Skip to content
Facebook Instagram Pinterest TikTok

The Refining Home

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Let’s Collaborate!
  • Home DecorExpand
    • Tablescapes
    • DIY Decor
  • ProjectsExpand
    • DIY’s
    • Refinished Furniture
  • LifestyleExpand
    • Family Life
The Refining Home

The

Refining HOme


  • Jess and Joleen dressed up for Easter services.
  • Family picture at the beach in Grand Cayman Island.
  • Jess and Joleen on pier in Grand Cayman. Ocean water in the background.
  • Installing artificial grass as the flooring for our pergola build.
  • Our mini golden doodle with a bow tie posing for a photo.
About Us
  • Girls bedroom makeover. Board and batten walls painted white with art work and shiplap wood headboard, farmhouse style twin beds
Instagram
  • Simple table centerpiece using a wood bowl, white candle and white pitcher filled with magnolia flowers.
Blog

“HOME SHOULD BE AN ANCHOR, A PORT IN A STORM, A REFUGE, A HAPPY PLACE IN WHICH TO DWELL, A PLACE WHERE WE ARE LOVED AND WHERE WE CAN LOVE.” –Marvin J. Ashton

Where to find us!

The Refining Home on Social Media!

We love hanging out on Social Media and we hope to see you on one, or all, of the platforms we post on. Currently we post on: Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and occasionally Facebook.

Instagram has been our favorite platform; where we post reels, stories and still photos. When we feature a product we love, discount codes and links will be in our linktree in the bio as well as our posts, reels and stories. And of course we will make sure we are giving you details here on the blog as well. Don’t forget to stop by and say hi in the comments. We absolutely love hearing from our readers!

See all the features
  • Summer Cottagecore tablescape with frilly white placemats, blue pottery dishware and fresh peaches in the doughbowl for the centerpiece.
    Decorating | Tablescapes

    Simple Summer Cottagecore Tablescape

    Summertime is my favorite time to set a styled table. I love light and airy as well as simple and easy. This tablescape to date has been one of my favorites. It may be the fresh peaches or the blue colors mixed with white, but I love how this one came together. What Is Cottagecore?…

    Read More Simple Summer Cottagecore TablescapeContinue

  • Farmhouse white board and batten entryway wall and hallway.
    DIY's | Renovating

    Small Entryway DIY Makeover

    Does your entryway need an update? Is it inviting and welcoming? Entryways are often the first thing guests see when visiting and entering your home. Making your entryway inviting, welcoming and adding personal touches make this space feel like an extension of your home. When we moved into our fixer upper we knew that the…

    Read More Small Entryway DIY MakeoverContinue

  • 4th of July backyard party under pergola
    DIY's | Renovating

    DIY Backyard Pergola Build

    Do you like to spend time outdoors in your yard? Do you wish you had a space to relax and enjoy the seasons changing from spring to summer and then fall? Is your house the gathering house for your family and friends? Then you may want a backyard pergola. Come along with us as we…

    Read More DIY Backyard Pergola BuildContinue

Hi! We are Jess and Joleen!

 

Hey, hey Friends! We are a husband and wife team taking on life and renovations one day, one project at a time.

We are so glad you are here.  The Refining Home is more than just renovating and decorating.  It’s about family and connections, faith and laughter, refinishing and refining, and looking for the silver lining.  Come along as we refine our house into our home.

 

 

At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly had more issues.  Through the course of the day, upon further inspection and with a set of professional eyes on the problem turns out- the bolt- {allegedly} appears to have been intentionally damaged. {allegedly} all the signs point to intentional and not wear and tear. 
So Mr. Refining Home took 1/2 a day off work and spent the afternoon and evening fixing the irrigation.  Here’s the weird part- the irrigation boxes for our property are actually on the next door neighbors side of the property line- so unless you are part of our neighborhood irrigation system- you wouldn’t know that those boxes are ours and go to our home.  So was it a neighbor who was angry at us or someone upset at our neighbors or a random opportunist out for an evening or early morning jog?  We’ll never know for sure because our cameras don’t see outside our fence- but guess what??? They will soon! 
For now- we’ve upgraded the irrigation system, we’ve ordered new cameras and we are just grateful to have water back for our grass and gardens. 
{Allegedly… we love a good story or theory… no matter how far fetched they may seem- drop yours in the comments of what you think happened… } 😍
Bathroom update! The countertops are in! What do Bathroom update! 
The countertops are in! What do you think? 
Shiplap installed.
Walls & shiplap painted! 
New Lighting.
Mirrors hung.
Faucets installed. 
And now tile is almost complete in the shower! 
DIY is a slow process for us.  Mr. Refining Home works a full time job (not on social media, SM). And even though I am a SAHM, some jobs on the project have to wait to be completed until other jobs have been done first.  And I still have daily things that need yo be done around the house. 
The only thing we hired out is the countertops. 
So while DIY on SM sometimes looks like it only takes a weekend…don’t be discouraged if yours takes time. Especially if you are doing everything yourself.  Be proud of the work you do and the time you put into it and know that real life- it takes time!! 
Refining takes time! 
Bathroom remodel | farmhouse bathroom | diy home renovation | home improvement
DIY deck curtains. This was a project that was qu DIY deck curtains.  This was a project that was quick and relatively painless. The back of our house faces west and takes a brutal beating in the summer sunshine and heat.  The deck runs the length of the house so purchasing sunshades was going to be expensive- like break the bank expensive. So we opted for a DIY version that is serving us well this summer. 
What you need:
*EMT Conduit 3/4” (we bought ours in 10ft sections) 
*black three socket tee’s - 3/4”
*structural black flange- 3/4” 
*90° structural black elbow- 3/4”
*9’x6’ canvas drop clothes 
*curtain rings 
*black spray paint 
The spray paint is for the conduit.  We measured and cut the conduit that would act as the rods, then painted it.  Once it was dry we put up all the fittings, added the rods and curtain rings then hung the canvas drop clothes.  For tie backs we used black Velcro and clips.  Seriously one of the most easy DIY’s we’ve ever done.  The cost will depend on how much area you are covering. Our smallest section was 64” and we had 8 sections. The 5 conduits ran us about $10 ish each so about $52 and some change. We bought the drop clothes at Harbor Freight on sale for $8 each. And then the fittings and spray paint. We used a primer plus paint. We spent less on the DIY options that we would have for one shade (and we would need 10 shades). So I’m a happy girl. 
What DIY projects are you working on in your home, yard or garden this summer? Tell us in the comments! 
Home and garden| outdoor living | diy hone projects| summer projects
America is turning 250 this year. It’s my favorit America is turning 250 this year.  It’s my favorite holiday.  Always has been, always will be.  Old Glory, parades, BBQ’s, hiking, swimming, family, friends, fireworks, prayers for peace and fasting & praying for religious freedom is what our weekend will be filled with.  It’s the best summer day. 
Land of the Free,
Because of the BRAVE!
4th of July!!
God Bless America!!! 
How are you celebrating this weekend?
Summer bedroom refresh. @downlitebedding sent us Summer bedroom refresh.  @downlitebedding sent us this cozy & cute comforter to freshen up our space.  It has a white on white paisley print that is the perfect amount of whimsy for summer.  It’s lightweight but still keeps you warm and brightens up any space. 
Here’s the run down: Stearns & Foster Paisley Reserve Down Alternative Blanket. Ours is a king size but it’s available in queen size too.  Use code: DYGEN20 for 20% off everything at Downlite Bedding Company. 
These are seriously our favorite comforters ever. And being that they are white- they match any color scheme you have going on in your room! 
#downlitebedding #bedroomrefresh #farmhouseish
Bathroom Reno- floor installation! Subfloor is in Bathroom Reno- floor installation!  Subfloor is in, then the tub, next the tile and last- the grout.  I think the grout is my favorite- I love the charcoal color. 
The cabinets are also in and ready for the countertop and sinks.  We used @buywholesalecabinets (white shaker style cabinets) that are super easy to build and install.  Perfect for all the diy’ers. 
Should we use the same black tile in our kitchen? 
Let us know in the comments.
Our house is pretty old. It’s a mid century moder Our house is pretty old.  It’s a mid century modern with lots of fun character.  We had to rebuild this planter between the house and porch because it was falling down. 
Now that it has been filled up and bark added to the top layer, it was time for plants.  The only problem…I really didn’t want water next to the house in this spot.  It doesn’t get much sunlight to dry it out. 
And that’s when we opted for faux ferns.  From the street- you can’t tell.  Even sitting on the pitch, unless you know, you can’t tell.  I think that a win!  They get to look great, I don’t have to stress over keeping them alive and how much water is at the foundation. 
Would you plant faux ferns in your planter boxes?
Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and b Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and bringing it back to life is one of my all time favorite things to do.  We teamed up with @countrychicpaint to refresh this book shelf for our son using the color Rocky Mountain Grey.  It’s seriously the perfect grey color.  It’s a little moody but true gray! 
Our son has a medical condition, that there is no cure for, that affects his hands…so his OT told him building legos would help with his dexterity.  It’s kind of like the story- if you give a mouse a cookie, but should be titled if you give a boy a box of legos. 😍😍😍
He now has a great (beautiful in my opinion) book case to store and display all of his creations. Bonus- because it matches his room and he’s a happy kid, and I’m a happy mom! Mostly because side I’m not stepping on all the little pieces 🫣! 
Tell us- do you refinish furniture for your home?  Do you leave it like it is?  Or do you throw it out when you’re tired of it?
We’d love to know…tell us in the comments below! 
#refinishingfurniture #countrychicpaint #legoset #farmhousecottage #therefininghome
We keep adding to the front porch. It’s the perf We keep adding to the front porch. 
It’s the perfect spot to sit and relax. 
Now we get to rock our cares away or rock into the weekends with our updated seating and an indoor/outdoor rug. 
The rockers are housing our square @pillowpanels and have been updated for the summer! 
Pops of Memorial Day and 4th of July decor are finding their way to all the places and spaces on the porch. 
With the porch being covered it’s shaded most of the day making it my favorite outdoor spot to read a book or chat with friends. 
Tell us- where is your favorite spot to relax and just enjoy company? 
#cottagecorevibes #cottagefarmhouse #therefininghome #frontporchdecor
Follow on Instagram

Search

Browse by Category

  • Decorating
  • DIY Decor
  • DIY's
  • Faith & Family
  • Family Life
  • Refinished Furniture
  • Renovating
  • Tablescapes
  • Travel

Hi! We are Jess and Joleen!

 

Hey, hey Friends! We are a husband and wife team taking on life and renovations one day, one project at a time.

We are so glad you are here.  The Refining Home is more than just renovating and decorating.  It’s about family and connections, faith and laughter, refinishing and refining, and looking for the silver lining.  Come along as we refine our house into our home.

 

 

At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly had more issues.  Through the course of the day, upon further inspection and with a set of professional eyes on the problem turns out- the bolt- {allegedly} appears to have been intentionally damaged. {allegedly} all the signs point to intentional and not wear and tear. 
So Mr. Refining Home took 1/2 a day off work and spent the afternoon and evening fixing the irrigation.  Here’s the weird part- the irrigation boxes for our property are actually on the next door neighbors side of the property line- so unless you are part of our neighborhood irrigation system- you wouldn’t know that those boxes are ours and go to our home.  So was it a neighbor who was angry at us or someone upset at our neighbors or a random opportunist out for an evening or early morning jog?  We’ll never know for sure because our cameras don’t see outside our fence- but guess what??? They will soon! 
For now- we’ve upgraded the irrigation system, we’ve ordered new cameras and we are just grateful to have water back for our grass and gardens. 
{Allegedly… we love a good story or theory… no matter how far fetched they may seem- drop yours in the comments of what you think happened… } 😍
Bathroom update! The countertops are in! What do Bathroom update! 
The countertops are in! What do you think? 
Shiplap installed.
Walls & shiplap painted! 
New Lighting.
Mirrors hung.
Faucets installed. 
And now tile is almost complete in the shower! 
DIY is a slow process for us.  Mr. Refining Home works a full time job (not on social media, SM). And even though I am a SAHM, some jobs on the project have to wait to be completed until other jobs have been done first.  And I still have daily things that need yo be done around the house. 
The only thing we hired out is the countertops. 
So while DIY on SM sometimes looks like it only takes a weekend…don’t be discouraged if yours takes time. Especially if you are doing everything yourself.  Be proud of the work you do and the time you put into it and know that real life- it takes time!! 
Refining takes time! 
Bathroom remodel | farmhouse bathroom | diy home renovation | home improvement
DIY deck curtains. This was a project that was qu DIY deck curtains.  This was a project that was quick and relatively painless. The back of our house faces west and takes a brutal beating in the summer sunshine and heat.  The deck runs the length of the house so purchasing sunshades was going to be expensive- like break the bank expensive. So we opted for a DIY version that is serving us well this summer. 
What you need:
*EMT Conduit 3/4” (we bought ours in 10ft sections) 
*black three socket tee’s - 3/4”
*structural black flange- 3/4” 
*90° structural black elbow- 3/4”
*9’x6’ canvas drop clothes 
*curtain rings 
*black spray paint 
The spray paint is for the conduit.  We measured and cut the conduit that would act as the rods, then painted it.  Once it was dry we put up all the fittings, added the rods and curtain rings then hung the canvas drop clothes.  For tie backs we used black Velcro and clips.  Seriously one of the most easy DIY’s we’ve ever done.  The cost will depend on how much area you are covering. Our smallest section was 64” and we had 8 sections. The 5 conduits ran us about $10 ish each so about $52 and some change. We bought the drop clothes at Harbor Freight on sale for $8 each. And then the fittings and spray paint. We used a primer plus paint. We spent less on the DIY options that we would have for one shade (and we would need 10 shades). So I’m a happy girl. 
What DIY projects are you working on in your home, yard or garden this summer? Tell us in the comments! 
Home and garden| outdoor living | diy hone projects| summer projects
America is turning 250 this year. It’s my favorit America is turning 250 this year.  It’s my favorite holiday.  Always has been, always will be.  Old Glory, parades, BBQ’s, hiking, swimming, family, friends, fireworks, prayers for peace and fasting & praying for religious freedom is what our weekend will be filled with.  It’s the best summer day. 
Land of the Free,
Because of the BRAVE!
4th of July!!
God Bless America!!! 
How are you celebrating this weekend?
Summer bedroom refresh. @downlitebedding sent us Summer bedroom refresh.  @downlitebedding sent us this cozy & cute comforter to freshen up our space.  It has a white on white paisley print that is the perfect amount of whimsy for summer.  It’s lightweight but still keeps you warm and brightens up any space. 
Here’s the run down: Stearns & Foster Paisley Reserve Down Alternative Blanket. Ours is a king size but it’s available in queen size too.  Use code: DYGEN20 for 20% off everything at Downlite Bedding Company. 
These are seriously our favorite comforters ever. And being that they are white- they match any color scheme you have going on in your room! 
#downlitebedding #bedroomrefresh #farmhouseish
Bathroom Reno- floor installation! Subfloor is in Bathroom Reno- floor installation!  Subfloor is in, then the tub, next the tile and last- the grout.  I think the grout is my favorite- I love the charcoal color. 
The cabinets are also in and ready for the countertop and sinks.  We used @buywholesalecabinets (white shaker style cabinets) that are super easy to build and install.  Perfect for all the diy’ers. 
Should we use the same black tile in our kitchen? 
Let us know in the comments.
Our house is pretty old. It’s a mid century moder Our house is pretty old.  It’s a mid century modern with lots of fun character.  We had to rebuild this planter between the house and porch because it was falling down. 
Now that it has been filled up and bark added to the top layer, it was time for plants.  The only problem…I really didn’t want water next to the house in this spot.  It doesn’t get much sunlight to dry it out. 
And that’s when we opted for faux ferns.  From the street- you can’t tell.  Even sitting on the pitch, unless you know, you can’t tell.  I think that a win!  They get to look great, I don’t have to stress over keeping them alive and how much water is at the foundation. 
Would you plant faux ferns in your planter boxes?
Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and b Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and bringing it back to life is one of my all time favorite things to do.  We teamed up with @countrychicpaint to refresh this book shelf for our son using the color Rocky Mountain Grey.  It’s seriously the perfect grey color.  It’s a little moody but true gray! 
Our son has a medical condition, that there is no cure for, that affects his hands…so his OT told him building legos would help with his dexterity.  It’s kind of like the story- if you give a mouse a cookie, but should be titled if you give a boy a box of legos. 😍😍😍
He now has a great (beautiful in my opinion) book case to store and display all of his creations. Bonus- because it matches his room and he’s a happy kid, and I’m a happy mom! Mostly because side I’m not stepping on all the little pieces 🫣! 
Tell us- do you refinish furniture for your home?  Do you leave it like it is?  Or do you throw it out when you’re tired of it?
We’d love to know…tell us in the comments below! 
#refinishingfurniture #countrychicpaint #legoset #farmhousecottage #therefininghome
We keep adding to the front porch. It’s the perf We keep adding to the front porch. 
It’s the perfect spot to sit and relax. 
Now we get to rock our cares away or rock into the weekends with our updated seating and an indoor/outdoor rug. 
The rockers are housing our square @pillowpanels and have been updated for the summer! 
Pops of Memorial Day and 4th of July decor are finding their way to all the places and spaces on the porch. 
With the porch being covered it’s shaded most of the day making it my favorite outdoor spot to read a book or chat with friends. 
Tell us- where is your favorite spot to relax and just enjoy company? 
#cottagecorevibes #cottagefarmhouse #therefininghome #frontporchdecor
Follow on Instagram

Search

Browse by Category

  • Decorating
  • DIY Decor
  • DIY's
  • Faith & Family
  • Family Life
  • Refinished Furniture
  • Renovating
  • Tablescapes
  • Travel
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimers & Disclosures

At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly At first glance we thought the irrigation possibly had more issues.  Through the course of the day, upon further inspection and with a set of professional eyes on the problem turns out- the bolt- {allegedly} appears to have been intentionally damaged. {allegedly} all the signs point to intentional and not wear and tear. 
So Mr. Refining Home took 1/2 a day off work and spent the afternoon and evening fixing the irrigation.  Here’s the weird part- the irrigation boxes for our property are actually on the next door neighbors side of the property line- so unless you are part of our neighborhood irrigation system- you wouldn’t know that those boxes are ours and go to our home.  So was it a neighbor who was angry at us or someone upset at our neighbors or a random opportunist out for an evening or early morning jog?  We’ll never know for sure because our cameras don’t see outside our fence- but guess what??? They will soon! 
For now- we’ve upgraded the irrigation system, we’ve ordered new cameras and we are just grateful to have water back for our grass and gardens. 
{Allegedly… we love a good story or theory… no matter how far fetched they may seem- drop yours in the comments of what you think happened… } 😍
Bathroom update! The countertops are in! What do Bathroom update! 
The countertops are in! What do you think? 
Shiplap installed.
Walls & shiplap painted! 
New Lighting.
Mirrors hung.
Faucets installed. 
And now tile is almost complete in the shower! 
DIY is a slow process for us.  Mr. Refining Home works a full time job (not on social media, SM). And even though I am a SAHM, some jobs on the project have to wait to be completed until other jobs have been done first.  And I still have daily things that need yo be done around the house. 
The only thing we hired out is the countertops. 
So while DIY on SM sometimes looks like it only takes a weekend…don’t be discouraged if yours takes time. Especially if you are doing everything yourself.  Be proud of the work you do and the time you put into it and know that real life- it takes time!! 
Refining takes time! 
Bathroom remodel | farmhouse bathroom | diy home renovation | home improvement
DIY deck curtains. This was a project that was qu DIY deck curtains.  This was a project that was quick and relatively painless. The back of our house faces west and takes a brutal beating in the summer sunshine and heat.  The deck runs the length of the house so purchasing sunshades was going to be expensive- like break the bank expensive. So we opted for a DIY version that is serving us well this summer. 
What you need:
*EMT Conduit 3/4” (we bought ours in 10ft sections) 
*black three socket tee’s - 3/4”
*structural black flange- 3/4” 
*90° structural black elbow- 3/4”
*9’x6’ canvas drop clothes 
*curtain rings 
*black spray paint 
The spray paint is for the conduit.  We measured and cut the conduit that would act as the rods, then painted it.  Once it was dry we put up all the fittings, added the rods and curtain rings then hung the canvas drop clothes.  For tie backs we used black Velcro and clips.  Seriously one of the most easy DIY’s we’ve ever done.  The cost will depend on how much area you are covering. Our smallest section was 64” and we had 8 sections. The 5 conduits ran us about $10 ish each so about $52 and some change. We bought the drop clothes at Harbor Freight on sale for $8 each. And then the fittings and spray paint. We used a primer plus paint. We spent less on the DIY options that we would have for one shade (and we would need 10 shades). So I’m a happy girl. 
What DIY projects are you working on in your home, yard or garden this summer? Tell us in the comments! 
Home and garden| outdoor living | diy hone projects| summer projects
America is turning 250 this year. It’s my favorit America is turning 250 this year.  It’s my favorite holiday.  Always has been, always will be.  Old Glory, parades, BBQ’s, hiking, swimming, family, friends, fireworks, prayers for peace and fasting & praying for religious freedom is what our weekend will be filled with.  It’s the best summer day. 
Land of the Free,
Because of the BRAVE!
4th of July!!
God Bless America!!! 
How are you celebrating this weekend?
Summer bedroom refresh. @downlitebedding sent us Summer bedroom refresh.  @downlitebedding sent us this cozy & cute comforter to freshen up our space.  It has a white on white paisley print that is the perfect amount of whimsy for summer.  It’s lightweight but still keeps you warm and brightens up any space. 
Here’s the run down: Stearns & Foster Paisley Reserve Down Alternative Blanket. Ours is a king size but it’s available in queen size too.  Use code: DYGEN20 for 20% off everything at Downlite Bedding Company. 
These are seriously our favorite comforters ever. And being that they are white- they match any color scheme you have going on in your room! 
#downlitebedding #bedroomrefresh #farmhouseish
Bathroom Reno- floor installation! Subfloor is in Bathroom Reno- floor installation!  Subfloor is in, then the tub, next the tile and last- the grout.  I think the grout is my favorite- I love the charcoal color. 
The cabinets are also in and ready for the countertop and sinks.  We used @buywholesalecabinets (white shaker style cabinets) that are super easy to build and install.  Perfect for all the diy’ers. 
Should we use the same black tile in our kitchen? 
Let us know in the comments.
Our house is pretty old. It’s a mid century moder Our house is pretty old.  It’s a mid century modern with lots of fun character.  We had to rebuild this planter between the house and porch because it was falling down. 
Now that it has been filled up and bark added to the top layer, it was time for plants.  The only problem…I really didn’t want water next to the house in this spot.  It doesn’t get much sunlight to dry it out. 
And that’s when we opted for faux ferns.  From the street- you can’t tell.  Even sitting on the pitch, unless you know, you can’t tell.  I think that a win!  They get to look great, I don’t have to stress over keeping them alive and how much water is at the foundation. 
Would you plant faux ferns in your planter boxes?
Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and b Taking a piece of tired, worn down furniture and bringing it back to life is one of my all time favorite things to do.  We teamed up with @countrychicpaint to refresh this book shelf for our son using the color Rocky Mountain Grey.  It’s seriously the perfect grey color.  It’s a little moody but true gray! 
Our son has a medical condition, that there is no cure for, that affects his hands…so his OT told him building legos would help with his dexterity.  It’s kind of like the story- if you give a mouse a cookie, but should be titled if you give a boy a box of legos. 😍😍😍
He now has a great (beautiful in my opinion) book case to store and display all of his creations. Bonus- because it matches his room and he’s a happy kid, and I’m a happy mom! Mostly because side I’m not stepping on all the little pieces 🫣! 
Tell us- do you refinish furniture for your home?  Do you leave it like it is?  Or do you throw it out when you’re tired of it?
We’d love to know…tell us in the comments below! 
#refinishingfurniture #countrychicpaint #legoset #farmhousecottage #therefininghome

Stay up to date!

© 2026 The Refining Home • Refined theme by Restored 316

Scroll to top
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Let’s Collaborate!
  • Home Decor
    • Tablescapes
    • DIY Decor
  • Projects
    • DIY’s
    • Refinished Furniture
  • Lifestyle
    • Family Life
Search