A smiling woman outdoors with trees and grass in the background during daytime.

Hi, I’m Maria Lorena

Welcome to our little corner by the preserve. I’m a wife and mom of two, dedicated to the art of homemaking. We’re on a journey to breathe character into our builder-grade space, one DIY and design choice at a time. I believe a home should be as functional as it is beautiful, and I’m here to share the honest reality of that transformation—from the dusty projects to the final, cozy details. So glad you’re here, fellow homebody.

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Home Decor, Inspiration, Organization & Cleaning | House by the Preserve

Pool Construction Diary: What No One Tells You About the Messy Middle

The raw, unedited truth about surviving a backyard pool construction project. From heavy machinery destroying your lawn to managing mud, pets, and construction fatigue. Here is what to expect during the messy middle.

How to Prep Your Home for Back-to-School Season

Discover practical tips to organize your home for the back-to-school season. From creating the perfect entryway drop zone to pantry organization, set your family up for a stress-free school year.

Our Backyard Pool Build Update: Plumbing, Equipment, Screen Footers & Pavers!

The backyard pool transformation continues! From underground plumbing and electrical to pouring screen enclosure footers and laying our Diana Royal leathered marble pavers, here is the latest progress on our outdoor oasis.

8 Things You Need to Know about Decorating your Home

Create a beautifully curated home you love without breaking the bank! Discover stress-free tips for layout, budgeting, and DIY decor to transform your space.

The Ultimate Family Glamping Setup: Bringing Comfort & Style to the Campsite

Discover our complete family camping setup! From an aesthetic inflatable tent to cozy cots and clever organizing hacks, here is how we bring the comforts of home to the great outdoors.

14 Stylish Ceiling Fans on Amazon That Actually Look Expensive (And Keep You Cool)

Looking for an aesthetic ceiling fan that doesn't ruin your room's design? Here are 14 elevated, high-end ceiling fans on Amazon perfect for warm climates like Florida. From modern heritage brass to moody traditional wood blades, stay cool without sacrificing your personal style.

From Urbane Bronze to Coastal Plain: Giving Our Living Room a Lighter, Modern Heritage Refresh

See how we transitioned our living room from deep Urbane Bronze to a refreshing, light-filled green using Sherwin Williams Coastal Plain, inspired by our backyard pool renovation.

The Deep Cleaning Project I Ignored for 12 Years: How to Clean Air Vents (and Fix Ceiling Streaks!)

I have a confession: we lived in our house for 12 years before I realized our ceiling air vents had never been deep cleaned. Here is the exact step-by-step guide to removing HVAC registers and cleaning those ugly gray ceiling streaks, and a quick DIY trick to make old vents look brand new.

Designing a Coastal Traditional Living Room: A Moody Heritage Moodboard

How our backyard pool build inspired a shift from moody traditional to an elevated Coastal Traditional aesthetic. Get a complete breakdown of our new living room moodboard featuring SW Coastal Plain, vintage wood antiques, and classic plaids.