After 7 years of teaching, I became a stay-at-home mom (now 15 years ago) which meant learning how to live on one income (sometimes as low as $30k a year).  Although this was challenging, it taught me how to create beauty in my home by thrifting, shopping deals and renovating our home, with the help of my handy husband. I love intentional design with neutrals (function and beauty on a budget is my jam) and love helping others create a cozy home on a budget too.  

 Grab a paintbrush with me and let's do this!     

I'm Amy.  Wife.  Mom of 4.  Former high school teacher.  Avid Thrifter and DIYer 

mom +DIY designer

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I found this midcentury sideboard at Community Action Resale Holland Thrifts for $10 but it needed some TLC.  The shape reminded me of the Arhaus Finnley sideboard that costs $2,999 which was WAY out of my budget but I had a vision to make this piece work in my home.  So, I sent my husband […]

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thrifted sideboard gel stained

This particular side table was only $20 @ditto.  It took less than 1 1/2 hours to transform using my orbital sander and the tan wash method (you can watch the DIY end table highlight for the whole process).   Here are the DIY steps: Sand with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper with an orbital sander […]

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tan wash refinished end table

I bought this antique kitchen table for $75 at a local thrift shop last fall and finally finished restoring it last weekend.  It sold within a week on @FacebookMarketplace for $450.  Woo hoo!  That is a $375 profit! I was so excited because this was the first piece of furniture I specifically bought to refinish […]

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Finished antique table

Functional, beautiful DIY design on a budget. Interested in a design consultation?  

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