As the seasons shift, many of us want our living spaces to feel warm, inviting, and comfortable. You want to love your home, but sometimes you glance around and sense something is “off” without knowing exactly what. That feeling is familiar—I’ve been there too. You may even think about replacing everything to start fresh. I’ll … Read more

I have always been drawn to the small, charming corners of a home. Older houses often include delightful nooks, quirky stairwells, and tiny pockets of space that add character and warmth. I miss that kind of architectural personality. Our house follows a fairly standard layout, so most rooms are straightforward rectangles. Still, we do have … Read more

@thorn_cove_abode Merry Christmas, friend. We began this Sunday series last week and scheduled this post in advance so we could take a couple of days off to be with family. If you’re reading this on Christmas, I hope you’re safe, warm, and surrounded by people you love in a cozy home. This week’s weather has … Read more

House Beautiful IIf I lived in this charming seaside cottage, I would leave the windows open to welcome the salty breeze. Mornings would begin with a cup of coffee on the porch, watching sunlight dance across the waves. Afternoons would be for lingering with a good mystery novel, and for hunting secondhand shops and flea … Read more

So last week I mentioned a few extra projects I decided to tackle during holiday preparations—those small tasks you’ve been postponing until they suddenly feel urgent. One of mine was repainting the former kitchen cupboard door I’d repurposed as a shutter above the fireplace. You might remember I originally painted it blue because I didn’t … Read more

Hi friends! It’s Courtney (Melissa’s daughter). I’m excited to share the design mood board I created for our baby boy’s nursery. If you’re new here or catching up, my husband and I got married in July 2022 and are expecting our first baby on February 14 (Valentine’s Day!). This summer we moved from a small … Read more

Job Chart for Kids (Free and Online) As a parent of three, I’ve learned firsthand that each child responds differently to chores and routines. My daughters have already become responsible young adults, but parenting a pre-teen boy has been a new challenge. This summer we wanted a balance: time for fun and relaxation, but also … Read more

Terrain is overflowing with cheerful, whimsical spring accessories right now. I always find fresh inspiration there—not only for pieces I might buy, but for styling ideas I can adapt at home. Even when I’m simply browsing, their styled images spark new color combinations, clever pairings, tablescape motifs, and seasonal decorating ideas. Often those images motivate … Read more

From now until March you’ll often find me staying in bed longer—coffee or a warm mug in hand—because I truly appreciate a bedroom that feels like a retreat when the weather turns cold. For me, a winter bedroom must be cozy, comforting, inviting and personal. That sense of warmth makes it easy to relax, recharge, … Read more

Cafe Design Onion lights, named for their rounded shape, were originally used on whaling ships and fishing boats. Today they remain one of the most recognizable nautical lighting styles for coastal homes—especially on Cape Cod. I’ve always loved them. We had onion lights at our family beach house near Cannon Beach, Oregon, and we’re installing … Read more