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

Traditional Sunroom by London Furniture & Accessories, Rise Art In our English Tudor in Portland, we added a corner to the kitchen that felt like a conservatory or garden room. I loved the light that poured in through all the windows — it made the space feel warm and open. Below are a couple of … Read more

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