Scroll to the end of the post for a 50% off deal on Love The Home You Have!
***Giveaway is now closed!!!***
Do you see it? That little book on my shelf with my name on it? I wrote a book and it has finally arrived in my office. It hasn’t been released yet, so don’t worry — you haven’t missed it. The release date is March 31. I held the physical copy for the first time yesterday, and honestly it felt like welcoming a long-awaited baby.
In January 2007 I launched The Inspired Room as a decorating business to help women create a home they loved using what they already had. Decorating was never about show for me; it was about how a space felt to live in. I’ve always wanted my home to feel like a sanctuary — a place of calm and comfort rather than a display of trends or purchases.
I found joy in caring for my home even without a big budget or advanced DIY skills. I surrounded myself with meaningful items and embraced authenticity and simple beauty. On a whim in July, I started the blog. The Inspired Room became a collection of thoughts on contentment at home, staying true to the mission of encouraging meaningful, livable spaces.
Never did I imagine so many of you would follow along. Your responses to my rambling stories, imperfect projects, and honest reflections were surprising and heartening. Slowly, readers returned and became friends. Blogging turned into sharing everyday experiences of homemaking — one post at a time — and over the years that has added up to a lot of posts and a lot of shared life.
Many of you have been here through moves, transitions, and the slow process of shaping the house I now call home. Two years ago your encouragement gave me the courage to gather those years of ideas, experiences, and everyday inspiration into a real, hold-it-in-your-hands book. Love The Home You Have is the first of eight books and grew from nearly twenty years of homemaking, six different houses, and years of blogging.
This book shares the message I’m most passionate about: learn to love the home you have. It’s a reminder and encouragement to practice simple, meaningful ways to care for your home even when it isn’t at its best. Those foundational ideas are the ones that help me keep showing love to my home when I might otherwise lose my way.
Later this year a second book, The Inspired Room, will be released. That title will expand on the foundation established in Love The Home You Have and will arrive as a full-color coffee table book. I’m excited to share more about it soon.
Below are photos of our happy faces the moment we opened the first copies. My daughter Courtney has been an incredible help throughout the writing process; her input was invaluable. I wanted this book to encourage her as she begins her own home journey as much as it encourages me, so we put our hearts into creating something meaningful for others.
Until yesterday, the book existed to me only as a PDF. Holding the printed copy made it real. It’s beautiful — thoughtful design, charming hand-drawn quotes, and sweet illustrations in a cheerful two-color palette. The soft cover has embossed lettering and artwork; it’s tactile as well as visual. While an electronic preorder is available, this is the kind of book you’ll want on a shelf, your nightstand, or in your lap by the fire.
Admittedly I adore it. I find myself touching the cover, photographing it from every angle, and generally delighting in its existence. Call it book affection — I’m proud and thrilled to share it with you.
I’m deeply grateful for your support on this journey. In the coming weeks I’ll reveal a few more special things created for readers. This whole experience would not be the same without your encouragement and friendship.
One exciting opportunity: Barnes & Noble will offer an exceptional preorder promotion on Love The Home You Have on March 9 and 10 — 50% off the print edition. It’s a rare, two-day-only sale and a great time to grab copies for yourself, friends, or as gifts for new homeowners or brides. I’ll remind you as the date approaches so you don’t miss it.
***Giveaway is now closed!!!***
I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped bring this book into the world. If you’re able to share about the book or the 50% off sale on social media, by email, or with friends and family, it would mean the world to me. Soon I’ll share downloadable artwork and quotes from the book you can use to help spread the word. Thank you for your support!
***Giveaway is now closed!!!***