Mae Lutz Mae Lutz

Our Bathroom Sink Mistake

When we built our house in 2020, I chose vessel sinks because I thought they were cute. What I didn’t consider was the height of our cabinets. Turns out, vessel sinks plus tall cabinets equal one very impractical setup. I’ve literally been standing on a step stool to wash my face for the past five years.

So during our recent bathroom makeover, I finally bit the bullet (begrudgingly) and swapped them out. Thankfully, our tall faucets were two-piece, so we were able to shorten them for the new undermount sinks. The old vessel sinks had left stains on the quartz, so we had the counters fully replaced by Atlantis Stone and Granite here in Atlanta, and I highly recommend them. They took the old stone, cut the new one to fit, and installed it all beautifully.

Zach handled the plumbing and faucet adjustments, and we also lowered our round backlit mirrors since they were hung way too high to accommodate the vessel sinks.

Lesson learned: I do not recommend vessel sinks. We still have them in the guest bathroom, but I’m not ready to mess with the wallpaper or spend more money, so they’ll stay. But for our bathroom? No more step stool required.

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Mae Lutz Mae Lutz

How to Use Regular Curtains as a Stylish Shower Curtain

One of the most common questions I get when I post bathroom photos is:
“Where did you get your shower curtain?”
And every single time, I have to say, “It’s not even a shower curtain!”

Yep. They are just regular curtain panels.

I started using actual curtains instead of traditional shower curtains a while ago, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. I buy them in a longer length, and pair them with an extra-long waterproof liner. That part is key. You get all the practicality of a normal shower curtain, but the style options are so much better.

Take our floral wallpaper bathroom, for example. I used a soft pinstripe curtain that blends beautifully with the wallpaper and teal trim. The extra height makes the whole room feel taller and more finished, even though it’s not a giant space. It adds softness, pulls in the tones from the wallpaper, and looks way more custom than anything I could’ve found in the bath aisle.

And then there’s the red bathroom, which is all bold and cozy and dramatic in the best way. That vintage looking curtain? Just a regular window panel I fell in love with. It brings in texture, warmth, and this charming, collected feel that really finishes off the space. Plus, it makes the whole room feel layered and intentional, which is kind of my favorite thing when it comes to home design.

So if your bathroom’s feeling a little meh, try swapping your shower curtain for something unexpected. Just grab a longer set of regular curtains, pair them with an extra-long waterproof liner, and hang the rod a little higher. It really does make a huge difference.

If you’ve ever felt totally underwhelmed by the shower curtain aisle, same. The options are usually limited to plasticky prints or bland neutrals that feel more "starter apartment" than "intentional design." So a while back, I started using regular curtains instead of traditional shower curtains, and I honestly haven’t looked back since.

Let me know if you give it a try. I’d love to see how it turns out in your space!

Links at a Glance

Red Bathroom

Vintage-Inspired Light Fixture

Mirror

Stone Top Vanity

Faucet

Toilet Paper Holder

Toilet Lever

Horse Print

Shower Curtain

Shower Curtain Rod

Rug

Trashcan

Towel Hook

Window Treatment

Soap Dispenser

Brass Plate - Antique Store Find

Gold Frame - Antique Store Find

Blue Floral Bathroom

Paint: Norwegian Blue by Behr

Wallpaper: Natalia by Peel and Paper

Base Cap Molding

Crown Molding

Curtain- used as shower curtain

Shower Curtain Liner

Shower Curtain Rod

Toilet Seat + Toddler Attachment

Toilet Paper Holder

Light Switch Cover Plate

Door Knobs

Gold Door Hinges

Gold Door Stoppers

Mirrors

Vanity

Sinks

Faucets

Towel Holder

Hand Towel

Stool

Rug

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Mae Lutz Mae Lutz

Primary Bathroom Decor From Amazon

I just wrapped up our primary bathroom makeover, and believe it or not, it’s packed with Amazon finds. This space went from white and basic to warm and moody with tons of thoughtful details that I was able to source quickly and affordably.

From the round backlit mirrors that I previously owned to the soap dispensers, shower pump bottles, and even the outlet and switch plate covers, Amazon really delivered. The water closet now has a chandelier (converted with a can light kit), plus a sleek little TP holder and storage to match.

All of the plumbing fixtures are the same, but I added toile curtains with a vintage-inspired curtain rod, faux hydrangeas (these are SO good) in a gold vase, and apothecary jars filled with Q-tips by the sink.

It's proof you don’t have to sacrifice style for convenience or wait forever for shipping. Everything came together so seamlessly, and I love how high-end it feels.

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Mae Lutz Mae Lutz

Primary Bathroom Makeover

Our primary bathroom finally got the moody makeover it’s been begging for. I kept all of the plumbing fixtures and those round backlit mirrors the same, but everything else got a cozy, color-drenched upgrade.

I painted the main space Virtual Taupe by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams and used Favorite Tan in the water closet for a subtle contrast. I added wall trim, and while the crown moulding is on backorder, I’m already loving the added character.

New rugs, toile blue curtains, and TWO chandeliers brought so much warmth and texture into the space. I also sprinkled in tons of Amazon finds: faux hydrangeas and red leaf stems, cute apothecary jars for Q-tips, soap dispensers, pump bottles for the shower, and more.

Without changing the cabinets or layout, the room now feels aligned with the rest of our home. It’s moody, modern meets vintage, and full of character. A few vintage touches like the silver mirror next to the sink, a green clock, and the tiered wood shelf in the water closet really finished it off. I’m officially done with all-white bathrooms.

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Vintage-Inspired Finds From Target

We all love the vintage look, and while I’m always thrilled when I score a true vintage piece, sometimes it’s just not realistic. Maybe the right item is impossible to find, maybe it’s out of budget, or maybe it needs way more repair work than I have time for. That’s when vintage-inspired pieces step in and save the day.

I’ve pulled together some of my favorite vintage-inspired finds from Target that bring in all the charm without the endless searching. Think brass details, beautiful rugs, and artwork that feels like it’s been collected over time. I’m especially drawn to pieces with little touches that make them feel like they have history, even though they’re brand new.

These work perfectly on their own, but they also mix so easily with actual vintage pieces you might already have at home. You get the character and warmth you want, without hours of antique store hopping or worrying about whether something is in usable condition.

Furniture Finds

These pieces have so many little details that nod to vintage style. The skirted chairs feel like something you’d see in an old country house, with their soft lines and tailored fabric. The twisted wood legs on the console and armchair add that handcrafted feel you can’t help but notice. Even the arched shelving has a shape that feels classic, like it’s been around for decades. Each piece has a timeless quality, but still works perfectly in a modern home.

Pillow Picks

These vintage-inspired pillows from Target bring in so much charm through their patterns, textures, and colors. There’s everything from warm plaid and embroidered florals to soft solids with contrast piping. I love the mix of shapes too, with classic squares, long lumbars, and even a round ruffled style. They’re the kind of pieces that make a sofa, chair, or bed feel layered and collected without needing to hunt down perfect vintage textiles.

Decor Details

These Target finds bring in so many vintage-inspired touches, from ornate picture frames and floral artwork to warm brass accents. The mix of materials really stands out here, from marble, wicker, glass, and metal all working together to create that layered, collected feel. The floral rug adds instant character to any space, while the sculptural lamps, bookends, and trays make even the smallest corners feel thoughtfully styled. Each piece has a little nod to the past, but they’re brand new and ready to use right away.

Bringing vintage charm into your home doesn’t have to mean scouring flea markets or waiting for the perfect piece to appear. Mixing in well-made, vintage-inspired finds can give you the same warmth and character, while still being functional for everyday life. Whether it’s a piece of furniture with classic detailing, a rug that feels like it has a story, or small accents that look lovingly collected, these touches can make your space feel inviting and uniquely yours.

Links At A Glance

Furniture

Pillows

Decor


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My Baseboards

I get asked about our baseboards all the time, so here’s a quick breakdown of what we did!

  • The main piece is 9 1/4” tall x 3/4" thick baseboard moulding.

  • The top detail is called base cap, and it gives it that more custom, layered look.

  • In rooms with hardwood floors, we also added 1 1/2” tall 1/4” thick shoe moulding at the bottom.

  • In rooms with tile, we skipped the shoe moulding and just did the baseboard + base cap combo.

  • We don’t have carpet anywhere, so I don’t have an example of that, sorry!

It’s one of those small details that really makes the whole space feel more finished.


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How I Replaced My Can Lights with Gorgeous Pendants

Our hallway had those standard can lights that are totally functional, but kind of boring. I knew I really wanted something for that space that had a little more charm and personality, so I swapped out our can lights for these gorgeous Amazon pendants. Honestly, it completely transformed the look of the hallway.

The best part? I didn’t have to rewire anything or hire an electrician. I just used this can light converter kit and we did it ourselves Seriously, it’s a total game-changer for renters or anyone who doesn’t want to do major electrical work. We just did it again in our bathroom makeover so I filmed my husband and wrote down exact step by step instructions for you!

Here’s how it works:

  1. Turn off the power at the breaker.

  2. Remove the can light trim (ours are just two wires that you squeeze together to release)

  3. Unscrew the can light from the ceiling (similar to a light bulb)

4. Open the converter kit and separate the metal bracket pieces that are screwed together. You will need the expandable bracket first. 

5. Expand it to the side of your hole in the ceiling. Tighten the middle screw to lock in the adjusted size and screw the two side screw into the actual can light hole. 

6. Now you’ll need the other metal piece. Using two screws from the kit, it will screw directly into the adjustable bracket.

7. The green wire hanging down is the ground wire. Using the flat head screw driver, loosen the screw. Attach it to a metal piece inside the can light hole and screw it tight to secure it. Tuck the wire out of the way.

8. Put the metal cover up by lining up the two spaces and twisting it in place. 

9. Now screw in the piece that looks like the bottom of a light bulb with a black and white wire attached. 

10. If needed, install the ceiling medallion to cover the metal plate (optional) or use the small ceiling medallion it comes with (like I did in my hallway!)

11. Now you can install your pendant light! Follow the directions for your specific light fixture.

It’s such a simple project, but it made a huge difference. The pendants bring in so much more style than the old can lights ever did, and now the hallway and bathroom feels more elevated.

If you’ve got recessed lights that could use a little personality, this is one of those quick wins that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

Links at a glance:


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My Favorite Vintage-Inspired Finds from Amazon

From charming hardware to timeless lighting, these pieces helped me bring that collected, vintage feel into every corner of our home. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good thrift or antique store hunt. There’s nothing better than finding a one-of-a-kind piece with some history to it, but sometimes, vintage just isn’t practical. Bathroom fixtures are especially tricky to source secondhand, and when you’re trying to make things feel cohesive (like matching doorknobs or coordinating hardware), true vintage can come up short. That’s where these vintage-inspired Amazon finds come in. They have the look and feel I love, but with the consistency and availability to actually work throughout an entire space.


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