BUILDING
my NEST
Behind the build: the real-life journey of designing, renovating, and personalizing my own space.
I’m a designer, renovator, and relentless problem-solver with a soft spot for old houses and a knack for making them shine. This is where I share the real-life side of home transformations: the wins, the messes, the lessons learned, and the moments that make it all worth it. If you love a good before-and-after, want tips from someone who’s lived through the dust, or just enjoy following a renovation adventure, you’re in the right place.
Follow along here and on Instagram to see what I’m cooking up next!
Would We Do It All Again? Lessons From Using Our New Kitchen Every Day
I spent a lot of time thinking about how we use the kitchen and what we need to store. Every inch was thought out:
Drawers, drawers, drawers — as many as possible, with dividers and inserts to maximize every square inch.
Pull-outs for spices and spatulas.
A 4-bin pull-out for garbage.
Kitchen Reveal: What I Love Most About Our New Space
What is "done," really? As I write this (June 1st, 2025), there are still a few baseboards to fill and caulk, and a couple of paint touch-ups thanks to less-than-careful contractors. Chris and I always joke that our projects reach about 90% completion before we dive headfirst into the next one.
But in terms of professional work, the project truly wrapped when the quartz backsplash was installed in March 2024.
Why We Gutted Our Kitchen: The Before + Our Big Reno Plan
When we bought this house, I knew the kitchen was going to be the hardest thing to live with. Having come from brand new homes, stepping into an '80s galley kitchen — complete with flat panel doors, wood strip handles, and mismatched appliances — felt like going back in time. And not in a charming way.
like what you
SEE?
LET’S DESIGN YOUR NEST TOGETHER
If you’ve enjoyed this peek inside my own nest and want to make your own project easier (and more beautiful) I’d love to help. Whether you’re dreaming big or just updating a few key spaces, I bring real-world renovation experience and a designer’s eye to every project.
Let’s create a home that feels as good as it looks and works beautifully for YOU.