Last week I tackled a major early-summer organizing session. It always feels good to declutter and bring order to the home, doesn’t it? As I worked through each room, I thought about the many systems I use to keep essentials corralled and to make the most of our space. I’ve developed several tried-and-true methods over … Read more

Greetings, blog friends! How is your week going? I’ve been hosting guests all week and preparing for MOVE #2. No, I’m not moving to a different house — I’m still moving into the same house we first moved into in January. Am I crazy? Perhaps. Yes. I seem to take forever to complete a move. … Read more

Just like autumn at our house, I prefer to let Christmas unfold slowly and savor every step. I don’t follow the strict rule that decorating must wait until after Thanksgiving. For our family, that compressed timeline feels rushed and prevents us from enjoying the season as it develops. It’s not only about deadlines or tradition … Read more

Sconce Details // Faux Cedar Garland We officially closed on our previous home and moved into this house a little over seven weeks ago. I’m so glad we made the move and had time to get somewhat settled before Christmas. There are still projects to do, boxes to unpack, and spaces to organize, but I’m … Read more

Do you have cleaning routines in your family? When my daughters were little, we experimented with games and activities to make daily tidying feel less like a dreaded chore and more like part of our routine. Some ideas worked, some didn’t, and our kids sometimes gently mocked our creativity. One memorable system was a chart … Read more

What is it about stripes? I love them — especially blue and white stripes. They give any space a timeless, summery feel, but they also work beautifully year-round. Stripes are versatile: mix different shades of blue, vary the stripe widths, and layer in other patterns or textures to create a fresh, cohesive blue-and-white look. Below … Read more

How to Create an Eclectic Stairway Gallery Wall Ilove to mix things up with design in my home. Combining different textures, shapes, and colors gives a space depth and personality. It’s a simple way to create a unique look that breathes life into a hallway or stairwell. I’ve had several questions about the pieces I … Read more

Sometimes I need to step away from the routine and go looking for beautiful things. I don’t always have to bring anything home. Often I’m content just to look—though I admit every now and then something catches my eye and I can’t resist. I love to touch items, pick them up, and take in their … Read more

Mix & match what you have to get the style you want. Today’s post is inspired by a reader’s question about achieving a cottage style. Dear Melissa, This probably sounds obvious to you but I am design challenged and need help! I want to lighten up my traditional furnishings to create a more eclectic cottage … Read more

I enjoy visiting open houses and sneaking a peek inside great homes. Maybe you do too. Events like “Street of Dreams” used to be a favorite annual tradition—at least when I lived in that area. Part of the fun is simply wandering through rooms and imagining possibilities. That joy fades, though, when you’re actively house … Read more