Today I wanted to answer a great remodeling question a reader asked me last week! Reader Question: What is your favorite design book for getting ideas for a remodel? I consult many design books when planning a remodel. Below are five books I return to often, with notes on how they influence my decisions and … Read more

Thank you for the wonderful responses to yesterday’s Home Goals post. I enjoyed reading your ideas and hope you’ll add more goals in the comments as you refine them. It can be motivating to check back next year and see what we accomplished together — accountability really helps. This year I wanted to focus on … Read more

HHello! We recently discovered that our email subscriptions stopped delivering at the end of October. We’re sorry about the disruption—we’ve missed connecting with you and are working to fix the issue. If this post arrived in your inbox, that’s a great sign. If you’re reading this on the blog and wondering where your emails went, … Read more

Anthropologie has a 20% off sale this weekend only! Click HERE to shop and find some of my favorites in this post (plus decor from my home that’s included in the sale). I’m feeling inspired to refresh my home — spring always nudges me toward fresh spaces. If you’ve followed along for a while you … Read more

I have always loved classic plantation shutters. I installed them in my last two houses in Portland, and they were consistently one of my favorite features. Shutters give a room substantial architectural character while letting in soft, filtered light. They offer privacy control, are easy to clean, and lend a timeless, coastal feel—like living on … Read more

I’ve been thinking about the idea of a new house that looks old, a topic I mentioned yesterday. I almost skipped posting today, but when I saw these photos I couldn’t resist. They perfectly illustrate that charming blend of classic character and modern construction that so many of us find appealing. Yesterday several readers suggested … Read more

For many years when I lived in Portland I made a point of visiting the Street of Dreams every summer. It was a cherished tradition I loved even as a child. After moving to Washington I hadn’t attended in a while, and I missed it. Last week I finally went again for a quick trip … Read more

1. Blue and White Senegal Basket 2. Antique Iron Basket 3. Orange Woven Utility Basket 4. Large Metal Clam Basket 5. Natural Round Jute Bins 6. Vintage Wood Grape Bin 7. Natural White Woven Basket 8. Large Slope Basket 9. Zambales Teal Storage Basket 10. Threshold Storage Bin Gather is a curated selection of gift and decor ideas assembled by Courtney Michaels, a design … Read more

Dutch Door source and FAQ Greetings, friends! I’ve been eager to return to sharing our exterior and patio projects, and the good news is we’re finally nearing the finish line. That doesn’t mean every idea is complete—there will always be more to tweak—but we’ve wrapped up most of what we set out to do and … Read more

A quiet pause from life’s constant motion is essential for our well-being. Balancing a busy schedule with intentional moments of solitude helps us breathe, refocus, and appreciate the simple joys that otherwise slip by. But with so many demands tugging at our attention, how do we carve out time to slow down and truly savor … Read more