It’s the reveal of my kitchen’s cheap stop-gap makeover! When we got the keys to the house, I didn’t feel comfortable touching anything let alone eating anything in there. So, I did cosmetic improvements, a few functional upgrades, and lots of cleaning! We didn’t want to put too much money into it because we knew we’d be remodeling soon, so I made over the space with $600 and some elbow grease.
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including apple picking, my puffy jacket for fall, art, my house in a magazine, a nursery I want to move into, a chocolate scorecard, who I’ve been listening to all week, urban farms as preschools, the One Room Challenge, tile overload, and more!
Read MoreI’ve never been too big on decorating for the holidays. Sometimes I’m into it, but I mostly get tired of the tchotchkes and want my home to be clutter-free again. Partly I don’t like the look, but I also just don’t like buying decor that’s cheap and will ultimately end up in the trash. BUT! Enter trash pumpkin. The decor that literally takes rubbish out of the bin and keeps it out of the waste stream.
Read MoreThank you all SO much for taking the time to give me your feedback last week! I got lots of great insight into who you are and what you’re interested in. I want to respond to some of the feedback I got because I think the comments raised some interesting points that are worth addressing!
Read MoreThe things on my weed including art and architecture, the San Diego Green Homes Tour, a jaw-dropping vanity, my hose nozzle update, a pantry makeover, trash pumpkins, Etsy design winners, two bee books I got, old houses as money pits, my monthly playlist, and more!
Read MoreI’ve been talking about renovating my kitchen for years. And I’ve been talking about it on and off for a few months as the renovation is starting to pick up. But then I’ve been silent lately, and I owe you some explanations. A few of you commented on my reader survey that you want to see more frequent blog posts and you want to see this kitchen renovation get going. Believe you me - I do, too!
Read MoreIt’s time I hear from you! I’ve been writing this blog for over two years now and I’ve never done a reader survey - until now. Please take just five minutes to give me your feedback - it would really help out a lot!
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including ten years of room transformations, today’s climate strike, a favorite shoe turned rain boot, a rustic home makeover, my feelings on fall, a basement laundry room makeover, the show I can’t stop watching, my beetle saga, what I look forward to every year this weekend, and more.
Read MoreOver the weekend I attended an event to learn about straw bale home construction - a sustainable building material that benefits the planet instead of hurting it. The organizers also talked about regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and ethically sourced mezcal. It was really cool, and I want to share just a little bit of what I learned about a unique construction material with you!
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including: spotting Instagrammers IRL, a kitchen I can’t stop starring at, new menswear, a sale on my favorite leggings, books I’m reading, a marble sink with soapstone counters, a mural that feels familiar, and more!
Read MoreI asked folks on Instagram to submit questions you had for me, and today’s the day I answer them!
I had a deadline for making a pie the day that I wanted to film, so I baked a lemon meringue treat while answering your Qs. The vid is 20 minutes, so maybe watch it on your lunch break? Or maybe while eating a pie?
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including my trip to Chicago, the 25 things I do before leaving for vacation, my tips for traveling sustainably, the effects our travel has on the planet, an amazing living room transformation, daily action to take on flighting the climate crisis, a favorite TV show is back, a movie I’m itching to see, my home’s before tour, book recommendations, and my monthly playlist!
Read MoreHammocks, cookbooks, gardening, sewing, and the other things I’ve been up to on my impromptu break, and more.
Where I’ve been, shooting on film, my dream house, retro costume inspiration, energy rebates, a magic cake, textiles I don’t need but want, a lampshade DIY, my best defense against mosquitos, a new podcast, what’s killing home remodelers, best decision-making advice, overheard parenting, Little Women on acid home tour, best marble etch remover, and more.
If you like florals and color, this bathroom is for you. If you don’t, well, maybe scroll through and you’ll be converted? Or not? Either way, here’s the reveal of a bathroom addition that’s finally here - after a whole three years of construction.
My baby is two! Time’s flying… we wish we could slow down these years… I can’t believe she’s two… and all those other cliché things to say. We celebrated her second trip around the sun in our backyard with a small gathering of friends.
What I’m binge watching, the things I ordered for summertime fun, an incredible legacy, ranking films, a dozen things to say to your kids daily, design decisions, sibling bonds, and more.
I have such love for my historic house, but I’ve shamefully been neglecting the exterior paint. The tired finish was peeling and the faded colors did no justice to the architectural beauty of my 1915 craftsman bungalow. It was time for a change - a transformation that would honor the home's history while infusing it with fresh energy.
The thrill of renovating outdoor spaces is they always get better with age. We overhauled our backyard last year and the plant growth during this last trip around the sun is wild! Get ready for lots o’ photos.
Ashley has been restoring her craftsman bungalow since early 2015. The Gold Hive chronicles the journey of DIYs, restorations, renovations, and stories.
I'm Ashley, a type-A homebody fixing up my historic home at a snail’s pace in California. I share home improvement DIYs, tips for sustainable living, and renovation stories - all while aiming to add more color and present real, lived-in spaces.
© 2025 Ashley Goldman / All Rights Reserved
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What I’ve been up to - from gardening, to film photography, and the books and shows we’re enjoying. Plus a house tour that requires a closer look, grass seed to always have on hand, cedar shake excitement, historic window screens, and the privilege I’m reminded of daily.