If you ask any interior designer or design enthusiast for decorating advice, you’ll encounter a wide range of opinions. Some suggestions will appeal to you, others won’t, and some may even confuse you. Everyone approaches design differently, and not every idea will match the way you want to live. The key is to seek out … Read more

I love simple, magical holiday decor, and these dimensional large paper snowflakes are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere. They’re pieces I’ve kept for years—beautiful at Christmas, and like my hanging lit porch stars, they work well through the entire winter season. Below you’ll find similar paper snowflakes and sources to help you recreate this … Read more

Written by: Tim Layton (aka Remodeling Guy) Tim’s love of creativity and design mixes with a perspective built on a career as a remodeling contractor.He can also be found at his blog, RemodelingGuy.net Step Black!? Sometimes my headlines get a little silly, but the idea behind this one is serious: black-painted stairs can be a … Read more

Caitlin Creer Interiors Being a fall lover, I adore everything cozy — and that definitely includes fireplaces. They make a room feel warm and inviting, provide a clear focal point, and are fun to style for each season. I usually decorate a mantel for spring, fall, and Christmas. This year, though, I’m skipping my fall … Read more

House Beautiful Blue & White Kitchen I love kitchens. They are my favorite room to design and the place I most enjoy being. A beautiful kitchen inspires me — countertops and cabinets, knobs and sinks, faucets and lighting all capture my attention. Whether large and luxurious or small and charming, a well-designed kitchen makes my … Read more

I receive many questions about remodeling, so here are practical, down-to-earth tips for redesigning a kitchen that will help you plan wisely and avoid common mistakes. 1) Take your time! Gather inspiration from photos and magazines, but avoid rushing into major changes based on a fleeting idea. Thoughtful planning prevents costly regrets. Even seemingly small … Read more

Decatur, Ga. Photo: Robert Rausch for The New York Times At the start of summer I shared my plan to divide our plain suburban backyard into distinct zones to guide a landscaping plan. Back then I had only begun planting in what will become a small secret garden for the girls, and I’d done a … Read more

Spring Flowers for the Front Porch This Saturday I’m hosting a garden party at the Home Depot! If you are in the Seattle area, I hope you’ll come by and say hi. I’ll be there along with Chef Amy Pennington and garden expert Teena Spindler, and hopefully my girls and maybe Bella the pup, too. … Read more

MMoving is always tough and takes more out of me than I expect—especially when remodeling is involved. Our family has relocated many times, and every move I promise it will be the last. If I had to name my ultimate dream for a home, it would be one I could live in forever. In the … Read more

I’m delighted to present the newest Cottage by the Sea Dreambook: A Coastal Grandma Summer. This summer edition of the If I Lived in a Cottage by the Sea Dreambooks is full of gentle inspiration and timeless coastal charm. Our Dreambooks are designed as a lovely escape for anyone who embraces the coastal-grandma aesthetic—whether that’s … Read more