It’s so much more open!! Here’s a pic of the old peninsula, making it hard to walk from the kitchen to the living room. Notice the tiny doorway into the dark dining room? That was another thing on the client’s wishlist – to make the dining room more light and inviting: We replaced the peninsula with a simple eat-in island, and opened up the passage into a now bright, cheerful dining room. Notice how we were able to open that passage and *still* keep a fabulous pantry?! On the other side of…

We're a family of 5 kids and 2 adults and we use the front door as our main entrance. The challenge is that it's a split level entryway and the space is small w…

I officially started Christmas decorating last weekend, but I didn't want to write this post until I knew everything was done, which is nearly impossible for me. I don't know about you, but I never really stop Christmas decorating. I start out with my Christmas containers at home and then next thing I know, I'm somehow in the middle of Home Goods with a cart full of new holiday decor. If I'm being honest, I was shopping the Christmas decor and wrapping paper after Christmas last year. It is…

Hello All of BP!Yesterday we finally hit the listing milestone for a live-in flip that was a whole year in the making.We bought this 1976 split-level

DIY shiplap in split level entryway

When Amanda moved into her second house, she knew the dark and dated split entry needed to be brightened up — a dark door, peach-hued walls and a tall wall with nothing on it just didn’t fit her style. From Amanda: To brighten up the space, we installed a tongue and groove accent wall (to cover the heavy knock down texture) and painted it white. A new larger glass French door let light pour.

If you love a good before-and-after home tour, then you don't want to miss this one. Reston resident Carolyn Reams sent me photos of her family's renovations, and I was stunned by the transformation. She invited me to come in and see her beautiful house for one of Modern Reston's home tours.

This is proof that you can make a serious transformation on a tiny budget. READ MORE...

Live in a split level? You have to see this dramatic split-foyer entryway makeover! It's nothing short of stunning!