Give the Toy a Child Will Love a Little More Every Year: a Dala Horse
This time last year, I visited the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis, a real treat in December as the historic Turnblad...
Shiplap and its Wood Paneling Cousins, and When to Use Them
Thanks to HGTV’s show Fixer Upper, the old woodworking term shiplap has become as common in our lexicon as brunch and...
The Five Essential Kitchen Organizational Upgrades
One of the first projects I sold after going to work for a custom woodworking factory was a kitchen extension I’d...
Here’s a Before-and-After Kitchen You Won’t See Anywhere Else
There's nothing I enjoy more than taking a room devoid of personality and infusing it with character. We've all seen kitchens...
Collaborations Made This Year My Favorite
[caption id="attachment_499" align="alignleft" width="237"] The very first Think Small advert, originally published in Life Magazine, 1959.[/caption] Think Small, one of the...
A Woman’s Temper(ament)
Last week’s dual testimonies of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brent Kavanaugh were painful for me, as I’m sure they were...
Four Questions to Ask Before You Hire a General Contractor
My Grandpa Charlie began his career by sweeping the shop floor of at a North Dakotan Chrysler dealership, and ended his...
Considering Wood Countertops? Read This First.
[caption id="attachment_376" align="alignleft" width="150"] The only thing this car is missing is a bossy blonde driver.[/caption] I love restored vintage cars,...
Six Design Trends I’d Like to Bring Back
I still remember the first time a tile retailer showed me a series of wood-look porcelain tile, assuring me it was...
Five Easy Ways Your Foyer or Lobby Can Drive More Sales
When considering a new hair salon, my first two questions are what kind of lighting does it have and what color...
