We have been working on the kids’ bedrooms all year, and I thought it would be helpful to share the order of which we are installing and building out each room from scratch! My boys’ helped me pick their paint color, and I took it from there with creating a vision board. Gabe is well versed in molding and trim work, so he did the heavy lifting on the install end. Below is the styp by step process of building out the boys’ room!

(We used Dura Decor Polised Pro LVP in Golden Glow)

(Colors: Ceiling – Parma Gray, Walls- Selvedge by Farrow and Ball)

We sourced the window molding trimwork at our local lumbar mill. We were trying to re-create the molding around the original windows on our first floor. This required two separate profiles that we layered and attached together!

(Crown molding)

Full transparency, while we love what crown molding can do for a space, it is a beast to install! Gabe found a flexible crown molding by Ekena Millwork that made it much easier. Even still, two people is ideal for the install process. He used temporary nails to be able to prop up the long pieces in order to nail in and secure.

(Chair railing)

We have a whole post on best paint spray guns for home projects. Gabe uses an earlex spray station for molding and doors.

We sourced our doors from a local lumber yard. The fastest and easiest way to paint multiple doors is with an hvlp spray gun. Stand each door in a zig zag formation and attach scrap wood between each door with screws. This will allow you to keep the doors upright and can spray the front and back of the doors at the same time.

We were able to have our builders add in additional storage cubbies above the closet doors to make the most of the space. We ordered custom sized doors for the cubbies from www.cabinetdoor.store

(ceiling medallion)

To install ceiling medallions, use a good strong bonding adhesive and a couple finish nails! Patch any nail holes. It’s always a good idea to check the diameter of the medallion’s center opening and compare that with the light fixture’s canopy before installing.

(ceiling fan with light)

Emtek hardware is the best quality we have found! We knew we needed some hardware that would stand the test of time/ our boys on their closet doors;)

This heavy wool rug has moved with us a few times! It has held up well! The rug was a good base for the rest of the room design!

This is the first time trying adhesive wall molding. I wanted to share options for improving your space on a budget! This was challenging to install at first since the adhesive is VERY strong, so once you place it down there is no wiggle room to adjust. It is worth it to take the time to set up a laser level for each cut, or to draw out your straight lines. I used miter shears to cut each angle. It got easier as I went, but I do think standard wall molding is a little easier to install. This would work really well for uneven or curved walls however!

(Chairs)

Now we are down to furniture and decor, and I can’t wait to move these boys into their new space. They have been patiently waiting for a year now. It is a small bedroom, and required some creativity and planning to figure out how to squeeze in everything they need. There will be a desk with double chairs in the nook area below the shelving, dressers in the closets, and an adult size bunk bed to accommodate their growth spurts that I know are on the horizon. Will share the full reveal tour soon!

The post Building a Room for Two Brothers: Step by Step Process first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Building a Room for Two Brothers: Step by Step Process appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

For our annual Prime Day guide we were able to go through the deals lists a little early to share our top picks in every category. We are only sharing things we personally love and use or what we consider a deal worth a look! We will be updating this throughout the day. I hope it can be helpful!

HOME:
Wood King size Bed frame – Such a beautiful design and amazing price point – $271 (20% off)
Mellanni Iconic sheets – Wrinkle resistant, super soft sheets I have on both the girls’ and boys’ beds. Even thier King size sheets are $28 for a set –(47% off)
Natural Linen Curtains – We had these in our last bedroom and they are lightweight and very pretty! –$15 (20% off)
Linen Blackout Curtains – Just ordered these for my kids’ rooms because they are waking with the birds! – $26 (29% off)
Down alternative comforter – $40 for a king size! (27% off)
Coop Adujustable Filling Pillow – ($71 – 20% off) – These rarely go on sale. The most recommended pillow by the IHOD community! I got this a few years ago to help with neck pain, and it definitely solved the problem!
Beckham Hotel Down Alternative Pillows Set of 2 – Affordable gel cooling pillows with high ratings! I have used these for guests and they are very soft. $39 (50% off)
Waterproof mattress protector – We use these on all of the kids’ beds, and they have single handedly saved our mattresses! – $23 (40% off)
Under the bed storage organizers– I use under the bed organizers for each of the kids’ rooms and my own! – $27 (20% off)
Twin size air mattress with self pump – we have been needing one of these to have on hand for guests! $38 (20% off)
Casper Memory Foam Mattress – Great reviews, and lowest price of the year – $319 (28% off)
9 Drawer Wooden Dresser – Gorgeous design and a few different wood options. $313 (20% off)
3 Drawer Nightstands Set of 2 – Such a beautiful set at a great price point! – $403 (24% off)
Milk Glass and Brass Pendants – Absolutely love the style of these. $175 (20% off)
Vintage Style Milk glass pendant (similar to Anthro) – $150 (25% off)

Home Decor:
Set of two brass doorknobs – We put these on several doors in our home! They are a vintage style for a great price point. $28 (20% off)
Rifle Paper Co x Loloi Rugs – Up to 20% off – I absolutely love their patterns. I would recommend their rugs with a low pile vs. no pile for softness and longer wear.
Felt Rug pad – These really soften up your rugs by adding nice padding underneath that also helps prevent slipping. $66 for a large size (25% off)
Loloi Rugs – We love Loloi Rugs and have them in a few different rooms like this one in the dining room and this cloud pile rug in our front room. Up to 40% off
Cordless Rechargeable Lamp – I have been using these outside or even for a wind down shower at night! – $27 (30% off)
Vintage Style Candle Warmer – I love this style. My sister got me one for my birthday, and have loved it. $21 (15% off)
6 ft. faux olive tree – This is the closest I could find to the one we have in our living room for such a good price! -$65 (27% off )
Patterned throw pillow covers – I have these on my living room sofa:) $17 (20% off)
Midcentury style gold and wood floor lamp – I bought this last prime day for my son’s room. Such a steal for a floor lamp! $47 (21% off)
Cordless pull down bamboo shades – A great set we use in the girls’ bathroom. $57 (29% off)
Kids Art Frames Set of 2 – I have these in my girls’ room! $23 (20% off)
Ceramic and brass hand soap dispenser – We use these to refill with foaming hand soap in all of our bathrooms! $11

HOME CLEANING TOOLS:

TineCo Pure One Cordless Vacuum – After doing a deep dive on many cordless vacuum options, this is the one we landed on to use for quick and easy cleanups on our hardwoods and dining room. I shared my review in this post. $189 (37% off)
Bissell little green machine – We have had this for a few years now, and it has been a lifesaver! This is the lowest price it will get all year. $94 (27% off)
Electric spin scrubber – I have been wanting to try these for our showers, tubs, and stove! – $34 (24% off)
Shark Rotator LiftAway Vacuum – $229 (43% off) We got this high powered multi-use vacuum after my friend who cleans homes recommended it. It has been incredible for our busy household. Works well on those thicker carpets and rugs, and has multiple attachments for things like baseboards and stairs. Highly recommend!

KITCHEN
Our Place Always Pan – I have been using this pan daily for breakfast and dinner and it is just the best. I got the 12.5 in. for our large family, and I am amazed how much it holds! Non toxic/non-stick! – $115 (28% off)
Our Place Wonder Oven – $140 (24% off) – Amazing reviews on this non toxic air fryer/toaster! Lowest price of the year.
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker – This is the one we have had that we have been very happy with! Easy to use when we have guests, and has a strong setting as well as a hot water setting. $99 (52% off)
Vegetable chopper – Finally tried this out, and I think Gabe loves it even more than I do! A game changer for meal prep that involves chopping! – $23 (53% off)
49 piece silverware set – A great set that includes the bamboo drawer organizer. $40 (20% off)
Ribbed glass tumblers with lids and straws – I have been using these every day this summer! $19 (19% off)
Embossed Drinking Glasses – Set of 12 – love this style! – $23 (28% off)
10 pack kitchen cabinet pulls – Beautiful set of 10 – $30 (30% off)

(The Samsung FrameTV in our old living room! Photo by Joseph Bradshaw)

ELECTRONICS:
55 in Samsung Frame TV – We have been very happy with the sound and picture quality of this frameTV! We got ours a few years ago over Prime Day and I have loved the ability to change the art or photos which look very real! The 55 in. is the lowest I have ever seen it. – $697 (36% off)
Kindle Paperwhite – So many of you recommended this for easy reading! – $144 (28% off)
Soundcore Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – Gabe got me these for my birthday last year, and I love them for travel or while I am making dinner. Blocks out noise and has excellent sound for audiobooks and podcasts. This is the lowest price I’ve seen them! – $37 (34% off)
Soundcore Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds – Excellent pair for a fraction of the price of airpods! Gabe uses these. Lowest price of the year. $23 (41% off)
HP smart tank all In one color printer/scanner– This is the one we have and love. Comes with two years worth of ink! $239 (35% off)
Echo Dot – My kids have loved these for music and audible books in their room – $34 (30% off)
Portable 4 in 1 charger – This thing is amazing. I was able to charge both earbuds and phone at the same time while traveling. Keeps a long battery life too. – $25 (18% off)
JBL electronic waterproof speaker – The best! We use ours frequently. Lowest price of the year! $84 (35% off)

(Outdoor heavy duty string lights, Outdoor pillar candles, Adirondack Chairs)

OUTDOOR:
PlayVibe Tree Swing – We have this on a big old tree in our backyard, and the kids use it just about every day. Great size and holds up to 200 lbs. $35 (22% off)
Sand and Water Convertible picnic table for kids – we just got this for Gus’ birthday and it is awesome! May need a weather proof wood treatment. $119 (22% off)
Outdoor heavy duty string lights – This is a good long heavy duty strand we used in our backyard! $29 (17% off)
Pickleball Paddle Set – We have a net we use in our backyard driveway area and it is so fun to play. Love this paddle and ball set! $35 (20% off)
Badminton Set – This has been another popular game in our backyard! The kids use the net for volleyball too. Definitely the best price I have seen. $68 with coupon (46% off)
Adirondack Chairs Set of 2 – We have these in our backyard around our firepit! $176 (29% off)

TOOLS (Gabe approved):
Laser Measure – $19 (30% off)
Greenworks trimmer, blower, and push mower – $419 ( 30% off)
Portable Tire inflator – We put this on our holiday gift guide this year – something helpful for every car to have on hand! $55 (20% off)
VEVOR Pocket Hole Jig Kit  – $47 – (18% off)
Kreg K4 Pocket Jig – $69 (30% off)
NOCO Car Battery Jump Starter – really good to have on hand! We keep one in each car. $79 – (20% off)
Workpro 12 in 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver $17 – (20% off)
2 Pack Folding Saw Horses – Gabe uses some like these for many paint projects! $79 (33% off)
Centipede Folding Workbench Table – Another frequently used item for home projects. Gabe props this up in the garage with ply wood on top for a makeshift worktable. $85 (37% off)
Tree Netting Zip Up Bags – Gabe uses these on all of his fruit trees to keep away bugs, rabbits, and birds! $22 (28% off)

KIDS/FAMILY
Storage Toy Chest – A great piece for any kids’ room – $111 (43% off)
Picasso 100 pc Magna Tiles – Most used and loved toy in our house! – $29 (25% off)
MagnaTiles Downhill Duo – Such a fun set! $46 (34% off)
Yoto player – We got these as Christmas gifts for a few of our kids for audiobooks and music. They have a “yoto daily” channel to that plays songs and stories. Really great for the 3-10 yr old ages. There are different cards/stories you can purchase. $63 (20% off)
Melissa and Doug toys, games, and puzzles -Several great options on sale Up to 55% off
The cutest wooden tea set! – $21 (40% off)
Crayola art case set – $19 (26% off)
Alcohol based marker set– These have been great birthday gifts! – $18 (20% off)
WaterWow Pads– love these for road trips! – $5 (34% off)
Kids Bluetooth over ear headphones – $13 (38% off)
Mini karaoke set with two microphones – My girls have one like this, and use it often! ($20 – 35% off)
Merino Wool layers – Ordered a set for each kiddo when we moved to OH and they came in clutch during this long super cold winter for snow days. So warm and easy to layer. $56 for a set ($29% off)
Amazon Fire Tablet – We only use these for car trips and they are well worth it! You can pre-download shows or games they can use without wifi. $54 – (50% off)
Melissa and Doug Ice Cream shop play set – Chiara got this for Christmas- popular toy around here! $35 (40% off)
StarWars Death Star Lego Ship – If you also have lego fanatics like we do, and are looking ahead to Christmas. This is quite a deal – $111 (30% off
Balance Bike for Toddlers – $28 (38% off)
Prismacolor colored pencils – If you have a budding artist this is the best color pencil brand I would recommend (as a former art student and teacher!) The quality is unmatched. – $46 (38% off)
Adidas socks – My boys blow through socks so I am stocking up on this 6 pack of adidas crew socks! $13 (33% off)

School Lunch/Supplies:
Bentgo Lunch boxes – These come with built in ice packs! – $20 (26% off)
Crayola large pack of twistables – My kids love these! $11
Super cute backpack for toddlers – $11
Canvas pocket pencil pouch – $5
Owala Waterbottles – The whole family has been using these since before they were trendy;) Rarely on sale! (25% off)

College/Dorm
Multi-use plugin/usb outlet – Would be great for every dorm room!- $19 (20% off)
Wrap around dorm bedskirt – To hide all the under bed storage! –
First aid kit – $15 (36% off)
Bedside wall shelfie – $25
Over the door organizer – $12 (34% off)
Twin Mattress Topper – $27 (33% off)
3 Piece Hardcase Roller Luggage Set – $123 (31%)

(Game and toy organizer stackable bins )

Family games we love on sale:
Tales family or couples edition – A really sweet conversation card starter set – $30 (20% off)
Cover your assets – This remains a favorite! A fun one for multiple people –$15
Monopoly Deal – Just played this a bunch with my sisters. So fun! – $6
Play Nine – I play this with my kids, but it’s fun for adults too! – $16
Puzzle table – We got a lot of use out of our puzzle board over the winter! – $51
Guess Who – My younger kids play this often! $13
Ticket to Ride – One of our favorites! $39
Taco Cat Goat Cheeese Pizza – Hilarious game! $8
Lots of family games on sale here for 20% – 40% off!

BEAUTY:
Glowy Super gel – one of the most used products in my makeup drawer! Gives such a beautiful highlighting finish over makeup! 23$ (20% off)
Saie Suede Blush – This is the powder plush I love to use for the beautiful pigments and long lasting wear. $22 (20% off)
Elemis Cleansing Balm – Absolutely LOVE this cleansing balm. It melts into your skin. I use at night to remove makeup and cleanse with these makeup remover towels.
Dr. Melaxin Multistick – I use and love this product. It is like a volume boost to areas you apply! $15
Loreal Glotion -A tinted moisturizer with a dewy finish. $12 (30% off)
Medicube collagen overnight peel – The best for cleansing pores, volume, and hydration! Leaves your skin feeling super soft. $14 (22% off)
Monday Dry Shampoo – When I want to grab an affordable bottle of dry shampoo for dark hair I use this. $6 (13% off)
Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips – Non toxic with great results! Have been using these for years – $28 (36% off)
Shark Flexstyle Air Styler/ Hair dryer – I have loved this mainly for hair drying with the round brush and fast last minute styling. This is the lowest price I have seen! $199 (43% off)
Coco & Eve Sunless Tanner – $26 (30% off)
Guasha Tool – I use this daily with a facial oil. Can’t beat the price- $6 (36% off)
Oak Body Butter – Definitely a luxury to have and I use it sparingly, but it is by far the best body butter I have tried. Has helped my dry skin so much! $51 (25% off)
Hanni Body Moisture Stick – I use this on my kids’ hands for dry or cracked skin. It’s incredible! $23 (21% off)
Makeup remover towels – I use these with cleansing balm at night to wash my face. Super soft! $7 a pack
Kitsch Hair Ties – These are the best hair ties for my girls – they don’t get tangled in their hair. $5 a pack
Summer Fridays Lip Oil – One of my favorite lip products! They rarely go on sale. 30% off ($18)
Monday Dry Shampoo – An affordable dry shampoo for dark hair that I have loved using! $6
Tarte Tubing Mascara – The best mascara for volume and length! Doesn’t leave residue under your eyes even after a full day of wear. Washes off easily too. $16 (40% off)
Tarte Juicy Lip Balm – This is so moisturizing and I love the colors. It is like a tinted lip balm with a glossy finish. $16 (40% off)
Kitsch Healess Curling Wand – My daughter and I both love using this for overnight heatless waves. $15 (30% off)

HEALTH:
Mary Ruth Organics Hair Growth Multivitamin – This is what I have been using this year for postpartum and I have seen good results so far. – $27 (30% off)
MaryRuth Kids Vitamins – I love thier immunity gummies for kids and multivitamins! – (20% off)
Oura Ring – I started using this last year because I knew I really needed to pay attention to stress and sleep patterns. It also helps track temperature for cycle. I have really loved it, and I am shocked over this price! 48% off
Zelus Weighted Workout Vest – $24 – (20% off)

BABY:
Bedside Bassinet – This is what I used for our youngest, and I loved it. Spacious and versatile. I kept it right by my bed. Also ideal for c-section moms.- $143 (20% off)
Ergobaby bouncer seat – This looks very similar to the one we have, and it was one of my most used items for the first 7-8months! – $164 (25% off)
VTech Portable Baby Monitor – This is a more affordable video monitor we have been happy with. – $42 (15% off)
Pop and Sit portable baby chair with tray – I just a similar one for Rafael that is so nice and easy for on the go travel or for backyard use! – $22 (24% off)
Boppy nursing support pillow – $39 (20% off)
Muslin Swaddle packs of 3 – super cute print options! $15 (25% off)
Wood Montessori Baby Walker – $39 (20% off)
Owlet Baby Sock – This heart rate baby sock monitor can provide peace of mind in those early months. I loved mine. $199 (33% off)
Gracco Slimfit Highback Carseat – $213 (29% off)
Double Stroller Wagon – This one has great reviews and love the canopy option. We have a similar one that we have used at the beach or pool or for day trips. $174 (21% off)
4 Seater stroller wagon – This looks super spacious and half the price of a keenz wagon! $239 (20% off)

Clothing & Accessories:
Triple loop earrings – My favorite pair! – $11
Levi mens and womens denim – up to 50% off
Bagsmart totes – Veronica has used this for a caryall this year for school/sports and it is so cute! – 35% off
Tortoise sunglasses – One of my favorite pairs! $12 (35% off)

Travel:
Bagsmart travel backpack – I used this in our travels abroad this year, and was amazed by how much I was able to fit into this water resistant travel backpack. Includes a side pocket for shoes, and several smaller zip pockets. A really good price too. This has become one of my favorite brands for travel bags.
Portable charger – This has the ability to charge iphones, apple watch, and earbuds all in one. It saved us many times! You use your phone to navigate, film, and take photos and it eats up your battery faster than you realize.
Airplane head strap/eye mask – For someone who can rarely fall asleep on planes, this was a game changer for the long flight to Italy. It can attach to the curved part of your headrest, and secure your head with the velcro eye mask making it easier to fall asleep without the neck pain.
Outlet converters – These converters will work in most European outlets, and include USB outlets as well! They worked well for us while in Italy! $20 (24% off)
Packing cubes – These always help me fit everything into one suitcase. I love the shoe bag as well for keeping dirty shoes off of clothes. $16 (20% off)
Compact makeup bag – I actually brought two of these. One for makeup and one for my carryon with a lot of the travel essentials listed above. It is nice and compact, but fits so much! $9 (37% off)
Glow screen sunscreen – A lightweight tinted sunscreen that absorbs well and gives you a glowy finish. Love their sunscreen for kids too!
Portable steamer – The hotels we stayed at didn’t have irons in the rooms (you can often request them at the front desk though!), so we were so happy to have this fast and efficient steamer on hand. Since every single clothing item we packed got wrinkled in transit, it was nice to have this whenever we needed it. $45 (23% off)
Slim Portable Fan – For times there is no A/C or you are overheating at the beach;) $8 (15% off)
Makeup remover wipes – These are the best for long travel days! $15 (25% off)
Portable iPhone stand – We use this in our daily life for home projects, but we used it abroad to capture videos and photos without having to ask people to take them for us! It is so versatile and compact:) $25 (15% off)
Soundcore Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – Gabe got me these for my birthday last year, and I love them for travel or while I am making dinner. Blocks out noise and has excellent sound for audiobooks and podcasts. This is the lowest price I’ve seen them! – $37 (34% off)
Bagsmart Roller Suitcase – My favorite brand for travel/bags. Their hard case roller carryons have all the fun extra details you put to use while traveling! $87 (27% off)

The post Prime Day Guide 2026 first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Prime Day Guide 2026 appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

Red floral dress // Eyelet skirt // Yellow smocked dress // Green and white floral dress

Dresses
Since we traveled along coastal towns I packed mainly dresses + two pairs of comfortable flats. There are churches and sites in Italy have dress codes as well, so we just chose to dress up like many Europeans! I pulled some old favorites from my closet, and found a few new ones as well that were so comfortable!

Shoes
I packed my adidas sambas for airport days, slip on flats, and mesh flats. They were all very comfortable and all I needed. I heard these waterproof sandals are also amazing for beach/walking.

Travel Gear + Accessories

1. Bagsmart travel backpack – Shocked by how much I was able to fit into this water resistant travel backpack. Includes a side pocket for shoes, and several smaller zip pockets. A really good price too. This has become one of my favorite brands for travel bags.
2. Portable charger – This has the ability to charge iphones, apple watch, and earbuds all in one. It saved us many times! You use your phone to navigate, film, and take photos and it eats up your battery faster than you realize.
3. Glow screen sunscreen – A lightweight tinted sunscreen that absorbs well and gives you a glowy finish. Love their sunscreen for kids too!
4. Airplane head strap/eye mask – For someone who can rarely fall asleep on planes, this was a game changer for the long flight to Italy. It can attach to the curved part of your headrest, and secure your head with the velcro eye mask making it easier to fall asleep without the neck pain.
5. Packable rain poncho – Another key item to have on hand in case you are dumped on while journeying in between towns like we were!
6. Portable steamer – The hotels we stayed at didn’t have irons in the rooms (you can often request them at the front desk though!), so we were so happy to have this fast and efficient steamer on hand. Since every single clothing item we packed got wrinkled in transit, it was nice to have this whenever we needed it.
7. Summer Fridays Jet Lag Essentials kit – I always travel with these minis because they are so refreshing for the skin/eyes after long hours of travel! Everything you need in one kit. They are by far the best eye patches I have ever tried.
8. Compact umbrella – We ended up with a few rain showers, and I was so glad I packed this compact umbrella!
9. Sunglasses – A comfortable pair of polarized shatter resistant sunnies!
10. Magnetic leak proof capsules – After trying several travel containers and several unfortanate leak experiences, I committed to the Cadence capsules. They are magnetic, leak proof, and compact. Use these toppers to turn them into easy to pour dispensers while you travel.
11. Outlet converters – These converters will work in most European outlets, and include USB outlets as well.
12. Noise cancelling headphones – I love these bluetooth noice cancelling headphones for audio books or music while traveling. Really helps to drown out all of the airport/airplane noise.
13. Cleansing wipes – in case you get stuck in an airport, or any place you don’t have a shower – these are great for on the go cleansing!
14. Travel fleece blanket – I always get cold on the plane, and this was the first time I brought my own fleece blanket while flying. It was wonderful. So cozy and soft. It has a pocket to roll up and fold it away into, so it fit inside my carry on backpack really well.
15. Compact makeup bag – I actually brought two of these. One for makeup and one for my carryon with a lot of the travel essentials listed above. It is nice and compact, but fits so much!
16. Packing cubes – These always help me fit everything into one suitcase. I love the shoe bag as well for keeping dirty shoes off of clothes!
17. The coast of Italy has many steep inclines and windy roads, so whether you are traveling by ferry, bus, or car – the Chewable dramamine will come in clutch! A first aid kit for any small emergency, and of course a good ole tide pen. The only thing that instantly removes small stains. I have used this for years.

We also used a portable phone stand to capture videos and photos throughout the trip without having to ask people to take them for us;) I think that covers it! Everything you need to feel prepared for a trip abroad. We started a substack this year called The Weekly Dish, and I will share our itinerary and honest thoughts about where we traveled through Italy over there!

The post What I Packed For Our Trip Abroad + Favorite Travel Essentials first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post What I Packed For Our Trip Abroad + Favorite Travel Essentials appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

For those of you not on social media (applause!), a little backstory of this Jane Austen inspired room design! I wanted my daughter Veronica to have a peaceful and happy escape from all the hard days she has experienced medically recently. I also really wanted her to have a space to create in. I consulted her on the bigger pieces, and the colors, so this was the first room we designed together! She chose the paint color, wallpaper, and the bedding. I helped with the finishing details. It was a dream project to bring to life with her and for her, and surprising her with the outcome was one of the happiest days of the year.

This is the first bedroom we have ever designed from a completely blank slate. We started with just drywall, and slowly finished it over the last few months. The first step was adding flooring. We chose to use DuraDecor flooring in our addition bedrooms since we used this product prior in our old home, and was really happy with it. It is easy to install, waterproof, and scratch resistant so it is a great option for high traffic areas, kids, and pets! This is the Polished Pro style in golden glow.

We knew the first order of business was selecting the right paint color for this room. Veronica knew she wanted yellow as well as some floral patterns. We tested several options and just couldn’t get over Dorset Cream by Farrow and Ball (from their Dead Flat line)- the perfect buttercream yellow. It shifts colors throughout the day, but it is never to bright or overwhelming.

After priming and painting the walls (we also used Farrow and Ball primers), Gabe added all of the baseboards, chair railing, crown molding, window molding, and doors – most of which we found at a local lumber mill. This kind of work takes a lot of diligence and patience at a level I do not possess. Thankfully Gabe excels in these arenas, but I am sure he would be the first to admit he doesn’t neccesarily enjoy all of the math and cuts required. Crown molding isn’t for the faint of heart. He did an incredible job however, and I love seeing his craftsmanship in action.

Wallpaper installation was next! I absolutely love Rifle Paper Co.’s patterns, and this Hawthorne wallpaper was no exception. We had ordered several samples we thought would pair well with the paint color, and V chose this one immediately. It is such a beautiful pattern, and the quality of the paper made the installation process much easier as the pattern aligns really well. After several rooms of practice, I am finally comfortable applying wallpaper, but I would say it isn’t without it’s battles! All in all I was able to get it done with pockets of time fairly quickly.

Once flooring, molding, painting, and wallpaper were finished it felt like the home stretch! I searched for months for a french provincial style furniture set like this one on facebook marketplace, and finally found one at the last hour! It needed some rub n’ buff in Grecian Gold to restore some of the beauty, but it fit this room so well.

Since this is a smaller room, I didn’t want too many curtains to cover all of the beautiful molding. We have plans to add a canopy portion to the bed area. Instead of going too fabric heavy, we went with these scallop edged roman shades from etsy and I love the way they turned out!

Veronica chose her bedding as well, and I love the way the colors and patterns work together. This room really feels nostalgic and familiar in all the good ways. A mix of Anne of Green Gables and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility which are a few of her favorite stories. I hope it is a room she always feels like she can create in, as well as a place that feels like home.

Additional sources:
Doorknobs
Mini Gold framed art (sold out so linked the similar one)
Light switch plate
Lamp (Borrowed from our living room)
Roman shades
Quilted bedding
Scalloped sheets
Rose Garden Wool Hooked Rug
Cherry blossom florals

A big thank you to Rifle Paper Co, Shades of Light, and Dura Decor for partnering with us to creat this room for Veronica. It allowed us to bring the full dream to life!

The post A Jane Austen Inspired Room for our Daughter first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post A Jane Austen Inspired Room for our Daughter appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

Back by popular request! Gabe is rounding 15 gift guide ideas for the all the gentlemen. Especially the ones that are hard to buy for!

1. Retractable pencils + clip – Never loose a pencil while completing projects. This heavy duty mechanical pencil set includes a retractable wire clip to ensure it’s never left behind, and makes a great low priced stocking stuffer.
2. Laser Level Stand – My favorite gift from last Christmas! It allows me to quickly secure a laser level up 12 feet from the floor. It’s revolutionized the way I hang a gallery wall, hang curtain rods, install moulding, hang doors, and a myriad of other projects. This is the Laser Level I would recommend if he needs one of those as well.
3. Digital Laser Measuring Tape – A next level measuring tool that combines a laser distance meter with an easy to read digital readout tape measure in one device. It even has a modes to calculate not just distance, but area and volume.
4. Holiday Socks – Unlike kids, grown men love a good pair of socks, and since I hate buying socks for myself, I depend on these little babies every year.
5. Flannel Lined Canvas Jacket – Stylish, sturdy, mid-weight, and very reasonably priced! Anna got this for me and I wear it often. Dare I say, I think she likes it too. Must make me look like a handsome rugged Hallmark character. Wink wink.
6. Moccasin Slippers – Most men won’t buy a pair of warm moccs for themselves, but every man will appreciate the comfort they give. I even have a second “project pair” for dirty work in the house.
7. Calpak Travel Tote –
8. Fitbit Inspire Health Tracker – This is the most reasonably priced and dependable fitness tracker I have found that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Tracks your sleep and stress patterns, heart rate, oxygen levels, fitness activity, etc. A great alternative to an oura ring.
9. Vintage Record Player – Music simply sounds better played on a vinyl, especially music from the glory days. We use ours so much I have replacement needles in bulk! This would be a fun gift idea from the kids to their pop, including the classic Charlie Brown Christmas album (a favorite around here!)/
10. Tile Wallet Finder – I have a terrible time keeping track of my wallet because I hate bulky things in my pockets. I tend to set it down in the most absent minded spots possible! If you know someone who may do the same, this sweet little gadget will ensure they won’t loose their wallet for good;)
11. Lord of the Rings Risk – One of our family’s favorite games. It takes the game of Risk and gives it a faster paced and fun new twist. I high recommend it for any board game fan, especially a strategy game fan.
12. Leather gloves – Keep his phalanges warm with a good pair of leather gloves, and in the car he can pretend to be a professional driver to his passenger princess.
13. LOTR Middle Earth Drinking Glass – LOTR is my favorite piece of literature. These glasses take the actual Toklien maps of Middle Earth and place it in your hand in beautiful etched glass.
14. Nespresso machine + frother set – We have loved this easy espresso maker for the busy coffee lover that doesn’t have the bandwidth to be a coffee professional! One button, 5 star espresso. Comes with the frother we use and love as well to take your coffee up a notch.
15. The Best Coffee At Home – This would be a fun gift on the other hand is for the coffee lover who wants to be a coffee sommelier or the guy who just likes to read about it and dream (me!).

The post 15 Gift Ideas for the Men that are Hard to Buy for! first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post 15 Gift Ideas for the Men that are Hard to Buy for! appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

HOME & Holiday Decor
Rifle Paper Co – 30% off everything – I look forward to this sale all year because their home and holiday products are dreamy! Too many good items: the advent calendar, fleece blankets, embroidered ornaments and stockings, playing cards for stocking stuffers, keepsake boxes for ornaments, and of course their wallpaper and rugs! Shared all of my favorites here.

House of Jade Home – up to 50% off – I love their holiday collection! I use their cedar garland on my staircase. Their gingerbread houses and gingerbread house ornaments are incredible quality. I would love to slowly collect a set!

Anthropologie – 30% off sitewide – I always love their holiday decor and gifts under $50. Sharing some favorites here!

Our Place Nontoxic Cookware – 30% off – I use the family sized always pan daily. Absolutely love it so wanted to pass on the good sale!

Amazon – If I could pick just a few things to share it would be this power house vacuum, the oura ring (I have used this all year and have loved getting a better read on sleep, stress, and cycle!), echo pops (we use this as both an intercom system and for music and audiobooks), Soundcore noise cancelling bluetooth headphones, and remote control tree candles we use and love each year.

Minted – 20% off with code INHONOROFDESIGN – I love the quality and designs of their paper products! We used them for our Christmas cards this year.

Beauty
Tatcha Skin Care – 25% off with code CYBER25 – This is the skin care brand that I switched to after Beautycounter. I was randomly sent a jar of the dewy skin cream and it blew me away! (Thousands of 5 star reviews.) I have never had a moisturizer that has worked as well as this one. It healed my dry patches and always leaves my skin looking way more healthy and hydrated than it probably is;) I also really love their rice wash cleanser and overnight lip mask balm. I only purchase when it’s on sale so definitely a good time to try their holiday sets!

Elemis – 30% off Sitewide with code CYBER – I have read so many rave reviews about the Elemis cleansing balm and I finally gave it a try. I get it know – it feels luxurious! The texture is smooth and it applies so well. I use it to remove makeup and cleanse at night. I really like their toning pads as well.

Coco & Eve – Up to 40% off – This is another brand I finally tried after reading so many good reviews. I absolutely love the natural tan/glow it provides. I use a few drops of the facial drops in facial oil just once a week during these winter months. The gradual tanning lotion is also a great option for those of you who are intimidated by tanning mousse. I really like how you could see a difference after one use, and it smells amazing!

Beautycounter – 25% off Sitewide – Now known as “Counter.” Although I have found skin care items I like better, I will say their Vitamin C Serum and Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer are still unmatched! I also looove their chunky lip penncils and sharpeners.

UBeauty – 20% off + free shipping – This brand is pricier, and I probably wouldn’t have purchased if I wasn’t sent some samples! However, I will say the return eye concentrate is by far the best I have ever tried. Lightweight and hydrating. Many benefits, and hundreds of 5 star reviews as well. A little goes a long way, so I am going to make my bottle stretch as long as possible! The Sculpt Neck + Décolleté Concentrate is also pretty amazing.

Divi – 30% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY – I regularly use their hair plumping cream, scalp serum, and Veronica uses their air dry smoothing cream. Smells so good + clean ingredients!

Merit – 20% off sitewide – Merit sales are rare! I absolutely love their minimalist stick, flush balms, lipsticks, and highlighter balms.

Londontown – 30% off Sitewide with code BF30 – They have such beautiful nail colors and their holiday sets would make really fun stocking stuffers. The Merry Minis are the perfect collection of nail care and colors. I got the one step hero minis for Veronica.

Cadence – Up tp 30% off – This would make an incredible gift for the gals on the go! Cadence is an award winning travel system. Magnetic, compact, leak proof capsules for all of your hair care, body care, supplements, etc. I have had the worst luck with leaking travel bottles and these passed the test! I love how you can customize the labels. Tip: the adapters are a great option to make it easier to dispense product.

Style
Abercrombie & Fitch – Up to 50% off with code CYBERAF – I have found some great jeans and coats here in the past, but I wait for this sale! I absolutely love their Sunday sweatpants and high rise 90s raw hem denim.

Old Navy 50% off sitewide – I find a lot of my kids’ clothing at old navy! I just found these coats for my boys and athletic pants and jeans for my girls for such a steal!

Adidas – Up to 60% off – This is when I try to grab sneakers for any little ones who need them. They have the easy to put on velcro kind that I love!

Target – 40% off Select women’s clothing – I just stopped at Target over the weekend with some girlfriends, and found some really good sweaters and sets! My friend also got us matching pjs that were so soft! Shared what I purchased here.

Will share a round up of gift ideas our kids have loved tomorrow!

The post Black Friday Shopping Guide (+Discount Codes!) first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Black Friday Shopping Guide (+Discount Codes!) appeared first on In Honor Of Design.

Gabe used to paint for a side job during summers off from teaching. He’s also been the front man for our past adn current home renovations, and has tried many paint brands and products over the years. When we asked if you had any questions for him to help with interior painting, you delivered some great questions! We decided to put them all here as an easy reference point. We hope it can be helpful for any upcoming home painting projects you may have.

What finishes on the walls?

Generally you want a low sheen paint on walls to help hide imperfections. My two preferred wall finishes are a high quality matte or flat (Farrow and Ball Dead Flat is my favorite), or a low sheen eggshell (Benjamin Moore Aura is my top eggshell). 

Best Paint roller for cabinets? 

Tough one. I haven’t actually used a paint roller on cabinets before, as I would usually recommend a quality HVLP spray finish if possible. However, I would assume a good mohair mini roller or Wizz Velvor. The shorter the nap the smoother the finish, but the less paint it will hold. BIG TIP – use a lint roller on the pad before use to help minimize shedding. Also using a paint extender like FLOETROL will extend the drying time and help the surface level out. (Floetrol is for water based not oil based paints) 

When do you use a paint sprayer? And when do you do the roller and brush?

Yes this can be confusing! Generally I only spray walls in new construction when I have a lot of the same color going up and overspray is not a concern. Once trim and floors are installed I prefer to roll. 

I would definitely recommend to spray doors because it is faster, easier, and provides a much better finish. Just be sure to remove the doors before spraying. 

For molding – generally it is more efficient to brush and backroll. I would spray over roller if I have the time to tape it all off, it is all the same color, and there is no furniture in the room. We shared our favorite paint sprayers in this post.

Roller Frame recommendation?

Proform Picasso Roller Frame – very smooth and has the easiest removal of roller pad you will ever find. So amazing I frolic through flower filled fields with this roller in my dreams, especially since mine is currently lost. 

How to prep the walls before painting?

Great question, as an amazing paint job starts with the preparation, but most people skip the prep because they don’t want to deal with it. If new walls with fresh unsealed drywall I will wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth then seal the walls with one coat of Zinsser 123 primer. This is followed by a single coat of build primer, followed by two coats of top coat paint. I will gently and lightly sand the walls with 320grit paper on a wall pole sander between each coat to knock down any nibs or debris that may have entered into the previous coat. Do not sand after the final top coat. 

If painting old walls, start by sweeping the walls with a broom, or wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any cobwebs or dust. Wash walls with warm soapy TSP water and a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grease and allow it to dry. Patch any holes or glaring imperfections with sparkling compound and sand smooth, then apply a coat of primer to seal the patches.  Next lightly and quickly sand walls with 320grit sandpaper on a wall pole sander. You are now ready to paint. Be sure to gently sand between coats for the smoothest results. 

How to avoid streaks showing when light hits?

Shut your blinds and turn off the lights so light doesn’t hit the walls. Obviously I’m kidding! Great question and a very common issue. First use a high quality paint with good reviews for working time/leveling. There is a huge difference between a cheap low cost paint and a quality paint, and in my opinion you can’t go wrong with Benjamin Moore Aura.

Second, you want to move quick enough to keep a nice wet edge on your painting area. A paint additive like Floetrol will extend the drying time helping you smooth everything out.

Third, being consistent with the amount of paint being applied and the amount of pressure applied on the roller pad. Save your shoulder muscles and let the roller do the work, and don’t try and squeeze every drop of paint out of the roller. When it starts to get dry, get more paint. Finally, spend the money on high quality microfiber pads with a ⅜ in. or ½ in. nap. Just like the paint, there is a huge difference between a cheap roller pad and a quality roller pads.

Best way to calculate how much paint to buy?

Measure your space and calculate square footage of surface you will be painting. Most companies have a paint estimator based on square footage! If you are spray painting you want to calculate a little more to account for overspray.

Are you color matching Farrow and Ball paint? 

We have the honor of partnering with them for these rooms! So we are using their pure formulas:) We have tried color matching before, but it’s hard to get an exact match due to how they formulate their colors. They also have primers that help bring out the paint color. We have had the best luck though at Benjamin Moore – usually depends on the colorist if it can be a close match or not! However, this is a great site that shares a cheat sheet of Farrow and Ball colors and what the closest match is in each paint brand/budget.

(Color: Dorset Cream by Farrow and Ball)

How do you get Farrow and Ball paint?

The best way is through their website. They offer a free color booklet to preview all colors, and sample pots to test on your walls. They have very fast shipping! 

How long do you let it dry between coats? 

Generally I do my best to follow whatever is advised on the side of the can as every paint is different and with some paints, painting too soon even if it feels dry, can have adverse effects on the long term durability.

YouTube channel for novice painters?

We are hoping to share more YouTube videos on our channel this year, and maybe even courses soon!

Is there a strategy you use with the order you paint a room?

I always have a plan. Like Hanabel Smith from the A-Team, I love it when a plan comes together;) Here is the general order I usually go by:
1) I always gently and lightly sand all wall and ceiling surfaces with 320 grit sandpaper on a pole sander.
2) If I have to paint trim that is high gloss, I will give that a light scuff with sandpaper as well.
3) Wipe down walls and trim with TSP diluted in water to clean and degrease the painting surfaces (ceiling not necessary).
4) Once prep is done, start with the ceiling. I like to cut in the edges before rolling, but only those edges that I am immediately working on to keep a wet edge. I will not cut in the opposite edge until I am ready to paint that side of the room. This helps things blend.
5) On to the walls! I cut in with the brush only on the side of the room or wall that I am currently working on followed by rolling.
6) Once all walls are done I finish up with trim. If the walls are fully cured I will tape the edges of the trim with FrogTape gentle surface tape to keep the wall edges clean. 

What roller nap do you use on walls?

My preferred wall roller pads are a high quality microfiber ½ in nap roller pad (preferably one that is thermal fused as it helps to prevent shedding). The reason for a 1/2in nap as opposed to a traditional ⅜ nap is because it holds more paint which allows me to paint faster, but a ⅜ works great as well. Always wet the microfiber roller pad with water, wring it out very well, then fluff just before you start painting for best results. 

My favorite would be the wooster roller pads with 3/8 in nap. These can be washed and reused multiple times. 

Best brand and finish for a kid’s room? 

Farrow and Ball Dead Flat or Benjamin Moore Eggshell. Both are very durable, easy to clean, and have great coverage. All are huge advantages when it comes to battling dirty little fingers

Ceiling tips?
You want a paint with no sheen to it, use a strong and sturdy extension pole, and a high quality roller pad that is 1/2in nap to hold more paint. Don’t be afraid to use a wider roller as well. Ceiling paints are very forgiving if they are of good quality and low sheen. Finally if furniture is not removed, quickly cover in plastic sheeting. 

When it comes to paint, does price matter? Are you getting what you pay for?

YES! When it comes to paint, brushes, and rollers, price does matter!!!!  Do not be afraid to pay more for quality paint and painting tools as it will provide you with a better final result and a more pleasant painting experience.  From the paint to the tools I try to look at it like a long term investment, not a temporary throw away experience. 

I would say an exception is Sherwin WIlliams Duration line – better price, but good quality!

Favorite Rollers? Favorite brushes for cutting in?
I shared all of my favorite paint supplies here! Let us know if there are any other questions we can answer. If you are a visual learner, we hope to share more about our painting tips and tricks course coming out soon!

The post Paint Like a Pro: Simple Tips & Tricks for Every Homeowner first appeared on In Honor Of Design.

The post Paint Like a Pro: Simple Tips & Tricks for Every Homeowner appeared first on In Honor Of Design.