Front Doors Similar to my Custom Doors (Where to Buy)

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I’m often asked where I purchased the double front doors for my home. Unfortunately, I can’t give an easy answer. My doors were custom created by a local carpenter so it isn’t possible to simply order them online. However, I have sourced some options for where you can find front doors similar to my custom […]

Jul

28

Design + Decorate

woman arranging fruit in a bowl over a white countertop

Porcelain Countertops: An Overview

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woman arranging fruit in a bowl over a white countertop

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One of my favorite things about talking with members of my ‘Building Your Foundation’ Program is that I constantly learn about new products and finishes that weren’t available (or at least weren’t popular) when I built my home back in 2013. Recently I learned about porcelain countertops and, as always, I dug right into researching […]

Jul

14

Design + Decorate

New Construction Lumber Prices: What’s the Dealio?

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I recently received a frantic email from a reader in response to the volatile new construction lumber prices. Here’s what she said: ‘I don’t know how anyone can build within their budget right now. We are in the process of going over the plans for our new build and the costs keep jumping up. The […]

Jun

30

Building a Home

Benjamin Moore White Dove Color Overview

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Are you in the midst of figuring out what white paint color you want in your home? Are you looking for a soft white that isn’t too off-white and isn’t too stark white? Maybe you’ve heard about (the very popular) Benjamin Moore White Dove and you wonder if this color could work in your home? […]

Jun

23

Design + Decorate

My Review of 5 Free Floor Plan Apps

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When preparing to build my custom home, I legit drew my floor plan out on a piece of paper. It wasn’t perfect and it was nowhere near to scale, but it got my point across to my builder. Nowadays, there are a bazillion apps that you can fiddle around with and draw up plans. I […]

Jun

09

Building a Home

8 Popular Benjamin Moore Neutral Colors

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Are you on the hunt for the perfect neutral paint color for your home? A few months ago I rounded up the 8 popular Sherwin Williams neutral paint colors and now I’m back with 8 popular Benjamin Moore neutral colors for you :). As you probably know, there are endless colors to choose from and […]

May

26

Design + Decorate

hey there,

I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. A home that is cozy, comfy, laid out perfectly for the way my family lives, and makes us happy every single day. Oh, and did I mention I did this all without going over budget?! 

Yep, it’s true. I’ve been there, done that, and actually lived through it … and you will too. Pinkie promise!

a.k.a. Caroline on Design

I’m Carrie Barker.

DREAMING OF BUILDING A                   HOME BUT AREN’T SURE WHERE TO START?

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Home Build Prep Guide

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