I learned some really useful money-saving tips from Barbara Bestor, our architect, plus insights on how to find a great, undiscovered architect! Also, if you want some inspiration from a woman who’s had a super interesting career, read on! open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

This week’s post with a long list of design/food/culture finds. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

My contractor’s 12 tips on realistic timelines, transparent pricing, and how HGTV changed the industry open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

A salad dressing I’ll be making forever. A request for opinions on kitchen stoves. And a deep dive in mailboxes + the one we’re getting. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

Increasingly, homes are designed to shut out the world -- but I hope we won't forget about the importance of neighbors. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

I wrote about another way to look at the long process of renovation. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

I got industry intel on what to look for in bath towels. I shared my guide to home stores (and food places!) in LA. And I featured a recipe for Brown Butter Tomatoes. Right?! open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

We had to trim 30% of our reno plan to meet our budget — so I’m sharing tips on how to do so without feeling bummed. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

This week I interviewed Frances Merrill, founder of Reath Design in LA. I asked her how she nudges clients in new directions, what books inspire her, and how to make the most of your job if you’re just staring out as a designer. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

Do you love a pantry as much as I do? This week I nerded out on the pantry design for our Ojai house. Read on for sketches, inspo, lists, and opinions. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

Whiskey Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies from The London Plane + my laundry hamper picks. My kind of weekend read. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

Three years ago, Tad and I set in motion a big life change. This week, I wrote about the no-turning-back moment of it all. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

We’ve all learned a lot about working from home — now Tad and I are integrating those lessons into our new home workspaces. Our approaches diverge; we’ve chosen to respect our differences. :) Also I made an artichoke recipe with a surprising ingredient detail from Dan Pelosi’s

Had a great chat with Gretchen Rubin, who is SO good at getting people to pause and look closely — and think hard — about how they’re living their lives. secretsofadulthood.substack.com/p/gretchen-rub…

Today I'm launching a monthly series on renovation insights and tips from some of the most interesting people I know. Christine has made amazing real estate and design decisions over the years and I soaked up her advice like a sponge ... open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

This week I wrote about moving into a community where newcomers like us are, understandably, not welcomed by all. Also: l needed a chef’s knife — so I took you shopping with me. open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

I did a deep dive on cooking ranges: gas burner innovations, induction, oven “drift,” BTUs, technology, and design. Hope you enjoy the read and find it helpful — settle in, it’s detailed! open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…

Hey! This week, I wrote about: - my 6 flatware picks for our new place — I need your help choosing and recommending. Already loving the comments with people’s feedback and ideas. - a great new book on cold water and its benefits - a hazelnut cake with maraschino meringue icing

Whenever I read @ChristeneBarberich’s A Tiny Apt or her IG posts, I feel grateful that she’s let people in to see how she thinks about design, how she shops, what she’s paying attention to. I’ve learned a lot from her. This week, she paid a visit to Homeward, and it’s a wonderful

This week, I’m writing about the collision of perfectionists and renovations. With a side of passion fruit dressing and passion fruit curd. There are videos. Enjoy! In defense of perfectionism (even while renovating, ha) open.substack.com/pub/amandahess…