Make people wonder about you. It makes life more fun. I’ve always enjoyed Homes & Gardens magazine because it celebrates inventive, individual approaches to decorating—especially the kind of relaxed, painterly style I use. When visitors ask why my paint doesn’t reach the ceiling, I just smile and say, “Yeah, I meant to do that.” It’s … Read more

Today I have a special Sunday post for you from my friend Meagan Francis! You probably know her from her blog and book, The Happiest Mom. I’m honored to have her share a real-life “fixer upper” story here. Thanks for welcoming her today! –Melissa When we bought our house, I was mainly looking for potential. … Read more

Sarah’s House – HGTV I’m so inspired by this lovely room. The architecture certainly sets the stage, but it’s the accessories, colors, and fabrics that give this space its warm, inviting personality. You might not have the same wood-paneled walls or stone floors, but you can capture the essence of this room without a large … Read more

When I last posted an update on my laundry room progress, it was summer — time has flown. One of my favorite parts of fall is turning inward: simplifying, decorating and making the home feel cozier. This laundry room refresh isn’t an extensive renovation; it’s been a slow, intentional process. For more than five years … Read more

This post is sponsored by Mohawk Remember when I promised to show you my office? The photo above is from a corner of my previous office in our old house. Tomorrow I’ll share a progress report with the “after” photos of my new office featuring brand new flooring. This basement makeover has been a long … Read more

A house doesn’t become a home in a day (unless you’re watching a makeover show—then it’s magically finished in about 30 minutes). In reality, the rooms we admire in magazines or online usually took months or years to refine, often with help from designers and lots of edits along the way. If your home still … Read more

Update: here’s the bathroom now (above) after another refresh a few years later. Below is the original quick makeover. Boy’s Bathroom Before & After Last year I started a small facelift for my son’s bathroom, and now it’s finished. It wasn’t a major remodel—just a few focused updates spread over several days. We didn’t rip … Read more

White Buffalo Styling Co. 1. Add a durable fall rug. Ella Claire 2. Put everyday fall favorites on display. BHG 3. Use a simple burlap runner on the table. Stone Gable Blog 4. Display natural autumn pieces in a vintage wooden crate. Wood Grain Cottage 5. Hang a seasonal wreath to welcome the season. Embrace … Read more

  Barn Doors I I have always been drawn to old doors. Over the years we’ve collected a variety of shutter-style and paneled doors, each one bringing its own charm and character. There are countless creative ways to repurpose doors, but using them as sliding barn doors is both stylish and practical — especially when … Read more

Living on the Washington coast means our outdoor furniture faces salty air and seasonal weather year‑round. This summer we refreshed our porch with new POLYWOOD pieces that are built to handle the elements while keeping a clean, classic look. POLYWOOD appealed to us because it performs well in our Northwest climate and requires minimal upkeep. … Read more