I’m a southern gal and mommy of three. The one who constantly wears paint stains on her clothes: a small price to pay for living out my love of creating every day. I’m a writer who shares the fun of motherhood, an artist who rarely takes herself too seriously, and a designer, who loves the graphic appeal of simple elements. Our home runs on craziness, creativity, color, and lots of love. Laughing my way through dirty diapers and sleepless nights with a keeper of a hubby to boot, I share simple solutions, fun ideas, and practical how-to’s for others to use in their own homes.
We’ve decided to plant our symbolic roots in massive maze that is the WWW. Hoping to share a few things with you, and as cheesy as it may sound, an outlet of connection from our lives to… who knows where?
We were two college sweethearts who weren’t really sure what we signed up for in this crazy wonderful thing called marriage: Nearly a decade later, it feels as though we merely woke up one morning, bleary eyed and completely discombobulated surrounded by a mortgage, three kids and a dog. When on earth did this happen? and WHAT on earth were we THINKING?
So, if you’ve been reading for a while, welcome back! And if you’re just getting started, nice to meet you! Pull up a cozy seat with a blanket and some sweet tea-and let the fun begin!
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A little bit of our philosophy:
Let me start by saying, last year I turned the big 3-0. And I’ve embraced it. I think I may even be going through a bit of a rebellious stage. {I know, right? Cue the gasps} You see, I’ve always been a people pleaser. Not only that, let’s add southern to the mix and we can up the ante to about five times the normal potent strength of people pleasing potential. I’m the one who never said no, the doormat who was angry after the fact, and the oldest child who tried to make everyone happy. I was exhausted.
But this isn’t a counseling session, and my point: I realized those attributes extended to every area of my life. Including the choices I made when decorating our home. I was limiting myself, and I wasn’t brave enough to simply go for it. I wasn’t even really sure what to go for. {tiny violin} As I’ve grown, I’ve achieved the most delightful results: I no longer worry anymore about things I wish I could do. I simply start doing them. I’m no longer inhibited by what-if-the-new-owner-of-my-home-doesn’t-like-this-itis or the acute my-sister-in-law-won’t-approve-syndrome. And as a result, I’ve never been happier.
I’ve learned to be passionate about what I really love, and by embracing it, I pursue it. Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t just make up my mind one day. It’s been a slow process of training myself to think differently. Much of that has to do with the fact that I finally know who I am as a person, and a designer.
I have a new motto :
In turning this page for myself, I’ve seen a lot of this same syndrome in the people I help with their own homes. There are millions upon millions of people out there, simply paralyzed with doubt, fear, and unnecessary questions. Stuck in design limbo because they doubt themselves. It’s like we all need someone to tell us it really is all going to be amazing.
What if that someone was yourself?
As a result of conquering my own personal demons, here are three of the main guidelines that I stick to for my own spaces, and for helping others design theirs.
1. Follow your instincts.
Some of you are all, “Yeah. Well, duh.” But did you hear me? I said your instincts. Not anyone elses. For instance: your mom’s. Mom’s opinions are great. Until they start telling you what you can or cannot do with that piece of furniture she GAVE you from 1985. It’s composed of laminate and that looks like it fell off the back of a bean truck, but would look incredible, mind you, with a fresh coat of white paint. Only she forbade you to paint it. Why? Because she’s your mom and that’s what she does. Only this isn’t 1985. You are an adult. Listen to yourself. Do what you love. Or else you’ll never enjoy a cohesive, beautiful home created by you. {Obligatory disclaimer: my mom is actually very supportive of my painting ventures, and not everything needs to be painted. But I hear this a little too much from clients.}
I’m still undoing some of my I-bought-this-when-we-were-first-married-because-this-is-what-you’re-supposed-to-do, outright mistakes. We get so caught up in the projected ideals of others, that we forget the practical. In that process, we sacrifice what WE love. We should never have to sacrifice that in our own homes.
My husband and I woke up one morning, and decided we wanted to build a wall for our back porch, to turn it into an additional room. So we saved, and built. At the last moment, I also decided I wanted stripes on the planks of my walls. I listened to my instincts, and I went for it. And we love that room. Not my mom. Not my mother in law. Us. We do.
2. If you don’t like it, change it.
It’s really great that you spent 1200 dollars each on those dark bachelor club sofas circa 2007. {I may or may not be throwing up a little in my mouth as I refer to myself} Now that you’ve come into your own taste, and you’ve decided it’s not for you, what should you do? Sell them. Then use those funds to buy what you really want. Be savvy and resourceful and smart with your moolah, and do what you feel passionate about to create a home you love. After all, aren’t those couches considered value-less if you don’t love them anyway?
We moved into a brand new cookie cutter home circa fall 2007 and it had a cookie cutter kitchen. Some people would be perfectly happy with that kitchen. Nothing was wrong with it, except the fact that I hated it. I’m not an ingrate, so it took me two years of ideas, and an entire additional year of fear to get over it, and paint that kitchen. Yep. That’s three years of listening to unimportant nonsense before I dipped the brush and took the dive.
What was I worried about? The future owners of our home. What if someone didn’t purchase it because they didn’t like it? What if painting our cabinets “de-valued” our house? {cue hyperventilation}
And then I started thinking, what if I died, and never got another kitchen? What if the end of the world was just around the corner and I left with kitchen regrets? It sounds dramatic, but we aren’t really guaranteed tomorrow. Death trumps future buyers, and I would like to know that I enjoyed myself with my family while I had it, my last ever kitchen. My only regret: not doing it three years sooner. If anything, it makes our house a real home, just for us.
It was about a week after that, before I tackled the laundry room, and thus began the domino effect of changing over what I always felt kinda “meh” about. I’m in the process of doing three rooms, now. It’s a lot of work, and thinking, and projects and chaos, but in the end, its all worth it.
Now I’m on a mission, and we’ve never been happier in our home.
3. Make it.
If you can’t afford it, if you can’t find it because you saw it in some hoity toity fancy shmancy article… make it. Even if you can afford it, make it. Sometimes out of imitation arise the best creations. If you don’t have the capabilities of making it, be resourceful and savvy to go for what you want. I found a welder to make our coffee table. And an upholsterer to redo a stellar Duncan Phyfe. If you don’t have the funds to hire out, you have your mad skillz. Trade, beg, and borrow. If it’s something you feel passionate about, you can find a way to make it happen. Whether its curtains sewn for the perfect space, a handmade coffee table, or that piece of forgotten furniture instantly spruced with a fresh coat of paint…
Just go for it.
With the handmade option, unique details which truly make a house a home are created and in turn, a beautiful abode for your family. Gone are the days of to-the-trade only. With books like undecorate, blogs like Ana White, and never ending inspiration at the touch of a finger, people are thinking outside the Pottery Barn box. It’s a handmade revolution, and it only continues to grow. If we want a truly unique home, its a wonderful option to embrace.
To read more about our approach to home life + design… click away! Also, be sure to check out our entire FAQ’s page, here.
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Those are three basic guidelines that I find myself sticking to daily, and reminding others that “the rules” circa 1993 no longer apply to their spaces. Forget your inhibitions, and do what you love in your own home. Be a rebel and don’t worry…because it really is all going to be amazing.
Go for it.
Ashley + Jamin : The Handmade Home : creating a haven for the every day.
All personal photos used with permission via the fabulous Britsnap Photography. Be sure to visit them on Facebook!
To see more of our home + spaces, click here.
love the new name/look, and just you guys in general! i don’t think i have ever commented, but i sneek around here quite a bit, time to show my face, er, blog name.
and now i shall snoop around some more for some great inspiration!
–abra
first my little girls and my middle name are Malone!! the only people i know with the name malone are family! It was my grandfathers name! ok, i am also going to give a shout out to you on our (my sister and i) blog! i love your envelope picture! thanks for sharing! I am now follower!!
Would love to subscribe to your blog updates daily! Thanks! Love your work and creativity the Lord has clearly blessed you with!! Keep at it and enjoy!!!
I must know where to get your daughter’s ADORABLE polka dot dress! I totally know this has nothing to do with your DIY home decor blog (which by the way you’re a rockstar) but what mommy of a little girl wouldn’t want to see their sweet thing in that cuteness
!
Hey girl! It’s target, but last fall. I bet you can find it on eBay, or they have a new one in a differnet version this spring! (spotted it, saturday.) it’s one of our faves, too! Hope that helps!
Ashley, I’m loving the new blog name but with the same brilliant gal behind it!
xo
Kate
Love your website and DIY ideas! I will have to steal some! My husband, who went to school with you, told me about your site and said it was right up my alley. I have a site too, I don’t post much these days, but I have a couple DIY baby girl ideas I can share. Have a great week!
Hey Michelle! Awesome! I am going to have to check out your site! Tell Allen I said hey! Good to see ya stoppin by!
Just found your site today…via hookedonhouses.net. Imagine my surprise when I click on the link and find Jamin Mills staring back at me. He may not remember me, but we went to middle/high school together years ago, and I just had dinner with Michael’s wife last night. Shannon and I have been friends for several years. Didn’t know you guys had a blog, or that you were DIY folks.
Hey Laura! Hilarious! I’m sure he remembers you. I’ll have to tell him you stopped by to say hello! It’s funny, but a lot of our high school friends are starting to find us. It’s fun. Thanks for letting me know you stopped by!
My maiden name is Ramsey…he won’t know my married name!
this is random. but your mom wasn’t a music teacher was she?
oh yes, she still is. This is her last year…I guess she taught both Michael and Jamin, although I didn’t remember that. She’s retiring this year (teaches where Shannon used to).
OH. MY. WORD. PLEASE tell your mom I said hello. She taught me for six years at Valley Elementary, and is still to this day, my very favorite teacher of all time. Ask her if she remembers Ashley Malone. I would love for you to tell her hello for me. I LOVED her!!!!!! I’m having a spazoid attack over here.
Just clicked on for the very first time – very interesting – I will be visiting again. Excited to see your husband’s name – Jamin. My Jamin is 13. We don’t find someone very often who shares his name! Love it!
I am new here and came to this site to see how to make the pillows, step by step but can’t find the directions!!
Hey Bobbie! I’m not sure which pillows you’re referring to? I’ve made a few! Try here?
http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/03/pillopalooza-how-to-make-a-patchwork-pillow/ hope this helps!
i am SO over the moon in love with your blog! i happened upon it through someone’s pinterest post. i am so excited to add you to my favorites and follow you! your freebies are INCREDIBLE and i’m so excited to download and frame some of them! thank you!!! did you create these pictures yourself? BEAUTIFUL
amelia
Hey Amelia! Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I did! I’m a graphic designer/ illustrator. Hope you enjoy!!!
Thank you SOOO much for your philosophy! I am one of those “paralyzed” people who coulnd’t make ANY decisions and just left my house as is and SOOOO unhappy with it. I actually couldn’t sleep at night, and STRESSED about what color to paint my living room, and what color sofa to buy. It was like my first-born was at stake! Sheesh, thanks for expressing how important it is to lighten up, and go with your instincts. I’m excited to make decisions and JUST GO WITH IT, especially now that I have enough courage to DIY or thrift something instead of spending oodles of money on something that I’m not 100% sure I will like in 5 years!
Mostly, thank you for your honesty. It makes all the difference in the world to hear someone as talented as you report that you’ve been there too, it wasn’t pretty, and now you’re free!!!
God Bless,
Netty
Thank you Netty. You just made my day.
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Just saw you on the Nate Berkus show! Awesome Fun!! Congrats
ps I recognized the Mills Fab 5 sign from Pinterest – lol
haha awesome! love me some pinterest!
i love your blog! saw you on NATE!:) best wishes in all your creative endeavors! i love your home!
Loved, loved, loved your home on the Nate show!!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home with the rest of the world. I’m not very hands on when it comes to making my home unique, so thanks for the “how-to” instructions. You are my new best friend!
Hi! I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’ve just found your blog and I can’t stop reading it! I study industrial design and loveee to create new things from old ones, specialy for my house. I wish to have such a great home as yours in the future.
Congratulations for your work! I don’t know if I’m using the right expression in english, but your work is something to look up for, to be inspired.
catalina
thank you, catalina! excellent english! I’ve often been interested in industrial design. So very cool! thanks for dropping a line!
Hi Ashley!
I have been reading your blog nearly everyday, for the past couple months and love it. Today was my first time reading your about page and I am completely, 100% inspired. We have only owned our home for a few quick months but there have already been many moments of hyperventilation and times of paralyzed fear. My husband can help bring me off the edge during these times, but hearing a fellow blogger who has taken leaps of faith, truly makes me laugh at the fear. I want to start all of the could-be-crazy projects right now. Thank you for such great guidelines!
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Read about your blog in the Decatur Daily and love your site. Great ideas, I must
share with my daught and daughter-in-law.
Your words are just what I needed to “hear”. Inspiring. Thank You
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Glad to meet you. Wonderful advice. I too just “go for it”. It can always be redone if you don’t like it. Most of my home is furnished with flea market, thrift store or garage sale finds. I am a sewer so my ugly old 80′s couch has been slipcovered. So you see…. it CAN be done with just a little money. I have made it MINE and I love it! Thanks for all the inspiration.
You have become a daily part of my online life! I find myself snooping around on here quite a bit lately and I thank you for your honesty and creativity! I am now on a roll with painting some furniture pieces that have been sitting in my basement collecting dust. You also have inspired me (much to my husband’s dismay) to lighten our home and move away from the dark tones and colors. So glad I found your blog:) Thanks!
You are so sweet, Linda! so glad! ;}
Hello,
)
U have sincere fan from Lithuania (just find on map where this country is.. sorry for my english..
Your ideas are so warm and cosy. Today in morning I found your web and i didn’t go to work… I just forgot about rest of my world, because your ideas are everything I dreamed about. But at the same time, I was afraid to do or change anything.
Now me and my darling have a lot off inspiration from u.
Firstly we’ll make a loft for my youngest princess (my husband is exited of how simply you did it), then we’ll do some amendments in our kitchen, and of course – chalk board paint will take place in our home
Good luck for all your familly,
Violeta
Hey Violeta! Thanks so much! you are so sweet. Your English is fabulous! I’d love to see your projects! Best wishes to you and your sweet family.
I stumbled upon your site and I LOVE seeing your projects! Thank you for the inspiration!