The CKD Blog
Where Sarah, and sometimes Steve, share design projects, renovation advice, and other project-related insights.
How to Renovate & Keep the Original Character of a Historic Home
Purchasing a historic home requires more than just the “fix and flip” mentality, especially if you want to honor the home's history. True, a quick fix may seem appealing, but over time, any issues that were covered up will resurface. And a historic home usually has A LOT. This is why Steve and I refer to what we do as renovating for resale. Not flipping…
Magdalene’s in Gulf Breeze: Design with a Cause
Having led our own family-run business for decades, I’m always on the lookout for ways to support other local businesses and artists in the Gulf Breeze area. So when a friend at church mentioned a nearby shop, Magdalene’s Gifts and Gatherings, and their unique cause, I knew I needed to check it out…
3 Easy Ways to Update Your ‘90s Home
The ‘90s have come and gone, and these days, our tastes and preferences have evolved to new heights. Now (if you’re anything like our clients), I’m guessing you dream about open, bright, airy rooms with functional, livable space. We all want more room to breathe and live! If you’re ready to embrace the 21st century, but your home is still sporting retro features, I have some ideas for you…
7 Ways to Transform Your Tuscan Style Kitchen
Does your Tuscan style kitchen say, “Old World charm?” With wine country motifs, dark hardware, and heavy earth tones, you may feel ready to trade the beige for a bright and airy space. But where do you start? Today, I’m sharing 7 ways to update your old-world-style kitchen…
The 1940s Fixer Upper: New Kitchen, Bedrooms & Bathrooms
We’re back at the 1940s Fixer Upper and ready to take you inside this newly redesigned home, including the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Come take a peek…
The 1940s Fixer Upper: New Exterior, Backyard, and Sunroom
After over a year of construction, our 1940s Fixer Upper is finally complete! We took this home down to the studs, raised it back up again, and found a whole lot of joy along the way. Ready to see the finished exterior, backyard, and sunroom? Follow me…
How to Update & Modernize Your Tuscan-Style Bathroom
If your bathroom is clad in floor-to-ceiling travertine and cherry wood cabinets, you’re probably thinking that it’s time for an update. But you also know that a complete renovation or remodel can be disruptive, time-consuming, and require a decent investment. Well, here’s the good news: you don’t always need a renovation to create the transformation you’re looking for. Here are 7 tips to modernize your Tuscan-style bathroom…
The Best Replacements for Your Tuscan Travertine Tile
Builders and designers went with travertine tiles 20+ years ago because it was cost-effective, durable, and complimented the popular Tuscan style of the ‘90s. However, now that those golden beige tones are looking a bit dated, you’re ready to make a change. So what are your options? Keep reading…
How to Create a Home Beverage Center
It isn’t surprising that we’re seeing home beverage centers at the top of the wishlist during kitchen renovations. We’ve seen this feature take off in popularity lately, but even before COVID, we received constant requests for it. So…what is it exactly? What are the advantages? Why should you seriously consider it, if you haven’t before? Come take a look…
5 Ways to Transform your Tuscan Style Interiors Without a Major Renovation
Tuscan-style interiors were the trend of the ‘90s, with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, and travertine from wall to wall. But now, it’s 20+ years later, and your Tuscan-style home no longer feels like the reigning king of style. If you’re ready to trade those dark tones and dated materials for light, bright, and fresh, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing 5 ways you can make cosmetic updates that will give you the refresh you crave without requiring major construction…
Stunning Chandeliers: FAQs & Where to Find Them
By definition, a chandelier is any prominent light fixture that has multiple bulbs — which really opens up a world of possibilities! Today, I want to share some of the FAQs I hear about chandeliers, along with a few of my favorite options in stunning yet versatile designs. Come take a look…
1940s Fixer Upper: Patience & Progress in Pensacola
Wow…it’s been 6 months since we’ve updated you on our 1940s Fixer Upper! If you had told us last February (when we closed on the house) that this would be a 12-month remodel, I would have said, “No way.” Yes way. Progress has been slow, patience has been at an all-time high, but after many months, we are finally nearing the finish line. We couldn’t be happier. Here is what we have experienced and achieved since the last update…