Cubby Archive: Jan 2022

Babies may be small, but they take up a lot of space. Here are some hacks from pro organizers.

My kitchen has never smelled better.

NOTE: These short memory stories, dropped in as they are to my Ask Maxwell column, do serve a purpose. While definitely different, my aim is to provide context for what we were thinking when we were children, which will help us to understand our own children. I find that in going back into my own childhood and sharing stories of my own struggles and what I was thinking at the time has been very helpful in connecting with my own daughter as she has grown.

From air quality down to organizing your home for rituals, these experts share their best advice for creating a healthy family home.

It's my go-to for stains — and keeping my hands super soft — from now on.

You'll never look back.

The redo turned a "meh" sleep space into a dreamy retreat.

This is a classic example of “Do as I say, not as I do" — but I've also got some solutions to try.

They’ll be snug as a bug in these sheets!

When artist Josie Azuma and her husband bought this house in 2015, it was in rough shape and too small. They renovated it to be a larger, light-filled, and functional home for their family.

Sade and William's house was built in 1837 and had been well maintained when they bought it three years ago; they've added their personality through a little cosmetic work, including paint and refinishing the floors.

Some big-impact strategies here — as well as simple little ones you can employ today!

What are your thoughts on the best things to bring new parents? I struggle with helpful gifts they’ll actually want!AmandaDear Amanda,I have a very strong opinion on this one, so forgive me if it’s not within the majority’s view. Outside of close family, who often help out a new parents with purchasing the basic things you need to transform your home into a nursery, etc., I feel that the last thing they need is more toys, doo-dads, cute clothes, and clutter for their home.

Because Hayley Ward's period home in Dublin has historic charm, she was drawn to a dark, bold color palette.

This New Jersey bungalow has original built-in shelves, a "Wes Anderson bathroom," and wood paneling galore.

Design entrepreneur Elizabeth Rees shares her tips for transforming a dingy basement into a beautiful playroom.

These resale-friendly hues come highly recommended.

They're easy to recreate at home.

Because what’s more fun than a magical two-in-one?

Use it to clean your shower, degrease cabinets, unclog drains, and more!

According to designers!

From kid-focused kitchen design to grown-up escape zones, there’s something for everyone in the family home of tomorrow.

Whose ingredients you probably have in your kitchen.

I live with my husband and three young children in the northwest corner of the state of Arkansas. The kids fill our days with parenting responsibilities: school, extracurricular activities, meals, and bedtime. On the weekends, I look for parks, libraries, and other places of interest. But I’ve run out of ideas and am just bored with where I live. Add in the pandemic and my mid-40s slump and I’m mind-numbingly bored. Plus our weather changes day to day!

Plus: tips on shopping Facebook Marketplace on a budget and simple furniture redo tricks.

With IKEA cabinets, Semihandmade fronts, and a $100 "marble" backsplash hack.