August 2007 I hadn’t planned to write today since I already posted my thoughts last night, but ideas kept popping into my head and I couldn’t resist. I could probably post hourly with all the inspiration I have, but I’ve learned to balance that impulse with other responsibilities—especially caring for my greatest earthly treasure, my … Read more

Here are 13 simple, welcoming ideas to help your home feel like fall. Use these suggestions as a starting point for cozy seasonal decorating, DIY projects, and small changes that bring autumn warmth into every room. Enjoy the inspiration and happy (almost) fall! Make scented pinecones Create simple, natural air fresheners by adding essential oils … Read more

“Home should be life-giving and soul-refreshing. A soft spot to land on a hard day and a beautiful place to recharge and rejuvenate.” I wrote that line in my first book, Love the Home You Have. A home that nurtures and restores us is something we all crave — a comfortable place that feels welcoming … Read more

Source Kitchen canisters are more than practical storage — they give countertops, shelves, and pantries a tidy, cohesive look and add personality to your kitchen decor. I often get asked where I found my black-and-white ceramic canisters. I adore them, but my exact pattern has been out of stock for some time. I did, however, … Read more

About three years ago we began a few simple decorating projects around the house. Progress has been slow—time and money are the usual obstacles. Still, our small powder room was the first space to get painted and considered “finished.” In the past few years this tiny room has had two low-cost makeovers. Not major renovations … Read more

Click here for Wingback Chair Source Did you know you can use outdoor fabric on indoor furniture? I’ve recommended Sunbrella for years to friends and clients, and recently I finally had the chance to order a custom piece for my own home. Sunbrella stands out because it’s highly durable, easy to clean, and resists fading—an … Read more

If you stopped by yesterday and noticed we were replaying Day 29, here’s why: I ran into a few blogging hiccups over the weekend. In short, my last post disappeared and the scheduled link-up never published. I was away at a Women of Faith conference and didn’t realize the problem until readers reached out. Rest … Read more

With the new year here, I’ve been busy making design choices to make our new house feel like our own. I’ve always been drawn to lantern-style lighting—remember the copper and iron lantern we used in our craftsman lake house dining room?—so choosing a lantern for our bedroom was one of the first lighting decisions I … Read more

Hey friends! Thank you so much for the kind comments on my refreshed side patio. It has been a long process—about three and a half years—to shape our outdoor spaces. If you feel like home projects move at a glacial pace sometimes, I totally understand. I’ll be sharing a post soon that looks back through … Read more

So this was a long, eventful, and very busy year. As the clock wound down on 2009, I wanted to share a recap for anyone new to The Inspired Room or for those of us with short memories. I’ll start with a few personal highlights and then remember some of the year’s projects. Our family … Read more