We caught up with Randi, one of our favorite lifestyle bloggers. Here’s a bit about her:

1. Blog: Dukes & Duchesses
   
2. Hometown: Currently – Flower Mound, TX {a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex}
3. Fun fact: I did a DIY segment on FABLife last fall.
4. How did you start your blog? It started as more of an online scrapbook and progressed into a way of sharing projects I had completed. Once I realized people actually wanted to read that, the Dukes and Duchesses that you see today was born.
5. What DIY or home improvement project are you most proud of? Probably my DIY console.  It’s the most involved thing I’ve ever built, I made it with my Dad, and I love the look of it and the practicality.

   

6. Best home hack: My current favorite is my brand new DIY utensil divider. I made a customized divider for my kitchen drawer that looks like it was built-in but was actually pieced together with small wood pieces and hot glue.
7. When should you DIY a project and when do you hire? Hire when it’s outside your skill set {unless you can find a great YouTube video and cheap parts}, it might destroy all or part of your home if it goes awry {wink}, or you just don’t have the time or energy to deal with it. DIY if you’re up for an adventure, if you think you can do it and save a pile of money, or if you love the idea of creating or fixing something with your own hands.
8. Favorite item in your home? It changes almost daily but right now I just love the bench I made from an old headboard.
9. What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from blogging: You’ll never know how creative you can be or how much you can think outside the box until you push yourself to do it.
10. Best home improvement budgeting advice: Budget for the dream projects but don’t forget to budget for the necessary projects as well. Owning a home takes a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
11. Favorite décor color? Anything bright. Right now, I have a lot of turquoise, yellow, and orange.

    

12. Favorite home trend: Salvaged style
13. Home fad you wish you didn’t fall for: I don’t think I have one.
14. One thing you can’t live without: Coffee. If it has to pertain to home improvement/decor, a nail gun.
15. Favorite home improvement store: Probably a tie between Home Depot and Lowes.
16. Favorite home improvement show: Fixer Upper or Open Concept.
17. Favorite before and after you’ve completed: Probably my little girls’ shared room. It got so many fun girly touches, lots of DIY projects, and a vintage touch.
18. Favorite room in your house: the family room. While it needs a new couch and new window coverings, it’s cozy and has a lot of decor that I love. It’s also the place where we all hang out together.
19. Dream home location: on a beach somewhere or on a large piece of property where my kids can run free and really be kids.

Learn more about Randi Dukes by reading her blog here and make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter.