Who We Are
Hello! I’m Vanessa.
I’m originally from Little Rock in Arkansas and live in New York City with my husband, Matthew, and our three-year-old baby boy, Brian. I’m a high school teacher, but I also work as a freelance content writer, photographer, and marketing consultant. Yes, I’m pretty a jack-of-all-trades kind of person.
Of all the things I do, writing is what I love most. I love sharing experiences and tips about home design and the day-to-day human lifestyle. Being a New York City resident, a place known for diverse races and several activities, contributes significantly to my passion for writing.
However, my decision to focus on home design came from years of watching my mom convert junks and discarded items into beautiful, home-worthy pieces.
Before leaving Arkansas, I’d always dreamt about waking up every day in the same city as the Statue of Liberty. So, when I eventually got a scholarship in 2010 to study Communications and Journalism at the New York State University, it was a dream come through. It was here that I met Matthew, who was a senior colleague.
While pursuing my undergraduate degree at New York State University, I would take on part-time home design gigs. I garnered lots of experience that have been useful in running this blog.
I started writing this blog in 2015 when I felt I had garnered enough experience and skills to teach other folks and impact lives. With the support of my husband, I’ve been able to curate my adventures, projects, tips, and recipes in beautiful pieces that you’ll find interesting. There’s so much to learn on this platform – all you have to do is relax and read through.
DIY ATTEMPTS
As a home design expert, there’re DIY attempts I’ve made in the past that you might try out. Examined below are some of them.
Cleaning Vinyl Siding
If you want to keep your house looking new for years without hiring a pro, cleaning your vinyl siding is the way to go. To do it, you need nothing more than a long-handled scrub brush, a garden hose, a little elbow grease, and a standard-quality cleaner. This DIY approach is highly effective and has a better effect than a power washer, damaging the siding.
Applying Removable Wallpaper
Keeping your walls updated is another effective way of improving your space. Using wallpaper is one way to do this. Although it might sound somewhat horrible, especially with the sticky nature of some that you've used in the past, it's a practical solution to a dull space. There’re removable wallpapers you can purchase to adorn your space without spending so much. They help add color to your abode without doing lots. Other DIY attempts include transforming a picture frame into a writing board, hanging backpacks from a vintage door, making a tiered tray from baking tins, etc.
UPCYCLING PROJECTS
In upcycling, your imagination is the only factor that can limit you. You can transform any material into something else - all you need is a touch of creativity and innovativeness. Upcycling projects involve turning a discarded item into a valuable home piece. It doesn't mean that you'll change the function - you merely have to upgrade its look and enhance its appearance.
Over the past few years, I’ve indulged in several upcycling projects, most of which were adopted as home décor items. These projects range from simple to complex and feature a wide range of materials. They include:
- Transforming a dresser into a wine cellar
- Converting a clothes hanger to a picture frame
- Performing a makeover on an old jewelry box
- Performing a makeover on an old jewelry box
- Turning denim jeans into napkins
- Redesigning a piece of furniture and turning it into a child's toy
MONEY-SAVING TIPS
If you’re looking to save a few bucks while renovating your home, consider adopting the tips below.
Work with a Budget
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a homeowner when renovating your home is failing to set a viable budget. Not having one to work with puts you at the risk of spending more than intended and necessary.
A property renovation doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket if you have a budget in place and stick to it. Take time to figure out how much you can afford on the exercise and create a budget around it.
Get the Best Deals on Essential Items
In your renovation journey, you’re going to need some essential items, and many of them don't come cheap. To save money on many of these purchases, consider buying at a period when prices are at their lowest. Doing this ensures that you get the best items while saving a significant amount.
Sell Items or Appliances You Want to Replace
If you're planning to replace some of your home appliances, there's no use keeping the old ones. You can make good cash out of them, especially if they're still in good working condition. Instead of having them stay dormant under the stairway, sell them off and add money gained to your renovation fund.
