The dawn of a new year often brings with it a fascinating dichotomy: a time for profound introspection and ambitious goal-setting, or simply another turn of the calendar page. For years, I’ve found myself oscillating between these two poles of thought when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. Some years, I wholeheartedly embrace the tradition, … Read more

Celebrating Five Years: A Journey of DIY, Discovery, and Deep Gratitude Exactly five years ago today, a small seed of an idea blossomed into what you now know as this blog. I hit publish on my very first blog post, a rather unpolished, yet incredibly honest, account of acquiring my “new old house.” Looking back, … Read more

As the holiday season unfurls its magic, many of us find ourselves on a delightful yet sometimes challenging quest: to transform our homes into festive havens that truly capture the spirit of Christmas. This year, for us, that journey has brought two key decorative elements into sharp focus: the quintessential Christmas tree topper and the … Read more

Avocado Cross Stitch Pattern: A Fun & Easy DIY Craft Project Dive into the world of creative crafting with our free avocado cross stitch pattern! We’re thrilled to present the latest addition to our cherished collection of free monthly cross stitch patterns! This month, we’re bringing you a delightful and slightly unexpected design: an adorable … Read more

Life as an adult often feels like an endless to-do list, doesn’t it? This past week has been a whirlwind of what I affectionately call “essential adulting tasks” – the not-so-glamorous but utterly necessary chores like renewing vehicle tags, making crucial bank visits, and navigating a series of those often-dreaded phone calls. I confess, procrastination … Read more

We believe in the power of shared creativity and knowledge here at Ugly Duckling House. Following last month’s successful collaboration with Corey, we’re thrilled to continue our monthly feature, aiming for the last Friday of each month, by welcoming a dear friend and fellow DIY enthusiast! This month, we’re incredibly excited to be swapping ideas … Read more

Embarking on an overseas adventure, especially for an extended period, presents a unique challenge: mastering the art of packing light. The dilemma is real – you need a sufficient wardrobe for your journey, yet the thought of wrestling multiple heavy suitcases through bustling airports, charming cobblestone streets, or from one quaint town to another (or, … Read more

Master Your Kitchen Backsplash: Tiling Around Tricky Window Ledges Like a Pro Embarking on a kitchen renovation, particularly a tiling project, often feels straightforward when tackling the major components. Resources detailing how to tile a kitchen backsplash are abundant online, guiding you through every conventional step. However, what happens when your project presents a unique … Read more

Welcome to our latest edition of Saturday Stimuli, your weekly dose of home decor inspiration designed to spark creativity and elevate your living spaces. This week, we’re diving deep into the timeless allure of metallic finishes, specifically focusing on the rich, warm spectrum of bronzey-gold hues. From subtle accents that add a touch of sophistication … Read more

The Transformative Power of Hale Navy: Painting My Study-O Accent Walls Every home renovation project begins with a vision, and sometimes, a little comedic misunderstanding. When I approached the paint counter at our local Big Orange hardware store, eager to pick up a sample of “Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore,” I was met with a … Read more