Once upon a time I started a blog and, in a way, began sharing my home with friends both online and in real life. When I first began blogging I felt pressure to decorate for each season ridiculously early—think Christmas decor arriving in early October. Over the years I’ve gotten a bit wiser and discovered … Read more
Discover how getting organized can improve your daily life in simple but meaningful ways. I mentioned in my email newsletter yesterday that the best way to learn something is to teach it. Sharing this challenge has pushed me to face several big organizational hurdles—and I’m glad I did. Welcome to Day 22 of the 30 … Read more
How you organize your Christmas decorations can make a huge difference when it comes time to decorate the following year. Use these practical ideas to simplify storage, save time, and make next November a breeze. Last year I finally landed on a system that made putting away my holiday decor effortless. I’d always been reasonably … Read more
Planting flowers in a pot or container is a wonderful way to add color and charm to your home or garden. This straightforward guide shares the best tips, techniques, and ideas for creating a beautiful planter full of blooms. As my children have grown, I’ve found more time to bring real plants into and around … Read more
Want to dress up your windows on a budget? A fabric-covered cornice board is an easy, fast way to add texture and style to a room in just a few hours. If you’re bored with bare windows, cornice boards bring a polished, finished look without the bulk of full draperies. They hide hardware, add architectural … Read more
A simple green and navy Christmas mantel can bring understated elegance to your holiday decor. I’m excited to show how I used mostly items I already owned to create this festive, layered look. After years of reinventing my mantel each season, I finally landed on a strategy that keeps things fresh without starting from zero … Read more
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned on Facebook that I had finally bought Annie Sloan Chalk Paint for the very first time. Yes—after years of admiring it, I was an ASCP beginner at last. My original plan was to use the chalk paint on a worn dresser I rescued from Craigslist, but I quickly … Read more
Our summer swim season has taken up a large part of our schedule this year, and it’s been a joyful whirlwind. With just one more meet to go, we’re finishing up in time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a big splash! 🇺🇸 I’ve found myself enjoying all the patriotic touches around the house this … Read more
Have you noticed darker wood tones returning to popularity? If so, you may be asking: what color walls go with dark wood trim? This guide will help you choose wall colors that flatter rich woodwork while keeping your space current and cohesive. Dining room painted in Oyster Bay Dark wood trim can be a design … Read more
This traditional coastal kitchen plan mixes neutral tones and textures with just the right pops of blue-green for a warm, timeless look. In my recent Home Goals post I mentioned that the kitchen would be my focus this quarter, so I started with a mood board — the ideal starting point for any room makeover. … Read more