A one-woman two-house makeover, NPR host names, links to everything on my custom plate rack, the love of a simple garage tool, Photoshop trolling, how to mend everything, a chore jacket on sale, how to help folks get vaccinated, a new podcast on parenting and psychology, and my March playlist.
Read MoreI’ve been working hard on the peeeerfect design for our open storage plate rack in the kitchen. I’ve been picky about how I wanted it, and it isn’t quite done yet, but I love where we’re at with it.
Read MoreThe most thrilling thing to happen to me in a loooong time, shirts in support of science, if you think good design is expensive, a cool art subscription giveaway, Erin’s bathroom makeover, an appreciation for painters, insect wall art, a guide on gathering, tips on shopping FB marketplace, and somehow I relate to John Mayer.
Read MoreThe new design book I want, a kitchen update and a kitchen overhaul, unnecessary saxophone, drone meets a bowling alley, kit patterns for baby, a recap of my marble countertops, the value of women economically, what gave us a good laugh, a medical PSA, and a baby announcement.
Read MoreI DIY sealed our marble countertops and you can, too! Sealing protects the stone from staining which really helps me not worry about spilling coffee on my bright white counters. I did a bunch of research on the best products so I’m sharing how and why I chose the one I did, plus detailing the steps to seal that gorgeous marble.
Read MoreMarble counters are in the kitchen and looking so so good! There’s a process to designing the layout, coordinating with a fabricator, measuring, installing, and sealing. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Read MoreA thank you for the love, energy justice, expanding pants, a curved hood vent DIY, a PSA for air mattress owners, kitchen tiles I’m gushing over, a video that gave me a chuckle, my favorite water glasses, my February playlist, and more.
Read MoreWizardry (or rather, crazy hard work) from Stephen and David, the one item I can’t believe I waited this long to buy, a charming playroom, ways to help Texas, a reminder to stock your emergency kit, a quote about homes that I want printed and hung on my wall, finding a countertop that’s safe for the environment, a fantastic movie and great show to watch, and a request to come to your house.
Read MoreCountertops are major workhorses and one of the biggest design elements in a kitchen. So, there’s a lot of thought that goes into the material, style, and design of them. But you know me, I have to research even further. In addition to picking a pretty countertop, I factored in the environmental footprint, worker health, land reclamation of the quarry, and the way it fits into a historic home. Ready to get into it? Let’s!
Read MoreA new (old) rug, one of only a few skincare items I swear by, how you can get custom advice from design pros, the history of homes and health, sustainable investing, a springtime dress, a movie screening to tune into this weekend, non-cheesy Valentine’s artwork, and standing up to discrimination by eating dumplings.
Read MoreThe things on my mind this week including the exit of 45 and the work yet to do, an earthy-hued renovation, a vaccine infodemiologist, enneagram pencils, how I’m managing my dust mite allergy, mutual aid, a podcast on waste, and more!
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
Please do not use any images without proper credit (a link back to my site/social channels within the first 120 characters).
The Gold Hive contains affiliate links in sidebar banners, in images on the Shop The House page, and as text in select posts. This means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I recommended. Sponsored posts or gifted products are noted as such. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting bloggers and creators.
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.