I’ve been very introspective lately, and I find myself looking back at a year that was truly defined by growth, creativity, and—most importantly—family. We accomplished so much last year, from tackling big renovations that have truly changed how we live in our home to celebrating milestone birthdays with those we love most.
We started the year with a list of projects, and it’s exciting to see we accomplished most of them! There were some DIY projects that snuck in too, from creating a plate wall to cutting a rug (literally) to hide lamp wiring.
Every reveal, every trip, and every new product launch was a piece of our story, and getting to share these beautiful, sometimes messy, moments with all of you is what makes this entire journey so special.
So let’s take a sentimental trip back in time and revisit the highs of 2025!
The Before & Afters Renovations of 2025
Greta’s Room Makeover
With Greta turning fifteen, I was honored that she encouraged me to transform her bedroom into a moody, teen-friendly sanctuary that has quickly become a favorite spot in our home. Moving away from a more childhood pink, I leaned into a bold crimson wallpaper contrasted with deep teal trim, then anchored the space with timeless navy-striped furniture and a functional desk-and-bookcase setup from our Pottery Barn collection. It took nearly a year to pull every detail together, but seeing her enjoy her space made the entire process so gratifying.
Read about the transformation: The Final Reveal: Greta’s Bedroom Transformation
At Move-In
In the Middle
Now
The Dining Room Renovation
Our moody dining room just leveled up again with a major transformation, adding gorgeous planking and beams to the ceiling and shrinking the doorway to give the space that perfect three-walled moment. Inspired by our summer trip to Italy, we swapped our previous light fixture for a stunning crystal chandelier and brought back the tree art, and it’s never been more inviting.
Read about the transformation: The Evolution of the Dining Room
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The Living Room Renovation
I’ve been dreaming of sharing our dramatic living room reveal for four years, ever since we moved in and recognized the space’s potential, even though it started with awkward architecture and an unused back door. After a few phases—including laying new floors and painting the entire 20-foot vaulted room in a moody color—we finally tackled the full renovation, which included installing game-changing skylights, adding dark wood beams, and swapping the cool-toned paint for the warmer Farrow & Ball’s ‘London Stone.’ We solved a major design challenge by creating custom built-ins to disguise an unsightly air return and squared off an angled doorway to create perfect symmetry, allowing the room, now layered with intentional trim, texture, and a cozy glow from twelve lamps, to finally feel completely like us.
Read about the transformation: The Full Living Room Reveal You’ve Been Waiting For
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The Primary Bathroom Renovation
The biggest project of the year was our primary bathroom renovation, which has truly transformed the space into the luxurious retreat we always envisioned, a far cry from its former lime green look and knee-high counters. We started in March and tackled every inch of the room, implementing a better layout with the help of designer Jean Stoffer‘s team to incorporate our non-negotiables, including separate vanities, a soaking tub, and a sit-down vanity.
The design foundation uses stunning black & white floor tile that informed a softer, feminine palette with Farrow & Ball’s “Setting Plaster” paint, balanced by darker accents, a steam shower with a clever louvered window, and layered, oversized lighting to achieve a moody, modern, traditional feel. We focused heavily on attractive storage solutions, such as taller vanities with built-in outlets and recessed wall storage, and although we have a few minor tweaks left, this beautiful, low-maintenance space is a long-awaited dream come true.
Read about the project: Our Primary Bathroom Reveal: The Biggest Transformation This Year
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The Primary Bedroom Update
To achieve the larger closet and bathroom we dreamed of, we sacrificed about 2.5 feet from our primary bedroom’s width. Although I initially worried about the reduced size, the finished bedroom actually feels much cozier and serves as a perfect retreat. We did have to make a few layout changes, but the new dresser nook and soaring nine-foot pocket doors make it all worth it!
Read about the transformation: 6 Ways Our Bedroom Changed When We Renovated Our Bathroom
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His & Her Closet Makeover
When we renovated our primary bathroom, we extended our closet footprint into the bedroom to create a life-changing, optimized his-and-hers layout. I personalized my side by hanging every t-shirt and pair of denim while incorporating luxury touches like mirrored shoe cabinets, a pull-out jewelry tray, and a valet bar. Meanwhile, Chris prioritized deep drawers for horizontal folding and seasonal rotations, proving that the most functional closet is one that adapts to your personal daily routine.
Read about the transformation: A Complete Closet Overhaul & Our Unique Storage Solutions
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The Powder Bathroom Refresh
This wasn’t on my bingo card for the year, but we did a 3-day weekend project to refresh our powder bathroom into a “jewel box” using our new Hague navy, tone-on-tone wallpaper. The previous wallpaper was starting to flake off the walls, and it was time to do something about it! To make the new pattern pop, we painted the trim in Sherwin-Williams “Sconce Gold” and added polished nickel sconces. We saved time by keeping the existing sink, toilet, and antique mirror, while adding personal charm with a black-and-white gallery wall featuring candid photos from our trip to Italy. Even a few days of work in a tiny room can offer a big design payoff!
Read about the transformation: A 3-Day Powder Bathroom Makeover
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New Furniture for Polly’s Room
We didn’t do much on the kids’ rooms after Greta’s room makeover last year, but we did swap Polly’s full-sized bed for a daybed. It may seem odd to go smaller on bed size for our 9-year-old, but she had a daybed in our last home and loved how it gave her more space for activities!
We also switched out the dollhouse-shaped bookcase for three book shelves to make more room on the floor. She loves for displaying her favorite books—it was so fun to decorate it for Christmas too!
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Now
Installing a Pergola Cover
While it was not a huge undertaking, covering the pergola was our main outdoor project of the year. Although the original pergola provided an airy feel for the outdoor kitchen, the lack of sun and rain protection became an issue during the summer. After considering various options like shade cloth and louvered systems, we chose affordable, permanent corrugated solar polycarbonate roof panels to provide the necessary weatherproofing and UV protection while allowing some light through. Chris took on the DIY project, which cost just over $620, and turned the pergola into a more comfortable outdoor space.
Read about the project: The DIY Pergola Cover I Installed in 6 Hours
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The Big Events of 2025
Easter
Since our dining room was under construction, we transformed our study into an elegant yet casual Easter dining space. The trick? The desk is actually an extendable table! I set the family-friendly scene with a cheerful yellow ruffled tablecloth, contrast-patterned blue transferware plates, acrylic stemware, and a low-profile faux-floral runner to encourage conversation and enjoyment of each other’s company over the delicious meal.
Read about the table setting: Master the Art of a Simple & Elegant Easter Table Setting That’s Family Friendly!
Italy
To celebrate my 40th birthday and my mom’s 70th, we took an unforgettable 12-day family adventure through Italy, bringing along our three girls and my parents. Our journey included three days in Rome visiting iconic sites like the Colosseum and Vatican, a restorative four-day stay at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany featuring truffle hunting and private chef dinners, and a four-day exploration of Florence with e-bike tours, a fresco painting class, and a hands-on cooking class. It was truly the trip of a lifetime to be able to share those moments with my family.
Read about the trip: Our Full 12 Day Itinerary for Italy: Where we stayed and Everything we Ate, and Experienced and Did as a family in Rome, Tuscany and Florence
My Mom’s 70th Birthday
We hosted an unforgettable Italian-themed party at our house to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday with our family. Ultimately, seeing my mom so loved and happy was so special, and because we planned ahead and delegated as needed, we were able to fully enjoy the celebration alongside everyone.
Read about the party: Celebrating My Mom’s 70th Birthday + Tips for Throwing a Party for Adults
Halloween Party
After a few years off, we celebrated Halloween’s return by transforming our backyard into a moody, immersive party with 100 friends in costume. To set the vibe, we lined the yard with candelabras and torches, projected the 1930s Frankenstein silently, and used a fog machine. The unforgettable night featured a pizza truck, a Tarot card reader, a spirit-free potion bar, a s’mores station, and lots of laughs.
Our family Halloween costumes this year were inspired by the moving pictures in the Haunted Mansion at Disney. One of my favorites we’ve done yet!
Thanksgiving
As a complete surprise, I hosted a “Friendsgiving” for Chris by flying in five of his high school friends, which doubled as the perfect opportunity to photograph our moody, elevated Thanksgiving table. The look, which I call “Polished Heritage,” centers on rich textures, a botanical tablecloth, and a mix of new and patina’d classic pieces to feel lovingly collected over time. We created a sophisticated warmth with layered candlelight and unfussy centerpieces of dried hydrangeas and grapes. It was a special time—and it was fun to transform the study again!
Read about the event: A Surprise Friendsgiving & our Moody, Elevated Thanksgiving Table That Feels Lovingly Collected Over Time
The Product Launches of 2025
Traditional Wallpaper with A-Street Prints
This year was such a thrill for product launches: it started with our highly requested line of traditional wallpapers, a collaboration with A-Street Prints. We poured our hearts into creating 14 new patterns in our signature moody, modern, traditional style, resulting in a total of 64 versatile options that include everything from classic damasks to elegant botanicals. This line utilizes durable, premium materials like grasscloth and linen-effect paper, allowing you to incorporate beautiful, long-lasting texture and color throughout your home, even on the ceiling.
Pottery Barn Kids & Pottery Barn Teen Summer Collections
We were so excited to reveal our summer collections with Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen! We designed these beautiful silhouettes and decor pieces with vintage charm and our signature moody, modern aesthetic, aiming for a sophisticated yet playful look that will grow with your children. We truly hope these new additions become cherished pieces and treasured family heirlooms for your home!
Loloi “Homecoming” Rug Collection
After five years of collaboration, we brought our fall Chris Loves Julia x Loloi rug collection home by photographing the pieces right here in our own house, making this campaign feel like a true “Homecoming.” This exciting collection includes beautifully crafted rugs alongside new pillows with sophisticated, autumnal colors, all thoughtfully designed to bring rich character to your space. Seeing them in your homes has been such a joy!
Hey Old Sport
This was the year one of Chris’s dreams came to fruition! As you know, he loves to cook and has been working on a spice blend for over a year. Enter Overachiever seasoning from our new brand, Hey Old Sport! This product stemmed from his mission to bring vibrant flavor back into our family’s meals after various dietary restrictions left us craving something more exciting. Overachiever is designed to be used in place of salt and pepper to wake up the nuanced flavors in any dish, and it’s thoughtfully crafted to be gluten-free, organic, vegan, low FODMAP friendly, and Whole30-compliant. You have to try it.
Overachiever Seasoning
I add my signature spice blend to almost every savory dish I create. Use in place of salt & pepper!
shop nowHoliday Cards
I’ve always wanted to design a collection of Christmas cards, and I was over the moon when a dream brand invited us to work with them. After keeping it a secret for a year, we are thrilled to show off our holiday collection of personalized Christmas cards and ornaments, created in partnership with Shutterfly. We translated our signature moody, modern, traditional style into sophisticated designs featuring tartans, gilded evergreen boughs, and rich colors to help you capture and share a timeless snapshot of your family this holiday season. Don’t sleep on the ornaments as a keepsake!
Testing Products to Find You the Best Buys
We did quite a few product tests in 2025, and it’s always so fun to see what rises to the top of our list! We take testing products very seriously (we invest hours upon hours into each test!), and we often update tests over the years as products go out of stock. Last year had some real finds for household essentials, and we even got crafty with metallic finishes!
THE Family Addition of 2025
We also surprised you (and ourselves) by finding the perfect lake house this year! From the moment we turned the key, this place has been a haven, a place to unplug, and a gorgeous setting for making memories. The absolute best part of Merrimore being fully furnished is that we could enjoy it right away. Instead of managing demo, we spent some family weekends soaking up the views, cozying up around the fire pit, and watching the girls enjoy swinging into the lake.
What’s on the horizon for 2026? There is so much to come and so much opportunity, yet also just as many moments of slowing down and enjoying what’s here, right now. We’re so excited to take you along for this next chapter.
Such classic beautiful taste you both have in everything. My favorite is when you test items against others to find the best.
I was looking at your cottage bathroom renovation and can’t seem to get back to it! Please help me find it.
Thank you!
I love your content so much from the travel tips to Chris’s creative and delicious recipes
but watching you transform your home is my favorite. Thank you for sharing 🤎