A Vermont couple builds an 800-square-foot home on a budget

These homeowners broke with convention, opting for a 20-by-20 box design for their home. Readily available materials paired with staggered, self-supporting platforms helped them achieve sustainability on a budget.

A Martha’s Vineyard guest studio inspired the vision for this condo makeover

Her daughter’s island studio inspired this retiree to redesign her Concord condo. White oak accent walls connect the rooms to the outdoors and make her space feel like home.

Less is more: Close quarters call for purposeful design in a South Boston town house

Style writer Marni Elyse Katz looks at a Colonial town house making the most of close quarters. Douglas fir beams and posts help add space and style for a family of four.

Adding a second story to a Cape-style home gave a young family a third bedroom

This 1948 Cape Cod-style home in Beverly Cove leveled up with a second-story add-on, making 800 square feet of room for a growing family.

PERSPECTIVE

My mom stepped up to care for my grandma. If I need to, I’ll do the same.

Globe digital editor Lauren Booker reflects back on watching her mother become a caregiver for her grandmother. As her own mother begins to slow, the same choice now weighs on her — whether providing her mother the support she deserves overshadows the punishing financial burden.

CONNECTIONS

A comic book hero retires

Writer Sara Farizan’s passion for comics started young and blossomed in adulthood when she discovered The Outer Limits, a Waltham comic store. It became her haven of childhood nostalgia. Read why a sudden change at the store led her to recognize an unlikely real-life hero.

THE BIG DAY

From Boston College teammates to husband and wife

Gabby and Matt were teammates on the Boston College swim and dive team for three years, before dating. Everything flowed so easily between them but the couple were no strangers to challenges — they’d weathered hectic sports schedules, demanding careers, and a pandemic. Read their love story.

Apply to have your wedding featured in The Big Day. Read other couples’ love stories here.

LOVE LETTERS

Me first 
I think I’d be happier if I ended my current relationship. Maybe ... Or maybe the grass isn’t always greener? Meredith gives insight. 

Submit your relationship questions. And check out the Love Letters podcast here.

DINNER WITH CUPID

“I noticed he had a cool ring and the infamous World Cup bracelet.” Will these two dancing daters want to take the next steps?

Go on an in-person or virtual blind date. We'll pick up the tab. Fill out an application.

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