We adore the butcher block we added to our kitchen four years ago. Here’s how we clean and maintain it so it’s looking good all year round!

It’s been four years since we installed the butcher block on our kitchen island, and I can confidently say it’s the best part of our kitchen! If I were designing a kitchen again, I wouldn’t hesitate to add a butcher block top to a kitchen island or workspace. We use it daily for chopping, prepping, and cooking, and I love how it has developed a natural patina over time.

When we initially added it during our kitchen renovation, many of you were hesitant about the idea.

“You’re really going to cut on that?”

Yep, we cut directly on it! Of course, there are nicks and scratches, but that’s a part of its natural beauty. And proper care has kept it looking great, even with constant use. Today, I thought it would be helpful to show you what they look like after all this time and share my best tips to clean butcher block countertops and maintain them so they stay in top condition.

Even if you don’t have wood counters in your home, these same steps apply to wood cutting boards and wood utensils. You can follow these same steps for just about any wood kitchen essential.

Oh, and if you want to know more about the size, color, and installation of our specific wood butcher block, you can find all the details in this post.

Our Everyday Cleaning Process

As I said, we cut on this chopping block every single day. Luckily, keeping the butcher block surface clean doesn’t require harsh chemicals. We just follow these simple steps:

1. Wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth and gentle dish soap. We use Dawn.
2. Rinse with clean water and immediately dry the wood surface with a clean dish towel or paper towel to prevent water damage. Water is the enemy here!
3. Avoid standing water. Wood is a porous material, and excess water can cause bacterial growth.
4. Never put hot pots or pans onto the wood surface. We’ve accidentally done this and it can leave rings and damage the wood fibers.

Deeper Cleaning & Removing Butcher Block Stains

Every now and then, I do a deeper cleaning to remove food residue and stains. This is something I should probably do monthly, but I usually do it when the board is looking a little dingy or stained.

Step 1: Disinfect with a Vinegar Solution

Instead of using harsh chemicals, I make a simple vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. I spritz it across the affected area, let it sit for a minute, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. This is especially good after Finn cooks a lot of meat because I find that the juices can seep into the dry wood.

Step 2: Remove Stains with Lemon & Salt

March 13, 2025

Introduction to Calming Bedroom Design

You probably already know that your bedroom should be your safe haven… your oasis… your special place. It makes sense… I mean, after all, it is the place you end your day with and begin your day with. Shouldn’t your bedroom decorating make you smile and feel comforted?

Well, if you choose to not be in your bedroom until it’s dark outside, here are some bedroom design ideas that will create a calming, relaxing space.

5 Tips for a Calming Bedroom Design

The goal of your bedroom design idea is to calm and soothe. Here are five tips to help you achieve a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom.

1. Choose a Calming Color Scheme

Paint your bedroom in your favorite color. Waking up to a color you love is the perfect way to start your day. Don’t get so wrapped up in what a bedroom should be or shouldn’t be. If you love orange, then paint your bedroom orange. Alternatively, paint your bedroom in the complement of your favorite color and then add accents in your favorite color. The complement is the color on the opposite side of the color wheel.

For example, Red’s complement is Green, Blue’s complement is Orange, and Yellow’s complement is Purple. So, if you love purple, maybe paint your walls lavender and add yellow pillows and a vase of yellow tulips.

2. Use One Fabric Throughout

Many people find it difficult to coordinate different fabric patterns successfully. In fact, many bedroom design ideas become too busy with mixes of plaids and florals. So choose a fabric that matches your paint color and use it in your drapes… in your bedding… and even in an upholstered chair. If you’re really worried that this is too much of one fabric, then choose a solid fabric to go along with your main fabric.

3. Add Candles and Mood Lighting

Lighting can enhance a bedroom design far more than you may realize. Yes, you need lamps for task lighting, but to really create a bedroom that is glowing, soft and relaxing you need some mood lighting. This can be created with candles, floor cans that project light upward from the floor, wall sconces and even picture lights.

4. Add Soft Textures

Keep in mind that the goal of your bedroom design idea is to calm and soothe. So, choose fabrics that are soft and cozy. Select silks, cottons and suedes. Even terry cloth can add an unexpected luxury. Use lots of pillows for comfort, and visual interest.

5. Don’t Forget Privacy

In the evenings, you shouldn’t have to worry about privacy. Make sure your bedroom design ideas include window treatments that cover your windows at night. This will also close the room in and add to the coziness of the room.

March 12, 2025

As the cold weather sets in, it’s time to put down the tools and paint brushes and take a break from all those home improvement duties. Throw on comfy PJs and nuke some microwave popcorn, because your couch is calling. This winter we’re getting cosy (and inspired) with the best property content that Netflix has to offer. Across the much-loved streaming service’s diverse line-up, we’ve pulled together five of our favourite home makeover and real estate shows for your viewing pleasure.

With Netflix included in all Optus Home Internet Family plans, the whole family can enjoy non-stop home improvement shows on Netflix from the comfort of your couch, or anywhere in the home. You’ll also get unlimited data, an Ultra Wifi modem with 4G back up, plus a WiFi Booster for extra reliability and extended coverage.

### 1. Dream Home Makeover

If watching homes undergo jaw-dropping makeovers is your thing, then this show will be dreamy viewing. Across two addictive seasons, Dream Home Makeover documents the lives of Shea and Syd McGee – an aspirational couple who give sprawling homes epic makeovers with their uncanny design nous. In addition to following their stunning home transformation adventures, the show also offers viewers a window into Shea and Syd McGee’s family life, giving you an additional hit of reality TV vibes.

### 2. Tiny House Nation

They say good things come in small packages. This appears to be the prevailing trend when it comes to property too, with the tiny homes movement exploding in popularity over the last decade, bolstered by viral shows like Tiny House Nation. Chronicling the adventures of renovation experts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, Tiny House Nation follows the duo across America as they help design and construct people their own tiny dream homes in spaces under 500 square feet.

### 3. Selling Sunset

Drama and amazing properties, what more could you want? Celebrated reality series Selling Sunset deals in plenty of both, delving into the lives of elite agents working for L.A. based company, The Oppenheim Group. Expect luxury listings, mega mansions, and highly watchable characters fighting over clients and properties.

### 4. Tidying Up

Stuff and more stuff and things. We accumulate household items without even trying, but do they actually spark joy in your life? That’s the question posed by ‘organising consultant’ Marie Kondo, whose revolutionary show Tidying Up helps homeowners to de-clutter their lives via some inspiring makeovers. The television follow-up to Kondo’s bestselling 2011 book, Tidying Up is highly addictive viewing. If you’re looking for something similar to Hoarders, you best look elsewhere, as Tidying Up is far gentler and inspiring in nature. And Marie’s oddball personality is a pleasure to watch.

In conclusion, these five shows offer a mix of home makeovers, real estate, and organisation that will keep you entertained and inspired throughout the winter months. With their unique blend of design, drama, and transformation, they are sure to spark your interest and leave you feeling motivated to tackle your own home improvement projects. So grab some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy the best of Netflix’s property content from the comfort of your own home.

Respecting Thailand’s Tradition, Embracing Modernity

Uthai Thani House, located in Thailand, is designed by I Like Design Studio to accommodate the future retirement of its owner. Raised in Uthai Thani Province as part of a traditional farming family, the owner moved to Bangkok for education and work but always envisioned returning to her peaceful hometown to live with her family. The plot of land where the house sits once belonged to her grandparents. Currently, her father lives in a 100-year-old wooden house that has fallen into disrepair. The owner sought to create a modern house that could bring her family together, balancing the desires of her father, who values traditional wood-based design and natural ventilation, and her own preference for a contemporary home.

images © Soopakorn Srisakul

Modest Living Spaces with a Focus on Nature

The Uthai Thani House hybridizes modern design with elements traditional to Thailand, thus accommodating the family’s varying preferences. The challenge for the architects at I Like Design Studio was to reconcile the client’s father’s desire for a simple, natural, and air-conditioned-free lifestyle with the owner’s preference for a modern living space. The design ensures both generations can live comfortably within the same home. The result is a house that honors the father’s lifestyle while offering modern conveniences for the owner.

The living room is simple and modest, with a focus on natural light and ventilation. From the entrance, the living and dining areas are framed by a narrow perspective, drawing attention to the green backdrop of surrounding trees. This design feature brings a touch of nature into the living spaces, creating an open and welcoming environment. Behind the living area is a large Thai kitchen, which aligns with the family’s communal cooking habits. The interior space is also designated as the owner’s work area, providing a space for occasional rest before transitioning to the house full-time.

Uthai Thani House is designed to accommodate the future owner’s retirement in Thailand

The Family-Oriented Home in Uthai Thani

Uthai Thani House’s design includes a breezy bedroom for the client’s father, located at the far end of the ground floor. The father, who prefers to sleep on the bottom floor, wanted a safe yet breathable space. The bedroom’s design features a wall that allows airflow while maintaining privacy and security. On the other side of the room is a wooden door that can be rotated to open during the day to allow fresh air and outdoor views. At night, the door can be closed and locked for security, providing peace of mind to the family.

The second story of the home is dedicated to the owner’s bedroom, offering a larger, more modern living space. The master bedroom features a spacious balcony that connects to a walkway balcony, providing panoramic views of the rice fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. This balcony also serves as an awning for the first floor, offering shade and protection from the elements while maintaining a connection to the surrounding natural environment.

the client grew up in Uthai Thani Province and returned to live with her family

Design and Construction

Uthai Thani House’s design draws inspiration from the traditional lifestyle and preferences of the client’s father. The design team aimed to preserve his way of life, which included a preference for wooden structures and the open space beneath traditional Thai homes, while adapting the design to modern needs. This approach ensures the father can continue to live comfortably in his traditional manner without altering his habits, while the homeowner, accustomed to modern living, can enjoy the conveniences of contemporary design.

While the architecture retains many traditional elements, the project also introduces a modern steel construction that enhances structural strength. The design uses wood primarily as a surface covering material for easy maintenance, allowing for a modern aesthetic while maintaining traditional warmth. The house is constructed using old wood that the client’s father had collected over time. Despite the variety of woods used, the architect ensured the color tones were consistent, a challenging yet rewarding task that holds deep sentimental value for both the owner and her father.

the house balances traditional wooden design with modern living preferences

Renters might be bound by rules about what can and can’t be done in the property, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show off some style.

You may not own your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own.

We spoke to design-savvy renters about how to personalise your rental. Picture: Kate Hunter

Renting shouldn’t be a barrier to creating a space you love — so start thinking about how to add your own touch, says aromatherapist Deanne Kalda.

“The biggest thing for us is our mindset around renting,” Deanne says. “It’s not our house but it’s still our home. We make every place we move into our own.”

Here are four easy ways to make your mark upon your rental homes — without leaving a mark.

1. Hang your artwork

Interior and property stylist Alison Avery says the easiest way to add some personal flourish is with artwork – this can be a traditional painting, or a New York loft-style gallery wall, Polaroid picture installation or macrame hanging – the opportunities are endless.

“Art, accessories, furniture and soft furnishings are the easiest ways to give your rental the look and feel that says ‘this is home’,” Alison says.

Express yourself! Picture: Getty

Gone are the days when hanging art in rental homes was out of the question. Now it’s easy to express yourself by using damage-free picture hanging solutions like 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips.

The strips are perfect for renters, because you can personalise your walls without damaging them. And when you want to make a change, they come off clean – protecting your landlord’s walls, and your bond.

For that layered and luxe feel, don’t be afraid to mix and match the placement of your art. Use a combination of Command strips for the walls and prop other pieces on shelves.

2. Switch up the soft furnishings

Cushions, throw blankets and rugs can go a long way to transform your room.

Rugs, blankets and cushions add a sense of comfort and style. Picture: Getty

But there’s a lot more you can do to put your personal stamp on your home, says renter Megan Brinkley.

“We put up our own curtains, and filled the home with photos, candles and greenery,” Megan says. “It’s allowed us to really personalise the space.”

Creating a space you want to come home to need not be costly, either.

“When we first moved into our current rental, we looked for bargains on Gumtree and marketplace to help us pick up additional touches to create a space we loved,” Megan advises.

3. Add soft lighting

Soft light creates an inviting sense of warmth in any home.

Combine inexpensive floor and table lighting with the flicker of candlelight and you’ll whip up that cosy Danish sense of ‘hygge’ in no time.

4. Personalise with photographs

The easiest way to turn somebody else’s home into your home is through personalisation.

This can come through individual tastes in all the aforementioned points – art, furnishings and lighting – but the surest method is by filling it with the people you love.

Cue photographs!

A gallery wall can be a special place in your home to recall treasured moments.

Introduction to Making a Perfect Bed

There is nothing that makes a bedroom look more luxurious or high end than a well made bed. It doesn’t take a lot of cash to get a boutique hotel style bed, either. What it takes my friends, are the secrets. No lie, it’s way more than making sharp corners! So we found some great blogs offering their tips for how you can make a perfect bed and have it look amazing every day of the week, every season of the year. And guess what? No one will be able to tell if you get your linens in Paris or at the discount store up the road! (Or better yet, that excellent yard sale on the corner!)

Basic Guide to Making a Perfect Bed

‘Style Me Pretty’ has a great basic guide on how to make the perfect bed. This covers everything to get you started, and has the best tip we have found for finding the best sheet… It’s not all about thread count, although that’s how they charge you! Steve and I heard this from an employee at Nordstrom once, and it is 100% true. It’s about the cotton. Not just any old cotton will do, the best is Egyptian or Pima cotton. If you buy sheets with that fabric, you can buy much lower thread count and still have the softest sheets around! Cha-ching! Also great step by steps on the basic bed. Must read for getting it down!

Additional Tips and Tricks

‘Pottery Barn‘ has a quick video on how to fill a duvet (which I didn’t figure out ’till I was in my 30’s!), and a couple of graphics to help you with the basics to remember on how to make a bed look amazing, and also where and how many pillows to use for each size bed. Easy to just glance at these and “get it”!

March 12, 2025

Introduction to DIY Padded Headboards

Want to learn how to make a padded headboard for your bedroom without spending three to four hundred dollars (or more) to buy one? Using a contemporary headboard is a fast way to update any style bedroom and freshen your look. This step-by-step home decorating project will guide you through making your own DIY padded headboard for a fraction of what buying one would cost!

Making a Padded Headboard – 101

Supplies Needed:

• One sheet of pressboard or plywood
• (We found a 4’x8′ sheet at Home Depot for less than $11!)
• Foam mattress pad or other padding
• (Used a twin foam mattress pad on clearance for $9)
• A flat sheet of your chosen color, large enough to cover and wrap around your board
• (We used a twin sheet to cover our headboard from Walmart for less than $5)
• Staple gun
• Staples
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• 4-8 Buttons
• (We bought plain metal buttons for $2 at Hobby Lobby. You could also use buttons that can be covered with fabric of your choice, also at craft store.
• An extra person to help move the headboard while working on the project.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Cut your wood to the size of the finished headboard. I had the home improvement store do it for me, and the first two cuts are free. For a queen headboard, I recommend having it cut to 62-65 inches wide, and to whatever height you prefer. I simply used the 48-inch side as my finished height.

Step 2: Attaching the Foam Padding

Lay the foam padding on a firm surface, then lay the board on top. Wrap the foam tightly around the back, then staple into place, every couple of inches or so. Be sure to keep pulling it snug every time you staple to keep the edges consistent. Wrap it over the top and sides. If your foam sheet is too short to reach the bottom of the headboard, make sure it at least covers enough so that the un-padded area will be below the level of the pillows behind the bed, and therefore will not be seen.

Step 3: Attaching the Fabric

Lay your sheet or fabric right side down on a firm surface, and then the board on top, face down. (That is foam side down on the back side of the fabric.) Now wrapping the fabric around to the back, staple every couple of inches until all four sides have been secured to the backside. Remember, it is VERY important to pull the fabric taut as you staple each opposite side, you want the front side to be snug and smooth.

Social Spaces as Protagonists

Argentina-based studio nnarquitectos designs this Casa nnCLP for a couple with three children, who wished for a home centered on social interaction. The project’s premise is to give prominence to social spaces, organized with a fluid and open environment ideal for a family that values togetherness and communal activities. Situated on a flat plot in Córdoba, Casa nnCLP takes full advantage of its site orientation. The concrete dwelling is strategically positioned with its South-facing front blocking street visibility, while its North-facing rear maximizes exposure to natural light. It extends along the West side of the property, allowing the social areas to benefit from cross-ventilation and a seamless connection to the outdoors.

images © Gonzalo Viramonte

Design Approach

One of nnarquitectos’ main design goals for its Casa nnCLP was to create a dual sense of privacy and openness. The street-facing facade of the home is intentionally austere, as the architects shield the interior spaces and their activities from view. However, once inside, the social areas reveal a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly the garden, offering the residents a sense of openness and freedom.

The design team plans the entrance to gradually unfold upon approach. The entrance features two walls — one concealing an interior light courtyard, and the other hiding the garage. A pedestrian path, framed by textured concrete walls, guides visitors diagonally to the second wall, creating an inviting yet private transition into the home. Additionally, a separate vehicular entrance contributes to the overall visual dynamic, allowing for a light and airy feeling despite the heavy structure.

Casa nnCLP is located on an expansive plot in Córdoba, Argentina

An Expressive Structure

The heart of Casa nnCLP, according to nnarquitectos, is its expansive social area on the ground floor. Here, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are connected through double-height spaces to the upper-floor studio. The design allows these spaces to blur their boundaries with the outdoors, thanks to movable carpentry that transforms them into a large gallery, offering views of both the front and rear patios.

The project’s structural design emphasizes honesty and robustness. The home’s upper volume is a square, supported by columns offset from each corner, with beams working in a reciprocal manner to support the roof. Each structural element is exposed, revealing the relationship between the various volumes, beams, and columns, creating a clear and functional aesthetic.

Casa nnCLP incorporates thoughtful bioclimatic design elements, a hallmark of nnarquitectos’ approach. Cross-ventilation is prioritized in every room, facilitated by skylights and strategically placed clerestory windows. These features ensure natural air circulation and lighting throughout the private areas, improving the home’s energy efficiency and comfort for its occupants.

the home’s West-side extension enhances natural light and cross-ventilation in social areas

nnarquitectos emphasizes social spaces for family interaction

Casa nnCLP balances exterior privacy with interior openness

Conclusion

In conclusion, Casa nnCLP is a testament to the importance of social spaces in modern home design. By prioritizing openness, natural light, and cross-ventilation, nnarquitectos has created a living space that not only meets the needs of its occupants but also provides a sense of freedom and connection to the outdoors. The project’s thoughtful design and attention to bioclimatic elements make it an exemplary model for sustainable and functional living, showcasing the perfect blend of intimacy and openness.

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When it comes to decorating your bedroom, it’s essential to start with the one place you spend the most time in – your bed. Your bed is the heart of your bedroom decor, and it’s the first thing you should tackle when decorating this space. You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your bedroom a makeover; with a few simple DIY projects, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that reflects your personal style.

One of the easiest ways to give your bedroom a facelift is to reupholster your bed frame. This DIY project is surprisingly easy and can be completed in just one afternoon. Simply purchase new fabric, remove the old upholstery, and attach the new fabric to the frame. You can also add a no-sew option by using a hot glue gun to attach the fabric to the frame.

If you’re looking for a more dramatic makeover, consider building a four-poster canopy bed. This DIY project requires some more effort, but the end result is well worth it. You can use a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or even fabric, to create a unique and eye-catching piece of furniture.

Another great way to add some personality to your bedroom is with wall art. You can create your own wall art using stencils, paint, or even fabric. You can also add some texture and interest to your walls with a few well-placed throw pillows or a statement piece of furniture.

Finally, don’t forget about the power of lighting in your bedroom. Table lamps or floor lamps can add some much-needed ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere. You can also add some string lights or fairy lights to create a romantic glow.

In conclusion, decorating your bedroom doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple DIY projects, you can create a beautiful and inviting space that reflects your personal style. Whether you’re looking to reupholster your bed frame, build a four-poster canopy bed, or add some wall art and lighting, there are many ways to give your bedroom a makeover without breaking the bank.