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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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August 25, 2011

Installing an Ikea farmhouse sink in an existing cabinet

farmhouse-sink12-1

I’m in love. It’s a shallow love really. The item of my affection certainly doesn’t return my feelings.  It’s cold, it’s hard, and most days it’s pretty sterile…but I don’t care! I have a new FARMHOUSE SINK…and I have entered sink nirvana!

But, let’s back up a little.  As y’all know I’ve been working on the never ending kitchen remodel…and we are close my friends, oh so close.  I am big on “ta-da!” reveals so I can’t bring myself to show you a partially done kitchen, but I also need to blog about this process to keep my DIY kitchen mojo.  Thanks for sticking with me over the last few months as I share the steps of my remodel without actually revealing the whole kitchen yet….I promise it’s coming!

As you might remember the first part in our kitchen redo was tearing out a very underused planning desk and replacing it with a beadboard wall and gorgeous antique buffet! Then we built a window seat in our bay window.  Up next I painted our ugly oak builders grade cabinets white,  added hardware where none existed and created my own cabinet feet!  Now it was time for new counters and the pièce de résistance a new farmhouse sink!

This is where we were before we started removing the sink and counters.

Not hideous, but not the farmhouse kitchen look we were going for. First the easy part. Removing the counters and sink.  Then we faced the scary task of installing an Ikea domsjo farmhouse sink into an existing cabinet.  And, after much research we learned it can be done! I stumbled across this fabulous YouTube video explaining exactly how to accomplish this.  I am such a visual person so seeing the steps and being able to watch it again and again was great!

Installing Ikea Farmhouse Sink

We knew the main steps were to cut out the back of the cabinet as well as the front portion where the “faux” cabinet doors are located.

sink-removal

After installing the new counters (which we’ll save for another post) we notched out the edges that butt up to the sink to allow the apron of the sink to fit up against the counters.

 

farmhouse-sink10

 

Bama Boy wanted to make sure you saw what a great helper he was during the counter and sink installation…

farmhouse-sink9

A good hint when you are cutting on counters or any surface where you want to have a “clean cut” is to cover the area with masking tape.  This protects from chipping.

Next, we cut out the front top part of the cabinet.

farmhouse-sink

This is what we removed based on the measurements of the sink and our particular cabinet.  Finally the back of the cabinet was removed per the instructions from the video. I don’t have an actual photo of the removal of the back of the cabinet, or of the guys dropping the 300 lb. sink in since I was on my fifth Lowe’s run of the day and those big meanies wouldn’t take it out and re-install it for me so I could photograph it.

Geesh! I mean really? What’s wrong with them. 😉

farmhouse-sink4

So, now here’s the part that wasn’t mentioned in the video. See, not every cabinet is created equal or more accurately with the same design.  For instance mine must have had larger faux doors because after the installation I was left with this nice gap under the apron.  And, while I love every square inch of my new beauty I didn’t particularly want to see this part of my sink peeking through.  We needed to cover up her “underthings” somehow. grin.

I headed back to Lowes..again…for the 55 millionth time now…no lie! okay so maybe a little lie…and purchased a pretty piece of trim.  Actually it’s window casing but it worked perfect for what I needed. I wanted the decorative trim to show up a little more on the front of the cabinet so I installed a small narrow piece of trim first that I had left over from trimming the cabinets.

farmhouse-sink1

I measured the length I needed and dry fitted the trim under the sink to make sure it would fit.

Then I measured and cut the decorative piece of trim with my jig saw that I inherited from my dad-in-law. It still works great in spite of being a lovely avocado green.

farmhouse-sink5

I made sure to dry fit my decorative trim piece as well

farmhouse-sink8

and then primed and painted both pieces to match my cabinets.

farmhouse-sink7

After the trim pieces were dry I installed both pieces using construction adhesive

farmhouse-sink2

and uses a clamp to hold in place until dry.

farmhouse-sink3

Be sure to clamp only as tightly as you need to hold the trim in place, to avoid denting the wood. So, what do you think?

I really like the look of the trim under the sink. What was a “fix” has added a nice decorative detail to otherwise pretty plain cabinets.  As you can see, I am missing a backsplash, which just happens to be what I am taking a break from installing as I type this post, but as I mentioned at the beginning I am in LOVE with my new sink! It’s HUGE! Like you could bathe a child in it huge! It hides all of my dirty dishes perfectly which is exactly what a good sink should do….see it’s showing me some love!

So have you though about purchasing the Ikea Domsjo farmhouse sink? I know I am glad we did!
farmhouse-sink13-1

I want to take just a moment and thank my sweet in-laws for very generously purchasing the sink and new counters for us! We were going to wait on these two improvements…but because of their sweet gift we were able to move forward with all of the changes to the kitchen…so thank you Bob and Arlene !I’ll be sharing some more kitchen posts soon, including my DIY easy-peasy window cornices! So until next time…thanks for meeting me at the fence!

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73 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel

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Comments

  1. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜@ Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    That is sooooooo awesome! Good man there.

    Reply
  2. Stuff and Nonsense says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    if loving a gorgeous new sink is wrong then i don’t wanna be right…loving the new farmhouse look with the ‘custom’ trim beneath…can’t wait to see the finished room!

    alison

    Reply
  3. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    It’s gorgeous, Heather! I love the sink and I love the decorative trim. It may have been a fix but it really became a nice part of the cabinet, too. Thumbs up to Bama Boy for helping out and a double thumbs up for wearing his cap backwards! That shows he was REALLY helping. : ) Decorative trim really does come in handy. I wound up using some as somewhat of a solution but also to make a couple of areas on my redone French dresser work better.

    Reply
  4. Gracie's Cottage says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    Oh, can I come wash your dishes? LOVE it! What a wonderful gift from your in-laws!

    Jan

    Reply
  5. Debbie--https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    You’re so lucky to have a beautiful sink and Bama Boy! The trim is a brilliant idea! Love it!

    Reply
  6. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Love it Heather!! It worked out well the sink not fitting properly because the added decorative trim looks fantastic!! What sweet in-laws you have I bet that was a nice surprise:) Lookin good can’t wait for the reveal! Martina

    Reply
  7. Pamela says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Heather I drool over that sink every time we go to Ikea! I wish we could do what you did but cutting into granite is just not an option for us. Your kitchen is just beautiful and aren’t in laws the best!!?? I know mine are too! Have a great day! Cant wait to see the back splash!

    Reply
  8. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    I want a farmhouse sink!!! Heather, this is so pretty and I love your solution to the gap below. Can’t wait to see the whole kitchen in all it’s remodeled beauty!

    Reply
  9. Patricia Ann says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I love it! Thanks for the instructions….good to know! I hope I can get one in the near future!!

    Reply
  10. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    I’m in love, I’ve been swooning over that sink for awhile now 🙂 Thanks for showing us how to install, it’s so pretty!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  11. Barb@curlywillowdiy says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    This is a project on my kitchen ” to do” list. I love farmhouse sinks and yours looks terrific! Thanks for posting this “how to”.

    Reply
  12. Ange says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Beautiful! I wanted that sink in my last kitchen but IKEA was sold out of it. I love your trim underneath, a perfect finishing piece! Can’t wait for the whole kitchen reveal!!!!! Enjoy that sink and the new countertops!

    Reply
  13. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Oh my, the new sink is totally fabulous. I love it. Can’t wait to see the whole kitchen. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  14. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    I love it!! And great job improvising on the underside. It looks great!

    Take care,
    Pam

    Reply
  15. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    August 24, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    The trim is icing on the cake! It looks soooo designer. I would love to install a farm house sink too, but not sure how we could cut out the granite counter top ourselves… Do you hire out Bama Boy?

    Reply
  16. Cindy says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    It’s WONDERFUL! And, it’s better with the cool trim, than without! I’ve wanted to install one too, with cabinets very much like yours, so this was so helpful, now i’m going to watch that video!

    Cindy

    Reply
  17. Nette @ This Dusty House says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Your sink is gorgeous! And I love how you added the piece of trim. I think a huge part of renovating is being able to roll with the punches and problem solve creatively. And you’ve done exactly that!

    Reply
  18. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Heather, you are such a hoot. 55 millionth time. Been there done that when the mister and work on projects. I am so jealous of your new love. I wanted one when we did our kitchen and they said the drawer under the original sink had to go and that it was a lot of work. I should not have listened to them. Oh, well. I do like my black granite sink, but would love the farmhouse look. So glad you shared this at the party and can’t wait to see the reveal. Sweet in laws and cute Bama boy.

    Reply
  19. Rose Petal Hollow says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I would love a farm sink in my kitchen. Still dreaming~
    MaryAnn

    Reply
  20. Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Heather, it looks FABULOUS!! I LOVE a farmhouse sink and I think the trim enhances the whole area!

    Bama Boy did gooooood! Can’t wait to see more! I am your newest follower 🙂

    Lou Cinda

    Reply
  21. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    You can find out how to do anything on Youtube! Gotta love it! Your new sink looks awesome!I’ve designed many kitchens with farmhouse sinks and yours came out great!

    Reply
  22. marina @ yummy mummy says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    Ikea has a farmhouse sink?! OMG! I need one. Yours looks fantastic.

    Reply
  23. Hyphen Interiors says

    August 24, 2011 at 3:01 PM

    That is so awesome! Love the sink. I had never thought about how to install it in existing cabinets. Great tutorial.

    Reply
  24. Liz says

    August 24, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    I love your new sink and can’t wait to see the whole kitchen. Luck girl! =) XO ~Liz

    Reply
  25. Anna says

    August 24, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Looks AMAZING! Great job!!!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  26. Dee says

    August 24, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    So love it! Looks like you put in new counter tops as well. IKEA will check it out. Thanks

    Reply
  27. Karen says

    August 24, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    I love that sink. It is on my wish list for my kitchen. I’m bookmarking this page for future reference. That trim looks fantastic, that was a great solution. Why is it that every project requires a million trips to the Home Depot, especially when you think you have everything…so annoying!

    Reply
  28. Cozy Little House says

    August 24, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I’m going to go look this up at IKEA right now!
    Brenda

    Reply
  29. Ann Marie of At Home With Ann Marie says

    August 24, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I love this sink! No joke, the trim is awesome- what a way to turn an Oops into a Yay! Great job! ~Ann Marie

    Reply
  30. tellerallaboutit says

    August 24, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    Wow, I’m definitely adding you guys to my reader. Vanessa invited me over from my blog and it’s nice to see some Oregonian bloggers (I’m up in Portland!). Great job on the sink! CAn’t wait to see the final reveal 🙂

    Reply
  31. michelle says

    August 24, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Oooh I am so jealous of your love affair!! It looks so pretty and I really really need a trip to Ikea!!
    xoxo

    Reply
  32. Michele Smith says

    August 24, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Drool! I love that sink…beautiful! So sweet of your inlaws. I can’t wait to see the reveal!

    Reply
  33. Violets Are Blue says

    August 24, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Lovely sink, now I have sink envy! Ok, I’m old enough to remember my aunt bathing my 3yr old little cousin in her farmhouse sink at, of course, the farm. And I’m sure that many babies were bathed in such sinks. My little hit of nostalgia for the day. Patty/BC

    Reply
  34. LowCountryLiving says

    August 24, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    It’s gorgeous! I miss my farmhouse sink. They are so nice and spacious. I love how your kitchen is coming along and can’t wait to see the final product!

    Reply
  35. craftytexasgirls says

    August 24, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Thanks for stopping by Crafty Texas Girls! I love new blog friends. Almost as much as I adore your farmhouse sink. Congrats on that beauty.

    🙂 Samantha
    craftytexasgirls.com

    Reply
  36. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    August 24, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    I’m in love with your farmhouse sink, too. I want one sooooooo bad!

    Reply
  37. Deborah says

    August 24, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    I’m so glad you posted this!
    I have one on my wish-list and yours looks fabulous.
    The one I saw at Ikea is a double sink and Im so hoping it can work for my counter area too!!
    Im not sure when Im getting one..hopefully when we go south to Ikea at the end of October!!
    Thank you for the great post!!

    Deborah xo

    Reply
  38. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    August 24, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Fantastic Heather!! It’s beautiful! So excited for you!!! I am thinking of this same sink (shh don’t tell my hubby!) for my kitchen. Our cupboards are old house cupboards- not the standard sizes of today, so would take some retrofitting for the depth for sure… but I have an idea…hehehe… 🙂 Thanks for sharing your pretty sink!! Hugs, Courtney

    Reply
  39. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    August 24, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    I dream of a big farmhouse sink so seeing yours gives me encouragement that we might be able to do this one day without a whole kitchen redo. The trim detail solved your problem perfectly and it looks like it was meant to be there.

    Reply
  40. Upscale Downhome says

    August 24, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I can see why you’re in love; it looks fabulous! I love the detailed molding you added underneath to complete the look. Hopefully even doing dishes in your new sink will be fun! Enjoy!

    Reply
  41. Lori says

    August 24, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Just perfect, gotta love that kind of gift!

    Reply
  42. Marilyn says

    August 24, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Went to the new IKEA in Denver about 2 weeks ago and I NEED this sink! Maybe someone will get it for me this Christmas!!♥♫

    Reply
  43. Becca says

    August 24, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    LOVE what I see! IKEA rocks … and, your sink is amazing! I’ve always wanted one, and I applaud you and your sweet helper for taking on this project! Can’t wait to see more.

    Reply
  44. Judy says

    August 25, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    I adore a farmhouse sink and I am super impressed with your installation. It looks absolutely amazing!

    Reply
  45. Debra @ Common Ground says

    August 25, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Wow, Heather, this is wonderful! You all are doing a such a great job, love the trim work. Can’t wait to see it all finished!
    xoxo Debra

    Reply
  46. Cindy says

    August 25, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I’m a little bit jealous. When we redid my kitchen I wanted that sink so badly, but we do not have an IKEA anywhere close, and it cost a lot to order one, the shipping would have made it too much. So I have a nice enamel sink, but it isn’t pretty like yours. I still want that sink. You did a great job of installing it and it looks gorgeous in your kitchen.
    Hugs, Cindy

    Reply
  47. Sue says

    August 25, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    Sometimes, fixing a little faux pas just makes everything better. Such was the case with your sink base cabinet. The trim adds just the right touch of oomph! Looks good, Heather! ~ Sue

    Reply
  48. Chari at Happy To Design says

    August 25, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Hi Heather…

    Ohhh my…your farmhouse sink looks fabulous, my friend! I’m sooo excited for you! You did a great job with the installation and coming up with a way to cover the sink’s underbelly! I think the trim molding looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your kitchen remodel and this process with us…it’s always so interesting!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

    Reply
  49. Heaven's Walk says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    You just installed the sink of my dreams, Heather. 🙂 Great job and it looks so beautiful! Genius idea with the trimwork, too. 🙂

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  50. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    I have definite sink envy. I have loved this sink since the first time I saw it at IKEA. You and your husband rock for installing it yourselves. Well done! Thanks for linking to Open House Party. I really appreciate it. Also, thanks again for your help with my sidebar questions.

    Reply
  51. Miss Gracie's House says

    August 26, 2011 at 3:14 AM

    I had so much fun reading this :)…i dream of a farm sink…still talking to the mr. on that one.
    Rene

    Reply
  52. Honey at 2805 says

    August 26, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Thanks for the welcome. I’m delighted you will be linking to the Potpourri Party!

    Reply
  53. Stacey@A Sort Of Fairytale says

    August 26, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    i love that sink and am thinking of purchasing it in the future! your tutorial is a great one and that video on youtube so helpful. I love the trim you had to add! i’ve got sink envy for sure!!

    Reply
  54. Nicole@Thrifty Decorating says

    August 26, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    LOVE your sink….I posted it to my FB page. I went over to IKEA to try and price the sink…is it the Domsjo double bowl sink that is about $300?

    Reply
  55. abeachcottage says

    August 27, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    What a lovely farmhouse sink. The trimmings are really nice as well!

    Reply
  56. Magali @ The Little White House says

    August 27, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    The trimming is just the perfect touch! You got me back to farmhouse -sink-dreaming, a place where I found myself more often than not! But, the ikea sink rises one big question for me: how do you live without a place top put wet dishes, like the teapot for example? Am I the only one too lazy to dry my teapot three times a day?

    Reply
  57. lorena says

    August 28, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    I love love love it!!!! Thanks so much for sharing. I plan to have a big farm sink some day. I am wondering, is there an advantage to removing the old counter versus just covering with a new counter top???

    Reply
  58. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    August 29, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Oh it’s beautiful!! I will be reading this post a million more times and then making the hubby read it too….

    as soon as I’m finished painting our kitchen cabinets I too will be purchasing this sink!! WOOT!

    I’m so thankful I don’t have to rely only on the youtube video:-)

    Thank you Thank you!!

    Reply
  59. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    August 30, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    Pinning this…I really want to do this someday!

    Reply
  60. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    August 30, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    How did I miss this post? It looks gorgeous Heather! I love the decorative trim you added. It definitely gives it a custom look – very nice! Can’t wait to see the big kitchen reveal. : )
    ~ Catie

    Reply
  61. Design Love says

    August 31, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    I have this exact sink from IKEA, great look for less money! One thing that I don’t like is that it is hard to keep those grooves on the top clean and the drain sometimes doesn’t keep a good seal and your water leaks out.

    It is pretty though….. Come see mine under “My Kitchen”,post!

    Cindy

    Reply
  62. Ellie says

    September 27, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    Is it wrong to love a sink? Cuz I love that sink, and I can’t wait to install one in my own kitchen. Thanks for the helpful pointers on how to make it fit. Now go give it a hug for me!

    Reply
  63. Anonymous says

    January 26, 2012 at 6:43 PM

    We put this sink in our shore house and love it! Initially it was an economy and fashion move. Trying to be practical and pretty at the same time but it turn out to be the best move I could make in the kitchen. I got the single and I can fit large cookie sheets, grill tops, stove top, big pots, large baking pans and babies. It makes a statement at a great price — LOVE IKEA

    Reply
  64. Maki says

    February 24, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Gotta have a sink like this!!! I really enjoy shopping IKEA, so next time there
    I’ll check out the sinks. Thanks for the info.

    Can’t wait to see your finished kitchen!
    xo, Maki

    Reply
  65. Toby Hayes says

    January 16, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    Hi, I am looking to installing this sink in a custom made cabinet. I have not bought it yet but the carpenter needs to start work on the cabinet. Could you please tell me the working depth of the sink?

    To be precise, the distance from the bottom of the sink to the bottom of the lip. This distance will determine how much space needs to be left in the new cabinet where the fake drawers would have been.

    thanks
    t

    Reply
  66. Caitlin says

    January 14, 2014 at 6:19 AM

    We have the EXACT same builder’s grade cabinets, I am SO GLAD you posted this! This will help TREMENDOUSLY! Have you been liking your Domsjo? I’m thinking about getting the one that only has one partition, as the weirdos who built our kitchen decided to put the sink in the corner at a diagonal, and we only have 24″ to work with.

    Did you ever look into, or find out, what the name/brand of the cabinets are? We can’t figure it out. We want to make a booth/nook with the over-refrigerator ones, and were thinking it would be nice to have the matching ones.

    Also, what kind of faucet did you end up using for this?

    Reply
  67. Lauryn says

    February 2, 2014 at 5:44 PM

    Love the sink. We’ve been back and forth about getting this sink. We’re concerned because our cabinets are 34 inches. What size cabinets did you have? Did you have to cut into the adjacent cabinets to make this sink fit?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  68. Nick Hahn says

    November 23, 2014 at 11:38 AM

    Well, a good thing can’t last forever. The geniuses at IKEA discontinued this sink. This sink was the ONLY thing IKEA had going for them in the area of kitchens (unless you’re a particle board fan, of course) and now it’s gone. Bye bye IKEA.

    Reply
  69. Angie says

    March 25, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    I am getting this sink in the next few weeks, love it! My question is did you need to add any braces under it to help hold it up? Or is the countertop strong enough to support the weight of the sink? Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  70. Sarah says

    October 6, 2016 at 1:38 PM

    I bought an Ikea farmhouse sink and can’t wait to put it in! We’re going to be doing new countertops, too (DIY laminate). Do you think we should install the sink before the counters?

    Reply
  71. Tanya says

    June 19, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    We are getting ready to do the same exact thing in our kitchen. It is so encouraging to see someone else do it successfully…especially with the piece of trim solution. We haven’t measured yet but I’m afraid where it is going to hit on our cabinets! Also…my main goal for installing this sink is so that I can in fact bathe a baby in it!

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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