Sarah Richardson
hello, friends!
I’m glad to be back blogging. I missed a few days while my son and I recovered from the flu — who gets the flu in summertime? Apparently we do. While I was resting, I spent time browsing for inspiration and found several rooms by two of my favorite designers, Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe. I wanted to share them here because they’re rich with ideas and thoughtful design details.
The children’s bunk room above grabbed my attention right away. The bold green striped rug makes a playful, confident statement you don’t often get from a more subtle floor covering. In such a small space, the built-in bunk beds (or at least they look built-in) make excellent use of the room with a clean, tailored design.
Bedding bunks can be tricky to style, but the simplicity of these beds makes the task much easier — fewer frills, cleaner lines, and a practical approach that works well for kids who can manage higher sleeping spots safely. I also love the built-in reading lights, the small hanging bucket for toys or bedtime essentials, and the maps on the walls that add personality and a sense of adventure.
Sarah Richardson
The entryway pictured next is another favorite. The bench and pendant light create a welcoming moment, and the natural wood ceiling adds warmth to balance the coolness of the tile floor. Using wood overhead is a simple trick that softens hard surfaces and brings a cozy, lived-in feel to transitional spaces.
Sarah Richardson
The dining room here is lovely. I grew up with wallpaper in a few rooms, and I still remember the difference it made — rooms with wallpaper felt quieter, more intimate, and richer in texture than plain painted walls. It’s great to see wallpaper making a comeback. Modern papers are easier to remove than older types, so don’t let the fear of future removal stop you from choosing something bold now. That striking wallpaper is what gives this room its character; sometimes a daring choice is exactly what a space needs to feel special.
Style At Home
Speaking of wall coverings, I’ve always loved grasscloth. Its natural texture warms a room beautifully — I hope to use it again someday. My previous home had grasscloth in a bedroom, but it was timeworn and needed replacing. This cozy bedroom and the striking kitchen below were designed by Tommy Smythe, who brings a fresh, layered approach to spaces.
Tommy’s thoughts on design resonate with me — he emphasizes layering and balance, which are key to making a space feel complete. Reading his words reminded me to keep adding those finishing layers in my own home now that my kitchen is finished.
Tommy Smythe
These rooms are full of thoughtful choices: bold rugs, built-in solutions, natural finishes, and textured walls. They remind me that simple edits — the right rug, an interesting wall treatment, or a warm ceiling finish — can dramatically change how a room feels. I’m feeling inspired to layer more in my own home and tackle a few new decorating projects now that I’m back on my feet.