Those perfectly styled before-and-after shots are gorgeous, but they don’t offer the tips and tricks you need to get your hands dirty with your own renovations. Making Pretty Spaces was created to give you a front-row seat to the nitty-gritty details of Design & DIY. I’ll teach you how to actually do it yourself, or how to communicate with the right experts to get the job done well.
You might make a mistake or two - but you'll definitely create something beautiful.
I love pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to tackle DIY like an expert.
It was far from perfect, but I was so proud of the work I did with my own two hands.
You might know me as your daily dose of design and DIY inspiration, but I’ve worn a lot of hats over the course of my life: Air Force Officer, real estate agent, CrossFit box owner, green juice aficionado, wife, and mom. But long before Making Pretty Spaces was born, renovation and design were my passions. I’ve always loved transforming the places I’ve called home, designing spaces in a way that’s functional and beautiful—because who says you can’t have both?
I renovated my first home when I was 22.
Finding Joy in Pretty Spaces
Every time I start to design a room, I think, "How do I want this space to function?" Who will spend time here and how will it bring our family joy? If you can answer those questions, you can always find a starting place.
Life gives us lots of paths to go down... some big, some small.
2001
graduated FROm THEair force academy
It's hard to put into words the highs and lows of these 4 years.
I majored in Business, but I look back and realize my time here was about so much more than academics. I learned discipline, humility, leadership & defeat - but most importantly that I could accomplish really hard things if I was willing and eager to try.
2001-2007
served as an air force officer
I spent time as a casual LT in an F-15 squadron, got my private pilot's license, and had the time of my life.
Found my love for fitness: trained for my first marathon and started bodybuilding.
Deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan & Qatar.
Solidified my love for our country and my appreciation for the freedoms we have.
2007-2013
moved to chicago
Transitioned to a career in Fitness & Personal Training.
Trained clients for FREE every day at the Chicago Avenue park until I had enough clients that said they would join a gym if I opened it. So I did. Atlas CrossFit was the first CrossFit gym in downtown Chicago in 2009.
My love for fitness grew and my passion for
community and teaching was born.
2010-2017
found my one
We met through mutual classmates from school and you can say the rest is history.
Married on the 1 year anniversary of our first date.
Had babies... 4 in 6 years! Dubbed the A-Team...
Alice, AJ, Abi June & Atticus.
Every path I've chosen has started from a place of unknown - but a passion to learn. I'm proud of the decisions I've made, not only because of the know-how and confidence I gained along the way, but because I get to share all I've learned with you.
2012-Now
moved to green bay!
Moved to 30A in Florida and I started a Juice Bar!
Chris accepted a position as a strength coach for the Green Bay Packers in 2013 and we started our journey as an NFL family.
Then Making Pretty Spaces Found Its Home
My love for learning, creating, coaching, and community all came together when I hit publish on this little blog almost 6 years ago.
In this space, I'm able to share my experiences, teach what I love... and most importantly bring together a group of like-minded home enthusiasts - all wanting to challenge themselves to try something hard.
I created Making Pretty Spaces because I believe women should be able to create homes we love. After all, these are the spaces in which we raise our families, host our friends, and spend the majority of our lives. I also believe we can create beautiful spaces with our own two hands. My advice? Don’t be afraid to just start. It's not about building the perfect room—it’s about creating a space you’re passionate about that brings you and your family comfort and joy.
Not sure where to start?
01
Creating & Planning For a Budget-Friendly Mini Kitchen Makeover!
Get your creative juices flowing with a few of my favorite blog posts
Read the post →
02
The Full Tutorial for Building My Restoration Hardware Coffee Table Dupe
Read the post →
03
All The Details Of Our Exterior Home Transformation: Before & Afters
Read the post →
ready to dive into your own home project?
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free
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your own design mood board!
