect-world updates you’d do to your home before selling, plus the second tier if you’re limited in time and money.
- What she asks almost every client to remove from their homes
- What the DIY home improvement/decor DIYer should do if keeping in mind resale--if you plan to sell in 2-5 years?
- What tile NOT to use if you update your backsplash!
- How to be mindful of what’s appropriate for your home
- How to make your home feel consistent and intentional
- What she’s learned from staging homes that has influenced her own home
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Our guest Nicole Wear @nicolewear and her husband @calleholmgrenpdx
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
Plus, join our Facebook group here to share your questions and ideas!
You’ve asked… we’ve tried to answer. =) The questions we chat about today are how we approach designing kid’s spaces, practical tips for making your bathroom feel more luxurious, the debate between having an office or a guest bedroom and more.
On the show, we referenced (affiliate links below):
- Bat Box
- Frame a poster instead of putting up a wall decal in your kid’s room.
- A beautiful example of neutral baskets in a kid’s space instead of primary color bins.
- Stud Pop
- A great look at what a picture rail looks like if you aren’t familiar with one.
- Episode 20 on small electrical
- Episode 2 on painting cabinets
- Our FB conversation on painting a large space white.
- Suzannah’s hallway/carpet removal update
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Deep cleaning, bug treatment, leaves, and more… we’re covering interior and exterior home maintenance tasks that you could DIY or hire out! Which ones are worth the money to save your time?!
Some products and blog posts we talked about (includes affiliate links):
- Beeswax food cover wraps
- Stretchy food storage cover lids
- Ashley’s DIY Gutter guard installation and pricing for professional gutter guard installation.
- Suzannah’s experience hiring out extensive landscaping clean-up is on our Instagram highlights
- The window cleaning supplies Ashley ordered and used
- The under $10 ant treatment Suzannah uses
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
Remember to #shareyourhomestories on Instagram for a chance to be featured! And join our Facebook group here to join the conversation!
Suzannah is embarking on a massive project this June! She’s tackling transforming her 1980’s kitchen with new cabinets, flooring, plumbing, tile, and more. With the curveball that isn’t going to be her forever house, tune in as we chat about some of the renovation possibilities, things they may or may not do, and issues they have already run in to.
With all designs, you pull information and sources to really cull what you love. Some of the inspirations that Suzannah keeps coming back to are:
- The Grit and Polish : Example of the marble backsplash and beautiful, timeless pieces.
- Cary Ray : White cabinets, black countertops, mixed metal hardware, and open shelving.
- Design Shop Interiors: Marble slab backsplash and white cabinets with edgy black accents.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
And you can join our Facebook group here to connect with other listeners and ask questions!
It’s beginning to be the time of year when lots of people start planning exterior projects like deck/yard upgrades and landscaping. We called in the experts about landscape/hardscape design, Engelina and Erin from Gardening by Design, an Ottowa, Ontario, Canada firm. Their mission includes strengthening connection to the outdoors by designing spaces that allow you to experience nature in a new way.
We learned so much in this episode and you will, too!
- Why you should consider updating your landscaping/hardscaping
- What the limits are for a DIYer (both design and installation)
- Whether you’re trying to sell soon, or just want a quick update--key areas to focus on for resale (including a super simple DIY you can do to existing landscape beds to make your yard look more maintained and fresh!).
- Which types of exterior improvements to do when/per season
- Trends in plant materials and hardscaping for residential landscape design including some easy, inexpensive materials
- Where to start when making a landscape plan for your yard
- Plants to consider for interest and color for every season even in colder climates
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Our guests @gardeningbydesign
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
Join the conversation in our Facebook group here!
Suzannah just completed a central room in her home, her formal dining room. Tune in as she talks about transforming the space from the aqua walls with dated electrical elements to the modern traditional space that it is today.
We specifically talked about:
- What the Tudor Revival home dining room looked like the day they bought the house.
- Suzannah’s dining room Pinterest board which started the whole design process.
- This pin and this pin which were the main inspirational images for the black windsor chairs and farmhouse table.
- The gallery wall of charcoal pencil drawings that she hung up.
- Suzannah’s final Dining Room Reveal with all the links, sources and other details.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
It can be overwhelming to think about all the money that we want to spend on our houses to get it “finished.” But there are some improvements that don’t take any money at all, some of them not even that much time!, and make a big difference. (This is a lot more than your basic ideas of moving art around!!) Deep cleaning, decor/style, and home improvement--there are tons of ways to change and better your home without spending anything. Actual real high-impact DIY projects you can do with materials you already have!
Also--this is the first week of the spring One Room Challenge, check out who is participating this year! Is Suzannah joining in with a bathroom remodel??!
Free projects we talked about:
- Stems Suzannah cut from a large shrub outside
- Ashley’s post on trimming back boxwoods and removing shutters
- When Suzannah removed a fireplace screen (before/after)
- Suzannah’s post about for painting a fireplace screen
- Angela from Restoring Home’s fireplace makeover
- Ashley’s update to modernize stair railing
- Ashley’s update to ornate woodwork
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We are doing a deep dive today on laundry rooms. Whether you're gutting and redoing a laundry room from scratch, or just thinking about small updates to refresh your space--maximizing the space you have to work with, considering how you use it, and evaluating how you need it to function are always key to creating, designing and having a functional room that you love.
Resources mentioned:
- Ashley’s current laundry room
- Suzannah’s cabinet and laundry room update
- How to Hang Removable Wallpaper
- Chris Loves Julia’s laundry room renovation
- Yellow Brick Home’s bright and fun laundry room
- Creekwood Hill’s lovely decorated laundry room
- ORC Makeover by Homemade by Carmona
- Ashley’s Laundry Room Pin Board
- Suzannah’s Laundry Room Pin Board
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Ashley and Suzannah catch you up on projects around each of their houses. They’ve both have painting updates, functionality upgrades, and sourcing information to share.
Specific projects talked about today include:
- Ashley’s living room trim and painting it green
- Suzannah’s built-in cabinet transformation in her breakfast nook
- Suzannah’s post about custom window and non-custom window treatments
- Ashley’s dilemma between quartz and marble
- Suzannah’s living room updates including her new slipcover, rug, and chairs (affiliate links)
- Ashley’s progress in controlling the lego situation in Greyson’s room
- Suzannah’s updates in her dining room (coming to her blog this week! Find it here)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Today we have the design and home styling blogger Joanna Hawley from the blog jojotastic, on the show sharing about how she designs and renovates with her soon-to-be spouse, what small space living looks like (including hacks for organizing) and what she’s guilty of storing in her car.
A few spaces of Joanna’s that we talked about
- Bold wallpaper in the bedroom
- Kitchen renovation - The Design Plan
- Amazing backyard space that she made over for the One Room Challenge.
- No Makeup Home Tour
Check out jojotastic and follow her on Instagram @jojotastic. You can also follow her adventures through the Seattle area on @themcbrawleys.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Nursery design can be so fun and cute!! But a baby’s room also needs to be super functional. So we did a deep dive into the essentials, ways to add your design touches, and some inspirational nurseries and pieces that work well. Plus, learn how to make a nursery that’s perfect for baby but still fits within your home, and learn who you’re really designing your nursery for!
Resources and inspirations:
- Suzannah’s nursery
- Suzannah’s nursery pinboard
- Suzannah’s ultimate glider/rocking chair
- Suzannah’s affordable rocking chair research blog post and how she likes hers
- Baby clothing divider tags
- Blue light-free nighlight
- Some great inspiration nurseries we talked about:
- @carpendaughter’s playful nursery
- @pricelanding’s elegant, muted nursery (and a recent update here)
- DIY Playbook’s larger space with great nursery to grow into
- Cassie Bustamante’s wallpapered nursery closet and simple built-in shelves
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
BUDGETING is a big topic and deserves its own episode! We cover a lot of methods and tips today for large and smaller projects. Ashley and Suzannah have two different ways of doing it, and we shared some tips we gathered from listeners.
Suzannah also shared how she managed working, podcasting, blogging, and (most importantly) taking care of a 9-month-old while her husband was away for 6 weeks!
Listen in to learn:
- How to scope and estimate budget for a large project like a kitchen reno
- How to keep track of expenses
- HomeAdvisor tool--what costs to expect when remodeling a kitchen
- Cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit options for very large projects
- Tips for budgeting for smaller projects
- Tips from listeners on how they budget and how they’ve managed going over-budget on large projects, a great way to track sales, and more.
- Our favorite budgeting tools
- How to make money during a reno project
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Do you struggle with keeping projects in check while renovating? Or, do you have problems with adding more and more to your project TO DO list? Join the conversation today, as we talk through some of Ashley’s current struggles and how budgeting and planning details really plays into the whole renovation and design.
Lots of the talk today centered around Ashley’s powder bath and laundry room. You can follow along on what is currently going on with her Instagram story highlights under Powder Bathroom.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Today we have DIY design blogger Bre Bertolini on the show sharing about her design process, how she makes it work sharing a home with her husband, two little ones, and father-in-law (including her #1 tip for designing in a shared home), how she budgets for room makeovers/home projects, her go-to online sources for home decor, and more!
Tips and resources we learned from Bre:
- Bre's Photoshop mood board tutorial
- Bre’s 5 go-to online sources for home decor: H&M Home, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, CB2, and World Market
- Bre’s great room and dining room One Room Challenge reveal
- Bre’s master bathroom ORC reveal
- Bre’s laundry room ORC reveal
Check out Bre’s blog, BrePurposed and follow her on Instagram @brepurposed. You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
There’s so much to consider when making a long-term purchase. Today, we are helping you out with 6 questions to ask yourself when you are looking to buy a new sofa! We chat about function, dimensions, lounge-worthy or more for looks, fabric, budget, and style.
Plus, you’ll hear the quirky piece that Ashley added to her patio and what Suzannah is currently sitting on at her desk.
We talked about:
- Function
- Pull-out bed
- Sectional
- Two- or three-seater
- Dimensions
- 32-40” deep
- 6-8 feet long
- 15-20” seat height
- Lounge-worthy or Firm
- Down or foam cushions (soft seat or firm)
- Cushions that can flip
- Fabric (good for spills?)
-
Budget
- Smaller Budget - Ikea and Target
- Middle - West Elm and Article
- Upper Budget - Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware
- Styles (ie. Midcentury, Chesterfield, Rolled arms, etc.)
- Bev from Room Sauce sofa reviews
- Sofa Squad by Apartment Therapy
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Ashley and Suzannah share great tips on what has worked for them when working with contractors. From how to provide clarity to contractors while saving yourself time to how to go with the highest quote without paying the highest prices, you’ll want to tune in today to hear these and more!
Resources mentioned:
- Ashley’s post on the cost for enlarging a window
- Our "DIY or Hire Out" episodes:
- Ep 6: Flooring
- Ep 15: Wallpaper
- Ep 20: Small Electrical
- Ep 28: Windows and Doors
- Ep 37: Painting
- Ep 46: Wall Treatments
- HomeAdvisor
- Porch
- Angie’s List
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Today’s episode is a deep dive into office design and function. We cover the utilitarian essentials (and how to make them more attractive), some design features you can add that are also practical, and facts of office space life like the table-vs-desk debate for work surfaces.
We talked about so many ideas and solutions (contains affiliate links):
- Suzannah’s townhouse home tour and office/sewing room
- Ashley’s current sunroom/office
- The HP printer that charges you based on prints/usage if you use HP Instant Ink
- Ashley’s office board on Pinterest
- Suzannah’s office board on Pinterest
- The Nesting With Grace “Magic Light Trick” you can use to add sconces above a desk or to add interest and light
- Inspiration image of a hanging light over a workspace
- Suzannah’s affordable and cute office chair round-up
- Butcher paper roll holder and clip set for to-do list
- Inspiration image of an oversized design board
- Some cute acrylic wall-mounted calendars: 1, 2, 3
- The clear plastic pegboard system Suzannah used in her sewing room
- The Grid-It product you can use to corral and hide cords mounted to a desk
Plus shared four office inspirations we love:
- Ashley from the Gold Hive - Hand Painted mural, pendant light, table (without drawers)
- Lindsey from Hello Hydrangea - A weaver so her office displays lots of her yarns, looms, etc.
- Yellow Brick Home - Small office setup with table and storage and then seating area on the other side.
- Jones Design Co - Office/studio with desk and table setup
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Feel confident while inviting others in. Whether you are knee-deep in a kitchen renovation or just need to paint a bathroom, learn how to embrace it and open up your home to others. We share some of our thoughts on how to get in the right mindset as well as a few practical tips for entertaining while working with renovation messes!
Resources mentioned:
- Minimalist Kitchen Cookbook
- Our minimalism episode - Ep 19
- The Faux Martha on Instagram
- Suzannah’s mirror above her console table
- Gretchen Rubin - The Happiness Project
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Updating door and other hardware in your interior is one of the projects we’ve talked about before as a great way to add quality and personality. Today, we interview two experts from Nostalgic Warehouse about how to choose and make an impact with doorknobs, latches, switchplates, and other home hardware. We learn why bathroom hardware is often different than that of the rest of the house, how to choose a hardware color, and more.
Nostalgic Warehouse makes high quality vintage-inspired hardware. See their Instagram for styled products and inspiration, and you can check out their website and buy on their Amazon storefront!
Bloggers we love who have used Nostalgic Warehouse:
- Room for Tuesday’s post on how to choose hardware
- Room for Tuesday hallway makeover
- Room for Tuesday guest room makeover (check out the closet doors!)
- White Cottage Home & Living powder room update
- Angela from Unexpected Elegance updated her exterior dutch door!
- Claire from Centered by Design has the most gorgeous hallway design!
- Sincerely, Sara D’s post on how to install a doorknob
- Sincerely, Sara D bathroom reveal
- Ashley upgraded to Craftsman knobs in her entryway reveal!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We had fun in Episode 9 of last year sharing the design trends for 2018, so we thought we check back in on those trends and then forecast what will be HOT for 2019--and what’s going out. We hope you are ready to see some new trends this year, because we hear maximalism and bold hues are going to be coming on strong. Tune in to hear more about these as well as classic kitchens, the debate on succulents, and more!
We referenced these trends articles from MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, Domino, and Elle Decor, and this slow living style article from HGTV. Also these 2018-going-out articles: HGTV
Inspirations we shared:
- Gwen from The Makerista
- Erin Kestenbaum
- Brighton Kitchen by deVol
- Hillsborough Kitchen by Jute Home
- Examples of Classic Kitchens
- Shade Blossom Wallpaper
- Heirloom Rose Wallpaper
- Floral Wallpaper
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We started this podcast 1 year ago! We have a lot of good stuff to look back on, and lots of goals for 2019! We also share our personal and blog successes and goals in this episode!
2018 recap (podcast and our blogs)
- We had so many ideas and still do! Talking about visual topics over audio is possible!
- Our podcast Facebook group has some great projects
- Interviewed some inspirational DIY and decor voices
- Ashley did a big master bedroom update
- Ashley finally finished the baseboards in her living room after 2 years! And made more living room progress
- Ashley loves her new sunroom decor
- Suzannah moved three times and had a baby since this time one year ago!
- Suzannah had some serious house-hunting challenges but successfully bought the 1930’s fixer upper in July
- Suzannah is now feeling buried in projects and to-dos… but got a lot of painting done and has been trying out decor, layout, and lighting
- Suzannah redid her master bedroom for the One Room Challenge this fall. One room DONE!
- Suzannah hired out landscape demo for starters on some of the more major projects at her new house.
What to expect in 2019 (podcast and our blogs):
- Interviews with professionals on topics like landscaping, organizing, and more
- Hashtag #shareyourhomestories, want to keep seeing your projects and shouting you guys out
- Weekend or 1-month challenges in the Facebook group
- Ashley will finish her powder bathroom makeover in January
- Ashley will have hardwood flooring installed throughout the rest of her main floor
- Ashley will be making major progress on her basement reno
- Suzannah is planning a kitchen reno!
- Suzannah will be making some big changes in her living room (including replacing the popular green sofa)
- Suzannah will definitely do another One Room Challenge or two
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Today, we are answering YOUR questions. We’ve compiled questions about how to hide media cords, what to do with paper clutter, how to live with pets and not have pet stuff all around, how to paint over wallpaper, and even what plant resources we use. As you tune in today, get ready to learn a few tricks!
Resources we chatted about:
- (affiliate link) Stretchy food storage lids Suzannah has been using
- Ashley’s post on Cord Control
- How to Run Cables Behind the Wall
- Gardening Know How
- Stylish Pet Bed on Bookshelf
- Bed Crate Integrated in Laundry Room
- DIY Pet Murphy Bed
- Ashley’s Cat Door DIY
- Litter Box in Trunk
-
Painting over wallpaper steps:
-
Oil based primer over wallpaper
- That will reveal issues. Razor blade to score any issues and corners. Glue down any bits that peel up
- Mud over problem areas/scored areas, sand
- Regular prime mudded areas
- Paint
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
It is a great feeling to put time and energy into a room and then call it FINISHED! Suzannah did that over a 6-week period (including building an upholstered bed from scratch) for her modern traditional style master bedroom makeover, which she made over for the fall 2018 One Room Challenge. She shares what she learned doing a room (on a budget) in such a short period of time, plus tips for decorating around queen and king beds and other bedroom design challenges!
For visuals of what we talked about today, check out:
- All of Suzannah’s posts about her One Room Challenge (budget and bed DIY posts will be here when up!)
- Suzannah’s I Love Bedrooms pinboard
- The upholstered bed tutorial she modified for her DIY slipcovered bed
- (affiliate link) The amazing vintage Turkish look rug Suzannah and Ashley like
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Both Ashley and Suzannah love the holidays and Christmas decor, but stay away from going overboard. We share ideas for how you can infuse the Christmas spirit in your home without it feeling overwhelming or compromising your personal style. We talk through elements like natural evergreen pieces, ornaments, stockings, Christmas tree skirts and collars, gift wrap, and more--we have ideas for you!
Inspiration images we mentioned:
- Evergreen garlands down the center of a table
- Francois et Moi’s Insta-famous evergreen garland in archway
- Wreaths on a patio outside
- Christmas tree collar that adds presence
- Pretty brown paper minimal gift wrap
- Decorative row of wood houses
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We are talking in-depth about wall treatments--which ones you should do yourself and which ones you should consider hiring out. Back in episode 15, we covered “DIY vs. Hire Out” on Wallpaper. Today, we’re focusing on wood accents, molding, paneling, shiplap and more! Plus, in our show notes and on our IG this week, we will be sharing lots of amazing inspirational images of these wall treatments.
Resources mentioned:
- Ashley’s wall treatment Pinterest board
- $60 Board and Batten Tutorial from Young House Love
- Board and batten in old houses - The Gold Hive matched the spacing of hers in her entry when she did it in her bedroom. Here’s her tutorial.
- Box molding inspiration by @lightanddwell
- Jenna Sue’s box molding tutorial
- Ashley’s plank wall tutorial
- Norwegian Wood’s bathroom wall with wood accents
- Francois et Moi’s beadboard in her stairwell
Some other articles we recommend: All About Interior Wall Cladding, A Gazillion Types of Wood Paneling, Emily Henderson’s post about adding architectural character with wall treatments.
Have you tried any of these treatments? Tag #shareyourhomestories on Instagram and we’ll share our favorites!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
Remember to #shareyourhomestories for a chance to be featured!
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We all want that organized drop zone, that beautiful mudroom, or a built-in bench with coat hangers for all our family members, but sometimes, that’s just not an option. Today, we are chatting about how to create a drop zone for fall and winter gear that’s actually attainable for most. Whether you implement a new system for your gloves and hats (which we will give you a few options for) or learn how to corral what you have in a new way, you’ll walk away from this episode ready to tackle the space you have with a fresh set of eyes!
Inspirations that we talked about:
- We love this DIY cubby built-in. It’s a very custom, but doable DIY for most and uses the GARAGE!
- Suzannah’s Instagram post about shoes in the house
- Using the garage as a mudroom again, this wire system could be put up and utilized in just one weekend!
- If you don’t have a space to create closed storage for your drop zone, consider storing all your necessities in plain site! We love this moody entryway filled with a bench and hooks - the perfect starting point for a great drop zone!
- Baskets can be great go-to’s for hiding those pieces that you don’t necessarily want to display. Check out this more minimal drop zone that is still full of storage!
- IKEA’s shoe storage cabinets are great for shoes but think outside of the box with them as well! We love how Charlotte used an Ikea shoe cabinet for mittens and hats!
- If you have at traditional coat closet in your entryway, don’t forget about the vertical door space for storage. Hats and mittens can be stored on the door, not only is a great way to store them but you can let them dry out there too!
- Amazon has lots of affordable over the door storage options.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- @suzannahstanley
- @biggerthanthethreeofus
- @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
“More style, less stuff”--isn’t that almost always the goal with home decor?!? This week we have the expert in stylish, non-cluttered home-making, Myquillin Smith of the blog The Nester. Her new book, Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff (affiliate link) is out this month and it’s full of inspiration (plus her tested multi-step process for decorating a space you love). We loved the book and Myquillin’s great attitude about everything she’s learned in many years and moves and making decorating mistakes!
One of Suzannah’s favorites from the book is the quote, “To be useful, an item must be used.” Ashley loved the example and visuals in the book on small vs. large lamps. Plus, Myquillin shared her desert-island must-haves for updating a room!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Of course we prefer to focus on projects that make our home prettier--but in reality, we have to do projects regularly that make our home safe and efficient. On today’s show, we chat all about interior home maintenance, including how and when to do some of those pesky, deep cleaning projects such as cleaning and maintaining your kitchen sink disposal, washing your curtains, and degunking your faucet aerators!
Suzannah shared a super great tip for staying on top of HVAC filters, so make sure to listen closely for that!
In today’s Interior Home Maintenance episode, we talked about:
- An exhausting list of great things to do
- Ashley created a printable checklist for your Interior Home Maintenance.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
If you’ve ever wondered about how Ashley and Suzannah got into home decor blogging, what it takes to create blog and social media content, how to get featured on a big design site, how home design bloggers make money, or a blogger secret benefit to Instagram’s multiple image swipe feature…!, you’ll want to tune in to this episode!
Links/resources/tools we mentioned:
- Answer the Public keyword research tools
- Tailwind
- SEO stands for search engine optimization--getting your blog found by new readers. Here are some articles for bloggers about it: 1 and 2.
- Suzannah’s townhouse Apartment Therapy tour and 2017 fixer upper AT tour
- Submit to Design*Sponge
- Submit to Apartment Therapy
- Submit to The Everygirl
- Blog course example--Emily Netz’s The Slow Flip Formula
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Choosing and hanging art can be a struggle for the best of us, but we have tips! Join us today as we chat about our favorite stores to buy art, how to find art that speaks to you, how to frame art, and how to hang art.
We specifically covered:
- Wink Wink Studio
- Suzannah’s DIY ikat painting
- Framed wallpaper by Jenna Sue Designs
- Amber Interiors project with bold art/concert posters
- Height and size recommendations for hanging art.
- Suzannah’s tutorial featuring drilling through tile
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Both Ashley and Suzannah value the fun that comes from celebrating the changing seasons and holidays, but shy away from accumulating lots of new pieces every year or for using every year. We share our projects and decorating successes, plus other ideas you can use to celebrate and evoke the feelings of the season without going crazy with stuff. That means looking past the end caps and choosing pieces that you love and mean festive to you!
Projects/decor we mentioned:
- Suzannah’s simple holiday banner/bunting sewing project
- Ashley’s Halloween decor last year
- Suzannah’s minimal fall/natural decor last year
- Suzannah’s Thanksgiving tea towel stencil tutorial
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Your master bedroom should be your oasis, but many times, it takes a backseat to other rooms in our homes. In today’s show, Ashley talks about her Mid-Century Modern Master Bedroom and how it’s finally a place that feels like a retreat. You’ll hear how each DIY step got her closer to her dream space and also how you can make steps to create your own dream bedroom!
In today’s chat on Ashley’s bedroom, we talked about:
- Light and Bright Master Bedroom
- DIY Bamboo Blinds
- Ashley’s repurposed sunburst mirror
- Suzannah’s DIY Sunburst Mirror
- Master bedroom reveal in 2017
- Mid-Century Modern Bedroom 2018
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Moving into a new space is so exciting!! Whether you rent or own, you probably want to get your new home looking and functioning the way you want as soon as possible… but there are some improvements that are much better to do sooner or later. We have tips on what to do first (including when to bring that measuring tape and when to start shopping!) and what to wait on and why.
One inspiration we mentioned is Ashley Goldman of The Gold Hive, who revisits her inspection report annually!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear our thoughts on painting (both interior and exterior) and whether you should hire painting our or do it yourself! From using a paint sprayer to taping off windows and ceilings, tune in to hear what we think about how to get the job done!
Resources mentioned (contains affiliate links):
- How Suzannah sprayed all the walls at her last house in about 5 hours
- Painting an interior sunroom with a sprayer
- We love angled brushes and Ashley specifically loves this short-handed brush.
- Suzannah used foam edgers like this (refills here)
- For small projects, this small paint sprayer can work really well.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Do you have a dark and dingy hallway? Or, a downstairs hallway that is lacking function? It doesn’t have to be! We have great ideas to update, makeover, and better utilize your hallway so it’s beautiful as well as functional.
In today’s show, we talked about:
- Ashley’s hallway makeover that includes DIY photo mats with a travel gallery.
- Suzannah’s hallway in her previous house & cute $20 lights
- Our Fifth House - How to utilize a hallway desk area.
- Young House Love’s Faux Moulding Tutorial.
- Room For Tuesday’s color-blocked hallway DIY project.
- Awesome chair rail hallway inspiration.
- Miranda’s cactus wallpaper in her hallway
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Our first challenge in the Your Home Story podcast Facebook group was live last month. The challenge was all about refreshing a space in our house WITHOUT spending money. Tune in to hear about what spaces were refreshed as well as what projects we are currently tackling in our own homes.
Specifically, we talked about:
- How the No-Spend Challenge came to be and what it was about.
- Ashley’s progress in her bathroom and the joy of being able to shut cabinet doors without having to cram in linens. Here’s an older picture of her bathroom for reference of what bathroom she’s talking about.
- Carmen’s adorable bedroom with hanging planter.
- Cindy’s gorgeous antique furniture pieces and clutter-free guest bedroom. See the changes in our Facebook group!
- Ashley’s newest art piece - the 7ft Korhogo art!
- Ashley’s Mid Century Modern Master Bedroom reveal.
- Nightstand dimensions and scale.
- The powder vanity that Ashley is getting ready to buy.
- Suzannah’s changes in her dining room including the rug, dining chairs, and table.
- Quotes about electrical, kitchen cabinets and more for Suzannah’s new house.
- How landscaping is drastically going to change the curb appeal of the new house.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Can you really make over a room in 1 month with $100?? Our guest Erin has done that month after month and spread the motivation with tons of readers--even made an appearance on the Rachel Ray show! This week we’re talking to Erin about how she got started with budget-friendly DIYs, her favorite projects for beginners, what she’s tackling next in her home, and how you can join the $100 challenge!
Erin’s blog is Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry. For more of what we talked about in this episode, check out:
- The $100 Room Challenge (with Rachel Ray clip)
- Vanity makeover
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Erin is @lemonslavenderlaundry
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Selling a Home (Episode 16) was such a hit that we decided we had to talk all about the process of buying a home. From searching for homes to radon testing to home loans, tune in to hear our experiences and tips on home-buying!
We specifically talked about:
- Suzannah’s electrical issues in her new (old) house. By the way, did you see her new home?
- Ashley’s motivation and progress in her sunroom.
- The first-time homebuyer class Suzannah took in 2011
- Redfin home search tool
- Risk factors for radon
- Refinancing through preferred partners on Zillow and Realtor.com
- Mortgage calculators
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Whether you’re Team Real Plants or open to faux ones, too, this episode will help you pick which plants should go where and how to decorate with and around them!
Our top 10 easy-to-care-for houseplants:
- Sansevieria : AKA Snake Plant / Mother-in-law’s tongue
- Philodendron : AKA Pothos
- ZZ Plant: AKA Zamioculas Zamifolia
- Hoya
- Rubber Plant
- Agave or Aloe
- Fiddle Leaf Fig
- Pilea: AKA Peppermoides
- Ficus
- Jade
Resources we mentioned:
- Ashley’s post on how to water/bathe a fiddle leaf fig
- Designer Anna Bode on Instagram
- Turns out a ficus does flower, and even produce a fig fruit, in some conditions! Read more here.
- Here’s the plant food that Ashley’s been using.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We will be the first to admit that keeping up with the exterior of the home can be daunting. It feels like we never have enough time to get the interior how we want it, and then you want me to keep up with the exterior too? Today, we are breaking down what actually needs to be done on the outside of our homes, how often to do it, and what season works best to do it in. Make sure to download the printable outdoor home maintenance checklist to keep on top of it all.
In this episode, we chatted specifically about:
- Power washing and how you can really make a big impact with this one tool. Ashley has this one (affiliate link) and really likes it.
- We both got crazy with our dryer vents and Suzannah even documented her dryer vent situation.
- Ashley changed her back patio mulch to river rock and has never looked back. It’s a great alternative to mulch as you don’t have to replace it each year.
- Gutter guard installation isn’t hard. Use Ashley’s tutorial on installing gutter guards if you have trees that drop their leaves in your gutters in the fall.
- Exterior Checklist - Get your free downloadable exterior maintenance checklist and start taking care of your exterior.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Want a great starter DIY project that will make a huge impact in your bathroom, bar, or kitchen?? Ashley and Suzannah have both done tile wall and backsplash projects and share tons of installation tips plus design considerations.
Resources mentioned:
- Ashley’s beginning in tiling her kitchen.
- Ashley’s electrical extenders and finishing the tile
- How Ashley tiled around and installed heavy duty open shelves
- Suzannah’s straight herringbone tile tutorial
- Post about using an orbital sander to remove grout haze (though from the comments it appears this method is controversial! Some commenters said you shouldn’t need this much effort, just a grout haze remover product.)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Who doesn’t love vintage decor, furniture, art, and more?! Today’s episode is all about finding great vintage pieces from the comfort of your home. You’ll learn which pieces we’ve bought online, how to search and buy them online, what to expect to pay, and what sites are the best to look at.
We chatted about:
- Ashley’s sources and tips for finding AMAZING deals on rugs.
- Homestead Seattle
- Kyla from House of Hipsters and her amazing art collection
- eBay
- Etsy
- Chairish
- EBTH
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Changes to windows and doors can make a huge effect to make a home look more custom or updated. Some of these changes you can do yourself… others could be a huge nightmare, mess, time suck, or worse! Ashley and Suzannah talk through their experiences and when to hire or DIY on both window and door projects.
Projects we talked about:
- Ashley's kitchen window project (enlarging)
- Ashley's dilemma enlarging or updating glass in exterior doors
- Suzannah's DIY door/trim update
- See how Ashley at The Gold Hive added a door to the backyard from her master bedroom
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Most half bathrooms or powder baths are not too exciting or pretty to look at right away. But they’re often used by guests or you, all the time, so might as well express your style in them! They can have function issues, too, like small sinks and no cabinets. Plus, updating a powder bathroom is a GREAT way to dip your toes into DIY projects or just do a quick, easy, fun update to a space you use a lot!
Ashley and Suzannah have experience redoing several bathrooms and half-baths and share some great budget-friendly and custom-look project ideas!
Projects and resources we mentioned:
- Easy half bathroom update: Suzannah’s faux chair rail look
- Suzannah’s faux wallpaper project and how it looked when she painted over it
- Suzannah’s 90’s home $391 powder bath total makeover (and video about that lightening-fast bathroom project)
- Suzannah’s palm leaf removable wallpaper and chair rail project
- Ashley’s modern powder bath vanity round-up
Plus, we talk through the elements you can change in a powder bath to update it, from most to least intense/expensive: cabinet/vanity, flooring, backsplash/wall, lighting, mirror, paint, and decor. Here’s Ashley’s cute DIY vanity light tutorial and the kit by Grand Brass.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We are answering YOUR questions today! Tune in to hear about where/how to buy Benjamin Moore paint, our favorite tools, how to get your partner on board with home decor, and about decorating when you have an eclectic style but don’t want your house to look like a circus. Also hear how the podcast came to be, who had the idea, and even a bit on how we actually make the podcast.
And, if you are just getting started with tools… we rounded up our favorites for you.
- Orbital Sander
- Drill Bit Set
- Jig Saw
- Miter Saw
- Saw Horses
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Sometimes YOU know how you want to decorate, but do you know how to update a space or do a big project with your spouse or significant other? If others in your household care about the decor, you may have to get creative and figure out how to work on your home together. Ashley and Suzannah have lots of experience with this and share what’s worked well for them!
These questions will help you discuss with your significant other:
- What do you envision the space to feel like?
- How are you planning to use the space?
- Do either of you have any specific “wants” for the space?
- Find what each of you does well and let you both run with it. E.g. budgeting, plumbing, design...
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
There are great deals out there on secondhand items direct from sellers (online or in-person), but it takes work to find them. Plus, selling your furniture, rugs, etc. can be a great way to get some extra cash to cover new purchases! We share our experiences and tips for both buying and selling items on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and buy/sell groups, garage sales, and more.
Resources mentioned: check out Suzannah’s tips for shopping at estate sales here.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We’ve had some big personal and home/project-related updates lately and wanted to share in more depth, let you get to know us even better! This episode shares what’s up with us as we enter summer and a new phase of life for Suzannah.
Suzannah’s updates:
0:57: Personal (new baby)
6:21: Personal (fitness after baby)
8:47: House hunting (1930’s FSBO project)
Ashley’s updates:
16:19: Personal (summer childcare and routine)
18:02: Personal (sleep and anxiety)
20:40: House projects (outdoor spaces)
26:01: House projects (living room dream light fixture)
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram:
- Suzannah is @suzannahstanley
- Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus
- The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast
We’d love to get to know YOU better, too! Share your questions and projects in our Facebook group here or email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
How do you pick window treatments? What type of window treatment do you need in your living room, kitchen, or bathroom? How do you hang window curtains? Tune in today, as we chat all about window curtains, blinds, shades and more.
In this episode, Ashley chatted about the great pinch pleat tutorial that she came across, how she cut her own bamboo blinds to save money and her $10 fencing to bamboo shades hack.
Suzannah shared her DIY curtain in her kitchen and her insulated window blind tutorial. Here’s her post about her favorite custom bamboo blinds.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Focus on one space in your home with us today and learn more about how to make your entryway work for you and your family. Whether you need decor ideas such as art, lighting, or rugs or more organizational ideas such as how to create a drop zone, coat storage and more, you’ll leave this episode with practical ways to update your space.
Interested in hearing about the podcast that Ashley has been loving? Here’s the link to the Practical Minimalists podcast.
See Ashley’s entryway makeover, her DIY coat rack and her “Hello” string art that she DIY’d years ago.
See Suzannah’s entryway with stairs here.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
“Small electrical” may not sound very exciting, but it is SO empowering to have the skills to make small changes in your home with light fixtures, light switches, and more. Ashley and Suzannah share their experience with lots of DIY electrical updates, plus talk about what to expect working with a contractor (such as pricing and process) and when you should consider hiring a pro instead of doing it yourself.
Resources you may find helpful:
- How to replace a light fixture
- How to replace an electrical outlet
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
“Minimalism” is an aspirational term for many of us… but hey, what does it mean, is it realistic, and will it bring us happiness?
We talk about Marie Kondo’s books and philosophy for reducing clutter in your home and wardrobe, plus the documentary Minimalism and why our culture is pointing some of us to this extreme.
Resources mentioned (contains affiliate links):
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
- Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up
- Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things
- Capsule wardrobe background
- Marie Kondo will have a series on Neftlix soon, too!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We focus on the guest bedroom and what design choices are great for this space. Whether you are thinking about hosting guests short- or long-term, these tips for creating a welcoming guest bedroom are all easy to implement and will go a long way in making your guests feel right at home.
In talking about design, Ashley chatted about the cool ¾ painted wall that she put in her guest bedroom and Suzannah mentioned her navy accent wall in her first home guest room.
Suzannah mentioned a metal bed that she really loves and although she might not put it in her master, it’s a contender for the guest bedroom. Chris Loves Julia actually used a very similar one in their guest bedroom.
Also hear what we think MUST go into a guest bedroom and why.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Who doesn’t love a good rug? Rugs add character, coziness, and more to our spaces yet they can be hard to select. Listen in as we chat about rug placement, rug sizing, what types of rugs work best within specific types of rooms, how to clean rugs, and more.
Ashley mentioned her posts on where to find affordable vintage rugs, how to search for cheap vintage rugs online, and how to clean vintage rugs.
Sometimes diagrams and pictures can help you learn more about what type of rug might fit your space the best. Here’s a great helpful post on how to figure out what size rug to buy as well as this one that helps you choose the right rug for your space.
We also linked up Suzannah’s fave very affordable Target rug that she has in two colors.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
If you are thinking of selling your home in the next 5 years (or working with sellers as a buyer right now), this episode is for you!
Real estate can be so exciting but also so stressful! We’ve had a variety of experiences selling a few houses between us, Suzannah very recently with plenty of issues but also a very successful outcome. In this episode we share our experiences plus several tips we’ve learned for selling homes, staging them for real estate photos and tours, AND thinking long-term for future resale.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We love to talk about when to DIY vs. when to find a pro--and this time we focus on wallpaper installation and removal. We’ve both installed wallpaper ourselves (different kinds) and Ashley has had some very good and some very bad experiences removing it. We also talk about options for wallpaper installation and removal, and other wall treatments.
Posts we mentioned:
- Ashley’s wallpaper installation in her dining room
- Tutorial for removable wallpaper in Suzannah’s powder bath which used chair rail on the bottom half
- Suzannah’s laundry room post about hanging removable wallpaper sideways
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We all struggle with contentment and the need/want to do more, make more, and buy more. How to combat that in the home decor world? Tune in as we give practical tips for how to be content even while being inundated with beautiful spaces, amazing renovations and more.
Suzannah mentioned inspiration from Molly Galbraith of Girls Gone Strong, who believes you can love your body exactly as it is right now, while wanting it to look or perform differently. (Check out her free 7-day Love Your Body Challenge!)
Get practical tips from Suzannah for 12 ways to love your home (almost) exactly how it is and how to redecorate with pieces you already own.
Ashley refreshed her old bedroom and shared a how-to change your decor without spending money.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
If you are ready to start a kitchen renovation, planning a small kitchen update or just want to be inspired by what you can do to freshen up your kitchen, then this episode is perfect for you.
Listen in as we chat about how a kitchen function matters and what you can look for in adding function to your space. Whether it be adding an automatic faucet (which Ashley loves) or microwave placement, you’ll be sure to gain valuable food for thought to make changes to your space.
Need help with budgeting for your kitchen remodel? Here’s a resource you can use to remodel a kitchen.
Want to see more inspiration and budget breakdowns? We love Anna’s full kitchen reno with her her follow-up on how to remodel a kitchen. Other great kitchen renovations or updates include: Francois Et Moi, Chris Loves Julia, The Sweetest Digs and Southern Hospitality.
And, if you haven’t seen our kitchen reveals and breakdown’s, make sure to check them out! See Ashley’s Before and After Kitchen Reveal and Suzannah’s Before and After Kitchen Reveal.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We’ve gathered questions from listeners from our Facebook page, Instagram, and email and are answering several of them together in this episode! Tune in to hear our take on:
- How to budget for a remodel. benefit vs. value/equity gained, how you’ve chosen to allocate money, pitfalls and surprise expenses, etc. (Also see Suzannah’s post on this here)
- Beautiful and practical ideas for outdoor living spaces
- Top tips or mistakes to avoid when starting a home blog (one of them is Blogtalk 2.0)
- What to do with decor pieces that are gifted to you that are not your style
- Where to start decorating a whole home that doesn’t fit your style
- Tips on arranging furniture in awkward spaces, like living room and bedroom
- When making mood boards, how to lay out measurements of the room and scale the furniture/decor pieces
We also share what we’re working on and into now--see this bathroom inspiration by Carpendaughter and Suzannah’s newly organized pinboards.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. The podcast is @yourhomestorypodcast, Suzannah is @suzannahstanley, and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofusAshley (@biggerthanthethreeofus) • Instagram photos and videos. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Ashley and Suzannah both have some serious DIY backgrounds - for crafty, sewing, and art projects (for better or worse) and have found that sometimes it’s totally worth it to DIY, sometimes it’s better to buy or hire out. Tune in to hear when to hone your skills and save money and when to let someone else do it! Some of our favorite DIYs include Ashley’s vintage rug bench recovering and Suzannah’s master bathroom (a successful all-DIY reno that took forever). You’d have to search WAY back in our archives for some of the fails! ;)
Plus, hear Ashley’s least favorite types of painting and what Suzannah made 120 of!
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
If you love the look of gallery walls but are scared to try to put one up, we are here to help! We are breaking down the confusion on frame sizing, how to pick art, how to decide on photographs, whether your gallery wall should be symmetrical or 3D, and much more! Join in as we give handy tips for installing your gallery wall and whether or not your gallery wall should be the focus of a space or just add to the space.
*Affiliate link below.
In our chat, Ashley mentioned a great modern bookcase that she scored at the Goodwill and then shared about her large gallery wall that she used to have in her living room. Still want to know more about determining frame sizing for your wall? Use this handy gallery wall how-to to help you plan your next gallery wall!
Find loads of inspiration on gallery walls on this gallery wall board on Pinterest.
- See Suzannah’s 2013 dining room gallery wall here
- See Suzannah’s 2017 dining room with multiple art pieces here
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Trends affect us whether we follow them or not. Tune in to listen to us chat about what trends are coming in and which ones are going out. You might be surprised to hear our thoughts on trends in general and how to incorporate them into our homes and when to disregard them completely.
We referenced: Refinery 29 2018 trends, The Everygirl 2018 trends and what’s out from 2017 (via this Zillow trends piece), Country Living 2018 trends and My Domaine 2018 trends.
If you want some modern barn door ideas, we are loving this black and glass barn door and this dark barn door that hides a bathroom.
The giveaway with Framebridge has officially ended. JoyJoyNelson you are the winner! Please email us to claim your gift card.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Where to be consistent with colors, materials, and styles throughout a home, and when to avoid being matchy-matchy? We couldn’t find many resources about this so we dug into it! We talk about the time and place for consistency versus unique elements, and which pieces you can be consistent with and why. It’s not just paint color and lighting; you can show off your style and make it clear that each room in a house is yours in many ways!
Some examples we talked about:
- Ashley’s entryway with door hardware upgrade
- The super affordable black door hardware Suzannah got for her whole house: passage knob, privacy knob, hinges
- Suzannah’s bamboo blinds (with white curtains)
- Ashley’s kitchen sconces with two colors of metal
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We cover the age-old question of decorating a beautiful home vs. creating a comfortable home that fits the way you live. How to determine how you live in a space? Challenges in smaller vs. larger spaces? How do you want the space to look? We cover issues like hiding cords, storing toys, dealing with lots of books, and more!
Some inspirations we mentioned:
- Nesting with Grace lego closet
- Ashley’s DIY Loft in Closet
- Ashley’s cord hiding solution
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Listen in as we chat about what type of flooring each of us have, what we have picked out and why, and if we have installed it ourselves or hired out. Gain knowledge on color, flooring types, installation difficulties, and more. Prepare to be surprised when you hear what our LEAST favorite part of flooring installation is and laugh as you hear that Ashley still hasn’t done this two years later!
Learn more with about subfloor and laminate installation in this post on Create/Enjoy and see Suzannah’s bathroom tile board and tile success here. Or, if Ashley sparked your interest with talking about peel and stick groutable tile or her wood flooring decision then check those posts out.
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Design, Make, and Live: Dining Spaces. This is our deep dive/focus on a particular room, this time dining spaces.
Tune in as we chat about hosting over the holidays, how to make your dining/kitchen space work for you while hosting, and whether or not we set a beautiful table. Gain insight on practicality versus function when choosing whether or not to put a rug in your space, a glass globe pendant, benches and more.
Check out Ashley’s Dining Room Makeover featuring a pop of interest with shibori wallpaper or her eat-in kitchen featuring a built-in bench seat. See Suzannah’s townhouse kitchen here and beautiful but dusty pendant light here.
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
So you’ve narrowed down your style (check out our last episode)… NOW WHAT? On organizing your ideas to keep your style consistent--tools in Instagram, Pinterest, and more. Find Suzannah on Pinterest here and Ashley here. And listen in for a great tip on pinning directly from Instagram!
Other tools we cover: design books and mood boards. Books (disclosure: contains affiliate links):
- Design*Sponge at Home
- In the Company of Women
- domino: Your Guide to a Stylish Home (2016 domino book)
- Old Home Love (this one is unique & gorgeous)
- Styled by Emily Henderson
- Simply Styling by Kristen Grove of Simply Grove
- Maker Spaces
And see Suzannah’s master bathroom mood boards post here.
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Learn how and why to define your home style. Some questions we discuss: why pick a style? Why not just collect and decorate with all the stuff you like? Are style quizzes worth the time? (Some we recommend: My Domaine home style,
HGTV home style, My Domaine Spirit Pattern. Also, Home Edit Guides to home styles.) How much is dictated by the house vs. by your style coming into it? Some Instagram accounts that work with their home age/style: Grit and Polish, Emily Netz, Francois et Moi, Ashley @ The Gold Hive.
We also talk about narrowing down which of your favorite styles will work in your home, and defining style by designer instead of just general aesthetic (examples: Amber Interiors, Studio McGee).
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
We are talking all about painting cabinets and what all goes in to a project like painting your kitchen cabinets, doors, bathroom vanities, etc. Learn the steps to have a successful job and what paint both Suzannah and Ashley highly recommend.
Check out this Modern Kitchen Reveal with Dark Cabinets for a good look at how paint can transform a space. Learn more about How to Paint Oak Cabinets, building DIY Drawers and Building Cabinets, using this deglosser and foam rollers specifically meant for cabinet painting.
We love these painted kitchen cabinet makeovers: YHL’s Kitchen Remodel and tutorial, Modern Kitchen Makeover by Place of My Taste and Nina Hendrick’s Painted Cabinet Before/After.
Write a review of the show to be entered in the $250 Framebridge giveaway! Ends 2/13, continental US only.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Welcome to the Your Home Story Podcast! Your hosts are Suzannah from http://www.create-enjoy.com and Ashley from http://www.biggerthanthethreeofus.com. Since this is our first episode, we are talking about why we started the podcast, how we plan to help you create YOUR HOME STORY and more nitty-gritty details on DIYing, renovating and design.
Join the conversation each week as we talk in detail about finding your home style, why we DIY, how stay consistent with your home projects and more. You’ll be able to tap into our knowledge on how to paint cabinets, how to pick flooring, how to hang gallery walls, etc., in the upcoming episodes.
As a kick-off to our podcast, we are excited to announce a fun giveaway with Framebridge! Get the details to that at the end of the episode.
You can find us on our blogs or connect with each of us on Instagram. Suzannah is @suzannahstanley and Ashley is @biggerthanthethreeofus. We’d love to hear your questions and thoughts! Join our Facebook group here and email us at yourhomestorypodcast@gmail.com.
Credit: our music is “Inspiring Corporate” by Scott Holmes.