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Classic Primary Bathroom Remodel

We just wrapped up this classic primary bathroom remodel. We didn’t move plumbing or electrical, so we were in and out within 3 weeks. The trick is, having all selections picked out and ordered BEFORE we start! This is what our process looked like. I’ve linked to ALL products HERE.

Before

The Process

We started with demoing the bathroom and adding some structure to the floors with the Ditra Membrane. We kept their existing vanities and bathtub. Otherwise, everything was redone! I had countertops templated as soon as the old ones were removed. Then we started tiling…. for days! Lots of tile :o) We did herringbone on the walls and tub surround, pebbles on the shower floor, and large hex tiles for the bathroom floor.

Once tile was finished, we installed countertops and plumbing fixtures and all finishes! The paint color is Accessible Beige. Then we installed shower glass! It came out beautifully! I absolutely love it.

Finishes

Light Fixture | Wallpaper in WC | Wallpaper in bedroom | Faucets | Fireplace Tile | Floor Hex | Wall Tile | Shower Head | Tub Faucet| Dip Died Stool

The Transformation

And that’s a wrap! Another beautiful renovation in the books. I can’t wait to share the next one!

 

XOXO,

Emily

How to Add Character Without a Full Renovation!

I recently had a client buy a new build. It’s as one would expect, white, open, and immaculate! That’s all well and good, but now it’s time to cozy up the place! I’m going to share my 5 tips on how to add character without a full renovation, which is what I typically do on a daily basis!

I’ll start by saying, the house is open and beautifully lit with lots of windows and natural light. There is a lot of white along with white oak floors, that allows me to have a blank slate! Homes can be cozified in several ways. These are some of my favorites:

1. ADD LIGHTING: But not the kind that requires knocking down walls and rewiring things. I’m talking about battery operating wall sconces, picture lights, and lightbulbs! My favorite hack of all is the lightbulb that charges itself! This allows you to put a lamp ANYWHERE!

WALL SCONCE  | LIGHTBULB | PICTURE LIGHT

2. ADD COLOR:This client in particular has an all white kitchen with white countertops and subway tile. White on white on white! My challenge is to bring in color. While I don’t like clutter on the countertops, I DO think adding in purposeful items is a great way to add color and texture. I use things like cookbooks, small pieces of art, jars, real plants, and cutting boards to do the trick. See my inspo below:
https://farmhouseliving.com/
3. ADD DECORATE WOOD TRIM: Built-in shelves and wood trim is a great way to add color and dimension. Wainscotting, board and batten, tongue & groove add a lot of oomph without breaking the bank.
https://przemobania.com/bohemian-decor-trends-for-your-home-office/
4. ADD TEXTURE: Blankets, plants, rugs, baskets, and pillows are all simple ways to update a space without having to spend a lot of money to alter it!
https://discoveringnicole.com/
5. ADD CONTRAST: I like using heavier material or furniture to break up the monotony of all white. Rich leathers, darker furniture, velvet drapes, wallpaper accents. These are all simple and inexpensive ways to completely change the vibe of a space!

There are lots of ways to cozy up a space. These are a few of my favorite and least expensive options! I hope this was helpful for your home DIY projects! Let me know some of your favorites :o)

 

XOXO,

EMILY

Primary Bathroom Dreams are Made Of

I just wrapped up a Primary Bathroom dreams are made of! I have to say, I am PROUD of this one!  I knew this one would be fun the second I sat down for my initial meeting with this client. As she talked about her ideas and goals for the space, I felt like she jumped into my brain and started sharing my thoughts. Wallpaper, tiny pops of color, clean lines… SOLD! This is definitely the perfect balance of Boho Nordic Blend… my specialty!

The Process

I always start off by taking photos, videos, and measurements. Then we land on a layout. I order all materials so they are en-route or on site by the time I start demo. This keeps the timeline moving along nicely! I communicate every step of the way with clients so they know what’s happening each week. Other than a tropical storm setting us back, we were right on time!

Before & Afters

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!





PRODUCTS LINKED HERE

A few notes… the flushmount from anthro is sold out so I linked to the chandelier version. Also, the small mirror wasn’t letting me link. It can be found HERE. All paint is Farrow & Ball. Colors: Inchyra Blue for wainscoting, Wevet for walls, and Cornforth White for vanities. Cabinet Pulls weren’t linked but can be found HERE

Sometimes I have to pinch myself that this is what I get to do for a living! I absolutely love it, if you couldn’t tell. Thanks for being the best part of what I do!!

XOXO,

Em

Easy Board & Batten Project

Hello, friends! This weekend, while the kids were with their dad’s, I took on a project to transform Turner’s room. I love a good DIY project. Up to this point, his room was just a place to put all of the things that didn’t have a home. So, I decided on an easy Board and Batten project to make his room feel more special! It really is simple if you make a plan and have all of the tools. I have step by step photos and links to everything you’ll need! This is what I did…

First off, I planned out the sizing and materials I would need. I used 1×4’s for the base and top pieces and 1×3’s for the vertical batten strips. For corners, on the long side, I did a 1×3 and then, butting up to it, I used a 1×2. For the cap piece, I did a 1×2 to create a small ledge. It came out GREAT! Check out the reel that I just posted 0n Instagram!

 

MATERIAL LIST

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT

SHOPPING LIST (linked above & below)

TIPS

  • Length for each board depends on spacing and room size.
  • Pre paint the top ledge piece so you can run a bead of CLEAR caulk against the wall after install then touch up paint on top. This makes a PERFECT straight line
  • Use level for top horizontal piece and vertical pieces.
  • Measure each vertical piece, as most floors aren’t perfectly level

ORDER OF EVENTS

  • Pre-paint 1×2 ledges on top and side. Let dry
  • Demo baseboards
  • Measure, cut & install base trim
  • Use level and install top piece at your desired height
  • Map out vertical slats (I did 20” OC and made sure to avoid outlets). Mark on wall with pencil
  • Install corner piece on first wall and work your way in (1×3 on flat side and 1×2 butting up to it)
  • Measure, cut, & Install vertical pieces
  • Caulk & fill nail holes. Let dry completely
  • Cut and install top ledge. Run clear caulk against wall on top and fill nail holes minimally to avoid sanding over paint. use brush to touch up top ledge
  • Sand all nail holes
  • PAINT!!! I used Winter Way by Behr.

BEFORE

AFTER

Board & Batten is really a simple and inexpensive way to upgrade a room. It made a HUGE difference and feels personal to him. Feel free to reach out with questions!

XOXO

Em

DIY Raised Cedar Garden Beds

Tis the season for DIY Raised Cedar Garden Beds, am I right? I recently moved into a cute little bungalow and have been fixing it up. The inside is pretty much done. I’ve been working on the outside, and it’s looking so wonderful!

I take so much pride in my little abode. I always have a project going on. Can’t seem to sit still! A few weeks ago, I built my chicken coop for my girls who are happy and laying eggs, I had sod put down, string lights (because that makes everything better), and now, my DIY Garden Bed! I’ve included a video tutorial on how I make them as well as s Shopping List with links to everything below!

Shopping List (with links):

Step By Step:

  • Have the sweet man by the cutting station at Lowes cut your cedar boards. You’ll need (6) at 6′ long and (6) at 3′ long. Those are your sides and ends.

  • Cut your 4×4 into (4) pieces at 18″ inches each. These are your four corners.
  • Stack 3 of your 6′ pieces with each end lining up on either 4×4. You want them flush on either end and on the top. The 4×4 will stick out a few inches on one end. That’s the base.

  • Screw 2 screws per board on either side.
  • Once both sides are complete, screw a 3′ piece to either side to get your box stable. Continue with the rest of the 3′ boards.

  • Flip it over, and you’re done!
  • It takes about 1 cubic yard of soil, which from my local garden store is $35.

And there you have it! DIY Raised Cedar Garden Beds. So simple and so quick to come together. Happy planting!

Beach House Master Suite

The next project coming up is a Beach House Master Suite remodel. These clients live right across from the beach here in Charleston. It’s a cute little bungalow that we want to turn into an island escape without taking away from the history and charm of the cottage! So that’s exactly what we’ll do.

Our clients’ taste is super fun! It’s Boho meets Scandinavian with a touch of Costa Rica Surfer Girl! I know that’s not a style per-se, but it is for this crew! They are truly unique and so much fun to be around. I joke that they’re just gonna show up at their house and find me chillin’ on their couch with a margarita. I have no doubt they’d whip one up and join me!

The Remodel

Back to the remodel… Some people like to mow down homes like this and build a multi-million dollar McMansion. Trust me, we entertained the idea for about 10  minutes. But then quickly came to, and realized we’d rather work within the existing layout and turn it into their dream home!

The Photos

Let’s start with the existing photos. The master is small and understated. The bathroom is TINY to say the least. Then there’s a bedroom and closet to the left of the bathroom. We’re going to rework the layout and turn it into a larger master bedroom with a bathroom dreams are made of along with a custom closet!

The Vision

We’ve thrown a LOT of ideas around. And we’re pretty close to landing on the specifics. But here is the layout and our inspiration! It’s a mix of clean lines and boho vibes. Perfect for their style and the location of their home.

We are going to start this baby in a few weeks, and I can’t WAIT. It’s going to be so fun, and I have no doubt it will turn out beautifully. It always makes a project more exciting when you live for group texts from your clients! I’ll post along the way, but definitely plan to follow me on INSTAGRAM for the day to day fun!

XOXO,

Em

Business Brand Refresh

Well, we are a month into the new year, and I couldn’t be more hopeful and excited for what the future has in store! After an extremely difficult year filled with major life change and loss, I’m on the other side and ready to jump into what God has in store for me with both feet! One of my big goals for this year is to do a Brand Refresh. And so far, it’s been an incredible experience!

What do I mean by that? Well, I ended up losing most of the content from my blog, which was a blessing in disguise. I got to take the concept that I had built over the years and start over! So here I am, doing just that. If you’re new here, check out my background!

The Brand

A brand is so important! I spent a lot of time and energy on my brand when I created it over 6 years ago. This Whole House was always meant to encompass all of the things that have to do with the home. Whether it’s parenting, entertaining, renovating, or meal prepping. These are all things I love, and I wanted it to be a brand that could breathe and grow with me!

So I asked myself, how can I make all of these things readily available to my people! One way is to be consistent with blogging. So I will do more of that. Another, is to authentically post on Social Media. I think it’s important to really lean into the giftings we have. So I will lean into my role as a female builder in a male dominated industry, a mom, and a home maker!

I worked with a rockstar team to update photos, branding, and my mission statement. My heart is to use this business to, of course, make other peoples’ renovation dreams come true, but also to connect with and empower them! I created a life that was ambitious. I’ve walked through an extremely difficult season, and came out stronger. I want to embrace my story and use it to be a world changer!

Mission Statement

I’ll leave you with my mission statement, because I feel like it puts my heart into words in a beautiful way:

“At This Whole House, we proudly stand as a beacon of inspiration in the male-dominated world of home renovation, showcasing the unique strengths and perspectives that come with being a female-owned company. Our mission is to create spaces where joy and authenticity thrive, and where every client feels empowered to express their true selves. Driven by Emily’s passion and expertise, we bring your dream renovations to life, ensuring that each project is not just a transformation of your house, but a celebration of individuality and creativity. In this journey, we are committed to breaking barriers and setting new standards in the industry, making your vision a reality in a space where you can be authentically and joyfully yourself.”  written by OnBrandDesigns

So glad to be back with you all! Can’t wait to share some really exciting projects that are on the books this year.

XOXO,

Em

THANKSGIVING TIMELINE & TIPS

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is around the corner! Worry not, my turkey loving friends! I have the perfect Thanksgiving timeline & tips that will help you pull off a crowd pleasing and stress-free Thanksgiving!

Every year, I write a post about Thanksgiving Prep. It seems to be a very stressful holiday because of all the cooking & baking that comes with it. It’s actually one of my favorite holidays, simply because it’s a time to be with friends and family and soak up all of the blessings in our lives. Even if life isn’t going your way, or you find yourself in a low season (we all have those from time to time), counting our blessings is the easiest way to shift our perspective!

In this post I will share my favorite recipes and also give you some tools to pull off the perfect Thanksgiving!

2 Weeks In Advance:

1.Nail down the menu and make an ingredient/grocery list.

2.Assign dishes to other guests. Pro-tip: I like to assign things that have to be baked to save on my oven space. That way, the guest brings them already cooked and I only potentially need to warm the dish up (a veggie, a casserole, a drink, a dessert).

3.Plan an easy app that only needs assembling (charcuterie is my go-to)

4.Plan a festive cocktail that you can whip up the night before and keep in the fridge.

Set the Mood:

I’m BIG on ambiance. When guests come in, I like to have some instrumental Christmas music playing, have a drink and apps out for them to snack on. That way, as soon as they walk in the door, they feel welcomed and comfortable. Have a clear and designated space for jackets (assign this job to hubby or a kid).

The Timeline:
The Menu:

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for! I have a pretty consistent menu for Thanksgiving. This is NOT the time to test new recipes on people. I’ve hosted Thanksgiving for nine years now, and I know what works. So, here is my menu:

Melt In Your Mouth Turkey

Corn Pudding

Cran-Apple Relish (easy one to assign out)

Sausage Stuffing (Everyone’s fav dish. I PROMISE!! These Chestnuts are the secret ingredient)

Buttermilk Biscuits (omit cheese)

Greens (I’m not a green bean casserole girl, so I usually assign out roasted brussels, green beans, or broccoli rabe)

Salad (something simple and fresh with a lemon vinaigrette to combat all the heavy food)

Mashed Potatoes (I use milk and not heavy cream. This POTATO RICER will change your life. These can be made ahead in the morning and warmed over a double boiler when ready to serve)

Sweet Potatoes (I usually assign this out. Some sort of sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is my fav)

Dessert & Coffee (a harvest, apple, or pumpkin pie are some of my favs)

Cinnamon Butter (I make this for biscuits — 1.5 sticks salted butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 brown sugar, MIX)

Well, friends…. there you have it! The perfect, stress-free Thanksgiving! If reading this post has you sweating, take a breath and simplify. Assign out every dish if you have to. The bottom line is, create a space that is warm and inviting. Now, pour yourself a glass of wine (or coffee if you’re reading this in the morning), pump up the christmas classics, and get to planning!

xoxo Emily