Making a house feel like home doesn’t have to take years. Here are seven straightforward ways we helped our house become a comfortable, lived-in place during our first year here. This October we marked one year since selling our previous home and moving into what we hope will be our forever home—time really does fly. … Read more

Better Homes & Gardens I enjoy decorating with small Christmas trees throughout the home. They bring a festive touch without overwhelming a space. I use them in many places: on side tables, shelves, mantels, and in buckets or planters. Their compact size makes them versatile and easy to move. Some are themed—ornamented in a single … Read more

Rattan Serving Cart (on sale!) // Brass Ceiling Light // (see more sources at end of post) A few weeks ago I had a small epiphany that led me to unexpectedly buy a rattan serving cart—and I couldn’t be more delighted. When we designed our kitchen and dining area, I hadn’t planned to add any … Read more

House and Home / Photo by Michael Graydon – Design by Mandy Milks & Mazen El-Abdallah I love kitchens. I especially adore smaller kitchens because they feel cozy and inviting. Yes, they can be challenging—counter space is often limited and storage can be tight—but those constraints encourage creative solutions. Small kitchens can be full of … Read more

HHello, friends! It’s been a little chaotic around here lately, but come on in. I haven’t had much time to slow down and really enjoy my home. The past few months were busy—fun, but hectic—and I miss the simple pleasure of puttering around the house to tidy things up for myself. I’m longing for normal … Read more

In a few weeks we’ll say goodbye to the lazy days of summer. While the family will miss sunshine and the slower pace of sleeping in and late nights, there’s a comforting rhythm to back-to-school routines and autumn. With a little planning now, the transition can be smooth instead of stressful. Late summer is an … Read more

I hung a new kitchen cafe curtain last week and I absolutely love it. This is our first summer in the house after the renovation, so I’m finally swapping in the seasonal details I imagined last year while the kitchen was being rebuilt—small changes that make the space feel refreshed. The new cafe curtain is … Read more

My dears, if you believe a beautiful, cozy room demands a large budget, an extraordinary house, or professional design skills, think again. Let’s simplify this with one easy formula. If you want a lovely room on a budget — without Sarah’s House-sized numbers — try this approach: Layers of interest, not money, create richness. To … Read more

The day has arrived! Welcome to the online launch party for Love the Home You Have. As of today, the book is officially released. I can hardly believe it’s been two years since I first sketched the outline and a proposed title. This book has been part of my life for a long time, and … Read more

Happy 4th of July, from my family to yours! Wishing you a joyful and safe Independence Day filled with celebration, good company, and gratitude. From our family to yours, may your day be bright with laughter, savory barbecues, and memorable fireworks. Take time to relax, reflect on the freedoms we enjoy, and create warm moments … Read more