Amanda Hesser

This design duo revived an iconic Sea Ranch home The couple behind Hawkins New York leaned into simplicity.

This week, Paul Denoly and Nick Blaine, founders of Hawkins New York, take us inside their Sea Ranch home — and show us how to renovate a historic property with a strong design sensibility but a light touch. It’s magical — hope you’ll check it out!

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For me, creature comforts should mean no critters in my home (gah) Rats and snakes and mountain lions, oh my.

For anyone who‘s dealt with household pests, let’s commiserate! This week, I shared our many encounters with the wild.
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We took the slow route to moving in On roadtrips, renovations, and enjoying the "journey."

This week I wrote about driving across country. About getting out of NYC. About opening your mind. About rolling with changes.

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My kitchen design hinges on this simple method (in 8 sketches) Plus, a rich, salty hot chocolate to make for the holidays.

I finally got a chance to design a kitchen from the ground up — and I was lucky to collaborate with the great minds at Bestor Architecture and Reath Design. This week, I’m sharing the thinking behind the layout and features we landed on.

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In defense of perfectionism (even while renovating, haha) And a zesty salad dressing to cut through the post-turkey daze.

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)
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Inside a 650-square-foot cabin made with straw and cork Christene Barberich shares her small space marvel (along with vintage collecting tips!).

This week, Christene Barberich paid a visit to Homeward, and it’s a wonderful read, filled with snapshots of her home and life. Hope you’ll check it out!

Inside a 650-square-foot cabin made with straw and cork
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My epic stove range research led to this discovery Eight brands, 100 reader tips, and a tinge of regret.

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!

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What makes a newcomer a local? On setting down roots in Ojai (it’s complicated).

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.
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Step inside The Guest Room, a new series This month, Christine Muhlke shares how she renovated on a modest budget.

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 ...

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How to work near (but not too close) to your partner Plus, a pantry dish that gives canned artichokes an herby, garlicky kiss.

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. :)

Plus: a recipe from Dan Pelosi’s great new book, “Let’s Party.”

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Messy middle? Try messy start Or, how we demolished our house to build anew.

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.

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This cardamom cold brew is my pumpkin spice latte Plus, my laundry hamper pick, a new recipe project, and an ode to Swiss snacks.

Whiskey Rye Chocolate Chip Cookies from The London Plane + laundry hamper picks. My kind of weekend read.

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My pantry design was decades in the making Here's a sketch-by-sketch look at our layout.

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.

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How we cut 30% from our reno plan—and found silver linings An exercise in “value engineering."

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.

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Here’s my pick for bath towels—with expert intel Plus, 22 spots for the perfect shop (and food) crawl in L.A.

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?!

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When will this renovation “just be done”? Plus, a sweet bedding upgrade in a heritage home.

I wrote about another way to look at the long process of a home renovation.
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On being a good neighbor And the simple gift bag we brought to set the tone.

Increasingly, homes are designed to shut out the world -- but I hope we won't forget about the importance of neighbors.

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Briny, citrusy, crispy—this salad recipe serves up peak flavor Plus, I need your stove intel!

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.

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My contractor’s 12 tips on realistic timelines, transparent pricing, and how HGTV changed the industry Plus, the summery tomato syrup I’m making for drinks and vinaigrettes.

Renovating requires a team mindset. This week, my contractor shared his tips for how to find a contractor you trust and how to be a collaborative client. Hope you enjoy the read — Evan is a gem!
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The Conversation | Amanda Hesser "I have a lot of ideas, I like to make them happen, and I like to lead."

Christine Muhlke and I had an unvarnished discussion about ambition, mistakes, and our own dynamic as colleagues years ago. Also, I highly recommend her substack, Xtine. I open every post as soon as it hits my inbox.

The Conversation | Amanda Hesser
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Weekend read: Meet our trailblazing architect Plus, tips for saving money when building and how to find a great architect.

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!

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My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options If it's good enough for Sam Sifton...

For anyone who's dreamed of getting a pizza oven, I did a deep dive on options, and all the considerations. Thanks to Sam Sifton and Alexandra Stafford for their smart advice.

My pizza oven quest led me to the "neck tattoo" of options open.substack.com/pub/amandahe...

@amandahesser.bsky.social 's classic The Cook and The Gardener is being republished this April to celebrate the book's 25th Anniversary. Read a bit about this title and enter our worldwide giveaway to win a copy: bit.ly/4ifI3cB

@wwnorton.bsky.social

Renovations can be hard on a couple—here are 3 ways we resolve tension Plus, a Father’s Day dinner menu, with recipes.

Renovations can be hard on a couple—here are 3 ways we resolve tension
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Amanda Hesser on Substack One of the things I’m really loving about writing on Substack is how active and interesting the community comments are. This week, I wrote about the vintage Bennington Potters bowls that I’m collecti...

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Meet our landscape architect (she loves a vintage pool) Plus, her creative (and striking) solution to access plants throughout the property.

I never really knew the difference between a landscape architect and a garden designer. Jenny Jones, of Terremoto, explains the difference in my q&a with her about how Terremoto is working to change the field, and what her plan is for our house in Ojai.

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