Inside the Beach House: Layout, Flow & Life on the Waterfront
Kate Campbell November-07-2025
When we first saw this house, I knew right away, this was IT. The view, the land, the quiet - it just had this feeling. Sure, it needed work (a lot of it), but that’s kind of my thing.
After years of restoring heritage homes [...]
Two Months In: Life at the Beach
Kate Campbell July-22-2025
I can hardly believe it’s been almost two months since we moved into our dream beach house. In some ways, it feels like we’ve only just arrived. In other ways, it feels like we’ve lived a thousand lifetimes since crossing the threshold for the very first time.
Moving with a one-year-old is a different kind of endurance challenge and if we ever do this again (and I sincerely hope we [...]
I Found the One: Our Dream Oceanfront Fixer-Upper
Kate Campbell May-02-2025
You know those moments where your gut just knows before your head catches up? That was me, scrolling through house listings on a random weekend, half-searching and half-dreaming (as always!). Matt walked into the room mid-scroll and without even thinking, I looked up and said: “I think I found the [...]
Elevate Your Space: The Power of Wallpaper and Wall Decals in Room Makeovers
Kate Campbell February-17-2025
If you’re looking for a way to add personality, texture, and visual interest to your home without a major renovation, these versatile solutions are your new best friends. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or someone who loves [...]
Lessons from My Dad: the Importance of Financial Literacy
Kate Campbell February-10-2025
When it comes to managing money, many of us are left to figure things out on our own. For me, however, I was fortunate to have a Dad who recognized the importance of financial literacy early on.
He made it his mission to teach me and my brother about the value of investing, saving, and making smart financial [...]
No More Horror Stories! Tips for Hiring a Contractor You Can Trust
Kate Campbell February-10-2025
Hey friends and future renovators! I know firsthand that hiring a contractor can feel overwhelming. I spent years working on Holmes on Homes, where we saw botched jobs, shady contractors, and renos gone horribly wrong.
That show definitely made it seem like good contractors are unicorns [...]
Ladybugs, Engagements and my Dad
Kate Campbell January-28-2025
There are so many things in life that we cant explain – good and bad – and I’m a firm believer that there is so much more happening around us than meets the eye.
After losing my Dad six years ago, I felt SO lost and broken. How could this have happened? How can he just not be here any more? Death is so final. Abrupt. Absolute. It’s so unfair.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Home Renovation Tips for Big Impact
Kate Campbell January-11-2025
As someone who’s been in the trades for the last 18 years, I’ve seen countless home renovation projects—from full gut jobs to simple upgrades. Over the years, I’ve learned that renovating doesn’t always have to mean spending a fortune and you can make a huge difference without breaking the bank. In fact, some of the best transformations happen when you’re smart about where and how you [...]
From Chaos to Calm: DIY Custom Shelving for a Perfectly Organized Space
Kate Campbell January-10-2025
If you’re like me, the furnace room in your home might be the place where everything you don’t know what to do with ends up. It’s the space that’s often forgotten, full of mismatched bins and piles that just don’t seem to stay organized. Recently, I decided it was time to take control and create a system that not only looks tidy but [...]
DeWalt Compact Drill Driver & Impact Driver Combo Kit
Kate Campbell March-22-2024
I get asked a lot about the tools I use on the job and I’m finding more and more women are becoming curious about how to start their own journey into the intimidating world of power tools. A world that will hopefully feel less intimidating after reading through this blog!
First of all, I recognize that there’s a difference between a job site and the smaller DIY projects you would typically tackle around your home. The good [...]
Inspiring Inclusion in Every Workplace
Kate Campbell March-06-2024
I have navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry and witnessed firsthand the power of inclusivity in fostering a more welcoming and productive work environment. This International Women’s Day, with the theme of Inspiring Inclusion, it’s crucial to reflect on why diversity and inclusivity matter in every industry.
Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of a thriving workplace culture where every individual feels [...]
Inspiring Inclusion in the Trades
Kate Campbell February-16-2024
As a woman working in the traditionally male-dominated field of carpentry, International Women’s Day holds a profound significance for me. It’s not just a day of recognition; it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment and the relentless pursuit of inclusion. This year, the theme “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply with my experiences as a woman in the trades.
Throughout my career and my diverse experiences as a carpenter, I have [...]
BEHR® Brilliance: Make Over My Mudroom with Premium Paint Products
Kate Campbell January-23-2024
In the world of home improvement, the transformation of a space often begins with a simple brushstroke. My mudroom is functional but it’s an often overlooked utilitarian space. With its builder grade cabinets and boring aesthetic, this room provided me with the perfect [...]
BEHR® Paints: Affordable Excellence – The Palette of Pros
Kate Campbell January-05-2024
After renovating for what seems like forever, there’s only one room left in my house with exposed drywall and today I’m working on finishing it. The spotlight is on BEHR® products, celebrated for their value-driven approach, offering both low cost and uncompromising quality.
To start, I’ll be using BEHR® Drywall Plus Primer and Sealer.
Transforming Spaces with BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paint & Primer: A Pro’s Perspective
Kate Campbell December-20-2023
Today, I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of my latest bedroom project, where I’m putting BEHR DYNASTY® Interior Paint & Primer to the test. This incredible paint not only makes my job easier but also elevates the overall look of the space.
And guess what colour I’ve chosen for this project?
How did you get into the trades? (The Long Answer)
Kate Campbell February-12-2021
This question is – without a doubt – the most commonly asked question I get. We still live in a day and age where it’s unusual to see a woman wearing a tool belt. Women are severely under represented in the male-dominated skilled trades sector.
As quoted from a recent Macleans article, “women’s representation in many trades, including automotive service technician, electrician and carpenter, is less than five per cent. (The numbers are even smaller when it comes to women of colour.
Taking Off the Mask (and not the one you’re thinking about)
Kate Campbell February-08-2021
For as long as I can remember I have journaled. I can even recall, as a very young girl of 5 or 6, receiving my very first diary as a gift. I was SO excited. It was white and pink (as most young girls things were at the time and still are – much to my chagrin – more on my thoughts about that in a later post) and I can still remember its ornate golden lock and clasp. It was all mine and I was so excited to have a place where I could write.
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