Transforming your home with practical and stylish storage doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. This comprehensive guide will walk you through building a stunning DIY floating bookcase, perfect for adding much-needed organization and visual appeal to narrow hallways, forgotten corners, or any space craving a functional facelift. Even if you’re a complete beginner and … Read more
December! The Grand Gingerbread House Transformation Begins! As the crisp air of December settles in and the holiday spirit begins to twinkle, there’s an undeniable magic that fills our homes and hearts. For those who follow the journey of the Ugly Duckling House (affectionately known as the Ugg-Duck), you know that I’ve been dreaming of … Read more
Welcome back, fellow home enthusiasts and DIY adventurers! If you’re just joining us, be sure to catch up with Part One of our journey, where we announced the sale of our beloved first home. For those who’ve already had their coffee break and are ready for the next chapter, let’s dive straight into the exhilarating, … Read more
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and cherished traditions. For me and my close-knit circle of friends, one tradition stands out above the rest, becoming an annual highlight that blends festive cheer with a healthy dose of competitive spirit: Lindsey’s annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. What started as a whimsical … Read more
Embracing the Charm of the Country Living Fair: A Weekend of Discovery and Family Fun There’s a unique joy that comes with acquiring new photography gear. My latest DSLR camera, with its advanced capabilities and impressive lenses, has certainly elevated my photographic pursuits. However, with this upgrade comes a rather inconvenient trade-off: its size. Unlike … Read more
The journey of transforming a house into a home, especially an older one, often begins with a single step, or in my case, a single purchase back in December 2009. That’s when I acquired what I affectionately dubbed “the Ugly Duckling House.” Looking back at the original listing photo, still a staple on the blog … Read more
Exciting Updates: Giveaway Winner, Guest Post Showcase, and Thrifting Adventures Ahead! Hello, wonderful DIY community! We’ve had an incredibly busy and rewarding week here at The Ugly Duckling House, brimming with creative projects, exciting announcements, and plans for upcoming adventures. Your unwavering support and participation truly make this journey worthwhile, and we’re thrilled to share … Read more
Transforming the Heart of the Home: Unexpected Victory in Kitchen Wallpaper Removal The late hours often bring an unexpected clarity, or perhaps, a touch of weary serendipity. The other night, returning home past ten after a rewarding but exhausting session working on DIY projects with Erin for her Dwell with Dignity installation (a truly inspiring … Read more
The journey of transforming a house into a home is often paved with paint cans, swatch cards, and more than a few moments of existential dread. It’s a tale I know all too well, especially when it comes to the complex world of color choices. For me, a deep affection for cool tones, particularly gray, … Read more
Mastering DIY: Overcoming Procrastination and Finishing Home Projects Confession time for many of us: the motivation to complete a project seems to ebb and flow, often leaving us in a state of semi-completion. Imagine a primary bathroom, sparkling with fresh paint on newly updated doors, yet those doors remain unhung, leaning against a wall, waiting … Read more